Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 94
Date: Wednesday, 26 March 1997
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 94
Wednesday, 26 March 1997
Today's Topics:
(NEWS) J.Leckie&S.Lillywhite
Special Chalkhillian Request...
David Dreams
It helps if you're sick!
George Martin
Travels in Nihon? (Nihon ni ryoko shimasuka)
MSN, Mummer, George Martin, Convention?
No suicides please.
Random Thoughts
Mummer sammich (mmm, good)
Castaway on a Desert Island
Some Helpful Sites
Blather
Sir John Johns
No time for Leisure...
Mummer and More
The Nostril Hair Preservation Society
Pastoral Pilgrimage
XTC live
The Mummer Bandwagon
RE: Andy and MS Rifff <long>
Basingstoke is easy to get to
Nick Lowe Too
rateties I've seen
Convention Confirmed
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All exotic fish I find.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-Id: <199703242129.OAA24040@access.tucson.org> From: "J. D. SMX" <jsmelser@access.tucson.org> Organization: Access Tucson Date: Mon, 24 Mar 1997 14:30:51 -0700 Subject: (NEWS) J.Leckie&S.Lillywhite Hi Chalkhillvilles: If you want to see some new info on John Leckie and Steve Lillywhite check here...www.club.net/MusicNotes/html/mar24.html SMX J. D. SMX Video Engineer Access Tucson jsmelser@access.tucson.org
------------------------------ Message-ID: <333899B4.305E@3rddoor.com> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 19:36:20 -0800 From: Daniel Ray Phipps <phipps@3rddoor.com> Subject: Special Chalkhillian Request... Hi all! -- Can ANYONE out there help me obtain a much-needed item for my music library...PLEASE??? I'm DESPERATELY looking to obtain the CD of The Lilac Time's first album, simply called "The Lilac Time." Does this disc still exist in today's crazy world? I'd really like to know how I might be able to have this album on CD! Any advice given will be seriously considered and then acted upon... Thanks, gang! Hope to hear on this soon!!! /Dan <phipps@3rddoor.com> "Don't let the loveless sell you a world wrapped in grey." (Andy "The Master" Partridge)
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Mar 1997 17:38:54 -0800 Message-Id: <199703250138.RAA12789@mando.engr.sgi.com> From: John Relph <relph> Subject: David Dreams Last night I had an XTC dream, the first in a long while. I was in a studio, and David Dreams (Mr Gregory) was laying down some ambient keyboard tracks. Andy and Colin were in the studio, but were just sitting around, perhaps on sofas (the details are not clear). The music was very ambient, much like "Over Rusty Water" but with a little more happening. It was groovy. I helped push a couple of keys on the ambient keyboard. So there you have it. -- John
------------------------------
From: nihilon@crisscross.com
Message-Id: <v03007800af5da0165c1c@[202.217.215.235]>
Subject: It helps if you're sick!
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 16:08:58 +0800
Greetings,
Just thought you might like to hear that I've converted someone (My
Japanese teacher - English is her second language) - started about a month
ago, and last week she went out and bought 2 XTC discs.
As she likes guitar music, with lots of grunge and punk (NY dolls,, Patti
Smith, Velvet Underground, Smashing Pumpkins etc) I lent her Black Sea -
she didn't care for it too much. Thought it was okay and promptly gave it
back. Her favorite band is Smashing Pumpkins, so I lent her Nonsuch, and
told her about Peter Pumpkinhead (Long story, but it's one of those word
association things that evolved out of my lesson)
Needless to say, she didn't like it.
A few days later when she came down with the flu, came home from work
miserable, congested and depressed, she put on Nonsuch because she didn't
feel like loud guitars.
Guess what - she's been playing it daily since. She fell in love with
Nonsuch when she was sick. She went out this week and bought "Live at the
Edge", "Black Sea" and is now asking me about English Settlement because
she saw the horse on the SWO videoclip that I've been forced to dub for her.
She spends half her time listening to XTC now.
Just thought you'd like to know a success story. And for those of you who
are also trying to convert people, have you considered making them ill
first?
With regards,
Steve (MGV)
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't ask me how I feel - I might really tell you.
(Terry Scott Taylor)
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: nihilon@crisscross.com
Message-Id: <v03007802af5da47d64ab@[202.217.215.235]>
Subject: George Martin
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 16:09:09 +0800
Greetings,
Just adding my two cents regarding the Geroge Martin comments.
>From Jon Monnick.
>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.
Stormy Monday replied.
>There are some very nice string/orchestral arrangements on "The White
>Album", "Get Back" (AKA "Let It Be") was produced by Phil Spector), and
>"Abbey Road" is a pop masterpiece that is simply one of the most
>gorgeous, important and respected musical works of the 20th century.
