Chalkhills Digest Volume 6, Issue 143
Date: Wednesday, 31 May 2000
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 6, Number 143
Wednesday, 31 May 2000
Topics:
Another interview
Seeing Wasp Star in the record store
Gorgeous lyrics & perfect delivery
Random thoughts while pacing around the base of the Tower
Best XTC Album Opener?
wasp stuff
WASP STAR-I LOVE IT!/ STANDING UP FOR COLIN
Another Wasp Attack.
XTC Heritage Trail
Quasi-Theramin?
A Little Perspective
"I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" Moves Up One Spot on 'Radio &Records' Chart
oh , balls!
i'm the man who murdered who?
A new release...
Colin's got balls
A good review from the press.
Yazbek the Stripper
Wooden Foot Cops On The Highway.
Swindon calling...
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 30 May 00 10:21:02 -0400 From: Jennifer Ralston <jennifer_ralston@tbwachiat.com> Subject: Another interview Message-ID: <200005301421.HAA28842@sgiblab.sgi.com> I am still catching up with digests & don't know if this has been posted yet, but at the Chapters homepage (Canadian bookstore, online ordering etc.) there is a feature on WS and an interview with Andy. I'm pasting it here because the link is so ridiculously long. There are a couple of great quotes in here! And the accompanying bit about the CD is effusive in its praise. Oh, while I'm here: You & the Clouds... is my favourite song on this album, simply for the last minute. How anyone could NOT think this song is beautiful is beyond me, but I guess that's what makes us different. Josh Hall-Bachner, great to see you bach-ner. I knew there was a reason to stick around! awaken you dreamers, jennifer. http://www.chapters.ca/Music/Spotlight/WaspStar/Default.asp
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 07:56:22 -0700
From: "Ray Michno" <rmichno@my-Deja.com>
Subject: Seeing Wasp Star in the record store
Message-ID: <ENEGOGPJLBFOBBAA@my-deja.com>
Organization: My Deja Email (http://www.my-deja.com:80)
I had the wonderful experience of seeing stacks
of Wasp Star prominently displayed in the new
releases rack at my local book/record
megastore.
I was also happy to see that many copies had
been sold. Hopefully some new XTC fans will be
joining our ranks soon!
-Ray-
p.s. I know I could have ordered the CD through
numerous online stores, but I really
wanted to get my hands on it as soon as
possible.
p.p.s. Does anybody else think, like me, that
Wasp Star is a perfect summertime album?
These songs are begging to be played
outdoors, at the beach, or just blasting
out your car, with your windows rolled
down.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 10:58:03 EDT
From: IMSUNBAKE@aol.com
Subject: Gorgeous lyrics & perfect delivery
Message-ID: <22.66e9db4.266530fb@aol.com>
I'm glad to read that we're all still falling over WS and dissecting
it with such care and obvious affection. I love everyone's insight.
I have some very favorite spots that I think are perfect combinations
of lyrics and delivery. Sexy and provocative without being gross.
We're All Light:
The entire damn song (my total favorite) but in particular:
"And I'll leave nothing here but love and milk a plenty for your
tea." Good LORD, how wonderful!
"Kiss me now, just kiss me now." Oh, Dear God, GO AHEAD!
And that "itch/switch/in/pin/slot/hot/out" bit is just, well, GO AHEAD!!!
Wheel and Maypole:
The entire damn song, but in particular:
"And knocked me off my axis mundi."
"And what makes me think we're any better"
"And what made me think we'd last forever"
"Was I so naive?"
Playground:
"Smack on kisser from her slap on face."
My Brown Guitar:
"You want some lovely/I got some lovely." (Wish I had THAT line once
upon a time :-)
And that hiccup thing on Stupidly Happy. Darlin'
Happy listening!
