Chalkhills Digest Volume 5, Issue 115
Date: Thursday, 4 March 1999
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 115
Thursday, 4 March 1999
Today's Topics:
Buy more copies!
hi-new here
no appreciation
Airplay in Australia
Issues
An idle thought
Incredibly Picky Lyric Details
Re: Colin's Bass, DG "Guitar God?",AV1
Great new article...
Fw: XTC Orchestrates a Comeback
Skylarking radio promo
Some Trivial Things
Colin Occupants
Album Titles in songs from album before!!!
Beatlesque?
potential XTC chat
Speed Reading
where's the lyrics?
Re: Yo' God!
All the way to New York, just to see Colin
How to be dumb.
Bay area TV appearance
Re: Botties
Big Willie Style
at last, someone who has figured it out
A chord progressian
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: <002001be643a$5334c2c0$a40698cf@tedist> From: "Rick Buist" <rbuist@tedist.com> Subject: Buy more copies! Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 14:41:36 -0800 >Still waiting on my copy of AV1 to arrive - I preordered it, and now I'm waiting for it in the mail while it sits in the stores. What an idiot! What was I thinking?< Well, if you're like me, you were thinking, "I'm a cheap bastard and I'm willing to wait in return for $10 off from MusicBoulevard.com." My impatience outweighed my cheapness and I bought a second copy. It was worth it.
------------------------------
From: "Ryan Holquist" <ryanh@velocity.net>
Subject: hi-new here
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 17:49:33 -0500
Message-ID: <01be6435$c67bd0c0$98061fd0@ryanh>
Hi guys,
I've just subscribed to Chalkhills and I plan to get as much out of it
as I can. First of all, my name's Ryan Holquist, I'm from Erie,
Pennsylvania, and I'm 14 years old. My uncle turned me on to XTC with
Senses Working Overtime and It's Nearly Africa and I've been into it ever
since.
Basic'ly just wanted to say 'hi' and see what the main "no-no's" are
(other than the rules at the top of the digest). (for example, are there
any songs/albums that you'll get killed for critisizing? I've been a fan
for awhile, but I really don't know what the 'classics' are.) Let me know -
I'd like that. :)
-Ryan
------------------------------ From: OMBEAN1@aol.com Message-ID: <5fdd19fd.36db1d7c@aol.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 18:06:36 EST Subject: no appreciation Chalk-o-lates, David Friel certainly gives the Friel name a bad taste. I still react to D & W and Black Sea songs the way I did when they first came out. It certainly is an awesome feeling. AV1 is perhaps their best yet. My CD player is burning a hole through it. Wheres my tissue? Happy listening!! Roger WHY NOT PHILLY????
------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.32.19990302090653.00940750@pop.chass.usyd.edu.au> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 1999 09:06:54 +1000 From: Toni <T.Adler@chass.usyd.edu.au> Subject: Airplay in Australia Greetings Fellow Chalklovers Please help us get some airplay in Australia. If you go to this site you can vote for Greenman on the Net50 chart at JJJ. The address is: <http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/net50/vote.htm>. Scroll down to the bottom of the list to find XTC. If you have the time you can also vote for any song on Super Request at <http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/requests/default.htm>. Every bit of exposure helps when you're going for world domination!! While we are on the subject of JJJ I think it's still the best radio station in Australia. It is after all, the only station which will play XTC. I have heard Adam Spencer, Sarah Mac and Richard Kingsmill play Greenman. For those of you unhappy about the fact that things at JJJ just aren't what they used to be, I say try one of the commercial alternatives. You will soon come back to JJJ. As far as I am concerned there is no alternative until you get to the stage where complaints about the cost of a one day pensioner bus ticket are interesting. When you get to that point in life switch to 2BL or the equivalent ABC station in your state. My major point of comparison is Radio 1 in the UK where I lived for 3 years, it was nowhere near as good as JJJ. At least at JJJ you can avoid the Spice Slags and Mariah Carey (ouch). Thanks for your assistance. Toni. Ms Toni Adler Personnel Team Co-ordinator Personnel Services College of Humanities and Social Sciences (A22) University of Sydney NSW 2006 Telephone: 02-9351 2316 Fax: 02-9351 6071 Email: t.adler@chass.usyd.edu.au