Yes, Stormy (May I call you Stormy? Or is it Mr. Monday? ;)), some of the
string arrangements on the White Album were nice, but George didn't have as
much to do with the production on that album as he had previously. Whole
sections of it were recorded and produced by John and Paul with George not
present.
Get Back is actually different to Let It Be. Get Back was the original
acetate that Glyn Johns (who was recording the rehearsal sessions) mixed
down from miles of tape in three days for the boys to take home and listen
to. It is extremely rough, and the songs were not exactly chosen with
care. They even included a first run-through of a song.(Teddy Boy)
It was later remixed by Glyn - with overdubs made ready for release, but he
used the original acetate as the basis of this work. This acetate, and a
few extra songs were later the basis for Phil Spector's production of Let
It Be - with no involvement from GM.
The production of Abbey Road is stunning, but as Jon suggested, the songs
themselves were a little hollow. After all, the whole huge medley on the
second side was made of leftovers and snippets of incomplete songs - none
of which would have worked on their own very well. But Stormy, I agree
with you - it is a masterpiece which GM crafted (with a *LOT* of help from
Paul) and is indeed a 20th C classic. The sum is greater than the parts?
Couldn't resist that sidetrack - thanks Stormy Monday,
Sorry about the non XTC content - we really need new material, don't we?
Regards from the Satellite of Love,
Steve (MGV)
P.S. - if anyone is interested in a "King For A Day" LP version promo
single (no other tracks) Geffen PRO-CD-3522, E-mail me privately. For
trade only.
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't ask me how I feel - I might really tell you.
(Terry Scott Taylor)
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: nihilon@crisscross.com
Message-Id: <v03007801af5da24ae08b@[202.217.215.235]>
Subject: Travels in Nihon? (Nihon ni ryoko shimasuka)
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 16:09:03 +0800
Greetings,
Just a thought. I'm getting a bit jealous of hearing about XTC fans
getting together. Just wondering if there was anyone else here near Tokyo
that might like to get together at an izakaya for a social evening of XTC
discussion.
E-mail me privately if you're interested.
Regards,
Steve (MGV)
Konnichiwa,
Gomenasai. Watashi wa sukoshi dake Nihon-go hanasemasu. Tokyo no chikai
no XTC fans ni aimashoka? Izakaya de tabete XTC ni tsuite hanashimashoka?
Watashi ni e-mail shite kudasai.
Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu
Steve (MGV)
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't ask me how I feel - I might really tell you.
(Terry Scott Taylor)
*----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------ Message-ID: <333735C3.EC5@snet.net> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 02:17:44 +0000 From: Andrew Lippitt <andylipp@snet.net> Subject: MSN, Mummer, George Martin, Convention? Hello! After a lurk period of almost 2 years, here's my first post. I thought I would comment on some of the recent goings-on in Chalkland. Kris asked: >Regarding the Andy on MSN thingy - can I get this on a Mac or is it >Windows only? (Bill Gates is trying to ruin my life, isn't he?) This appears to be a PC only thing, as is most of the Microsoft Evil Empire. This is horrible news, and a big ole dis to the 25% of us that use Macs on the 'net (Apple's statistic). And the whole premise is somewhat troubling as well. As Gene Yoon said: >Maybe this is a symptom of some sort of >intellectual snobbery, but as much as all this sounds very exciting, it >does make me queasy in the stomach to be pandering to some promotional >effort by Big Brother Microsoft. It sticks in my craw, too, Gene. From one perspective, you can imagine the MSN marketing people deliberately targeting large, active digests like Chalkhills in order to convert 1,000+ people at a time over to the Dark Side. If this is indeed the case, it's no surprise that a well maintained digest (thanks John Relph) inhabited by interesting intelligent folks (thanks all who post) was among the first to be courted in this manner. Alas, my Mac and I will be left out of this one, so don't bother to download, Gene. I also want to add my voice to those praising 'Mummer'. Although I had been a huge fan since 'White Music', and was even lucky enough to see a show from the D&W tour, Mummer was the album that made me sit up and think, 'Wow, these guys are going to just keep getting better.' To me, 'Mummer' signaled that even as rumors of their demise were being floated, XTC would likely remain an important musical voice for many years to come, and that the depth foreshadowed on English Settlement was just the beginning. They have yet to disappoint (much). And from the George Martin defense team, one Stormy Monday noted: >There are some very nice string/orchestral arrangements on "The White >Album" While that is true, and some of the album's highlights are attributable to Martin's influence and arranging, this was also the period that the Beatles were becoming less dependent on him. In fact, he was absent from many of the sessions, leaving some production duties to Chris Thomas, Peter Bown and others. Martin also, to his credit, held it together in the studio during these sessions which often were marred by the Beatles increasing hostility toward one another. This atmosphere even caused engineer Geoff Emerick to quit midway through. See 'The Beatles Recording Sessions' by Mark Lewishon if you really care about this stuff. As far as this sketchy convention that's in the works, it initially sounded intriguing, but now when I try picturing it in my mind, all I can come up with is a scene with 35 XTC fans hanging around a room in a University with a couple of lame posters on the wall, and a boombox with a blown speaker blaring out a 9th generation copy of 'Princess Margaret Shaving Brush...oh, you get the idea. OK, that is overly harsh, but at this point the convention, such as it is, does not sound worthy of the 5 or 6 paychecks that a trek from the USA would require. If someone could convince me otherwise I would love to check it out. Elephants aren't necessary, but some semblance of organization is. Thanks, Andy L.
