Chalkhills Digest Volume 7, Issue 13
Date: Tuesday, 6 March 2001
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 7, Number 13
Tuesday, 6 March 2001
Topics:
If there's a secret, can I be part of it?
In support of fish
Re: Wasp Star
fuzzy blegvad
those darned used cd's
Non so blind . . .
Shriekback Digital Conspiracy
Annandale-on-Hudson
You would cry too if it happened to you
2001 XTC Survey Results Almost Ready!
Non and Such
The (Chalk)Heads Are Alive...
Re; Annandale (sort of......)
Re: The Zither Project
Nosvcks!
An Open Letter (and a warning) To "The Skylar King"
fussy, fussy chalkhillians
the pantheon
question --
I'll give you THE WHAT FOUR and XTC quotes
p.s.
Kiss my aura, Dora
Annandale-on-Hudson
T'Mershi Duween
Re: Nonsuch and Wasp Star Shenanigans
a question of ethics
Nonsuch
By Hook Or By Crook
Playing Doctor
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 01:58:10 EST From: KINGSTUNES@aol.com Subject: If there's a secret, can I be part of it? Message-ID: <13.1238063d.27d34182@aol.com> >Rook suffers a bit from weak lyrics and vocals. I missed this reference until I saw it in Dan Wiencek's response. Whoever posted this, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to take this outside with me. Arrrrgh! It's the best damn thing lyrically that Andy ever wrote, IMO! Don't even get me started. The semophore of the washing lines, the message written under the base of clouds, "If I die and I find that I have a soul inside, promise me that you'll take it up on your final ride"..... Oh, man! the melancholy beauty, the aching to know some reason we exist, the stunning metaphors; poetry on par with the greats! Andy's greatest lyrical moment. As for his singing, while Andy often pushes himself past his limits, sometimes noticeably (the middle of Church of Women, for example), the force of aching sadness and sincerity in his singing on Rook overcomes all technical considerations and, for my money, is one of his greatest performances as a result. Andy himself said he was "quite unhinged" by it. He pours himself into the performance. Perhaps this poster doesn't agree with the metaphyisical implications, and that affects his/her appreciation of the song. But for me.... Rook is a masterpiece. ******************* Tom (Oh Lord, you are so big!) Kingston "I can't understand how all this can happen. It's enough to make one lose one's faith in God!" -Eva Braun, during the seige of Berlin
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 08:53:38 EST
From: OMBEAN1@aol.com
Subject: In support of fish
Message-ID: <93.7b02294.27d3a2e2@aol.com>
"Sup?
Somebody wrote this:
I am going
to be more obnoxious than TROUT if that is humanly possible.
WHAT!? Obnoxious? As an avid fisherman, I must defend him. I can't wait for
his posts,if only just to read his sign off. He's a highlight on these
pages.And if during one of my fishing trips I happen to catch him, I will
surely release him.
I've got that song "Yellow" from Coldplay firmly crammed in my head & I've
been singing it for 3 straight days now.
Anybody else see that video from Mudvayne called "Dig". I'm not a big
metal fan but this is great. Truly an insane clown posse.
The big storm has begun!!!!! Roger
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 06:56:18 EST From: Telehead@aol.com Subject: Re: Wasp Star Message-ID: <31.1141de57.27d38762@aol.com> In a message dated 3/3/01 8:23:00 PM, <owner-chalkhills@chalkhills.org> writes: > I thing it's a pretty good >album XTc wise, but not amongst their finest. > >That's my two cents, how does everyone else feel? > >Chris Well Chris, I rate WS very high. For a group that is pared down to a core of two, this record seems to have more of a "band" vibe than most of the post touring records. Even "Wounded Horse" works for me because I could see it being played by a hungover bar band (or maybe even a hungover XTC) in some nasty dive somewhere. I have yet to be disappointed by any XTC release, and I'm not nearly as much of a fan as most of you are (I can sing the tunes, even play a few of 'em, but I'm damned if I can quote many lyrics ... I have enough trouble with my own!). I listen to each record as it's own statement, and sure there have been clunkers (sorry my Brit cousins ... I'm only second generation here but I DON'T get Bungalow), but the balance is always on the positive. OK, I've gotta learn the lyrics to "Senses Working Overtime" ... I'm gonna play it at a local coffeehouse that does afterhours waffles and music, and I'm going to be the "surprise" entertainment soon. It's 4 am, better quit now .... Warren
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 14:07:39 -0500 From: mitch friedman <mitchf@mindspring.com> Subject: fuzzy blegvad Message-ID: <v03007801b6c8424e1c2f@[165.121.70.109]> Hellola, Two things for you folks . . . Firstly, whomever said that Cooking Vinyl is not going to release "Fuzzy Warbles" is absolutely right. It will be released by Idea Records and distributed by some other label who have already inked the deal. So it will come out and it will have lots and lots of great stuff on it. Secondly, Peter Blegvad and Andy are chummy again and a few months back Peter ventured to Swindon and worked with Andy on the two songs that appear on his new cd. Mitch
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 20:18:27 -0800 (PST) From: Tyler Hewitt <tahewitt@yahoo.com> Subject: those darned used cd's Message-ID: <20010305041827.5784.qmail@web2102.mail.yahoo.com> RE: Neil Young is famous for taking any and all he finds of his releases being offered in used record stores claiming they are his property not those of the original holder. Neil Young is also famous for being an asshole, not that it's any relation to the cd issue. I think that his actions are a bit extereme, although I can see his point. There's always been mixed opinion in the art world about giving the artist a percentage of the profits when a work of theirs sells for a high price at an auction. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. I heard that Charles Mingus' widow regularly goes into record stores and steals all the bootlegs. More defendable than getting pissed off about used cd's. I'm sure Neil Young's record label would consider those discs THEIR property if they could...