Annamarie
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 07:28:38 -1000
From: "Jim Smart" <jismart@ksbe.edu>
Subject: Random thoughts while pacing around the base of the Tower
Message-ID: <3933FA44.5CE8AD9B@ksbe.edu>
Organization: 3Tripper
I want to reiterate that the free magazine that Tower Records gives out is
good, really good, like, a really good thing, for a Chalkhiller. Not only
is Andy's doodle huge and monstrous (hmmm...that didn't sound quite
right), but the "article" is written by him. It's actually a sort of
semi-babble wordplay piece about why he does what he does (make songs,
that is). It's a wonderful wordy romp through his influences ("those
bastard Beatles.....that sleazy uncle Ray Davies.....etc") that caused him
to be trapped in a song cycle that he variously compares to Disneyland
(Has he ever been there?), a tar pit, and Auschwitz, among other wild
things. He also rejects things like rap and Radiohead as influences, but
in a completely (possibly overly) clever way. Get it.
It occurs to me that some Chalkers may not live in a part of the world
where they have Tower Records. Let me know if this is that case. I'll see
if I can get you one. Maybe I can throw it in with my band's CD if you
order one (that URL again: http://www.mp3.com/3tripper) I'll not be making
any money doing this, not associated with Tower , yadda yadda... I just
think this is really worth seeing, and would like to help you have a
starry summer (or a waspy winter, if ya live south of the equator). Maybe
you can trade me something or send me whatever it is that passes for
currency in your part of the world.
xtc content: it's the middle of the post! I'm guilty! guilty!
Thinking of the yin/yang aspects of AV I and II. Wasp Star = Winter
Summer, Apple Venus - Autumn...uh, can anyone can think of a word for
Spring that starts with V?
Anyone get their Wasp Stars from HMV? I didn't yet.
And yes, I saw the Pearl Jam album, and was briefly tricked into thinking
that it was WS. Tower had no WS on display anywhere. It was just in the
xtc slot, 2 or 3 copies, as if it were no big deal. Sigh.
I listened 5 times in a row to the lead on the demo of Church of Women. I
originally loved how wild and weird it is. But now I'm coming around to
liking the album lead better. Fits the song a lot more. The demo one is
like a man doing whatever he wants in bed without even considering the
woman. The album version starts more slowly. It gets there, but in a more
considerate way.
Steve wrote:
"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."
Which is exacltly the brilliant, groundbreaking thing about it. This is
the anti-XTC song, and you should always listen to your auntie. The man
who murdered monotony by always throwing in a wild middle eight goes in
the completely opposite direction with delightful results, exactly like he
did without guitar on River of Orchids.
Whoever suggested that the version of Strawberry Fields at
http://www.idrive.com/xtfab is by the Beatles and not XTC, well, I'm
sorry, but that is definitely Andy's voice, not John Lennon's. And the
strings and things sound very synth-like to me, not 60s at all. It sounds
just like one of Dave Gregory's home recordings, which is exactly what I
think it is. A damn fine job if it, I might add.
Lastly , I think it's exciting to be alive when an album like Wasp Star is
released. It raises our era higher.
Jim
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:00:20 EDT From: StucoHomes@aol.com Subject: Best XTC Album Opener? Message-ID: <66.4193e54.26655bb4@aol.com> > Case in point - Playground: best album opener since Respectable Street. no no, since 25 o'clock. or Garden of Earthly Delights. Or Peter Pumpkinhead. Or maybe River of Orchids. Uhm, nevermind. - - - Reverend Jody L. Barnes "May the baby Jesus shut your mouth and open your mind." - Don Vliet "Being disabled has never really interested me very much. It's very serious, like plumbing is serious, but I'm also not interested in plumbing." - Robert Wyatt (paraplegic)
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:03:20 EDT
From: OMBEAN1@aol.com
Subject: wasp stuff
Message-ID: <9d.610ae0c.26655c68@aol.com>
Did anyone else see "The List" in which Playboys Playmate of the Year
nominated "Skylarking" as one of the best album covers? k.d. Lang didnt like
her pick because it had naked people on the cover. I think it was because one
was a guy.