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 12:25:24 +0100 (CET) From: James Isaacs <jisaacs1@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Subject: No suicides please. Message-Id: <Pine.A32.3.91.970325122027.49820D-100000@aixterm5.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Please, Stormy Monday, stay away from any bridges... I have read that Paul McCarnety's new album, tentatively titled "Flaming Pie", is due out in May, is being produced by Jeff Lynne, and features a duet with Steve Miller. Sounds like more fun than sucking M&M's out of a badger. In other news., there is a place called "Vinyl Vendors" that has rare CD's and records. A friend has ordered from them, and vouched for their quality. Apparently they have (had) some rare XTC. They have a web site, and I think it is www2.VinylVendors.com Worth a shot. James
------------------------------
Message-Id: <s337a982.097@dictaphone.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 10:27:14 -0500
From: Tim Kendrick <TKEN@dictaphone.com>
Subject: Random Thoughts
I usually try to keep my posts very
short and to the point. Not today ...
>Mummer is such a fine example of the high art
>that is exclusively XTC
I agree completely. Mummer is pure XTC, my
second favorite of theirs after The Big Express.
And I LOVE the B-sides (Desert Island, Toys,
Gold, and especially Jump) but I agree with the
general consensus that they don't quite
"fit in" with the rest of the CD ... it would
have been much better to put them at the end,
rather than in-between Human Alchemy and Deliver
Us.
>Whats with all these people going to Swindon?
I can't really explain it. It's just ... well I
want to ... well it would be ... well now, I
know it's not supposed to be very impressive,
just the opposite, but ........
well, I just can't explain it.
>Maybe this is a symptom of some sort of
>intellectual snobbery, but as much as
>all this sounds very exciting, it
>does make me queasy in the stomach
>to be pandering to some promotional
>effort by Big Brother Microsoft.
Yes, I feel the same way. I was really looking
forward to Peter's announcement, and then when
I found out what it was I was slightly (well
very) disappointed. I only have INTERNET access
through work, so I'm not going to be able to get
MSN, so I feel kind of left out. And (nothing
personal Peter, you seem like a great guy) but I
hope Microsoft fails in their pursuit to
monopolize the entire computer industry.
>Can anyone think of any other Swindonisms
>that crop up in XTC songs?
Well it's difficult for me, as an American, to
tell the difference between an "Englishism" and
a "Swindonism".
Most of Andy and Colin's songs have some word or
phrase that sounds very unusual and foreign to
me. It's one of the things I love about their
songs. I think others have mentioned this
before, but I think that may be one of the
reasons why they are more popular here in the
USA then in the UK. Same reason many American
groups are more popular in the UK then here -
native words/phrases that are common to locals,
sound much more interesting and unique to
foreigners.
>where Andy said that he liked a guy
>in his teenage years (forgot the name).
I think that it was in the CHALKHILLS bio book
that Andy talked about being in a love triangle
with a girl he liked, who liked this gay guy,
who in turn liked Andy ... apparently all three
ended up in bed together one night, although I
think Andy said the event turned out to be a
mistake.
>What is there in XTC
>that attracts the gay community?
We just have great taste in music. :)
>As for myself, I have to say that I still
>am hovering between attending and
>staying away in equal measures.
After reading your post, I'm likewise unsure
about whether or not to attend. And since
I'm in the US, I'll have to make my plane
reservations very soon (like this week)
if I want to get a cheap flight.
>NOTICE OF ITEMS FOR AUCTION
>SALE OF XTC MEMORABILIA AT CHRISTIES OF LONDON
This reminds me of the last North American XTC
Friends convention in Princeton, IL. They
had a pair of Andy's old workboots that he
used to wear all the time (and seen in on both
Mummer and Big Express photos). Andy had
donated them and they were bid on in an auction
to benefit some charity.
They ended up selling for over $200 !!!
Well, that's enough from me. Later !
Tim K.
