Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 9
Date: Thursday, 10 October 1996
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 9
Thursday, 10 October 1996
Today's Topics:
Well now...
Skylarking on transparent vinyl
Another weird XTC experience...
Censorship
Non-XTC Crash Test Dummies
While in Japan...
Make that missing link thing?
Ye Gad, for a minute there I thought I'd
Success
One more line on censorship
ALRIGHT ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The Bootleg Album
Bad words, Paul Fox and new converts
Jes Say No
Last comment on the "F" word & Chalkhills
SAKAMOTO B2-Unit
Buy Lots of Bibles
Egads...unknowledgeable cd store employees.....
Robyn Hitchcock, who has not much to do with XTC
Re: Quotes and notes (no XTC content, dammit)
The Ballad of Beavis and Butt-head
Demos
I cry uncle
First Amendment Rights and You
Re: Too Much Fossil Heads
the quirky XTC on CBC
A Week in XTC
swearing
random thoughts in rapid succession
She Talks In Stereo
an Introduction, a Plea, and a Question.
Administrivia:
* Please try to keep meta-discussions to a minimum. The topic of
this list is XTC, not whether specific language is appropriate.
If you don't like the language used, complain directly to the
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The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.
Kid, stay and snip your cord off!
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-Id: <3.0b33.32.19961008213525.00710408@mail1.electric.net> Date: Tue, 08 Oct 1996 21:35:26 -0700 From: David Hathaway <davidh@electric.net> Subject: Well now... Sigh. I sensed that this was going to get out of hand really quickly, so I might as well throw my 2 bits in... From: jes <xtc@mindspring.com> Subject: Quotes and notes >Yes, I can imagine Andy saying 'how many people can you mind-f*** at once' >but i can also imagine my dad saying it, my colleagues at work, my ex-wife, >and my shrink. but that doesn't make it noteworthy. it was a pointless >quote that had nothing to do with the rest of her message. Well, being a reasonable reader of this list, Amanda usually ends her notes to the group with some manner of XTC quote, often not related to the message. Much like a sig file. Sig files rarely have anything to do with message content. >that operates without regard to law, etc.... you see my point. the issue >here is not whether it is 'right' for someone to censor the Internet, the >point is that they CAN. And when stuff like this is tossed about, even >innocently, even without malice, it only gives the Tippers of the world that >much more to work with. When the day arrives that the government wishes to control the content of email messages, there will far more to worry about. My point being that a mailling list is email, private email. The Tippers of this world haven't voiced a single note about the content of private email. Mailling lists are not newsgroups, nor are they web sites, which is the current ludicrous focus. I'd fully expect rioting in the streets if any attempt was made to censor private mail. >same as the decision to say the f-word in public. and, believe it or not, >when you write something for consumption on the Internet, you are talking in >PUBLIC. Slightly public. Not accessible to all, only those on the mailling list. Far closer to private. See previous remarks. >And Amanda herself decided to respond to me, but she did it through e-mail >which leads me to think she wants to keep it out of the newsgroup. which is >why i would like the thread to end, thanks. sorry for being such a stick in >the mud. fortunately for me, if this newsgroup were to shut down, if the >entire Internet were to come crashing down around our shoulders, i would not >be affected other than to have to make more phone calls than i do at this time. And that's where you should have stayed with this discussion. It's an utter waste of time to have this debate in a list, and I'm just as guilty as the rest for getting involved, but for crying out loud, it was a single word in a lengthy post for a valued contributor to this, a *PRIVATE* mailling list. And again, since it appears to be unclear, chalkhills is NOT a newsgroup. Again, my apologies to the list for stepping into this... w w w . m o n k e y - b o y . c o m David Hathaway, CEO Of monkey-boy.com, minder of the cats... davidh@monkey-boy.com, davidh@electric.net Home to Melinda's Home Page, http://www.monkey-boy.com/melinda/
------------------------------ From: box@nemesis.com.au Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 15:35:24 -0500 Message-ID: <TCPSMTP.16.10.9.15.35.24.2156250573.1768753677@nemesis.com.au> Subject: Skylarking on transparent vinyl Dave Gershman [?] writ: #> Does anyone know how many vinyl copies of "Skylarking" were #> printed up with "Mermaid Smiled" before "Dear God" was #> substituted? I can't answer your question, but it reminds me of something else. Four weeks after I bought my vinyl copy of _Skylarking_ [V2399, with 'Mermaid' on it], I found out something: IT'S ON TRANSPARENT VINYL!! Seriously! The colour of the vinyl is a very dark greenish brown, and if you hold it to a light you can actually see right through it! I scanned the Discography for this version but it ain't there. Does anyone else have this version? I suggest y'all rush out, grab your _Skylarking_ and try it. My copy has 'Skylark' on the label as well, and track 3 on side 2 is called 'Another', so that's probably something to look for. This is turning into a long post, please bear with me. I assure you, parts of it are excellent... :) JHB did mutter: #> the band couldn't #> play in time with each other, about half of the songs just fell #> apart in the middle, and the playing was just bad. I'm sorry, but #> they need to go into training for a while before they hit the #> road again. Same thing happened to the Beatles IMHO. That Let It Be thing on the roof was a complete botch. If it was just any other band people would have worn earplugs. :) Personally I don't care that XTC aren't touring anymore. As other people have mentioned their creativity [at least Andy's anyway] has blossomed since they stopped. James Dignan said this about 'XTC vs Adam Ant': #> just in case any of you are wondering about the story behind this #> song, I could make a fair stab at it... You mean TMBG have written a song that *means* something?! :) I heard an interview they did with radio 3RRR here during their Flood tour. Both Johns said their songs didn't mean a thing, despite the numerous callers insisting they explain the Mark Fisher <fisher@easynet.co.uk> staggered