Chalkhills Digest Volume 7, Issue 23
Date: Thursday, 29 March 2001

          Chalkhills Digest, Volume 7, Number 23

                 Thursday, 29 March 2001

Topics:

                    Re: Not Napster!!
            Storefront Hitchcock/ Idea Studios
             Dr Gregory's Instrumental Asylum
              ...she is hiding in the shed..
                  More Rutles Questions
      The Truth About Builders And Furniture-Makers
                           sxsw
                       that Smarts
                       Worst songs
                        McCartney
                     Chocolate/Chipps
       RE: The Urban Spaceman really doesn't exist
                      Re: New Musik
             A response to Lisette's question
                     Who owns "XtC"?
                Garden of Earthly Delights
                ROO and some of the other
                        Hey Drude
                  FREE! Squeeze Concert!
                  Forthcoming demos etc.
       CLUNK! The XTC satisfaction survey results!
          Newbies and Lurkers! (Free XTC music)
                        Uh, ooops!
                  Gig, pouch and whatnot
               Forgot to mention the pouch
                     Damn Dirty Apes!

Administrivia:

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

        unsubscribe

    For all other administrative issues, send a message to:

        <chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org>

    Please remember to send your Chalkhills postings to:

        <chalkhills@chalkhills.org>

    World Wide Web: <http://chalkhills.org/>

    The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.

    Chalkhills is compiled with Digest 3.7c (John Relph <relph@tmbg.org>).

Make your Union Jack and make your flag unfurl.

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 09:07:26 -0800 (PST)
From: Jeff Eby <jeffaeb@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Not Napster!!
Message-ID: <20010327170726.52467.qmail@web11601.mail.yahoo.com>

>NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

>Not Napster!!!!  How about going out and BUYING a CD
>of XTCs B-sides and Demos?

Of Course! I'll go out and buy Fuzzy Warbles and the
Virgin box set right now!  Why didn't I think of that!
 Oh wait, they're not out yet!!!

Of course I'll buy the the official collections WHEN
THEY COME OUT.  I didn't burn off one song that is
currently available on any commercial release.
Nothing from Rag and Bone, nothing from Homespun,
nothing that will likely be on Homegrown.  I'm also
not going to buy a bootleg of demos someone else has
made, that's really ripping them off.  It not like I'm
in some XTC inner circle that gets tapes of Demos sent
to me.

Favorite Napster nabbed demo of the day: Rip Van Ruben

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 13:44:11 -0600
From: "Steve Oleson" <Steve.Oleson@oag.state.tx.us>
Subject: Storefront Hitchcock/ Idea Studios
Message-ID: <sac09aa0.003@smtpgate.oag.state.tx.us>

Hi-
If you like Robyn, you'll probably like Storefront Hitchcock, very
much. It's beautifully lit and shot, by Jonathan Demme. (Silence of the
Lambs, Stop Making Sense)

Robyn's monologues are brilliant and funny. His singing and playing (as
well as that of Deni Bonet and Tim Keegan) is very good, and frequently
inspired. Granted, I would have loved to have a dose of Egyptians,
nevertheless it is a must have for Hitchcock fans.

I bought my copy of Storefront Hitchcock from Amazon.com.

Mr. Phelan, I am the guy who found value in XTC having a studio.

I think that perhaps I did not make my point well enough. Having virtually
unlimited time in the studio is far more valuable than just getting the
guitar tone exactly as they imagined. (I do know what a Pod is) With a
studio, they can get EVERYTHING exaaaactly as  they want, without the
scourge of "Red Light Fever" (the pressure of time/money in a commercial
studio), which Andy and Colin have both complained about previously. The
freedom afforded by owning a studio can make the difference between having
an acceptable recording, and a perfect rendition of their creations. I
think that is a wonderful thing.

Cheers!
Steve Oleson

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 21:35:14 +0100
From: "Debra Edmonds" <debra.edmonds@dial.pipex.com>
Subject: Dr Gregory's Instrumental Asylum
Message-ID: <EBECLIDBLCLIEKGAHMHMMEHECAAA.debra.edmonds@dial.pipex.com>

Hi again

Two posts from me in one week, now that's never been heard of before!

Just a quickie - for more information on the October's Carousel track, check
out the "Solo" pages of Dave's Discography at www.guitargonauts.com - it's
from Dr Gregory's Instrumental Asylum.  I've got a copy of the album, and
it's great.

Oh yes - for those wanting a tour, and insist on sending me photos (to prove
they are male and good looking I guess) could the photos be without hats and
sunglasses - people in disguises don't count!

One last thing - David Smith asked if I could bring Dave and Ian along to
the gathering in Oxford in May.  Now did I just get missed off the guest
list by accident(!) or did I miss out on this by not reading my Chalkhills
for months?  Could some kind soul mail me with the info.  Shame on you Mr
Strijbos for not filling me in (so to speak).  I thought you were my friend?
I'm not leaving Colin's Drums and Wires gold disc to you in my will anymore.

