Chalkhills Digest Volume 9, Issue 2
Date: Thursday, 9 January 2003
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 9, Number 2
Thursday, 9 January 2003
Topics:
2002 - What a Year!
Trombones, Or Andy/Blegvad News?
Mick Jones
favorite xmas album that's not a xmas album
a new station Spiraling your way
What Another AP imposter Go Away!!! (just kidding) :)
Roads Girdle The Globe
Now Playing: Beck, on PBS
happy new year/best of '02
Just Another Old Fashioned Best-of List.
Re: Andy talks about the price of Fuzzy Warbles
Mup
Chalkhillian writes Beatles book
Re: my review of year
Publicly admitting that there's a problem is the first step toward recovery
re: return to vendor
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 13:51:11 -0500 From: arthur james virgin <art@thebitfactory.com (nospam)> Subject: 2002 - What a Year! Message-ID: <53AD9B6A-1F4C-11D7-8273-0003938E48EA@thebitfactory.com> Falling out of lurk mode after a long hibernation... I still read every issue sent word for word, but have had nothing to add lately as XTC remains in their own "hibernation." 2002, for me, proved a much better year for music than the previous one. 1) Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights Worthy of the hype. 2) Doves - The Last Broadcast Great listener from top to bottom. 3) Sigur Ros - () One of the best show's I've seen - and that's saying a LOT. 4) Augie March - Strange Bird I love my little secret - you can, too. Get it. 5) Aimee Mann - Lost in Space Her show brought a new understanding to the songs - GREAT. 6) Death Cab for Cutie - You Can Play These Songs with Chords. A great little lo-fi look into a great songwriting band. 7) Wilco - YFH No longer file under alt-country. 8) Ben Kweller - Sha Sha Too young for these kinds of hooks. 9) John Vanderslice - Life & Death of an American Fourtracker Slowly building up to be an indispensable solo act - another win for Barsuk. 10) About a Boy Soundtrack - BDB Great songs. Period. hoping this year brings (finally) Elliott Smith, a rocking Radiohead, more priceless Lucksmiths, some more brilliant Kent, and (please) some new XTC? happy 2003 - aj
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 11:19:28 -0800 (PST) From: Wes Long <optimismsflames@yahoo.com> Subject: Trombones, Or Andy/Blegvad News? Message-ID: <20030103191928.50313.qmail@web14904.mail.yahoo.com> Adrian Fucking Ransome spake thusly: "Kevin also prodded a distant memory about the Andy Partridge + Apples In Stereo project. Will that ever see the light of day? Can anyone with a contact line to either party please let us know?" Well, it's *supposed* to see the light of day - but Andy says that Rob Schneider (head Apple) is seriously dragging his feet on the project. The name of the band will most likely be Trombones Or (French for golden paperclips)... may or may not happen this year, all depends on Mr. Schneider. I'm putting together a new section of the Optimism's Flames site devoted to text versions of the last few interviews I've done with Andy - we cover this topic at length, including exactly how you go about collaborating with someone over the phone - good question! I'll post a link here once it's up and running... will provide a version for those of you who are unable to access my heavily geeked-out site. The Blegvad thing *will* happen, and soon. Spoke with Andy yesterday (1/2/02) and he said he was putting the finishing touches on the collaboration. And - he's already working on the next batch of Warbles... that outta piss everybody off! wesLONG http://www.optimismsflames.com
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 12:29:51 -0800 (PST) From: Jackson <jydson@yahoo.com> Subject: Mick Jones Message-ID: <20030103202951.98209.qmail@web10808.mail.yahoo.com> Chalkhillians, Can someone kindly tell me what's become of Mick Jones of Clash, Big Audio dynamite fame? Thank you! Jack
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 22:53:57 +0100 From: "jpcac" <jpcac@wanadoo.fr> Subject: favorite xmas album that's not a xmas album Message-ID: <000201c2b373$e5529240$aa860c50@ordi> Hi all, I've just read this on the Faust list : how about favorite xmas album that's not an xmas album? for some reason its XTC's English Settlement for me. still not sure how that happened What's your opinion ? For me, it could be one of those Beach Boys / Brian Wilson classics. Happy new year to all, Jean-Philippe Cimetiere