me in awe with: #> The implication is that instead of being censored by someone #> else, we should do the censoring ourselves. By the same logic, #> homosexuals should act less gay for fear of angering homophobics; #> black people should bleach their skin so as not to upset white #> racists; and the disabled should stay indoors for fear of #> alarming the able-bodied. I love this quote so much I'm going to enlarge it and pin it on my wall. I hope you don't mind... Ira Lieman spaketh: #> why is "Senses" #> edited? That just bugs me. And did they *HAVE TO* use the rated-G #> version of "Respectable Street?" I mean, puhleeze! Virgin Records #> again puts style before substance It's a singles collection! NOT best versions, SINGLES!! ARGH!!!!! Todd Bernhardt said stuff about Aimee Mann: #> I'm wondering what of her other stuff I should pick up. She cowrote a song on the new Elvis [no, the *talented* Elvis] album _All This Useless Beauty_, which is really good. She doesn't perform on it though, to my knowledge. While I'm rambling, I've been listening to Elvis's _Spike_ and _Mighty Like A Rose_ heaps in the past few weeks. Why did so many people hate these albums?! I can't stop listening to them, especially the more jazzy compositions. Mitchell Froom would be an excellent producer for XTC's new project, even though he's way too expensive. Oooh there's a thought, Andy singing 'The Other Side Of Summer'... mmm... Adam [who isn't anything at all like Candy] On the music box: Erm... Elvis, _MLAR_... isn't it obvious? :)
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610090600.QAA01031@warchives.riv.csu.edu.au.> From: "Simon Knight" <sknight@warchivegw.riv.csu.edu.au> Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 15:11:01 +0000 Subject: Another weird XTC experience... Spent last night packing up things from my cupboards into cardboard boxes. I was also listening to a mix tape of XTC i made for a friend, seeing how it flowed.... Found some old board games, toys and was packing them in boxes. Monopoly, Operation, Hungry Hungry Hippos, (the usual suspects). I dropped the last one, the marbles went everywhere, half of them rolled into the bottom of the wardrobe. I started searching for them just as Happy families ended. Reaching around inside my hand settled on some packs of cards i'd forgotten about. I pulled them out: Snap, Uno, The Dukes of Hazard Official Card Game (seriously), Donkey, Old Maid and.... HAPPY FAMILIES!!! It was another one of those perfect weird XTC moments i seem to experience! I went through the pack, but i seem to be missing Mrs Bun (The Baker's Wife) and Master Law (The lawyers son). I'm also missing the instructions, so if anyone can remember the rules of this game could they fill me in? I think it was something like trying to get a full set of as many families as you can. Interesting... creating the perfect complete family within the cards. I guess that's what Andy was hinting at in the song. It just made me wonder: has anyone ever seen this fabelled Japanese game called Go 2?
------------------------------ From: box@nemesis.com.au Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 15:36:44 -0500 Message-ID: <TCPSMTP.16.10.9.15.36.44.2156250573.1768753679@nemesis.com.au> Subject: Censorship I know this is off-topic, but I've been moved to speak my mind on this issue. It's not totally off-topic, considering the entire argument sprang from an AP quote, so I'll make that my excuse. :) Amands Owens said: #> SO AS NOT TO OFFEND, I WILL POST A HORRIBLY MUNDANE QUOTE #> TODAY..... #> "Freedom of speech, just watch what you say"-Ice-T. How DARE you say the word 'of'? You might offend someone by loosely using two-letter words like that! :) On the topic, Jes has given me reason to jump on that ol' bandwagon: #> it was a pointless #> quote that had nothing to do with the rest of her message. Uhm... so? A lot of us put non sequiturs at the end of our posts. #> had her quote been clever, had #> it been WITTY (which is what I think of when i think of Andy's #> quotes), then you would have never heard from me. Who are you to arbitrate what's witty? I thought it was witty, as did lots of other people. It's an entirely subjective matter. #> the decision to be black, or disabled, or homosexual, is not the #> same as the decision to say the f-word in public. True, but prejudice against someone's skin colour is totally different to saying one of a collection of taboo words. I fail to see how anyone can be offended by seing a word on a computer screen, especially when it's not even *directed* at them. Hell, Amanda's quote wasn't even *abusive*. #> >what exactly is it about a combination of four letters that so #> >offends? #> Don't ask me. Ask your mother. Ask your boss. My mother can't provide a reason. Nor can my grandparents. And both my bosses swear more than I do. :) The *only* credible defence I've heard of censorship is from Mary Whitehouse [believe it or not]. She said that if a person uses every swear word regularly, when that person gets angry there's no harsher verbal recourse available, so that person resorts to using further action such as violence. Not true in every case, but at least her argument holds water. #> i would like the thread to end, thanks. Sorry, but I just had to throw in my two cents. I've finished now. Adam On the music box: Elvis [again], _All This Useless Beauty_
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610090619.QAA01056@warchives.riv.csu.edu.au.> From: "Simon Knight" <sknight@warchivegw.riv.csu.edu.au> Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 15:29:52 +0000 Subject: Non-XTC Crash Test Dummies Ben asked: >Speaking of which - CTD fans! Anyone have the new album? I picked the album up on the weekend. I was a bit shocked when i played it: the first thing i thought was "Well, someone's been listening to a lot of Andy". The sudden jarring chord changes and melodic twists had me reaching for my copy of the big express. Maybe doing "All you pretty girls" had quite an influence on them. It's subtle though, not as obvious as something like Sugerplastic. It's a bit of a left turn stylistically, and though it doesn't sound like much is going on at first it really grows on you - much like XTC themselves really. It's one of those albums that rewards repeated listenings. Lyrically, it's a treasure trove. Just wait until you hear that toaster song... New REM and Pet Shop Boys albums two weeks ago, New CTD and Suzanne Vega last week, new They Might Be Giants and Redd Kross albums this week! All i need now is a new XTC album and i'm set!