------------------------------ Message-Id: <36DB2197.F4A0ADE6@tmbg.org> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 18:24:13 -0500 From: Ben Gott/Loquacious Music <gott@tmbg.org> Organization: http://listen.to/loquacious Subject: Issues Chalkers, Steve Pitts responded to my post about withholding criticism by noting that: >I've seen numerous comments here about particular XTC albums taking >some time to sink into people's consciousnesses, and this one may well >be no different. That doesn't invalidate the feelings on first hearing, >nor does it preclude anyone from posting them. Besides, who decides how >many 'listens' are enough before negative comments can be posted?? He is, of course, correct. I suppose I felt that "if I love this album, then everyone else must love it" feeling -- which isn't the case, even with something as beautiful (at least in my opinion) as "AV1." I must also admit that I didn't like most of "Mummer" or "The Big Express" until I gave them a proper listen or two or twenty... He also commented (as to Andy's dislike of the criticisms of us Internetters): >Aw come on! I am not so precious as to believe that my opinions, >expressed here or via any other means, make any real difference to Mr. >Partridge, nor do I believe that he and Colin are so precious as to >take any of this personally. I wasn't trying to be "precious"; I was merely stating Andy's (interesting) comment about Chalkhills. Onto other things: Does the "do what you will, but harm none" thing remind anyone else of "this is your life and you do what you want to do/Just don't hurt nobody..."? And... I just received "AV1" on vinyl from Silver Moon Music (http://www.silvermoonmusic.com). It might be easier for U.S. Chalkhillers to get the album from these guys (as they're on our side of the pond), than from CV. The service was quick, and everything looks that much better when enlarged. Why waste good time fighting the people you like? -Ben
------------------------------ Message-ID: <697A4CA51395D111A658AA00040058069D9FF5@NT6> From: "Wiencek, Dan" <wiencek@aaos.org> Subject: An idle thought Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 17:32:49 -0600 I was just wondering: of all the critics who've compared River of Orchids to a Phillip Glass composition, how many do you suppose have actually listened to Glass' work? My guess: Not very damned many. But I'm a cynic, after all. Dan
------------------------------ Message-ID: <00f001be643e$79a29280$058bb0d1@JH3.alternatech.net> From: "JH3" <jh3@netins.net> Subject: Incredibly Picky Lyric Details Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 17:51:26 -0600 Hi everybody... sorry I haven't posted in, oh, a year or so. I've been working on a PDF file of the Apple Venus lyrics, which you can download, print, and crop to fit into a CD jewel box. In order to fit it all onto one side of an insert the type-size has to be a miniscule 5.3 points, which is almost unreadable. So I'm going to do as two pages instead, and you'll have to duplex it. (If you have CorelDraw 8, I can e-mail the one-page version to you right now.) Anyway, I was comparing the lyrics at various web sites, because I have nothing better to do, and I noticed that there seem to be four lines in particular that are in dispute - which have all been mentioned before, but maybe not all in the same post: 1. In I'd Like That, it's "I'll be growing in your rain", not "brain", right? I hope so! Somehow the idea of sunflowers growing in someone's brain just doesn't sound quite right for a song like this. That's more like something Marilyn Manson would write. 2. In Knights In Shining Karma, I'm fairly certain it's "sips from restful slumber's cooling keg," but I've also seen "restful slumbers cooling cake." Regardless, nobody seems to want to put the apostrophe in "slumber's". Why? Don't people like apostrophes anymore? 3. In Greenman (Harrison Sherwood recently posted about this) it's either "And a knowing church," "An unknowing church," or "And unknowing church," but this one is especially difficult because they all make sense, sort of. (I hear "and a knowing" myself.) 