Chalkhills Digest Volume 4, Issue 113
Date: Friday, 17 July 1998
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 4, Number 113
Friday, 17 July 1998
Today's Topics:
Charlie K.'s full house
Godly conversations
Ahem....ahem.....AHEM!!!
A factual XTC story on web
Righteous Indignation
Various Issues
Stop the Press!
Yazbek
Videos Don't make me laugh
XTC Box Set
Better article
souvenir?
YAZBEK WOULD LIKE A WORD WITH YOU
Re: Dear God: What's the E.R. time signature?
Time Signatures
XTC - XTC - XTC
Another Satellite
More stuff? Again?
re: What's the E.R. time signature?
odd meters
siamese chameleons
Blow You Away?
<Adopt Scooby Doo Voice> Dongeddit!
Imports.
Administrivia:
Chalkhills now has lyrics for even more songs co-written by
Andy Partridge. It's all there in the Chalkhills Archives.
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The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.
Chalkhills is compiled using Digest 3.6 (John Relph <relph@sgi.com>).
This is your life and you do what you want to do.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: STakesh@aol.com Message-ID: <98068e3e.35ad3da2@aol.com> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:39:12 EDT Subject: Charlie K.'s full house Hey, Chalkers - In Digest 4-111, Charles Komanoff wrote: >>In my four months on board I've seen only a few Chalkhillers mention their *kids* and XTC. I hope I'm within bounds to post about my 3 and 1/2 year old son Daniel and his love of XTC. Baby on board! Both of you are most sincerely welcome! I just wish I could play Munchkin and present Daniel with a big Technicolor lollypop for his crashing in on Chalkhills and crushing the wretched, kvetchy, bitchy arguments over "Dear God" and Lennon/McCartney (would that those threads were truly, most sincerely dead!). >>Six months ago, just after his third birthday, Daniel started paying heavy attention to my 27-song, 110-minute XTC compilation tape. When I was that age, I was playing Fisher-Price plastic toy "records". I remember (vaguely) having a green one and an orange one. Acch.... Metaphorically speaking, Danny's reaching out and touching the Kubrickian Black Monolith. Apparently, accelerated cognitive development and musical appreciation (and taste!) are already blooming... Way to go, daddy-o! >>Before long he had memorized names of songs, figured out which one was coming next, figured out some lyrics, asked me for words he couldn't quite hear, played the tape on his own, etc. See? See?!? >>He particularly fell in love with Ten Feet Tall (as I did on the radio in '79). The song's happy-sad quality seemed to suit us both, and Daniel thought it was neat that a song could be both at the same time. Oooh... appreciation of ambiguity, uncertainty, and non-Manicchean dichotomy... very impressive. >>Every song had some magic for Daniel. Yacht Dance was wondrous -- "how can boats dance?" I have a weird, wonderful feeling about this little guy. I wish we could fast-forward 20-30 years (just for a moment) and see if he turns out to be a musician, music teacher, music critic, poet, or...? (You know, Daniel, music critics are like witches, in a way... There are GOOD critics, and there are BAD critics. An evil critic will wave a wand and make monkeys fly, or make great bands disappear... but a good critic will try to help the great bands as they make their way down the yellow brick road...) I know I'm just mooning over this kid, but it sure beats belaboring the irony of generational role reversal - not just that of the child leading the father to rediscover the music, but of the wisdom that comes out of the mouths of babes... as opposed to the blather that we've been coming up with lately. Wait'll that kid can reach his daddy's Dylan tapes! Stephanie Takeshita
------------------------------ Message-ID: <304D2C3DF164D111827200600837841F28EB00@einstein.moneystar.com> From: Jill Oleson <oleson@moneystar.com> Subject: Godly conversations Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 19:05:00 -0500 Okay, more on this Dear God thread: My guess is that most of us could at least agree that at a minimum, Andy Partridge hoped that the lyrics of Dear God would make people think. Clearly Andy put a lot of thought into the creation of the song. In my opinion, thinking about a topic often leads to good conversation... and that's what I think we've had here. I've enjoyed learning other people's opinions on this topic, whether I've agreed with them or not. The hope of good conversation is why I joined this list. Thanks Chalkhills. Jill Oleson Austin, Texas
