Chalkhills Digest Volume 4, Issue 67
Date: Wednesday, 1 April 1998
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 4, Number 67
Wednesday, 1 April 1998
Today's Topics:
New on the list !
Re: Japanese Musicians
In vain...
Re: Hiroshi Takano & XTC
Re: Upsy Daisy
Difford and Tilbrook
XTC moments
Rants 'N' Raves
smelting guns
Andy Partridge (guitar hero); Martin Newell.
Takano & XTC was in 1993
Re: Peel Sessions
I love I Love My Friends
Re: The Mayor of Simpleton
bacon...
RA RA for CC '97
Pushing the Pedals
Born Again
wanted: early/extra tracks xtc
XTC "good bits"
Take a Chalkhills Bowling!
No!
The Magic Band
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Make a play of lust intention.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: <35204B76.3BFD@videotron.ca> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 20:48:38 -0500 From: DOMINIC CHAUMONT <nadaweez@videotron.ca> Subject: New on the list ! Hi, my name is Dominic and I'm a 23-year-old guy from Montreal, Canada. I just joined the list, so I thought I would send a message to introduce myself. I've been enjoying XTC's music for about 4 years now, even though I've never seen them live in concert. I don't know many people who enjoy their music, so it's great to know that other people out there appreciate what they do. My other musical interests include : Lemonheads, Juliana Hatfield, Weezer, Human League, Talk Talk, You Am I, Superdrag, Matthew Sweet, Space, OMD, Sloan, Semisonic, Cake, Better Than Ezra and Aimee Mann. Are there any other Canadian fans out there ? Take care ! Dominic Montreal nadaweez@videotron.ca
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35204E94.668B@bhip.infi.net> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 22:02:05 -0400 From: gregory <mattone@bhip.infi.net> Organization: InfiNet Subject: Re: Japanese Musicians Tschalkgerz! >FYI: Hiroshi Takano is a cool Japanese musician. After hearing Skylarking he pursued Todd Rundgren as a producer resulting in two very hip recordings: CUE & AWAKENING (recorded with Tony Levin among others). I went to his web site hoping to find catalog numbers for those as well as his first solo CD HULLO HULLOA and his latest RAIN OR SHINE (I personally have about 5 or 6 Takano CDs but wanted to order more for my store). Any help regarding those numbers would be greatly appreciated...< Cool. I like hearing about new stuff. BTW, and I may have mentioned this before, but another excellent Japanese artist is Susumu Hirasawa. Since everyone here obviously enjoys a bit of the different in their musical likes, you'll really should dig this guy. WARNING: His stuff is hard to get hold of - it's my understanding that a lot of Japanese folks don't know of him! Another group he's associated with is P-Model. Seek and enjoy! Anyone on the new Bill Nelson e-mail list? The post that appeared today mentioned the "May" release of 'Firework"... so I had to drop him a line and correct him. He's aware of it now! -Bradenton Brian
------------------------------ Message-Id: <35205363.66794A47@usa.net> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 21:22:52 -0500 From: Ben Gott <loquacious@usa.net> Organization: Loquacious Music - http://www.wp.com/58596 Subject: In vain... Hi! I'm back... My dad has said that he'll get me a vanity license plate for my birthday...It needs to be six letters or shorter...I've got "XTC" (of course) and "GO2" in my head, but does anyone else have any suggestions? E-mail them to me, unless they're really great - then you could post 'em. Maybe. I love "Drums and Wires." I just bought "Nonsuch" on cassette for $1.49, via CDnow. You could, too. And buy another copy of "Drums and Wires," just in case. If you've got nothing better to do, check out Babybird's album, "Ugly Beautiful." Poppy, but not lyrically brilliant. Morrissey's "Satan Rejected My Soul" is a great single, but only available on import (in the US). It's on "Maladjusted," as well. Hail, mother motor! -Ben * ---------------------------------------------- * B e n G o t t :: Bowdoin College (207) 721-5142 :: Brunswick, ME 04011 I just might die with a smile on my face after all. * ---------------------------------------------- *
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03020903b14600b4438f@[129.105.37.240]> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 20:17:58 -0600 From: Olof Hellman <hellman@ksan.ms.nwu.edu> Subject: Re: Hiroshi Takano & XTC The web page sited in a previous post, http://www.jah.or.jp/~aigara/ayu/xtc1.htm contains a list, apparently, of XTC video clips which were used/shown at an event/ show at Hitotsubashi University at which Hiroshi Takano appeared. Some of other links include a discussion (in Japanese) of these videos. That's all (i.e. nothing extraordinary).
