Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 92
Date: Thursday, 20 March 1997

          Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 92

                 Thursday, 20 March 1997

Today's Topics:

                         the lot
                   Dutch xtc cover band
                      Andy on wheels
                   Those Were The Days!
                      Bloody Wankel
     the auction man, the one with the real live hair
                conventions and praises...
                   Chalkhills' Children
                The Great Secret Revealed
             Mick McCartney Clears The Air...
                   Bride of the Mummer
                   Andy Partrdige's car
                      Fan convention
               Andy used to pay 12 cents...
            Re: Sgt. Rock is going to help me.
                 G730XTC (Who's Driving?)
    For God's sake, no need to get so cocky Stephanie!
            Cheryl In Your (Out Of Your?) Tree
             Chalkhills' Children ZIP CODE!!!
                        Sgt. Rock
                    Prettier Than You
                    Soldiers for Andy
      A couple of recommendations but not Billy Joel
                     Kinda' sad, eh?
                       Spotting You
                  XTC LIVE! 37 responses

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The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.

I'll stick my fingers in my ears.

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

From: monnickj@ubk.co.uk
Message-Id: <199703191939.TAA11438@sys4.cambridge.uk.psi.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 18:15:29 +0000
Subject: the lot

Joe Jarret
     thanks for the stuff about the convention in basingstoke, especially as
it is only 50 miles or so from Swindon in the west country so who knows who
might appear. I'll let you know.

Jason Garcia & Mark Strijbos   re the beach boys
     It is interesting to hear that AP places the BB influence late in life.
I would clarify what i said and add' influential' to 'popular' in the late
60's as unlike in the USA the BB did not loose their credibility in the
UK/Europe until the mid 70's and new material remained on playlists. I
understand that BB lost all credibililty in the USA and were consigned to
the desert after their failure to appear at the Monterey  Festival in June
67. Ironically they did manage to gig with the dead in 71.

     The Beatles v the Beach Boys
     The BB continued to work together and use the studio to augment their
material whereas George Martin added very little to either the white album
or get back. He  did produced a glistening sound on Abbey Road which guilds
 the generally hollow material.

A couple of questions where i would love you views

a)    at the other extreme from the beach boys/beatles what weird stuff do
you hear in XTC, say Captain beefheart or Can or pere ubu?

     any ideas as for the names for twins, sex unknown and how XTC songs
might influence that ?

latter...

Jon monnick

PS IT has been a good year for west country rock . Not only is there an xtc
get together but  the first line-up King Crimson sat down at the same table
at a get together last weekend for the first time in  20+ years with Greg
Lake resembling a tub of lard.
*----------------------------------------------------------------
The views expressed are of the individual, and do not
necessarily reflect the views of The United Bank of Kuwait PLC.
*----------------------------------------------------------------

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

Message-ID: <3309100D.5FA5@noord.bart.nl>
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 01:12:29 -0100
From: Harold Zijp <harold@noord.bart.nl>
Organization: Iprecom groep Groningen
Subject: Dutch xtc cover band

hi there

I wanted you (and through you everybody) to know that there is a band in
the city of Groningen, Holland, called The Vanishing Girls that only
plays XTC songs. It started a a one-gig-project, but we've done three
gigs so far and are planning to go ahead with it. Actually we're playing
live in Groningen on thursday the 20th of february 1997, in the USVA at
the Munnikeholm (=street)

I'll give you our complete setlist in case you're interested:
No thugs in our house/Rocket from a bottle/It's nearly Africa/When
you're near me.../Holly upon Poppy/Another satellite/Blue
beret/Scarecrow people/Holding the baby/Love at first sight/Sgt.
Rock/Travels in Nihilon//Respectable street/Life begins at the
Hop/Making plans for Nigel/Vanishing Girl/Collideascope/Pearl/Knuckle
down/All of a sudden/Love on a farmboy's wages/Find the fox/You're my
drug/Scissor man/Complicated game

This was my first ever E-mail, when I've grown more accustomed to the
Internet-thing maybe I can send a soundsample of our band. I haven't got
my own address, but my postal address is:
Jeroen de Jong
Prof. Rankestraat 29 A
9713 GD Groningen
The Netherlands

bye for now,       Jeroen

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

Message-Id: <l03020900af56535df5b1@[146.6.72.24]>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 20:40:49 -0600
From: jason garcia <h.h.name@mail.utexas.edu>
Subject: Andy on wheels

Re:  "Andy's car?"