------------------------------ From: LadyCPlum@aol.com Message-ID: <16a5f1b3.35ad44c1@aol.com> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 20:09:26 EDT Subject: Ahem....ahem.....AHEM!!! Ladies and gents, boyz n' girlz, I was going to stay out of the everlasting "Dear God" saga, but I'm throwing my hat in, for what it's worth. I have still been known to drive home late at night from a night out on the town, windows rolled down, cigarette hanging out the window, Skylarking tape blaring a wake up call to the neighbors. When the aforementioned song comes on, I usually sing at the top of my lungs. Why? Because I love the damn song, no matter what my personal beliefs are. What Andy believes (or doesn't) has no affect on me personally. He can believe whatever he wants, and everything's hunky dory. In the eyes of the billions who inhabit the planet, my personal God is not the same god of my next-door neighbor, or my best friend, or my favorite band members. Everyone has their own view of God, or their gods or higher powers. Andy's just expressing his opinion, which I have no problem with. Hell, MORE POWER TO HIM! It's like I said, hundreds of digests ago, the music is what hits me first in a song, not the lyrics. Andy is asking the same questions that have, and still do, cross my mind to this day. He's just being human, humans are curious and questioning in their nature. Bottom line, "This is your life and you do what you want to do." (Just don't hurt nobody.) Thank you, and good night. Amanda XTC song of the day-Love On a Farmboy's Wages non-XTC song-American Life in the Summertime-Francis Dunnery PS-I was thinking about emailing MTV for the stupid "Fanatic" show, but it'd be hard to get Andy and Colin back with Dave though, IMNSHO. Guess I'll have to tell them about ole' Crash Test Dummies, eh? ;)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35AD4C40.177D6526@pop.uky.edu> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 20:41:37 -0400 From: james isaacs <jmisaa00@pop.uky.edu> Subject: A factual XTC story on web Mr. Showbiz, a lovely entertainment type of web site, have told the truth on the XTC/TVT situation. The article can be read here: http://www.wallofsound.com/news/stories/3249index.html Also, reading Chalkhills these days is like listening to my parents argue: useless and unnecessary. This is not the Beatles list, Paul fans like Paul, John fans like John, Ringo fans like Ringo. And, either you're a Christian, or you ain't. If you want to hear a song about God, listen to "Dumb All Over" by Frank Zappa- it does a far better job than Andy does. Do the bickering ( and it is bickering) privately. James "Humanity is the history of revenge"-Robyn Hitchcock http://www.geocities.com/thetropics/cabana/4665 The James Isaacs Garage/Tour of Europe
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35AD5655.3B8D@sprintmail.com> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 21:24:37 -0400 From: Michael Versaci <stormymonday@sprintmail.com> Organization: Stormy Monday Enterprises Subject: Righteous Indignation Folxtc, Don Rogalski in a provocative but excessively inflammatory post stated: > and agnostics are going through the process > of deciding either/or Actually, this is a misrepresentation of what the agnostic believes. One definition of agnosticism is "The belief that the nature and/or existence of a God or gods is unknown and unknowable." Stephen Graff, summed up one of his posts with the following: > Sorry to go all Vonnegut on you. Discuss amongst yourselves... I found this statement to be extremely offensive. Now, had he said, "Sorry to go all Gordon Sumners on you" ... We're not going to solve the mysteries that have plagued mankind since the dawn of civilization here. As a long time agnostic leaning towards atheism I have learned some things. There is no point in inciting anger among people that have faith. A child can do it. If you are at peace with your beliefs, you have patience with others that believe otherwise. Religious beliefs offer comfort and structure to certain people. I know that there are religious zealots out there that have an exclusive political agenda, but I don't see too many of them posting to Chalkhills. Why not save your righteous indignation for those who deserve it? Michael "Stormy Monday" Versaci.
------------------------------
Message-Id: <35AD78F9.CAEA3871@usa.net>
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 22:52:30 -0500
From: Ben Gott <loquacious@usa.net>
Organization: Loquacious Music - http://www.bowdoin.edu/~bgott
Subject: Various Issues
The 'Hills are alive with the sound of...something!?