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 13:46:11 -0000 From: "Smith, David" <David.Smith@tfeurope.com> Subject: Non so blind . . . Message-ID: <4BBE67B71C1DD411A23600508B65F71E01168D0B@tfsecmsg04.tfseur.co.uk> Well hello all! I know I'm going to regret this, but I have to jump into the Nonsuch debate. I do, I really do . . Sylvan said: > I think I remember reading in a recent interview with Andy this > phrase regarding Nonsuch: "At the time, we thought it was our > best work" (Or something like that, I'm muffing the quote.) It > would seem that, looking back, he has revised his viewpoint. To be fair, I think Andy - in common with most musicians - tends to regard his latest piece as his best piece, until the next one comes along. I distinctly recall him saying the same about English Settlement, Skylarking, Mummer (to the amazement of many on the list - but not me and Debs!) and, lately both Apple Venus and Wasp Star. I think it's in most people's nature to be proud of what they've just achieved/created, when hindsight allows them some form of critical distance. I don't recall seeing Andy say "I don't rate Nonsuch any more" - although I stand to be corrected. Sylvan again . . > I give you my ideal Nonsuch (if you > weren't alienated before, prepare to be): > > 1. Peter Pumpkinhead > 2. My Bird Performs > 3. Wrapped In Grey > 4. Ugly Underneath > 5. Then She Appeared > 6. Dear Madam Barnum > 7. The Disappointed > 8. Holly up on Poppy > 9. War Dance > 10. Crocodile > 11. The Smartest Monkeys > 12. Books Are Burning > Running Time: 46:16 Good job Sylvan - I am now TOTALLY alienated ;-) My beloved Rook - chopped for "weak lyrics and vocals". How could you do this to me, I thought we were friends . . [sob!] Actually, it's a fascinating insight to see what lights other people's candles. I absolutely DETEST War Dance - the worst song either of the lads has ever come up with. Ah well, each to their own. As ever, while I may disagree with it, I will fully defend your right to your opinion. I might grumble a bit while doing so however :-) Bungalow . . . silly . . . throwaway . . . hummmph! Sylvan . . . again . . . already (sorry mate, nowt personal) > The Big Express is a great album, whatever anyone says. ;) Errrr, that's the patchy one for me - great start, but some serious "tailing off" in my humble wotsitcalled. Train Running Low keeps me listening to the end, but "Washaway" - what's all that abaaaart? Thanks to Duncs for informing this Danophile where in the world Muswell Brook is. That goes in the memory banks to use on some suitably unimpressed friends at a later date . . . Mentioning the Dan's Grammy: > > Evidently, Iain, we have finally reached a decade -- or a > planet -- where true talent is being recognised. I am > absobloodylutely delighted that the Grammy voters could see > past all that Eminem nonsense and see fit to reward what was > clearly the best record of the year. Oh, if only Duncs. I think this was a little kickback to the Shitney Spears culture that prevails. I'm (sadly) convinced that this was one-off, and next year normal service will be resumed as Eminem wins 1,451 Grammy's for his latest album: "Actually, Gay Dudes Are Really Cool. No, They Are, Really. No, Of Course I'm Not Saying That To Further My Career. Honest" What do you mean, OF COURSE Eminem is for real! Oooh, blimey, now Powerpop Boy's at it: > Unfortunately they all think (and I have to agree) that Wasp > Star was a big > disappointment and they hardly ever listen to it anymore. Yeah, errr, oh never mind, see above . . . > Now of course it's all personal opinion and blah blah blah > but I tend to think that outside Chalkhills and associated > 'fanzines' that Wasp Star did not set the world alight not > because people dont understand xtc but because it simply > wasnt one of XTC's better offerings. So what XTC album did set the world alight. 