Chalkhills Digest Volume 8, Issue 22
Date: Sunday, 7 April 2002
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 8, Number 22
Sunday, 7 April 2002
Topics:
re: Remaster This
Re: Rallicious
XTC on MD
Roy Wood's Army attacks NYC
Coat of Many Cup Boards
Hidden pockets on my "Coat..."
<clever headline>
Re: Chomsky Admits It!
Coatless Cupboard Hanging
in a word...
RE: Box-set-tastic mate!
Evidently the cupboard wasn't full
my new coat
FW: bonus tracks, b-sides, and ephemera
Coat
Boxing Match
Music of note to Chalkhills "parents"
Re: Music of note to Chalkhills "parents"
The White Horse -Uffington
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 13:35:18 +0100 From: Mark Winpenny <mark@wimps.net> Subject: re: Remaster This Message-ID: <8948270159.20020401133518@wimps.net> A good example between the difference of re-mastering and re-mixing are the majority of Who re-issues. When Jon Astley was asked to re-master The Who back catalogue he found that some of the 2 track masters were missing or were second generation copies. So he suggested that since the multitrack tapes were available that he re-mixed and re-mastered from these - copying the original mix as close as possible (with the approval of Pete Townsend). He even went to the trouble of tracking down old effects units that were used on the original mixes. The results (imo) are stunning - although some people have complained about the missing mains hum and other electrical impulse noises that were removed on Live At Leeds (there was a faulty mains plug used during the live recording which caused crackles and buzzes on 4 of the 8 tracks on the multitrack). Cheers, Mark -- Mark Winpenny Home Web: http://www.wimps.demon.co.uk Work web: http://www.level3.com "Just a hippy with a weekly wage" - Neil Finn
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002 02:37:08 -0500 From: Sylvan <psiogen@hotpop.com> Subject: Re: Rallicious Message-ID: <B8CD7854.29D5%psiogen@hotpop.com> "<owner-chalkhills@chalkhills.org>" <owner-chalkhills@chalkhills.org> wrote: > Thoughtcrime update: anyone else across the Ted Rall controversy? I have > avidly followed Ted's work (www.tedrall.com) since 9-11, and admire his work > hugely. Granted, he *can* sail pretty close to the wind ... but isn't that > the whole idea of satire? I was genuinely to read this week the vicious, > virulent, violent attack on him by former Reagan lackey Alan Keyes, > published on the "right wing" "news" outlet WorldNetDaily (and I'm being > VERY generous there -- Himmler would be proud of this site). In this truly > scary slice of war-mongering propagandism, Keyes stops only micrometres > short of openly advocating that Ted Rall be taken out and shot for treason. Heh. As much as I admire Mr. Rall's comics, I just can't feel to sorry for him on an issue like this. This is the man who is currently suing a fellow cartoonist for zillions of dollars in damages for making fun of him in a joke email... Info on that pile of horse manure is at: http://www.speranzastudios.com/freedirtydanny/ Books are burning... -- Sylvan http://spork.keenspace.com "Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life." --Terry Pratchett
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 09:23:18 -0600 From: SOlsen@lexecon.com Subject: XTC on MD Message-ID: <OFBF4F49D9.1755B397-ON86256B8E.00539BC7@lexecon.com> Thomas Vest asked: Just curious to know if anyone has ever seen any of the Swindon boy's material on the minidisc format? I've never seen anything on pre-recorded MD, I doubt it exists. But if it was out there, I would buy it in a flash. I have a full collection of XTC on minidisc, everything I own. I even have a specific brand of minidiscs, Axia slim-case, that I use exclusively for XTC. XTC on MD, nothing better than that. -Sharon
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 10:34:05 -0500 (EST) From: RSMko@webtv.net (Marston Moor) Subject: Roy Wood's Army attacks NYC Message-ID: <8909-3CA87DED-3213@storefull-2232.public.lawson.webtv.net> Hi all you scissormen, Anybody here grow up with Uncle Roy? Cor! Check this out! He was sublime! http://www.angelfire.com/pop/patdou/roywoodnyc.html Here's a stretch fabtasy: Partsy and Woody in da studio together, yo. (sigh) Coat of Many Cupboards any day, R. Stevie Moron
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 17:28:37 -0500
From: "Patrick Adamek" <padamek@neo.rr.com>
Subject: Coat of Many Cup Boards
Message-ID: <000b01c1d9cc$91cd6f40$69ef5d18@neo.rr.com>
In Chalkhills #8-21, Sharon wrote:
I'm going crazy, where is the box set?!? I want it! I need it! It's now
4 days since supposed release date, but nothing. No word from Idea,
nothing on the website. Has anyone received their copy yet, any word from
the record company?