Mr. O'Bannon, it's always good to have someone back on the list after a long
absence. However, many of us who have been here for awhile will easily
recall the reason for your swift departure a few summers ago. Please --
let's not start this again! (However, this certainly qualifies as the most
interesting "Dear God" debate I've ever heard...and all you God folk should
check out the song "God Shuffled His Feet," by a certain unmentionable
Canadian band.)
Speaking of Canadian: buy the new Barenaked Ladies album! NOW! No, don't
even finish reading this post! It's called "Stunt," and it's some of the
best pop I've heard in a long time. Does anyone know if the Ladies have been
influenced by Swindon's own Larry, Moe, and Curly? Songs like "In My Car"
are well done, singable, and catchy, and the Ladies (well, men) can write
some swell lyrics.
I've been listening to The Cure alot lately. Does this mean something's
wrong with me? I'm especially fascinated by the cheezy synth horns on "Why
Can't I Be You?"
I sent a copy of "Black Sea" to some kids I babysat last summer. The older
brother, Cole (who's 13) hasn't let his younger brother Parker (11) get his
grubby paws on the CD yet...and I sent it in October. Apparently, Cole likes
it so much that he took it to camp with him. Chalk up another convert for me
because you know that, when judgement day comes, it's always good to know
that *someone's* keeping score.
Also, as long as I'm on he subject of really cool music, buy all The
Sugarcubes albums ever made. Someone mentioned "Life's Too Good" a few
digests ago...The production and musicianship are quite good on that one,
but my fave remains "Stick Around For Joy," mainly because of Paul Fox's
stellar work. The 'Cubes have also released a greatest hits album called
"Contains Crossover Potential" (or something) -- does anyone know if it's
generally available in the U.S.?
Ben "Barenaked Ladies! Bjork! God!" Gott -- although the God/Gott thing is
kind of redundant, eh? ;-)
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
Ben Gott :: Loquacious Music :: Salisbury, CT 06068
http://www.bowdoin.edu/~bgott :: (860) 435-9726
Cross-legged on the bed, she gazed across the town...
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 00:05:51 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <v01530500b1d2d97b22be@[209.206.42.2]> From: stoffel@ziplink.net (Jeff & Elizabeth Stoffel) Subject: Stop the Press! I'm at home now, thinking more about what I wrote earlier in my "Give me Jesus" post. When I said that love, peace, anti-violence, etc. were Christian sentiments, I should have said that they can be Christian sentiments. They can also be sentiments of atheists. My point was that XTC is not "a band that firmly espouses very non-Christian sentiments". Only in "Dear God". I also said that God will definitely leave you alone as long as that's what you want. I now feel that I was incorrect to say that. My understanding of God's love is that He never gives up on anyone, as long as they live. Many people finally decide to accept Christ when they are on their death beds, after having lived their entire lives rejecting Him. Thanks for your indulgence, people. I really felt like I had to make these corrections to my original post. Oh, and it seems I also had a difficult time spelling the word vicious! I thought it looked wrong but couldn't tell exactly why! Thanks, -Jeff
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 02:03:41 -0400 (EDT)
From: "mike@journalx.com" <flippy@yucc.yorku.ca>
Subject: Yazbek
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.3.96.980716012919.6865B-100000@yucc.yorku.ca>
I was in Baltimore recently for a few days to see friends, eat
crabs, and watch fireworks explode (4th of July, as it were - I'd never
been in the United States on this particular holiday before, and was
curious about the nature of the festivities - I found that the city's
apparent theme as far as fireworks were concerned was "confusion",
as evidenced by two separate displays fighting for attention with no
synchronisation between them, or any apparent reasoning dictating the
structure of either respective display. It would seem that long stretches
of nothing between explosions was meant to thrill the perplexed throng of
revellers).
Anyway, my point. Later, I stepped into a record shop with limited
funds but a burning desire to walk out clutching a handful of prized CDs.