'Cos I musta missed it. Never mind, opinions etc. Ira Lieman said: > I use Yahoo Player for my MP3 collection at work. Napster is > great. :) Ooops, careful Ira - some pretty heated opinions re the Napster boys around here - hope you've got your tin hat on! New Chalkmate Dewi said: > > Listening to Mummer at the moment. I can't say Gold does a lot for > me. And does anyone like Procession Towards Learning Land? Err, that'll be me then! Dewi, in case you weren't aware, the middle tracks on that album (Frost Circus, Jump, Toys, Gold, Procession and Desert Island) weren't on the original vinyl release. They were added as bonus tracks to the CD release. Much debate abounds around here as to a) whether this was a good idea, and b) whether they were put in the right place. Personally, I could live without Desert Island. I'll leave you to your own opinions - perhaps you want to try programming in the original running order (which goes from Deliver Us From The Elements (Elephants) straight to Human Alchemy) and see what you think. > As I'm a newcomer, I'm interested if Mummer is generally > rated as one of the best albums, or somewhere down the list? Probably fair to say it divides opinion like no other XTC output. It seems to be the one people either love (Me, Deb Brown)or hate(everybody else). OK, I generalise, but Deb and I seem to do a lot of Mummer-defending on here. I think it's vastly under-rated. For me, it was the moment Andy (in particular) realised that he didn't have to be bound by the two guitars, bass'n'drums thang. The much-quoted "pastoral" sound had been hinted at in English Settlement, but for me, Mummer took it to a logical home. It's Skylarking's older brother - the two sound perfect back-to -back on a Summer's day. That's all. Goodbye. Smudge "Foot In Mouth Disease" Boy "If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room" - Randy "Macho Man" Savage
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 06:02:38 -0800 (PST) From: Angelina Evans <susperia5@yahoo.com> Subject: Shriekback Digital Conspiracy Message-ID: <20010305140238.6336.qmail@web701.mail.yahoo.com> Hi Chalksters ~ A few of the folks on the Shriek mailing list came together some time back and began building a website for Barry and the Boys. We launched it last night. If you care to take a peak, please go to: http://www.shriekback.com Mind you, it's still under construction, so visit often and let us know if something doesn't work. Enjoy! Peace, Tracy Angelina ===== It is my firm belief that it is a mistake to hold firm beliefs. I'll listen to reason when it comes out on compact disc. 'Survival is the parchment upon which the Law of Nature is inscribed.' ~Cadmus Pariah http://www.geocities.com/sith_raven/Midnight_Maps.html Shriekback on Yahoo! http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/shriekbacktemple
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2001 15:23:45 -0000 From: "Daniel DuBray" <ddubray@hotmail.com> Subject: Annandale-on-Hudson Message-ID: <F105rM4PGouiMbt7hvv000059a3@hotmail.com> As a resident of the DC area, I was also among those who always believed the "My Old School" reference to "Annandale" by Becker/Fagen had something to do with Annandale, Virginia. A cursory study of the history of "The Dan", however, reveals that Bard College, where Steely Dan originated, is located at Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. I guess there's something about being an XTC and a Steely Dan fan that helps one get closer to musical enlightenment, eh? Dan DuBray Washington, DC
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 10:38:40 -0600 (CST) From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: You would cry too if it happened to you Message-ID: <200103051638.KAA71080822@smtppop1pub.verizon.net> Newi Dewi (sorry, I couldn't help myself!) wondered: <<As I'm a newcomer, I'm interested if Mummer is generally rated as one of the best albums, or somewhere down the list?>>> Well Dewi, it is an accepted fact that Mummer is *the* definitive XTC album.. oh my, but yes!!! Of course this is according to the make-shift reality that I've constructed inside my brain, so you may want to consider that while you turn this thought over, o.k.? It seems as though Mummer is the 'guilty pleasures' album in XTC's catalog. Not that *any* of their albums fall in to this category in my estimation, but I've noticed that many of you kids are reluctant to admit that you enjoy Mummer. All those who adore *The*Pagan*King*-aka-Mummer, raise your hand.. See what I mean, Dewi? Jon Rosenberger was baffled by Jason Phelan's parting barb: <<In his message entitled "Biting the Hand" "Jason Phelan" phelander@hotmail.com> belched out a little ditty: >Liiiiiiiiife >is pathetic in the Chalkhouse Why is it that people need to post a message full of vitriol..