Chalkhills Digest Volume 5, Issue 111
Date: Monday, 1 March 1999
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 111
Monday, 1 March 1999
Today's Topics:
more XTC sightings
XTC rap? This is a joke, right?
Amazon Andy
re: The Man with the Magic Touch
XTC/LSH?
Seattle Chalkers
AV1 Tidbits
Aren't we all a little thin skinned!
river of orchids
in brief
AV2 track-listing?
Anal/rectally challenged
Random remarks, one of which is of course on....
Less is More!
Apple Venus on alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1990s
Andy in Boston
Tears For Dave
Fossil Fuel reissue
Greenman vs. Spoonman
More wordage debate
XTC Signings
Re: The Wicker Man meets The Green Man
under-Cooked promotion?
Administrivia:
No lyrics in your copy of Apple Venus Volume 1?
Read the lyrics on Chalkhills!
To UNSUBSCRIBE from the Chalkhills mailing list, send a message to
<chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org> with the following command:
unsubscribe
For all other administrative issues, send a message to:
<chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org>
Please remember to send your Chalkhills postings to:
<chalkhills@chalkhills.org>
World Wide Web: <http://chalkhills.org/>
The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors.
Chalkhills is compiled with Digest 3.7 (John Relph <relph@tmbg.org>).
They drift into pub nights with no / Promise for tomorrow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 20:12:43 -0800 (PST) From: Michael K Ong <mikeong@socrates.berkeley.edu> Subject: more XTC sightings Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.96.990226201149.7112A-100000@socrates> Picked up a copy of the March issue of Pulse! when I got my second copy of AV1 at the local Tower. There's a nice interview with AP along with snippets about AV1 from Song Stories. There are some cool pictures too - AP and CM are on the contents page, and then there is an old picture with Terry and Barry in front of a big metronome. I have to say, the best thing that XTC could do is to release "Your Dictionary" as a single too. Looking forward to seeing Andy in person next week.
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 20:49:20 -0800 (PST) From: Charles <mullin@sscf.ucsb.edu> Subject: XTC rap? This is a joke, right? Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.95.990226203910.13482D-100000@alishaw> I read the following in this mailing list recently: >>In related XTC news, former GETO BOYS rapper Willie D. >>has reinterpreted the band's flashback anthem >>"Dear God" for his upcoming album, with frontman >>Andy Partridge's permission. I am sickened, saddened, and stunned. How many signs of the apocalypse are there supposed to be? I figured the last sign was the Jimmy Page/Puffy Combs "Kashmir" abomination, and fully expected that insult to be followed immediately by earthquakes, plagues, fires, and floods of biblical proportion. But I see now that the rap version of "Dear God" is a more appropriate sign of the end of the pop universe. Did Andy really give permission for this to happen or was the decision totally out of his hands? How bad does he need the money? Maybe we can find out how much he is getting for this rap atrocity, and then offer him even more if he aborts this travesty. Count me in for the amount I was gonna spend on AV1. Hey, remember when REM had a rapper (KRS-One...or some other combination of letters, numbers, and symbols) "sing" on their album? That was their breakthrough album and they even won a packet of Grammys, that exalted American symbol of commercial acceptance. Perhaps XTC is embarking on a similar strategy, and "Dear God" is the first salvo (or their last gasp). Dear god indeed. Chas
------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.3.32.19990226223036.009fe1d0@bitstream.net> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 22:30:36 -0600 From: Mike McCormick <mikemc@bitstream.net> Subject: Amazon Andy "[An orchestra] allows you to work with different textures. I got really tired of the electric guitar, and orchestral sounds have a sort of pagan feel for me. There's a real sense of timelessness there, so it gave me a much broader springboard to jump off from. The sounds of violins and woodwinds are just fantastic. They can send shivers down your back." --XTC's Andy Partridge, on the recording of "Apple Venus, Volume One" Read more of Amazon.com's interview with Partridge at http://www.amazon.com/xtc-interview
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199902270529.VAA14428@gull.prod.itd.earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 21:27:43 -0800 Subject: re: The Man with the Magic Touch From: "Russ Reynolds" <rcreation@earthlink.net> >>Who do you think would win in a fight: Soundgarden's >>"Spoonman" or XTC's "Greenman"? >>TMBG's Triangle Man, of course (he always wins). >>Robyn Hitchcock's Balloon Man could join in, but >>Black Sabbath's Ironman would kick all their asses... > >What about Mr. Tambourine Man? Dogman by King's X? Rocketman? REM's >Superman? ELP's Lucky Man? Big Man on Mulberry Street (Billy Joel)? >Indigo Girls Chicken Man ... (too obvious) Dio's the Man on the Silver >Mountain (hey, we all went to junior high). You mention Billy Joel and it's not Piano Man? What About Carole King's Jazzman, Bowie's Starman, Kinks' Apeman, Katrina & The Waves' Spiderman, ZZ Top's Sharp Dressed Man, , Donovan's Hurdy Hurdy Man, Chicago's Happy Man (there HAS to be a hipper band that recorded a song with this title), Robyn Hitchcock's Superman (not to mention the Man Who Invented Himself and The Man With The Light Bulb Head)...and when you think about it, could there really be a Greenman if there were no Yellowman? I don't know, man. Don't touch my bags if you please, Mr. customs man. -russ (I am the eggman)
------------------------------
Message-Id: <4.1.19990227013657.0092d490@mail.clemson.edu>
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 01:38:39 -0500
From: Adam Tyner <ctyner@CLEMSON.EDU>
Subject: XTC/LSH?