XTC SONG OF THE DAY: Extrovert
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 11:53:59 -0500 (EST) From: Natalie Jane Jacobs <gnat@umich.edu> Subject: Mummer sammich (mmm, good) Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.95.970325104736.13092A-100000@galaga.rs.itd.umich.edu> Stormy Monday thunders, > Mummer is such a fine example of the high art that is exclusively XTC, > and I am often amazed at some of the lukewarm to negative comments that > this perfect album (in its original form, that is) receives from people > that consider themselves serious fans of these fine musicians. It's a wonderful album. It doesn't quite reach the dizzying heights of "English Settlement" or "Skylarking," but it's very fine, and cruelly underrated. The fact that even the B-sides are good (and that includes "Frost Circus" and "Procession Through Learning Land") shows that Andy, at least, was touched by some sort of righteous angel during that period. Though I do agree that the B-sides belong elsewhere - I habitually listen to either the album OR the B-sides, as two discreet units - both good, but they don't integrate well, especially since I'm used to hearing the album on its own. > I think that Billy Joel, Steve Miller, Bob Seger and John Mellancamp > ought to make a record together for people who accidentally ingest > poisonous substances. That way they could listen to it in lieu of > sticking their fingers down their throats. Legend has it that the complete dearth of good radio in the Detroit area (with the exception of WCBN, the student-run station) is God's revenge on us for spawning Bob Seger. Of course, we also spawned Iggy Pop, so I think God should have forgiven us by now... (And don't forget that the Stooges were an early influence on XTC, folks...) XTC references in day-to-day life... I've got two pictures of Andy on my bulletin board at work (sandwiched between the Elvis Costello picture and the Babylon 5 poster), and my stories are littered with overt and covert (sometimes unintentional) references... sometimes I find phrases and expressions from the songs slipping in by accident, or sometimes scenes will grow out of songs (e.g. a scene in one story which sprang from "Grass," a very story-like song in its own right). I haven't gotten an XTC tattoo, though. The Skylarking skylark would be a nice design, but only if it weren't connected to XTC - I don't want to be branded with a band I probably won't be listening to in thirty or forty years (or even ten or twenty). OK, I've been trying not to be an Angry Young Woman, but Jason NeSmith did say... > Our friend Dave Gershman knows good pop music when he hears it. I know > this because he recommended the Fountains of Wayne album to y'all. It's > quite a yummy little album. Sorta Beach Boys/Ramones, sorta Big Star, > sorta Cheap Trick and also sorta TMBG. That's a GOOD thing. It is? Yeesh... Even if I liked all of those bands, that combination screams "grape jelly and pickle sammich" to me (with mustard!). Oy... Well, at least you didn't say they "sound like XTC." :) And that was my blast of negativity for the day, folks... thank you very much, I'll be here all week, enjoy the buffet! Natalie Jacobs Perdix: The Andy Partridge Appreciation Page A four-eyed fool, and some of his mates. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~gnat/perdix.html
------------------------------ Message-ID: <K0EdzDAy+7NzIw2l@baronet.demon.co.uk> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 12:06:10 +0000 From: Dan Barrow <danb@baronet.demon.co.uk> Subject: Castaway on a Desert Island You know when there's something inside you, something you know, and you're just burning to tell someone? That's how I feel right now. So, at the risk of boring seasoned Chalkhillians, I'm posting the digest for the first time because I've just got to tell somebody my story. I'll try to keep it brief. I'm a 23-year-old musician from St. Albans, just north of London. I play drums and guitar. Until a couple of years ago, I was my sworn ambition to be as good, as technical, as I possbly could be. I was mainly into jazz, funk, fusion and anything with long guitar solos and brilliant playing. Then I heard XTC and everything changed. It started with Black Sea, which a guitarist friend lent me. At first, I thought 'sounds like another new-wave/punk band, like the Clash or early Police'. Of course, I was entirely mistaken. The more I listened, the more enchanted I became. It hit me like a ton of chalk. 'Respectable Street', 'Generals and Majors', 'Language', 'Towers of London', in fact every track! The playing on these songs was great, but suddenly it didn't matter as much. The main thing was the song. The melodies, the lyrics, the meaning. I realised I'd been looking for the wrong impact from music. Technical ability is subserviant to the message of the music. I was becoming a complete disciple of pop. My XTC collection grew in no time. Now I love the early 3D stuff as much as I adore Nonsvch. You may say that their sound has changed radically, but I hear the same message in all XTC's output. It says 'listen to me, I'm a song. In three minutes, I will take you somewhere completely different'. Dave Gregory quickly replaced Hendrix as my favourite guitarist. He plays these absolutely amazing little lines that are well thought-out and add a new dimension to the songs. Now I can't listen to empty long- winded solos anymore. Sorry, I am rambling. The upshot of all this is I left several of the funk and rock bands I was in, and began my own band. It was an experiment, a project in pop. I wanted to write songs like Partidge. And I wanted to remind everyone just how excellent XTC are, so I consciously borrowed elements of their music, and mixed it with my own song-writing. The band is called Czyxadorus, a