>>> Back in my Florence Nightingale days, there was this young intern who frequented the ICU/CCU where I worked. Dr. R. H***es was always pleasant, always polite..a real sweetheart. Then he got married. Over the course of the next four or five months, Dr. Nice Guy turned into a disagreeable old poop.. it was quite puzzling. While having lunch with a friend who just happened to be Dr. H***es' wifey's chum, I found out the reason for this perplexing and most unwelcome change in our darling Doc. (To this day my dear friend swears this is a true story..) It seems Dr. H***es' new bride was now purchasing all of his personal items for him, including his underwear. Hubby never said, and the Mrs. never asked him what size he wore. Apparently she had no concept of sizing as she was buying his briefs three sizes too small! Jon, I'm guessing that the ill-tempered Mr. Phelan may be suffering from the same unfortunate condition. Debora 'oy! with the binding and the chafing!' Brown
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 13:53:25 -0500 From: "Martin, Alan" <Alan.Martin@ncxix.hcg.eds.com> Subject: 2001 XTC Survey Results Almost Ready! Message-ID: <B812DC6BF121D411B3FE00508B0B94222E8DDA@chowan.ncxix.hcg.eds.com> I'm approximately a week away from posting the results of the 2001 XTC Survey held earlier this year. I normally have the results compiled sooner but I've fallen behind this year. The results so far are very interesting and I had more respondants this year than ever before. I'll let you all know when I'm done with a post to Chalkhills and also a link at the Chalkhills website.
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 19:00:19 -0800 From: "Long's" <wlong2@carolina.rr.com> Subject: Non and Such Message-ID: <000701c0a5e9$93ee39c0$31941a42@q6s2h0.carolina.rr.com> Sylvan: Interesting improvised running order for the tracks...but the two tunes that "don't do much for you" are among my faves on the album. I think "That Wave" is easily the best track on the disc. Give it a few listens on phones and see if you change your mind. I don't think any other XTC song holds a candle to it for so perfectly capturing the intent of the lyrics with sound. It's a perfect murky setup for the bliss of "Then She Appeared," and I simply cannot listen to one without the other. Not to mention the fact that "That Wave" contains one of the more brilliant solos Dave every strung together. Nonsuch was the second album I owned all the demos to at least a year in advance of the actual release date. For years I preferred the demos to the finished product, which is the risk you run when you're simply too damn high strung to hold out for the real thing. I now consider portions of that album to be as good as anything the band has ever done. I'd most likely, if forced to, place "That Wave" amongst my top ten XTC songs of all time. wesLONG
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 18:12:32 -0600 From: "John Voorhees" <griffon@earthling.net> Subject: The (Chalk)Heads Are Alive... Message-ID: <002001c0a5d2$2483b360$5dbfcdd1@i55.com> Ho there! I've been in a very infrequent lurk mode for quite a while now, but this morning, I finally got busy and updated the mp3.com "station", Chalkheads: XTC Fans Unhinged! New songs have been added and the running order has shifted a bit. I think we're up to 46 songs and going strong. Our new additions include KC Bowman, Fluid Ounces and Lord Baygon. Two old favorites have also been returned to the list, Greg Annussek and Kompost (who warmed our hearts with "Andy Partridge's Sh*t"). For those of you unfamiliar with Chalkheads, it's quite an eclectic treat. The music doesn't all sound like our Swindonian heroes, but it is all fan-produced. There's some really excellent material... XTC do seem to be quite the "musician's band". If you're a musician on MP3.com and unrepresented on the playlist, drop me a line. Be sure and mention XTC or Chalkhills in your email, since there are quite a few MP3.com artists who just send their stuff out literally everywhere, and I'm trying to filter them out. My email is johnvoorhees@johnvoorhees.com, and you can visit Chalkheads at http://www.mp3.com/stations/chalkheads . Hope ya like it! John Voorhees
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 19:17:01 EST From: PSandford@aol.com Subject: Re; Annandale (sort of......) Message-ID: <84.12458133.27d5867d@aol.com> Anybody else think that "Standing in for Joe" is quite similar in melody to "Barrytown" by Steely Dan on the Pretzel Logic album?? And while we're at it how much like the Dan is Andys' guitar solo on "Church of Women"?. It would not be out of place on Countdown to ecstasy or any track played on by Denny Dias or "the Skunk". Is there something we should know?????