------------------------------ Message-ID: <3520534A.E30C6DD3@worldnet.att.net> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 20:22:02 -0600 From: "Jeffrey W Wall M.D." <QUINCUNX@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Re: Upsy Daisy Well, I think Stormy Monday pretty much summed up for me how I feel about the Upsy Daisy assortment. Good show old chap! Jeff
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 18:46:01 -0800 (PST) From: Benjamin Lukoff <blukoff@alvord.com> Subject: Difford and Tilbrook Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.3.96.980330183909.29657A-100000@hosebeast.alvord.com> > From: "J. D. SMX" <jsmelser@access.tucson.org> > Difford and Tillbrook are one of the best songwriting teams > ever. If you, too, are not familiar with their work post Argybargy, > try Difford and Tillbrook's solo album first (you can probably find > it in the cutout bins in some format or another) then if you like it, > try the surrounding Squeeze albums. I think Squeeze are great, but I really can't stand the "Difford and Tilbrook" album. It can be summed up in two words: bad disco. Even the folks on the Squeeze mailing list consistently rate D&T as their worst, or next to worst effort, just ahead of "UK Squeeze". My advice: get "East Side Story" first. If you like that, "Singles 45's and Under" has the rest of their early hits. Their later albums are somewhat lackluster, but "Frank" is a real gem, and "Maidstone" (a B-side from 1995) is one of my favorite songs by anyone including XTC, the Beatles, the Kinks, and all that. Benjamin Lukoff blukoff@alvord.com "She is by my side, and the sky is wide -- so let the sun shine bright" -- Ray Davies
------------------------------ Message-Id: <352062AD.A3BE5035@usa.net> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 22:28:08 -0500 From: Ben Gott <loquacious@usa.net> Organization: Loquacious Music - http://www.wp.com/58596 Subject: XTC moments I couldn't resist... - the "steel! steel! steel!" bit in "Nigel" - the way "Battery Brides" speeds up - "ba ba ba" in "Beattown" - the beginning muffled bit in "Knuckle Down" - all of "Snowman," but especially the bell outro - the final "Please come home" bits in "Runaways" - the twittering birds and general elevator-cheesiness of "Wonderland" - "Me and the Wind are celebrating your loss.../Have I been such a fool?" - the train bits on "Train Running Low," especially at the end when Andy's running low...on oxygen... - the guitar/drill bits on "Poor Skeleton" at the beginning, and the crisp percussion throughout - "You keep saying what you got...Look out!" - The extra drum beats (?) during the "We brought the caveman..." verse in "The Smartest Monkeys" (what makes that verse sound different?) - the fade out choruses on "The Disappointed" and the final bit on "Omnibus," when the acoustic guitar comes in And that's just off the top of my head! -Ben (a Maine resident...call me, Vermonters!) * ---------------------------------------------- * B e n G o t t :: Bowdoin College (207) 721-5142 :: Brunswick, ME 04011 I just might die with a smile on my face after all. * ---------------------------------------------- *
------------------------------ From: ERA1970 <ERA1970@aol.com> Message-ID: <525eabdd.35206365@aol.com> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 22:30:43 EST Subject: Rants 'N' Raves i realize political discussion is not approved of here at chalkhill- central,but i wouldnt be able to sleep,unless i made the following mean- spirited observation: >The 1980's were a time of greed and excess The 1980's were a period of unprecedented growth in american history, and more money was given to charity than in the sixties and seventies put together. My source for this info is the 1990 census and division of labor report. now,xtc-related topic: my favorite "xtc moments" 1.Colin screaming"GO!" at the end of "Crowded Room" 2.The piano solo in "runaways" 3.Anything with andy playing harmonica 4.The guitar solos at the end of Books are Burning(Nyah-Nyah!) 5.The violin on "Shake You Donkey Up" 6.Andy yelling "Bye-Bye" at the end of Funk Pop A Roll 7.The "Summer turns to autumn,etc" backing vox in Season Cycle 8.The mock-salsa ending to Hold Me My Daddy 9."Slow!Slow!Quick-Quick,Slow" 10.The Riff from Outside World 11.Any song taking the middle eight and using it as the intro(e.g.Across This Antheap,Respectable Street) p.s. Andy isn't crying at the end of Prince of Orange,he's Laughing!