Chalkhills Digest Volume 7, Issue 1
Date: Thursday, 4 January 2001
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 7, Number 1
Happy New Year!
Thursday, 4 January 2001
Topics:
Holiday Greetings + Looking For: "IN-XTC" CA car driver
Venus on the Halfshell
Re: Top Ten 2000
Coat of many cupboards
Re: start saving!
Holly really IS up on Poppy.......
What are you Doing Dave?
My Best Of List
12.29.00
worth reading
12.30.00
XTC makes Washington Post's Top 10 list
The Queen is Fried, Boys...
Peter Blegvad
Washington Post rates top 10 of 2000
happy new year -- 01.01.01
let me entertain you
My first end of the year thing
Porcupine Tree
Bumbling Deep Inside a Nova! (Exhibition Results)
"The Full Monty" ROCKS!
Fill up your glasses
The Little Express
TSOTT Nominated For Grammy!!
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 11:42:48 -0800 From: Mike Wicks <thewicks@sunset.net> Subject: Holiday Greetings + Looking For: "IN-XTC" CA car driver Message-ID: <3A4B97B7.BD5024B0@sunset.net> Organization: Poodle Video Hey All! It's been a LONG WHILE--hope things are chugging along on the Chalkhills Express! Though I haven't peeked in in a few months, I still regard Chalkhills and all you friends out there as a part of me, kinda like coming back home after a long Autumn's nap...looking forward to reading all of your posts, and, what the hey, I may throw my Opinion Hat into the ring now and then...kudos and props to John Relph--you are AMAZING, man, and also my holiday greetings to Danny Phipps, one kewl dude! While driving down the freeway here in Chico, CA yesterday, my thoughts and feelings of All Things XTC were re-kindled and sparked up again from a most surprising source. Behind me, in a sporty red car w/sunroof, a young woman, brunette, driving quite well...I noticed the license plate, and BOFFO! BAM! WOW! It read: IN-XTC ! The mystery is this: Is anyone out there the IN-XTC driver?? If so, please e-mail me at thewicks@sunset.net or call me at 1-530-894-8899. I may have some really cool xtc-items to exchange/give away to you...a couple of which I got at Melody Records in downtown Chico....Peace and Love as we approach the 21st Century, a new Millenium and all that, and here's hoping and looking forward to the "A Coat of Many Cupboards" BOXED SET from Virgin, but more importantly, the Moulding/Partridge automusicography FUZZY WARBLES, which should be more fun and comprehensive than the virgin we-want-your-money-you-swines set...but, you know, we'll buy both in the end! Cheers, Merry Xmas, Happy 2001, Drive Safely, Do What You Will But Harm None! Michael Wicks
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 15:00:06 EST From: Jxnsmom@aol.com Subject: Venus on the Halfshell Message-ID: <10.6bb31e4.277cf5c6@aol.com> Angie asked: <<Does anyone have a take on the line: "Then she appeared, Apple Venus on a half-open shell?" I'm afraid my own thoughts are way off base.>> I always envisioned Boticelli's "The Birth of Venus," or, as my art history professor used to call it, "Venus on the Halfshell." See http://www.timwilson.com/suen/home/pages/birth_of_venus_page4.htm Amy
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 12:14:50 -0800 From: Kerry Chicoine <kchicoine@mailorder.com> Subject: Re: Top Ten 2000 Message-ID: <3A4B9F3A.B4FCCF70@mailorder.com> Organization: American Computer Group Here are the top ten albums I enjoyed in 2000. 1) Jupiter Affect - Instructions for the Two Ways of Becoming Alice - Heavy yet delicate, a high-powered return to form for Michael Quercio. Amazing drumming by Chris Bruckner throughout. One of the best live bands in Los Angeles, they simply stun audiences with sheer power. Sadly, guitar hero Jason Shapiro recently left the band, leaving their future somewhat in doubt. A classic pop-rock masterpiece in the making. 2) The Januaries - s/t - Debbie Diamond and her extraordinary band of lounge lizards create a subtle mix of tiki chic and bossa nova cliches. Sassy, bold and silly all at once, a refreshing break from the bang-clang-jangle typical of so many current bands populating the Los Angeles soundscape. Retro cool Route 66 with the top down driving music. 3) xTc - Wasp Star - Like a good Central Coast merlot, Andy Partridge just gets better with age. The songs comprising Wasp Star are concise, compact pop gems with minimal clutter. From the simple (the ultra-hooky 'Playground') to the sublime (the all encompassing 'Wheel and the Maypole'), this album repeatedly surprises with insightful, humorous lyrics and quirky musical changes. The antidote to last years beautifully orchestrated pagan opus Apple Venus Volume I. 4) Kevin Gilbert - The Shaming of the True - Progressive pop doesn't get any better than this. One of the masterminds behind Sheryl Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club, Kevin Gilbert belies his mainstream tendencies with this incredibly progressive album. The Shaming of the True sets out to reveal the ugly truth behind the music business via songs of brilliant complexity and beauty, with dark undertones permeating the entire songcycle. Autobiographical? Perhaps, but with his untimely death in 1996, we'll never really know. The epic 'The End of a Long Days Life' is simply the best song released this year. A 'must have' album. 