Chalkhills Digest Volume 8, Issue 46
Date: Sunday, 11 August 2002
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 8, Number 46
Sunday, 11 August 2002
Topics:
Guitargonauts updates
Gus -- r.i.p.
ANDY PARTRIGE A to Z
Clarifications and Congratulations
RIP Gus & wife
License Plate Opening
just a note
Pert near straight from the 'orse's mouff
Seems we don't talk much anymore?
Interesting new releases [NB no "wua isosp"]
Stuart Little couldn't hijack a Tonka truck with an eyeglass screwdriver
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Before I'll let go, say is that my name on the bell?
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 3 Aug 2002 21:57:33 +0200 From: mark.strijbos@hccnet.nl Subject: Guitargonauts updates Message-ID: <3D4C51CD.17155.A48D14@localhost> Dear Chalkers, Temporarily delurking to let you all know that this month's updates on Dave Gregory's official website http://www.guitargonauts.com include a touching In Memoriam for Gus Dudgeon by DG himself. You also might like to know about a string of H Band live gigs featuring Dr. Gregory throughout the UK & Holland: Tuesday September 10th - CARDIFF Jumpin' Jacks Wednesday September 11th - SHEFFIELD University Friday September 13th - AMSTERDAM Paradiso Saturday September 14th - HELLENDOORN (HOLLAND) Bluescafi Sunday September 15th - LONDON Dingwall's yours in xtc, Mark R. Strijbos
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 13:34:21 -0400 From: "Danny Phipps" <phipps@schoollink.net> Subject: Gus -- r.i.p. Message-ID: <web-25549504@schoollink.net> rest in peace, gus.... we'll miss you! /danny
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 14:22:55 -0700 (PDT) From: Jackson <jydson@yahoo.com> Subject: ANDY PARTRIGE A to Z Message-ID: <20020805212255.49006.qmail@web10805.mail.yahoo.com> I can't believe my good fortune,.... got gloat? I'm ebay surfing, punch up "XTC" and see this four cd set called "andy partridge A to Z", huh? I think and then read the description to see it has 100 songs!...most of them never appeared on non-bootlegs. After a little bidding war ($70) and a week later it arrives and I tell ya I like it better than Cupboard or Transistor. Ave any of you blokes heard of this thing????? It's friggin great! I swear it looks very professional w/ nice photos of our hero but no copyright type stuff anywhere...if I did'nt know better (?) I'd swear Andy ran this off his pc cdrw, Kodak paper and all...it's probably a very good bootleg. There's great avante gardesque photos of what looks like they might have been 45rpm jackets..one says" "Some people like the NOISIER SIDE of what we do, and I can see this record PISSING THEM OFF"-Andy Partridge and another of the cover from "Jules Verne's Sketchbook..which I've read about on chalkhills, the best photo has the boys dressed up like the Apollo 11 astronaut team and in little tiny letters "Helium Kids Tracks and Covers" Here's a little synapse: Disk one contains songs begining w/ letters a-f such as: Always Winter Never Christmas, Cherry in your Tree ( lots of sex inuendos here) and lots of amusing lyrics and wonderful covers such as "Community Worker Breakdown"a send up of Led Zeps Communication Breakdown, Do The Dwarf Disc 2 has songs begining w/ G-M such as: Gangway Elec. Guitars, Goodbye Humanosaurus, and a few cover of Beatles songs like "I am the Walrus, a great little diddie called "Little Lighthouse (shes a), the whole thing comes off like basement tapes w/ decent fidelity. Disc 3 includes: songs begining w/ letters M-S such as: Nicely Nicely jane, Obscene Procession,Orange Dust, Psychedlic Christmas, and even a cover of Jimi's "Purple Hayes", and a wonderful "Senses/Grass Medley, Rip van Reuben Disc 4 has covers of Strawberry Fields Forever,Hendrix' Third Stone from the Sun (magnifique), Shipped trapped in the Ice,.He must have a hard on for Led Zep as the other cover is a parody called "Whole Lotta Age"..this is just too much fun, I'm struggling to find the song where Andy admonishes Colin for trying to build a guitar but it escapes me...I simply wanted to let the group know of "A to Z"'s existence and find out if anyone knows anything about it. Best regards, .jack
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 14:14:36 -0700 (PDT) From: Todd Bernhardt <beat_town@yahoo.com> Subject: Clarifications and Congratulations Message-ID: <20020805211436.40909.qmail@web14601.mail.yahoo.com> Hi: Kevin Brunkhorst said that I said: > AV1 apparently sold 80,000 units in the US, WS(AV2) sold > 60,000. Andy was very surprised and disappointed by this. <snip> > seems to be the opposite. The worst albums sell the best. FWIW, that wasn't me, it was Tim Kendrick. After making four points that I mostly agree with, Kevin quoted me and then responded: >> ... that the RIAA and Big Music Business are doing all >> they can to save their corporate butts and stifle >> competition from independent sources, and XTC needs to >> come up with a fresh business plan. > > On the other hand, when I see the words 'business plan' > mentioned in close proximity to XTC, I shudder. I don't! Yes, they're artists. In the best of all possible worlds, they'd be able to concentrate