kind of a joke title which is a reaction to all the short, snappy band titles that were so much in vogue at the time. Oh yes, and I learnt the bass and took to singing, rather than playing drums. You can hear the results on my webpage. if you have RealAudio, you can hear our EP, plus a couple of more recent recordings. We've been playing in and around London for about a year. It's been difficult, because we are playing what might be called an unfashionable sound. We've had no success getting a deal, or even management, so far. Anyway, that's my story. Thanks for tolerating my babbling. I am so happy I've found Chalkhills, full of people who can obviously hear the magic in XTC as I can. Noone round here believes in them! My only criticism would be that there seems to be a lot of long-time subscribers, who know each other and post cryptic messages that alienate a first-time subscriber like myself. I'm sure I'll get over that in time. One more thing. Anybody around London want to form the DEFINITIVE XTC tribute band? I reckon the time is right for a revival to lift humanity higher! -- Dan Barrow Danb@baronet.demon.com.uk Http:\\www.baronet.demon.co.uk\czyx
------------------------------ Message-Id: <2.2.32.19970325185916.00686b08@popmail.dircon.co.uk> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 18:59:16 +0000 From: Simon Sleightholm <nonsuch@dircon.co.uk> Subject: Some Helpful Sites For those wanting info on the services and environs of Basingstoke, here are a few web links that might prove useful. Accomodation:- http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/basingst.html http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/12seast.html#Basingstoke The County of Hampshire has a web page at http://www.hants.gov.uk/index.html with some useful info on. Full UK rail timetables gan be browsed and search on-line at http://www.rail.co.uk/ I have just about decided 100% to go to the convention but I'm waiting to get a solid confirmation from Mike that - no matter what the response from here on in - he can guarantee that *some* kind of event will be taking place at the said time, on the said date, in the said venue. (God knows I don't want to spend a night in Basingstoke unless I *have* too...) I'll let you all know as soon as I have this confirmed from his own lips. Simon +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~nonsuch/bungalow.htm +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ XTC? Are they still going? Follow me and find out..
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Mar 97 14:00:47 -0600 From: svie@maryville.edu (Stephanie Vie) Organization: Maryville University Subject: Blather Message-Id: <376648.ensmtp@maryville.edu> Aye, kill me on the subject, why dontcha?! Coming from a college student who tries to blend staying on the Dean's List with extracurricular endeavors, I say, "Yeesh!" I guess I am only one of few who minds the endless blather about other nonrelated items in an XTC discussion group. Shall I back down? NO! I refuse to talk about the stuff that doesn't pertain to XTC....I could, tho...I have interests in Red Dwarf and Soul Coughing, and other things that are a fun waste of my time...but I don't think they pertain to XTC. So, forgive me for raging, but I think I have a point :) -- Maryville University Saint Louis
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 20:57:51 +0100 Message-Id: <199703251957.UAA02599@iol-mail.iol.it> From: Maurizio Villotta <villotta.maurizio@iol.it> Subject: Sir John Johns >> 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". I think you all missed another one: Andy's name as a Duke is "Sir John Johns", and he clearly took it from J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter. Maurizio
------------------------------
Message-ID: <33383607.32CF@myself.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 15:31:03 -0500
From: Ira Lieman <ira@myself.com>
Subject: No time for Leisure...
Well, I'm writing from work and I'm DAMN busy! So I'm going to post
disjointedly.
In between catering to stupid people of all shapes and sizes, I'm also
looking to move into the belly of the beast -- New York City! If ANYONE!
I mean ANYONE! happens to know of a 3 bedroom apartment in a decent area
that is available on May 1st, please let me know privately. And then
I'll host a get-together there this Summer. :) THAT I promise.
Now, because of this apartment hunt and subsequent moving in, I will not
be able to sacrifice that weekend to go to England for the convention.
Dammit! I'm so upset. If this happened to be set for JUNE or something,
I would be a happy boy. But nobody consulted me. :( If anyone's
interested in coming (or planning to be) into New York City this summer,
I'll be more than happy to lure a couple of Chalkheads from the
Northeast down to bask in your glow. Contact me privately.
Becki, I want your CD too.
The new BF5 cd is good (esp. song #1) but not as consistent as their
first. But Freedy Johnston's new one is cool. And Matthew Sweet will be
bought by me tonight, maybe along with TMBG's new set.
Stormy Monday flipped:
>I think that Billy Joel, Steve Miller, Bob Seger and John Mellancamp
>ought to make a record together for people who accidentally ingest
>poisonous substances. That way they could listen to it in lieu of
>sticking their fingers down their throats.
I thought we decided here that Billy Joel was good. Screw the rest of
'em, but I for one would appreciate you ingest that remark. :)
< - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >
_/_/ _/ _/ _/_/_/_/ Ira Lieman | Visualize
_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ ira@myself.com | Whirled
_/_/_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ -------------------- | Peas.
_/ _/ _/ _/ _/ www.intercall.com/~aym | Stop the Violins!