5) TSAR - s/t - Brittle, shrill, and very loud. High energy glam-influenced cock rock from survivors of the LA pop-punk scene. If any LA band has the potential to 'make it' it's TSAR, with their boyish good looks, mischievous stage antics, and rock star posturing. Strong, incredibly hooky tunes make for a stellar album through and through. 'Silver Shifter', with it's simple structure, falsetto vocals, and thrashing chorus will hook you like an iceaxe in the back. Fun with a capital 'T'. 6) The Shakes - s/t (ep) - Pete Gilabert of The Shakes writes miniature pop-punk gemstones that stick like crazy glue in yer fukin' brain. 'In My Hair' is a summertime twelve-string jangle-fest of the kind pop dreams are made of. Sloppy, loose and fast, The Shakes steamroll over pop cliches and emerge with something totally their own. Here's hoping for a full-length in 2001. 7) The Sugarplastic - Resin - A complete, total turnaround from their earlier xTc influenced output, the songs comprising Resin reflect a maturity in both sound and structure. From the George Harrison-esqe 'Talk Back' to the playful 'Dunn the Worm', Resin is chalk full of great songs from beginning to end. An instant favorite and highly recommended for fans of intelligent songwriting. 8) Bat Country - Entertainment Now - Kudos to Bat Country leader Norm Kelsey for NOT taking the safe route and creating just another 'sounds like' album. Freely mixing influences ranging from mid-1970's classic rock to pure bubblegum, Bat Country deliver a knockout punch with Entertainment Now. While not the most instantly accessible album, repeated listens reveal a surprisingly high level of sophistication and charm. One of the most different, moody and bracing albums of the year. 9) The Solipsistics - Jesus of the Apes - Jeff MacGregor continues to amuse listeners with the songs on Jesus of the Apes, coupling his sparse musical arrangements with wonderfully twisted lyrics. 'Employee of the Year' is reminiscent of KC Bowman, dark and quirky geek-pop in the best possible way. Really a lyric-based band rather than a musical powerhouse, The Solipsistics aren't every pop fans cup of tea, but if you enjoy a good brain tickle now and then, they're worth a listen or five. 10) Skycycle - Zeros and Ones - Freely available in MP3 format, Skycycle tread familiar water with Zeros and Ones. Fans of Jellyfish will no doubt find a kindred spirit in vocalist/songwriter Steve Isaacs as he bears an uncanny vocal resemblance to Andy Sturmer (IMO). While not exactly groundbreaking, their version of 'God Only Knows' nonetheless reveals a propensity for original thinking. Hey, familiarity breeds content. Or is that contempt? Happy holidays and best wishes in the coming new year. Thanks, John, for moderating an excellent and unusually civil list! kErrY kOMpOsT http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/15/kompost.html http://www.kickstand-usa.com/
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 15:08:35 -0500
From: sjacobs <sjacobs@parkgrp.com>
Subject: Coat of many cupboards
Message-ID: <B67107F3.3B3%sjacobs@parkgrp.com>
So what exactly do we think will be on Coat of Many Cupboards and how will
it differ from Fuzzy Warbles?
"Every thing we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream"
Edgar Allen Poe and Alan Parsons
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 16:41:43 -0500 From: "Danny Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: Re: start saving! Message-ID: <web-5470211@schoollink.net> richard... re: >So if you are the type of person that has to have >EVERYTHING that is released with XTC's name on it, do the >math and start saving! > >A Coat of Many Cupboards (4 discs?) >Virgin Reissues (9+ discs) >AVv1 Instrumental (1 disc) >The Low-Fi discs (disc quantity unknown but probably at >least 2) >Fuzzy Warbles (possibly up to six discs!) i just want you to realize that with this news that i jsut read, my heart skipped a few beats there, man!! (pant-pant) i simply cannot get enough of this band!! god, if it were to come to fruition that all this got released!!! (fingers tightly crossed!) thanks for the update, richard. it's the reason that i resubscribed to chalkhills. i don't wanna miss a thing when it comes to "the swindown two"!! :-) thanks for the eyetime -- dan --------------------------- "Balance the thoughts that release within you..." (Jon Anderson) ---------------------------
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 14:54:15 -0700 From: KirK.Gill@equifax.com Subject: Holly really IS up on Poppy....... Message-ID: <852569C3.00791950.00@noteswetc15.fin.equifax.com> Re: "XTC song dedication: "King For A Day", going out to president-annoint GW!" How's about "Here Comes President Kill Again?" Or, for Gore, "The Disappointed?" Or, for those "grinches" out there, "World Wrapped In Grey?" I've just been lurking lately, what with all the Holiday clatter. Haven't bought enough discs lately to be TOO boring: Slim Cessna's Auto Club, "Always Say Please and Thank You;" 16 Horsepower, "Secret South;" Kevin Gilbert, "The Shaming of the True." All worthy of many listens. An additional note: watching my beautiful niece Hannah ride her little plastic play pony made me hum "Holly Up On Poppy" for the first time in my life. Gotta love when art and life get together............... HNY All........ k ?