solely on their art, and forget the commerce-related variables involved in the everyday equation of making a living. Honest caretakers of the band's business affairs would spend their time looking after the enormous inflows of cash coming from hordes of fans who recognize the value of good music and are willing to pay for it. But this is not the best of all possible worlds. XTC are trying to make a living in a fiercely competitive environment, where there means of promotion and distribution are constantly shifting. If they don't have a smart, flexible business plan, Idea Records will fail, and they may find themselves at the mercy of the industry again -- or without a deal at all. A lot less of their art would then make its way to us. That's an idea that makes *me* shudder. "Bert Millichip" said: > "Todd Bernhardt" deserves thanks for providing the one > glimmer of XTC content in the otherwise irrelevant > Digest #8-44:- Aw ... thanks, Bert! (My sympathies go out to Molly, Marshall, James, RiM, Bob, Thomas, Mitch, da9ve, and Christopher Coolidge's wife ... at least you tried!) (Come to think of it, I haven't seen many glimmers of XTC content from Bert in the five times he's posted to the list ... ah well, no matter, on to other things...) then: > Ian's central argument - that the likes of Napster > actually *increase* record sales - is certainly a lot > more compelling than your half-baked and diametrically > opposed theory that peer-to-peer music sharing > contributed to the low sales of AV I and II!!! I'm > surprised you didn't notice that. Hmmm. So much for making nice, eh? If you read my post, you'll see that I talked about P2P as only one of the many changes over the last 10 years that could have affected U.S. sales of AV1 and WS. Janis Ian defends file sharing in the context of all the other efforts that she makes to promote herself and sell her music -- audio files are freely available on her Web site, she sells music and merchandise through her site and at shows, and she tours constantly. As I pointed out in my post, XTC has only recently started doing the first two, and don't do the third. In the context of Janis Ian's overall efforts, P2P music-file sharing increases album sales. If she was following the old model -- get your advance check, record an album, let the big record company handle all promotion, distribution, and accounting, and wait for the royalty checks to arrive -- then she might not be so enthusiastic about P2P and its ability to detract from sales. Because it can, if you don't embrace it and use it as a tool. On a lighter note, *congratulations* to the courageous and compassionate Kirk Gill and his wife on their new family! Welcome to The Great Adventure. Something tells me that among your children's many fine attributes will be the love of great music. Speaking of great music, I've got to throw my hat into the reviewing ring in support of "god's empty chair," the new CD from Becki diGregorio. 'nuff has already been written about the fine songwriting and playing ... I'll only add that Becki's voice is as beautiful and compelling as ever, and MY GAWD John Wedemeyer can play the geetar! I mean, everyone on this album can pick and hit, and do it good, but that boy does make a body sit up and take notice. Oh, and this one rocks a bit more than the last one, folks -- all in all, a 21-digit salute from this boy. -Todd "Providing Glimmers of XTC Content since 1995" Bernhardt
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 17:20:47 -0500 From: "Amanda Owens" <daveizgod@hotmail.com> Subject: RIP Gus & wife Message-ID: <F142jneUUAqvQNFTaYI00001b05@hotmail.com> Wow, what a way to start off a digest. I wonder how it happened.....(I know it was a crash, just curious as to the cause of it, how his car veered off the road so suddenly.) In any case, my thoughts go out to his family. Amanda C. Owens "If you're going to be worried everytime the universe doesn't make sense, you're going to be worried every moment of every day for the rest of your natural life."-Ambassador G'Kar XTC song of the day-Dear Madum Barnum non-XTC song-"This Love" Bryan Ferry
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 14:24:19 -0400 From: C Bisson <c.bisson@verizon.net> Subject: License Plate Opening Message-ID: <3D4EC2D3.6000500@verizon.net> For those of you who may live in NH, USA; as of 1 August 02 the vanity license plate "XTC" is now available for purchase from the DMV. For those of you living in RI, USA; as of 31 July 02, the vanity license plate "XTC" is no longer available for purchase from the DMV.