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 15:23:41 -0700 From: "Miranda Phifer" <mightbeSpy@ecoisp.com> Subject: a new station Spiraling your way Message-ID: <200301031523.AA368508970@ecoisp.com> check out Spiraling's (a cool New Jersey band...inspired in part by XTC) new mp3 station, Radio Transmitter!! happy listening!! ~~miranda www.spiraling.net
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 19:28:15 -0500 From: "Molly, the New Wave Queen" <mollyfa0000@worldnet.att.net> Subject: What Another AP imposter Go Away!!! (just kidding) :) Message-ID: <000401c2b388$304752e0$5a04590c@vogmudet> Organization: AT&T Worldnet So now we have another person being told he's Andy Partridge. "whew" One time someone said that I was the great Andy Partridge. Sometimes I wish I was, because I could say things in a more cleverer (does that make sense) way than I do, and I would have his quick wit. But sadly, I don't have his cleverness or wit and I'm of the feminine pursuasion. *hehehe* In Digest #9-1, Adrian wrote: <<Kevin Wollenweber wrote: >Oh, by the way, Adrian.Ransome@tsi-ltd.co.uk, be honest >with me; you're really Andy Partridge in disguise, adding your >nudge, nudge, wink, wink to this list, right? If thinking that I'm Andy helps you to find the humour in my post, then carry on thinking I'm Andy.>> My pick for the best album of last year has to be Beth Gibbons and Rusin' Man's CD "Out of Season". Beth has a great voice and Rustin' Man (aka Paul Webb) is a wonderful musician in his own right. But I'm biased since I'm a HUGE fan of Paul's since his years with the bands, Talk Talk and .O.Rang. I'm holding out for buying "Fuzzy Warbles" not because of the price, but I'm going to Boston in a couple of months and I'm going to see if one of the record stores I frequent there has it. And honestly, I don't think the pricing is that bad. I've seen a lot worse. Okay, I'm done rambling now. Molly XTC Song of the Moment: "Your Dictionary" Non-XTC Song of the Moment - "Don't Put Another Dime in the Jukebox" - The Flirts
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 04 Jan 2003 08:40:01 -0800 From: strwbrry <strwbrry@tidepool.com> Subject: Roads Girdle The Globe Message-ID: <3E170E5B.76261E30@tidepool.com> Steer me anna Steer me anna Steer me anna Steer me anna Steer me anna Steer me anna Steer me anna! http://www.andysinger.com/sample10.html ! Another Steve
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2003 22:59:51 -0800 (PST) From: Ryan Anthony <hamsterranch@yahoo.com> Subject: Now Playing: Beck, on PBS Message-ID: <20030105065951.55797.qmail@web10101.mail.yahoo.com> Usually the "Now Playing" notice goes at the end of the post, but this one should lead off: NP: Beck, backed by the Flaming Lips, on the Public Broadcasting Service's music show, *Austin City Limits*. My tax dollars at work! I'm beginning to plot out an essay in which I describe what I want the inevitable Fiftieth-Anniversary-of-Rock-and-Roll documentaries to include, and I need to pick your brains. Do any reasonably large-scale 1990s rock acts bear mentioning besides Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers? I've spent a few days lurking and slumming in various *Lord of the Rings* talkback sites. You people are much more articulate than those fevered fanboys, but I did find this agreeable anonymous sentiment at www.aintitcool.com: "Whether it's pizza, fellatio, or a MOSTLY faithful quality adaption of classic literature, even when it's bad, it's good." (I know what you're thinking, but my Merriam-Webster lists "adaption" as an acceptable alternative to "adaptation.") People, I have emitted another in my series of New Year's rants. This one touches on the Darwin Awards, my half-conceived diet book parody, child-gobbling Hopi Indian ogre kachinas, and the Wright Brothers' upcoming centennial. Plus, it's the first time in the history of the world that a Christmas card has included the word *clitorectomy*. Once again, I'd be happy to mail a copy to any Chalkhillian who wishes. (Yes, if you're truly interested, I'll spring for postage to any spot on the globe.) Would you email me off-list with your real-world mailing address? Ryan Anthony An independent Internet content provider P.S.: Kudos to John Relph for another year of Chalkhill maintenance. Domo arigato, Sensei.