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 17:34:24 -0400 From: Andrew Boyle <uscolor@uscolor.com> Subject: What are you Doing Dave? Message-ID: <v04210101b67161f085e7@[192.168.0.3]> Is it safe to come out? Before I forget: Happy New Millennium to all!!! Now back to trying to find space for all these damn children's toys from Christmas. Andrew Boyle Orlando, FL
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 05:21:14 -0800 From: "Ray Michno" <rmichno@my-deja.com> Subject: My Best Of List Message-ID: <200012291321.FAA27694@mail8.bigmailbox.com> Yes, some people hate these lists, but I find them interesting. I always jot down albums/artists that I might have missed. Anyway, here's my list. Feel free to read or disregard! Best new purchases last year: (released in 2000) XTC - Wasp Star : Love it. It may be heresy, but I like it better than Vol. 1, which has too many songs I skip over. This is also the first XTC CD that my wife asked to borrow. She fell in love with "We're All Light". Steve Earle - Transcendental Blues : An interesting mix from a very talented artist. This CD has country, rock, folk, bluegrass, and even a Irish song. A nice assortment. Wilco/Billy Bragg - Mermaid Ave Vol II : I bought this for Wilco but I also enjoy the Bragg songs. The Natalie Merchant song, however, gets annoying after one listen. (released previously) XTC - Big Express : After hearing it praised so much on this list, I finally went out and bought it. Great CD. I still like the later, more "mature" sound better. Wilco - Being There : Great CD. I discovered Wilco in 1999 through the Steve Earle mailing list. I had the pleasure of seeing them live during the summer. This is a band in their prime! Best personal event in 2000: I got married in July. We had perfect weather, and a fantastic time. Hopes for 2001: Good health. Good music! More XTC!!
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 13:15:55 -0500 From: "Danny Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: 12.29.00 Message-ID: <web-5482246@schoollink.net> HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!! may the new year bring a higher sense of peace and unity among our brethren and sisteren. let's hope for more cool music, too, while we're at it, eh? stay sober (it's more fun that way, trust me!!) be the light -- /dan --------------------------- "Balance the thoughts that release within you..." (Jon Anderson) ---------------------------
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 19:35:24 -0600 (CST) From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: worth reading Message-ID: <200012310135.TAA85092690@smtppop3pub.verizon.net> That shameless, self-promoting Todd has been at it again- >>The issue of Modern Drummer magazine with my (too) short article on Chuck Sabo (the principal drummer on Wasp Star for you non-liner-note-reading readers out there in Chalkhillsland) has just hit the stands. Check out page 25.<< For the full-length article and then some, check out: http://chalkhills.org/articles/TBChuck000519.html Do read Mr. Bernhardt's article (full length, natch). Nice, relaxed vibe.. a very entertaining read. Way to go, Todd!.. Regarding the Gregory/Partridge RE-falling out.. To any Hillian who knows the sordid details and is willing to share them, please e-mail me personally. Morbid curiosity has gotten the better of me...I'm not real proud of it..as a matter of fact, tears of shame are pouring down my face, even as we speak... -BUT- I still *must* know. Thanks. ..and yes, Duckie, of course I meant 'our beloved INXS' sarcastically. A knowledgeable Hillian has informed me that there should have been a ;-) to indicate sarcastic intent. Dat-blam-it! ..you kids and your new-fangled e-speak.. I'm afraid I'll never get the hang of it! ;-) Debora 'carrying a monster twitch for XTC' Brown
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 01:49:26 -0800 From: "Dan Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: 12.30.00 Message-ID: <000b01c0730e$fdd7f960$c98c04d8@pavilion> just a simple wish this time out -- HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!! here's hoping that 2001 brings continued success and the kind of love and light that we all wish upon ourselves and each other. may we all live to see the dawn of a new age... hold the light within... peace, balance, unity -- /dan and ginger --------------------------------------------------- "all of the answers you seek can be found in the dreams that you dream..." (dan fogelberg) ---------------------------------------------------
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 06:55:20 -0800 From: "Victor Rocha" <wardrumm@hotmail.com> Subject: XTC makes Washington Post's Top 10 list Message-ID: <OE8A42M37CSuOZpVZsF00003e2d@hotmail.com> XTC makes The Washington Post's Top 10 list: XTC, "Wasp Star: Apple Venus Vol. 2." The reclusive godfathers of Brit pop, Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding of XTC, showed legions of imitators how it's done with their first studio rock album in eight years. "Wasp Star" revisits some XTC territory of the early '80s -- the guilt-free, 31/2-minute, guitar-based confection -- this time focusing on grade-school crushes. Were there sanity to the nation's radio playlists, "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" would have been a huge hit. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61523-2000Dec28.html Victor Rocha Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians www.pechanga.net
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 05:31:43 -0000 From: Robert Wood <Robert.Wood@apostrophe.org.uk> Subject: The Queen is Fried, Boys... Message-ID: <01C073B4.23D0D510@What> Jayne, that terminally concerned Royal poster said: >> Can I just say that reading Chalkhills while eating or drinking isn't a good idea. I've nearly fried my imac twice by reading with a mouthful of hot liquid. << Which just goes to show, Jayne, that waxing your legs while you read Chalkhills is simply not on; there are only so many things you can multitask...