Over and out...

Debie

Visit www.guitargonauts.com - the "official" Dave Gregory website

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 21:06:54 +0100
From: "Adrian Ransome" <adrian.ransome@instinct.freeuk.com>
Subject: ...she is hiding in the shed..
Message-ID: <007901c0b700$2b4b1dc0$8a9b7ed4@atidy>

Yak said:
>How many experiments with brand new genres,  will have the
>same longevity and profound effect on our lives/musical tastes,
>as those that we first loved?

Speaking for myself, none. I just don't have the time to dissect, obsess over
and immerse myself in music in the way I could as a young 'un. The days of
spending all of a rainy Saturday afternoon listening a new album over & over
again whilst studying the record sleeve are well and truly gone.

I don't believe though, that musical _taste_ stagnates after 35. Circumstances
will change people's music choices. I have a family to support, therefore my
music purchases have dwindled. When I was a kid I could  waste money on
"shot-in-the-dark"/new artist/genre purchases which sometimes 'stuck' and
sometimes got relegated to the back of the pile. Now I don't have that luxury.
I'd LIKE to have that luxury, but alas, baby needs a new pack o nappies and a
ChirpyChi to go with his MeowChi & PooChi. So I must be more careful over what
music I buy.

I thought I could say what I wanted to say, but I'm not sure I've made myself
clear on this, there is no language in my fingers.
 ---------
Andy Miller informed us of the new Xtc website.
that's www.xtcidearecords.co.uk folks (nice one Andy!)

If Andy Partridge puts even a tiny part of his creative genius into it, it
could be a superb site.
Personally, my favourite musician's site belongs to Neil Finn
(http://www.nilfun.com) check out the interactive musical bits and then
imagine what Andy P could come up with in the same vein.
(I am in no way affiliated with Mr Finn blahdy-blah..)
 ---------
John Peacock's "The Shed Is Green" post was utter brilliance. My hat goes off
to you, sir.
 ---------
and finally....
Jason Phelan:
"All your base"? that's SO last week!! ; )

Adrian
"pure and simple gonna be there!"

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 13:02:48 -0800 (PST)
From: Alex Stein <arctic_moose@yahoo.com>
Subject: More Rutles Questions
Message-ID: <20010327210248.62122.qmail@web11604.mail.yahoo.com>

There was a Rutles event recently at the Museum of Radio & Television
here in Los Angeles that was advertised as including both Eric Idle and
Neil Innes.  I tried to go, but it was sold out.  I wonder if anyone
attended and what the mood was between Innes & Idle.

Also, I'd heard around when Archeology came out that one of the main
reasons why Neil didn't make much money on the Rutles was that the
Beatles (or Northern Songs or Michael Jackson or whoever controls such
things) demanded a hefty chunk (or perhaps all?) of Innes's publishing
on the Rutles songs from the album and the special because they were
just a little too close to actual Beatles songs. (And that was
reportedly why the Archeology songs while Beatlesque are not so closely
molded on Beatle songs as the first batch were.)

Perhaps someone could shed a little more light on these two things.

Cheers!
Alex

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 22:50:54 +0100
From: "Rory Wilsher" <rory.wilsher@lineone.net>
Subject: The Truth About Builders And Furniture-Makers
Message-ID: <000701c0b708$079c9ea0$e94d063e@oemcomputer>

Hillians

Take no notice of Messrs Leonard Boy and Richard Pedretti-Allen, nor Ms.
Jessica "Frippy". They're having a laugh at your expense.

The real reason why builders are described as "cheeky" has nothing to do
with the work of fiction that is described as an "initial estimate". What it
has to do with is attire. It is a well-known fact that builders buy their
jeans at exclusive establishments, which one must go through a secret ritual
to enter, to purchase their working accoutrements, i.e. the ultra-low
hipster jean-style trouser; a garment which exposes the upper reaches of the
gluteus maximus. Hence "cheeky builder". This is all known as "The Masonic
Conspiracy".

In the UK, it is traditional for builders to ring your front doorbell, and,
upon being confronted by the scantily-clad lady of the house, to declaim
Shakespearean free verse (or sonnets, for the higher orders of builder, such
as plasterers and others of that ilk). Hence "Calling with their quote".
It's obvious really, and I think you guys are over-complicating matters.

Thomas Chippendale was, of course, one of the finest furniture-makers of the
18th century. What is a little-known fact, however, is that he was a
Scotsman, and also included in his craft some of the greatest ornamental
sporrans ever made. Many of these can be seen in the National Museum in
Edinburgh - they're on a par with Faberge eggs.

Sadly, the museums of Edinburgh and other great cities have recently been
invaded by gangs of young males, frequently intoxicated on "superstrength"
lager. In order to combat this, and provide a safe environment for women to
view these exhibits, many cities now operate "women-only" evenings so that
ladies of a more refined nature may view these objets without the tawdry
spectacle of exuberant manhood running amok. These evenings have earned the
soubriquet "girls' night out".