Andy doesn't drive.  According to Chris Twomey's
biography he has never learned.

-J

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

Message-ID: <3330C707.1D13@sprintmail.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 21:11:35 -0800
From: Stormy Monday <stormymonday@sprintmail.com>
Subject: Those Were The Days!

Folxtc,

Tonight, VHI ran a special "8 Track Flashback".

Nick Lowe 	 	"Cruel To Be Kind"
Elvis Costello 		"What's so Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?"
Squeeze  		"Another Nail For My Heart"
Joe Jackson 		"Is She Really Going Out With Him?"
Talking Heads 		"Take Me To The River"

We needed "Nigel" but it wasn't included!

Still, it was great.

Mike

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

Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19970320044902.006a8eec@pop.pipeline.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 23:49:02 -0500
From: David Pardue <dpardue@pipeline.com>
Subject: Bloody Wankel

>From: dgershmn <dgershmn@ametsoc.org>
>
>>Well, Simon, I don't have the 1986 cringe coupling, but I do have the 1984
>>Simkins and Mankwell (this was before the name change) "Grig-o-lator"
>>changle-spoked fribulating dyna-clop. I hear that it is often
>>interchangeable with the "Spang-o-matic" when one needs to simbunate their
>>linderfoz, as long as one is mindful of the glent. Let me know if this'll
>>help...
>
>Wow. Dave, you certainly know your stuff. I had to retro-loop the
>shift-phase flanking plates, and the spong chasm needed reboring to .55, but
>on the whole I got the whole thing up and running with the minimum of jibble
>bending. Thanks, man.

Boys, let's try and confine this kind of stuff to the chat rooms, all right?
Thank you.

Yours,

Mary Whitehouse

ps.  Wankel Rotary Engine.  There.  I said it.

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

Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19970320044912.006a6d40@pop.pipeline.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 23:49:12 -0500
From: David Pardue <dpardue@pipeline.com>
Subject: the auction man, the one with the real live hair

I called in a chip with a friend who works at Christie's and got an advance
copy of the catalog for the upcoming XTC auction.  In addition to Andy's
tune-inhibiting Antoria acoustic guitar (n.b., reference to Geffen's
"Nonsuch" insert there), some of the items look quite interesting.  To wit:

_Item_                        _Est. Price_ (pounds Sterling)
An Ovation XP-3200 guitar,
once picked up in a shop,
then replaced, by A. Partridge   #150

The original, unopened can
of Andrews Liver Salts, as
featured on the Go2 album        #3.50

C. Moulding's original diving
suit from the Black Sea cover
(note: item not indicated for
actual deep sea usage)          #300

An actual D. Gregory specimen,
in glass vial.                  #???

Items sep. or group:
a) a fellow who brings the sheep in
b) a fellow who milks the herd
c) a fellow with wife for keeping
Original value 3s.              1 guinea

Any bids?

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

Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 21:09:27 -0800
From: becki digregorio <ziglain@cruzio.com>
Subject: conventions and praises...
Message-ID: <9703192059.aa07663@bbs.cruzio.com>

'hillians,

regarding news of the xtc convention in may in england, Tim Kendrick writes:

>Okay, any other crazy American besides me considering possibly going to this?

now wouldn't this be a hoot and a half?!  a regular gathering of us crazed
fans tripping over to england to be w/ other like-minded souls.  perhaps we
can check out fares/costs, etc, and see what we can come up with??  and it
would be keen if any xtc fans over there just might let us crash at their
pad to save money otherwise spent on hotels.  egads, what a potential
happening...

from Mark Strijbos:

>And with a bit of luck we might have something to celebrate then....
>a new record deal, a new album or single, AMANDA marrying Dave ???

hee hee, i almost fell off my chair w/ this one.

and imagine my surprise when i read richard pedretti's post about the
chalkhills children tape being available, and to send our order/check to
*santa clara, california*.  neighbor!!  i work in sunnyvale...

jason legacy wrote:

>Has anyone met or talked to Dave Gregory recently? I had the extreme pleaure
>of meeting him in 1992 when I visited England as a graduation gift to myself
>and he was one of the kindest gentlemen I've ever talked to. He's a very
>>intelligent, kind, and obviously TALENTED man

tho i haven't _talked_ w/ dave recently, i can easily agree w/ you as far
as the attributes you give him above.  he _is_ a gentleman, very giving,
and of course the most talented (and under-rated) guitarist around.  anyone
who would lend his talents on a new unsigned artist's cd (who's a huge xtc
fan) out of the goodness of his heart is special in my book...  (wink).

to all the folks who acknowledged the wondrousness of simon sleightholm and
his most talented posts, i too am in this category.  i find his witty and
charming posts to this mailing list among those i so much look forward to
reading.  and you, simon, would be one of the many folks i'd love to meet
at an xtc convention (heck, who knows, maybe this one coming up??).

the cd should be here in two weeks!!

peace to all,

--becki

"A day without sunshine is like night."

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

Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 21:20:05 -0800 (PST)
From: Randy Posynick <posynick@netcom.com>
Subject: Chalkhills' Children
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9703192115.A23265-0100000@netcom21>

Hey Richard,

Great news!  Congratulations!  The wait will be worth it, I'm sure.

Back when this all started up, you had talked about having a release party
in the SF Bay Area.  Any more thoughts on that?

Thanks.

RP

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

Message-Id: <199703200710.XAA00588@sgi.sgi.com>
From: Peter Fitzpatrick <peterfit@MICROSOFT.com>
Subject: The Great Secret Revealed
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 15:07:51 -0800

Hi All,

At last I can tell you what Andy Partridge has been doing with the
folks here at Microsoft.

During the month of May (exact date to be confirmed) there will be a
'show' on the Microsoft Network featuring Andy Partridge.  The exact
number of weeks that this will be live on MSN has yet to be decided.

The show is part of the hugely sucessful "Rifff" series (those of you
that have seen it will remember musicians & composers such as Philip
Glass, Robyn Hitchcock,Alan White,Jane Siberry & others).

What is Rifff ?
*	Regularly changing artists
*	The Improvision:  An interactive music video.
*	Interactive Interview: Outloud and unbuttoned.
*	The Faloopinhymer:  Makes you  the arranger.
*	Live music all the time.
*	More than fun than a blind date....

Basically you have to experience it for yourself !

Here's some of what you can expect :
A new, previously unreleased Andy Partridge composition playing on
your PC !
Interact with the music and graphics to develop and grow the music.
(when I say "interact", I really mean it......devotees of Rifff will
know what I mean)

Andy worked closely with the Rifff team to create graphics that will
be familiar to any fans of his music.
Images of Andy and XTC.
An exclusive interview with Andy - no holds barred, some of the
questions were submitted by people on this very mailing list !

It is also hoped (but not yet 100% confirmed) that a live chat with
Andy will take place.  (...you could chat on-line with the man himself!)

How do I get this ? What do I do ?
first : you need to be running a PC capable of using the New MSN.

second : go to MSN and either download the New MSN software
(http://setup.msn.com/public/setup/)
or go here (http://www.msn.com/freemsn/default.asp.) to order a CD-ROM
with all the software you need
(in case you didn't already know - there was a major upgrade to the MSN
software that comes with your copy of Windows95)

Once you've got MSN setup you can go to http://rifff.msn.com and see
what goes on.  As I mentioned above - I don't know when the show is
going live but I'll try to keep you posted.

***the good news : MSN is free for one month to new users with
unlimited use ! ***

So, it won't cost you anything to check it out.

I have seen some of this show and it is likely to be the best yet !

Hope to see you all there !

Peter Fitzpatrick

Multimedia Production Manager
	Microsoft (Ireland)

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

Message-ID: <c=AU%a=_%p=JDEAUNZ%l=MEL_SERVER-970320084333Z-156@mel_server.jde.com.au>
From: Paul Haines <Hainesp@melbourne.jde.com.au>
Subject: Mick McCartney Clears The Air...
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 18:43:33 +1000

CHalkhills people,

Instead of Mick McCartney perhaps I should have said Keith Lennon, maybe
Paul Jagger, or even Andy Moulding. Email, it's hard to take the piss
like this isn't it? (You guessed it Dave!)

Also re Skeptical Cats, lots of clapping for Nick Mitchell and the two
eff Jeff's review is pretty good. The sampler tape is also great!