------------------------------
Message-Id: <199610090611.PAA17653@inetnif.niftyserve.or.jp>
Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 15:09:00 +0900
From: Nishimatu <CQA03750@niftyserve.or.jp>
Subject: While in Japan...
In Japan...
An article with interview of Andy is in the magazine "rockin'on"
issue Nov 1996(Japanese).
I was horrified to read that Andy's ear had some severe damages and
still hard of hearing high notes.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Now, Mr. NaoyuKing Isogai <b9400863@cc.mita.keio.ac.jp> made his own
Web pages.
http://www.mita.keio.ac.jp/~b9400863/
He also made some Japanese mirror pages of Chalkhills FAQ, etc.!
http://www.mita.keio.ac.jp/~b9400863/xtc_who.txt
http://www.mita.keio.ac.jp/~b9400863/xtc_faq.txt
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Here's another XTC web pages in Japanese made by Mr. Yoshihara <yo-
shi@kiwi.ifnet.or.jp>.
Yoshihara's XTC Web Link
http://www.ifnet.or.jp/~yo-shi/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Japanese pop band Shonen Knife loves XTC. English page.
http://www.express.co.jp/ALLES/3/knife_p.html
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
And here's my own web page.
http://ux01.so-net.or.jp/~n2_n/xtc/xtc_linx.html
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= That's all. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
(Ms.) Nishimatu
CQA03750@niftyserve.or.jp
n2_n@ca2.so-net.or.jp
http://ux01.so-net.or.jp/~n2_n/
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03010402ae80f155aa44@[206.15.131.174]> Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 02:01:30 -0500 From: Gene <isksa@zipnet.net> Subject: Make that missing link thing? First, in Chalkhills 3-6 (not a Biblical ref), was the lyric of the digest: >About the baby and its umbilical... Then, in 3-7: >So you're saying that we're going to be three. And finally the clincher in 3-8: >Now, a father's what I'll be! Not to start a vicious rumour, but I think our Mr. John Relph (relph) is making it pretty clear about his recently revised status. Many, many hearty congratulations. Will he have to get another job at night? More important: will he still have time to administer this list? After all, pink things take up a lot of time and energy (and they're certainly more fun to play with). Gene P.S. Not to further legitimize the hysterical exchanges re: the mindfuck quote, but I want to say that, IMO, there's a little Beavis or Butthead in all of us. I think that's why they're The Most Readily Impersonated Voices in America. (Personally, I'm more Butthead than Beavis.) >From: jes <xtc@mindspring.com> >Subject: Quotes and notes > >I was not surprised to get my share of flames over my last diatribe about > <snip, snip, rrrrrrrrrrip> Lighten up. It's posts like this that make me grateful my email doesn't have sound.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 08 Oct 1996 16:53 +0930
From: "VanAbbe, Dominic" <dominic.vanabbe@faulding.com.au>
Subject: Ye Gad, for a minute there I thought I'd
Message-id: <01IAG2GWNL82013J4S@faulding.com.au>
Howdy Hillsters,
I've got an unreasonable request- can we keep this site for discussion
of all things XtC related, be they musical or not, be they even vaguely
related. If I wanted to debate the merits of freedom of speech vs.
censoring I'd become a campaigner or a polly, if I wanted to discuss the
merits of brands of cola I'd become an advertising exec.
If you take exception to something someone's mail on a moralistic
non-XtC level then mail 'em privately- everyone's address is proudly on
show. If you disagree musically or something then fine, let's hear it!!
This is an *XTC* discussion group, after all. The demo. issue, tho it
simmers on, I can take purely because it's XtC related. I mean, cheesus,
people were bagged for producer suggestions- at least it had something to do
with The Swindonians. I was lightly chastised privately for suggesting some
of AP's songs were not among his greatest, but I've no problem with that.
Now, speaking of the band, I'm trying to get a rough idea of the value
of items in my collection. Anyone know approx. market prices for:
a) The Tiny Circus of Life CD (French lim.ed. compilation)
b) Making plans for Nigel 7" (with 2x live in Oz. B-sides)
That's it, no more (Dom)
"Still segregating cos we insects are too proud"
P.S. G'day P@ul.