I too had some of these nagging thoughts in the previous few days. But
then, like a "phoenix from the flames," the people at Idea Records in
Brighton, England came through in a huge way. Smartly packaged and
protected from that which may hurt it was the new boxed set still inside of
it's plastic wrap (pulled down a bit to allow Colin and Andy access to sign
it...in gold ink to match the gold key!).
I have simply opened it up, took a look and have not listened to it
yet. Right away I am struck by how professional that it has been put
together. This folks, is a serious treatment of our beloved band's outtakes
and rare tracks. I was also reassured to find that only 12 of the 60 tracks
(1/5 or 20% for those of you keeping score) are the 'album tracks." I am in
the group that feels that there should be exactly zero album tracks
(assuming that they are identical to the orignial released versions and all)
on the boxed set, but I am comforted to know two things:
1) there are 48 other tracks to enjoy
2) it may help to "spread the word" a bit more to the uninitiated if the
discs are spinning and they are curious.
Thanks to this professional response to my purchase, I now plan on
making all future XTC purchases through the Idea Records web site. I
recommend that all reading this message do the same!
Patrick
Mansfield, Ohio USA
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 20:52:10 -0800 (PST) From: Jay Gillespie <marsilies@yahoo.com> Subject: Hidden pockets on my "Coat..." Message-ID: <20020402045210.74627.qmail@web13302.mail.yahoo.com> Last issue, Paul Sandford lamented the lack of the bonus tracks listed at Amazon on his copy of "A Coat of Many Cupboards" from weatherbox. Playing a hunch, I stuck discs 2 and 3 of the box-set which I just got today into my CD player, pressed play, pause, and then REVERSE SCAN from the start of track one, and low and behold, the two hidden tracks start BEFORE track one. This is a trick that has been used on several other CDs I own. These hidden tracks are usually referred to as 'track 0' in reference to their placement on the CD. Note that not all CD players will scan back from track one, and as this mastering trick violates Red Book standard, some CD players won't play these discs at all. Every Sony player I've ever tried works. I imagine Amazon got word of these hidden tracks and put them into their track listing, incorrectly listing them as track one on the discs. As for the tracks themselves, "Ballad of the wanking man" is a one minute clip of swearing in the studio after a flubbed start of a song. The 15 minute "Shaving brush boogie" is the same as from the drunken jam sessions. These tracks serve as icing on the "Coat of Many Cupboards" cake. -Jay
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 12:58:08 -0500 From: Gary McBride <garym@mac.com> Subject: <clever headline> Message-ID: <a05101509b8cf94a2ab09@[66.162.66.77]> First, thanks to Brent, Kirk, and Brad for really illuminating the remastering business for us all. I still vouch that it's primarily a revenue generating technique...I don't fault Andy and Colin for this, since it seems they were denied the opportunity to make any money on these things the first time 'round. >Not to be contrary, but I like Gilmore Girls - the lead can really >snap out the free-associative witty retorts, as can the character's >'daughter', as can most of the people in that imaginary town, which is >nothing like reality, but