Chalkhills Digest Volume 5, Issue 3
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 1998

          Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 3

                Tuesday, 29 September 1998

Today's Topics:

                    Nastiness in Print
           On the Night in Question I Was Drunk
                         Love Nut
               My note to Goldmine magazine
           Hey, Squinty Squinty Little Beast...
                Thanks John, Thanks Mitch
                DG's "Those Were the Days"
           looking for looking for footprints!
                         Yazbeck
                    Colin's the answer
                    the everything mix
                         Re: dada
                 Biodegrading Skylarking
               Re: bands who sound like XTC
       X-ray Tango Charlie actually get a mention!
              Terry's rhythmic contributions
                      Three words...
                  Credit where it's due!
                         Whitlams
                  Brief Question or two
                    Billboard article
               Re: Matthew Preist of Dodgy.
         the Dukes ( and not the asbury variety)
                  Straw For The Donkeys

Administrivia:

    To UNSUBSCRIBE from the Chalkhills mailing list, send a message to
    <chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org> with the following command:

	unsubscribe

    For all other administrative issues, send a message to:

	<chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org>

    Please remember to send your Chalkhills postings to:

	<chalkhills@chalkhills.org>

    World Wide Web: <http://chalkhills.org/>
		or: <http://come.to/chalkhills/>

    The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.

    Chalkhills is compiled using Digest 3.6b (by John Relph <relph@sgi.com>).

I've got the seed if you've got the valley.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message-Id: <360ABE97.1D10C8D8@bowdoin.edu>
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 16:50:31 -0500
From: Benjamin Gott <bgott@bowdoin.edu>
Organization: Loquacious Music
Subject: Nastiness in Print

Hey, all...

Lovin' the Farmer book. It's a worthwhile read.

I found this nasty review on Music Boulevard. Yikes! This guy needs to calm
down!

***

by Gregory Chance, Puncture
October 1992, Issue #25

I love XTC. Maybe I found them late-only when "Drums and Wires" came out-but
even that was over twelve years ago. A long time to listen to one
band. Maybe too long.

I knew something had gone wrong starting with "Dukes of Stratosfear" (which
I loved) to the "Skylarking" record (which I also loved)--when the band
claimed they hated it because of the producer--and culminating with "Oranges
and Lemons." That one really bothered me, mostly because of the
faux-production by Paul Fox. It seemed as if he'd never listened to the
band, as if he went back and decided which song reminded him of a previous
one, then mimicked the English production, adding a pop sheen. (Who is this
guy? Look at the decent semi-alternative bands this man has alienated from
their fans with his horrid glitz: Robyn Hitchcock, the Sugarcubes... Stop
him before he does the next Pixies or Sonic Youth record).

I guess the problem really is with the band. "Nonsuch" is a terrible record.
I've tried to like it, but I can't bear it. Andy Partridge's formerly
brilliant lyrical twists give way to the embarassment of forced puns. Maybe
he still has fun extending his metaphors into entire allegorical songs, but
the process has turned formulaic. Colin Moulding's songs have reached new
nadirs of unlistenability. One, about a bungalow by the sea, has the sonic
earmarks of soap opera. All this is presented wrapped in papier-maiche;
guitar tones.

Through the horror of hating a record I wanted to love, I've found good
things.  There are real drum tracks here, provided by none other than Dave
Mattacks (Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson , etc.), after twenty-five
years still one of rock's steadiest drummers. The very digital pop
production of Gus Dudgeon doesn't really affect the songs adversely (I
believe the band is more at fault--the demos I've heard, mostly provided as
B-sides to the singles, sound virtually the same as the record). There are a
couple of songs ("Omnibus," "Then She Appeared") that would have been nice
as Dukes' songs, replete with full-on psychedelic production. There are a
couple ("That Wave," "The Ugly Underneath") that could have been as good as
anything from "Mummer," but somehow didn't make it. The hit songs (read:
radio push) are nearly the wretchedest ("Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead," "The
Disappointed").