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 11:04 +0200 Message-id: <199610090904.okQU@memo.volvo.se> From: =?iso-8859-1?q?P=C4R?= NILSSON <PVKU.PARN@MEMO.VOLVO.SE> Subject: Success In response to that angry young man, Ira Lieman, here's what Big Al Anderson (ex-NRBQ) once said about success: "Success is seven figures." Cheers, Par
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 11:29:50 +0100 (BST) Message-Id: <v01510101ae813ba49239@[194.128.83.69]> From: fisher@easynet.co.uk (Mark Fisher) Subject: One more line on censorship I believe the printed word should be forgiven. - Mark Fisher fisher@easynet.co.uk http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~fisher/
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 08:48:45 -0600 (CST) From: AMANDA OWENS <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Subject: ALRIGHT ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Message-id: <01IAFLCJYST6902AC0@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> I am sitting here laughing so hard I'm in tears. I cannot believe such a huge outpouring has been caused by my usage of one little word. Give me just the smallest of breaks. Okay, I WILL NOW RESOLVE TO TONE DOWN MY LANGUAGE, which in and of itself is stupid because I've only used the word once I do believe. In order to not further offend anyone, I, Amanda Owens, being of sound mind and body, do hereby intend to no longer use any more colourful metaphors in my writings, therefore eliminating a need for wasting space and time with flames and people jumping to my defence. This is an XTC newsletter, people, not a "Let's see how many people we can tick off today"-type thing. I used the wrong words at the wrong time. I do not apologise for this, and I assert AGAIN that Andy Partridge did himself say what I quoted him as saying. I also take offence to being referred to as a childish cartoon, and was even more offended with a personal email I received from Mr. Censor, but I'm trying to be civil here, so we won't get into that now. (And no, I'm not trying to keep things quiet. I'm entitlesd to rant and rave all I want.) My quote may not have had anything to do with my message (For Christ's sake, I can't even remember said message), but when was the last time a tagline really had anything to do with a message? People say things like "I'm a figment of my imagination", or "Save water! Shower with a friend" at the ends of their postings and messages to have a little laugh, not get a torrent of gob for it. Let's just end this thing, it's a draw, if it need be I just won't post here anymore, because from now on it's obvious whatever I say will be under watch ful eyes. AND LET'S GET ON WITH ACTUAL XTC THINGS, GOSHDARNIT!!!!!!! Back to what I said we should do.....I have just received a copy of a Colin/ Andy interview from LA around the time O&L was released, an interview with Andy (who, by the way, said s**t live on the air in this one), and an Agony Andy segment from 1984. Anyone interested, email me. Peace, Amanda
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 96 16:24:44 +0200 Message-Id: <9610091424.AA19316@hvsag01.nl.lucent.com> From: adkoning@hvsag01.nl.lucent.com (Andre de Koning) Subject: The Bootleg Album Hi All, It just crossed my mind that it would be extremely funny (or cruel, whichever you prefer) if The Bootleg Album would do better than Fossil Fuel. A bit like the Dukes (recorded for fun) doing better than The Big Express. Maybe just a stupid thought, but it's out now (gosh that feels better). Not much more from me I'm afraid, just that I'm having a hectic few months now since I'm changing employers next month after 12 1/2 years with the same company. My new email address will be on my home page shortly (it's reachable from the Chalkhills Anonymous page). Andre de Koning PS: Mark and Pelle, I haven't forgotten you!
------------------------------ From: Ben Gott <bgott@mail.hotchkiss.pvt.k12.ct.us> Subject: Bad words, Paul Fox and new converts Message-ID: <SIMEON.9610091135.F@library4.mail.hotchkiss.pvt.k12.ct.us> Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 11:08:35 -0400 (EDT) Oh, Chalkhillians... Whatever shall we do? Using bad words and such. If I were to stand up, right now, in the middle of my high school library, and yell "F********CK!", I'd be in trouble. Let's be sensitive to others feelings and opinions; that's what I tell all my lowerclass proctees, at least. Yay, Paul Fox/Ed Thacker! Yay, "Hoist"! A freshman on my dorm corridor at Hotchkiss has now become a bona-fide XTC fan. I've lent him all my CDs, and he proclaimed that the acoustic concert was "The most amazing thing [he's] ever heard." "Daniel," said I.. "That was the beginning of the Unplugged(r)(tm)(c) phenomenon!" Josh - what's this shed bit? Hook me up wit' dat! E-me, please... Great fire burning through my house and heart, Ben XTC SONG OF THE DAY: "Great Fire" (appropriate...) -- Ben Gott bgott@mail.hotchkiss.pvt.k12.ct.us
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 09 Oct 96 11:38:13 EST From: "John Christensen" <christej@vrinet.com> Message-Id: <9609098448.AA844886435@PO2.VRINET.COM> Subject: Jes Say No This whole Jes/Fuck controversy is really amusing, but I'm surprised that no one has stepped in to elaborate on the "offensive" quote. Despite Jes' claims that the quote is neither relevant nor clever nor witty, it is very relevant and clever and witty . . . and deep. And it sums up one reason XTC has not toured in 15 years. Andy songs are very personal to him--and performing in concert was very emotionally draining. In several interviews, Andy likened playing live to trying to (mind)fuck an entire audience: He was up on stage baring his soul, performing in the spotlight, trying to emotionally touch and satisfy the diverse hungers of a huge crowd: He felt tremendous pressure to please. And sometimes he felt rejected. Rejection by one lover can be very painful, but when you're standing in front of thousands of people "with your pants down," rejection can leave deep scars on a fragile psyche. On the other hand, Bevis and Butthead would love to stand naked in front of a giggling crowd: I guess their cartoon egos are a little stiffer. Jasper
------------------------------ Message-Id: <2.2.16.19961009155409.1bc7a6c0@cic-mail.lanl.gov> Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 09:54:09 -0600 From: DeWitt Henderson <dewitth@lanl.gov> Subject: Last comment on the "F" word & Chalkhills OK group, as they say in Texas (where I grew up), "lissen up!". This whole f-word thing got out of hand. I personally took more offense at Amanda Owen's quotation of the sophmoric bumper sticker lament "if Clinton was the answer, it must have been a stupid question" than I did at her quote of Andy using the f-word. Not to say that I'm a big Clinton fan. A lot of people think he's "too liberal" - well, not liberal enough for me - he caves in too often to the damn middle-of-the-road for me. But that's not the point. HERE'S THE POINT, FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SKIP DOWN TO THIS: Chalkhills is NOT about censorship, politics, religion, bowling, kayaking, or the discussion of needlepoint designs - it's about an English pop band called XTC!!!! So let's mostly keep it at that, or at least within the periphery of other musical topics. As other Chalkhillers have said, hey, we're basically a pretty nice/friendly/ supportive group. Thanks for listening, and if you disagree, well, that's your right too. Back to your regularly-scheduled XTC program. * ------------------------------ DeWitt Henderson Los Alamos National Laboratory CIC-13 MS P223 Los Alamos, NM 87544 505/665-0720 **(NEW phone #)**