4. In I Can't Own Her, after "I own this town, all of its climbers, and...", I've seen it as "its winds all sliding down," "its wines all sliding down", and "its winos sliding down." The last one sounds more logical, but I sort of hear a faint "t" sound in there, like it's actually "wine-oats" or something. I guess it doesn't *have* to be logical. So... I don't suppose someone who knows Andy (or meets him in SF or LA) could ask him about these? Or would it be better for us all to argue about it for a while? Also: Does anyone know what font they're using all over the AV1 artwork? It may be custom-designed for all I know. Joel Flaxman writes: >Andy will be on XRT's Sound Opinions (a surprisingly cool show) next >week. The show is on Tuesday's from 10-12 pm. I heard a promo for this show on the way home from the Borders appearance - they played "Greenman," and then I think they said he was going to be part of a panel discussion about whether or not "Sgt. Pepper" was the greatest rock album ever, or something like that. Should be interesting - too bad I'm about 130 miles out of WXRT's range. John Hedges XTCware: http://www.alternatech.net/jh3/xtc
------------------------------ Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19990301235550.0068b0c0@pop.mindspring.com> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 18:55:50 -0500 From: Pete <pete_srd@mindspring.com> Subject: Re: Colin's Bass, DG "Guitar God?",AV1 Hey Chalkies...thought I'd delurk for a moment to express a few opinions. 1. Are we sure that's Colin playing the bass on "Greenman?" Could someone 'in the know' please clear that up; it sounds a little too 'perfect' to me, unless they squashed the signal to kingdom come in the mix. 2. I agree with Curious George, and I think he stated the 'guitar god' thing perfectly. Dave has NOT changed the guitar's role in music, but don't get me wrong, I'd rather hear him than a thousand others! 3. I am somewhat disappointed by AV1, and I only heard the demos once or twice before hearing the record. I think they could've done a little more during 7 years. Hope AV2 is better. OK flame me too, Pete
------------------------------ Message-ID: <C4D3F9980FD4D111892B00805FBBF5D10189D0D3@mailsvr1.lernerny.com> From: "Lieman, Ira" <ilieman@lernerny.com> Subject: Great new article... Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 19:41:07 -0500 In the Washington Post yesterday (Sunday), "XTC is A-OK!" and it looked like the writer was a big fan of the band. It was basically an interview with Andy, where they go on about Dave, Virgin, fans, and whatnot. I wish I knew what the URL was but you enterprising people can start at http://washingtonpost.com and see what you find. :) -ira L E R N E R N E W Y O R K Ira Lieman, Information Center Analyst 212.884.2122 & 800.723.5333 x42122 Pager: 1-800-PAGE-MCI Pin: 1431988
------------------------------ Message-ID: <000d01be644d$ecf39b80$a0c72599@g00g0> From: "Gary Williams" <garyw_ms@email.msn.com> Subject: Fw: XTC Orchestrates a Comeback Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 17:42:24 -0800 Was away for more than a week, so I humbly apologize if this story has already made the rounds. In any event, a nice write up for our boys from Swindon in Sunday's NY Daily News... http://www.mostnewyork.com/1999-02-28/New_York_Now/Music/a-20872.asp
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199903020145.RAA29093@swan.prod.itd.earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 17:46:35 -0800 From: Daniel Pinder <dpinder@earthlink.net> Subject: Skylarking radio promo I realized the other day that I have this great radio promo LP of Skylarking with our Andy providing commentary about the songs (or most of them, if memory serves). It was supposed to run on radio stations without the need for a DJ; kind of an automated 45 minute segment. My fave is his explanation for It's Really Super Supergirl: "It's about soup..." Not sure if anyone else has heard this, but I was thinking of sticking it on CD (indexed) for, perhaps, $10 each (to cover mail, editing, PQing, and burning, plus media) if I recieved enough enthusiasm from people who wanted a copy. It's been a while since I've had any vinyl action, this would be a refreshing change in a lot of ways. If interested, please e-mail me directly <dpinder@earthlink.net> and give me a few weeks to fish it out and do the editing. Dan Ole! Daniel Pinder <dpinder@earthlink.net>