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Jan 2003 09:07:34 -0800 From: "Thomas Vest" <tvtwo@hotmail.com> Subject: happy new year/best of '02 Message-ID: <F149OlnzGOnXPJFcUFa000006dc@hotmail.com> hello chalkland! hope all is well and everyone had a good holiday season. got my warbles about a month ago. good stuff and waiting for more. cannot remember if it was said previously- but when are the next volumes coming out? yeah, i know--- if i looked, i could probably find it on past digests or other a few other sites. in no particular order, here are my top albums from last year: nappy roots... watermelon, chicken & gritz jurassic 5... power in numbers mark eitzel... music for courage and confidence blackalicious... blazing arrow flaming lips... yoshimi battles the pink robots interpol... turn on the bright lights tom waits... blood money the streets... original pirate material thievery corporation... the richest man in babylon neko case... blacklisted los lobos... good morning aztlan black sabbath... symptom of the universe 1970-78 ash... free all angels the vines... highly evolved nerd... in search of... ladytron... light and magic kylie minoge... fever if you have not heard the streets original pirate material and you are inclined to like rap or hip hop, check this guy out. he is an englishman who is pretty damn funny and has an interesting mix of samples. highlights from this cd if you get a chance: too much brandy, don't mug yourself & who got the funk? my album of the year is good morning aztlan by los lobos. nothing out has eclisped this. these guys just get better as they go. the rest of my top five: 2 flaming lips 3 nerd 4 kylie minoge 5 streets 2 possible chalkhills resolutions to consider for the coming year: 1) mummer/wonderland slammers take a breather and try to appreciate it for what it really is. 2) everyone gets a long a little better and take the cut/paste, point/counterpoint stuff offline. its not enjoyable to see people picked apart line by line (even if some people think they are right or not). i can read contracts if i want to be this tedious. all the best to everyone for the upcoming year! regards, Thomas
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 11:13:47 -0600 From: Chris Vreeland <CVREELAND@austin.rr.com> Subject: Just Another Old Fashioned Best-of List. Message-ID: <a05200f00ba3e16778196@[66.25.161.220]> Hold me closer, Keep your Distance Tell me your secrets, Mind your own business... --The Bears, Under the Volcano Layerheads, I didn't write a top ten list last year for the first time in umpteen years. I got really over-saturated with new music in 2000 and had to absorb for most of last year. I've spent a good deal of this year seeking out independent and unsigned acts, just sort-of casting about on the internet, and trying to put my money where my mouth is by buying from the little guys whenever I found something worthwhile. Still, I'm a sucker for good recording, and when it comes down to what I liked best this year, only a couple of truly independent releases made my list for ten best. Porcupine Tree has put out a number of outstanding releases on the indie label Snapper but was, alas, signed to a major before recording this year's In Absentia. As usual, I must issue the Old Fart Warning: These are the ten best albums I acquired in 2002, although some of them were recorded back in the dark ages of magnetic tape. The List: 1. Kaviar, The Kaviar Sessions. Kevin Gilbert was an unmitigated f*cking genius. The stylistic changes he underwent in his brief flameout of a career are evidence of his ability to play whatever the hell he wanted, and on Kaviar, the gloves are off. Trent Reznor simply wishes he were this angry and funny. Simply one of the best recorded, written and performed hard rock albums of the entire 20th century. Read the full review here: http://chrisvreeland.com/reviews.html 2. Dusty Springfield, Dusty In Memphis. I've carried on at length about this album here before, so I'll spare you. There's still a review posted on my site. 3. XTC, Coat of Many Cupboards. As an avid XTC completist, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of material on this set that I hadn't already acquired. All the alternate studio versions of Drums and Wires-era stuff really shed some light on the recording and production process that led us to the final versions. 4. Lucinda Williams, Essence. The title cut is the sexiest noise ever uttered by the female mouth. 5. Porcupine Tree, In Absentia. Their "major label debut." We'll see how it goes. They've already lost a very capable drummer in the process of making this album. Let's stick around to see if they've lost their souls in the deal. The songwriting and playing is still as good as ever, and the opener is a stunner. Reminds me of the best of Soundgarden, except British. Overall, to summarize P.T.-- 1. Make a mop of Radiohead. 2. Clean the floor with it. 6. P. Hux, Deluxe and Purgatory Falls. These both came to me combined on one CD-R, so for the sake of argument (Let's argue! This is Chalkhills!) I'll refer to them as one work. I have not much clue about this guy other than that he writes a really good straight pop song. Think Marshall Crenshaw meets James McMurtry. 