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 12:11:02 -0800 (PST) From: John Relph <relph@engr.sgi.com> Subject: Peter Blegvad Message-ID: <200012312011.MAA88477@mando.engr.sgi.com> Folks, I thought I should take the time to mention that there is now a list for aficionados of Peter Blegvad. To join, surf to http://www.egroups.com/subscribe/PeterBlegvad Thanks. -- John
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 22:26:16 EST From: IMSUNBAKE@aol.com Subject: Washington Post rates top 10 of 2000 Message-ID: <8a.8af1bf.278152d8@aol.com> Darling Chalkies! The Washington Post rates Wasp Star ... well, go look at the article! http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61523-2000Dec28.html. And if you can't get there, well, I can't hold back. David Segal lists his top 10 rock albums for 2000 in no particular order and includes: ac XTC, "Wasp Star: Apple Venus Vol. 2." The reclusive godfathers of Brit pop, Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding of XTC, showed legions of imitators how it's done with their first studio rock album in eight years. "Wasp Star" revisits some XTC territory of the early '80s -- the guilt-free, 31/2-minute, guitar-based confection -- this time focusing on grade-school crushes. Were there sanity to the nation's radio playlists, "I'm the Man Who Murdered Love" would have been a huge hit. Happy 2001, folks! Annamarie
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 01 Jan 2001 06:26:20 -0500 From: "Danny Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: happy new year -- 01.01.01 Message-ID: <web-5507671@schoollink.net> happy new year, everyone!! :-) may we all live to see the see the dawn of a new age and the reality of a world "beyond war." it *can* be achieved if we all want it badly enough! :-) peace through music -- /dan phipps --------------------------- "Balance the thoughts that release within you..." (Jon Anderson) ---------------------------
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001 11:10:32 +1100 From: SEBASTIEN MAURY 02 9950 3315 <maury.sebastien@abc.net.au> Subject: let me entertain you Message-ID: <200101020358.OAA0000008008@inmail01.abc.net.au> January 2nd, and back at work. Yawn. Limbs screaming from bopping away at PRIDE (Sydney NYE dance party). First of all, apologies to those constant readers for whom lists are anathema. I myself love reading about what people have bought and enjoyed over the course of the year, so I'm hoping that those who do not may indulge me in this... In alphabetical order by artist, 1. Bjork: Selmasongs. This soundtrack to the Lars Von Trier film, Dancer in the Dark, will no doubt be much less controversial than the stunning (in its positive and negative sense) film itself. The music is awkward, touching, uplifting and tragic by turns. Describes Selma (and Bjork?!) herself really. Proof that Bjork is a huge talent who manages to divide people in the way that only great artists can. 2. Eels: Daisies Of The Galaxy. Rather a relief after the gloom of album number 2 (although I understand the reasons behind that one). E's songwriting is mightily impressive on this album and the most beautiful song is, bloody-mindedly, the one that radio won't play, It's A Motherfucker. 3. Incognito: No Time Like The Future. From a band that skates close to elevator music at times, but that can really bitch slap you instrumentally, this was thankfully the latter. Strong vocals by God knows who (but she can sing!) and a funky vibe on this overlong but fine disc. Excellent remix album came out last year too. 4. Toshi Kubota: Nothing But Your Love. And now for something completely different...Japanese R&B! Having changed his name from Toshinobu to Toshi, TK has recorded his first "American" album, with collaborations from the likes of Pras, Angie Stone and Dianne Warren (well 2 out of 3 ain't bad...). Surprisingly good, considering the state of his English when he recorded Just The Two Of Us with Caron Wheeler a few years back. 5. Kylie Minogue: Light Years. Stung by the criticism of her last (and critically acclaimed) album of adult-oriented dance, Kylie has gone back to the disco. This is a supremely confident display of fluffy and hook-laden boppy pop, done with attitude. Shits all over the tedious "Music" (although Madonna is cool without even trying). 6. Pnau: Sambanova. Although Madison Avenue are bigger, fellow Aussies Pnau are better. This suave electronica album grooves. rocks and sashays its way through 65 minutes of excellence. Comes with interactive stuff also. 7. Radiohead: Kid A. Perhaps the most anticipated album release of the year for me...A spooky and satisfying collection of soundscapes with plenty of melody, despite what the reviews might say. Outstanding. 8. Sade: Lovers Rock. Speaking of anticipated...1992 was her last album, and nothing has really changed, which is to say, Sade's "on the edge of pleasure" voice is still throbbing to a slightly harder edge this time. Constantly gorgeous. 