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610091624.MAA20514@mime4.prodigy.com> From: Moonsilver@prodigy.com (MR NOBLE K THOMAS) Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 12:24:55, -0500 Subject: SAKAMOTO B2-Unit I just received in stock a few copies of a Riuichi Sakamoto CD from France entitled B2-Unit. Andy Partridge is listed as a musician on this. Can anyone enlighten me as to the background on this recording and Sir Andy's participation? I also have a few Fossil Fuel LIMITED EDITION CDs available should anyone be interested. E-mail me and I'll get back to you (leave phone # if you like). Toby at Silver Moon
------------------------------ From: greg <greg@stim.com> Subject: Buy Lots of Bibles Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 17:24:26 +0000 Message-Id: 17242634300337@nyc.prodigy.com At 08:04 PM 10/8/96 -0700, AMANDA OWENS <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> wrote: > >I'm not the first person in >the world to say the word "fuck" online, and I certainly won't be the >last. You have got me ticked off beyond all comprehension right now, I >don't even know what to say. Wow! I guess I missed that past few issues! Gosh, I hope this place hasn't turned into a wacky Christian-Rock mailing! Does this mean that I can't listen to XTC anymore because they cus? Maybe I should sell all my Zappa albums too and use the money to buy lots of bibles and open a church? YIKES! greg kuchmek editor, ST!M 212.253.7068 www.stim.com "If you're not paranoid, there's something wrong with you." William S. Burroughs
------------------------------ Message-Id: <s25bab0f.044@ic.si.edu> Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 13:51:05 -0400 From: Beth Wojiski <WOJISBE@ic.si.edu> Subject: Egads...unknowledgeable cd store employees..... Well, I've lurked for a very short while, and I have decided to de-lurk because of a frightening experience I had today, and I wanted to share it: Since I'm going to my local mall tonight for other reasons, I decided to call ahead to the cd store there (a big retail chain who shall remain unnamed) to see if they had Fossil Fuels in yet. To my surprise, the guy on the other end of the phone had *no clue* what I was talking about, let alone who! I mean, I know XTC isn't exactly heavy rotation, but in the 10 years I've been a fan, I've *never* had a problem when asking a store employee about them. I was shattered when he said "XTC, is that the record label or something?" AAARRRGGGHHH!! He was very nice, and probably very young, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But I admit, I was floored. I immediately speed-dialed my local indie shop (who I hadn't called first because, unfortunately, they're more inconvenient to get to), and felt much better after talking to the very knowledgeable employee who'll have the disc for me within the week. AFter hanging up with him, I immediately ran to my nearest cd player and popped in my "XTC Drums and Wireless" cd to console myself. I'm feeling more soothed now..... Are we, as XTC fans, really that rare? Most people I talk to on an everyday basis have never heard of them, but record store employees usually have half a clue. I guess, to put a positive spin on it, we can consider ourselves the "priveleged few"...... Thanks for letting me share the shock...... Beth :o (aka "Shocked at the Smithsonian")
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 20:13:52 +0200 (METDST) From: James Isaacs <jisaacs1@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Subject: Robyn Hitchcock, who has not much to do with XTC Message-Id: <Pine.A32.3.91.961009201019.70163B-100000@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Someone asked last issue if the new Robyn Hitchcock album, Moss Elixir, is any good. It is very good. Run out now, and buy it, and go quickly, or I shall become cross. I had the opportunity to see Mr. Hitchcock Monday night in Frankfurt, Germany. It was sublime. All Americans! Go see this man, performing with Billy Bragg! GO NOW!! Anyway, I broke the case of my limited edition Fossil Fuel. Scheiss, verdammt! (Did this language offend anyone? If not, why not?) James
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199610091450.JAA01340@mamba.arlut.utexas.edu> Subject: Re: Quotes and notes (no XTC content, dammit) Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 09:50:41 -0500 (CDT) From: "Stuart McDow" <smcdow@arlut.utexas.edu> > From: jes <xtc@mindspring.com> > Subject: Quotes and notes > You censor yourself every day when you are in a social situation > where you should not use certain language. No, goody-boy, YOU censor YOURself. I don't. Don't you speak for me, ever. >... and, believe it or not, when you write something for consumption > on the Internet, you are talking in PUBLIC. You must be balmy. Or another one of those goddamn internet newbie carpetbaggers. Let's get a couple of things straight here. Chalkhills is a mailing list. Mailing lists are NOT public forums. Chalkhills is NOT a Usenet newsgroup, which ARE public forums. Some mailing lists are indeed mirrored on Usenet newsgroups. Chalkhills is not one of those, to my knowledge. And a Deja News (http://www.dejanews.com) search has turned up no Chalkhills digests on any Usenet newsgroup at any time. > >"Oh, but I was only talking about swearing," will no doubt be Jes's > >defense. But what exactly is it about a combination of four letters that so > >offends? > > Don't ask me. Ask your mother. Ask your boss. Ask the guys who regulate > the stuff that goes over the airwaves. For some reason, there are certain > words that bother people. If they're offended, then fuck 'em 'till they bleed. Then go get a different set of friends without such sensitive virginal ears. And as far as asking my mother...well, she cusses up a storm that would, no doubt, make your ears turn red. And you've _never_ gotten into cussing/shouting match with your boss? > And, in certain company, i simply try to avoid using them. Why? If you use these words, you use them. Why put on different faces when you're around different people. Are you _afraid_ of offending people, and, if so, why? > For instance, there is a word that starts with C that I would dearly > love to use right now, but decorum prevents me from doing so. Decorum? Fuck decorum!! Go ahead and use that word, boy. No one here's going to be offended!! Cuss words are just part of the language. And a pretty effective part of the language, I might add. > ....fortunately for me, if this newsgroup were to shut down... QUIT CALLING _CHALKHILLS_ A NEWSGROUP!!! THIS IS A MAILING LIST!!! A PRIVATE FORUM, etc... Whew. Having said all this, I agree with Jes that this thread doesn't belong here. I respectfully ask our esteemed John R. to kill this thing. ---- Stuart McDow Austin, Texas
------------------------------ Message-ID: <325C0ADE.7C92@mail.utexas.edu> Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 20:28:18 +0000 From: Jason Garcia <h.h.name@mail.utexas.edu> Subject: The Ballad of Beavis and Butt-head Hi all! I have been watching this XTC forum intently for many months but have not been especially inspired to post until now. Unfortunately, the issue that goads me to write is this unbelieveable furore over the Andy Partridge quote that Amanda Owens posted a few issues ago. All I have to say is: Keep postin' 'em, 'cause I think Andy is one of the funniest guys I'd like to know. And at the risk of making unjust general- izations, I feel that one of the unifying aspects of this list is an irreverent sense of humor that seems to pervade all the posts. So if you can't take a joke, don't ruin it for those of us who can. Respectfully submitted, Jason P.S. - you haven't heard the last of me!