(Listen to it again)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <352068A6.37A5@sd.znet.com> Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 19:53:10 -0800 From: Bob Estus <bobestus@sd.znet.com> Subject: smelting guns Hello, Short note tied with a strange Beatles /XTC knot: A friend of mine recently bought his wife, who collects John Lennon lithographs, a statue of John Lennon. This statue, not only being a very careful study of Lennon, is composed of 100% MELTED handguns. I'm a little torn between liking /disliking this as concept /gimmick. Sorry for the nonspecifics. I can find out more for interested parties. -Bob
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v01540b02b1468d754007@[158.152.74.66]> Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 05:34:06 -0700 From: Yukio Yung <yukio@orgone.demon.co.uk> Subject: Andy Partridge (guitar hero); Martin Newell. For what it's worth, I just thought I'd mention that I'm writing a book called THE COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE GUITAR for Carlton in the UK (I think it will be published by Schirmer in the US), and that I've found a place for Andy Partridge in the mini-biog section of great guitarists. He sits rather nicely in between Gabby Pahinui (the master of Hawaiian slack tuning) and jazzer Joe Pass. It comes out in about October. Also, to the person(s) looking for Martin Newell's Greatest Living Englishman - I'm sure that this is very readily available from JAR music in Germany who released the vinyl version (and who continue put out my own humble efforts, either alone or with The Chrysanthemums). They also do Captain Sensible, The Creams, Todd Dillingham and now seem to be putting out stuff by a guy called David Yazbek who, judging by the promo stuff they sent me the other day, would seem to have heard XTC before (good stuff, if a little too slick-sounding for my own tastes). The address is JAR Music, 29439 Luchow, Jabel 6, Germany. They have quite a good mail order catalogue - and Joachim Rheinbold is a true gent, worthy of a doff of anyone's cap! Have fun. Yukio Yung
------------------------------
Message-Id: <199803310657.PAA25538@mail.ca2.so-net.ne.jp>
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 16:00:47 +0900
From: NISHIMATU <n2_n@ca2.so-net.ne.jp>
Subject: Takano & XTC was in 1993
"Noble K Thomas" <MOONSILVER@prodigy.net> wrote in #4-66
> Subject: Hiroshi Takano & XTC
> I was checking out Hiroshi Takano's web site and ran across an
> interesting XTC LIVE link as follows:
The web page is written with Japanese.
It is about a film(video) show of XTC with some talk of Takano at
Hitotsubashi Univercity on 31th Oct 1993.
Ooops, 5 years ago...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
NISHIMATU Nisei / Japan mailto:n2_n@ca2.so-net.ne.jp
MainURL : http://www02.so-net.ne.jp/~n2_n/
XTC URL : http://www02.so-net.ne.jp/~n2_n/xtc/
Free GIF images : http://www01.u-page.so-net.ne.jp/ca2/n2_n/nng/
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 09:51:34 +0100 (BST) From: Chris Clee <cmc@sanger.ac.uk> Subject: Re: Peel Sessions Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.96.980331094316.2408B-100000@piranha> I would assume that if they performed any BBC radio 1 sessions for John Peel (greatest radio DJ of all time and owner of the largest private record collection in the world) that is what is contained on the CD. Don't know for sure as I haven't seen or heard it. I wouldn't think it misslabelled as Peel Sessions recordings are all released through his own label in collaboration with the BBC. Hope this helps chris ****************************************** Chris Clee Team 55 The Sanger Centre
------------------------------
Message-Id: <s520bab3.066@4thestate.co.uk>
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 09:38:47 +0000
From: Andy Miller <ANDYMILLER@4thestate.co.uk>
Subject: I love I Love My Friends
Hello, long time no post etc.
Stephen Duffy's album 'I Love My Friends' is released in the UK on 20th
April on Cooking Vinyl (unless it's been delayed again). You'll recall that
Andy was involved with a couple of tracks, 'You Are' (previously called
'Guiding Star') and 'What If I Fell in Love with You?'
I've now heard this album several times and am happy to report
IT'S A MASTERPIECE!!!!!