This was evidently researched by Colin; however, in order to maintain
scansion and to "anglicise" the lyric for a wider audience, he decided to
substitute the word "pouch". This is an archaic word for purse or money-bag,
a use to which sporrans were also put, and has nothing to do with the
frankly obscene suggestions I've seen flying about the place regarding the
derivation of this lyric.

Hope that's cleared it up for you.

Noisily, camply, yours

Rory

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 18:13:38 -0600
From: "GLEN GREEN" <greenmanolishi@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: sxsw
Message-ID: <003601c0b71b$fc25a760$2cab560c@oemcomputer>

hey deb.  I don't have to read the article in the dallas news I was there.
He was fabulous I must say.

PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GLEN

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 20:46:40 -0500
From: mitch friedman <mitchf@mindspring.com>
Subject: that Smarts
Message-ID: <v03007805b6e6f1a9efb3@[165.247.31.12]>

Hello,

Thanks everyone for your thanks. You're welcome . . . or am I welcome?

I want to completely and overwhelmingly agree with Mr. Phelan in recommending
the music of Jim Smart and his band 3Tripper. I first met Jim back in '96
when I noticed that he had been posting to here and on the Kinks Preservation
Society list and bid him a hello. We became close friends in March of '98
when we both had the extreme good fortune to take Ray Davies' songwriting
course in England and have kept in touch ever since. He is a very talented
songwriter, musician, writer, teacher, parent and surfer (yup, he lives
in Hawaii), not to mention an extremely nice guy too. He even played on two
songs on my cd and I've helped him out by contributing lyrics to a few of his
numbers. The 3Tripper cd "Bound" is great and last year's "Waituke" is
truly excellent. Check his stuff out at www.mp3.com/3tripper!

Mitch

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

Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 22:35:22 -0500
From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net>
Subject: Worst songs
Message-ID: <l03130300b6e708eaf182@[206.231.24.99]>

>Lovely me stated...
>
>'If even the worse tracks that xtc have made are better than any song any
>other band have ever made, as is often tediously commented upon in this
>list.....' etc etc etc
>
>Mr Evil Strijbos replied...'what do you mean, "worse tracks" ??? Go wash
>your mouth with carbolic soap and shut your ff-ing pie trap'
>
>Well Boo to you sir.
>
>Smartest Monkeys v's God Only Knows.........hmmm. Toughie. A close call
>there. I cant decide.
>
>Twat.

  A more accurate statement would be XTC's worst tracks are still far
better than most other bands' worst tracks. Many bands I respect for their
best stuff have released material that, if it were the first song I'd ever
heard by that band I would have wanted nothing to do with their back
catalog. XTC are so reliable and consistent that their worst songs can at
worst be considered failed experiments that are at least respectable for
the attempt or songs that weren't quite finished that were left that way
because they didn't fit on the album. At least they are more interesting
and listenable than the following worst songs by people I respect when
they're at their best:(I'm sure others can think of even more horrific
examples) "I Want To Pick You Up,"(Brian Wilson) "Invisible
Touch,"(Genesis) "Jamaica Jerk-off,"(Elton John) "Masterman and Baby
J,"(Randy Newman) and, oh the horror, "Rock And Roll Cities."(The Kinks)
XTC has managed to avoid stinkers like these, and kudos to them for that.
I'm willing to forgive a few songs that are comparitively half-realised,
unfortunately Colin's guilty of more of those than Andy, especially in the
early pre-Dave Gregory days.

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, 27 Mar 2001 23:00:54 -0500
From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net>
Subject: McCartney
Message-ID: <l03130301b6e70ee95a1f@[206.231.24.248]>

>Well, I like McCartney, McCartney II, Ram, and Band on the Run.  Other than
>that, just the odd song or two stands out.  He got overly sweet and poppy
>after those albums.  NOTHING he did during the eighties was worth a second
>listen, in my opinion...
>
>Then again, other than Plastic Ono Band, most of Lennon's "serious" work
>just didn't appeal to me.
>
>Always believed that Paul needed John's influence to reign in his incredibly
>saccharine leanings, while John needed Paul's superior song-writing skills
>to lift John's songs out of their MUSICAL simplicity.
>
>Neither matched the brilliance of the Beatles.
>
>The Drude

  Generally a true statement, though I've been more patient with some of
his 80's stuff. Tug Of War has its moments, such as the heartfelt and
well-written eulogy to John, "Here Today." "Ebony and Ivory" is not one of
them though. I found Flowers In The Dirt to be an encouraging return to
form, it's the one Paul McCartney album in a long time to not have one
track on it that makes me wince. Having Elvis C as a songwriting partner
didn't hurt either. I must admit, though, the two best songs they wrote
together are on Elvis' Spike album. Avoid at all costs, though, the Pipes
Of Peace album, which includes one of his two collaborations with Wacko
Jacko. Feh.
  His best album since Band On The Run, though, is Flaming Pie from a few
years ago. The songs are simple and understated like the McCartney album,
with just a few people helping him out, Ringo on drums on most of it(even
cowriting a song with him for the first time ever), and a bit of help from
son James, Jeff Lynne, and Steve Miller.(yes, Steve Miller- the American
Paul McCartney, and I don't mean that in a kind way) Even the stuff with
Steve Miller works, though "Young Boy" almost makes me wince, but its
simplicity and guilelessness wins me over.
  Incidentally, Back To The Egg I never got. It sounds good at first
listen, but it's empty calories. The lyrics sound like Macca made them up
as he went along, almost like some comedian doing a Paul McCartney parody,
and they make zero sense. "I'm getting closer/My salamander." Say what?
"Junior's Farm" makes zero sense too, but it at least sounds like it makes
sense to somebody, and besides it's one of the best car radio songs ever
written.