I did leave with three actually, one of which was Yazbek's TOCK, and it is
lovely lovely lovely. Much to my delight, the bulk of the record shines
even more sweetly than the superb Yazbek-Partridge collaboration which
stood as the main enticement as far as buying the record was concerned.
I'd like to think, however, that I would have purchased it anyway as it
has been recommended to me by a person of questionable repute but
good musical taste, but I will never know will I. No, I won't, as I did
buy the damn thing and completely love it. I can't see how anyone
searching for fresh, inventive "pop" music will fail to be moved by this
very stellar record. And has anyone noticed how many laudatory adjectives
begin with the letter S. Or maybe I'm just straining to properly express
myself.
Of course, now that I've returned to Canada, I can't do much about
the short skip at the end of track 2, but I'm still pleased that I bought
it. Now I've got to hunt down his previous record. In any case, it's the
disc I've spun the most since my return, and I felt irrevocably compelled
to write about it.
My dick's stuck in the batter,
Mike
Playground Justice in effect at www.journalx.com, if you dare
________________________________________________________________
"If you really want to hurt your parents and you don't have
nerve enough to be homosexual, the least you can do is go into the
arts."
--Kurt Vonnegut
------------------------------ Message-ID: <8191BF798BAFD111817B0001FA0E3A574EDBAB@ZSCED004> From: "ARCHER-MAY,Mark" <Mark.ARCHER-MAY@deetya.gov.au> Subject: Videos Don't make me laugh Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 16:49:58 +1000 Hi One and all As has already been stated since when does a video necessarily confirm the meaning of a song. "Peter Pumpkinhead" is not about JFK and JFK is not a Martyr, he did not die for a cause unless you imply he was fitting for the right to travel in an open car past a grassy knoll. Why do we live in a world of conspiracy, why are we always looking for hidden meaning, interpreting things that are so straight forward to mean something else (the third gun represents Martin Luther King). Next some one else will find a way of spelling out JFK's initials from the chords of the song. Hey lets go back to Lewis Carroll, we still haven't worked out what a Snark is (Maybe Lewis Carroll was doing a Nostradumas and the Snark was really JFK and Bobby Kennedy after all he did say "That the Snark was a Bojum you see", get it Bo stands for Bobby Kennedy, J stands for John and U.M. for Ultimate Men, "Bobby and John are the Ultimate Men you see", think about it, it makes sense). Peter Pumpkinhead is a great song it has a great meaning behind it but it is not about JFK. It's an allegory tale and nothing more. Mark
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19980716140953.9885.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Jason Phelan" <phelander@hotmail.com> Subject: XTC Box Set Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 07:09:53 PDT Dear Chalk-Masters, Is it too much to ask, seeing as it is July, and the "release" of the box set is only two months away, that we get some definite word as to 1.)whether or not this box set is coming out, I mean, for real, does anyone remember the Shed Sessions....'nuff said. 2.)the name, 3.)where it will be available, 4.)if it's not available in the U.S, will there be some way set up so at least the Members of Chalkhills, the so-called-Official mailing list can order it without having to break the bank? Just some pressing questions that would ease my mind, like April wine. Jason M. Phelan Phelander@hotmail.com "Wah-lah"
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35AE13FA.473@myself.com> Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 10:53:46 -0400 From: Ira Lieman <ira@myself.com> Subject: Better article A better article about XTC and TVT (my personal opinion is that they went there just to give it to a company with all capital letters) can be found at http://www.wallofsound.com. Now back to your regularly scheduled arguments about the Beatles, "Dear God," and competing brands of toothpaste. -ira
------------------------------
From: Saints3Den@aol.com
Message-ID: <5331c7b.35ae2230@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 11:54:22 EDT
Subject: souvenir?
chalkhillians--
howdy! Recently, I was looking through a catalog , and
came across a pewter "white horse"pendant. It appears to be about 1" by 2" or
so, if it is pictured in actual size,(which is not stated) Comes with a chain.