Gray Packham hit the nail right on the head. Dont listen to the demos six
years before the album comes out and this album might be refreshing. I didnt
hear one demo for either album and I love the shit out of both of them. I
only stopped listening to AV1 everyday because Wasp Star came out. I cant get
enough of it.
I understand TVT is getting a little antsy with XTC because of their
refusal to do more promoting. There will be no video for ITMWML & no plans
for any song.
Our "modern rock" station in Philly told me they were "considering"
playing ITMWML.
Oh Tom, I think you & I are the only 2 people who know who Michaela Majoun
are.
Alright , I'm done. Roger
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 11:29:44 -0700 (PDT) From: travis schulz <xtcisadarngoodband@yahoo.com> Subject: WASP STAR-I LOVE IT!/ STANDING UP FOR COLIN Message-ID: <20000530182944.5781.qmail@web1105.mail.yahoo.com> I'd say it took me long enough to get WASP STAR, but it was worth the long wait. This new album by XTC fits so damn nicely in their catalogue for once again, our band has given us something different. My favorite songs include Stupidly Happy, We're All Light, In Another Life, and Standing In For Joe. Only time will tell if this is XTC's big seller and award winner. So for now, ask the stations to play the hell out of it! Speaking of stations, I had the pleasure of checking out 106.9 "The City" in Omaha for the first time last week- I love any station that plays XTC, and they sure do. I must send a resume to this station; the company that owns them also owns the station I work at-hey maybe I'd have a chance! Also, Colin Moulding has never been in a songwriting slump- Fruit Nut was great, as is all of his new songs on WASP STAR. I'd never pit Colin vs Andy in any post, nor would I ever want XTC to be just Andy or just Colin. But a Colin Moulding solo album someday might be nifty. Cheers and crank up WS!!! Travis.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 11:28:21 -0700 From: "Steve Young" <sjyoung@hotmail.com> Subject: Another Wasp Attack. Message-ID: <20000530183114.24106.qmail@hotmail.com> Chalk up another Wasp-Star-listening driver getting attacked by a wasp in mid-drive. AHH! Moving up the highway at incredibly high speeds and... BZZT! "Hey, that's not coming from my stereo!" It spun round my head like a tether-ball. I skidded to the side of the road and lept from my car with "Maypole" still blasting from my rolled-down windows... I danced and hopped and swished at the angry insect to the sounds of pulsing guitar... and to the amusement of passing motorists. Wes Wilson - cheers!! The "high whistle-like" instrument in "We're All Light" (right after the titular chorus) is a theramin, created in the 1920s by Lev Sergeivich Theramin and used in old science fiction and horror films (and recent "avant-garde" orchestral music).. It brings to mind wobbly saucers held up by thick string against cardboard constellations. It is *not* to be confused with the high whistling synth used in the background of much "gangsta rap", as (erroneously) thought/stated in a recent edition of Chalkhills. I can think of no other instrument that would add the same appropriate touch of sarcasm / humor / intelligence to this great song. "Axis Mundi". Mundi being "world", axis being axis. I'm assuming this refers to the (tilted) axis on which the Earth spins. All of Earth's season cycles are dependent on the angle and spin-speed along the Axis Mundi... imagine a gyroscope let loose by a young potato in a playground as a pretty girl walks by... the gryo is let loose, spins wildly on its maypole, then wobbles to a stop - following the rule of all things - depending, of course, on your "mundi-view"... ~~Steve Young
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:14:15 -0400 From: "Kirk Gill" <Kirk_Gill@polk.com> Subject: XTC Heritage Trail Message-ID: <s933ccd5.041@polk.com> This is my first Chalkhills posting, so please don't be TOO brutal in response. Had an experience on a recent trip to Britain that some might find interesting. My wife and I were in Chester, and needed to find a town to stay in that night that was close enough to Gatwick airport for us to return our rental car by 11:00 the next morning. We decided on Swindon, and reserved a room at a bed & breakfast there. I had a big smile on my face as we approached the hallowed stomping grounds of my favorite band. I fantasized that the proprietor of our b&b would be an old buddy of AP and would invite him over for a beer, or I would see Mr. Partridge at the local grocery and be told