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 00:35:09 From: "Bob Crain" <bobcrain@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: The Zither Project Message-ID: <F174BaYFkuutSgcOrBL000000de@hotmail.com> There IS a file out on Napster by that name. Not that I've downloaded or anything. It's 3:47. It's on "abraxasman"'s drive. He's got a cable modem. Ping! -Bob Crain John Relph <relph@engr.sgi.com> wrote: >Some of the songs to have been included on the project include the >following: > > Lolly Let's Suck It And See > My Red Aeroplane > Cherry in Your Tree > Candy Mine > Jelly Baby > Standing In For Joe > I'm The Kaiser > Visit to the Doctor > Cave Girl > All Aboard for Bubble Land > >Are there recordings of any of these demos (besides the three released >songs)?
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2001 18:53:51 -0600
From: "vee tube" <veetube@hotmail.com>
Subject: Nosvcks!
Message-ID: <F208p68V8zDv60gxapz00000334@hotmail.com>
I've always considered "Nonsvch"
a Ruby in a field of Emeralds and
Sapphires. And every XTC song is,
a snowflake.
If you catch my 'drift'.
}---:)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2001 21:32:57 -0600
From: "vee tube" <veetube@hotmail.com>
Subject: An Open Letter (and a warning) To "The Skylar King"
Message-ID: <F12178n37zUEPiLi57X00028e35@hotmail.com>
Dear sir,
While I nevermind you goofin' on the
Chalk-kids, I must hereby express the
most-ut, umbrage as regards your recent
dis-imagification unto the TROUT!
We 'Pan-dimensional-hyper-finoids',
while a peaceful breed, still occasional-
ly find it useful to request, Nay! DEMAND
RESPECT! from dirt-walkers svch as your-
self.
As the 'sole' ambassador from planet
Fintasia, I have saved your Mother Dirt-
land from imminent destruction at least 3
times in the last 2 years.
But I may no longer be able to hold back
the 'Death Of A Thousand Spawns'.
Your most recent comment,
"I am going to be more
obnoxious than TROUT"
is the worm that "broke the Jumbo Shrimps'
spine"
You! Sir! Have INFURIATED the...
WATER WARRIORS OF FINTASIA!
Your only chance at salvation is
to immediately issue a complete and un-
revocable public admission of your complete
and total ignorance of all things Alien!
Please! Sir!
Think of the HUMANITY and present submission
forthwith!
Eagerly awaiting your public apology,
Vee Tube.
!---:)
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 14:45:46 +1100 From: "Crawford, Jeff" <crawfordj@mng.newsltd.com.au> Subject: fussy, fussy chalkhillians Message-ID: <17B04C523C3ED31195410000F87535480CB421@mngxchange.mng.newsltd.com.au> Greeting Chalkhillians, I'm fairly new to the list, so I've been sitting back reading Chalkhills for a while before putting my two cents' worth in for the first time. My goodness, you lot are fussy. Perhaps that's the idea of the list, but even a non-XTC fan would be pretty impressed by the likes of Nonsuch and Wasp Star if they actually got to hear them! All albums - even those near perfect concoctions from the Fab Four - have their ups and downs, key songs followed by slightly weaker efforts. I think the best moments of Nonsuch, Wasp Star and Apple Venus are up there with XTC's absolute best, in terms of creativity, pure pop enjoyment and sheer melodic gorgeousness. However, I do agree that the likes of Mummer and The Big Express (both of which I'm quite fond of) are "transition" albums. Am I too late to point out that Uncut magazine stuffed up its summary of "Making Plans for Nigel" in the most influential singles of the past 25 years list? They refer to it as Andy's song throughout, not realising Colin actually penned XTC's brief breakthrough to the mainstream. To Dunks, who wonders about Australian place names being mentioned by American songwriters - how about Warren Zevon's hilarious "Mr Bad Example", in which he refers to being in Adelaide (my home town), reading the want ads and sipping Fosters in the shade. And finally, judging by the interviews given after the release of Apple Venus, I would say that Andy has pretty much made his mind up about the possibility of performing on stage again - forget it! Anyway, that's the feeling I got, Jeff (a Chalkhills debutant)
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 20:00:23 -0800 (PST) From: Tyler Hewitt <tahewitt@yahoo.com> Subject: the pantheon Message-ID: <20010306040023.2406.qmail@web2101.mail.yahoo.com> Chris Vreeland divides xc's works into three catagories: 1. Truly indispensable, genre defining masterpieces, English Settlement Skylarking Apple Venus vol.1 2. Second tier great works, Drums and Wires Black Sea Dukes of Stratosphere Oranges and Lemons Nonsuch 3. Slightly flawed, or "transitional" works. White Music Go2 Mummer Big Express This is almost exactly where I'd place 'em myself. My only changes would be to place Nonsuch in the third, slightly flawed catagory, and move Go2 to the space between catagory 2 and 3, along with Wasp Star.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 06:28:21 -0500
From: "Danny Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net>
Subject: question --
Message-ID: <web-6546783@schoollink.net>
any kind of "official" release date yet on that xtc
boxed set from virgin?
just wondering --
/dan
-------------------------------------------
"All of the answers you seek can be
found in the dreams that you dream..."