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 21:20:36 +0100 Message-Id: <199610092020.VAA23829@linux.nildram.co.uk> From: ericb@vip.solis.co.uk (Keith Beck) Subject: Demos Hello Chalkhilliers Sorry to bore everybody, But weve not had much to get exited about since 1992, Studio recordings wise. Snowing Angels, & Goodbye Humanersourus pretty please Andy. There not bad for my first posting. Just because were on the bottom of the ladder we shouldn`t be sadder than others like us.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19961009220353.006b08e8@mindspring.com> Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 18:03:53 -0400 From: jes <xtc@mindspring.com> Subject: I cry uncle It is me again. Finally, Floopyglop@aol.com put me to shame by saying the only thing that really has made sense to me (other than Amanda's rather nice second message to me in email). I'm rather shocked, this coming from someone who uses AOL, but that's another flame issue, isn't it?: >You're mistaken, Jes. This is a mailing list, not a newsgroup. Watchdog >groups are preoccupied with protecting children from pornography and other >undesirable elements in cyberspace. Being a mailing list, no one can >crosspost obscene material to this list. I understand. I stand corrected on this point and will try to keep my prudish feelings at bay. >As for the Beavis and Butthead comment, remember this is an XTC newsgroup! Astonishingly enough, this seems to be the comment that got me in trouble. More people have picked a fight with me because I brought up the comparison with Bevis and Butthead. Now, at least, I know how to piss off thousands of people all at once. Man, is that POWER or what? But I apologize for the B&B reference. Sorry.
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 21:45:13 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <199610100145.VAA25588@cyber1.servtech.com> From: Joshua Hall-Bachner <particle@servtech.com> Subject: First Amendment Rights and You >It however is worth defending my point. the usual suspects wrote in to >voice their opinions, so I would like to defend mine. first we have Joshua >Hall-Bachner (who managed to use the word SEVERAL times in his message, to >drive home his point). And why shouldn't I? It's a word. If you can be offended by a word like that one, you have a bit of a problem, IMHO. >Yes, I can imagine Andy saying 'how many people can you mind-f*** at once' >but i can also imagine my dad saying it, my colleagues at work, my ex-wife, >and my shrink. but that doesn't make it noteworthy. it was a pointless >quote that had nothing to do with the rest of her message. My sig has nothing to do with the rest of my message. I put it there because it "advertises" for a band I like, because I think it's humorous, because I like it. She put the quote in there because it was by the band whose mailing list she was posting to and because she thought it was humorous. >it should have been followed by 'heh heh.... heh heh.' It wasn't so juvenile to make that neccesary. >further, he says > >>It's said by Andy. It's funny. > >Oh, forgot. Andy is God. had we quoted him as saying 'Charmin is >squeezably soft' then it would have been a QUALITY tagline? Puh-leeze. If you would please read my post again, you will see that I am *not* saying "It's by Andy, therefore it's funny." I am saying "It's by Andy. It's also funny." Two different reasons to post it here. >If you wanna talk about how GOVERNMENT can do things that are 'wrong' and >get away with it, please refer to Service, Internal Revenue. <snip> This has nothing to do with what we're talking about. Bring it up with your Congressperson. >the issue >here is not whether it is 'right' for someone to censor the Internet, the >point is that they CAN. And when stuff like this is tossed about, even >innocently, even without malice, it only gives the Tippers of the world that >much more to work with. I refuse to censor myself to fit some stupid politician's misguided view of what's "proper" because he'll do it for me if I don't. I will continue to say whatever the hell I want. I have that right. And if I'm told by some government guy to stop saying something that's protected under Amendment 1, I'm not going to. It's as simple as that. You can be offended all you want, but you're not going to change my behavior or that of anyone else on this list. >Had the quote added something to her message, had her quote been clever, had >it been WITTY (which is what I think of when i think of Andy's quotes), then >you would have never heard from me. I thought it was rather clever. She should have provided a little more background on the quote (it's about the experience of a concert and bringing people into the "experience") but I still thought it was fine as it was. /---------------------------Joshua Hall-Bachner---------------------------\ | particle@servtech.com http://www.servtech.com/public/particle/ | | "The few surviving samurai survey the battlefield. They count the arms, | \--the legs, the heads, and then divide by five." - They Might Be Giants--/
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v01540b04ae8234e4ed20@[132.170.24.108]> Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 01:35:22 -0400 From: dcm80229@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu (Derek Miner) Subject: Re: Too Much Fossil Heads In Chalkhills #3-8 Martin Monkman wrote: > The new Heads album is reviewed in the newest Rolling Stone mag, > getting severely panned (2 out of 5). Andy was mentioned but once > (and only in the list of contributors). The gist of the review is > that without Byrne the remaining Heads aren't a very creative band, > and that the collection of singer/lyricists didn't have much > foundation to build upon. > > Anyone out there care to elaborate or refute? I'd have to say that's pretty much accurate. It was absolutely heavenly to hear Andy vocalizing, but that was perhaps the highlight of the disc for me. The first few tracks are droning, noisy industrial-like rock music that just left me cold. The guest vocalists seemed to bring little to the proceedings. There was one track with three female vocalists (including Tina Weymouth) which seemed to rise above the