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 12:43:40 -0700 From: becki digregorio <ziglain@earthlink.net> Subject: just a note Message-ID: <B975741E.1E40%ziglain@earthlink.net> greetings folks, truly sad news of the passing of gus dudgeon and his wife. i've always thought "nonsuch" was one of the best-sounding albums ever (right up there for me with jellyfish' "spilt milk"). the drums, guitars, vocals, _everything_ is top-notch. gus, we'll miss you. to kirk gill, who shared with us the story of he and his wife adopting four children: i loved reading your post and the picture of you dancing with your daughter for the first time. true love is certainly selfless, and i do wish you all the best with your new family. a note of thanks to ben gott and jamie lowe for posting that you're enjoying my new album -- glad you dig the tunes! and to kevin wollenweber, who suggests that i play at manhattan's "bottom line" club. if i do get out that way, i'll for sure check it out. in case any of you are interested (and live out here in the bay area), our first gig to promote "god's empty chair" will be friday august 23rd at a place called "the hotel utah" in san francisco. we're playing as part of "nadine's wild weekend" here, something akin to "south by southwest" for california. more gigs to follow -- if you'd like to know more or be added to our e-mailing list, please contact me off-list and we can chat. thanks to everyone who's ordered a copy of the album, i do appreciate your support... --becki digregorio
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 23:17:50 -0500 From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: Pert near straight from the 'orse's mouff Message-ID: <20020807041749.QJEC18399.out012.verizon.net@darkstar> Hey, fans and fanettes! For those of you who do not frequent the XTC-Idea Records forum and haven't heard about it, below you will find a link to the very first (drum roll, paleez!) XTC Forum Q&A session with the lads! *TA*DA*! The initial thread idea was billed as this: "Every month Colin & Andy will personally reply to 10 questions posted. (At the end of each month all the unanswered questions will remain). So go on, ask them?" Interestingly enough, I only count five questions answered as of this posting. Hmmm.. No matter, it's still very entertaining reading, so get on over there and check it out- http://www.xtcidearecords.co.uk/cgi-bin/ikonboard/forums.cgi?forum=44 Enjoy, sugar plums! Debora Brown p.s.--Ms. Myrone's Chalkhills gathering commemorative t-shirts kick arse! All hail the Queen! :o) And to my dear chum, Mitch, and to the fabulous Ms. Becki- I am very much looking forward to hearing your new CDs, kidz.. Can't wait to get my sweaty little hands on 'em, yesiree! ..What's that, you say? ..I have to ORDER them first? See, I *knew* I was forgetting something...<G>
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 08:31:15 +0000 From: "Paul Culnane" <paulculnane@hotmail.com> Subject: Seems we don't talk much anymore? Message-ID: <F1377j1HaKtKufVma0o00008ea3@hotmail.com> An open letter to Dunks (which I reckon many Chalkhills subscribers may relate to): I notice you've put a block on my emails to your hotmail address; that's fine. Not in a million years will I invoke the words "childish" or "diddums"... What's the go? Hope you're well. Just saw your most recent posting to Chalkhills. I dunno, I feel a bit funny about your approach. Have done for awhile... It puzzles me that you think others overseas (generally) might be remotely interested in what goes on on Aussie TV, particularly when it has nothing to do with the topic (being, I would have thought, XTC). It's like when you rail against O/S mags like Mojo for not including articles on Aussie music. I suggest, give it up and get real! The bottom line is, what interest is there wider afield for our music and culture? An article on the Easybeats, maybe, but beyond that - do you really think anyone cares? IMO, you're using quite the inappropriate forum to voice your views. The XTC mailing list, while being well-moderated and allowing a wide range of viewpoints on all manner of topics, really shouldn't be the place to talk about American politics bullshit and all the rest that you seem to revel in doing. Frankly, I was delighted when Jim Smart from Hawaii took you to task for your quite unwarranted viewpoint about wishing death upon people, while at the same time attempting to give tribute to John Entwistle. He said: "that's a new low", and I agree. (I notice you didn't reply; did that cut to the bone a bit too much? - was the *truth* a bit too real for you?) Actually, Jim was slightly wrong. He hasn't been witness to some of the other "lows" you've perpetrated, as I have unfortunately been. How do you continue to get away with it? I've asked this before, but I'll ask again, why do you have to be so bloody negative? If it bugs you, why not just bite yer lip? Try this: what's good about something? You think there is? Then blow your trumpet. On the other hand, don't you YET realise how extremely irritating, and, yes, boorish, it is to have you continually espouse your NEGATIVE views as though they are superior and unimpeachable? The potential to hurt people is being brought into full relief here, or do you really get a buzz out of provoking people and doing harm? I know what that's like - with one swift keystroke, you have demonstrated the ability to really cut to the quick. Does that stimulate you? That's one reason why I've backed off. While I'm certain I dig you heaps, as a person and as what you represent, I just can't handle any more of your superior, "I-know-all" attitude. I'm not advocating a mass outbreak of "touchy-feely" here, but can't you learn and garner some sort of respect for other people out there who may not necessarily share your penchant for criticising everything that moves, in the name of proving how clever you think you might be with a ready quip? If it's simply down to music (and remember, in the case of the Chalkhills forum - XTC is a band who makes music! Remember, that's what they do?)