Chalkhills Digest Volume 5, Issue 24
Date: Tuesday, 24 November 1998
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 24
Tuesday, 24 November 1998
Today's Topics:
3 cheers for Richard and CC98
Transistor Blast
I Could Weep
Enough Already
transistor blast availability
Just so happens...
Sherwood is great... one more vote
Meanwhile, back at the ranch
jiggling at the hop
SF Bay Area Gathering
RACISM ???
Wanker
Merchandising Poll- the delay
Here Comes Killing Opinions Again
a polaroid minute
Re: Nun Beating
got black sea?
Defense of dislikes
What does Andy himself think?
Killing Again
It's all good.
Shock Statement : " 25% of XTC Songs Are Crap " says fan !!
CC98 Rules!
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Blushift@aol.com Message-ID: <4dce5de7.365a53fb@aol.com> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 01:36:43 EST Subject: 3 cheers for Richard and CC98 I have to second John's hurrahs for Richard's efforts into CC98. Many do not realize what goes into a project like this. I have given the compilation many long listens and am appreciating more the diversity of ideas that have gone into each work. To throw a glowing ember back to light up John's court for a moment, I really dug his rendition of 'Pearl'. Visions of sitting on the porch swing in front of the old plantation mansion sipping some freshly squeezed Lem-on-ade on a slightly sweltering evening. Kudos to you. (send your wife a virtual hug for me also [blushing]) Next - TOP 40's romp through South America with 'Dame Fortune' (or is that through Mexico?). Makes me want to grab Selma Hayek and Lambada all night. Very well done. Always been a fan of Latin influence. The remainder of the album is none the less for talent and fun. I will reserve more comments for later as I listen more. One last thumbs up to Harrison AND Jean-Leon for the artwork. Very fitting. ...Your idea for the Tom Waits quote?... Almost spit out *MY* coffee... wait, I don't drink coffee... More later after Thanksgiving holiday... Cheers, Spanky (sometines goes by David)
------------------------------ From: Holger.Loeschner@mkjff.rlp.de Message-ID: <048208B9F651D21192EA0000F877AAD604CCBC@ns3.mbk.rpl> Subject: Transistor Blast Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 09:40:36 +0100 Hi, I found some interesting stuff in the latest December Mojo issue. Someone wrote the following letter to Mojo: "..but the reason I have to write you stems from Chris Ingham's review in Books of XTC: Song Stories. Ingham's piece closes with a reference to O&L and specifically "a cap decorated with pictures of female genitalia so when anyone was being difficult they had to put on the 'Colonel C*nt Hat'. The obvious question: where is that cap today? When I `d learned that XTC were recording in L.A. I called my friend, producer P. Fox, requesting employ as coffeemaker or fly on the wall. Those jobs were taken but I was invited down anyway. After several weeks, the band had finished basic tracks at Ocean Way and were packing up their gear for the move to a smaller overdub studio. Andy, Colin and Dave each grabbed their respective guitars, but there was some question as to whose duty it would be to transport The Hat. The appropriateness of the 'Colonel C*nt Hat' was never in question in the confines of the studio, but when it came to taking it out into the daylight, say, to an apartment where wives etc. would be, the cap's vileness suddenly blossomed as never before. I did what I had to do: I`ll take it, guys. Relief all around. Immediately, of course, I was assaulted with remarks concerning the parameters of taste in my homelife, but I knew was doing the right thing. History was a stake. Now faded and dusty, the prized 'Colonel C*nt Hat' nevertheless is safe and sound. And hidden in a drawer." Parthenon Huxley, Los Angeles Aslo in that issue: a nice ad of HMV for Transistor Blast: "A 4-CD box set of some great XTC material recorded for the BBC over the past two decades. The tracks on disc 1 & 2 were recorded at selected sessions at the BBC's own studios. disc 3 is made up of two seperate live performances whilst disc 4 features highlights from an electrifying concert at the Hammersmith Palais. This collection includes sparkling versions of M.P.f.N., S.o.L., G.& M., This is pop, Respectable Street and T.o.L.. A unique set from one of the music industry's most revered and respected groups!" And also words by Mike Oldfield to his Amarok record from 1990 - see the parallels: He told that things were going badly with Virgin. They wouldn't let him leave - low royalties and bad advances. To get a fair deal has been like fighting a war. Making the angry record Amarok he was imagining Simon Draper driving in his Lamborghini with that loud music to irritate him.