Haines, kiwi in Oz (and Oz aint so bad)

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

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 10:14:41 +0100 (CET)
From: James Isaacs <jisaacs1@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de>
Subject: Bride of the Mummer
Message-Id: <Pine.A32.3.91.970320101220.58273B-100000@aixub1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de>

While it is long known that I champion "Go 2" (in fact, I champion all
the albums-not a Runt in the litter-well, one), I have always felt that
side 2 of "Mummer" is XTC at a zenith.  Yes, a zenith!
Waiting for something to spend money on,
James

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

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 02:37:30 -0800
Message-Id: <v01510101af56bb910c88@[194.128.83.69]>
From: fisher@easynet.co.uk (Mark Fisher)
Subject: Andy Partrdige's car

Andy doesn't drive - and if he did, I can't imagine him calling attention
to himself with an "XTC" number plate (it'd defeat the point of the smoked
glass windows, I would have thought). Could be Colin or Dave though.

I've seen quite a few XTC number plates in my time, in fact I saw one round
the corner about a month ago.

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

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 02:37:37 -0800
Message-Id: <v01510102af56be3fadb3@[194.128.83.69]>
From: fisher@easynet.co.uk (Mark Fisher)
Subject: Fan convention

Anyone know who Mike Foster is?

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

Message-ID: <3330D695.3320@bright.net>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 06:17:56 +0000
From: R+K Carvey <carveys@mail.bright.net>
Subject: Andy used to pay 12 cents...

John Mietus <sirchuck@macomb.com> said: ...However, Bonus Points to anyone
who can name the artists/creator of Sgt. Rock, who, incidently, was one of
my teachers at the graphic arts and illustration school I graduated...

That would be Mr. Joe Kubert (Ive never seen him, but I imagine him
looking like Nick Fury with cigar, without eye patch, but thats mixing
our competitor references...).

Andys funny book references abound... I cant help but to see Scissor
Man jumping around in gaudy Spandex everytime I hear that track.  Yes,
too much lead, blood, death, silicone implants and the never-ending
story lines today.  I think Andy would be discouraged to read a modern
comic book (well, maybe not Mike Allreds Madman).  See you in the funny
papers, John.

Sincerely to all Hill Children, Roger Carvey

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

Message-ID: <33314C79.58B5@mindspring.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 09:40:57 -0500
From: Jesse Segovia <jsegovia@mindspring.com>
Organization: TJA
Subject: Re: Sgt. Rock is going to help me.

John Mietus <sirchuck@macomb.com> wrote:

>Ok, I'm done being a comics geek now.  However, Bonus Points to anyone
>who can name the artists/creator of Sgt. Rock, who, incidently, was one
>of my teachers at the graphic arts and illustration school I
>graduated...
>
>Fishy Fishy,
>
>John

Why, Joltin' Joe Kubert, of course.  Personally, I'm partial to his
Enemy Ace series myself.

Jesse Segovia
jsegovia@mindspring.com

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

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 23:54:20 +0900 (JST)
Message-Id: <199703201454.XAA03079@japan.co.jp>
From: mikewix@japan.co.jp (mikewix)
Subject: G730XTC (Who's Driving?)

At 4:44 PM 3/19/97, Jon Eva wrote:

> Last night, outside my local 7-11 (in Oxford), there was
> a very long, white saloon car with darkened windows and
> the number plate G730XTC.
> ...so maybe it was Andy's (car)
> I don't know. If I could afford a car like that I wouldn't live
> in Swindon. Maybe there's just a very rich fan out there.

Didn't I read somewhere that Andy doesn't drive?  Can he
drive? I know he cannot swim (he's oft been quoted as definately
not a sun-worshipper...loves misty, cloudy, rainy days (I think).
Probably just a fan...or was it...Dave or Colin's car? Naa...as I
remember, they've had to work part-time at a rent-a-car place
in the past!  Let's hope that with the new album/CD, they don't ever
have to do THAT anymore!
A big thank-you! to Peter Fitzpatrick, for sharing with Andy our
questions to him...he sounded quite pleasant and helpful; looking
forward to hearing more about this "historic" meeting!