rest, as did Andy's track (I mean he WROTE the lyric, it had better sound at least interesting!). And I never thought I'd find Ed Kowalch-whatever from Live so tolerable as a vocalist as he was on this disc... Then Ira Lieman contributed: >And is it just me or do the liner lyrics in Fossil Fuels leave some things >out? Sing along to "No Thugs In Our House" and there are three lines >missing in the first verse! What's up with that? And why is "Senses" >edited? That just bugs me. And did they *HAVE TO* use the rated-G version >of "Respectable Street?" I mean, puhleeze! Virgin Records again puts style >before substance and makes a few glaring omissions and misteaks that could >have been solved by a read-through. I should march right in to the Virgin >Megastore, ask to speak to Richard Branson, and wiggle my nose derisively. Wow! Congrats on finding the missing lyrics in "No Thugs"... that surprised me, but there it was! As for editing of songs. This is a singles collection, thus they used the "single" versions of the songs. That means edited versions of most of the early songs (especially "Towers Of London" and "Senses"). And that also means the censored "Respectable Street," because that's what was on the single. I'm not complaining about that,though. We actually have a radio station in my area that played the ALBUM version of "Senses!" I was driving along, and expecting the bridge to skip the "busses might skid on black ice" line, because everytime I hear the song, it's the version from "Waxworks." Well, surprisingly enough, they played the full version! I felt like calling them and heaping loads of praise, but I restrained myself. And to all the Too Much Joy fans: So, the TMJ people come out of the woodwork... Okay, so a couple of you called me on "Son Of Sam I Am"... Yes, it is melodic, too, but that album didn't have anything as subdued as "Crush Story" or "Nothing On My Mind." Oh well. I have to give "Sandbox" and "Pride Of Frankenstein" the edge over anything on the first album. Call me a wimp if you like... = Derek Miner =
------------------------------ From: Martin_Monkman@fincc04.fin.gov.bc.ca Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 08:52:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: the quirky XTC on CBC Message-id: <9609108449.AA844962506@FINSMTP1.FIN.GOV.BC.CA> The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Saturday afternoon radio program "Definitely Not The Opera" on October 12 will feature, among other things: >3-4pm. > >*One of England's most influential pop groups is the quirky XTC. A >new collection of singles has just been released; Ross Porter gives >it the retrofile treatment. Martin
------------------------------ Date: 10 Oct 96 12:31:27 EDT From: DaveKGold <70673.317@CompuServe.COM> Subject: A Week in XTC Message-ID: <961010163127_70673.317_FHP51-2@CompuServe.COM> Hi Chalkfellows- Been a while since I wrote anything. This has been an intersting week because it has been filled with XTC. On Sunday, I went out to look for a copy of FF. I went to my local Tower Records (Sherman Oaks - Ventura Blvd., CA) and didn't find it. However, they did have two copies of Explode Together (which I bought), two of XTC Live (too expensive!) and a few others. Then yesterday evening I went to the Virgin Megastore in Burbank (much thanks to the kind bloke who mentioned they have several copies - and they did, too!) and got a copy of FF. I wasn't going to at first, because of the fact that most of the stuff that is on it is on other albums that I already own. But then I remembered what some other chalkies had said about the sound quality (and I don't own Waxworks) so I went ahead and got it. Then I went over the the regular racks - and found a copy of Go2 to buy (last regular release I didn't have) and Nonsuch for $5.99. I got two of those to give to friends! Now if only my *emo *apes would show up in the mail this week it'd be perfect! Dave Gold "Where ever you go....... there you are" - Buckaroo Banzaii
------------------------------ From: Saints3Den@aol.com Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 18:04:13 -0400 Message-ID: <961010180412_1346209731@emout20.mail.aol.com> Subject: swearing Can someone explain to me why we find out that posting demo lyrics is a no-no, while it is OK to post swearing? Shouldn't it be the other way around? I'll add the "U" to Les' "C" , based on the big flame in # 3-8 Shouldn't skylarking be abbreviated as S? As far as the new demos go , it may surprise some to hear that I sort of wish I never got them , since they are now too familiar , and that could spoil a new album.This is the first time I have had dems before the album, I should have waited . To those of you thinking of getting them, please bear in mind this very idea. Incidentally, I was just about to post some of the very same deciphered lyrics which Mitch posted , when we were told '"enough already" Eddie
------------------------------ From: Fidgetor@aol.com Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 18:47:41 -0400 Message-ID: <961010184735_123690532@emout13.mail.aol.com> Subject: random thoughts in rapid succession Helloo, Chalkhilltoppers- 1. In Meccanic Dancing, are we dancing to a disco "trot" (as the archives suggest) or a disco "track" from Germany? 2. What are these alleged "Drunken Jam Sessions" and "Live from Andy's Shed" tapes? 3. My girlfriend just said she'd dump me for Andy. 4. Mitch Friedman- someone I wish I could be or fictional hero or both? You decide. 5. No one has mentioned the "hidden" bonus track (of sorts) at the beginning of the new TMBG album. Check it out! 6. The new Adrian Belew album (Op Zop Too Wah) is out, and I'd recommend it to any fan. It lies somewhere between the Beatlesque pop of his last two albums and the art-rock of the last King Crimson offering. 7. That's it for now. Jude P.S. All this quibbling lately brings to mind a favorite SNL "Deep Thought" from a few years back (I'm writing from memory, please don't "jump my case" if it isn't verbatim): "Instead of calling the answers to math problems SOLUTIONS, why don't we call them IMPRESSIONS? That way, if someone has a different IMPRESSION than someone else, so what? CAN'T WE ALL BE BROTHERS?"
