Chalkhills Digest Volume 6, Issue 139
Date: Monday, 29 May 2000
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 6, Number 139
Monday, 29 May 2000
Topics:
RE: free Wasp Star CD single
slapp happy & the zombies
Waspalicious
Seagulls
Bungalow rises (a bit...)
Wasp Star Review
!FREE! Better sound on your PC !FREE!
eff ewe sea que!!!
Standing in for Dave
Don't even give 'em that much
Now THIS could get some airplay!
Now THIS is Weird
The Soul of Wasp Star
Wasp Star Promotion in Chicago
andy p. on vh1's "the list"??
Re: Wasp Star
let the nail-biting begin!!
Lene Lovich
Star Struck
Another little thing regarding TVT.
Administrivia:
I was on holiday over the weekend, sorry for the delay. I will also be on
vacation during the week of 18 June and the week of 2 July. Chalkhills
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No doubt, no consequence.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 11:24:49 -0400 From: "Jeff Partyka" <jeff.partyka@alz.org> Subject: RE: free Wasp Star CD single Message-ID: <009901bfc726$887029c0$0700a8c0@miscoord> Organization: Alzheimer's Association I anticipated trouble with the stores getting their copies of Wasp Star with the free bonus single attached, so I went ahead and ordered it direct from TVT last week. Seemed like the safest way to go. It cost an extra couple of dollars for shipping, but it was so worth it not to have to bite my nails wondering if I'd snag a copy. And I never had to make a special trip to the record store. (Although the fact that I had to wait 'til Wednesday to get and hear the disc, rather than buying it first thing on Tuesday, was a slight nuisance.) I purposely avoided listening to the demos more than a few times in the past few years, and I'm glad I did ... the album sounds fresh and great to me. The only demo I'd let seep into my subconscious had been "My Brown Guitar," but I like both versions equally ... my fave track overall though is "Stupidly Happy." Cheers, Jeff P.
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 09:24:56 PDT From: "jonathan monnickendam" <monnickj@hotmail.com> Subject: slapp happy & the zombies Message-ID: <20000526162456.86275.qmail@hotmail.com> are performing on the South Bank (london) on 13 June with David Thomas as support. Should be good... I'll be there. Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent are currently touring the UK and still sound wonderful ; they do a range of stuff, zombie and otherwise, and pull it off so well as blunstone's voice is still beautiful. His singing on 'i don't believe on miracles' was the thing that makes you reslise the worth of live music. I'd happily watch Blunstone, Miro or (Bridget) Riley paint a picture any day of the week. Re the white album - it reappears every few months so any suggestions as to how it could be made into a wonderful 3 lp set rather than slimmed it down to a single LP ? jon
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 13:32:09 EDT From: Robeach11@aol.com Subject: Waspalicious Message-ID: <60.37b448e.26600f19@aol.com> After ten or so listens to "Wasp Star" I gotta tell ya, it's another gem. Took a few listens (as usual) to sink in. 1) Andy's guitar playing is fine. And I was/am a huge Dave Gregory fan. 2) "The Wheel & the Maypole" may be my favorite XTC closer song... right up there with "Chalkhills & Children" 3) I, too, went to Moby Disc (Pasadena) to pick up my bonus disc. Now I have to drive all the way back there this coming Monday to get it. 4) I work in music/video retail (not Moby Disc), and our large store initially had 30 "Wasp Star" CD's. After 3 days, we have sold 8 copies. All in all, I guess that's o.k.. Hopefully the radio airplay will sell some more. 5) Where do I work? Here's a clue for you all..... Check out the new (free) Pulse Magazine. Andy Partridge wrote his own article in it (XTC shares the cover). It's an epitaph/obituary as he would write it for himself. It's available at....Tower Records. 6) Really enjoyed Colin's interview alluded to a few Chalkhills ago. Tremendous. Rob Carson, Ca
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 13:58:40 EDT From: Robeach11@aol.com Subject: Seagulls Message-ID: <c0.4350ca4.26601550@aol.com> In a message dated 5/25/00 8:53:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time, <owner-chalkhills@chalkhills.org> writes: << I'm looking at an advertisement for an one-day indie-pop festival on July 2 at Irvine Lake here in Southern California. Beck is headlining, and the bill also features Yo La Tengo, Built To Spill, Sensefield, Grandaddy, Beachwood Sparks and 14 other acts, including one called Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her. Have any Chalkhillians heard of this band? If so, are they as XTC- influenced as their name would indicate? And what's up with the singular "Seagull" --a mistake in the ad or a choice by the band? >> Yes. I have heard OF them but never heard them. They are from Japan where XTC has a large, faithful following (AV1 hit #14 on their album chart!). I think the missing 's' is misprint on the ad. Rob Carson, Ca
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 19:08:12 +0100
From: "Simon Sleightholm" <simon@nonsuch.dircon.co.uk>
Subject: Bungalow rises (a bit...)