Michael

P.S.  To becki digregorio!  I am interested in one of your CD's!
Tried to e-mail you, but have been having problems getting my
message out to you: please e-mail me at mikewix@japan.co.jp
to confirm-thanx!  :-)

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

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 09:48:05 -0600 (CST)
From: AMANDA CARYL OWENS <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu>
Subject: For God's sake, no need to get so cocky Stephanie!
Message-id: <01IGPYEQY8Q08XGAMC@jazz.ucc.uno.edu>

>I belong to one, count it, one discussion group....
I'm thrilled for you, really I am.

>I feel XTC is the only group worth sitting down and reading other people's
>posts on them
That's your opinion!

>and when I have to sift through various "oooh, David Duchovny" and "Crash Test
>Dummies" related posts-well, I get a tad bit miffed.
Funny, I've only posted about DD once, and I've just only posted a CTD
reference, the first in awhile.

>So in the future, be pertinent.
I will....if you tell the same thing to everyone else who strays off topic.

>No "this is what's playing on my cd player now"
I'm not the only person who posts that, so why are you singling out me???

>No "David Duchovny in a Speedo" (don't make me retch, please!)
Hey, nobody's holding a gun to your head and making you read my posts!

>Just XTC related information....that's what the rest of us are here for.
If you'd go back and read past digests, you will see that this debate pops up
sporadically, where someone gets ticked off when a few people go off topic.
You will read that many people feel that going off topic is acceptable, seeing
as that...oh I've said this so many times I'm not even going to get into it.
Just go throught the archives and see how often we've already discussed this.

And now, onto something a little more fun.....

Jason Legacy-You are definitely not the only one who thinks Mummer is one of
the Lad's most beautiful works. When I first bought it I couldn't stop
listening to it. "Wonderland" and "Ladybird" have always been two of my fave
XTC songs.
:'( (sniffle sniffle) You (sniffle) met Dave? (sniffle sniffle). Lucky stiff.
Do you realise what I'd give to meet that guy????????

And, from the Angel On My Shoulder, Mark Strijbos.....
>AMANDA marrying Dave?????
Perish the thought, my good friend. I stopped dating men who are 26 years my
senior when I was 14. ;) But still, for a 44-year old, he looks pretty damn
good.

Later,
Amanda
Je me souviens du soleil
XTC song of the day-Train Running Low on Soul Coal
Non XTC song of the day-Nights In White Satin: Moody Blues

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

Message-Id: <2.2.32.19970320164235.0068e42c@popmail.dircon.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 16:42:35 +0000
From: Simon Sleightholm <nonsuch@dircon.co.uk>
Subject: Cheryl In Your (Out Of Your?) Tree

From: fisher@easynet.co.uk (Mark Fisher)

>Personally, I've never heard "didn't ought" used
>anywhere apart from in *King for a Day*.

Interesting that you should turn up that note about the use of such phrases.
I always assumed - as I've heard the phrase a lot in the creaky old b/w US
movies that I like (chiefly when we are to think of the speaker as a hoodlum
or moron) - that it was a sign of the band's increasing fanbase in the
States actually affecting the choice of phrase they employed. It has always
struck me as an American phrase. I think the most recent time I heard it was
during a rerun of that old Laurel And Hardy movie where they join the French
Foreign Legion. They both join so that Stan can help Ollie forget the woman
who betrayed him, only to find that half the fort's contingent have joined
to forget the same woman. One of the Legionaires crying over her picture
says something like, "Oh, Trixie, you didn't oughta have done it."

From: Cheryl <McGREGOC@regents.ac.uk>

>And to Simon <*snip*> Thanks Simon!

*dumbstruck*

Gosh, thanks Cheryl, my friend. I'll maybe buy you a big sticky bun to go
with that drink...

There must have always been a long division,

Simon
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~nonsuch/bungalow.htm
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
XTC? Are they still going? Follow me and find out..

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

From: Richard.PedrettiAllen@octel.com
Message-Id: <c=US%a=_%p=Octel%l=EX-CAMPUS1-970320180509Z-21036@ex-campus2.corp.octel.com>
Subject: Chalkhills' Children ZIP CODE!!!
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 10:05:09 -0800

Mail your check along with a mailing label to:
    Chalk
    3389 Creighton Place
    Santa Clara, California, USA
    95051-1501

Terribly  sorry.  Don't know how I missed it.