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <s65a9f79.038@parliament.uk> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 11:57:44 +0000 From: Dominic Lawson <LAWSOND@parliament.uk> Subject: I Could Weep OK, maybe should I let it lie but then again, Michael doesn't want me to so here goes... A while I ago I said: >>I have > been a little disturbed by the somewhat narrow musical view shared by many > of you OK, I was largely wrong. Many of you have fantastic, rich and exciting musical tastes. It was a hasty thing to say. I wrote this remark after having read two or three editions of Chalkhills. Now, after a much longer time I have reconsidered. I have pointed this out on numerous occasions, but obviously I'm being far too subtle. Yeah, right. >>I'm 41 years old. You can't possibly imagine all of the music that I've been exposed to and I've loved in my lifetime. I don't want to be rude here, but seriously, big deal! So you're fifteen years older than me. So what? You've no idea how much music I've listened to in my life, and I doubt very much if you've heard half the stuff I've listened to and loved. So? Who gives a monkeys? And furthermore, what's this got to do with anything? >>you have pounced on virtually everything the man (Harrison) has written, like you've got to something to prove That's not true. I've had several pops at Mr Sherwood, but (a) he hasn't responded to any of them, which implies that he's not overly concerned, and (b) much of the time I haven't reacted to his posts at all. Oh, and I have nothing to prove, at least not to you. >>Clearly, Harrison was not implying that he himself was on par with the "Algonquin Round Table" No, I realise that. Sigh. >> and your "You fucking wish pal" crap in my estimation was completely uncalled for. Was it? I thought it was mildly amusing, as did several other people. Just because I used a swear word, it doesn't mean I'm sitting here gnashing my teeth and preparing to attack someone with a bat. Honestly, what delicate flowers you must be. If you don't appreciate my attempts at humour, get over it. I'm not so desperate for attention as you seem to think, and I certainly don't give a toss whether Chalkhillians are falling about at my jokes, which are hardly meant to be pant-wettingly hilarious anyway. Ignore me, by all means. I promise not to cry. Some of my closest friends are like, gasp, REAL people, and not just anonymous blocks of text on an Internet discussion forum. Their opinions matter to me. Your opinions matter, but your opinion of me means less than poop. >>I've got better things to do then get offended over anything that anyone says in this newsletter, let alone a kid that was still in diapers when I was playing my first gigs. Quite. Why did you then? Seems a bit odd to me. Also, don't forget, you'll be wearing plastic pants by the time I stop playing gigs, so it works both ways. Seriously, it's like being back at primary school. "I'm older than you, so there!". Ooh, cutting. >>Moreover, your feeble attempt at being pedantic was misguided; edgewise and edgeways are synonymous. Yes. I know. I just prefer "edgeways". Sorry. Again, I'm surprised that you consider this to be worthy of comment. If you really want a linguistics debate then let me know. Oh no, of course! I could never hope to understand or appreciate all the books you've read in your lifetime, oh wise man of the digest. >>but when you antagonize people, expect them to respond in kind. I do. With humour. Never mind, perhaps saying "I'm 41 years old" passes for a joke round your way. Anyway, I don't seek to "antagonize" people. It's just an unfortunate consequence of the differences between us all, not a malicious flaming campaign. And finally... >>Before you get too defensive Too late. >> look it up, because you are obviously ignorant if you believe the claptrap that you posted on that day. OK then, let's have a look..... Nope, sorry. I still can't see what all the fuss is about. The aforementioned "narrow" remark aside, I can't see anything there that I wouldn't gladly defend. Why is it claptrap? Basically, it seems, because you don't agree with it. Fair enough, but to endlessly regurgitate these rapidly ageing Dom-bashing arguments is EXACTLY the kind of thing I'm talking about when I say that some people are put off contributing by the look-at-the-size-of-my-brain brigade. I've spent far too much time answering these sort of accusations. Apart from the obvious fact that it's hideously dull for everyone else, I can't help thinking that I'm being made to apologise for having a sense of humour that some of you don't find very appealing. If you have mis-interpreted things I've said then that's unfortunate. Just don't assume that you're interpretations are necessarily right, or even close to what I meant to say. If I need to be psychoanalysed, I'll be sure to let you know. Until then, don't assume you know me or anyone else who contributes. Being 41 doesn't mean you're necessarily more intelligent, perceptive or open-minded than anyone else, even though you obviously see it as some sort of licence to patronise. Some of the stupidest people I know are in their forties. Oh, and by the way... >>Weren't you the one complaining about all the rich sods on this list being able to afford Song Stories, a low-priced paperback book? Another case in point. Yes, I was. It costs 12 quid over here. That is not a "low-priced" paperback book. I can't afford it. "Transistor Blast" costs roughly 20 quid, for four CDs. That is cheap. I still can't afford it, but it's better value for money. And Ozzy bless Catherine Sweeney! Dom.