9. Lewis Taylor: Lewis II. Having given up on a follow up to the sublime debut (one of my top 5 albums of all time), given his well-publicised battle with heroin, I was stunned to see this in the shops. Not totally dissimilar to the edgy, gorgeous yet melancholy R&B of its predecessor, this album slinks into your brain, and lodges for good. 10. XTC: Wasp Star. Of course. Others have said more, and better than I could. Satisfying in the extreme. Highly commendeds (including compilations): *Dmitri From Paris: A Night At The Playboy Mansion *Shirley Bassey: The Remix Album: Diamonds Are Forever *Bob Sinclair: Champs Elysees *LTJ Bukem: Journey Inwards *Magnetic Fields: 69 Love Songs *Sinead: Faith and Courage In 2000 I also discovered 2 wonderful record labels: Slip 'n Slide, home of the disastrously good Jazz In The House series, and Hed Kandi responsible for the irresponsibly tasty Hed Kandi series. Ouch (says the Visa). Cheers and hope some may groove on these... Best for 2001, Seb.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 17:07:27 -0800 From: Ed Kedzierski <ed.kedzierski@chromaticsoftware.com> Subject: My first end of the year thing Message-ID: <08B5DDC2BABCD311BFC6005004A884B013B8ED@mgcservices.com> Yes, I'm still here (put those tomatoes away), I've been busy, but by no means have I left or slid into (deliberate) lurkdom... Well, this is my first end-of-the-year post, can you believe it? I haven't quite reached my first year posting anniversary, I'll embarrass you all with thanks and praise when that comes around... Yes, I realize it's already the new year, but things have been extra hectic, what with shopping, gifting, drinking, etc. I hope everyone had a great one, and didn't overdo it on Sunday night... First of all, I'm sure I'm not the only one who's disappointed by the lack of mention of Wasp Star in the various rawkhacks "year's best" lists. As much as we may all dismiss their little opinions and put it all down to ignorance, it still sticks in one's craw a bit. Spin and Rolling Stone are hopleless lost causes, obviously, but it was still a bit galling to see the RS list not only not mentioning AV2, but including a fricking DON HENLEY album to boot. Closer to home, the local weekly rag did its top ten crits picks, and, shuffling through them looking for a mention, I find one guy who lists WS as one of his faves. A relief, but what does he go and do but, when bemoaning the loss of Dave, he says something along the lines of "unfortunately, former drummer Dave Gregory..." Argh. It's not the first time I've seen someone make this stupid error, and I guess it's probably too much to ask to expect rock journalist types to have a clue as to what they're talking about, but still... First of all, thanks to everyone who welcomed me so warmly when I first posted, everyone who offered to send me stuff when I expressed interest in just about anything (this list overflows with generosity), everyone who I've been in correspondence with offlist (you know who you are) for their friendship, and everyone in general for helping make this list consistently enjoyable to read. I don't know if I can thank Mr. Relph for providing this place without sounding like Mr. Poo-Tongue on the one hand or Mr. Faint-Praise on the other, so I'll just say thanks. Thanks especially for making me interested in music again. I posted something along these lines before, but I just thought I'd say again that the year before last I was in a total state of despair when it came to music. With all the suggestions I've come across here, I've bought more music in 2000 than in the previous five years combined. Some things weren't always what I expected, and I may not have always reacted to everything with the same degree of enthusiasm as those who recommended it (ie, I liked Owsley's songs well enough, but I would have liked them even more if some of the guitar sounds had a little less of that "generic alt-rock" texture; ditto for the Jason Falkner album I bought), but I don't regret a single purchase I've made as a result of reading about a group or album here. Not to sound too gushy, but you really don't know how much this has meant to me. Thanks again. Now, if only I could actually find something by the Sugarplastic in a bricks-and-mortar store (to order anything online I need to wait until I've paid down my maxed-out credit card to a reasonable level...). Speaking of musical suggestions, Jamie Lowe truly flattered me in 6-304, when he mentioned buying Sloan's Navy Blues just because I said it rocked (though it does). I never would have imagined that anyone would value my opinion like that, maybe I'm just used to my friends' eyes glazing over when I express musical enthusiasm (I went through an over-the-top, and probably rather insufferable, Kinks phase when I was about 19, and my oldest friends' ability to put up with my spoutings on music never really recovered), but I literally blushed when I read that post. I'm humbled. Thanks. So, I