Message-ID: <000401bfc73d$5d4998a0$743770c2@workstation98>
Hello,
My XTC web page, Bungalow (http://www.nonsuch.dircon.co.uk/bungalow.htm) has
been stagnating for about a year since I got hectic new job and a perfect
new son, but I'm starting to put some energy back into it again.
After "officially" putting the site on hold a couple of weeks ago I have
reconsidered and begun actively working on it again - doubt I'll ever get
back to my old levels of activity, but I'm sure you lucky people can look
forward to at least a dozen new 'Your Dictionary' entries. ("Mum, I can't
find the irony button on this keyboard..."
Some of you will know the page already: nothing has changed in the style of
the site (i.e., it still hasn't acquired any), and it's still the same
slightly-frayed, suspiciously lumpy, trouser-pocket of a web page it always
was. Way mending is not a future option - up north we do a great
'haphazard'.
Bungalow has never been able to compete with the mighty Chalkhills for
fast-breaking news or scope of content (nor does it try), but, well, there's
a couple of chocolate biscuits left in the pack, so feel free to pop over
sometime.
Cheers,
Simon
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
http://www.nonsuch.dircon.co.uk/bungalow.htm (http://come.to/bungalow)
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
An XTC resource - "Saving it all up for you..."
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 14:32:54 -0400 From: Steve Dockery <sdockery@gte.net> Subject: Wasp Star Review Message-ID: <B5543B95.10D4%sdockery@gte.net> Hello folks- I'm finally de-lurking after quite a while to offer up my take on the new album. Prelude: I'm glad I never heard any of the demos. That way I can take the album on its own merits. After I played the theoretical grooves off AV1, I got homespun, and while I enjoy hearing the demos, they clearly are no match for the real thing. I expect I will feel the same way when i finally hear the Wasp Star demos. Having said that, here's my review: PLAYGROUND Terminally catchy. This song has been stuck in my head ever since I got the CD on Tuesday. I do agree with the person who thought the "careful what you say ground" rhymes were a little off. I thought they were incredibly corny at first. I've gotten used to them, but they still make me uncomfortable. But not uncomfortable enough to make me not want to immediately learn all the words and chords, which I'm doing. STUPIDLY HAPPY Likeable, but too much the same all the way through. Andy's always been great at making songs that sound conventional at first, then throw you a curve, but I keep waiting for the twist on this one and it never comes. IN ANOTHER LIFE I like the lyrics on this song a lot. The tune is pretty good for the most part, but the guitar sounds a little clumsy, and the nasty-sounding harmonica sawing away doesn't do a whole lot for me. MY BROWN GUITAR This one didn't grab me at all at first, but now I think it's excellent. Very inventive. Almost sounds like it could be a Dukes song. All it needs is some backwards masking. BOARDED UP I don't like it much, but it is growing on me bit by bit. The lyrics are kind of repetitive, and the song moves along a bit too slackly to keep my interest. I'M THE MAN WHO MURDERED LOVE Very clever lyrics, catchy as hell. WE'RE ALL LIGHT I don't care who else it might sound like, I love the way this song moves, the way it's recorded, and the lyrics are wonderful. My favorite song on the album. STANDING IN FOR JOE The lyrics are clever, and the story interesting. (This Joe guy is kind of dim, I think?) A cool melody (kinda George Harrison-y) helps make this a very nice tune. WOUNDED HORSE Sorry. Like others have said. A one-joke song that overstays its welcome. YOU AND THE CLOUDS WILL STILL BE BEAUTIFUL A marvelous song, and a pain in the ass (the throat, actually) to sing along with. I love the rhythm of the song, and the lyrics are very clever. CHURCH OF WOMEN THE WHEEL AND THE MAYPOLE A lot of people have gushed about these last two. I trust that I will grow to love them as you do. I don't immediately dislike them (like Wounded Horse), but I don't "get" them right away either. I do like the contrast between the sections of The Wheel and the Maypole, however. I'll let you know when these two songs finally grab me. In all, an album that I love and cherish, but it's not masterpiece material like AV1. Every album can't be the very best one they've ever made. It's enough that Wasp Star is one of the best! -Steve Dockery
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 21:55:18 CDT
From: "vee tube" <veetube@hotmail.com>
Subject: !FREE! Better sound on your PC !FREE!