-- Dan Fogelberg
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 09:16:24 -0600 From: Jason Phelan <jphelan@ICGCopyright.com> Subject: I'll give you THE WHAT FOUR and XTC quotes Message-ID: <CBE4754489E8D211816000500416EAE00E7150@w162.z064002150.bna-tn.dsl.cnc.net> Dear Chalkherders, Tired of the Nonsuch fight re-tread? Tales of no fuzzy warbles box set from Virgin got ya in the dumps? TROUT posts driving you around, through, under and over the bend? THE SKYLAR KING has a treat for you: "Melodic knack...Snotty Dynamics...Hell, the year isn't even a month old, and this already sounds like a year-end Top 10 contender" - Jim Ridley, Nashville Scene Jan 25, 2001 Critic's Picks" "...trades in urgent, exuberant, loud attitude feuled rock that's so fresh, you can still smell the oil-stains on their jeans....The What Four have hooks so sharp they'll cut you if you are not careful..." B.F.W. Nashville Scene February 8, 2001 Critic's Pick Just a couple of things being said about a new band out there called THE WHAT FOUR. Influences Include The Kinks,The Beatles, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Black, XTC, Lou Reed and a serious sweet tooth for the Nuggets box set of garage, pschedelic classics! Go to their site http://www.mp3.com/phelan Here you can find out more on the band, download their music for free or for heaven's sake, you can even buy a real cd with a booklet and everything. The cd will aslo include stuff for your computer! And it's inexpensive....12 songs $6.99!!!! This will tide you over until we can go back to talking about new things. Or hell, talk about this if you want, I am sure Andy wouldn't mind in the downtime. In fact, listen to these great comments about THE WHAT FOUR from members of XTC themselves! "The number you have reached is no longer in service. Please hang up and dial again." A. Partridge's quote when I tried to call his house. Well, it sounded maybe a little like...him...I guess. "What for?" C. Moulding's assistant's quote when asked "Can I talk to Mr. Moulding for a minute?" "Hi, this is Dave, I am currently out of the country playing in a Prog Rock Bar Band in Melbourne...please leave a message at the chord progression (a bit of 21st Century Schizoid Man plays...) " - (EX)TC member, David Gregory's quote when called about THE WHAT FOR. So you see, so try it direct, try it collect, but try it today! http://www.mp3.com/phelan Love peace and Humble Daisies all around the throne of, THE SKYLAR KING
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 08:56:20 -0600 (CST) From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: p.s. Message-ID: <200103061456.IAA127069699@smtppop3pub.verizon.net> >From Jason Phelan: <<Now, I never said nuthin' about no leavin them there 'Hills! I was just having a lil' ol' fun with my feelings about the state of the posts. Some thought I was REALLY SERIOUS about Limp Bizkit ( and THAT my friends, gets 2 squeaks, cuz it's the funniest of them all! )>> Fun, shmun! I *still* say your undies are too tight!!!
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 15:01:49 From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: Kiss my aura, Dora Message-ID: <F264VyLridnGiAw8HQE00000a37@hotmail.com> >From: Randy Hiatt >Subject: need 126 color cartridge film >Any leads would be great. My Kirlian camera runs on this film type Your WHAT?? A) Just wondered how *exactly* this relates XTC? B) You can't be serious? >it was discontinued (... presumably due to lack of demand in this quadrant of the galaxy) >and I'm looking for old stock (it must exist >somewhere). Have you tried www.flakeypseudoscience.com? >Help! Oh man, that is SUCH a tempting feed line... >am bidding at eBay now for a few (2) rolls... wish me luck! I wish you a speedy recovery. Just keep taking the tablets, baby. Telepathically yours, Dunks Canyons-of-your-mind, NSW :P
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 11:30:48 -0500 From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net> Subject: Annandale-on-Hudson Message-ID: <l03130300b6cac09de1ab@[206.231.24.79]> >Not at all certain, but I always thought that Annandale referred to >Annandale, Virginia. I was living in D.C. not too long after Steely Dan >released the song in question, and it seems as though the word on the >street was that it referred to this particular suburb, and that some member >of the band had attended high school there or something to that effect------- > >John Don and Walter of Steely Dan first met at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. At least one of them was involved with the student radio station and supposedly that's how they met. Christopher R. Coolidge "The bad news is, there is no key to the universe. The good news is, it has been left unlocked." -Swami Beyondananda
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 08:49:23 -0500
From: sjacobs <sjacobs@parkgrp.com>
Subject: T'Mershi Duween
Message-ID: <B6CA5513.545%sjacobs@parkgrp.com>
Ok, I know this isn't XTC related...but if we can talk about politics and
religion, surely we can mention Frank Zappa.