A good friend and even bigger XTC fan pointed out to me real instruments
being played (piano, even), interesting tones ("listen to that, it sounds
like an old seventies synthesizer"), and how great Dave Gregory's guitar
playing is. (Well, it is.) He believes this record is as good as "Mummer" or
"The Big Express."

I don't buy it. These guys need a strong kick in the rear. Maybe a tour
would do it (they haven't played live in over ten years). Something's got to
give before I get into another new XTC album.

***

Well, I love it. But, then again...That's just me...

-Ben

+--------------------------------------------------------------+
   Benjamin Gott :: Bowdoin College :: Brunswick, Maine 04011
 ICQ 7737594 :: http://www.bowdoin.edu/~bgott :: (207) 721-5513
    In all your hurry, you've accidentally locked the gate...
+--------------------------------------------------------------+

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360ABF2C.96DF5A75@intermetrics.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 17:52:47 -0400
From: Harrison Sherwood <sherwood@intermetrics.com>
Subject: On the Night in Question I Was Drunk

My Fellow Arcturians:

Was cruising the Web looking for stuff on the Uffington White Horse* when I
stumbled across some unexpected evidence of intelligent life in the
universe.  I'm gonna require some pretty watertight alibis from the Two or
Three Gathered, I'm afraid. Somebody's been having a little fun at the
expense of the Unwashed, Slack-Jawed and Credulous, and if you can't answer
for where you were on the night of 5 July, 1997, I'm going to start bruiting
some serious allegations. If this isn't the obvious work of an XTC fan after
a few Scrumpy Jacks down at the Barge Inn with the Circular Croppie Boys, I
don't know what is, tell you what. First manacled Chalkie to be frogmarched
into the Interrogation Chamber: the highly Swindonical Brian Carter. If I
can't pin this on him, I'm coming for *you* next.

Here's the original post, edited slightly for grammar and punchline
effectiveness:

> Just to let you know, (in case you haven't been informed) of a [crop
> circle] formation below the White Horse at Uffington, Oxfordshire.
>
> I saw it this morning (Sun 6th July) whilst on a tour looking for
> circles.... It consists of a ring with three circles set inside, and a
> curved path....
>
> Yours sincerely Paul Anderson (CPRI)

Examine the puzzling evidence yourself at
http://alpha.mic.dundee.ac.uk/ft/crop_circles/1997/uffington97.html. Take a
good, long squint at the aerial photo, grok the fullness of the Grays'
Reassuring Message of Love to Humanity at the Uffington White Horse.... They
forgive us for Roswell, apparently (which is a damned sight more than *I*
would do)....

Let us open our hymnals, and lift our commingled voices in joyful song:

     It ain't the aliens at the foot of my bed
     It's more the ale inside my head
     I got a feeling something's cooking...

     Science friction burns my fingers
     Electricity still lingers
     Hey put away that ray, how do you martians say
     I love you

Now Everybody....

[Nota Bene: The waggish broaching of the topic of crop circles in this forum
does not in any way, shape or form entitle the reader to express
lapel-shaking, spittle-eructating opinions pro or con on any matter cropulous
or circular within the Friendly Confines of Chalkhills unless such LSSEO's
also have irrefutable bearing on XTC, their music or their history. Or unless
you can uncover some more funny shit about the Uffington White Horse. This
disclaimer has been vetted and declared watertight by the law firm of
Honvascht, Slagjord and Kredzhilisch.]

Ahoy, ahoy! There's dashed pleasant surfing to be had at AJ's Wiltshire
Weirdness Gallery, http://www.dolomite.ndirect.co.uk/weirdwilts/mainmenu.html.
A Crop Circle weenie who possesses an actual, real-live sense of humor about
it. The Virtual Barge Inn is particularly fun.