to "sod off" as I approached. Well, no such luck there, but I did have a distant brush with XTC nonetheless. Upon reaching our b&b, I couldn't help but mention to our host that I was a huge fan of local favorite sons AP and CM. He said, "you know, I believe I went to school with one of the fellows in that band. Andy Partridge." He then proceeded to regale me with a few stories of Andy's youth, including his acknowledged artistic abilities (he was known for his drawing/painting talents, but not for anything musical) and his tendency to have to go to the bathroom a lot. I was delighted with this "inside stuff," but there was more to come. My host said "You know, I may still have a class picture around somewhere. Would you like to see it?" I would, indeed. He brought up a couple of pics, one a class picture with a very identifiable Andy standing in the back row, looking a bit pasty and quite unhappy. On the far left was a rather lovely little girl, and I mentioned to my host that she must have been quite popular. "Have a look at this picture then," he said. "She was the May Queen, and I was the May King," he said. And there, just behind the royal couple, holding what looks to be a maypole, is one Andy Partridge. Fantastic ! So, if you want to see Andy holding a maypole, visit Kenny Stroud at: Kingsbridge House B&B Common Head, Coate, Swindon, Wilts. (01793) 522861 P.S. Kenny was a bit of a star himself, having played football for Swindon and Bristol. Sorry I went on so long......... k?
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 11:35:42 -0700 From: "Steve Young" <sjyoung@hotmail.com> Subject: Quasi-Theramin? Message-ID: <20000530183838.82156.qmail@hotmail.com> It has occurred to me that the sound in "We're All Light" is possibly a synthetic portamento approximation of a Theramin rather than the real deal. Theramins generally sound a little more hollow and less pitch-controlled... at any rate, it certainly has the same spooky spacey feeling... ~~Steve Young
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:06:47 -0500 From: "Joe Funk" <twosheds@mindspring.com> Subject: A Little Perspective Message-ID: <00b001bfca6a$3519f160$7721fea9@user> Pythagorean theorem: 24 words. The Lord's prayer: 66 words. Archimedes' Principle: 67 words. The 10 Commandments: 179 words. The Gettysburg address: 286 words. The Declaration of Independence: 1,300 words. The US Government regulations on the sale of cabbage: 26,911 words Typical posts from Tom Kingston or Duncan Kimball: 378,091 words
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 15:45:18 -0400 From: "DuBray, Dan" <Dan.DuBray@mail.house.gov> Subject: "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" Moves Up One Spot on 'Radio Message-ID: <435A5CEEACA6D211BEEA0008C75DA885068F46DA@hrm12.house.gov> &Records' Chart For the week ending May 26th, XTC's "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" has moved up only one spot -- from #24 to #23 -- on the U.S. industry magazine 'Radio and Records' Adult Alternative chart. It has appeared on the chart for two weeks. This chart is influential for stations around the U.S. considering whether to add new music to their playlists. Be sure to call your local modern rock or alternative station and ask them to play the single.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 15:14:09 EDT From: Saints3Den@aol.com Subject: oh , balls! Message-ID: <38.6957273.26656d01@aol.com> wasp stung folks--- duncan kimball mentions << >Re: Iain Murray and the Dog with no Nuts!! Iain - Class act, old son Toni - if I were your dog I would think myself lucky I got away with only having my nuts cut off. If it were my dog .... (yeah, picture that ... Me? WITH A DOG?? bwahahahaha) >> A friend of my family's dog had testicular cancer. After surgery, they changed his name from Charlie to "Charlie one ball". Bike racer Lance Armstrong also had one removed. Imagine this interview..."Lance, it must take a lot of balls to win the Tour de France " Lance - "no, not really" On to Wasp Star/ demos postings--- I think it is important to mention whether or not one "heard them" before the final version. Hearing them or not in some ways may affect how one takes the final version. No one really seems to be upset that there are some changes, most folks are just remarking on if they had them, not really complaining. kind of like saying the book was better than the movie. Personally, the reason that I got the demos is that I felt there may never be another "official" xtc release, and that that would be the only way to ever hear any of them. I will never get any again, Knowing that they will continue on with recording.Unless it is as after the fact, official "homespun type" eddie st.martin