Message-ID: <20000527025518.53842.qmail@hotmail.com>
I just found a great FREE! Juke Box for
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This is not a 'crack' 'warez' 'trial' or 'demo'
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http://www.sonicfoundry.com
Download the FREE! Siren Xpress.
Use it to play CDs,MP3s,.WAV,etc. on your PC.
Enjoy!
}---:)
P.S. Traders/burners; The $40 'deluxe' version will
NOT! let you burn the FX to CDR. (I'm trying to
talk them into a real 'CDR Burning Rom CloneCD'
thang!)
P.P.S. Don't forget the 'Fab Four in Philly' MP3s!
http://www.idrive.com/xtfab
FLOUNDER!INGA!DA!VIDA!
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}-- (oh,never mind......
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------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 20:18:38 -0700 From: "May O'Mahoney" <may5272@gte.net> Subject: eff ewe sea que!!! Message-ID: <392F3E8E.7F1A@gte.net> I stumbled home from a bit too much mango margarita and ripped open my Amazon package to put Wasp Star on my stereo. Is there nothing so wonderful as joyful anticipation? It may be the margaritas talking (or me or her or them) but what a joyous production. This whole album just melted into my heart. Of course I love Playground of course I love ITMWML but what really blew me away were the lyrics for "Church of Women". Yeah, yawn away, I know most of you have been there/done that with Homespun but WOW that song make me grin from ear to ear. It's one of the first "odes to women" that didn't sound condescending as if we were a bunch of fucking inadequate beings that needed help. It's the first "ode to women" that wasn't a smarmy sleazy anthem soley dedicated to physical attributes. And stop trying to diet 'em On wafers and wine And some myth we're in control Jesus Christ - excuse me - but what a brilliant bit! The beauty of this song is that it goes BEYOND any male/female comparison. It says, at least to me, to tell all these stereotypes and moldy institutions to fuck off and let's just get down to loving and accepting. Amen.
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 22:05:16 EDT From: WTDK@aol.com Subject: Standing in for Dave Message-ID: <42.5fecd75.2660875c@aol.com> It's still Xtc. As much as I love Dave's playing, it was Xtc before his arrival when Andy played all the guitar parts. The only part I miss is the opportunity to hear Andy's instinctive playing in contrast to Dave's more structured playing). Looking forward to Dave's solo album. I still think that he should release most of Remolds on CD with a handful of choice covers or new material. Although he's quite faithful to the original sound on all the songs, they all still have his distinctive touch. I personally love Wasp Star. Even if it wasn't one I loved, I'd still listen to it. With all the crap that is produced out there it is refreshing to continue to hear a band that cares. The dynamic duo have clearly put a lot of effort into this album. As I've stated before hearing the demos isn't hearing the album. It's akin to see a sketch of a painting prior to the painting itself. It gives you an idea of its potential. The painting itself has more depth, emotion and character than the sketch could possibly have. I'd say the same thing about Wasp Star. With the exception of one very flawed track, I'd rank this up with their better albums. Is it their best? Won't know for a year or two. I see the fingerprints of the canceled bubblegum album all over Wasp Star (beyond SIFT). I happen to like John Relph's take on the album---disc two of a two album set. Playing Apple Venus and Wasp Star back to back gives both albums a new dimension. Wayne
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 13:13:15 -0700 From: Ed Kedzierski <ed.kedzierski@blvdmedia.com> Subject: Don't even give 'em that much Message-ID: <08B5DDC2BABCD311BFC6005004A884B013B677@mgcservices.com> In 6-136, Adam D. said: To all those people who are disappointed with WS because it's not 'XTC enough': Try listening to it as an album. Not an XTC album. Just an album. No, I just can't agree. To all those people who are disappointed with WS because it's not 'XTC enough': As bloody if. This is definitely an XTC album, and is veritably packed with XTC sounds and touches. Sure, in its own way it's as different from AV1 as AV1 is from Nonsuch, as Nonsuch is from O&L, on and on back through their whole catalog, but I can't understand how anyone could dismiss this album as "not XTC" unless the only precedents you acknowledge are from Nonsuch onwards. Take their entire career's output as a whole and this album makes beautiful sense. Quite frankly, I was hoping that their electric return would be more of a "Son of Big Express" than a "take the guitar-based songs from Nonsuch" type of album, and that hope has been beautifully realized. That's not to say that it's not still full of touches and elements recognizable from their entire career, from artful sprinklings of sixties trimmings to heaping bowlfuls of the pure pop "true alternative" sound that this band played such a major part in developing, and which has been so widely imitated by lesser bands in their absence. Well, with this ALBUM (couldn't resist), the masters are back to show the also-rans how it's really done. Harumph! Ed K. PS: did anyone else have the experience of checking out the record stores last weekend (just in case there were copies already on the shelves by accident) and having a split-second of excitement only to realize that what you'd spotted was just that damned Pearl Jam album? (Now that's a band that's one of the original perpetrators of what I consider "fake alternative". Blech.) Only for a split second, mind you, but the similarity in colours, etc. on the cover was enough to give my heart a little skip, followed by disappointment once my vision focused & I saw that I was two circles & not the apple/heart shape from the centre of the peacock feather...