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, 27 Mar 2001 21:02:16 -0700
From: "Angie Kelson Packer & Shaun Packer" <nick@aros.net>
Subject: Chocolate/Chipps
Message-ID: <003201c0b73b$f6fcf3e0$7018adcf@packer>

Salutations-n-greetings all!

Good lord, did everyone on the 'hill take a giant hit of caffeine at
once? Or is everyone over-stimulated with Homegrown Warbles?

HRH, The Worrier Queen asked why there's no mention of chocolate in
"Church of Women."  Eureka! Could this enlightened monarch have stumbled
onto the secret of AP's angst over women? Could Mr. Partridge, all hail
to His holy name, etc. etc...

Ow! Now quit pelting me with stones. It's a joke. Ouch, hey! That one
hurt...Now, as I was saying, could Mr. Partridge, actually not be aware
of the deep psycho/spiritual/emotional/biological/sexual bond between
chocolate and women? Could this, in fact, be the missing piece, the one
lone, something missing in the middle that could possibly provide Mr.
Partridge with lasting peace, love and understanding of women? Please,
let's not tell him.

Maurizio Villotta asked for an explanation of In Another Life,
(*Mischief Ahead Alert*) and I hate to say it, but you people are all
just plain wrong!

"The cheeky builder
Calling with his quote
Or maybe a Chippendale
On girls night out
Make mine the biggest pouch"

Mr. Moulding is obviously speaking of building an expensive addition
onto his house, paid for with the secret stash of money he's been hiding
away all these years.

"The cheeky builder/Calling with his quote"

Refers to the fat, heavy-jowled contractor building the new
parlor/sitting-room/master-bedroom addition with sauna and hot tub. This
particular fellow's quote may have come in low, but look at those
cheeks. You don't get that plump on rice-cakes, pretty children. You can
bet the bank he's going over-budget on Haagen-Daz and Twinkies.

"Or maybe a Chippendale/On girls night out/Make mine the biggest pouch"

Well, obviously, these lines are about weekend trips slumming through
antiques stores and estate sales looking for that perfect Chippendale
chair or highboy to accent the new rooms. Of course, The Little Woman
needs another woman to select just the right piece for the perfect
decor, thus making the outing a "girl's night out." The Man is merely
the financier.
His desired "biggest pouch" refers to the big pouch of money needed to
pay for the new building and furnishings. Hence, through thoughtful
analysis and over-interpretation, we can easily see that CM's life and
deepest thoughts now revolve around re-building and re-furnishing his
expensive house.

Next week: In Another Life, adventures in through parallel universe.

Buh-bye
Angie

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 13:39:05 +0100
From: "Smith, David" <David.Smith@tfeurope.com>
Subject: RE: The Urban Spaceman really doesn't exist
Message-ID: <4BBE67B71C1DD411A23600508B65F71E01C7ADCD@tfsecmsg04.tfseur.co.uk>

Jeff Eason said:
>
> Speaking of which, I heard that Vivian Stanshall died a few
> years back but
> there was no word on his passing here in the United Snakes. Any info?

Sad stuff I'm afraid. After a few years of ill-health, Viv died in
a fire in his flat (apartment) in 1995. He was working up to his
death, but little of it was being released.

Go to www.gingergeezer.net - weird as the man himself  - not surprising
as it's largely maintained by his widow and his step-daughter.

Jeff again:

> Best post-Beatles song: "Give Me Love" by George Harrison.

Oooh, I'd forgotten about that! I remember really liking that as a kid
(I was just a kid, honest) - probably the first time I ever sat and
thought how much I liked a guitar solo.

Still not sure if it stacks up to Imagine, but mighty fine nonetheless.

***
In 7-21 "pop boy" said:

> Smartest Monkeys v's God Only Knows.........hmmm. Toughie. A
> close call there. I cant decide.

Fair call - but stacking the Beach Boys' VERY best moment against
one of XTC's less-stellar moments is a little unfair. God Only Knows
would hold up in comparison with just about any song by anyone, but
at least give the comparisons a level playing field.

Also, "pop boy" went on . . .
>
> Twat.

Now that's just plain rude. What a surprise.

***

On Kirk Gill's thread of "the one" song with which to introduce XTC, I
would humbly suggest "I'd Like That" or "Generals and Majors".