This is available from;
Azure Green
box 48
Middlefield MA 01243
(e-mail) AbyssDist@aol.com
(web) www.Azuregreen.com
This isn't an official XTC souvenir , but someone of you may want one.Also
,I am in no way affiliated with the company mentioned above.
eddie st.martin
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v02140b00b1d410bfcd69@[208.251.162.231]> Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 15:23:15 -0500 From: gloop@ntr.net (Yazbek) Subject: YAZBEK WOULD LIKE A WORD WITH YOU I have a bad feeling about TVT. That's all I'm going to say, except for the following self-promo-- Yazbek (with a socko horn section) is doing a residency at Fez, under Time Cafe, in NYC. The next three Tuesdays, from 7/21 through 4/4. We go on at 9:45 or so and the openers are all superb. It was nice to see a couple of Chalkhillians at the first gig last tuesday. Sorry I couldn't talk more, but our equipment was being stolen. take care, Yazbek
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v04003a00b1d3fc2c5d88@[206.79.166.28]> Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 12:18:43 -0700 From: Mark French <mark@imprintink.com> Subject: Re: Dear God: What's the E.R. time signature? --->"What is the time signature for "English Roundabout"? Although I don't have the song near me, I believe the chorus is 13/4, while the remainder is 10/4. ---> "Indeed, what other recognizable rock tunes have used anything other than 4/4 and 3/4 times?" Well, if you're talking big hit songs that sold millions & got played on the radio: 6/4: The Police's "Synchronicity 1" 7/4: Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill", Pink Floyd's "Money", and most of the verses in "All You Need is Love" 12/4: James Brown's "Open Up The Door (I'll Get It Myself)" Mark French
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35AEFE59.6C0C@bellatlantic.net> Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 03:33:45 -0400 From: John Irvine <jirvine@bellatlantic.net> Subject: Time Signatures As far as I know English Roundabout is in 5/4. Superfab song it is. I am also mightily impressed with Burning with Optimism's Flames in which therea re at least two time signatures going on at the same time (somehow Andy and Terry end up ready for the chorus at the same time). Really impressive, and a great tune to boot. But wait kids, here's another Stereolab/xtc connection. Lotsa odd time signatures for the 'lab, especially on later releases: Check out Rainbo Conversation on Dots and Loops. Also a great tune. Thanks for the interest in the Jennifers CDs, Ive got some cool stuff in trade. Loved the Bees CD. Thanks Jude. John Irvine '61 Vespa GL200
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35AE5F70.29160BBE@usa.net> Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 16:15:44 -0400 From: "Mark D. Irvin" <mdirvin@usa.net> Subject: XTC - XTC - XTC None of us are identical here at chalkhills, we have different likes and dislikes, some have religion, some don't, some like pizza, others don't....but there is one commonality - and that is XTC. This post is in regards to the flaming replies to Bob... It's like the flamers are intimidated by what he posted and the evidence is found in the nature of their posts - for the large part, they seemed to attack Bob due to his religious beliefs. Attack in private or something. This is silly and I'm starting to get chuffed....C'mon chalkhillians.......let's stay focused on XTC here....If you want to debate theology or atheism, then email me and I'll send you some killer websites. And for crying out loud, if it pleases you to send your flaming replies towards me....save this space for XTC stuff and email me instead. I'm am so anticpating the ever getting closer XTC release............ XTC song of the day - Me and the Wind nonXTC song of the day - Ex-Nihilio by Mortal "Why can't we all just get along?" Rodney King
------------------------------
From: Phlossdaly@aol.com
Message-ID: <1d864277.35ae5fe2@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 16:17:37 EDT
Subject: Another Satellite
Greetings Chalkhillians,
Hoping a guitar-friendly musician here might be able to help me. What
is the effect on the guitar on ANOTHER SATELLITE? I love the way it slowly
opens up in everytime a chord is hit. SWOOOOOOSH!
------------------------------
Message-ID: <35AE63FF.7ECFE16B@earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 13:35:11 -0700
From: Steven Graff <slapdash@earthlink.net>
Organization: SLAPDASH
Subject: More stuff? Again?
Ireally hate to drag this on...but I'll do what I must
A recent post included the following statement:
> 'more Lennonesque" Partridge songs with the 'more McCartneyesque' Moulding
> ones.