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302014857.11743.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Bob Crain" <bobcrain@hotmail.com> Subject: Some Trivial Things Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 17:48:57 PST Apples Of My Eye, Though it seems the postings on Colin's new songs are running about 60-40 in favor, I must now enter praising to tilt the balance slightly more in his favor. The feeling I get from "Frivolous Tonight" just warms me to the soul...he is not a kid anymore, much like many of us fans. "This might be our finest hour..." The gatherings that gave us excitement and hope in our young age now give all that and more in our "doteage." When those we enjoy get together to speak of trivial things, pour a glass of stout, and let the spirits rise, something great is created. Wild, wild, wild, or mild, mild, mild. Frivolous! -Bob Crain
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302022506.19917.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Bob Crain" <bobcrain@hotmail.com> Subject: Colin Occupants Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 18:25:06 PST Er, "Frivolous Tonight" is "Life Begins At The Hop" with whiskers and softened cheeks. I mean that in a good way. -Bob Crain
------------------------------ From: Mtbran@aol.com Message-ID: <844739a.36db509d@aol.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 21:44:45 EST Subject: Album Titles in songs from album before!!! I can't believe no one else has posted this info, but I could be wrong. On the Skylarking album, the song Ballet For A Rainy Day starts out, "Orange and lemon Raincoats roll and tumble". The next album that came out three years later was Oranges and Lemons. On the Oranges & Lemons album, the song Chalkhills and Children has a lyric, "I'm skating over thin ice while some nonesuch net holds me aloft". The next official album that came out three years later was Nonsuch. Now to be honest with everyone, I thought that it was a coincidence that the two albums were taken from lyrics from the previous album. However, I was proven wrong when I found out that the new album was called Apple Venus Vol.1 On the Nonsuch album, the song That Wave starts out "Then she appeared, apple venus on a half open shell." This is just another interesting twist that XTC has put into the enjoyment of being a fan. The Red Curtin
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302033947.10181.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Joe Funk" <jomama64@hotmail.com> Subject: Beatlesque? Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 19:39:41 PST Chalkers, I was at a party this weekend, and needless to say I brought my copy of AV1 along! First, let explain a few things about the variety of people there: Good 'ol boys, middle-aged ex-long hairs (like myself), and a bunch of youngsters between the ages of 16 through 26 or so. Back to AV1. I had to play it in running order, so River of orchids was attention grabber; to say the least!!! There were many a strange glance in my direction....(I didn't let anyone know the name of the band!) Finally a guy approached me and said " Andy Partridge! Gone Neo Classical?" My face almost broke in two, so I showed him the cover and he was mesmerized how far AP's somngwritnig had come (he thought they had broke up because of the seven year absence since Nonsuch). Well, any way he enjoyed it so much that he replayed it about an hour later (I had been mingling!). Now, by this time the music was starting to soak into the varied crowd and low and behold I began to hear "Beatles" references!!! The Moulding songs are basically a give away, but some guy began likening the Horns and Bass on "Easter Theatre" to the Beatles, while this other girl said she thought "Knights" had a bit of John Lennon in it! At least a half a dozen others said they had a kind of Beatle's quality to them! I had always thought that XTC's songwriting and texture were reminiscient of the Beatles, but I had taken it for granted till all these strangers came up with these comparisons. Well, they may not be chalkers yet, but I did sell a few people on XTC and AV1. This shouldn't come as a suprise, but when ordinary people arer exposed to XTC with no pretentions, the outcome can be good!! Amazing! "music venue has had its day/Death Watch Beatle band moves in to play" -Boarded Up (which I hope to see on AV2!) Jomama P.S Austin chalkers: Missed AP's interview on KGSR last night! Did Jody play "Knights"?