Ahem. Early days but I think this is probably the best record Duffy's ever
done - very varied in sound and songs, owing to the collaborative nature of
the recordings (Aimee Mann, Rik Menck, Alex James, Justin Welsh, Andy etc.
etc.), and very moving - there's a clear autobiographical thread running
through many of the lyrics.
Andy produces, plays guitar and bass, and sings backing vocals on the two
songs above. AND, fact fans, Dave Mattacks drums on them too, a mini Nonsuch
reunion (a little surprising, perhaps, after the experience of recording
that album, but I digress...) They are superb arrangements of two of the
standout songs on the album.
I know a lot of you will buy this album simply because of Andy's
involvement, but it really is a great record - so listen to all of it! (I
obtained a copy in London; feel free to mail me if you want to know where)
Two more things - I spotted a copy of Testimonial Dinner on - yes! - Cooking
Vinyl, with a different (and better) rear cover, and an increased price tag
(#9.99) compared with the previous UK issue. Hmmm...
And have we discussed Andy's collaboration with Nicky Holland on the list? I
only mention it because, IMHO, 'Paper Chase' and 'New York Inside My Head'
are both fantastic songs. Does anyone know who wrote what? 'New York Inside
My Head' sounds a little like 'Rook' with a borrowing of the 'Even I never
know where I go...' melody line from 'Chalkhills and Children' towards the
end. And 'Paper Chase' has an incredible string arrangement and lyrics
which, if Andy did write them, are by far the most explicit reference to his
marriage break-up ('Your Dictionary' notwithstanding...) recorded thus far.
I can't believe we've talked about Cathy Dennis more than this...
Best
Andy
------------------------------ From: btm@ns1.mindmagic.com Message-ID: <3520AB3B.3B1B@ns1.mindmagic.com> Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 08:37:17 +0000 Subject: Re: The Mayor of Simpleton Tschalkgerz! >The Mayor of Simpleton Why this (and many other XTC songs) was not a hit remains a mystery.< Because it's XTC!! That name gives about as much excitement to the rest of the world as, say, Oingo Boingo does. Of, course, we know better. The rest of the world is missing out, the whole ExTrad lot of 'em. "The Mayor Of Simpleton" is one of the finest pop songs that has EVER been written, by ANYONE, bar none. -Bradenton Brian
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199803310202.SAA09825@mail.eskimo.com> From: "Matt Keeley" <mrme@eskimo.com> Organization: The Dead Cat Revolutionary Army Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 18:02:37 +0000 Subject: bacon... Hmm.... > From: cthulhu.engr.sgi.com!sgi.engr.sgi.com!pidesign.attmail.com!PIDESIGN!PILONDON!PAUL > May be it's a function of age? How many C'Hillians who prefer the older > stuff are of the younger age bracket? I'm not saying that I don't like White Well, I'd suppose I'm of the younger age bracket, being 17, but I definately prefer the pre-breakdown albums... Skylarking and O&L were good and all, but they couldn't compare to White Music, Drums and Wires, Black Sea, Go2, English Settlement, or even Explode Together... (Eh, I hate calling it that, but it's easier to type than "or even Take Away/The Lure Of Salvage and Go+"... and you all know what I mean anyway, so...) > From: Stormy Monday <stormymonday@sprintmail.com> > Life Begins at the Hop > Colin and the band rip through this old club favorite. Reminds me of an > early "Dave Clark Five" record. Andy plays a very cool guitar solo, > qualifying himself early on as one of the top 20 influential guitarists > of the U.K. If you've seen the video, you know Dave is happy to have > climbed aboard this ride. Hmmm... the rest of the review of the song seems to be good, but I'm confused by the DC5 reference.... sort of like Yahoo Serious, I guess.... ah well... > From: Bill Gibron <bgibron@yahoo.com> > (Also, check out the They Might Be Giants > song "XTC vs. Adam Ant" - pretty > cool...and guess who wins?) Well, I don't think in the song it really explicitly states who wins, but it's pretty easy to guess the outcome... Oh yeah, 2 posts ago, sorry about quoting the thing at the end right before my sig... I forgot about that one... I intended to go into a rant on cannibalism, but eh... BTW, I've been listening to the "Kyle's Mom is a Stupid Bitch in D Minor" (which isn't in D Minor) remix, from the Taison Tan page at http://www.beef-cake.com/ Pretty cool... it's interesting to say the least, but unlike most a) remixes and b) "interesting" things, it's actually a) listenable and b) good. Ah well, that's this world over, Matt Living Through | (ICQ UIN: 1455267, Name: MrMe) Another | http://www.eskimo.com/~mrme Cuba -- XTC | I used to be temporarily insane! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now I'm just stupid! -- Brak Yeah.