Hey: You know what's funny? The Institute of Druidic Technology--now _that's_
funny like Mom used to make. http://www.jbum.com/idt/

Harrison "World Actually Football-Shaped: NASA File Photos Support Rocker's
Controversial Allegation" Sherwood

------
*You know, Uffington Horse Stuffington...Uff off, yer chuffin' muffin, or
I'll uff and I'll puff.... But enoughington, I must dash.... At
Tick-Tockenham Wick-Wock over to Goatacre (just past Toot Balden and
Haselbury Pluckett on the M4) they're throwing a jolly equinoctial Horned
God festival, but I hear things get roughington when Them Wacky Celts get
fixin' to whip up some Wicker Man sweetbreads flambe. Give it a wide berth,
's my advice; let's hit Norfolk and look for broads.

------------------------------

Message-Id: <v04003a02b23036a64db8@[208.240.250.142]>
From: Ken Herbst <ken@bamadvertising.com>
Subject: Love Nut
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 17:56:53 -0600

How many of you folks think Todd Rungren is the Kevin Bacon of the music
business? Try the Six Degrees of Separation game with Todd and see if you
can prove me wrong :)

Another band to consider:

Love Nut --  Bastards of Melody (CD) :  Really hooky, tight power pop with
a nice edge. Great dashboard pounding tunes. Plus, they have a really
pissed-off midget on the cover.

-K.H.

------------------------------

From: mmyers@notes.cc.bellcore.com
Message-ID: <85256689.005037FD.00@notes950.cc.bellcore.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 10:43:47 -0400
Subject: My note to Goldmine magazine

Chalksters and Chalkettes;

After reading a recent note that asked us to send XTC info to radio
stations and/or magazines, I sent the following note to Goldmine magazine,
which is a US-based record collector's bible.  They often do feature
articles, reviews of CDs and books on the music industry.  By the way, Greg
Loescher (the editor) wrote back to me and said that they would consider a
feature article on the band as well as would try to include a review of
Song Stories in their annual rockmusic book review issue late this fall.  I
have included the whole note in case someone else on the list wanted to use
it as a template for their own work on behalf of the band.

************************************

Hi Greg;

I'm a huge fan of the English band XTC.   These guys have of course
produced some of the most melodic, influential and complex pop music ever,
but it might seem to most of the world that they don't exist anymore.  But
they do!!

You might have heard that they were "on strike" against Virgin records (due
to alleged financial improprieties on the part of the label) for 5 years
until Virgin finally dropped them.  Then it took them about 2 years to find
a new distribution channel and to record the first release under the new
arrangement.  In fact, they have just finished recording enough material
for 2 CDs, and the first is due out in early 1999.  As you can imagine, we
fans are very excited about this.

The reason that I am writing to you is to help the band out in a small way.
There is a brand new book out about the band, and XTC has issued some
band-authorized information to the "official XTC Website" (
http://reality.sgi.com/chalkhills/product/exclusive.html),  that can be
sent by devote fans to important magazines such as yourself .  Hence my
interest in getting this info to you, Greg.  I love XTC and I have read
Goldmine for about 15 years, so I thought that it was my duty to put the 2
together.

As a matter of fact, Andy Partridge, the leader/chief
songwriter/singer/guitarist of XTC has made it clear that he will do phone
interviews to promote interest in the book!!

So here are the crucial details about the book:

"XTC Song Stories - The exclusive authorized story behind the music by XTC
and Neville Farmer"
US publisher: Hyperion Original
UK, Europe publisher: Helter Skelter
See the Web address above for electronic info.

By the way, Neville Farmer, the author is also interested in granting
interviews.  In fact, I encourage you (no, beg you) to review the new CD
when it is released.  So far it seems that the working title is either
"Firework" or "A History of the Middle Ages".  These guys are so good that
it shocks fans as to why they're not more popular.

Thank you for listening, Greg, and if I can can get you any more info I
would be glad to do so.  I do not have a direct line to Andy Partridge but
several people on the Website do.  Thank you in advance for your
consideration.

MIke Myers
(XTC is still going!)

------------------------------

Message-ID: <19980925011059.1850.qmail@hotmail.com>
From: "Bob Crain" <bobcrain@hotmail.com>
Subject: Hey, Squinty Squinty Little Beast...
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 18:10:59 PDT

Note: the title of this posting has nothing whatsoever to do with this
posting, but I love the nickname "Squinty Two-Strats".