haven't exactly done a "Top Ten" per se; think of it more in terms of me dumping a pile of discs on your desk, with nothing ranked in terms of best to worst or whatever (they scatter all over the place, making a big mess, maybe spilling your coffee, you yell at me, I blub like Stan Laurel, etc.). Albums of My Year for 2000: XTC: Wasp Star. What more can I say? Still in heavy rotation for me, especially while driving. Ween: White Pepper. If you dismissed these guys as too jokey or something ages ago, look again. My second favourite release of the year, though "the Mollusk" has since surpassed it as my favourite Ween album. Badly Drawn Boy: Hour of Bewilderbeast. Well, it's already proving divisive, isn't it? Put me down as being on the bandwagon on this one (or put me down for it if you must). Surprisingly (as I'm usually pretty lyric-focused), the words haven't sunk in much with me yet at all, it's mainly just pleasing texture after pleasing texture. I've been playing this one to fall asleep to a lot lately (and not in a "this puts me to sleep" bad way). Elliot Smith: Figure 8. I like this for the same reasons I like the Badly Drawn Boy album. Pleasing textures, nice feel to the production, it just tickles my tastes in a very nice way. Another frequent bedtime choice. Radiohead: Kid A. Again, a matter of forming a reasonable opinion in the midst of slavering praise and impending vicious backlash. I ignored all the raves and initially passed on buying this, until I saw them do "National Anthem" (still my fave on the album) on SNL a while back. Definitely the first time in a very long time that I'd been in any way impressed by a musical guest on that show (seeing the guy wanking around with boxes and plugs and doodads was so much more enjoyable than just having someone triggering samples in the back), I went out and bought it the next day. I still prefer the first three or so songs, and start to lose interest about halfway through the album, but I'm quite willing to keep giving it a chance. The The: Nakedself. It was no Dusk, but it sure was great to hear Matt Johnson's reassuringly depressing voice again. Is that really it for 2000 releases? I feel sure it isn't but I'm not at home & I'm blanking out here. Anyway, various things I bought last year, many of them a direct result of this list, both reading about them on the list and in offlist e-mails, which weren't necessarily 2000 releases (and I'm not showing off what I can afford or anything, it's just the fact that I felt inspired to listen to more music than I have in years): The La's first album, both Yazbek albums, Owsley, the Wayward Genius of Martin Newell, that one-disc intro to Nick Drake (even with all the warnings that everyone who hears it just ends up buying the box set later, which seems likely), Jason Falkner-Can You Still Feel?, Love box set, the best of the Move, the Oranj Symphonette's two albums - Play Mancini & the Oranj Album (both very highly recommended), the Best of Burt Bacharach, a John Coltrane compilation for lazy dilletantes like myself, Miles Davis-Miles Smiles, the Bonzos - The Outro (including "Let's Make Up and Be Friendly" the last missing piece in my Bonzos collection), the Compact King Crimson, Richard and Linda Thompson - Shoot Out the Lights (the only one on every single list of suggestions sent to me by various people after I asked for advice) the remaining XTC stuff that I only had on vinyl (which apparently I'll be doing all over again now), and many more. And there's still a lot more that I want to hear that I've read about on this list, now that I have a source of recommendations that I can trust. I'll get to them. Dunks, you're right about Mission to Mars being a bad movie, but there were at least two things that amused me about it: 1)the face on Mars is a... display centre/Expo pavilion? 2) a big fuss was made by the makers when this was coming out regarding how NASA gave them all sorts of technical advice. Clearly, it all came from the "stuff we'd like to do if we had an infinite budget" file. As if anyone would fund a space station with a big, roomy gravity torus like that within any time span even vaguely resembling the apparent near-future this movie was set in. Among many other things. I have to say that a smelly little movie called Supernova is much, much worse, though. I rented it with a friend, with fairly low expectations, figuring it might at least be cheesy enough for a laugh & some momentary diversion. No such luck: it's like watching eggs fry. They seem to have built the sets and hired the actors, then tried to come up with a "story". No luck. Totally psyched about all the releases and re-releases that have been mentioned here lately - it'll be nice to have a reason to check out the XTC section of the shelves again when I go music shopping. Isn't telling people "you don't want to know" one of the surest ways of making them more curious? Just a thought... Talk to you all later, have a great one... Ed K.