Cheers, Richard

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

From: Martin_Monkman@fincc04.fin.gov.bc.ca
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 11:00:32 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Sgt. Rock
Message-id: <9702208588.AA858884032@FINSMTP1.FIN.GOV.BC.CA>

John Mietus responds to G.BAKER@lse.ac.uk `s question about Sgt. Rock:

> There's lots of other Silver Age DC Comics references in XTC songs --
>notably, but not, I'm sure, limited to:
>
>1. "...the Justice League of America..." from "Melt the Guns"
>2. All the lyrics of "That's Really Super, Supergirl," to wit: all the
>references to kryptonite, the Fortress of Solitude, etc.
>3. Much of "Brainiac's Daughter"

To the best of my knowledge, the only one you missed is "Mr. Ditko/Mr. A"
from the song "New Broom".

And there wasn't a character called Brainiac's Daughter until 1996, nearly
a decade after the song. She was introduced in the DC series *Kingdom
Come*, and she's also known as "XTC".

>Ok, I'm done being a comics geek now.  However, Bonus Points to anyone
>who can name the artists/creator of Sgt. Rock, who, incidently, was one
>of my teachers at the graphic arts and illustration school I
>graduated...

Joe Kubert.

To find out more about the XTC comic references (and many other
XTC-employed terms), visit the Your Dictionary segment of Simon
Sleightholm's "Bungalow":
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~nonsuch/bungalow.htm

Martin

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

Subject: Prettier Than You
From: wwilson@mail07.mitre.org (Wesley H. Wilson)
Message-Id: <970320140222.19273@mail07.mitre.org.0>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 97 14:02:23 -0500

A few weeks ago I picked up a copy of the CD "Prettier Than You" by Brain
Stevens. When I brought the disc to the counter of my favorite CD emporium
(which happens to be Newbury Comics in Burlington, MA), one of the clerks
looked the CD over and said, "Nice artwork!" (Newbury Comics rulz, by the
way, for new music. Other stores just aren't as helpful, IMO. The CD is
pretty good; I don't think it beats Jason Falkner's, though.)

I told him that Dave Gregory and Andy Partridge of XTC are on the record,
and he said "It should be interesting..."

Aha! Recognition!

And a local FM radio station, 92.5, played "Sgt. Rock Is Going to Help Me"
just a few days ago. This station seems pretty XTC friendly; I wouldn't be
surprised if they play the new stuff when it's released.

Regarding Beck, I have "Mellow Gold." I think he's a halfway decent artist,
but on a whole I don't think I'll be buying anything else by him. My next CD
purchase will undoubtedly be "Kung Pow!" by Bullwinkle Gandhi. (Produced by
Mitch Easter, fresh off the heels of producing "Duffy".)

Wes

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

Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 13:57:12 -0500
Message-Id: <9703201857.AA12630@notesgw2.cc.bellcore.com>
From: "Michael D. Myers" <mmyers@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Subject: Soldiers for Andy

Chalkhillians;

I'm not sure if anybody regularly converses with Andy (or maybe he lurks
himself), but I was in New Orleans earlier this week and went into a shop
where they specialize in toy soldiers, and I wanted to get the address to
him.

It's called "Le Petit Soldier Shop", and is located at 528 Rue Royale, New
Orleans, La. 70130

The phone is 504-523-7741  (ask for Dave Dugas)

Maybe Andy would find something there to add to his collection;  they have a
lot of different and interesting things.

Mike

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

Message-ID: <3254D82F01291300@ametsoc.org>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 97 15:18:00 -0500
From: dgershmn <dgershmn@ametsoc.org>
Organization: AMS
Subject: A couple of recommendations but not Billy Joel

Hi Chalkers,

 I don't believe that I've seen any recommendations for the following recent
albums here, so I thought I'd throw in my three cents worth. I'd hate for
anyone to miss out on these. You'd be hard pressed not to like them:

 **FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE (self-titled debut)**
  One member of this duo (Adam Schlesinger) wrote the theme song to "That
Thing You Do!", and if you thought that was catchy, check this out. You may
have heard "Radiation Vibe" on the radio in recent months, but there's
plenty more where that came from -- very Beatlesque (hate to continue the
overuse of the word, but there it is), very Raspberries, very Beach Boys, it
rocks and it pops! Get it soon. Here's a review from the "Babysue" Web site:

 "WOW. This is an easy "5"! [out of 5] The songwriting/recording duo of
Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger (Adam is also a member of the band
Ivy) have come up with a REAL winner. Shimmering, wonderfully melodic pop
music that sounds as if it were conceived in Heaven. Happy, uplifting, and
at times very Beach Boys, this batch of tunes is about as pure pop as you
can get...and those vocals will just make you melt into the ground. All
twelve tunes are winners, with the standout tracks being "Radiation Vibe,"
"You Curse At Girls," and "She's Got a Problem." There are tons of pop
groups out there attempting to do what these guys have already achieved. For
pure melodic sensation, you won't get much better than this. If Chris and
Adam don't score at least one hit with this one, then there's something
wrong in radioland. This is incredibly wonderful stuff..."

ALSO, maybe even better:

 **SLOAN - "One Chord After Another"**
  What a great record! It came out in Canada a year or so ago, but has just
been released domestically in the US. After buying it, I found this
description of it at the On-Line Pure Pop Music Store (operated by the Not
Lame Recording Company) that works well for me!...

  "Great News!! They have NOT broken up! Just released and totally awesome,
Sloan are one of power pop's most literate bands as they embrace a myriad of
classic, archetypal influences to make the most intelligent pop afficionado
a bit confused! Oh, you aren't familiar with the band? Well, pull a chair up
and after reading this run to the store and pick up their Geffen release,
Twice Removed....if you dig Posies, Jellyfish, Big Star, Blue Ash, Badfinger
and cool 60's bands, say no more!! This is not as glossy as their last CD,
as a matter of fact, it's a bit rough and raw [in a very good way -- DG],
but every hook is jumping and the melodies hit between the eyes.....this
will have you jumping all over the house/apartment celebrating your
englightened pop taste!! Sheer Greatness......Extremely Highly Recommended."

So just go out and find either or both, and you'll be a bit happier until
XTC come out with their next one!

And Ira said:
>That's great! My license plate is (NY) NGRYNGMN -- you might see me in the
>Hoboken NJ area. But actually, it's not originally the XTC reference. It's
>a Billy Joel reference (well popular opinion is that we like Billy so I'm
>not embarrassed here)...

Well, that may be the "popular opinion," but good lord, let's hope it's not
the truth! I know there was some discussion of this not so long ago, but if
I didn't mention it then, I'll say it now: Billy Joel records make excellent
fuel for a fire (whether he started it or not). There's not much else I find
excellent about them.
 Not that you should be embarrassed about liking him -- I still believe one
should never be embarrassed about their music tastes. As long as you don't
mind me thinking a little less of you. ;)

'S all for now,

Dave Gershman

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

Message-ID: <333333BE.6E82@3rddoor.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 1997 17:19:58 -0800
From: Daniel Ray Phipps <phipps@3rddoor.com>
Subject: Kinda' sad, eh?

Hello all you XTC "fan-addicts" out there on the Hill! --

I was really saddened to hear that Peter Dix at LE decided to
put the newsletter on indefinite hiatus, especially due to
things like Chalkhills, but hey!  If and when he does decide
to issue a new edition of LE, you know as diehard XTC-ites,
we're all gonna welcome anything pertaining to the band with
open arms and an even wider smile, right?  Come on, people!
This is XTC we're talking about here!  The greatest f#%@ing
band still out there (somewhere).  You gotta give 'em credit
for standing up the bullshit that was flung at them from all
these record companies who led the band to think that they
sell, sell, sell and make tons and tons of money.  Yeah, but
little did anyone know that all this money would never hit the
bottom of Andy's, Colin's, and Dave's pockets.  You can bet your
ass though that the record companies are still smiling and laugh-
ing behind the band's backs about what they got dealt with!  I
say, "Hurray!" to all three of the guys for still believing
in their musical morals, as it were, and not backing down for
a minute to these money-whoring scumbags who use talent like
XTC's to wipe their muddy feet on!  To hell with them all!  That's
not why ANY artist, IMO, gets into the music business anyway!
It's recognition, first, baby, and then see what happens from
there!

XTC are by far the best prime example of why an artist should stay
in music today!  I personally applaud them for a damned fine job
of making unmatchable music (by ANYONE!!) and for firmly believing
in the concept of art over the almighty dollar!  Should their music
become more recognized by many, many people, well then, that's the
proverbial icing on the cake for the guys!  Good God!  They've earned
EVERY penny they get!