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 20:06:18 -0500 Message-Id: <v01530500ae8305086723@[204.153.64.124]> From: musicvil@idir.net (John Yuelkenbeck) Subject: She Talks In Stereo Regarding Amanada and her naughty language, someone wrote: >You're mistaken, Jes. This is a mailing list, not a newsgroup. Watchdog >groups are preoccupied with protecting children from pornography and other >undesirable elements in cyberspace. Being a mailing list, no one can >crosspost obscene material to this list. However, no such restriction exists >on the newsgroups I'm currently working on an article regarding music on the 'net, andI would like some clarification. The writer went on to talk about how difficult it would be for anyone to locate Amanda's post. Makes sense. However, while surfing one day I thought I would search for my last name (seeing as it is very uncommon) and find out what came up. To my surprise, the search engine listed me several times, and when I chose the selections, it took me to my first XTC post. I was surprised. Anyway, I know this isn't a technical mailing list, but the FF posts being as lackluster as you would expect from a re-release, how about somebody defining the terms "newsgroup" and "mailing list" for me. Thanks.
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 22:19:35 -0400 (EDT) From: Dave Rutherford <drutherf@gdc.com> Subject: an Introduction, a Plea, and a Question. Message-Id: <Pine.SUN.3.91.961010213736.16151I-100000@esun246> Hello Chalkhillsters, Some of you might know me. I've been enjoying the list for about a year and a half now, and have sometimes had something I wanted to say, but heretofore I've always replied outside of the list. When I joined, Mr. Relph asked for an introductory posting, which I seemed always too busy to provide. Tonight, I have munitions to masticate, as I've other things that must be said. Thus, an overdue introduction, and a pair of sundries. (Removing hat) Hi, I'm Dave. I started off as a very confused XTC fan. As best as I can recall, I became aware of the band with "Dear God", as I guess many others must have. For me, it validated me in doubting the existance of a deity.. but I don't want to really reopen that can of worms. I've been watching here long enough. Let me just mention that my first XTC purchase was the "DG" single, B/W "Mermaid Smiled". Or was "Mermaid" the A? Anyway, I played DG quite a lot, and didn't care for Mermaid. Some months later, I thought I should buy the album, so I grabbed "Oranges and Lemons". Silly me, I thought XTC were a new band, as I'd never heard of them before... it didn't occur to me that they'd have more than one album out, so I didn't read the label very carefully. I got O&L home, found it didn't contain "Dear God", listened to it a few times, and it sat in the back of my CD collection for a couple of years... Then, in about 1989, I was at a convention in Providence, RI. It was kind of dull, so I was spending a bit of time in my hotel room, listening to the radio, when I heard this great song. I listened for a while, but the DJ didn't say what it was, so I called up and asked. I was told it was "Generals and Majors." The next day, I special- ordered Black Sea. In one of those twists of fate, the song I'd originally called about was very well segue'd into "Generals and Majors", so when I got to listen to it, it sounded like only the second half of the song I wanted. I never did find out what that first song was, but I can't say I've regretted the mistake, either. I really liked "Black Sea", but apart from occasionally regular listening (during which, mind you, I never associated this XTC with the XTC of O&L), it didn't occur to me that there was more of a catalogue to explore. (I still do enjoy "The Sonambulist" and "Travels in Nihilon", FWIW.) It may have been three years after buying Black Sea that I finally got around to correcting my original mistake, and looking to buy the album containing "Dear God." This didn't get me into Skylarking, however; it made me revisit "Oranges and Lemons", which in fairly short order got me into their entire catalogue. I'm now your typical raving XTC fan-boy, and I don't know why it took me so long. Still here? Thanks. I feel legitimized now. :) In the last Chalkhills, Gene Yoon proposed the name "Shed Lite" for the proposed faux-bootleg release. I must beg that this not be carried out, as I have two missions: one, to buy all things XTC, and two, to buy no things sullied with the non-word "Lite". Such a release would create paradox, and therefore the demise of the universe. Thanks for doing your part to preserve the space-time continuum. And my question: Not too long ago, Bruno6 offered a bunch of XTC collectibles and tapes for sale, which I snatched up. One of these items was a radio interview/concert from Chicago in support of O&L, in which Andy mentioned that, growing up in Swindon, there were lots of "ginger kids" of unknown origin in the neighborhood. I ask those who understand Brittishisms, what was he talking about? Well, I feel like Joshua Hall-Bachner now, but I can assure you that you won't be hearing from me entirely that often, nor in such volume as this. But I do feel better, having crossed off "introduce yourself to Chalkhills" from my things-to-do list. :) Dave (Paradise is Mummer outdoors on a June morning, about 10:30.)
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-9 *****************************
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