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 14:46:44 -0800 From: "Hiatt, Randy" <Randy.Hiatt@fsbti.com> Subject: Porcupine Tree Message-ID: <F34536084B78D311AF53009027B0D7EAE3DC7A@fsbex01.fsbti.com> Anyone hear these guys? I just heard 3 CD's worth... wow, cool. Prog'rs for sure but smooth to swallow, interesting sounds, great grooves and drums, guitars, bass, ... oh and vocals too. The only thing I didn't like.... hmmmm couldn't tell. Dave Gregory arranges/produces the strings on their Lightbulb Sun release (latest). their site is http://www.porcupinetree.com/ Randy _________________________ wanna hear my music?... http:/www.mp3.com/RandyHiatt
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2001 20:04:56 -0600
From: "vee tube" <veetube@hotmail.com>
Subject: Bumbling Deep Inside a Nova! (Exhibition Results)
Message-ID: <F105hyTQaJHgKs3Xpz20000145a@hotmail.com>
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who
contributed to (and/or enjoyed) the second 'Wonder Annual
Harvest Song Festival' of XTC Holiday themed lyrical
parodies.
THANX!
Secondly,the imagination staggers at the thought
of what fodder this years XTC releases will provide for
the upcoming '3rd Wonder Annual...
And the winners are/were!
Honorable Mentions: In no particular order...
1.1: Debora Brown for...
I hid myself within the tall, field grass
and put a bullet in his feathered ass
Now to get you home, to clean and stuff
I just hope your meaty flesh is not TOO tough!
1.2: The UNNAMAILER for...
Secret Santa is forcing,
The feeling of Christmas
And loving-ing-ing.
Dollar limit so low anyway,
That it's best to buy
Nothing-ing-ing.
Feels so wrong, feels so wrong,
Cuz' we never got along,
But it's your name that I drew.
Please! No jokes about the Chalk-Women bringing up the rear!
The Runners Up: INPO.
1.1: Eddie 'The Saint' for...
Want to turn on
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Want to watch it
'Til my sled goes spinning around
Want to turn on How the Grinch
Let me turn on How The Grinch Stole Christmas
1.2: XsteveX for...
And if the pot won't hold this bird,
If the pot won't hold this bii-i-ird
If the pot won't hold this bird,
Then we'll baste it til it's brown . . . .what a meal!
Jell-O! Jell-O! Jell-O!
In cubes or molds you wiggle round, in colors streaming
Jell-O! Jell-O! Jell-O!
In red or green you're rarely seen at tables to-daaay
And now the grace we say . . . .yes,
Now the grace we say,
And the grand gift recipient?
Rich Greenham (loves his mom) for...
Mashed Potatoes
Are made out of spuds
That get creamed up with butt-err-err-err
Mashed Potatoes
Are heaped up in a bowl
`Cause they're made by your Moth-err-err-err
Lots of lumps, lots of lumps
She makes them with lots of lumps
And you better clean your plate
I'm on seconds gasping
Want to worship at the Mashed Potatoes
Drowned in gravy
`Til them spuds go swimming around
Want to worship at those Mashed
Let me worship at the Mashed Potatoes
As my Mum would say after every meal, "Have you had sufficient?"
Yes,Rich,I believe we have!
Again, Thank You EVERYBODY! I hope other Chalksters
enjoyed your spirit as much as I did.
}---:)
P.S. The most popular choice of 'Gifts' this year was...
Dave Gregory's "Re-Moulds"
TROUT!OUT!