I'm sorry, but what is Lennonish about either one? They all yell out
McCartney if they even breathe or hint at Beatlesque!
I get the feeling the Lennon fan often resorts to such lengths to
find lennon's trace influence.
And who can really say they dislike Ringo? I recently saw a
Storyteller installment starring Ringo, talking about his new album
Vertical Man, and found it really entertaining! Ringo was my fave Beatle
when I was young and wanted to be a drummer. When I got to writing songs
instead I chose McCartney, then Harrison, then Lennon in preference
(actually, I never chose Lennon really...not as consistantly good songs
as the other two.)
Richard....go ahead and hate Paul...write lyrics people will sing
along with though....!
Dominic.... before you drown us all in more musical
shortsightedness...
the drums on Wonderland are Terry's treated drum synth sounds.
Haven't you seen the Wonderland video? It's one of the few from the
album he plays on.
In On the Kill Taker is the only Fugazi record worth having."Last
Chance for a Slow Dance" is their best song ever.
Blur has said time and time again they love XTC...that's why Andy
almost produced their album a few years back.
Dames tWd is just a wierdo in my opinion. I doubt Andy is crouching
down to look under every stone for proof or diproof of God's existance.
It takes an equally weak mind to say the stuff your post said. Have a
little respect for people's views! I blasted Bob O Bannon, sure...but
only because I knew his method of madness from first hand close-to-home
experience. And I only pointed out things he may not be aware of, not to
degrade him.
Also, Jeff Stoffel sought to console a non-believer:
> It's not all the same to Him, but I can assure you that He will definitely
> leave you alone as long as that's what you want.>
My question being: how do YOU know that? He may have left us out of
the picture a while ago, or may not even be around at all....what if
he's a figment of mass hysteria (the kind that drives political bodies)?
It's not about Faith, goddamn it! It's about coming to an
understanding of your place in the world! Faith is just a bad Goerge
Michael song, based on a very dependant way of thinking. Your life goes
on, regardless of the existance or perceived existance of God. Live it
in a good and productive way.Expect nothing in return.
Bob wasn't as courageous as he was arrogant. Don was atrociously
arrogant, but only in his choice of satirical vehicle.
I wholly applaud David Ledbetter. Well put. I think that's as good a
summary of the song as anyone else could've come up with (and you got
discount beer too! Yum!
Steven (last chance for a yacht dance) Graff
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 21:58:00 +0100 Message-Id: <VA.00000125.01f1cc06@champie> Subject: re: What's the E.R. time signature? From: Richard Horrocks <champie@fat.compulink.co.uk> Organization: Cunning Developments Good grief, as a (very) amateur musician, and someone who usually takes notice at songs in "odd" time signatures, I'd not really paid any attention to the fact that English Roundabout wasn't in 4/4, perhaps that's why it's (possibly) my all-time favourite XTC track. Personally I'd have said it was in 5/4 throughout, especially with TC's thumping bass drum marking out the beats, though I'm not an expert. The only other 5/4 rock song that springs to mind is Sting's "Seven Days" (though I'm sure others on the list could provide an long list of others), 7/8 seems to be the most popular "odd" time.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <l03130300b1d418057354@[207.104.109.129]> Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 14:01:53 -0700 From: Dave Blackburn <dblack@access1.net> Subject: odd meters Evening all, The Gingerbread Man asked: <What is the time signature for "English Roundabout"? Not knowing anything about music, I am intensely curious to know what the beat is and what it's time signature would be -- 5/4? 2/3? 7/4? 3/4+2/4? WHAT?!! It's such an amazing song and few pop/rock songs have unusual time signatures. Indeed, what other recognizable rock tunes have used anything other than 4/4 and 3/4 times?> English Roundabout is in 5/4 meter, a ska feel at that...very hip. But it's not alone in pop history. Jethro Tull's "Living in the Past" was also in 5/4 and quite a few of the cuts on Sting's "Ten Summoner's Tales" are in odd meter. I believe they have still received national airplay, an amazing feat if ever there was one. Of course ER is not the only odd-meter XTC song either: "The man who sailed around his soul" is in 7/4 , "Great Fire" switches between 3/4 in the verses and 4/4 in the choruses, and "Miniature Sun", although in 4/4, features a melody with what sounds like quarter note quintuplets over the top of it; that's five evenly spaced notes in the space of four being played by the rhythm section. Andy may not have thought about it this way but nonetheless...damn, that guy's original! happy counting, Dave Dave Blackburn Fallbrook, Ca dblack@access1.net