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 10:34:58 +0000 From: Scott Barnard <gforsche@videotron.ca> Subject: Now THIS could get some airplay! Message-ID: <"000d01bfc7c7$34aaeea0$736ac818"@oemcomputer.videotron.ca> Warren Butson asked: "Is TWATMaypole XTC's Day in the Life?" TWAT Maypole? Is that the Dominic Lawson re-mix?
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 05:54:16 EDT From: WWi8064839@aol.com Subject: Now THIS is Weird Message-ID: <14.421ec92.2660f548@aol.com> Yesterday, while driving home from work, a wasp (not a bee) flew in my car! It was in the car for about 15 seconds until I opened the window and it flew out. I thought for sure this was a portent of the CD waiting for me in my mailbox, but alas, although TVT has charged me for the disc and the bonus single, it was not there. Maybe it'll arrive today. Wes Wilson
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 07:41:29 EDT
From: Blueruins@aol.com
Subject: The Soul of Wasp Star
Message-ID: <c.5b461a7.26610e69@aol.com>
Andy's soul seems to shine so brightly it feels like he's going to jump
out of my speakers whenever I put on XTC. WASP STAR for me is a sweet dose
of concentrated happiness and the loving just drips off every track. I can't
help but smile cuz I can feel that Andy's having the time of his life, and
God knows these guys have earned it ten times over! It's like watching
someone I love win the lotto! XTC is rare in that they give us music that
actually celebrates life and stands for something in a world where most
artists only want to tear everything down. I can hear it in every note on
the album (solos and all)! Have fun pissing and moaning about the demos, I
waited for the album and I'm in bliss!
Brett Reeves
"So shines a good deed in a dark world" -Willy Wonka
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 May 2000 17:28:38 -0600 From: Robert Dassie <bdassie@emeraldtech.com> Subject: Wasp Star Promotion in Chicago Message-ID: <392F089D.9F4AB05E@emeraldtech.com> Hello all, First off, thanks Chalkhills. I come here for the info and that's exactly what I get. Bravo! Now, for those in Chicago, you'll notice there are several postcard holders in local establishments here that are used to promote various things. One such holder is called "Maxracks" it is currently carrying a promo postcard of XTC's Wasp Star. Nice job TVT! I love the fact that XTC pops up in the most unlikely of places! I just got Wasp Star and I love it! Shame that there are so many out there that would rather judge it rather than enjoy it. Need I remind you all that this time 2 years ago we were all dehydrating from the XTC drought? And yes, I do skip over the ratings and the negativity. We're all entitled to opinions. I'm just pushing to hear the positive. Wasp Star is here - drink it up and get drunk off of the xtc. Later, -Bob.