then, wot is, on tv or off? Megadittos there, Kyla... it's one of the smartest shows on these days, even if nothing much ever particularly happens. Sort of "Northern Exposure" meets "Family Ties" but in a good way. Plus, I have such a massive crush on Lauren Graham, she can do no wrong. Not to mention the "hip factor" of including good music in scenes, references to the Mojo music guide, and I've yet to verify if the town troubador is really Grant Lee Phillips, but whoever he is, he adds a nice nuance. >Some of you lucky buggers who already have your sweaty paws on a copy of >Coats, I just want you to know that I appreciate the fact that you haven't >spilled too many specifics about the bookle Again, I echo Deborah's sentiments on this. I received my "Cupboards" today, and since I'm at the office I've not popped in the discs, but the packaging and book alone are nearly worth the price...plus autographs? Yow! Dunks offered: >Thoughtcrime update: anyone else across the Ted Rall controversy? I have >avidly followed Ted's work (www.tedrall.com) since 9-11, and admire his work >hugely. Granted, he *can* sail pretty close to the wind I went to high school with Ted...was going to temper and partially rebut Dunk's enthusiastic endorsement, but after reviewing (http://www.dannyhellman.com/pages/lawsuitoverview.html) I figure I should just keep my comments to myself for fear of litigation. Cheers, G
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 20:56:23 -0600 From: steve <steveschiavo@mac.com> Subject: Re: Chomsky Admits It! Message-ID: <6202FC15-46AE-11D6-A229-0050E445D419@mac.com> On Sunday, March 31, 2002, at 11:47 PM, gary@freelanceadvancers.com wrote: > I recently reviewed a tasty CD from a Dallas-based group > named Chomsky who have a very pronounced XTC (circa Drums & Wires) feel > to > much of their music. I cited this in my review and received an email > confession from the songwriter band member that I nailed the reference > dead-on. Well yeah, second album Onward Quirky Soldiers sounds like they were locked in an isolation chamber for a year with D&W on continuous play. Not that that's a bad thing. Funny, the local critics who now think Chomsky is the current best thing out of Dallas couldn't sneer at Apple Venus enough. You can get Chomsky CDs here, and they're well worth having - http://www.goodrecords.com/ - Steve
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002 13:02:48 -0500 From: "Daniel DuBray" <dubray@msn.com> Subject: Coatless Cupboard Hanging Message-ID: <F17nU1UOJqXU0moav8O0000423d@hotmail.com> After weeks of preparation at home, I'll be hanging the cupboards in a major kitchen remodeling project at home tomorrow (4/4). Good thing, because the glorious and autographed Coat of Many Cupboards arrived today to provide the perfect soundtrack. Do you think this is irony, dark luck or divine providence? Thanks to Andy and Colin for providing this very nice gift for all the enduring and loyal fans of XTC. Now it's back to the job site! Dan DuBray Washington, DC
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 11:38:27 -0800
From: "Dan Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net>
Subject: in a word...
Message-ID: <000501c1dc10$4bacfc60$b28c04d8@pavilion>
WOW!!!!!!!!!
all i can say is "coat of many cupboards" was well
well worth the wait! :-)
excellent! simply excellent!! ~
/danny
--
"all of the answers you seek can be found
in the dreams that you dream..."