>From: Steve Oleson <Steve.Oleson@OAG.STATE.TX.US>

>I was most impressed and surprised by the
>excellence of Andy's sketches.

Yes!  His comics are terrific, and the storyboards and sketches show so
much talent for drawing that I am a little surprised he never
contributed to the band's album cover art.  Perhaps he thinks that would
be too personal and presumptuous, but it is clear that unlike a lot of
other musicians who grace their album with self-made art (see Sean
Lennon's new one for some very goofy drawings within) he could do a fine
cover.  Maybe for someone else's album?

>From: Jdmack01@aol.com

If you have a 28.8K or 33.6K connection, go to
>http://members.aol.com/jdmack1143/every28k.ram.  If you have a faster
>connection, go to http://members.aol.com/jdmack1143/every56k.ram.

Outstanding!  I'll bet Andy would (will?) get a real kick out of hearing
that.

-Bob Crain

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360B3A1A.ED899EE9@mnsi.net>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 02:37:34 -0400
From: Michael Stone <nedrise@MNSi.Net>
Organization: Extasia Music
Subject: Thanks John, Thanks Mitch

Hiya Folks!

The name's Mike, from Windsor, Ontario and this is my first posting on
Chalkhills.  Joined up about a month ago, a week after getting online.
Chalkhills is a wonderful thing.  Thanks John.

XTC took a while to grow on me. Bought D&W after hearing Nigel, but it
didn't really grab me.
Actually got rid of that album, at one point.
Then in the mid 80's a friend lent me some of their first records. Then
heard Deliver Us From The Elements on the radio one night and thought,
hmmm....

Then a friend played me Wake Up, and I thought, yes!  But still it didn't
quite click.

Then one night I heard Summer's Cauldron/Grass, around '87, and that's when
I happily became a devotee, a disciple, a dedicated follwer, and I've been
drowing ever since.

First off, thanks Mitch, for your report.....................
.................wow.  You've just related the substance of what would be a
dream-come-true for me, and I'm sure for more than a few Chalkhillites.  To
visit with the guys and hear their new music as it's being created.  It
couldn't get much better than that for me.  I'm bouncing off the walls
reading your descriptions of the new stuff!!!  I can't wait...

I pretty much agree with Jill Oleson on Todd Rundgren.  I haven't heard his
other production jobs, but to me Skylarking is a wonderfully concieved and
executed album that sounds tinny and compressed, unfortunately.

Just picked up Testmonial Dinner, soaking it in.........Ruben Blades seems
to be the only one to take one of their songs and really make something new
out of it.  His last line sounds like, "And I hate that XTC." Is that right?
That's funny...

I like the version of Earn Enough For Us, but i think it's more because it is
such a great song.
And those Lovemen, not bad at all...  Someone should sign 'em up.  Actually
Joe Jackson's not too bad either.  i know some people slagged his
contribution, but I kinda like it.

Apple Venus?  Hmmm...that would be pretty cool, since it comes from my most
favouritest XTC tune.  By the way, I always thought they should have
released Then She Appeared as a single.  I think it would have been huge. It
hangs in the place of honour in my 'Greatest Pop Tunes' gallery, alongside
Penny Lane and maybe a few others.

i can't wait ican't wait i can't wait i can't wait i can't wait i can't wait
i can't wait i can't wait ican't

I hate that XTC!!!

-Michael Stone

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360B542C.48F72737@sirius.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 01:28:28 -0700
From: Eric Rosen <elr@sirius.com>
Subject: DG's "Those Were the Days"

mitch,

gotta love it...

> You'll **see** when you **hear** it.

hey harrison,

is this in violation of E-prime!?

****

big thanx to xychq@geocities.com

that dave gregory realaudio clip is a true treat (now say that 5x
fast!)!!!!

what's really such a mindblower is the drumming. dave's programming
really captures the paradox that is ginger baker... meticulous entropy!!

it is programmed right?!?!?!

not to mention oh-so-respectable jack bruce and eric clapton
impressions!