I love it when interests overlap. :-) From Allstar Mag.:
As for Gregory's departure, Partridge came to look at it as a relief. "In
the Legion of Superheroes," Partridge says of Gregory, "he was Negative Boy."
-Adam, also a big LSH fan, but, well, it's been kind of bad lately.
Hopefully Andy's more of a '60s/'70's era fan :-)
--
/=---------------- http://www.he-man.org/ctyner/ ----------------=\
http://www.crystal-night.com/~ctyner/tuscadero.html
http://www.awod.com/gallery/rwav/ctyner/
He-Man, Tuscadero, "Weird Al", Yoo-hoo, Killer Tomatoes, & more!
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 22:44:52 -0800 (PST) From: Lush <lush@speakeasy.org> Subject: Seattle Chalkers Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.05.9902262234530.14896-100000@grace.speakeasy.org> >Hey Seattle Chalkers, (& all) >Are there only two or three of us on this list? Is anyone going to LA to >see Andy and Colin? I'm just curious, I entertained the thought for a >moment or two. Hello Lynn.... and other ChalkPeople... I'm new to the list (and live in Seattle)... i have also entertained the thought of going to LA but will be unable to do so... ah well... Apple Venus1... LOVE IT! cheers... k@mi
------------------------------
Message-Id: <199902270752.RAA14835@hydra.au.oracle.com>
Date: 27 Feb 99 18:55:48 +1100
From: "Adam Davies" <AJDAVIES@au.oracle.com>
Subject: AV1 Tidbits
Rather than do a new email every time I think of something, here's my
drivel in Digest format.
--
My previous claim about AP's singing being off-key: Someone made a point
about it sounding 'live', which slots me back into contentment regarding
this issue, but it's also down to minor notational changes that I'm
beginning to pick up on. Dagnammit, his voice isn't perfect all the time,
but the guy can create music roughly 1000 times better than anything I
could muster.
--
<soapbox>
Regarding Mr P's comment on we 'rabid' internet type peoples: Forgive the
self-righteous nature of the following rant, but I don't know, treating
famous people like demigods shits me to tears.
We all have the ability [and some the maturity] to treat the band members
as private humans and appreciate their music, which I guess is a good
thing. Then again, Andy evidently doesn't appreciate negative criticism,
even though he seems quite willing to backstab others in particular
contexts. Hey, maybe he's human, just like the rest of us! Everyone's a
hypocrite.
Here's the thing: I'll bet all of XTC adored someone from afar at some
stage in their lives, possibly even now; and at some point I'll just *bet*
each of them had their bedroom walls lined with photos and articles on one
person or band. And if human nature doesn't fail me, I'm sure they've ALL
bagged on a performer they didn't know many, many times.
I'm not knocking the guys, but when you sell music to millions of people,
you have to expect people to criticise it! It goes with the territory. I
spent three months writing an essay and the lecturer said it was crap.
Shit happens.
There. I've just done a pat deconstruction of a bunch of people I've never
even met. Would I like them if I met them? Would they like me? Who
cares!
</soapbox>
Some flame me! Please...?