(dan fogelberg)
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 22:59:59 +0100 From: "David Smith" <David.Smith50@virgin.net> Subject: RE: Box-set-tastic mate! Message-ID: <LPBBJEPFIGBHBJHFDMILAEMACFAA.David.Smith50@virgin.net> Greetings Chalk-buds, and a quick wotcha from sunny Croydon. It's not often I can say that and actually mean it! Spring is sprung, the Easter Theatre is open for business, the Season Cycle is indeed, going round and round - unfortunately, I Can't Own Her - and I probably never will. Anyroads, hardly daring to peep above the parapet for fear of being pelted with tomatoes of envy, I ordered my copy of Coat of Many Cupboards from Idea Records in early Feb - and found it nestling on my doorstep on March 27th - is this a record? (No, its a CD - arf!) The fact that it was SIGNED by Colin and Andy was the (rather delicious) icing on a truly scrumptious cake. Harrison's sleeve notes are a delight. The boys' liner notes are excellent. The packaging is ludicrously, luxuriantly wonderful. The music is fine fine fine fine . . . and indeed, dandy. Heck, it even SMELLS nice. Buy it. Sod the mortgage, don't feed the kids, sell your Mother if you have to . . . just buy it. On to a couple of other things . . . First, the NOT NEARLY ENOUGH VAUNTED Chalkhills UK gathering, scheduled for Oxford-area on one of the last two weekends in May. For Gawds sake you limeys (me included) GET YERSELF ALONG. As (another) veteran of last year's bash, I can indeed vouchsafe for the excellent time which was had, the great company (apart from me, probably), the wonderful surroundings and the general niceness of the whole weekend. Unfortunately, so far this year, the response has been negligible. At the moment, the tribute band will outnumber the audience (yeah, I've done gigs like that too!). Please, I'm begging ya, don't let UK's premier (well, only!) XTC fan gathering wither to dust after just one year! Remember, this year we'll actually be walking up to the Uffington Horse - weather and hangovers permitting. Deb Edmonds, if you're out there . . . Item last (as they used to say on Hill Street Blues - what a good show that was), my mate, who has a second-hand record shop (the records are second-hand, not the shop . . .) has kindly donated to me the oft-talked about album "If 6 was 9 - A tribute to Jimi Hendrix". This is doubly wonderful because a) Hendrix was a dude; and b) track 4, entitled "Third Stone From The Sun" by David Dreams, is, I believe, our own Mr Gregory. And that's about all I know about this record. However, the sleeve notes say "Special thanks to Dave Gregory, Andy Partridge . . .". Can any of you afficionados shed any light on Andy's involvement in this record - and anything else the guys may have done on it? And have I got a bargain, seeing as he gave this to me free? Cheers all Smudge "I got mine before Harrison, har har" Boy NP - Disc 3, Coat of Many Cupboards - what else???
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 21:22:17 EST From: WTDK@aol.com Subject: Evidently the cupboard wasn't full Message-ID: <146.c53f1f7.29de6459@aol.com> FYI for those waiting on Coat >thank you for ordering the coat boxed set from the web site boutique. due to a batch of the boxes being damaged in transit from virgin/emi we had to order another batch which left us with a shortfall of orders we could not supply. colin and andy have just finished signing them and i expect delivery on fri 5/4 or monday 8th. your order will be despatch within two days of this date so at the latest next wednesday. i appologise for this delay but it was out of our control.< So if you haven't received it yet, it is coming just give them a little time. I haven't posted nor read many of the posts lately (haven't had time, been traveling, life took control of the steering wheel use whatever cliche or pithy phrase you like). Some time back there was a debate about Elvis Costello's singing. Technically he has improved but a lot of folks feel he lost his unique sound. I prefer to think of it as developing a different unique sound. Yes, his phrasing is different as is his delivery. Wouldn't it be sad if he continued to sing and write songs in exactly the same style he had twenty years ago? Seems to me that those that move forward (Andy and Colin included--neither one has the same singing style they did twenty years ago. They've improved/changed) often leave many of their fans in the past. It's the past you're longing and nothing more. I haven't picked up the eels new CD any body know if it's any good? Money has been a bit tight but did receive both Coat and the reissue of The Church's Sing Songs/Remote Luxury/Persia CD and Ian Hunter's