--eric

------------------------------

From: Qprduggan@aol.com
Message-ID: <101e3cd0.360b78cc@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 07:04:44 EDT
Subject: looking for looking for footprints!

Song Stories is indeed an excellent book but i've just listened to Rag 'n Bone
Buffet and i can't find Looking for Footprints in the book..

Liam

------------------------------

From: "Damian Foulger" <damian@imclaser.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 08:51:02 -0500
Subject: Yazbeck
Message-Id: <19980925084343.d1806611.in@ceo.ceolasers.com>

> Delurking here, I just heard a Yazbek tune about Autumn on
> NPR's All
> Things Considered today.  Did I read correctly once or twice on this list
> that Andy Partridge helped out on Yazbek's latest release?  Did AP sing or
> play on this cut as well as others (it kind of sounded like XTC a bit).

'Here come the ducks, it's Autumn time' I recall the lyrics going on
NPR.  The tune is from Yazbeck's original album but the lyrics
have been changed.  I checked my CD out when I got home and
although Andy P helped out on some of the tracks I don't believe
that it was on this one.  Not according to the sleave notes anyway.
I got home and said to my fiance, 'Andy Partridge was almost
nearly on NPR!'  She was slightly impressed.

Dames tWd

P.s. Get a T-shirt from Phil - they're fabulous, good quality T-shirts
and nice artwork, if a little dated (3000 years - ha ha!)

* ------------------------------------------------
'People will always wipe their feet on anything
with welcome written on it.' - AP

------------------------------

Message-Id: <v03110700b231bb2ae2dc@[128.83.103.17]>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 15:46:41 -0600
From: Jason Garcia <h.h.name@mail.utexas.edu>
Subject: Colin's the answer

Chalkmonsters,

Wowzers!  Great news, Mitch!  I'm incredibly excited about this album!
Still think they should do "Dame Fortune", though...

What do people think about "The Meeting Place"?  This was always one
of Colin's that I really liked.  I rediscovered it the other day while
listening to that album of albums "Skylarking"...Colin's songs are
nice because they offer an antidote to Andy's sometimes relentless
use of metaphor and clever wordplay for its own sake.  A good Colin
song is straightforward and catchy, with a melody that's interesting
but not overly complicated/jarring.  No wonder people keep saying
that his are the first songs they get into when confronted with a
new XTC album.  Colin's presence seems to keep XTC balanced on the
line between commercial-sounding and just totally weird and self-
indulgent.

And to all you out there who signed up for my CD, thanks for your
interest!  I have a full-length album on the way.  :)

Awaiting the new R.E.M. (and XTC),
Jason
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/top40

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360C936B.7F4CE1C2@sirius.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 00:10:35 -0700
From: Eric Rosen <elr@sirius.com>
Subject: the everything mix

hi JD,

intriguing, very intriguing.

is your nth studio copy entirely instrumental?  mine is.

i acquired it at least a year before BwtGG came out.

when i first heard the BwtGG version, i was a little "bent out of shape"
by the lack of fluidity to which i had grown so accustomed.

while the vocals definitely do justice to the supple instrumental
version, i somehow like it instrumental just a tad more.

either way, it's a crying shame this tune has not been brought to true
fruition.

--eric

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360CD446.4347CC4D@dca.net>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 07:47:18 -0400
From: RZiegler <richardz@dca.net>
Organization: HotSumatra
Subject: Re: dada

i think dada is the best band out there these days - i caught the
mercury lounge show in nyc - delerious guitar, great songs and singing ,
fantastic rhythm section - XTC fans should dig them - check out the
album "american highway flower" - actually, all there albums are great
(they have four)
R/

         richardz@dca.net ~XXXXXX~ duojet3@aol.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                 ~Hear Dreamtrain via RealAudio~
* -------------------------------------------------------------------------
            http://members.dca.net/richardz/1520.html

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360D07D7.4A5CECC1@geocities.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 16:27:19 +0100
From: Robin Holden <rhoblidnen@geocities.com>
Organization: RPHolden Software / Pathogen UK
Subject: Biodegrading Skylarking

Chalkbabes,

Does anybody have the same problem as me?  I have one of the first CD
pressings of Skylarking (and probably one of the first CDs made) and it
is starting to flake around the edges.  When I try to play it, the audio
cuts out at least once every three seconds.  I've heard that, in these
older CDs, some reaction between the ink and the reflective coating has
caused this strange degradation.  Any other explanations?