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:34:41 -0400 From: rgreenham@thebear.net (Rich Greenham) Subject: i'm the man who murdered who? Message-ID: <fc.000f4ca300395cd9000f4ca300395cd9.395d4f@cfrb.com> Everytime I listen to ITMWML, I substitute the word "love" with "God". Sometimes it actually works within the context of the song. Anyone else stumbled on this yet? Or am I just completely f*cked? Given Andy's take on organized religion, I wouldn't be surprised if he makes (or made) the same substitution as well. Rich "Burning In Hell" Greenham
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 15:22:43 -0600 From: William Loring <bloring@tirerack.com> Subject: A new release... Message-ID: <B5598D43.3683%bloring@tirerack.com> On Tuesday, May 23rd, at 8:12am, Brian Hachenberg Loring was officially introduced to the world. Upon arrival, he promptly screamed and cried. Not unexpected, I suppose. Anyway, mom and baby are doing just fine, thank you. Both are now home from the hospital, and Brian is quickly changing the lives of all around him. Got back to work today, and had my Official Copy of Wasp Star waiting for me, along with the Man Who Murdered Love single. (Thanks HMV!!) I also have the new King Crimson disc, the construKction of light, which was released on the same day. Coincidence? I think not. --- Don't you know, 'bout you finger tips away is a universe of atoms That thinks you're real something --- William (All Light) Loring
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:19:43 -0700 From: "Hiatt, Randy" <Randy.Hiatt@fsbti.com> Subject: Colin's got balls Message-ID: <F34536084B78D311AF53009027B0D7EAE3D96A@FSBEX01> Andy sings of loosing his wife and Colin is sheepishly proud of stealing his buddies girl.... what a team! Randy (gotta run, not, got the runs) Hiatt http://members.tripod.com/RandyHiatt/
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 15:22:51 -0600 From: William Loring <bloring@tirerack.com> Subject: A good review from the press. Message-ID: <B5598D4B.3684%bloring@tirerack.com> My local (South Bend, IN) paper gave Wasp Star a very nice review, although they did once use the "Q" word. http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2000/05/26/entertainment.20000526-sbt-MICH-C1-Like_spring_.sto The writer of the article wrote this in response to my inquiry: > Dear Mr. Loring: > > Thank you for your comments on my review of "Wasp Star." It's just an > excellent album. > > The Tribune's reprint policy allows you to establish a link from your site > to ours. The URL is: > > http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2000/05/26/entertainment.20000526-sbt-MICH-C1-Like_spring_.sto > > That link will automatically take your subscribers to the review. I hope > that's helpful and acceptable. > > Best wishes, > Andrew S. Hughes > Tribune Staff Writer Hope you all enjoy the article. Now, back to catching up with the many digests that have piled up in my "in box." William.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 14:28:32 -0700 From: "Victor Rocha" <wstsidela@mediaone.net> Subject: Yazbek the Stripper Message-ID: <005601bfca7e$01273520$4e568218@we.mediaone.net> here's the Yazbek story: http://www.latimes.com/print/suncal/20000528/t000050445.html
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 13:25:15 -0700 From: "Radiosinmotion" <radiosinmotion@earthlink.net> Subject: Wooden Foot Cops On The Highway. Message-ID: <002701bfca75$2a635300$0200a8c0@digitalpc> Someone mentioned Woodentops recently on the list. I love the Woodentops! They were pure (Power Pop, New Wave... Insert your favorite title here!) Reminds me of groups like Wonderstuff who were also a really good group (I heard they came out with an album without Miles on it... What?! Pop Will Eat Itself was also a really good band with their blend of Hip-Hop, Punk and just plain craziness. Way before all the teeny boppers started trying to blend the music together. Oh, a few of you have asked. Lene Lovich has a few CD's out in fact. I would recommend Stateless Plus and Flex Plus. Dexy's Midnight Runners > VERY GOOD & THEY HAD WAY MORE SONGS THAN "COME ON EILEEN!" Aztec Camera > Good (don't mistaken my saying good for not being excellent. I am using the Phil Hartman impression of Frankenstein, get me? B52's >Good. Back in the day they were the shit! I remember their tours just filling up with fans. God the 90's has been bad to them! Rick Astley> Bad!