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36DB649F.704A9150@pop.uky.edu> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 23:10:08 -0500 From: james isaacs <jmisaa00@pop.uky.edu> Subject: potential XTC chat Hello all This is a note to let all know that there may be a viable solution to XTC chat/Listening parties queries that often arise. There is a web site called sixdegrees.com (www.sixdegrees.com), and it is a sort of yahoo site. Anyway, they are trying to tie the world up in the six degrees concept-good luck to them. Anyway, I started an XTC discussion group there, and there are currently two other members besides myself. I recommend all go there, so the necessary login crap, and go the the page. Maybe the single XTC group there can blow the Britney Spears or N'Sync groups out of the water. My theory of the day: If you start your musical career in Germany, and you are not German, you have issues, my friend. Long live Go 2. James PS Go out and buy the Kinks reissues, especially all between 1966 and 1970. Awesome. (Stormy, what do you think of Village Green? I don't think I ever heard our response...)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36DB6A7E.88044353@gte.net> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 20:35:16 -0800 From: Randy Hiatt <rhiatt@gte.net> Subject: Speed Reading I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the good stories... wish they were to do Seattle (NW). I still like AV1. It's too short. Responces: Seeze..., what ever your name was, I can cry from TV commercials! Debora said: the rectum is the distal portion of the large intestine... it ends at the anus, which is the actual orifice. be still my beating heart. bye
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36DB6C24.1703@escape.ca> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 20:42:12 -0800 From: Shaleem Hosein <Shaleem@escape.ca> Subject: where's the lyrics? I just picked up a copy of AV1 and noticed that there's no lyrics! Did anyone get the lyrics? I haven't listened to it yet, waiting for the weekend when I should have more energy. -- Shaleem Hosein, MCSE Network Technologist Department of National Defense
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302045808.23347.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Yo' God! Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 20:58:06 PST Greetings, sucka DJ's >GETO BOYS rapper Willie D. has reinterpreted the band's flashback >anthem "Dear God" for his upcoming album, with frontman Andy >Partridge's permission. "...flashback anthem..." ??? errgghh ..pass the sick bag. Can't wait to hear Willie's 'reinterpretation'. Let me guess ... they'll chop it up, lay the "Funky Drummer" loop underneath it and then rap over the top. How creative. What's next? A newly-discovered remix of Squeeze's "Up the Junction" performed by Tupac Shakur? Give me strength .... Yo' mama Dunks
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302050430.21541.rocketmail@attach1.rocketmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 21:04:30 -0800 (PST) From: Jennifer Linnea Strom <jlinnea@rocketmail.com> Subject: All the way to New York, just to see Colin Greetings! I had the good fortune to be able to take both Tuesday and Wednesday off last week and went down to New York for the signing on Tuesday and returned to Boston the next day for the signing here Wednesday night. I figure since this is the first album in 7 years, and they don't tour, I'm going to take full advantage of this opportunity to meet them in person. The other reason for going to New York was also because Colin was going to be there and not in Boston. I got to the signing in New York at about 4:30 and was lucky enough to be pretty early in line, but so early that I was waiting for 2 hours before the line even started to move. It was unbelievably cold and in attempt to comfort myself, I kept telling myself that it was probably colder in Boston, but I was still freezing my ass off, which is saying something for a girl from Maine. Chatted with a few of you while I was in line (whoever you were, thank you for holding my spot so I could go inside and warm up). Finally met up with the fabulous Mitch Friedman, who was greeted with the remark "Oh, you're THE Mitch?" After waiting for another hour, the line started moving and within 30 minutes we were inside. I could feel myself becoming more and more anxious as I saw them up there and the line getting shorter and shorter. I had fears that I would get really flustered and start talking like Mush Mouth from Fat Albert. Finally, my turn came up and in some sort of jumbled neurotic speech, I asked them to sign my CDs (Colin has such a nice speaking voice, well they both do, but you don't get to hear his as much) and told Andy how my brother played Scissor Man for me when I was 9 and that it gave me nightmares. He apologized and I told him not to worry, that he had more than made up for it. Went out for sushi with Mitch and out of curiosity, on the way back we stooped into Tower (about 10 or so) to see if they were still there and they were. There were about 30 people left and Andy was yawning but seemed to be in very good spirits and they were still very gracious. It