I totally agree with Kirk's next line:

> Can't and don't wanna defend it, but there it is.

Good call sir.

> Just received my SWINDON FC cap in the mail. I love the looks
> people give
> me as they attempt to figure out what it means.

Kirk, don't want to worry you, but the boys are really struggling
this season. They are currently in 20th place (out of 24) in the
English second division. Which, due to the vagaries of the English
Football league set up, is actually the third division . . .

With positions 21-24 being relegated to the third (fourth) div at
the end of the season, and only 8 games left, their position is
best described as precarious. Although they have a six point
cushion over the team in 21st, that team (Bristol Rovers) have
played four games less, so a couple of Bristol wins and Swindon
are deep in the sh . . . mire.

Swindon's record so far this season:

Played: 38
Won: 11
Drawn (Tied): 11
Lost: 16
Goals For: 38
Goals Against: 52
Points: 44

Not good reading - sorry!

****

Dunks said

> Hey Pat [Metheny] is a great player, but why stop there? Why not find
> out what HE
> likes and listen to some of that? Some Louis Armstrong
> perhaps? After all,
> that's what helped to form his style.

Worked for me. Louis turned me on to Dizzy, who turned me on to
Miles. Not sure if that was a logical progression, but like I say,
it worked for me.

And I'm still pissed off about Ben Folds Five.

***

Steve Pitts, in spotting my Oxy(who're you calling a)moron, said:
>
> I was surprised though Dave, that
> you managed to
> describe the male stripper phenom without mentioning 'The
> Full Monty' -
> such restraint

Basically 'cos I absolutely HATE that film.

Smudge "And here's the twist" Boy

The young man who has not wept is a savage, and the old man who will
not laugh is a fool. -George Santayana

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 09:12:35 -0500
From: sjacobs <sjacobs@parkgrp.com>
Subject: Re: New Musik
Message-ID: <B6E75B83.5D5%sjacobs@parkgrp.com>

> From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com>

>> And anyway, is there really any prolific artist whose entire output of
>>> work appeals hands down across the board?
>
> Obviously no-one can make great music every time, but some come damn close:
> Charlie Parker ... Thelonious Monk ... Bob Dylan (well almost) ... Paul
> Simon ... Paul Kelly ... Joni Mitchell ... Sting ... Neil Young ... Kate
> Bush ... King Crimson ... Peter Gabriel ... Shall I go on?

Good points here but honestly ask yourself, about Sting...what has he done
in the last few years of any worth?  King Crimson...love them but Thrak and
Construktion of Light have a few minor highlights and that is it.  Even (and
I hate to slag him off, cos he is a God) Peter Gabriel's "Ovo" was
dissapointing.  Kate Bush...love her to death but she is hardly the most
prolific of album producers. Maybe she has the right idea....leave them
hungry fir more.   As I said, it is rare to find an artist that really
appeals across the board.

> How would this 85% ever hear "completely new genres of music"? On radio??

To be honest, I am buying most of my new music from what I read in the music
press (especially  MoJo). I so agree with you....how are we meant to
experiment with all these wonderful bands that we have heard of and read
about.  WWW. radio is pretty damn cool  and "they" are bringing out
satellite radio soon.

> Yes and no. I used to LOVE Cat Stevens and Elton John. Elton I stil lke OK.
> Cat makes me puke for the msot part.

Oh yes I SO agree here....but maybe loving Cat Stevens made you more open to
listening to Nick Drake or John Martyn later in life.  I used to love early
Genesis,  but I recently brought Nursury Cryme again and it sounds so wierd
now.
What I am saying here is that we lay the foundations for our later musical
choices.

> Hey Pat is a great player, but why stop there? Why not find out what HE
> likes and listen to some of that? Some Louis Armstrong perhaps? After all,
> that's what helped to form his style.

Great point here.......go back to the roots and family tree.

>> So I end up looking for artists related to Pat's work and style and label.
>> For most of us it is all about connections and related links.
>
> As so often happens. No "genre" exists in a vacuum, especially not these
> days. And tracking the connections can lead to some great discoveries.
>
> But so can chance. I'll always remember the days that I first heard Ellen
> McIlwaine ... David Hykes & The Harmonic Choir ... Penguin Cafe Orchestra
> .... Eno ... Matching Mole ... XTC.

Thank heavens for chance listenings.  The best place for in the world for
hearing new music is "The Green House" in Amsterdam.

Any advice you can give me on starting with Matching Mole?

>> How many experiments with brand new genres,  will have the same >longevity
>> and profound effect on our lives/musical tastes, as those >that we first
>> loved?
>
> Well, how many are there? And how can you get to hear them?

How do YOU get to hear new stuff?  We love you Napster!

> And you overlook one crucial factor here Pogo. By 35 a lot of people are
> heads-down buying houses and having kids. The major factor -- at least for
> me -- is financial. The kids and the mortgage kick in and your disposable
> income is gone with the wind.