------------------------------
Message-ID: <35213E0D.5F01@prtc.net>
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 14:03:47 -0500
From: pancho1@prtc.net (pancho1)
Organization: prtc.net
Subject: RA RA for CC '97
Hi there,
first off, in case anyone is interested, Pancho PRXTCFAN aka Guy the
Lowland Gorilla (pitlover) is at this new adress.
Now, just wanted to congratulate all involved in the CC '97 tape. I was
not only impressed by the sound quality but also for the top notch
musical ability involved with most songs. I remain awed by the level of
competence of people on this list, great loads of interesting
observations as well as information IMO. The only strange thing
(although quite enjoyable mind you) was hearing covers of the really new
demos like Easter Theatre and Down a Peg, I hope the authors don't mind
that copies of soon to be released songs already exist. And some songs I
heard for the first time (Punch and Judy, Traffic Light Rock and Over
Rusty Water) so I have nothing to compare them to. Regardless, a very
enjoyable tape........oh and there is this: "Sono 'Seagulls Screaming
(Kiss Her Kiss Her)' wa sugokatta!! Saiko!!.
Other XTC stuff:
I was listening to Nirvana's "In Utero" the other day and whilst
perusing the back cover I noticed that our beloved Uffington Horse was
reproduced in the upper right hand corner! I wonder if there could be a
connection or just a serendipitous ocurrence (the other album in the cd
holder was Nonsuch)
And a bit on Captain Beefheart.....AP's song Candymine mentions a 'big
dig' which is a reference to Beefheart's "Smithsonian Institute Blues"
("come on down to the big dig") which I think is from Shiny Beast (I am
afraid all my albums have been in storage for 3 years while I am in
school :( ), my favorite Beefheart Album. I think his last 2 albums were
his best, the clearest expression of his musical voice IMO.
Anyway, that's all and regards from sunny Puerto Rico,
Pancho PRXTCFAN
------------------------------ Message-ID: <c=US%a=_%p=BTG._Inc.%l=EXCH_HQ-980331185755Z-103174@exchserver.btg.com> From: "Sherwood, Harrison" <hsherwood@btg.com> Subject: Pushing the Pedals Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 13:57:55 -0500 Recipe for a Moment: 1) Along about early March, break a major bone. For the Number-One authentic experience, try, say, your clavicle. Try it on, oh, I dunno, rollerblades. Just for the sake of argument. (Stick with me, here. You gotta hit rock bottom before you can go up, dig?) 2) During your convalescence, become aware of layoff rumors at work. Believe them. It's happened before. 3) Panic. Go on many job interviews. Watch your coworkers, dear friends of yours, do the same. They're Breaking Up That Old Gang of Mine. 4) Get some nibbles. Get some serious bites. Get two prospective employers bidding against each other. Play both ends against the middle. Spend a nail-biting week not knowing what you'll be doing for the rest of your life. Finally pick one or the other. Hand in your notice at the place you've worked for ten years. Try, just try, to do this without any twinge of nostalgic regret. 5) Notice your 6-year-old daughter has learned to read. When the hell did that happen? 6) Receive phone call from no-goodnik brother: his band's single is #40 in national radio charts. He's dancing around and gibbering like those people in the hardware store in "That Thing You Do." 7) Notice your bone has healed to the point you can think about exercising again. Gently. 8) Let the weather suddenly *snap* from crappy, rain-sodden late-March blah to summerlike 85 Fahrenheit, no humidity, aggressively beautiful cerulean blue skies with fluffy little meringue clouds. Get the Itch. 9) Scratch the Itch. Blow off an afternoon at work, drive out to the bike path, throw on the skates, and just go. The fruit trees are exploding in blossom. The very air is soaked with DNA: bees lovingly ferry huge pocketfuls of pollen from bloom to bloom, the trees are ejaculating pods, seeds, spores, cotton balls, helicopters, zygotes of every conceivable stripe, huge, sticky purple globs of Gingko Love. The squirrels are going apeshit, playing fuck-me-if-you-can in the branches. Gloriously plumed male birds strut and preen and spread displays of bright feathers for their coy mistresses: "Oh, baby, me so *horny*...me love you *long* time...." The earthworms underfoot, feeling the sun's warmth even two feet underground, are doing the Aerated Fertilizer Mambo--they don't have to impress anybody but themselves. The woods smell intoxicatingly rich and loamy, and the runs and creeks have already taken on