was good to see them indulge their fans like that and spend so much time with each person. The next day I made it back to Boston with enough time to go to my apartment and run down to Newbury Street. This time, thank god, we were waiting inside. Waited in line with David and Cheryl and when the time came Andy recognized me immediately! "You again! That's cheating!" He still signed my copy of Song Stories (It was a dark and stormy night...Andy Partridge) and I got a picture this time. Afterward, met up with the other Dave and ventured off to Small Planet for food and drink. A good time was had by all, I hope. Really enjoyed meeting all the other people from Chalkhills (I sincerely apologize if the cold froze a few of my brain cells and I can't remember any names). I love AV1! I can't say if it is my favorite album of theirs, but I do love it. River of Orchids has really grown on me, Easter Theater makes me grin excessively and Your Dictionary makes me hope that I never piss off anyone that much in my life. Being a big fan of Colin's songs, I love Frivolous Tonight and Fruit Nut. His voice is a little more throaty, but it works. All in all, it won't be leaving my CD player for quite a while. Sorry if I rambled on a bit, Jennifer
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302052742.921.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: How to be dumb. Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 21:27:41 PST Re the comments from David Friel: >I must say, and I'm probably one of the few, if only, that will go on >record to say this, that I'm pretty disappointed with AV1. I resort to an old standby - "Are you mental?" >After listening to Andy's '95 Demo Tape for three years, I don't >think the songs on AV1 hold a candle to the genius he displayed on >the aforementioned tape. I find the songs on AV1 very overproduced >and sorta like the muzak/elevator-music version of the songs on the >tape. Personally, I think the songs on the '95 demo tape were in >their most pristine, perfect form and shouldn't have been tinkered >with. I would define your problem thus: 1. you've been listening to the demos for three years and you expect the album to sound just like them 2. you have no imagination 3. you want Andy to pander to your tastes Do you seriously expect Andy would spend three years and many thousands of pounds to make an album that is merely a hi-fi duplicate of his demos?? What would be the point of that, pray tell? >I must say, however, that I am looking forward to AV2. But is AV2 looking forward to you? >I invite all comments and ridicule. Thanks for asking, but we don't need an invitiation, sucker. You're crazy! >P.S. I find the melodrama on Chalkhills regarding AV1 quite >hilarious. Did someone actually say he/she cried when he/she first >listened to it? Expressing opinions is one thing, but your rudeness is uncalled-for and quite offensive. XTC's music means a lot to a lot of people, and I think it's pretty cheap of you to ridicule someone for expressing their feelings about it. You need to learn some manners, sonny! Now go and stand in the corner, you naughty boy. Principal Dunks
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199903020548.VAA14622@sparrow.prod.itd.earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 21:48:04 -0800 Subject: Bay area TV appearance From: "Russ Reynolds" <rcreation@earthlink.net> I noticed the TVT web site lists a live Bay TV appearance on Wednesday 3/3 at 9AM (SF time). I imagine this will be an interview only. http://www.tvtrecords.com/xtc/xtcactivities.html Tomorrow (3/2) is the SF signing...bummed that I won't be able to attend. -russ
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302062141.16432.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Botties Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 22:21:41 PST Harrison asks: >So now that we've gotten "phallic" and "priapic" all straightened >out, what's the difference between "anal" and "rectal"? Anybody? About 1/2 an inch. (why do you want to know this Harrison?) Dr Dunks (just a quick examination, honestly ...)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302064016.2731.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: Big Willie Style Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 22:40:16 PST 1. Here my XTC "Six degrees of separation": Harrison - Sherwood - Robin Hood - Herne - Greenman - Andy Oh well, it was worth a try... 2. Influences/references: a nod to the Small Faces "Itchycoo Park" with the "What would you like?" backing-vox on "I'd Like That? Dunks PS - please don't ever mention Morris dancing again.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <l03110704b3013860987b@[206.173.241.24]> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 1999 22:59:49 -0800 From: Eb <gondola@deltanet.com> Subject: at last, someone who has figured it out >From: "J. Brown" <ringostr@u.washington.edu> > >And sending >nasty emails to these [disc jockeys] will only enforce their opinion that >we are a >bunch of freaks. BULLSEYE. Eb