--
Robin Holden (rhoblidnen@geocities.com)

Check out Pathogen's Website: http://listen.to/pathogen

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360D9576.891@javanet.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 20:31:33 -0500
From: Max & Adrian <maxindu@javanet.com>
Subject: Re: bands who sound like XTC

Mitch Friedman wrote:

"Well folks last night I returned from a 10 day jaunt to merry olde
England... etc, etc..."

No more! You are killing us with such juicy details. I think I speak for
all of Chalkhilland when I say thank you for bringing us just a bit
closer to Andy and Colin (even a wee bit closer to Dave!). Quite a
lovely story - I'm sure I'll dream of sitting in the mixing room with
Andy tonight!

Now for the obligatory "bands who sound like XTC" plug (for my own
little pop band). We are a quartet from Massachusetts who love love love
XTC in all their various stages. I will dub some of our songs for anyone
who wants to hear us, just e-mail me personally. Here's a review Dave
Tolar posted about us from his online music column "Ears 2 You":

The Maggies
"Homesick"
Another band who are as yet unsigned to a major label are Western
Massachusetts' own The Maggies, who have recently released "Homesick",
and this too is well worth tracking down if you can....the Maggies are
almost impossible to classify, but that's my job, so here goes...if you
think of well-crafted powerpop (a la XTC, Squeeze, the Posies) by way of
slower, more spooky material (Fleetwood Mac, perhaps?) with a hint of
country and a smidge of punk thrown in, you might get the idea...there
are many brilliant moments on "Homesick", and we here at Ears 2 U give
the Maggies a 90 for their homesick concoctions....

Cheers, max maggie

------------------------------

Message-ID: <19980927042357.25442.rocketmail@send202.yahoomail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 21:23:57 -0700 (PDT)
From: Brent Palmer <subterrainman@yahoo.com>
Subject: X-ray Tango Charlie actually get a mention!

Greetings Chalkhillian citizens,

Just a week or two ago, the Courier-Mail (a local paper in Brisbane,
Australia) mentioned XTC in an article about a couple of other
artists.  This article commenced "Musical eccentrics, British
division, we salute you" - and went on to (quite favourably) include
them alongside the likes of Radiohead, Brian Eno and Elvis Costello.
Unfortunately, no mention of their up-and-coming album, though!

Brent

XTC Song of the Month: "Ladybird" (By the way, it's   spring, here in
the Southern Hemisphere.)
Non-XTC Song of the Month: "Ghost Town" - The Specials

------------------------------

Message-ID: <19980927042422.25554.rocketmail@send202.yahoomail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 21:24:22 -0700 (PDT)
From: Brent Palmer <subterrainman@yahoo.com>
Subject: Terry's rhythmic contributions

Re. Robert Wood's posting in reply to my _Mummer_ spiel:

Come to think of it, Robert Wood had a quite-valid point - when Terry
Chambers was in the band, they really pushed the rhythmic envelope
like few others (except Talking Heads, Devo and King Crimson)!  I
mean, "Pulsing, Pulsing", "Officer Blue", "Paper and Iron", "Tissue
Tigers", "...Nigel", "Millions" - the list continues.  Terry obviously
shared that penchant for throwing in a red herring many a time, which
is the identifying mark of XTC!
     Yes, they embarked on a very different (and, in my opinion,
better) path upon his departure - but the contribution Terry Chambers
made is _impossible_ to overlook.