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35AE6AB7.1315A60A@tmn.com> Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 17:03:51 -0400 From: John Schoneboom <schone@tmn.com> Subject: siamese chameleons Hello fellow XTC fans. I'm new to the list but I've been a big XTC fan since about 1980 I guess it was when Black Sea came out, or just before, when Generals and Majors was out on an EP if my brain cells serve me at all, and a roommate played it loud and often until I got the point. At first I thought "well it's catchy and strangely bubblegummy in a pleasant sort of way but are the words any good?" and of course they were and before I knew it they were my top band of all time and I lived in amazement and wonder thenceforth. I will now by way of introduction fill your eyes with my opinions about god and religion and lennon versus mccartney until my fingers explode with righteousness. Oh ho ho ho ho. What I will do is ask a question, having seen a bunch of digests so far and read the FAQ thoroughly like a good listizen. And here it comes now, feeling like a run-on sentence about to emerge like a dreadful poo: Anyone have any insights as to the songwriting process by which Andy and Colin, while writing songs that retain their respective individual characters from album to album, nonetheless also change together qualitatively in parallel at the same time, such that on one album they have harder edges and on another they are pastoral and so forth? Is this not a remarkable phenomenon? Is it Andy saying "Colin, now you must write songs that evoke psychedelic butterflies on a buttery day, we're done with that spiky jangle now" and then Colin saying "Right you are Mr. Andy, no problem, I can do that as well as I can do anything else"? Or what? I've always wondered that. By the way, this list is clearly a high quality bit of business with many thoughtful and intelligent people and I will try not to ruin anything. your pal, John Schoneboom
------------------------------
Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19980716170211.006987ac@130.127.28.14>
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 17:02:11 -0400
From: Adam Tyner <ctyner@clemson.edu>
Subject: Blow You Away?
I haven't seen any comments about the Verve Pipe song co-written by Andy
Partridge on the Avengers soundtrack... How is it?
-Adam
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------------------------------ Message-ID: <01BDB109.F89F8DB0@e2c6p42.scotland.net> From: Robert Wood <wobbit@bigfoot.com> Subject: <Adopt Scooby Doo Voice> Dongeddit! Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 22:26:47 +0100 I have a question. Why do people keep writing to the list asking other people to stop writing about a particular thread? The thread will die a death when the all people of the list are bored with it. If you don't like what's in a posting here's a daring suggestion... ...hit page down. There are one of two reasons someone wouldn't want to do this. 1. Risk of RSI. Can't be that 'cos someone who wants to stop a thread must be a person who uses their wrist a lot anyway. <g> 2. They're narrow minded. 3. They're members of the "What Should Be On Chalkhills" Police Oh, that's three reasons. Go on, arrest me. Personally, I'm pretty bored with the John v Paul thread, I reckon someone summed it up correctly by basically saying they needed each other to be on best form. On their own they were seriously flawed. Something about the whole being greater than the constituent parts? *However*, if other people want to carry on, let them do it I say. Enough already with the enough already.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <01BDB10A.093AA6F0@e2c6p42.scotland.net> From: Robert Wood <wobbit@bigfoot.com> Subject: Imports. Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 22:28:57 +0100 Molly said. >> Changing the subject now, I hope that the BBC sessions gets released in America. I'm not going to spend over $100 on an import, because I don't have that kind of money to spend. Any word why it wouldn't be released in America. I'm surprised how many XTC fans there are in America. I think the US fans deserved something like the BBC Sessions, but that's my opinion. << No need to spend a hundred bucks if it's not released in the States. If anyone wanted a copy I'm sure there would be many of us Brits who would accept a cheque from you and then post it over to you. I know i'd be more than happy to help out.
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