I am there with you my friend......2 cd's a month...OUCH!

> And I *HATE* reading this list sometimes because it reinforces how much new
> music I'm missing.

Every time I read Mojo or Q I feel the same way.  It gives me stomach pangs.
I have to keep a few pages in the back of my diary for music to buy (one
day)

> Thanks for replying Dunc...it was a very difficult point for me to a get
>across,  and don't forget the Matching Mole question.

All the best matey

Yak

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 06:14:59 -0800 (PST)
From: nross <PhoenixYellowRose@rocketmail.com>
Subject: A response to Lisette's question
Message-ID: <20010328141459.9538.qmail@web2905.mail.yahoo.com>

Lisette Asked:

>>>QUESTION: The attemps to translate "Make mine the biggest
pouch"really got me going to think of Pink Thing obviously, then my
Brown guitar, the plough, the rabbit, the pen, the seed, the big
stick, the sunflower...

Lot of words in there celebrating the yardstick ?  Did you find others
?<<<

We're all Light:

"You know where you itch
 Is a little tiny switch
 And if you let me in
 I can show you just the pin
 That you put in the slot
 When the element gets hot
 And the stuff just pours out"

I just picked up on it this week (after I don't know how many listens,
overall)... and started laughing up a storm.
He sure does like to talk sex, doesn't he?

I'm not sure referring to his whatnot as a pin is flattering, though!

Anyways, its my favorite part of the song.

-Nicole

=====
Nicole's internet music station:
http://radio.sonicnet.com/mymusiclisten.asp?name=phoenixyellowrose

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 08:18:58 -0600
From: "Steve Oleson" <Steve.Oleson@oag.state.tx.us>
Subject: Who owns "XtC"?
Message-ID: <sac19e7e.085@smtpgate.oag.state.tx.us>

Howdy Y'all!
I went to the Amazon.com site to see the cover art for
Homegrown. (Wish it was more hi-res!) I did a search on XTC, and got
the lads of course, but I also got these:

XTC 2001
XTC Implant - Evil's Toy
Ibiza XTC
XTC Rave 1
Feelings of XTC - DJ Fox

Who ARE these cheeky monkeys that are stealing their name? Are they
being sued for copyright infringement?

Who actually "owns" the name XTC? Is it Andy? Is it Virgin?

Adios, pardners!
Steve Oleson
Austin, TX

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 08:27:23 -0600
From: "Steve Oleson" <Steve.Oleson@oag.state.tx.us>
Subject: Garden of Earthly Delights
Message-ID: <sac1a07a.077@smtpgate.oag.state.tx.us>

Tom said:
As for XTC album openers, I may be the only one here who likes it, but I
just adore Garden Of Earthly Delights!

I love Garden of Earthly Delights, too. The lead is one of the coolest
leads in rock history. Ranks right up there with the lead in "Taxman" by
the Beatles.

Rock on!
Steve Oleson

PS- Who played the lead, Andy or Dave?

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 16:59:10 -0000
From: "apparratus null" <apparratus_null@hotmail.com>
Subject: ROO and some of the other
Message-ID: <F113BBsQwY6YHkidcDj0000d938@hotmail.com>

my two fave XTC songs ever are the entire first side of english settlement
(runaway/ball+chain/senses/argonauts), and river of orchids.

i was so anxious to play a new xtc record for the first time in 7 years when
i got apple venus. i took it to a friend's place, he's a fan too. as soon as
the drip came on, i was smithen to pieces, thrown to that parallel
dimension, just like in the intro for summer's cauldron and that fade-in for
runaway.

i couldn't dream of a better return. and i havent even started to discusss
the rest of the song...

BTW thanx for Jack and Chris who wrote me back about "school guide to XTC".
its 12.50 at borders so i'm not buyin it.

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 15:49:04 -0500
From: "Michael Versaci" <mwversaci@att.net>
Subject: Hey Drude
Message-ID: <000101c0b7c8$ef2140d0$0100007f@tornbmv>

Folxtc,

The Drude --------> John needed Paul's superior song-writing skills to lift
John's songs out of their MUSICAL simplicity. <------------ The Drude

That's not what they say in Joytown.

Michael Versaci

P.S. I know that some XTC fans actually *like* "prog rock."  For those who
do, check out Spock's Beard "V."

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 18:49:19 -0600
From: "vee tube" <veetube@hotmail.com>
Subject: FREE! Squeeze Concert!
Message-ID: <F260VrXOHJBQGEr2n3T0000eb00@hotmail.com>

              Well, ok, a mini-concert. 6 songs.
          Performed and recorded quite nicely nicely.
          Well, ok, I think Chris was in re-hab at the
          time. So is this a 1/2 Squeeze half concert?

                         Elephino!

              This is an AUTHORIZED free download!
          Very odd marketing strategy! Give away the
          MP3s then ask $$ for the CD? I would have
          added a few bonus tracks to the CD (if any
          exist). Or only made 4 available for free.

                         }---:)

                         OOPS!