------------------------------ Message-Id: <s337ee60.045@elsevier.com> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 15:25:00 -0500 From: Ralph DeMarco <r.demarco@elsevier.com> Subject: Mummer and More Dear One Armed Bandits and Affiliated Members: In my neighborhood I am lucky to have a record store that specializes in vinyl and bootlegs. I spent an hour thumbing though hundreds of records until I found a mint copy of the XTC EP from 1981, "Five Senses" ! It made my week. Now my quest remains for the original "25 O'clock" vinyl. Anybody have an extra copy they wish to trade or sell for? * Regarding "Mummer" I have always felt that "Mummer" is XTC's most important album. It sets the groundwork for the XTC song writing style we hear on subsequent recordings and establishes their thematic direction. It has always been my favorite XTC album despite its flaws. * Dukes Trivia (obscure fact for those who give a ****) I read in Chalkhills FAQ : "Is that Woody Allen at the end of "My Love Explodes?" What is said at the end of "Mole From The Ministry"?" Andy replies that it was an irate New Yorker who called into a radio show in response to an anti-war song. FYI - The voice was a regular conservative caller to the left-wing station WBAI named "Frank". Back in the 80's I used to love listening to him call up shows and rant about the "evil Soviets and Pan-Slavic Hegemony". (My guess is that Andy and John stumbled onto the Lynn Samuels show.) My only question (which will probably remain unanswered) is, does Frank know that he's on the album? One last confession: I have never seen an XTC video - ever. Is there any way or me to get my hands on a video collection? Well...Bye for now. Ralphie
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v0300780aaf5e07000481@[204.188.80.202]> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 12:54:38 -1000 From: Jim Smart <jimsmart@hula.net> Subject: The Nostril Hair Preservation Society Stormy Monday: Sorry, I just can't stand by and watch my man get slammed like this: > "Andy Partridge has more talent in one nostril hair >than Ray Davies has in is entire body!" I haven't heard Andy's nostril hairs (or his demos), but I have read the new Musician magazine, which I assume you're basing your comment on. Also, I've heard XTC's 10 albums, and think they are just wonderful. I've also heard the Kinks' 30 albums, and I find them inventive, creative, and rich in their variety, quality, and content. I don't find your statement particularly accurate. geez, that's tame. i know you were hoing for a hotter flame. I just don't feel very nasty today. Jim jimsmart@hula.net Hawaii Kai ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^#^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^#^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^#^^^^^^^^^^ Check out my Beatle band on the web at http://starbulletin.com/97/03/20/features/index.html If you'd like an amateur tape of my other band, which does mostly original material, send me your snail mail address! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^#^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^#^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^#^^^^^^^^^^
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199703252359.AAA01623@utrecht.knoware.nl> From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Organization: The Little Lighthouse Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 01:04:39 +0000 Subject: Pastoral Pilgrimage Dear Chalkers, Todd said: > For those of you making the pilgrimage to England/Swindon for the > spring convention, take along Mummer and The Big Express -- they're > (IMO) the most perfect rural/urban -- pastoral/industrial aural > backdrop you could have. Agreed 100% ! As a matter of fact, you don't even need to bring the albums along; Swindon will "trigger" them to pop up in your mind :) And many thanks to Simon S. for clearing up the convention muddle a bit... much appreciated! I guess it's up to us fans to make this thing work, right? I'd say we go for it - maybe not in a big way but I would love the chance to meet you all and chat about nothing but our Heroes for hours on end... And I'd really to find out how to dance to Their music :) Maybe we can all take something to the show - a rarity, promo material, a poster, the Go 2 sweater you knitted etc etc I promise I will show my tattoo to anyone who asks :) bye, Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse http://utopia.knoware.nl/~mmello ===> Mark's Random XTC Quote <=== Just when I though my skies were a June July blue
------------------------------ Message-ID: <01BC3947.6D5E7760@briand> From: briand <briand@prosoft.org> Subject: XTC live Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 18:07:28 -0800 Hello all >Xtckinks@aol.com comments >i've been an avid fan since the american release of D&W. I >have seen xtc in koncert.... I, too had the opportunity to see them. Anyone out there remember them playing the Stone in San Francisco followed maybe 6 or 8 months later at the California Theatre (both now defunct). I believe the Blasters opened for them at the Stone and I am positive Wall of Voodoo opened the California Theatre show. Great shows and memories! Brian D.