a summertime lassitude that just begs for a naked dip. 10) And speaking of naked dips, we notice that all the office workers who have escaped from the fluorescent hell of cubicles and voice mail and PowerPoint presentations full of wretched clip art and Total Quality Market-Driven, Customer-Focused Soul-Death to revel in the newborn warmth, are looking...extremely good. Bodies that have been mummified for months in heavy wool and leather and denim, now suddenly sport cottons and silks that respond to the wispiest of spring breezes by clinging like love itself to curves and straight bits alike. A tall woman seated at a park bench, her pallid winter face uplifted worshipfully to the sun, exposes the graceful lines of her neck: Her facial expression is as ecstatic as Bernini's St. Theresa. She is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. 11) On our personal stereo: Side One of Skylarking. Could it possibly be anything else? 12) The crickets and bees of Summer's Cauldron meld with the newly awakened real-life bees in the honeysuckle thicket along the bike path, and the sun beats down on our neck, laying the base for the year's first farmer tan. The segue into Grass happens just as we're picking up speed for the long downgrade to Sunset Hills Road, and the wonderful slinky strings and salacious lyrics begin to insinuate themselves into our mood, which is lifting with every turn of our wheels. The bell-toned cyclic guitar pattern of The Meeting Place brings the first reverie; our muscles relax and we skate in rhythm with the song's andante tempo, a small augury of imminent ecstasy. We slalom happily to the jaunty Supergirl, as we reach the apogee of our outward journey: we've reached the Town Center, out of breath and sweating copiously, but we know the most difficult part is finished: It's all downhill on the way back. It is during the two Rain Songs, Ballet and 1000 Umbrellas, that we notice we're Seriously Happy. This is no mere good mood; this is something far higher up the emotional food chain. This might be a William Blake Moment. And yes, here it comes, as we're steaming under the Toll Road bridge, the climax to the whole thing, isn't it, the crowning moment, the Big Glorious Orgasm of Skylarking: Season Cycle. We're punching the air, conducting, singing along tunelessly at the tops of our voices, ignoring the looks we're getting from our fellow pagans: Oh, people, if you could only hear what _I'm_ hearing! "Season cycle go from death to life/Bring a harvest or a man his wife," in counterpoint to "Winter chased by springtime/Springtime's turning" and all voices melding on "It's growing green"! It's growing greeeeeeeeen! It occurs to us that now would be an excellent time to throw a triple toe loop, stick the landing. As we weave ecstatically among cyclists and pedestrians, our arms outstretched to pull _everything_ in and give the world a big, wet, sloppy, deep-tongue kiss, a minor note of anxiety enters at the theological speculation: "I really get confused on who would make all this/Everybody says join our religion, get to heaven." But then, to rescue us from this dreary fingerwagging image, comes the insouciant retort: "I say no thanks why bless my soul/I'm already there!" And aren't we just, though? A brief pause for reflection, the skates' rhythm slows, solemnity sets in: "Autumn is royal/As spring is clown/But to repaint summer/They're closing winter down..." Our mood deflates pensively during the fermata; we wonder if we'll ever get back as high as we were a moment ago. Then Prairie Prince's aggressively organic, goading snare starts up again with those triplets, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta-ta, ta-ta-POW! and we're off again, and the joy surges back so quickly, so breathtakingly quickly, that we can't contain ourselves. Tears well up, the lower lip trembles, and we find ourselves actually--uncharacteristically, and certainly unexpectedly--weeping, overcome by ineffable, unspoiled, unmediated, perfect joy. It's only a moment, we're big boys and big boys don't cry, but whoo! Guess I was a little more vulnerable than I thought! Yeah, that's a good album to listen to on a spring day. Harrison "Caution: Yield Trail to Weepy Pantheists" Sherwood
------------------------------
From: Melsta <Melsta@aol.com>
Message-ID: <f0dce636.35216929@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:07:35 EST
Subject: Born Again
Well Hillbillies, I'm back.
Not that I was gone of my own volition, but that's a long story.
(Jay D. I have your Peach demos tape but lost all your info. E me if
you still want it!)