------------------------------ From: MrsHugh@aol.com Message-ID: <68ee7bae.365ab988@aol.com> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:50:00 EST Subject: Enough Already Chalkers, I have one more thing to say about things that we've been talking about. Peter Wright wrote: <<All this talk about 'best' and 'worst' XTC albums is frankly getting tired. We all have our own tastes , therefore opinions. It is a totally pointless exercise to cram Chalkhills full of this stuff as everyones opinion is vald and nobody has the right to challenge your opinion by stating their own as superior. Personally I love O&L and Nonsuch. So what ? If you don't , turn it off. Simple isn't it ? Over-produced , under- produced. Who cares ? If you like it fine. If you don't , fine. End of story !! Can we now give it a rest and talk about something more challenging ?>> I agree entirely. We start repeating ourselves, and it gets tiresome. Why don't we talk about the new album or other things. I hate all the bashing going on. I even hate the bashing Dom and Harrison are getting. Man, you guys can get a bit cruel sometimes. I can't wait to get Apple Venus Vol. 1. It sounds like a great album. I know I'll play it on my radio show when it comes out. That's all I have to say now. Molly http://www.angelfire.com/mo/mollyfa/index.html
------------------------------ Message-ID: <E3B777F7C741D211A2C100A0C9DCF97B9CAA74@MSE9TH1.barnesandnoble.com> From: Greg Marrs <gmarrs@book.com> Subject: transistor blast availability Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 09:34:54 -0500 Howdy Folks! Just thought I'd pass along the news that TB is now being touted on Music Blvd for $38.88. For those who balked at ordering the set from TVT, Music Blvd.com is pretty darn safe and quick. Here's the "e-nouncement" they sent out: ALTERNATIVE ROCK NEW RELEASES Order now before it hits the stores! XTC - Transistor Blast - Best Of the B Scheduled for Release 12/01/98 ON SALE Price: $38.88 (You Save $11.09 off list price) Veteran English cult heroes XTC, famed for their brilliant Beatles-y, psychedelic pop, cull the finest tracks from over 20 years' worth of BBC recordings. This 4-CD box set features two discs of songs taken from their numerous BBC Peel Sessions, and two discs of live tracks that were recorded live for the BBC. http://p0.com/r.d?rhYo4yyXk=musicblvd/cgi-bin/tw/4826_43_628166
------------------------------ Message-ID: <C4D3F9980FD4D111892B00805FBBF5D10108B80B@MAILSVR1> From: "Lieman, Ira" <ilieman@lernerny.com> Subject: Just so happens... Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 09:47:43 -0500 Hey there... I haven't read a digest all the way through in about a week and it's really funny that the day I read the last 4 digests and see all the discussion about O&L and The Big Express, I realize that Friday I just happened to bring them in so I could listen to them at work. I just happen to be in an "Express" mood...and that's not because I work for that store's sister company now. (If you're not in the States you may not understand, no big loss.) My 2c on the subject, all the albums fit a mood. I fast forward through "President Kill" as well, and I sometimes dwell on the glossy finish of O&L as being unnecessary. But I like it as background at work...if I'm playing the cd continuously, fate usually has it that I'm able to hum along to "Pink Thing" every 50 or so minutes. That song has been stuck in my head the last few months being I'm getting ready to welcome my own... Anyhoo, that's all from the West Side. -ira, in the stuffy office on 33d Street
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19981124144808.1996.rocketmail@attach1.rocketmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 06:48:08 -0800 (PST) From: nross <phoenixyellowrose@rocketmail.com> Subject: Sherwood is great... one more vote He IS very nice and can hole his liquor as Bob Crain said... I think he is very clever... I must be out of it, or not really paying attention because I didn't realize there was any question to his originality and intelligence.