------------------------------ From: BraincsDtr@aol.com Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 21:46:46 -0500 (EST) Message-ID: <970325214527_1151511819@emout17.mail.aol.com> Subject: The Mummer Bandwagon Chalkhillbillies First of all, to Jason Garcia, I'm flattered by you're proposal, but I will have to decline. Actually, you could do me a favor, as I believe you live in Austin, TX - I am considering a move to that area but I'm not familiar with it. I know there's a huge music scene there, which is why I'm considering a move. Let me know some info. There have been many posts lately about Mummer being a great album. I'll have to jump on the bandwagon and agree (a mummer bandwagon, now there's an image). I love this album. It was my favorite XTC album for a long time, but I think I may have burned myself out on too many repeated listenings. I'm in a drying out period now, waiting for the day when I'll spin this one to death again. I just love the sound of that album, plus 'Me and the Wind' is a killer song! You are probably sick of hearing this topic, but I love the Beach Boys... even their surf music. Maybe because I grew up in the South Bay (CA). Brian Wilson is God...and Dave is too (no monotheism for me). "And it's shaking me apart at the seems" Laurie
------------------------------ Message-ID: <31510B652669CF11BA1D00805F38219E01EC375D@DUB-04-MSG> From: Peter Fitzpatrick <peterfit@MICROSOFT.com> Subject: RE: Andy and MS Rifff <long> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 04:02:28 -0800 Hello Everyone, Well, I kinda figured there'd be some clouds in the silver lining. But in fairness to you all I appreciate your frustrations if you find yourself unable to connect to MSN for Andy's Rifff show (when it happens). I really really wish it was a perfect world but it ain't. Yes, I feel the same when software comes out that I can't use.... Yes, I wish it would work on Unix boxes, Macs and everything else.........then I wouldn't feel bad ! Let me answer some of your comments and questions : From: Simon Sleightholm <nonsuch@dircon.co.uk> >*sigh* And there I was getting all excited. Most UK users simply >don't have the bandwidth or finances to play extensively with this >kind of thing, unless of course they want their next phone bill to >require the removal of a ground floor window for successful >delivery. Any chance of any of this turning up on a CD-ROM at some >point? No, it won't make it onto CD-ROM. Yes, I wish it would too. That would be soooo cool. >Chances are, though, that this convention will clash with the >Microsoft extravaganza - is there anyone already a member of MSN >who would be willing to set up a machine for access to the Rifff >thingy? Saturday phone rates are pretty good (9 hours would cost >just over #5 local rate, and most of those in attendance would, I'm >sure, be willing to throw in a contribution each to cover the >costs). What about your good self Peter? If you're attending, you >could maybe get something arranged with your department at >Microsoft to loan you the machine and a high-speed modem in >exchange for a few Microsoft posters being displayed and a few MSN >CD's being distributed. Ok here's what I can do : I will **try** to go to the convention (I'm nearby here in Dublin so it's not beyond doing). I will bring my laptop & modem with me and will make myself available to meet and perhaps talk about what's involved in the show. I have an account so there's absolutely no reason why we can't log in to MSN. All I'll need is for someone to supply a large (15 inch ? 17 inch ?) monitor and we'll of course need a phone line. I will cover the cost of the phone bill. This would allow us to show non-net fans the Chalkhills site and perhaps we could do some live IRC chat too ? Is that fair enough ? Note : I'm speaking on my own behalf here & not on behalf of my employer. I will of course try to bring a few MSN CDs with me and perhaps some software to "raffle"........let's see what I can do. I'm not exactly senior management here but I'll do what I can. .......of course I still have to organise to get there. > From: garyt@dna1.dnet.co.uk (Gary Thompson) > Subject: Re: Dave News >Just a short note to all who are interested some Dave stuff. My >friend's girlfriend has been signed by WEA Records in the Republic >of Ireland , and her prospective producer, Craig Leon, recommended >Dave to her as a guitarist who could play anything. Gary : who is the artist ? > From: Gene Yoon <Gene_Yoon@brown.edu> > Subject: They put a microchip in my place > >Hmm, am I the only one? No you're not :-) >Maybe this is a symptom of some sort of intellectual snobbery, but >as much as all this sounds very exciting, it does make me queasy in >the stomach to be pandering to some promotional effort by Big >Brother Microsoft. Snobbery ? Nah. Well to be honest it's not really a promotional thing. The Rifff show features quality musicians and tries to create a cool experience for the user. Yes, I know I work for a big corporation but without trying to sound like a corporate geek, isn't it cool that someone like Andy Partridge can be featured too ? I'm just glad that we're not doing shows with mainstream bores. The people who work on Rifff are all musicians or connected with music, they truly care about the artistic integrity (ooohhhh there's a big word !) and the music/interactive quality of the shows. >Microsoft and Starbucks Coffee: ruthless predatory business >practices, but they treat their employees very well.... always a >moral dilemma in my mind. I wonder how Andy Partridge feels about >his little contribution to Bill Gates' conquest for domination of >the universe, if he thought about it in that manner. But then, >maybe it's silly to think of it that way. But then, maybe it's >not. Ah, the struggle. Ha ha, yes, the struggle. Well yes, we're treated very well and I don't think Andy has any problems in doing this. wow !!! you mean Bill is trying to dominate the universe ? well - at least he's starting in Swindon <grin> >That said, I'm ecstatic about Peter Fitzpatrick's efforts to get >our hero exposed somehow, someway. Well - I can't take any credit except that I insisted on working with the London-based team who developed the show in order to make it as cool as possible for fans of XTC. (Plus of course I saw an opportunity to meet Andy.....) > >That said, I think I'll start downloading..... >Mmm,maybe tomorrow. well - give it a try. It's free for the first month so you don't have a lot to lose >From: "Jason 'Buffy' NeSmith" <jnesmith@mindspring.com> >Subject: Assorted fruit flavors >Peter Fitzpatrick decreed: >>At last I can tell you what Andy Partridge has been doing with the >>folks here at Microsoft. >Sounds good, as long as Andy gets LOTS & LOTS of money. Andy is getting paid. Yes, absolutely. Just as soon as I've got more information on the show I'll let you all know. I've just received the interview transcript and it's huge....very good material. take care everyone....