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Jan 2001 21:36:24 -0500 From: Ben Gott <bgott@bowdoin.edu> Subject: "The Full Monty" ROCKS! Message-ID: <B6794956.2C4D%bgott@bowdoin.edu> Gang, Give me a "Y"! Give me an "A"! Give me a "Z-B-E-K"! I just returned from "The Full Monty" (now playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Broadway), and it was FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC. Yes, the story was adapted brilliantly by Terrence McNally, but Yazbek's music and lyrics stole the damn show. "Big Black Man," "Big-Ass Rock," "Breeze Off the River" (a haunting, beautiful song) and "You Walk With Me" (a tune based not-so-loosely on my favorite song off of "TOCK") were the standouts -- but, truly, everything else was wonderful. And there was even an XTC reference for those of us who care to listen! (The last, most crowd-stopping number, "Let It Go," contains the lines "Just let the music be the master / I got a whammy bar on my brown guitar...") I shelled out a massive $20 for the soundtrack at the door (puts more lint in Yazbek's pockets!), but you should go somewhere and buy the soundtrack. It's all vintage Yazbek...and that's incredibly kickin'. If you get a chance to see "The Full Monty," GO. I fucking *hate* musicals with all my heart, but this show was the huge, glaring, wonderful exception. (And I'm not just saying that because Yazbek is reading over our shoulders!) And if you can't get to New York, buy the CD. You won't be disappointed (especially if you've seen the film.) I make a prediction: watch the Tony Awards (whenever they air), and I'll bet you Harrison Sherwood's soul that Yazbek will be bringing an award home -- and not one that he snuck out in his coat pocket, like last time... Happy New Year! -Ben
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 22:26:52 -0800 (PST) From: Ryan Anthony <hamsterranch@yahoo.com> Subject: Fill up your glasses Message-ID: <20010104062652.4584.qmail@web10102.mail.yahoo.com> Has everyone got something in his or her glass? A toast to the still-very-much-alive Duke of Ceylon, Sir Arthur C. Clarke. This is his year; we're just living in it, squatting on our haunches, gnawing on bones, and waiting for a monolith. A toast to John Relph, who ground out 305, count 'em, 305, Chalkhills Digests in 2000. On the other 60 days, he rested. A toast to Harrison Sherwood, whose scholarly compendium of which stimulus triggers the violent release of what substance out the nostrils (CD #302) is worthy of the *Journal of Irreproducible Results*. (Is that spoof of academia still in business?) A toast to those of you, especially the Versacis, who finally "exhaled" when you learned that another's love of XTC equalled your own. Uh, Michael, does your wife have a sister? A reluctant toast to Ryan Anthony. No, not me, but another Ryan Anthony (like Tigger, I thought I was the only one!), whose name you will see -- listed second on the storyboard team -- if you watch the end credits of *Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins*. Why was I wasting my time with a piece of kiddie twaddle like *Buzz*? Because I love the two *Toy Story* movies so much, I wanted to see if any of that magic rubbed off on this conventionally-animated kid-vid spinoff. Answer: not much, although it has its moments. (Complimented on his skill with a raygun, evil Emperor Zurg explains, "You don't PULL the trigger, you SQUEEZE it.") Kid-vid in general, if *Eek the Cat* and *Buzz* are indicative, is smarter and sharper-edged than it was back when I was in its target audience. Speaking of waste: Why am I wasting my Chalksiblings' time with irrelevant ranting like this? Which reminds me: A toast to all of you for having the grace to put up with my stuff all year. Ryan Anthony (the other one) An independent Internet content provider P.S.: Colin's "The World Is Full of Angry Young Men" sounds even more like Steely Dan than "Standing In For Joe" does, if that's possible.
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2001 09:05:14 -0500 From: "Joe Jarrett" <Joe.Jarrett@ntel.tdsb.on.ca> Subject: The Little Express Message-ID: <fc.00003c540071f92100003c540071f921.71f95e@ntel.tdsb.on.ca> I spoke with Peter and June of the Little Express this week. The have finished the process of sending out all of the last issue and refunding any monies owed to any subscribers. They also told me that their post office box mailing address (that is included on the back of several of their CD's) will officially close as of January 31, 2001. So if you want to write them a goodbye note, or make inquiries about your subscription, or order any copies of past issues of the Little Express (and they have copies from issues 27 to the last one) this is your last chance. They would like to thank all of you who wrote them in the past and wish all of you the best in the future. Although they loved compiling the Little Express they have resolved themselves to the fact that times have changed and it is the right time to call it a day. You have to remember that they were both working and raising a family for the past nineteen years while they were editing the newsletter. They were (and still are) very dedicated and loyal fans of XTC. The back catalogue of all the L.E.'s makes any excellent library and historical record for all things XTC. They will be missed but certainly not forgotten.
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 10:26:38 -0500 From: "Joe Funk" <twosheds@mindspring.com> Subject: TSOTT Nominated For Grammy!! Message-ID: <006f01c07662$bca9efa0$9da9343f@funklt> Chalklings!! To all you Kevin Gilbert fans: "The Shaming of the True" has been nominated for a Grammy for Packaging!! I know, I know.. The irony that this musical masterpiece is being targeted for it's design... But if it wins, it will most certainly bring a lot more attention to Kevin's work, which I think he deeply deserves. I just wanted to ask any voting NARAS members (are there any on this list?) to please support Kevin and TSOTT by voting for it!! Spank You Very Much, Jomama
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #7-1 *****************************
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