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <B82F8C4D16A0D1119FDC0001FA6A4BC90234404A@hfd-exch003.hartford.aetna.com> From: "Witter, Karl F" <WitterKF@aetna.com> Subject: Meanwhile, back at the ranch Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 10:28:43 -0500 KenL: "If someone sliced This World Over off of TBE it would be perfect. (Boy I'm really asking for it.)" Blindfold on, noose 'round the neck, one whip-cracking away from death, and I ride in: You're right. Somebody cut this rope down! "This World Over" doesn't sound like the rest of the record. From the Parkeresque "I Remember the Sun" to the...Parkeresque "Liarbird", all the remaining tracks of TBE have an aural togetherness not found on the less-favored XTC albums. Without gold sales or radio airplay, TBE just holds together with few weaknesses and a great match of emotions and sound. That sets it apart from XTC records that didn't even achieve XTC-scale sales success (Mummer and Nonsuch mostly). The Big Express stands up with some of their more critical and commercial successes. On the drummer/live/rehearsal/warmth continuum, how does Andy hope to achieve something "resembling Black Sea in tone" on AV2? Remember the anecdote about what the live in the studio playing, with Prairie Prince, brought to "Earn Enough for Us". I'm hoping for a repeat of process. For someone who isn't above playing all the instruments in the political orchestra, President Kill is an amazingly one-off piece of songwriting. It doesn't belong on O&L but it does go somewhere. Neither a fan's nor critics' favorite, for almost twenty years*, Karl (*From an actual review of REO Speedwagon, circa 1994, in the Hartford Courant.)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <900822C71730D2118D8C00805F65765C1FD74D@einstein.moneystar.com> From: Jill Oleson <oleson@moneystar.com> Subject: jiggling at the hop Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 09:52:46 -0600 I don't know about you, Catherine (or the rest of Chalkhills for that matter), but whenever I listen to "Drums and Wires," visions of young teens dance in my head, arms outstretched, twirling like "Helicopters," as they pursue their pubescent dreams. After all, for them "Life Begins at the Hop." Hormones ablaze like Christmas lights. I, voyeur. For me those two songs are forever entwined.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03102801b2808163b613@[165.227.110.102]> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 08:43:42 -0700 From: Richard Pedretti-Allen <richard@tactics.com> Subject: SF Bay Area Gathering I have had five responses in a San Francisco Bay Area gathering (well... SIX... Becki is behind on digesting her Chalk). Let me know if there is more interest. The potential nights I'm looking at are December (M-T-W) 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 or 16. Currently looking for something between San Francisco and San Jose with a DJ that will play some stuff or a jukebox where the owner has access. Easy access from CalTrain would be a plus. Additionally, an option may be for some apartment-dwelling Chalkster to reserve the facility's rumpus room, we'll set up a stereo system and it's BYOB. It would be economical and we'd control the environment. So... if you are a bay area apartmenter, emial me privately and we can discuss that options. Cheers, Richard "Lionheart, the holy land invader" Pedretti-Allen richard@tactics.com
------------------------------
Message-Id: <9811249119.AA911930569@ccmgate.carat.fr>
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 98 18:51:39 +0100
From: fsolans@carat.fr (SOLANS, Frederic)
Subject: RACISM ???
Hi all
I didn't wait thousand mails after my Chalkhills #5-17 post, but...
not any word, it's not fair !
Anything special with messages from France ? froggies racism or
anything else ?? I hope not.
I'm frustrated caus my english is poor and I can't participate as I
would like (and I can't prove my (little) reputation of colorful
writer).If anybody speaks both languages and want to share his XTC
fanatism or others interests, welcome (on my adress or on Lumiere,
french site of my friend Patrick Bourcier).
Now, I repeat my first request :
1/ The Mabuses (Kim Fahy) : who knows ? who is agree with my link
between XTC and him ? maybe the person who regrets the Dodgy split?
(I'm agree with him, another very good band is dead). I hope The
Mabuses isn't on the same way.
2/ Yuval Gabay, E.T drummer (from Soul Coughing)
Hundred messages about an old "drummer" (Phil Collins), who didn't
have a significant use of his instrument for long years, and nothing
about a tremendous "new" one ? appreciate an old pop british band (our
lads) and a recent hip-hop-jazz-all-you-want new-yorker combo (Soul
Coughing), is it possible ? I'm here to say yes.
And if I had responsability to choose between Phil and Yuval for a
participation on XTC works (AV 2 ?), I don't need "photo finish" !!