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03007805af5ec0a9fd22@[134.32.48.178]> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 12:17:16 +0000 From: Stephen Varga <varga@ferndown.ate.slb.com> Subject: Basingstoke is easy to get to For all those US Chalkies concerned about the inaccessibility of Basingstoke, they needn't worry. First of all, it's South West of London, not North. As most US flights arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick there are fast, direct motorway (freeway) links from both airports. Basingstoke is just off the M3 which links directly to the M25 London Orbital Motorway. It's only half and hour from Heathrow and 45 minutes from Gatwick. If the convention had been held in Manchester and you had landed in London, the journey time would have been about 4 hours. If you don't want to hire a car, there are direct National Express coach services from both airports to Basingstoke. Basingstoke is very close to Blackbushe market, one of the biggest in the UK. It's an ideal way to spend Sunday morning bargain hunting before returning to the US. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other queries. Stephen Varga
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199703262020.NAA00744@access.tucson.org> From: "J. D. SMX" <jsmelser@access.tucson.org> Organization: Access Tucson Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 13:22:45 -0700 Subject: Nick Lowe Too Hello Future Swindonians, In a previous Chalkhills, Stormy Monday Spake: >Nick Lowe- Cruel To Be kind I have second hand knowledge that Nick Lowe, too, never learned to drive. It seems there was never any need for it. Could this be Andy's take on it too? What is it about England that makes people think they don't need to drive? Are they afraid that when they come to another country they'll be driving on the wrong side of the road? (hohoho) Let Elvis be your guide. SMX J. D. SMX Video Engineer Access Tucson jsmelser@access.tucson.org
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 21:22:24 +0100 (CET) From: James Isaacs <jisaacs1@aixterm1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> Subject: rateties I've seen Message-Id: <Pine.A32.3.91.970326211942.18925A-100000@aixub1.urz.uni-heidelberg.de> I have found enough XTC rarities to convince me to buy a turntable upon my return to the USA. Herei s what I hafve sen recently: Virgin single LP version of English Settlement LP version of Big Express, with round outer sleeve. LP of Skylarking 12" records of Wake Up and All You Pretty Girls Oranges & Lemons I was quite amazed, because the place I found them is usually the Dead Sea when it comes to albums by our heroes. Go figure. James
------------------------------ Message-Id: <2.2.32.19970326205436.00693224@popmail.dircon.co.uk> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 20:54:36 +0000 From: Simon Sleightholm <nonsuch@dircon.co.uk> Subject: Convention Confirmed Hi Kids, Latest news from Mike Foster is that the Convention is definitely on. He's a teacher and has been busy of late, but now the school holidays have hit he's getting into the serious work of putting together an info pack (maps, hotel details) for all those who write or have written to him. He's still looking for fans with any interesting video, audio or memorabilia materials to bring them on the day for the enjoyment of other fans. He asked me to state that he can't promise anything particularly exclusive on the day, just a genial and relaxed atmosphere for the gathering of XTC-heads ready to have fun. The bad news is that he really needs to start getting some cash soon. Again, after certain comments made in emails resulting from my last posts, I must state that I have NO connection with Mike other than a desire to have a good time at the convention. If he turns out to be a rogue and a vagabond - IT'S NOT MY FAULT! He'll have made off with MY cash too. I must say, though, that I truly believe him to be 100% genuine and extremely keen to make the day a success. Right, as there are certain to be people at the convention who have no experience of the internet and the XTC resources thereon, I am - with the blessing of Mr Relph - putting together a handout listing the various web-sties, but focussing most sharply on this mailing list. Since the demise of Limelight and the increase in time between Little Express issues, there's a fanbase out there who are WAY behind in news and info. I'm going to clip out posts (fully credited) that really show off this list at its best and included them in the flyer. If any of you have any particular favourites - any posts that really made you feel you'd got something special from the list - let me know and I'll hunt them out (if you have rough ideas of the digest number or date, that'll be a help) and include them. Thanks, Simon +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~nonsuch/bungalow.htm +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ XTC? Are they still going? Follow me and find out..
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-94 ******************************
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