While I was gone, I finally completed my XTC collection on CD
(by complete, I mean I have all the standard US releases. On the
"extras" I'm far from complete). Used to have everything on cassette,
and I was never too enamored with White Music and Go2.
So now it's been some time since I've heard them, and they're
durned catchy! I _like_ the nonsensical Barry Andrews keyboard
stuff. I _like_ the Barry Andrews songs. I have a hard time sitting still
when listening to these records. I suppose I wouldn't want a steady
diet of them, but as ear-candy once in a while they're a fluffy, gooey treat.
In particular I am entranced with the new (to me) "Dance Band". Can
someone just tell me who Gay Gordon is?? The husband tells me
it's a dance, but that's all I can come up with. I've checked the FAQ,
I've searched the back issues, but there's no mention. Am I the only
fool who loves this little ditty? Let me be the first to make my reservation
for the next Chalkhills' Children (if there is such an animal). I WILL be
doing Dance Band. So there.
So add me to the list of the very select Early XTC Lovers group.
I have been born again.
>From Erich Walther <enrico@fox.nstn.ca>
>
>"The stars are matter, we're matter, but it doesn't matter"
>
> - Don van Vliet.
What is matter? Never mind. What is mind? No matter.
- H. Simpson
Re the perceived proliferation of things names XTC, and my fellow Akronite's
mention of the new strip club of that name in beautiful downtown Akron,
I scanned in an ad for it from the local paper if anyone wants it. You can
see the lovely Sandra Scream and all her friends.
Catch y'all on the 'Hill!
--Melissa Reaves
"Slow, slow, quick-quick, slow."
------------------------------ Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980331174305.006c95a8@unccvms.uncc.edu> Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:43:05 -0500 From: kjsteich@unccvx.uncc.edu Subject: wanted: early/extra tracks xtc hi, im rather new to the list (been on a couple of days)and im a rather new xtc convert as well. favorite album is nonesuch, but english settlement and skylarking are really close too. anyway, what im looking for is white music and go2, as well as the extra tracks that were released with the cd releases (ive got most of xtc's work on vinyl, so i dont get those). ive been looking around for white music and go2 on cd or vinyl here, but i always seem to find them when i have no money to spend and by the time i do, theyre gone. so, i come to all you lovely people to help me out. im more than willing to pay for shipping as well as the cost of the tape if anyone would like to help me out by taping these for me (hopefully someone in the eastern usa can help me with this, to cut down on shipping, international bs, etc). thanks for the help. xoxoxo jesse
------------------------------ Message-ID: <65706847FC74D1119E000000F801D38C18F2A6@NTFS03> From: "Deane, Simon" <simon.deane@dgj.com.hk> Subject: XTC "good bits" Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 11:40:07 +0800 Whilst a little irritated by Bill Gibron's slightly patronising tone (very schoolmasterly), I am succumbing to his suggestion that we provide lists of our top XTC musical moments (or rather, "good bits") . I suspect that long time subscribers to this list may have already gone through this phase and in any event giving such lists ultimately will become pretty boring for all, apart from the people compiling them. However in order to get-in my bit of self indulgence before John Relph terminates this line of correspondence, here are some more good bits: 1. The bit in "Nearly Africa" where the African-style backing tune kind of turns inside out and gets louder(?). 2. The soukous influenced guitars at the end of "Hold me my daddy". 3. The bit in "Complicated Game" where "they wanted Tom, they wanted Joe...etc" gets distorted into (sort of) "...they 'rock and roll'.." 4. (Obviously) the guitar hammering in the nails in "Peter Pumpkinhead". 5. The Peter Skellern influence on "Bungalow". 6. The general exuberance, fun and silliness on "Helicopter" especially lines like "she's got to be obscene to be obheard", and "When you're near me". 7. The pseudo trumpet solo on "That is the way". 8. The sentimentality of "Dying" - surely everyone has an aged relative like the one in this song. I for one always am moved by it especially when Colin Moulding sings about the multi-coloured tea cosy (but then I've always been a bit of a softy). 9. I've already mentioned other good bits in "Burning with Optimism's Flame", "Shake You Donkey Up", "That's this World Over" etc. in a previous message. I don't know about other people but I'm beginning to find all the messages about Captain Beefheart a bit tedious. Some people in my school had a bit of a craze on him back in around 1973 (when we were about 14) and I heard quite a bit of his music. I have to say it was pretty unlistenable and I happily moved on to Jethro Tull and the Rubettes. In view of all the fuss here I intend to get hold of a copy of "Trout Mask Replica" to see if I now will find it worthwhile, having matured considerably you understand. Mind you, if that brainless quotation about matter that someone put in the last listing is anything to go by, I was probably at about the right mental age to appreciate it back in 1973. All the best Simon Deane