If anybody needs more "recommendations" about me before any response :
I'm an old fan, D&W period (and I like very much O&L...and all the
others, I can't rank), I play bass in an occasional XTC's cover french
band named X-troverts (with Patrick "Lumiere"), also on Knuckle Down
in CC98 Modern Time Neros, and last but not least, I have an XTC
"trophy" = a lunch with Andy and his new wife (+ 2 friends of mine + 2
Virgin Paris girls) during promotion of Fossil Fuel last year in
Paris. No coment, it was great.
That's all but !! warning !! I'll be back
Fat Bassman
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19981124180617.5014.rocketmail@web1.rocketmail.com> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 10:06:16 -0800 (PST) From: nross <phoenixyellowrose@rocketmail.com> Subject: Wanker I was just going back in the postings, because I have a huge tendancy to overlook things I might not want to overlook... and I saw a posting by Dom... that a wanker is not a happy love toy... meaning a penis... PENIS... a wanker is a penis. If I am wrong than I have missunderstood WAY too many jokes and references. A PENIS very much is a wanker am I right? God, I'll just freak out if I am wrong here because that will be years and years of not really knowing what was being said around me. It must be a love toy...right RIGHT? Please PLEASE tell me I am right! The fanny issue is scaring me too... My great-grandmother's name was Fanny. Needless to say, I won't be naming my future kids Fanny anytime soon! God, I sound like an idiot in this posting... I need Harrison to write for me! Has he had any postings recently? I'd like more analyses of songs... the one on THAT WAVE had me smiling and hearing the song in my head for days! Like I said before, I've a great tendancy to overlook postings. ANYWAY!
------------------------------ From: Kate_L_Burda.ALDRICH@notesgw.sial.com Message-Id: <862566C6.0065B173.00@notesgw.sial.com> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 12:28:19 -0600 Subject: Merchandising Poll- the delay Hey everyone, I've decided to delay the posting of the merchandising poll results due to the current raging debate(s). I figure that many people will totally miss or accidentally skip the posting as they're hitting the ol' "page down" key and traversing through the digests. I waited for everything to settle down, but it was not to be. So, after another week or so (that should give everyone time to catch up with your required digest reading!) I'll sit down and get it posted. Kate P.S. My delay will NOT be as long as the one for Apple Venus, Vol 1!! :)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <0143041F00B7D011B7C500A0C90051511D2D8F@IMA_NT1> From: "BOB O'BANNON" <BOBANNON@IMAweb.com> Subject: Here Comes Killing Opinions Again Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 13:28:10 -0500 OK, OK . . . some of you like "Here Comes President Kill Again." I give. But I'll bet you can't say you like it AND "Big Day." On to another matter: It was always my understanding that this was a list where we could all talk about XTC's music, but apparently some don't agree: * >>> All this talk about 'best' and 'worst' XTC albums is frankly getting tired. We all have our own tastes , therefore opinions. It is a totally pointless exercise to cram Chalkhills full of this stuff as everyones opinion is vald and nobody has the right to challenge your opinion by stating their own as superior.<<< It is obviously the opinion of many people on this list that it is enjoyable to talk about 'best' and 'worst' XTC music. You apparently have a different opinion. Fair enough. But since your opinion, according to your own criteria, is also not superior to anyone else's, then we can all forget you said anything, right? Let the discussion continue! Bob
------------------------------
Message-ID: <204640794C39D211A21700805FA735211AA0A4@ahqex1.rei.com>
From: Steve Sims <ssims@rei.com>
Subject: a polaroid minute
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 11:03:15 -0800
Recent great moment in my life: last week my 8-yr-old daughter came to me
with a list of songs she wanted me to put on a tape. She had included the
songs we like to scream our lungs out to ("No Thugs", "Rocket From A
Bottle", "Ball And Chain", "Senses Working Overtime"), and the music that
causes us full-body spaz attacks ("English Roundabout", "Funk Pop A Roll",
"Reel By Reel"). This means one of two things: she has exquisite musical
taste, or, I have brainwashed her by listening to WAY too much XTC. I vote
for the former. My wife votes for the latter.
KNDD-FM (107.7) in Seattle has an '80's retro show from 9 'til noon on
Sundays. Twice recently I've heard entertaining songs from Shriekback. Can
anyone clue me in on this band? I know Barry Andrews was a member, but is
he still? Are there any CD's worth checking out? I defer to the experts...