7. Los Lobos, This Time. I'm getting to where I like their Spanish language material better than their mainstream stuff, and this album has some choice songs sung in Spanish. The way in which they seamlessly meld traditional arrangements and instrumentation with modern recording technology, and their unique arranging style is at its most impressive here. Track 7, Corazon, is one of the most hauntingly sad and beautiful songs I've heard in years. 8. Mike Keneally, Wooden Smoke. A radical departure from Dancing, but radical departures seem to be what Keneally's career is all about. The quietest and "prettiest" of his work to date. 9. Los Lobos, The Neighborhood. The hardest rocking of their albums. The more I really listen to this band, the more I've come to think that they are really the quintessential Great American Band. 10. Peter Gabriel, Up. Maybe I'm nuts, but as good as this album might be, I was expecting a little more here. Maybe it was the letdown from five years of built-up anticipation (it's been rumored to have been "nearly done" since about '96, it seems) but Gabriel doesn't seem to have stretched much beyond his previous achievements. It makes the list simply by being a Peter Gabriel album, which is a thing we have all been without for far too long. ------- Although I have yet to buy the album, my submission for Single of the Year has to go to The Bears Under the Volcano. Through the miracle of modern technology, I was able to sample this song from the band's website, and now plan on buying a copy as soon as funding permits. The chorus melody line of this song sticks in my brain like glue. Great pop stuff, by a truly gifted bunch of players. Back to our regularly scheduled argument, Chris "Uninformed opinion somehow equals Content" Vreeland -- Oh, joy. It's another website. http://chrisvreeland.com
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Jan 2003 18:49:53 -0500 From: Alfred Masciocchi <cakrm@attbi.com> Subject: Re: Andy talks about the price of Fuzzy Warbles Message-ID: <3E18C4A1.50800@attbi.com> Am I missing something or is Andy deliberately trying to be absurd? >From: Todd Bernhardt <beat_town@yahoo.com> > >Watch the Idea site's Chatter area (under the Fly on the Wall >subheading) for an explanation from Mr. Partridge about the price >difference between the Warbles offered through Idea and through major >retailers like Amazon. I've no idea what day Andy and Colin's new set >of answers will actually appear (sometime in the next week, >probably), but this link should take you there: > >http://www.xtcidearecords.co.uk/cgi-bin/ikonboard/forums.cgi?forum=44 Q - Why are The Fuzzy Warbles cheaper on Amazon, you're ripping us off! Also why do you bother putting on such low quality demos like `Complicated Game' or `All Of A Sudden'? No one wants them - The Grumbler. A - Firstly, no one is forcing you to buy these discs from Idea, or buy these discs period! but let me tell you why Amazon sell them cheaper. It's because Amazon didn't pay for the mastering costs, the artwork, the parts, the manufacturing costs, a years cleaning and remixing, the administration and licensing costs or a myriad of other charges. Ape has to cover its costs, whereas Amazon has pretty much pure profit and are in clover. Secondly, the average price for a CD in the UK is #14.99, so you're getting a mid priced bargain. But if you want to support Amazon not Ape go ahead. Thirdly, not everyone loves only the more finished demos. I met someone last week who prefers the rougher, first impression sketches. Different strokes Grumby, learn to programme your CD player and you won't have to suffer. I only included them out of archaeological interest, not an attempt to rob you - A.P
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 06 Jan 2003 09:55:17 -0800 From: "Pastula Aaron" <pastula12@hotmail.com> Subject: Mup Message-ID: <F10QN3CQ49LiIW7lJDo000012a4@hotmail.com> Harrison "[insert clever quip here]" Sherwood posted thusly: >It's one of my faves in all of Howling Hyperspace, and it makes me get all >goopy thinking about how cool the Internet is. >Taken backstage after a >Zappa Band performance in Birmingham, UK, in 1988. >http://www.geoscott.com/new/band_band.jpg What might make him (or you) equally goopy is a brief clip of Mike Keneally talking about this very incident, in which he does in fact confirm that Dave brought along albums for Frank to sign: http://www.mktrading.org/mp3/19890427/mupDilemma.mp3 Other cool stuff on that site as well, for the MK-minded among you. Enjoy... Aaron "always wanted to quote Harrison, but never had the chance until now. Really liked his essay in the 'Coat' set; a very honorable piece of writing. Though I have to admit I occasionally scroll through his posts when they get too windy, but he seems like a pretty sharp guy to me. I have to get back to work" Pastula
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 23:06:28 EST From: StarlingV@aol.com Subject: Chalkhillian writes Beatles book Message-ID: <11a.1cac7a82.2b4cfdc4@aol.com> Just thought the Chalkfolk would be interested to know that XTC fan and longtime Chalkhills subscriber John C. Winn (also known as DinsdaleP) is finally publishing his incredible two-volume work on the Beatles. John has made available some excerpts from the first book, which you can see at http://members.aol.com/multiplusbooks The book is called _Way Beyond Compare: The Beatles' Recorded Legacy_. I've had a chance to read several chapters, which I found entertaining, engrossing and incredibly detailed. It seems like this is a book that'll intrigue even the most obsessive Beatle fans/collectors, yet it's also very browsable and full of John's wry humor and subtle commentary. Have a look! Sincerely, Janis