Overnight Angels as birthday gifts. Another fav lately has been the Blur best of CD from last year. Don't know why other than the fact that they are a great singles band and I've been in the mood for listening to singles lately. The CCR boxed set came in at Xmas from my brother (God bless him) and send me on a whirling oldies jag which has yet to let up. Nuggets 2 is on my next wish list. Personally, I think that Nuggets 3 should jump into the 80's and have a few well placed gems from your favorite band and mine. Are the dynamic duo planning on licensing any of the stuff they own for compilations? Just curious. I know they did for the make your own CD adverts a couple of years back. I was wondering if they had planned to remake any of their better known songs so they would "own" the master recording. With todays technology I could see them redoing Dear God, Mayor of Simpleton, Making Plans For Nigel, King for a Day and any number of hits. Hey, if they're putting out Apple Venus and Wasp Star as sing-alongs then, well, I guess they could do this as well. It would put them in the driver's seat so to speak. Any thoughts on all this meandering? Wayne
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 19:35:44 -0800 From: "J & J Greaves" <jgreaves@telusplanet.net> Subject: my new coat Message-ID: <001701c1dc53$0e3a90c0$d43ab8a1@jgreaves> Chalkhillians: Haven't posted for ages - mostly because I had nothing to say or add, but I justed wanted to express I am so impressed with this box set - the packaging, Harrison's essay, and the song versions I had heard of, but not until now was able to "hear". I really thought that Mr. Sherwood was right on about touring and XTC....the whole piece was very well done, as I had thought it would be. So Andy played the bass on Vanishing Girl? WOW! So Colin played just about everything on the wonderful finished version of Didn't Hurt A Bit? Awesome. And Andy's solo on same said song.....let's lay to rest the whole "I wonder (or don't know) how Andy will handle lead guitar duties" thread now maybe? If Andy or Colin ever get a chance to read this - are there any other unfinished songs at the bottom of the Atlantic waiting for the XTC salvage team to work their magic on? Like every XTC release, the immediate excitement slowly wears down and now I'm excited about what the future holds....A Chris Twomey updated book, instrumental AV 1 and Wasp Star CD's, sketchbook reproductions, Fuzzy Warbles, new material.... We've had some new websites to join the group of excellent ones honoring the "swingers from Swindon" (as a late night CBC program host fondly calls them)....it's a great time to be following XTC! Enjoyed Barry's written contribution as well - did Terry and Dave not have anything to say? Does the Atomic Medley not KICK some ASS! (The further we get away from the White Music - GO2 era, the more it seems I get a new appreciation of those songs, and what it may have been like to experience LIVE). I often thought how cool it would be if there were "Dave Gregory with XTC" remakes of these songs and this looks like it's as close as you can get. Special praise to Andrew Swainson for his graphic work!!!! John
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 22:18:24 -0500 From: "Ted Harms" <tmharms@library.uwaterloo.ca> Subject: FW: bonus tracks, b-sides, and ephemera Message-ID: <NDBBKGMDOKBCFDLBMPGOMEFMDFAA.tmharms@library.uwaterloo.ca> So, with the Virgin re-releases and their accompanying bonus tracks, Rag and Bone Buffet, and now Coat of Many Cupboards, as anybody taken a stab at figuring what b-sides or alternate versions are not currently commercially available or accounted for? Also, does anybody know if Virgin has a DVD of xTc videos in the works? Ted Harms | Library, Univ. of Waterloo | tmharms@uwaterloo.ca "I don't use the accident, because I deny the accident." Jackson Pollock
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2002 00:02:41 -0600 From: "Thom Bergstrom" <thomandheather@tds.net> Subject: Coat Message-ID: <000d01c1dc67$8260aac0$030cde42@bergstt> Hey there Hillers, I've only had time to hear disc one and two and read the first few chapters of the essay (which is great so far far) but just had to post to say how blown away I was by the live version of Meccanic Dancing! Wow! What in-your-face energy! Why oh why was I only eight years old at the time??? -Thom B