-Steve
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199811242016.PAA23917@mail.bna.bellsouth.net> From: "RoadKill" <csberry@mail.bna.bellsouth.net> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 14:17:03 +0000 Subject: Re: Nun Beating Last time John Irvine wrote: > Am I the only one on this list who likes to beat up nuns? Er, ah.. . > did I say that out loud? Would that be Franciscan or Dominican? Only amateurs go after the Franciscans. Cory Berry
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19981124221002.18830.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "k. siegel" <beatlebird@hotmail.com> Subject: got black sea? Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 14:10:01 PST Chalkhill volks -- I will get right to the point: I need a copy of "Black Sea" on cassette. I have misplaced mine (do not ask how) and I will be glad to buy a secondhand copy from anyone if they have a spare. I have looked under my bed, underneath couch cushions, in my kids' rooms, in my car, checked the cat's hairballs for evidence of plastic pieces, but no where is my beloved tape to be found...and I had just gotten it and taken amorously to it when it up and left me. Sounds like love. Please help. You can reply privately to my email. Happy Thanksgiving (go veggie!), Kristi.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199811242220.RAA05711@lima.epix.net> From: "Michael Davies" <miser17@epix.net> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 11:27:10 -0400 Subject: Defense of dislikes > Thanks, Michael, because you have given a real case in point for the > tremendous range of musical taste covered by our Swindonian lads. I'm > really quite fond of every single one of those songs... well, except Big > Day, anyway. Aha! Now, does anyone like "Big Day"? > > "No Language In Our Lungs", which is slow and repetitive, > > Excuse me? You've just dissed one of the major tracks of an > extraordinary album. NLIOL (and Travels In Nihilon) are the crucial > songs on Black Sea, how can you like XTC and not see that? I like "Travels in Nihilon", because it's sort of chaotic, but very calculated. I'm not sure why I don't like "No Language In Our Lungs", actually. It might be just because of the "muscle in our tongues" lyric, which always (CAUTION: YOU MAY WANT TO SCROLL DOWN BECAUSE THE REST OF THIS SENTENCE MAY IMPAIR YOUR ENJOYMENT OF "NO LANGUAGE IN OUR LUNGS") gives me a mental image of a repulsive throbbing tongue. It may just be a case of one line preventing me from liking the whole song. > I haven't heard > "That Is The Way." Which album's it on? I don't have White Music or Go 2 > yet. It's on my copy of "Drums and Wires"; it may not be on all of them. I seem to have some weird variety of "Drums and Wires", because it starts with "Life Begins at the Hop". > "MMMM! MMMM! The mee-ting place!" That's a pretty happy chorus. Big > Day is depressing, I'll give you that. The lyrics to "The Meeting Place" are happy, but it just sounds desolate or something. I think if it had a bouncier bassline (that sounds really stupid) or louder drums or it was a little faster it would be good. Anyone know what I mean? > >and i think "King For A Day" sounds like Tears For Fears. > > My god, leave Colin alone! It doesn't sound so much like Tears For I did notice that a disproportionate (sp?) number of my weak song choices were by Colin, but "Making Plans For Nigel", "Grass", and "Generals and Majors" are my favorite songs from those three albums. A Moulding song is generally hit or miss with me, but I can have more subtle emotions about a Partridge song. Actually, that list included several songs that should have been grouped with "not good but not bad". A list of XTC songs that I actually skip would only include "That Is The Way," "Runaways," "Living Through Another Cuba," "No Language In Our Lungs," "Jason and the Argonauts," "The Meeting Place," and "Big Day." Now, why do people hate "My Weapon"? Michael davies miser17@epix.net
------------------------------ Date: 25 Nov 98 09:33:28 AED From: Paul.Culnane@dcita.gov.au Subject: What does Andy himself think? Message-ID: <0000nzxzrpjj.0000ecwioqai@dcita.gov.au> Loath though I am to continue this O&L debate, let me direct you to the source. The extremely interesting interview (especially from a musicianly standpoint) that Todd Bernhardt conducted with AP for Modern Drummer magazine (see Chalkhills archives for transcript), is revealing in many respects. When discussing Oranges & Lemons, Andy vitually admits that it is over-produced, but qualifies his use of that expression by saying: "Yeah, I think we thought immediately after finishing Oranges and Lemons, we were very pleased with it, but I think we thought it was to some extent - this phrase isn't really right but until I can think of a better one - it was overproduced and maybe a little too busy in places, although now that's what gives it its sound. It is too busy. It's a busy, busy record with a lot of stuff screaming at you. But that's the feel of that record, in retrospect." In the interview with Todd, Andy goes into considerable detail about the production 'philosophy' of each album, particularly with regard to the use of drums and the people chosen to play them. I have many reasons to recommend to you this fascinating, well-researched interview, especially as a counterbalance to the *(sometimes)* ill-informed assessments of O&L offered recently in these pages. BTW: RogerFromOz: I retain a degree of affection for Molly Meldrum, and Pseudo Echo for that matter, heh heh. But I agree MEO245, yes! Cold Chisel, horrid beyond measure! And I wish I had Andre's abs. Or do I? p@ul "cuddly water-vole that I am" culnane