--
The last chorus of Easter Theatre: The demo feels like a climax; the AV1
cut feels like a new beginning. Does this match the lyrics of the song?
--
Is it just me, or do the vocal harmonies on River Of Orchids and Harvest
Festival sound similar to some of those on King Crimson's 'Three Of A
Perfect Pair'? I think it's the breathy low notes that do it for me.
--
Why did John Relph not get a mention on AV1? Is he just the zookeeper? :)
Thank you for listening.
Ad
Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzbx
The statements and opinions expressed here are my own and do
not necessarily represent those of Oracle Corporation.
Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzbx
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 01:15:06 -0800 (PST) From: "J. Brown" <ringostr@u.washington.edu> Subject: Aren't we all a little thin skinned! Message-ID: <Pine.A41.4.05.9902270031430.91544-100000@dante17.u.washington.edu> David Oh wrote: > i urge you to listen to their asinine comments & i double-urge you to > respond. > again, let's get the bastards! Am i the only one who didnt get really pissed off at those guys? I mean they were totally off the mark but I found these guys are so british they make ray davies look like he's from Mississippi line very fun albewit inaccurate. And as far as making fun of internet fans- Come on this whole enterprise of Websites and mailing list is extremely geeky! And sending nasty emails to these guys will only enforce their opoinion that we are a bunch of freaks. i say forget about it and laugh at the shere idiocy of these guys. Joe Funk wrote: > I've got an idea for Eb, ( who is responsible for the following > utterances ): > > >I don't like "River of Orchids" much either, to be honest. It's certainly > >ambitious and compositionally impressive, but it feels more like a "stunt" > >to me than an actual song. I'm reminded of a negative Steely Dan review I > >once read, where the writer griped that SD's songs communicated nothing to > >him beyond "Hey, get a load of THIS!" I have a similar feeling about "River > >of Orchids," though I do smile at those "mmmm"'s between lines -- a typical > >Partridge vocal decoration which defies all logic yet somehow works. > > " I've listened! And I can't get up!!!! " > Now, if River of Orchids is a mediocre "clapper" for you also, Just think > of it as a "stunt" as you referred to it as music!!!!! You need to "Get a > Load of This"!!!! ROR has been already been hailed as a masterpiece of > modern cyclical music!!! Well, it's good see Eb is injectiong some attempt at critique on this list. (there a bit too much mutual masterbation at the alter of XTC on this list most of the time) While i disagree with Eb i think his point is entirely valid. Something can a stunt and music at the same time mr. Funk. River of Orchids has been hailed as a masterpirece? By who? Harold Budd Andy's friend. I think the SD comparison holds some merit especially since Andy has said how clever he though it was and how proud he was of himself for it. mr. Funk continued: > And to Tim: "I Can't Own Her" Quotes: > >Sorry. > >The is the ONLY song on the CD I don't care for - the only one > >I would have suggested that they drop. > >RATING: C- > > C-!!!!, C-!!!!! > .........I'm flabergasted!!!! A beautiful piece of songwriting about a > very tough subject: > Relationships!!!! Have you ever been through a divorce or actually had > a lover who is your soul-mate? > You missed the whole picture pal!!!! Again while i disagree with Tim (i adore I Can't Own Her) i think he is entitled to his opinion. To insinuate that Tim doesnt gett it because he has no expeirence in heart break is assine. i think some people here have been waiting so long for a new album they can't stomach anyone criticising it. jason
------------------------------ From: jsteich@mindspring.com Message-ID: <000901be616f$209bd420$9acef7a5@funtosplamisham> Subject: river of orchids Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 05:02:31 -0500 ive only been on this list (for the second time) for a day now, but ive noticed that some people dont have a liking for the above mentioned song. i find it to be the most exciting song on the new album, simply because it is a pop song with a circular song pattern. its interesting and immediate, much like most of xtc's best stuff. if you dont like it, you should definatly give it a few more listens. im sure its been said, but one more positive opinion never hurts. bye now. jesse