Now I don't know about you, but I haven't been to a really GREAT gig,
since I saw Tom Waits play in about 1989...isn't that sad! They just never
come up to my expectations...until last night.
I went to se Ike Willis and Project/Object play at Alley Katz in Richmond.
OH MY GOD, I didn't stop smiling for the whole gig. They were brilliant.
Now dare I say this? but it was better than seeing Frank himself play (I'm
sorry, retribution will be swift for this comment), but there were no 12
min. solo's, and only the very best choice of tracks.
The whole "Don't eat yellow snow/St Alphonso's medley", "Inca Roads"
"Idiot Bastard Son" (very relevent for George W. Bush nowdays). "Sharleena"
"Bamboozled By love" and the most blissful rendering of "Montana" to name
just a few.
Now they are coming for the first time to the West Coast, and then back to
the East Coast again. I think there is a website with details, please
please go and see them and (if you need it like me) it will refresh your
faith in live gigs. Although I must say you really have to know your Zappa
music to survive this gig, it was technically brilliant but certainly not
for the faint hearted.
One other point, it seems to me that very few women love Frank Zappa, most
of them just politly tolerate their husbands/boyfreinds constant playing of
Zappa CD's. Why is this?
Love you all and looking like a twat, as I walk around the office smoiling
and humming "Stinkfoot"
Yak
"The shuttle of life weaves the future on the threads of the past, creating
the fabric of your destiny."
Jim Rose
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2001 12:20:15 -0500
From: Sylvan <psiogen@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: Nonsuch and Wasp Star Shenanigans
Message-ID: <B6CA867F.3FB%psiogen@mindspring.com>
Dan Wiencek wrote:
>> Rook
>> suffers a bit from weak lyrics and vocals.
>
> Hah? I'll grant you that Andy's vocals are a bit pinched (he needs to relax
> a bit or something), but this is simply one of the best lyrics Andy (and,
> therefore, just about anyone else) has ever written. The couplet that opens
> the first bridge ("Soar up high .../Break the code ...") darn near makes me
> weep every time.
Okay, it's more weak vocals than weak lyrics, I'll admit. I love the
bridges, but lines like "Crow, crow, spill all you know"... meh.
>> Humble Daisy just
>> doesn't do
>> much for me.
>
> Beautiful song. Completely unorthodox--like Andy says in Song Stories, it
> moves in suprising ways and each section is a departure from the one before.
> Again, one of Andy's very best lyrics.
>
> Same for That Wave.
>
> Think of it as the Dukes with a big budget. I enjoy it in that sense. And
> that guitar solo? Gregsy's finest moment (and, excepting the finale of Books
> are Burning, his last hurrah on an XTC record).
I can bend on Humble Daisy, but I have really tried to like That Wave and I
just don't, despite the great production.
>> Omnibus needs some sort of radically
>> different arrangement.
>
> But it *is* radically different! That song sounds like nothing else I've
> ever heard. That there are people in the world still willing to make a song
> sound so cheerful and demented is a cause for celebration. Omnibus is a
> great song, and I can't think of a better arrangement for it.
It's just too manic for me. I love cheerfully demented music in general, but
Omnibus just grates on my mind for some reason. Especially where it's placed
right after Rook.
>> Bungalow comes off as just a silly
>> throwaway.
>
> Bungalow took some time to get used to, I will admit. Now I really enjoy the
> humor of it; I think most of the negative responses are from those (esp. us
> Americans) who don't realize it's supposed to be funny, or why it's funny.
Now that's not fair. I'm American, and yes I enjoy and understand the humor
of it. I just don't like it musically. I'd rather have it be a b-side that
completists can seek out and chuckle over.
Chris Vreeland worte:
> A question: Almost a year after the fact, now that all the
> ardor about Wasp Star has settled down, in everyone's opinion, where
> has it settled amongst the pantheon of xTc albums?
I'd have to put Wasp Star somewhere in the middle. As great as it is, it
just isn't _as_ great as the best of their work. I have, however,
reevaluated my position that it is inferior to Apple Venus, which I would
currently place just below it on my list.