               I almost forgot the link! HA!

http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/134/squeeze-retro_rewindcom.html

XTC Content: They *used* to be friends!

               Rollingcaliforniablackout!out!

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

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 10:36:09 +0930
From: "Van Abbe, Dominic" <dominic.vanabbe@au.faulding.com>
Subject: Forthcoming demos etc.
Message-ID: <45C458C0C9C7D2119F790000F87A42A40269C7AC@s-mulgrave6.faulding.com.au>

Hi all,

Does anyone else find the idea of Andy "re-doing" demos for possible
inclusion on either Warbles or Cupboards as somewhat perplexing??  As long
as they are old, hitherto unheard songs then I guess it makes sense, but if
he's redemoing songs previously released, then doesn't it defeat the
purpose???  Can somebody "in the know" (Mitch??) please elaborate??

While we're on the subject of Warbles and Cupboards, I'm eagerly
anticipating them both.  To temper this a little though, I feel their
release will forever banish some true gems to the "Demo only" bag.  Already
one of my faves (Bumper Cars) looks like its gone that way, through its
inclusion on the Jap. release of Homegrown.  Could it be that Pearl, Gangway
Electric Guitar, Nicely Nicely Jane, Spare a Penny etc. will go the way of
the dodo too, never to be given the full band treatment??  Don't say it's
true!!!  :-)

Cheers,
Dom

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

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 23:46:09 EST
From: KINGSTUNES@aol.com
Subject: CLUNK! The XTC satisfaction survey results!
Message-ID: <48.1384da6e.27f41811@aol.com>

Alrighty, Chalkies and Chalkettes, here's the results of the *ahem* greatly
anticipated XTC album stisfaction poll, as promised.  With all precincts
reporting, it can be said that this was the lowest turnout since President
Kill was elected.  O, the apathy!  The malaise!  What times have befallen us!

Ahem.

I took everyone's ratings and averaged them.  Here's where the albums stand!

White Music - 100%
Go 2 - 100%
Skylarking, pre-Dear God - 100%
Skylarking, with Dear God - 96 %
Black Sea - 95%
Wasp Star - 94%
Big Express - 93.75 %
Nonsuch - 93.2%
English Settlement - 90.8%
Mummer - 90.2%
Drums & Wires - 90%
Apple Venus I - 89.2%
Oranges & Lemons - 87%

With just under 10 folks responding, this is shaky at best, but what the hey.

I will point out that only one person rated White Music, and only two rated
Go 2.
One person did not like Oranges & Lemons very much, and the low rating
dragged down the average.  Someone also deducted 5% for the omission of
Mermaid Smiles on the Dear God edition of Skylarking.   Ah, research!

There it is.  There is talk of a better rating system to more effectively get
people's truer sense of the albums, based on more factors than just the
clunkers.  I'll let you know.  But don't hold your breath!  ;)

Now the FUN part!
Here are the *clunkers* submitted with the ratings.  I've listed them per
album and given the number of mentions.  For the sake of decency and
civility, I'm not giving any contributor's name.

Drums & Wires:
    Outside World - 1
    Helicopter - 1
    Day in, Day out - 1
    Millions - 1

Black Sea:
    Sgt. Rock - 1
    Paper & Iron - 1

English Settlement:
    Ball & Chain - 1
    Down In The Cockpit - 2
    Knuckle Down - 2
    Leisure - 1

Mummer:
    Toys - 1
    Gold - 1
    Funk Pop A Roll - 1
    Wonderland - 1
    Human Alchemy - 1
    In Loving Memory Of A Name - 1

Big Express:
    Everyday Story Of Smalltown - 1
    Shake You Donkey Up - 1
    I Remember The Sun - 1

Skylarking, Dear God edtition:
    Dear God

Oranges & Lemons:
    King For A Day - 1
    The Loving - 1
    Poor Skeleton Steps Out - 1
    Scarecrow People - 1
    Cynical Days - 2
    Hold Me My Daddy - 1
    Pink Thing - 1
    President Kill - 1

Nonsuch:
    Smartest Monkeys - 2
    War Dance - 2

Apple Venus I:
    Fruit Nut - 2
    Boarded Up - 2
    Your Dictionary - 1

Wasp Star:
    Standing In For Joe - 1
    Wounded Horse - 1
    You And The Clouds Will Still Be Beautiful - 1

Interesting that the choices were pretty spread out.  No one ganged up on
particular songs.  Not more than two mentions for any song.

OK, I'll duck now...........

TK %-)

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

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 00:06:43 -0600
From: "vee tube" <veetube@hotmail.com>
Subject: Newbies and Lurkers! (Free XTC music)
Message-ID: <F169EUsebmspH2q6Dqa0000ed6f@hotmail.com>

                         Hi kids!

            I wish I had something totally new for
         you but, I don't. So F.O.F.'s* should scroll.

*Friends 'O' Fin.

             The rest of you might enjoy...

                XTC LIVE! In Amsterdam.

     http://www.orangetwin.com/drunken/march81982.html

                 And the infamous...