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 05 Apr 2002 22:51:11 -0500 From: Ben Gott <bgott@rectoryschool.org> Subject: Boxing Match Message-ID: <B8D3DADD.638C%bgott@rectoryschool.org> Friends, I'm quite happy with my "Coat of Many Cupboards" (except it doesn't contain the "hidden" tracks -- what's up with that?) I especially like Harrison's essay; in fact, I think that Harrison's essay sums up the band's career with Virgin beautifully (leaving out such sticky matters as Ian Reid and the seven-year strike!) He's done a fine job, our Harrison has. I had a chance to sit down tonight to listen to the whole set, CDs 1-4, in its entirety. (I'm always amazed by the little snippets of songwriting that go unfinished -- if anyone can tell me what that guitar chord is on the sketch of "The Mayor of Simpleton," I'll be forever grateful. I feel the same way about the early version of "I'm the Man..." on "Homegrown": I want more! Recorded in a studio!) In any case, it's great to hear the alternate and live takes (especially the Winstanley versions of "Ball and Chain" and "Punch and Judy," which I've been pining for for years now). I'd recommend that anyone who hasn't gone out and bought this thing yet should. It's indespensible. Now, damn. I must go put my kids to bed. There's nothing like working at a boarding school! -Ben
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2002 09:18:11 -0600 From: "Joe Perez" <jm_perez@hotmail.com> Subject: Music of note to Chalkhills "parents" Message-ID: <OE57f3ednHM3SOlbpH70000c197@hotmail.com> Hello, all. My 5th post in seven years. A blistering pace, no doubt. First, a wonderful job on the essay, Harrison. I'd love to hear more about the writing process. How'd you distill 20 years of thoughts and impressions into a few thousand eloquent words? Wonderful. "Didn't Hurt A Bit" is my favorite moment from Coat of Many Cupboards. I've had the demo for some time, but the finished version is amoung Colin's bestest. Finally, I subscribe to Mr. Relph's "other" digest for The Sugarplastic. If you have kids, and love XTC, this announcement should Shake You Donkey Up: The Sugarplastic, a highly regarded Los Angeles based pop group, announce today the release of the bands fifth full-length recording. The album is entitled "Rubber Ball - Songs of Childhood as performed by the Sugarplastic" and marks the bands foray into the lucrative market for children's music. The band decided to put together "Rubber Ball" to build on the attention received as a result of appearing on the Powder Puff Girls CD. The Sugarplastic's songwriter Ben Eshbach realized what a gold mine in potential child friendly songs he had already written when the band began working on this record. He says of the record, "I decided to put together a record for those Indie Pop fans, who are getting married settling down and having children, and would not be ashamed to play for their progeny". "Being able to provide an alternative to Barney was what drove this project for us". "Rubber Ball" will feature previous Sugarplastic classics redone in kid friendly treatment. "Little Teeth" and "Dunn the Worm". As well as some new Ben Eshbach compositions, including "Motorcycles Go Fast, and "Sugar and Plastics (Are Our Friends)". As with any good children's CD the band includes covers of "Puff The Magic Dragon" and "Rocky Raccoon". Ben wanted to include a cover of The Beatles chestnut "Revolution 9", but in his own words "was just unable to nail the lyrics to the song" The rest of the band is enthusiastic about the release as well. Bassist Kiara Geller says of "Rubber Ball", "The great thing about releasing a children's oriented record, is that new fans are being produced everyday. Drummer David Cunningham concurs "Look at Raffi their still selling copies of the records he recorded in late 70's, hopefully this record will outlive the Sugarplastic and give families happy listening in their minivans for years to come."
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2002 09:31:55 -0600 From: "Joe Perez" <jm_perez@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Music of note to Chalkhills "parents" Message-ID: <OE52olkmZMIzD0HWISG000015ab@hotmail.com> Alas, a couple of emails later, I come to learn that the Sugarplastic press release is dated April 1st.
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2002 11:21:46 -0800 From: "Blindowl" <blindowl@sympatico.ca> Subject: The White Horse -Uffington Message-ID: <NFBBLAOAKLDOFEGPCFIKGEFJCAAA.blindowl@sympatico.ca> I was perusing my local paper (Spectator in Canada) and found an extensive article on The White Horse in Uffington England. Searched the web, found this. Should be of interest to all "Chalkhill" people who didn't know. I personally didn't know that this existed. http://www.tourist-information-uk.com/white-horse.htm Derek
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #8-22 ******************************
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