------------------------------ Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19981124235434.00665450@mail.globalnet.co.uk> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 23:54:34 +0000 From: john riordan <jrio@globalnet.co.uk> Subject: Killing Again Well, I wouldn't have mentioned it, but I was utterly asstonished to see so many people professing a like for "President Kill". What really buries the song are the appalling lyrics. The repetition of "kill and "killing" are very laborious while the linking of actions and emotions (kill, conscience,caring) with titles (president, king, queen) is very leaden. Curiously, the latter aspect could be viewed as a profession of monarchist sentiments (although not one I'd support). Mark Isham's trumpet is the song's saving grace. Perhaps there's an aspect of fearing that once there is major agreement about the weakness of one song, then another is highlighted , until all the talk is of poor songs and we start wondering why the hell we're so attached to the band in the first place. One thing I don't ever do is program out songs - I listened to O&L after seeing the comments on #5-21 and played it twice straight through. Particularly with XTC I can acknowledge the weakness of songs but find aspects that are still enjoyable. In "PK" I like the sarcasm expressed in the third verse. While not very erudite it lingers in the mind.
------------------------------ From: gborden@excite.com Subject: It's all good. Message-Id: <911951721.29355.372@excite.com> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 15:55:21 PST There has been such a huge amount of talk about best or worse. The fact that we should all keep in mind is that this is all from one band. Extraordinary! Lets's just be thankful that it continues so we have more to argue about. Each and every song is valid in it's own way. The XTC catalog is far deeper and richer and more satisfying than any other...and I don't care what they call the next album, let's just get on with it already. I can't wait!! Sorry just had to vent. George.
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Message-ID: <365B4EC5.5E5D@virgin.net>
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 00:26:45 +0000
From: peter.wright2@virgin.net (peter.wright2@virgin.net)
Subject: Shock Statement : " 25% of XTC Songs Are Crap " says fan !!
Dear All,
Heres a thought that has been bouncing around my head since
reading some recent Chalk postings about fave XTC albums. My theory:
When you get an album by any artist you like there is always one or two
tracks you don't care for. You >> them or don't program them in. Fair
enough. For me , though, XTC albums are different because -and wait for
it....I usually only like about three quarters of the album !! There are
many , many XTC songs that I not only don't care for...I actually can't
stand them ! I won't name them because I don't want to start another
pointless round of "..But I LOVE that song " on Chalkhills. However , I
have to say they are 99% of the time composed by AP. This is obviously
because he is a more experimental writer than Colin and pushes the
listeners as far as he can . But my point is : I actively dislike
5 XTC songs out of every 20 yet they are still far and away my favourite
band. And the simple reason for this is the 15 songs I DO like , I LOVE
because they are masterpieces . So there. (Just for the record (!), the
album I skip through least is ES and thats saying something because its
twice as long as the others !! Work that out !) Thats my sermon for
today. And let me just say : THIS IS ONLY MY PERSONAL OPINION - PLEASE
DON'T FEEL THE NEED TO FLAME ME UNLESS YOU REALLY CAN'T CONTROL YOURSELF
!!Pete.
------------------------------ From: "Benjamin A. Gott" <bgott@Bowdoin.EDU> Message-Id: <199811250035.AA05749@polar.bowdoin.edu> Subject: CC98 Rules! Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 19:35:21 -0500 (EST) Chalkers, I arrived home for Thanksgiving Break to find a fresh copy of CC98 on my desk. It had the potential to be the best collection yet, but Richard stupidly let some 18 year-old dorkbag submit a song. Bad idea, Richard! In a week, I'll submit a more detailed review. I'm sooooo glad to have it. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. -Ben
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #5-24 ******************************
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