                  Drunken Jams!

         (if you don't want "Amsterdam" only
         the "jams". Click the same http;
         and follow the link to "jams")

         "And here's another clue you all...

           ...The walrus was Moulding!"

         Now, before I swim too far adrift,
       let me tell you something about PCs.

               They're NOT MACs!

                They're CRUEL!

            They're F'n Impersonal!

       There's only ONE thing you can do!

       YOU MUST INSTALL JH3's XTC STUFF!

      I once felt 'different' 'alone' 'out of
    it' So they sent me to earth. And gave me a
    FREAKIN'PC!

       I felt 'odd' 'out of sorts' 'disenfranchised
    like I voted in Florida' until I installed....

                   JH3s XTC STUFF!

      There's nothing like hearing Andy thank me and
    wish me a "good night' after a rough evening of
    hacking into the Idea Records web site.

         Click this link and install XTsCheme!

                        Why?

       Because you're a good person and, DAMNIT!

                   You deserve it!

          http://www.alternatech.net/jh3/xtc/

                       }---:)

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

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 01:41:27 EST
From: KINGSTUNES@aol.com
Subject: Uh, ooops!
Message-ID: <20.140903f8.27f43317@aol.com>

Of course, Boarded up is on, uh, Wasp Star.  Scusemwah.

Also, Dear God had one mention.

Teekay

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

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 13:06:20 +0200
From: "Andre Koning-de" <a.de.koning@bp.vnu.com>
Subject: Gig, pouch and whatnot
Message-ID: <OF5B08EC39.9E5F2919-ONC1256A1E.003A0796@bpa.vnu.com>

Hi All,

Sone loose ends:

Gary wrote about Oliver Gray writing about XTC live:
>Later, he describes seeing XTC at Glen Eyre Hall, University of Southampton
>on May 11th 1979 in which he says:
>
>'I could see that Andy Partridge had stage fright. No, really. It takes one
>phobic to know one'.
>
>Mind you, when I saw XTC at Canterbury Odeon in late 1979, Andy Partridge
>seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself

Eh? So, you're basically saying you're not a phobic?

Other stuff:
Homegrown UK missing 2 tracks ('Didn't hurt a bit' and 'Bumper Cars') that
are on the Japanese version? Bah!
Can someone in the know (Mitch?) confirm that these will appear on the
Fuzzy box? That would make me sleep better, knowing I will be able to put
money directly into XTC's pockets by waiting with my order and ordering
from xtcidearecords.co.uk when it opens up.

Jeff wrote:
>XTC Content: Anybody know the value of the original extra vinyl disc that
>came with Go2, and how many were originally pressed?

Read all about Go+ in the discography. First pressing 15.000 (which I was
just too late for) and a later pressing a year later (which I seemed to
have picked up separately from Go2). Funny, but I seem to remember I bought
my copy a few years later. I will check it's small print one of these days.

Dunks said (and we all chime in 'hear hear'):
>And you overlook one crucial factor here Pogo. By 35 a lot of people are
>heads-down buying houses and having kids. The major factor -- at least for
>me -- is financial. The kids and the mortgage kick in and your disposable
>income is gone with the wind.

Ah, I should have known that *before* marrying, getting kids and a buying a
house ;-)
I was wondering if I was the only one doing something wrong...

And finally, Jon (Mole) said:
>PS: "It looks just like a telefunken U-47" -Zappa

With Leather??

Andre 'does getting into Zappa mean getting out of Zen?' de Koning

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

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 14:27:31 +0200
From: "Andre Koning-de" <a.de.koning@bp.vnu.com>
Subject: Forgot to mention the pouch
Message-ID: <OF4350A42E.EA4D11E5-ONC1256A1E.0043AEA3@bpa.vnu.com>

Forgot to mention...

Smudge "Do YOU know what noise awakes you?" Boy wrote:
>Hence, "make mine the biggest pouch" is one of Colin's rare
>nob-gags!

This discussion about pouches seems to forget that the next line in the
song is '... in another life'.
Which sounds to me like he's saying he needs the biggest pouch... NOT!

Andre 'who won't mention the song 'My Weapon' in this discussion' de Koning

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

Date: 29 Mar 2001 12:13:20 CST
From: Mor_Goth <mor_goth@usa.net>
Subject: Damn Dirty Apes!
Message-ID: <20010329181320.22364.qmail@nwcst320.netaddress.usa.net>

Steve.Pitts@i-tcs.com asked

>Finally, what is it about 'Smartest Monkeys' that generates such
>opprobrium?? Is it the lyrical content that gets folks' goats, or the
>music??

I've never been able to get into TSM.  I always get this mental image of
Professor Bobo from Mystery Science Theater 3000 jumping up and down shouting
"I'm the smartest monkey!" after doing something mildly clever.

Morgoth
http://www.realizedsolutions.com/

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

End of Chalkhills Digest #7-23
******************************

Go back to Volume 7.

30 March 2001 / Feedback