(God!  Have I gotten off the beaten track!!  I was talking about LE!)

Here's to the next issue of LE, the continuing success of this
wonderful mailing list and discussion board known as Chalkhills,
and as always, much more music from Andy and Co.  Love may they
run!!!!!

Everyone, please raise your glasses now and drink an universal
toast to Mr's. Partridge, Moulding, and Gregory!  Cheers!!  :)

Peace and awareness through XTC-music,

Dan Phipps <phipps@3rddoor.com>

"Dancing us from darkest night is the rhythm of Love
 powered on by the beating of hearts..."
(Andy Partridge)

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

From: Bob Thomas <BobT@cait.wustl.edu>
Subject: Spotting You
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 97 16:09:00 CST
Message-ID: <3331B60D@msgw.cait.wustl.edu>

Hi.

Quotes Mr. Sherwood via BRJohnson@aol.com (maybe)

>>>  does the guy who drives the green Saturn in Fairfax County, VA, with
>>> the XTC_BLKC license plates read Chalkhills?

>I don't know, but I can't help but experience a little curiosity about the
>owner of a blue VW Cabriolet, Virginia plate XTCFAN, who I keep seeing on
>the off-ramp to Tysons Corner from the Beltway at about 8:25 on random
>weekdays.

And what about the ILUVXTC plate on the little black Nissan (I think) I
saw at I170 and Delmar in University City (St. Louis), Missouri?  Its
been a long time since I saw it, so if you drive a BMW, I apologize for
reducing your farfenugen (?).

Then Ira@himself gave us:

>That's great! My license plate is (NY) NGRYNGMN -- you might see me in the
>Hoboken NJ area. But actually, it's not originally the XTC reference.

Wow! One has to wonder whether the intelligence agencies have noticed
this grouping of personalized plates and have listed us among possible
eXTremist organizations.  Given the amount of converting the masses
attempted here, we may be considered subversive, anticonstitutionalists.
 Nevermind, I'll vouch for ya.

And from Mark Fisher:

>"didn't ought.  A remarkable combination of the marginal modal *ought* and
>the periphrastic negative auxiliary *didn't*. Almost certainly of
>dialectical origin, it has made its way into novels of the 19c. and 20c.

Lord I love reading Chalkhills!  I can't wait to use this at cocktails.
 (Before I forget, Simon, you may find that a .55 spong chasm bore will
distale more often than, say, .46 -- a fairly common gap, depending, of
course.)

Jason Legacy asked:
>Has anyone met or talked to Dave Gregory recently?
and answered:
>I had the extreme pleaure of meeting him in 1992 when I visited England as a
>graduation gift to myself and he was one of the kindest gentlemen I've
>ever talked to. He's a very intelligent, kind, and obviously TALENTED man,
>too. Long live Dave.

What are you doing, Jason?  Do you want Amanda to go into convulsions?
 Details, man!  How did you meet him?  What did you talk about?  Was he
wearing a Speedo?

Anyway, I would add hard-working to the accolades list.  As a member of
the reincarnated Chills he spins gold on Sunburnt (on bass, while Dave
Mattacks clicks, taps, ticks and swishes along -- anyone not thrilled
with that production?).  Backing Brian Stevens on Prettier Than You, he
helps make the nearly perfect Beatles update album (Dave's contributions
recorded by Andy in The Shed).  Soon, Becki DiGregorio's new recording
will be out with Dave Gregory on guitar (in The Shed again).  And then
the new XTC double CD, and then . .. .

Happy Spring everyone.  Amanda, I was just kidding.  Do not hurt me.

Bob Thomas

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

Message-Id: <199703202304.QAA05497@access.tucson.org>
From: "J. D. SMX" <jsmelser@access.tucson.org>
Organization: Access Tucson
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 16:05:15 -0700
Subject: XTC LIVE! 37 responses

Hello Everybody,

The response to the tape has been overwhelming.  I'll be getting to
people individually soon.  I got 37 responses, that's enough.
Thanks EVERYONE. You all were curtious and respectful.
XTC fans are the coolest fans in the world.  Until Next Time,

"The Incredible," JDSMX.

J. D. SMX
Video Engineer
Access Tucson
jsmelser@access.tucson.org

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

End of Chalkhills Digest #3-92
******************************

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21 March 1997 / Feedback