Brent

------------------------------

Message-ID: <360E6BE0.3517@schoollink.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 09:46:24 -0700
From: Dan Phipps <phipps@schoollink.net>
Organization: Champion International
Subject: Three words...

STEPHEN DUFFY RULES!!!!!

(Now you know...)

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/Dan Phipps <phipps@schoollink.net>

"Give love...and keep blood
   between brothers."
(Pete Townshend)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

------------------------------

Message-ID: <19980927045034.1203.rocketmail@send202.yahoomail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 21:50:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: Brent Palmer <subterrainman@yahoo.com>
Subject: Credit where it's due!

Dear Chalkhillians,

After reading about Andy's comments regarding Dave's supposed lack of
creativity, it's occurred to me that I was _too_ quick to side with Mr
Partridge in berating the abilities of some ex-members.  After all, I
was wrong about Terry Chambers; he was just as proficient as the
sessionists they went on to work with - albeit in an entirely
different way to Peter Phipps, Prairie Prince, etc.  What he lacked in
finesse, he compensated for in inventiveness.  And as for Dave
Gregory: this is someone who arranged the strings for "1000
Umbrellas"! A gleaming exhibition of his musical prowess, is it not?
Then there's his 12-string work woven throughout _English Settlement_
etc., etc....
    However, please let me make it clear that I respect Andy's
opinions, and that I'm not intending to deliver a personal attack in
any way.
     Another thing: is _The Big Express_ still available in Australia,
or has it been deleted here?  I've searched high and low for an
edition of it in some form, and haven't even stumbled upon a 2nd-hand
vinyl copy!

Brent

------------------------------

Message-Id: <360E9EAF.92DE2C4A@bowdoin.edu>
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 15:23:29 -0500
From: Benjamin Gott <bgott@bowdoin.edu>
Organization: Loquacious Music
Subject: Whitlams

Chalkhillians,

Mitch's post gave me a reason to save $$$ for both "The History of..." and
the box set (the name of which I can't remember). Thanks for the post, as
always...

Now, to other matters: I love Australia. Sometimes, when I'm in the car, I
just repeat the word "Australia" over and over. I have a poster of Midnight
Oil on my wall, and I tape Paul Hogan's TV spots for Subaru. Occassionally,
I try to cop an Australian accent, saying things like "I left my kangaroo in
Melbourne, mate!"

So, I have a favor to ask: would it be possible for one of our Aussie
counterparts to pick up the Whitlams' third album for me? I don't know the
title, but it's got "No Aphrodisiac" on it. We can work something out
involving money, U.S. CDs, or some American food contraband (like Cheez-Its,
Boothbay Harbor Fudge, or Orbitz).

Cheers,
Ben

+--------------------------------------------------------------+
   Benjamin Gott :: Bowdoin College :: Brunswick, Maine 04011
 ICQ 7737594 :: http://www.bowdoin.edu/~bgott :: (207) 721-5513
    In all your hurry, you've accidentally locked the gate...
+--------------------------------------------------------------+

------------------------------

From: Guybrush7@aol.com
Message-ID: <3a4add53.360ec84a@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 19:20:42 EDT
Subject: Brief Question or two

Hey all!  I'll make this quick.  I'm a rather recent XTC fan, but am already
enveloped in the magical, mystical world of collectibles and rarities.
Here's my question(s):

I just picked up the Rag 'N' Bone Buffet 4-Track Sampler, is that at all
rare in any way?  I would assume not, considering that it is a promo CD.

Secondly, I've seen in a particular store the XTC Demos Vol. 1, 4, and 5.
You know, the ones published by Extatic, or something like that.  Would it
be worth getting those?  How good is the sound quality?  And so on.

Thanks a lot, I appreciate any help you can give me, and I'm looking forward
to more of Chalkhills!  Later.

Jon Rosenberg

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19980928215849.007fce50@mail.clemson.edu>
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 21:58:49 -0400
From: Adam Tyner <ctyner@CLEMSON.EDU>
Subject: Billboard article

Nothing we don't already know, but...