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Jan 2003 15:10:56 +0000 From: "Tim Brooks" <bridgered@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: my review of year Message-ID: <F2416O0wjBgsh1Sl8Ah0000bcfe@hotmail.com> If anyone is interested, here's my little (?) review of the year, musically speaking ALBUMS 1 Lil Beethoven Sparks For a band in 30th year this is a stunningly amazing original album, amazing vocals, great orchestral backings - sounds like nothing else around - miles ahead of : 2 When I was Cruel Elvis Costello - His finest in over 10 yrs, album of year for 11 months 3.Fuzzy Warbles 1 Andy Partridge (XTC) and Fuzzy Warbles 2 Andy Partridge (XTC) The man's demos/outtakes beat pretty much anything else 4. New Music Revolution (Free NME compilation showing that suddenly music is sounding great again - Libertines, Coral, Datsuns,Von Bondies YYY's etc) 5. The Coral The Coral - On same note great eclectic album from a young bunch of scousers that may just becomes the decades Madness (and christ knows the UK scene needs a great "pop" group) 6. Tori Amos : Scarlets Walk 7. Yoshimi... Flaming Lips - Not as good as the hype, but 5 great trxs 8. Cruel Smile : Elvis Costello (B sides and rarities compilation from this year but well worth it for When I was Cruel No1 alone) 9 Pet Shop Boys : Release (in truth another disappointing PSB album - good, just third in a row not to be great) 10.Pulp : I Love Life Also really keen to hear Polyphonic Spree's album, not managed yet SINGLES : 1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs Miles Away (s/t EP) (raw, exciting, they will probably never do another song this good ) 2. Pet Shop Boys Sexy Northerner (B side "its more than fags and alcohol" - better than anything on Release) 3. Electric Soft Parade : Silent to The Dark 2 4. Coral Dreaming Of You 5 Sugarbabes/Gary Numan (I'm crediting him even if they don't ouch) Freak Like You (Round Round also excellent) 6. Fischerspooner Emerge (overhyped, cver produced but sounding great) 7. Hives : hate To Say I Told You So 8. White Stripes Fell In Love 9. Ms Dynamite : Ms Dynamite (believe the hype - a real UK soul star in the making) 10. Ladytron 17 (great new band) Reissues Imperial Bedroom ECs finest album now in amazing 2Cd version (all EC remasters are a must) Coat of Many Colours boxset XTC (spoilt by including previously released album traxs) Dexys Don't Stand Me Down (includes Tell Me What She's Like - finest 13 minute song ever recorded) Specials - Special/More Specials Who : My Generation Videos : Pulp Bad Cover Version (Band Aid remembered - classic) Coldplay Scientist(not a band I have been convinced by up to now, always put then in same category as Travis - competent but DULL, but this is a great song with video to match ) White Stripes : Dead Leaves and Fell In Love (lotsa LEGO) Gigs (well I only saw three) : 1. White Stripes/Von Bondies/Dirtbombs - Q Shepherds Bush Wonderful bill, first WS experience better than I could have imagined 2. Sparks : Lil Beethoven Royal Festival Hall First hearing of new album, better than I had expected and loved it on first hearing, great evening. 3. Pet Shop Boys : Astoria NME Valentines Day Great to see them in small venue, think wife now forgiven me for my Valentine's evening absence TMB Over and out
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2003 12:06:53 -0800 (PST) From: Todd Bernhardt <beat_town@yahoo.com> Subject: Publicly admitting that there's a problem is the first step toward recovery Message-ID: <20030108200653.70968.qmail@web41104.mail.yahoo.com> Hi: Just read an interesting story on the BBC Web site. Lots of points made in the piece, but here are some salient ones: "Illegal music download sites will never be eradicated, the president of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has admitted. Cary Sherman told BBC News Online that music would always be available for free somewhere on the net despite costly court battles to shut down illegal music sites. <snip> Mr Sherman admitted that the only response to illegal peer-to-peer services was to promote 'legal, attractive alternatives that will make consumers want to pay for their music'. " Is the RIAA on the road to recovery? Full story at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2636235.stm -Todd "Is Bert?" Bernhardt
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 02:17:48 -0800 From: "Victor Rocha" <victor@pechanga.net> Subject: re: return to vendor Message-ID: <001501c2b7c8$5c699240$1b791e18@8i0vb> Dear Chalksters, Has anyone else had problems with Ape/Idea Records? I ordered FW 1&2 and a fleece pullover and only received FW2. I emailed the company but haven't received a response. anyone else? Victor Rocha Pechanga.Net
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #9-2 *****************************
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