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 21:03:31 +0100
From: "Debra Edmonds" <Debra.Edmonds@dial.pipex.com>
Subject: Swindon calling...
Message-ID: <NEBBKBLOPDEHJFKFJDDFKEEDCAAA.Debra.Edmonds@dial.pipex.com>
Hi All
Well, I haven't posted for a while, so I thought I'd say a few words, then
perhaps I can go back into snooze-mode for a few months!
I think Wasp Star is brilliant, although after a whole 8 days non-stop
listening (at home and in the car) I am getting a bit of an overdose, I must
admit. The majority of us all seem to think it is another masterpiece,
however, (and this is my very own personal opinion) I still prefer the days
of Skylarking and Oranges and Lemons (with English Settlement thrown in for
good measure). I guess I had a slight listening advantage with WS as I did
have more than half of the tracks as demos, and I think that the final
versions have over-excelled themselves, all except for Standing In for Joe,
which I think sounded better on demo.
Right then - on the subject of Dave! We should remember that it was Dave's
decision to leave XTC well before AV1 and WS were released. He is more than
happy doing what he is doing these days, and Andy and Colin appear to be
very happy continuing with XTC - long may it last. I personally miss Dave
not being there, not just for his guitar and keyboard contributions, but
just "being part of the team". I missed Terry terribly when he left too,
but I got used to it after a while. (I didn't miss Barry and the dreaded
organ!) I would like nothing more than to see all four of them get together
and treat us to a little tour, but we all know there is no way on earth
either of those things are ever going to happen (getting back together AND
touring!) However, it is nice to know that Dave and Ian had a great time a
few weeks ago visiting Terry at his parents home here in Swindon and
reminiscing over some beers of the old days on the road.
Andy appears to be back from his travels, as I saw him with Holly at the
cashpoint machine in the High Street, Swindon this afternoon!
On a slightly different note - it was a joy to do another of the Swindon
tours on Sunday - a real great guy from New York, and a Chalkhills regular
Mike Myers popped into Swindon on the train for a day visit. I tried to get
around most of the important sites during the day (Colin and Andy's houses
when they were little, their houses today (including Dave's), their schools,
Colin, Dave and Terry's places of birth, etc, etc). I hope Mike enjoyed the
day - he actually thought that Andy's house would have "rolling hills" at
the bottom of his garden! (He hasn't). Which just goes to show, if you
have never been here, you MUST visit - Swindon isn't really as bad as it
sounds! You too can then jump up and down over the neighbours side wall to
catch a glimpse of the shed and rummage around in the fields of Wanborough
and ask passers-by where Colin's house is!!
Watch out for some new articles appearing on Guitargonauts soon, and
check-out the new Pick of the Month on 1st June.
Well, that's enough waffling for now - I'm off for another dose of intro
from Playground - heaven! (Mark, Andy CAN play guitar!)
Catch ya all later.
Debie
debie@guitargonauts.com
Visit www.guitargonauts.com - the Dave Gregory website
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #6-143 *******************************
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