------------------------------ From: "Wesley Hanks" <whanks@earthlink.net> Subject: Take a Chalkhills Bowling! Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 20:48:22 -0800 Message-ID: <000001bd5d29$66a9faa0$524b2599@default> Hi, A quick search in a favorite news-clipping service revealed some recent finds of the use of "XTC": >From the bowling column in the sports section of the Las Vegas Sun - "Coach's corner I want to talk about ball type and arsenal for the serious league player who occasionally competes in local tournaments. To be competitive on today's lane conditions, you should have four balls. One should feature very aggressive reactive resin, such as a 3D Offset Violet Hammer, a Speed Zone or a Werewolf. You might even choose to have two of these balls, with one finely sanded and the other shined. Your next choice should be an aggressive shell, such as a Boss, Thunder Road or AMForce3. The third option is a medium hooking ball, such as a AmForce2, XTC, BlueThunder or Blue 3D Offset Hammer. The last choice would be a spare ball; most plastic balls or a hard urethane fit this option. Ball drilling becomes a very important part of the package. Having a professional ball driller that can fine tune both your game to fit the ball and fine tune the ball is more than a choice -- it's a must." Hear, hear!! Next from Lubbock, Texas is an account of an assault at a "club"; "The victim told Texas Rangers that she was working at XTC Ranch near Slaton in late 1995..." And from sunny Tampa, Florida we have this lovely vignette: "I pulled off Dale Mabry and drove behind Hillsborough Community College to Lois Avenue. Next to an upholstery shop and a clutch repair place was the ``Tight Ends Exotic Sports Bar.'' Gee, it's not often you find sports bars that specialize that much. A block or so down the street was the ``XTC Super Center,'' which was just up from the cleverly named ``Adult Center.'' Always shouts out something obscene, Wes
------------------------------ Message-ID: <31790FAD9CB8D011BD6A0000F877207D3FFE71@tu-server2.micromass.co.uk> From: Wood Robert MMUk <robert.wood@micromass.co.uk> Subject: No! Date: Wed, 1 Apr 1998 08:36:42 +0100 >> It's true that the latter Squeeze offerings aren't as cutting edge and are more contemporary. But then, in the same way, Nonsuch is no Drums and Wires either. ....doesn't make any less enjoyable. << I'm not having that. IYHO maybe. To my mind Nonsuch is head and shoulders above Drums and Wires. And before you ask I've been into XTC for 17 years so it wasn't my first XTC album...
------------------------------ Message-ID: <35225A75.A8007D83@ameritech.net> Date: Wed, 01 Apr 1998 09:17:09 -0600 From: Alfred Masciocchi <cakrm@ameritech.net> Subject: The Magic Band With all the nicknames they used it's no surprise that there is confusion but the Magic Band members listed below are actually named Bill Harkelroad and John French (speaking of whom, seek out two albums he did with Fred Frith, Henry Kaiser, and Richard Thompson - collectively known as French, Frith, Kaiser, & Thompson). Put me down as a fan of the Captain and the Magic Band as well. If you're looking to get into him start with the excellent 2fer combining Spotlight Kid and Clear Spot. Work your way up to Lick My Decals Off Baby, then to the ultimate Trout Mask Replica. And don't forget his last three Shiny Beast, Doc At The Radar Station, and Ice Cream For Crow. And the early stuff. And... > From: Erich Walther <enrico@fox.nstn.ca> > > Zoot Horn Rollo (Dan > Harkelroad) is writing a book about his days with the Magic Band which is > due out sometime in the next few months. Anyone with a real interest should > check out the Home Page Replica web site which leads to many bizarre > corners of cyberworld (wanna find out what Bunk Gardner's up to?). Weird > genius Henry Kaiser's page shows that he's made an album Beefheart covers, > and Don French (Drumbo) has an album of Beefheart tunes arranged for solo > drummer - feel free to play along on your steel appendage guitar!
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #4-67 ******************************
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