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990302073730.25821.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: A chord progressian Date: Mon, 01 Mar 1999 23:37:29 PST Re: my post about Punch & Judy '98 (Partsy v. Squinty) Rob Dassie responds: >Responding to Dunks (far more than) 2 cents worth on the Andy vs Dave >discussion, I quote from my original post: Am I to take it, from this rather thinly-veiled attempt at sarcasm, that you are implying that I am, for want of a better term, verbose? Do you mean to suggest that I am lacking in brevity? Are you hinting that I am bereft of concision? >>He may be completely justified in all that he's saying, but >>to spill it out at every chance he gets is spreading the bad Karma >>something fierce. > >But personally, I feel that you shouldn't go airing your dirty >laundry as much as Andy (and perhaps now Dave) does. It just makes >everyone look bad. And it's a shame that this is the back drop for >what is the fantastic output of Apple Venus. Well, as I said - these things happen. My main point - perhaps obscured by my tendency to run off at the mouth - was that I don't think Andy was exactly broadcasting it. It's not as if he's set up an Internet site about it and posted all his gripes there. He was interviewed; someone asked him a question and he answered it. What's so bad about that? It's a real shame Dave left but I think the writing was on the wall. It can't all be sweetness and light, mate. You only have to watch the Fleetwood Mac episode of "Classic Albums" to see an example of how great records are sometimes made in the most noxious of atmospheres. At the peak of their fame, the members of the Eagles wouldn't even be in the same room as each other on tour, and travelled in separate planes and cars. Oh my god...did I just mention the Eagles??? On the same and related topics, Robert Wood said >Toddzilla (as Duncs amusingly put it!) says to DG ...<snip> Actually, I think that's what Andy calls him. I picked it up from that "Oranges and Lemons" video, where they had a little that little toy theatre, and a plastic monster representing Todd. Funny. >Is a session musician going to come in and create something like >that? Pretty unlikely, most session musicians aren't creative people >in the same way as people in a band are. It just doesn't mean the >same to them. What??? I think that's a pretty wild call, Robert. There are many, many classic moments, on many classic records, that have been created by those "uncreative" session players. These people are *not* mediocre neer-do-wells who get paid to be pedestrian or hang around recording studios in the hope of sneaking a lacklustre solo onto someone's album. They are the cream of the crop - highly trained, highly-experienced players with nouse and taste to burn. For example: most of the Steely Dan albums those classic solos people talk about - were done by these same "dull" session musos. Do you think they paid Larry Carlton $50,000 for his solo on "Aja" because they wanted something boring? Session players work incredibly hard and they are VERY dedicated people - not journeymen. Let me tell you - Carol Kaye says that during her peak as a session bass player in the late 60s, she earned more per annum than the US President. I read in Mojo the other day that Glenn Campbell was making over $500,000 a year back then! A song may not mean the same to them in terms of their emotional attachment, if only because they didn't write it (and isn't that true of Dave anyway?) ... but they ARE musicians - they play for the love of the music, and to earn a living. It's a cutthroat business - their livelihood depends on playing as well they can, because they are freelance operators; if they give even a fraction less than 100%, or are late, or fluff their cues, or can't read a chart first-take, they simply are not called back to the next session. And there are PLENTY of hungrey payers waiting for a break, right behind them. They have far more incentive than most band members to turn in as perfect a performance as is humanly possible. >One way I think Dave's opinion is already missed is on the topic of >AV1 being all "orcoustic", I agree with Dave that it should have been >a mixture, I think there are places in the album where it just cries >out for something that just crashes in and perks up the album. Don't >get me wrong I think it's a fine album, but I think it could have >been a lot better with some more variation. Well it isn't! It's been done the way it was possible to do it, and they way Andy wanted it. Why keep trying to second-guess the man? He knows his stuff - let him get on with it. One last thing? Why is it that people seem to think that now Dave has left the band, all the meaty guitar goodness has left too? Andy is fucking brilliant player, and I'll say it to whoever will listen. Dave is great, he's very creative, very fluid, etc, and his style really appeals to me, but as a guitarist myself, it's Andy's playing that always makes me sit up and go "What the fuck was that?" I just wish we could hear more of it, because his solos really come from left field, whereas Dave's are perhaps a bit more what one might expect to hear, fine as they are. People will disagree, but that what I think. I know, I know ...if I don't stop picking at it, it will never get better ... Dunks
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