XTC Gets Boxed In On Best-Of Set

XTC will return in grand fashion Nov. 3, when TVT releases a 4-CD boxed set
from the English pop act. Entitled "Transistor Blast," the 52-track
collection will comprise classic tracks recorded between 1977 and 1989; the
first two discs will be culled from the band's BBC Sessions, the third from
a 1980 gig recorded live at London's Hammerstein Palais, and the last from
a pair of BBC In-Concert sessions taped live at London's Paris Theater.
Front man Andy Partridge and bassist Colin Moulding will pen the album's
liner notes, and the discs will be delivered in a package shaped like a
transistor radio.

TVT plans to release two new XTC studio albums in 1999. The first, expected
early in the year, will combine orchestral and acoustic flavors, while the
second, due in the fall, will be a more traditional pop record.
--
/=---------------- http://www.he-man.org/ctyner/ ----------------=\
             http://www.awod.com/gallery/rwav/ctyner/
The home of He-Man, "Weird Al", Yoo-hoo, Killer Tomatoes, and more!
   Demented music list admin           O-         MiSTie #67,326

------------------------------

Message-Id: <199809290449.OAA22973@alphaa.hunterlink.net.au>
From: "David Robson" <beat65@hunterlink.net.au>
Subject: Re: Matthew Preist of Dodgy.
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:47:01 +1000

 peter.wright2@virgin.net (peter.wright2@virgin.net) Wrote.......
>
>            Just a quicky.... If XTC ever decide to become a 'real band'
>again instead of a Difford/Tilbrook kinda deal, I have the ideal man for
>the drum stool. Matthew Priest of Dodgy. Hes a stocky , down-to-Earth ,
>stylish drummer who hails from the West(ish) part of England. He loves a
>beer is a great laugh and does great back-up vocals. No frills with
>Matty , just top skin-bashing with plenty of style and charisma.His
>hairline is also receding in a Partridge kind of way . Oh - did I
>mention his band are splitting up as we speak ? Perfect !

***** oh No!!!   * cue in sounds of wrists being slashed * Tell me it ain`t
so.!! Dodgy are/were a SUPERB pop band and I heartily recommend their 3
albums, "Dodgy" (1993) "Homegrown" (1994) and "Free Peace Sweet" (1996).
Another classic pop band gone.....please let these be new XTC soon.....

David "checking my razor" Robson.

------------------------------

Message-Id: <TFSLICZV@ubk.net>>
From: Jonathan Monnickendam <monnickj@ubk.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:17:19 +0000
Subject: the Dukes ( and not the asbury variety)

If you want

     the Psonic Sunspot gatefold LP in good nick
          go to Selectadisc, berwick St, London w1
      the 3 cd set of Oranges & Lemons
          go to the cd man on Berwick st market

jon

Current Listening - Endless Harmony  - the beach boys,  hmph !

* ---------------------------------------------------------------
The views expressed are of the individual, and do not
necessarily reflect the views of The United Bank of Kuwait PLC.
* ---------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

Message-Id: <199809292006.WAA21200@mail.knoware.nl>
From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 1998 22:11:02 +0000
Subject: Straw For The Donkeys

Dear Chalkers,

The AP interview in The Independent On Sunday - full text available
in the Articles section of Simon's excellent Bungalow site - was
accompanied by a charming and (i presume) fairly recent picture of
our Hero. Check out http://come.to/xtc/pg.html to see for yourself

First of all a big "thank you" to John B. for the article ( your tape
is in the mail ! ) and to Ben for the Tiny Circus cd.

Ben also supplied me with an Australian Disappointed EP cd and now
i've almost got all the different versions of that single except for
the French releases (cd, single and cassette) and the Canadian 1
track promo cd. If anyone wants to get rid of his or her copies
of those, please email me privately...

yours in xtc,
Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse
 http://www.knoware.nl/users/mmello/
     or http://come.to/xtc

------------------------------

End of Chalkhills Digest #5-3
*****************************

Go back to Volume 5.

29 September 1998 / Feedback