... I'll say it again: music shouldn't be a battlefield, it should bring pleasure. If it's not doing that for you, then why not take your diatriabes across to www.dissafectedandwantingtobeacleverdick.com or something? Well, you won't take this on board anyway. You won't listen to my opinion, because you don't value it as much as that from some obscure, perceived arse-licker like, say, Terry Stacey (with respect, who he anyway? The 69'ers? Geddout. Can't wait for the definitive box set). I realise I am considered in certain parts somewhat of a nutter, but let me say this (as if you cared anyway): there is absolutely no way on earth that you, with your attitude, would have gained any access and subsequent credence, with the likes of AP, TC or others, as I most certainly have done. And if you countenanced, say Mike Rudd, he'll tell you he's balanced with me: you're more of a convenience, albeit an irritant. Believe it, 'cos it's true. Not that there is any competition, mind, 'cos if there was, who'd win every time? Why do you have to be such a supreme arsehole *all* the time??? Paul
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 22:09:56 +0800 From: "Deane, Simon" <simon.deane@deacons.com.hk> Subject: Interesting new releases [NB no "wua isosp"] Message-ID: <E067E257A48C3546AE631616D819E9530B2BD7@exchange1.deacons.com.hk> I haven't posted for a very long time but I'm still here reading the posts when I get time. Hello to all my mates (and non-mates) out there in Chalkhillsland. Just a few interesting snippets: Kevin Gilbert's "Kaviar sessions" album is now available from his website: see link below - http://www.kevingilbert.com . I've got this and it is interesting, very much darker than other stuff he has done that I have heard and there is a brilliant cover of Iggy Pop's "Fall in Love with me" from the Lust for Life album and some moderately pornographic tunes too. Sorry if anyone has already mentioned this. The Nines' "Wonderful World of Colourful" is now available again from the Notlame website. ...and my main news: cdjapan will be selling the instrumental versions of Wasp Star and Apple Venus vol. 1 from mid September. This seems to be very hot news because it isn't even on the XTC website yet although it was announced as a project earlier. Again sorry if this is actually old news. See attached links. Have bought a load of stuff from cdjapan and they're fine - actually I think it was the mole who put me on to this site. Hi mole!! http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCCY-1612 http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCCY-1613 See you later. Simon Deane
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 19:49:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Ryan Anthony <hamsterranch@yahoo.com> Subject: Stuart Little couldn't hijack a Tonka truck with an eyeglass Message-ID: <20020809024908.16256.qmail@web10105.mail.yahoo.com> screwdriver First, my thanks to several Chalkhillians for the sad news about Gus & Sheila Dudgeon. Quoth Duncan "Dunks" Kimball: "On a vaguely related tangent, I was also very interested to read a recent piece by Mike Moore, which revealed that while such potentially life-threatening objects as nail clippers are banned on US airlines, apparently the tobacco barons successfully lobbied Washington to ensure that cigarette lighters and matches were NOT banned. Hmmmm." Not that I would dare to suggest that such an angry socialist as Michael Moore would (gasp) lie, but his "revelation" is at variance with reality. I recently flew commercial for the first time since 9-11-01, and plastic-gloved security workers removed from my carry-on bag, and confiscated, a small box of matches from the Prescott (Ariz.) Brewing Company. I don't smoke, so why do I carry matches? In the immortal words of my great-great-(insert "great" many times here)-grandfather, Og (third cave on the left): "Fire GOOD!" I don't read *Mother Jones*, so please advise me if this was done at the bidding of the Evil Contact Lens Barons or the Evil Lasik Surgery Viscounts, but the security detail also found and confiscated one of my two eyeglass screwdrivers. Do you know how small those are? Stuart Little couldn't hijack a Tonka truck with an eyeglass screwdriver. Ryan Anthony An independent Internet content provider P.S.: I mean the E. B. White/Garth Williams Stuart Little, not the computer-animated Stuart Little. P.P.S.: Buy Becki DiGregorio's CD! Total cost, including shipping, is $15 to a U.S. address, and a gracious inscription is free. *God's Empty Chair* is currently on heavy rotation in my car CD deck, replacing Tony Banks' *Strictly Inc.* -- which is high praise from this old unapologetic Genesis-head.
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #8-46 ******************************
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