--
Sylvan
Safety Tip #147: Never lick a burning car.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 11:44:25 -0600 (CST) From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: a question of ethics Message-ID: <200103061744.LAA71622034@smtppop1pub.verizon.net> Moral dilemma: I am in the process of converting my bro into a full-fledged XTCFREAK. I found a gently used copy of English Settlement at half.com for $3.95. I purchased said copy and mailed it off to said bro. I am troubled by the fact that I didn't put any gold into the lad's pockets. Will I go straight to hell when I die?.. or will I first have to endure a five hour lay-over at DFW airport? (Hey! I made a truly great buy at half.com- an absolutely pristine VHS copy of Fellini's 8 1/2... for $10!) Enough with the half.com! *** Remember that pimply-faced geek who was in your high school's 'Honors' band? Hot-diggity, the former geek named Ira, along with his wife, Georgia, are making some fine records. From what I understand they've been doing this sort of thing for a while now, but I've just come on board so bear with me. I'm talking about Yo La Tengo, kids, and I've been spending some quality time with their album, And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out. So lo-fi you might be tempted to drift right past it.. but *don't* or you'll be missing a musical interlude of understated grace and beauty.. Sparse arrangements, and almost mantra-like melody grooves.. and the way that the vocal lines are mixed WAY down in back, sounding like they were recorded through a microphone hidden somewhere in Ira and Georgia's bedroom... it makes you want to hold your breath and lean forward just a little, so you won't miss any of their shared whispers.. I like it... alot. ..and will all the guilty parties please stop trashing Mummer? I'm *not* kidding around, I *know* where you live :) Aw geez, that's three posts in two days.. who's a geek? Your 'former Honors choir geek', Debora Brown
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2001 09:22:35 +1030 From: "Van Abbe, Dominic" <dominic.vanabbe@au.faulding.com> Subject: Nonsuch Message-ID: <45C458C0C9C7D2119F790000F87A42A40269C76B@s-mulgrave6.faulding.com.au> Folx, Much has been made over the years, both by the band themselves and the fans, of Gus Dudgeon's work on Nonsuch. In both Song Stories and Chalkhills (the book) Andy is at great pains to point out that Dudgeon's mix of the album gave off "icy blasts". Does anybody have, or has anyone ever heard, Dudgeon's mix (i.e. the pre-Nick Davis mix) of Nonsuch?? I guess the anally-retentive, trainspotter in me would love an opportunity to compare and contrast. I certainly found the Clive Langer versions of Ball & Chain and Punch & Judy (as found on the relevant Exstatic CD, and arguably better than the officially released Padgham versions) and the John Leckie version of Are You Receiving Me? interesting listening. Besides which, I'm curious to know just how bad they really are. Can anyone shed some light?? Cheers, Dom
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2001 00:25:52 +0100
From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl>
Subject: By Hook Or By Crook
Message-ID: <20010306231628.7533139073@mail.knoware.nl>
Dear Chalkers,
I was pleasantly surprised to see that my old favourites XTC got a
mention in our last issue:
> > Rook suffers a bit from weak lyrics and vocals.
>
> Hah?
Hah indeed! Who said this???
Come over here and tell me again and i'll show you who's weak.
Sheer bloody poetry, that's what it is you... you... you Hun!
> I'll grant you that Andy's vocals are a bit pinched (he needs to
> relax a bit or something),
or take a crap, most likely (pardon my French, ladies)
Old Fartridge was probably pinching his sphincter...
I've got a Nonsuch outtake that will make your hair curl
> but this is simply one of the best lyrics
Amen. Coz it just simply is. Up there with (to name but a few) NLIOL,
AOAS and C&C. And if you don't agree i'll whack you around the ears
with a tin of limp biscuits.
yours in xtc,
Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse
http://www.knoware.nl/users/mmello/
or http://come.to/xtc
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Mar 2001 00:25:52 +0100 From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Subject: Playing Doctor Message-ID: <20010306231629.6B92B39073@mail.knoware.nl> Dear Chalkers, Thanks a bunch to John R. for the compiled info on the Bubblegum album. Before everybody gets too excited i must add that AFAIK not all of the songs mentioned actually got beyond the "great title" stage Didn't the man say somewhere that he took in five or six songs to Virgin ??? I'd say it's very probable he did not write any more when they rejected the whole idea > Are there recordings of any of these demos (besides the three released > songs)? I've got a fairly decent copy of Visit To The Doctor that i've never seen or heard anywhere else. Great tune by the way with pretty lewd lyrics too. Yours in ecstasy, Mark R. Strijbos (MD)
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #7-13 ******************************
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