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 08:33:49 -0400 From: "Daniel Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: andy p. on vh1's "the list"?? Message-ID: <000d01bfc7d7$d0169460$e28c04d8@pavilion> sorry if this may be an old question or whatever, but tell me, xtc-people... is this indeed true? he was with a panel of people supposedly discussing "the most overrated song in the world." andy suggested frank sinatra's "my way" and he was practically booed off the stage? some bimbo twat yells, "but frank's a legend!" to which andy responded, "no darling, he's a leg-end, as in a piece of meat?" can anyone verify this? if it *is* true, then i have GOT to get my vcr set and ready to tape!!!!! thanks for any advise... /dan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- /dan & ginger phipps <phipps@schoollink.net> "right here in this moment is right where i'm meant to be..." (edwin mccain)
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 10:39:50 -0400 From: "Brian" <mattone@bhip.infi.net> Subject: Re: Wasp Star Message-ID: <008901bfc7e9$6b4ed8a0$55e49cd1@Brian> Tschalkgerz! Now that' I've had a few days to absorb repeated listenings to the latest, I must return and amend my previous comments concerning the tone and production of the album (Hi, WesLONG! :-). Where I was having trouble before with the musical direction the album seemed to have taken, I now think that it is the most interesting turn XTC has ever made. Having had time to take these pieces of music apart as I am wont, being a MIDI musician and all, I find that in these songs the band has managed to create a new version of themselves that still carries with it the signature pop quirkyness that has earmarked every XTC album since at least 'Black Sea', and likely farther (even though I am somewhat unfamiliar with a lot of the early XTC). What a great album! I already eagerly await what the lads have to offerus in the future... -Brian Matthews
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 08:28:21 -0400 From: "Daniel Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: let the nail-biting begin!! Message-ID: <000701bfc7d7$0cdefe60$e28c04d8@pavilion> boy oh boy oh boy!! -- i'm so psyched this morning, i can hardly think straight! i'm soon to be on my way to rocky mount here in north carolina to pick up my cd copy of "wasp star..." and i feel just like a kid on christmas morning about ready to open up a new toy!!! my hometown here of roanoke rapids has no earthly idea at all what an xtc is!! (bastards!) all the raves i've heard / read so far about this latest release has me ITCHING to get it within my music collection...alongside everything else that the swindon boys have done and released! cannot wait!!! :-) i'm on my way... /dan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- /dan & ginger phipps <phipps@schoollink.net> "right here in this moment is right where i'm meant to be..." (edwin mccain)
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 08:36:38 -0500 From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net> Subject: Lene Lovich Message-ID: <l03130302b5557ebfeb8d@[208.13.202.54]> >Last point before i go "Radios" mentions Lene Lovich good, I say LL >great. I picked up a 2CD Stifff years compilation in Germany recently >which contains the whole of her first album which is simply superb, >quality dips a little on the second CD though. Whatever happened to >Lene??? > >TMB OVER AND (finally) OUT. Lene Lovich put out an album last in '89 as far as I know; I have it on cassette, it may just be the best album she ever did(it's called March), or for that matter the best album Bjork ever did. Bjork stole all her best ideas from Lene Lovich IMO. Don't know what she's doing now, March came out on a small independent label and didn't do much commercially, though I'm not sure she wanted commercial success anyway, she's probably happy raising a family with husband Les Chappell(longtime collaborator and co-composer and player of almost all the instruments on March). Christopher R. Coolidge Homepage at http://homepages.together.net/~cauldron/homepage.html
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 13:45:49 +0200 From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Subject: Star Struck Message-ID: <20000527114124.67821A6CE4@mail.knoware.nl> Dear Chalkers, the ever-present Ben Gott said: > Why would any of us think that Andy would, could, or should want to > replicate Dave Gregory's guitar work? well, quite a number of recent posts here stated that they did not miss D.G's contributions on Wasp Star and that Andy was doing just fine. Now i do agree on the latter - Andy is grinding his axe like never before and indeed did a terrific job - but i did miss Dave's bits (oo-er!) Some may feel they were only the icing on an already well-laden cake but i disagree; i feel that he contributed much more to their unique blend of music. And anyway: i like icing! > Where would Dave's solos have fit in these songs? Come on, Ben: you already know the answer... look at D&W, Black Sea, Settlement. he fitted in just brilliantly and not just in the solo department. Dave was the second best thing that ever happened to XTC, second only to Barry's departure (flame away!) yours in xtc, Mark S. @ the Little Lighthouse www.come.to/xtc
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 03:21:54 -0700 From: "Radiosinmotion" <radiosinmotion@earthlink.net> Subject: Another little thing regarding TVT. Message-ID: <001f01bfc7c5$619b0fa0$0200a8c0@digitalpc> Sorry to even bring this up but this is regarding John Keel's post regarding TVT. I too have been emailed by people from TVT all pissed off about my posts. Its funny, they have plenty of time to bitch at fans, but when I sent simple questions regarding XTC they would not answer my email or questions! What a good label! I know they have been screwed by the majors but wait until a few years and I am sure there will be something about how TVT screwed XTC in some new XTC book. The only difference from big companies and small companies is that big companies have the money they need to screw everyone and small companies screw everyone to have all the money! I don't want someone to give me an "inde label" speech on how TVT is a hardworking label that really cares for their artists. All labels are just Rod Rooter waiting to slap their little bitches on the ass and collect the dough (Devo Reference, only fans would understand). John's Post: >>>>>>>>Oh, also I got an e-mail off-list from a guy at TVT (I assume) who was pretty upset with me over my "TVT SNAFU" post. I'll say here first, and to as soon as I finish, that my information that it was TVT's error in not getting the CD singles in the store in time came from the guy at Moby Disc. I didn't make any assumptions or give a personal opinion. Just possibly mis-information. Sorry for any hurt feelings!<<<<<<<<<<
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #6-139 *******************************
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