------------------------------ Message-ID: <001301be624a$ad5540a0$5e5fac3e@default> From: "David McGuinness" <dmcg@btinternet.com> Subject: in brief Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 12:13:21 -0000 Hello - Sorry to disturb the flow of 'and I said to Andy ...' posts, but David in SF wrote: >P.S. I find the melodrama on Chalkhills regarding AV1 quite hilarious. >Did someone actually say he/she cried when he/she first listened to it? Come on sir. I think we're agreed that our Mr Partridge is an emotionally complex man, and that some of his songs reflect that complexity. And the reason that some of us like XTC is that we respond to the songs on that level, amongst others. It's not pop star adulation we're talking here, just grown-ups expressing what it's like to be human. OK I didn't cry when I heard it but some of the lyrics did make my jaw drop in an 'oh I know what that feels like' kind of way. And I know at least one non-XTC fan who did cry on hearing two of the songs, so there!! and >"Some may say we're a bit overshot , but this could be our finest hour!" *SURELY* the line is 'a bit of a shower' - but then maybe this doesn't mean anything in the US ... Can someone ask Colin at a signing, so that we know?? ta -David dmcg@btinternet.com
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D80F3D.3E81@schoollink.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 07:29:01 -0800 From: Dan Phipps <phipps@schoollink.net> Organization: CIC Subject: AV2 track-listing? Hi all! While we're all getting X-static over AV1 (fine, fine album!! -- an understatement), my good friend AP (not Partridge!) over in the UK sent me the following re: the forth- coming AV2: > As mentioned previously, on the Net I found > what is purported to be a track line-up for > "AV2" :- > We're All Light > Bumper Cars > You and the Clouds will still be Beautiful > Wonder Annual > Church of Women > Prince of Orange > Some Lovely (My Brown Guitar) > Dame Fortune > Our New Dark Ages > Wounded Horse > The Wheel and the Maypole > The New Country Squires > Boarded Up > Ship Trapped in Ice > Playground > I Don't Want to be Here > hopefully we'll find out for real later in 99. My question -- What do you think, XTC-fans? Impressive!!! :-) Fingers crossed that these track "make it," okay? In closing, Av1 is indeed the best thing I've heard from "The Swindon Two in....well.... seven (!!!!!!!) years. Was well worth the wait! C-ya later on the Hill -- -- /Dan Phipps <phipps@schoollink.net> "Imagination like a muscle will increase with exercise." (Peter Blegvad)
------------------------------
Message-ID: <002301be6230$01f77760$c84797d0@ginsim>
From: "Simon Deane/Gina Chong" <ginsim@netvigator.com>
Subject: Anal/rectally challenged
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 17:02:26 +0800
Harrison, stooping to your bait, this is what My Dictionary (OUD 2nd Ed.)
says about rectal and anal. It seems that "anal" has to do with the opening
alone whilst "rectal" relates to the last section of the intestine. See
below (errr... why did you want to know?):
<anus ("eIn@s). [L.] 1. The posterior opening of the alimentary canal in
animals, through which the excrements are ejected.
anal ("eIn@l), a. [ad. mod.L. anal-is, f. anus.] 1. a. Of or pertaining to
the anus, or excretory opening.
alimentary canal: the whole channel or passage through the body for
receiving and digesting food and ejecting excrementitious matter.
rectum ("rEkt@m). Anat. and Med. [a. L. rectum (sc. intestinum), neut. of
rectus straight.] The final section of the large intestine (so called from
its form in some animals), extending in man from the sigmoid flexure of the
colon to the anus.
rectal ("rEkt@l), a. Anat. and Med. [f. rect-um + -al1.] Of or belonging to
the rectum. rectal gland, a gland that excretes into the rectum; esp. in
cartilaginous fishes, a gland that excretes salt so as to maintain the
osmotic balance. >
Simon Deane
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 15:07:18 +0100 (MET) From: Martin van Rappard <rappard@dds.nl> Subject: Random remarks, one of which is of course on.... Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.3.90.990227144930.5649K-100000@fatima.dds.nl> Dear Chalkers, Well, it was torment. I ordered my copy from Musicblvd and sat seething with jealousy everytime a new digest came in with yet more reviews, and on other mailing lists people were also hailing it as a masterpiece. Then the postcard from Cooking Vinyl arrived, two hours later I walked into my favourite CD store to hear River Of Orchids over the stereo, and the next day there was a lovely piece on XTC in De Volkskrant (Dutch newspaper; Marc already scanned the photo and sent it to John). No wonder I caved in (I'm actually surprised I managed this long) and bought another copy. Well, words fail - it's every bit as glorious as I imagined it would be, and I'm glad I didn't listen to the demos or the samples on the TVT website so I could take it all in in one big gulp. My neighbours must be going mad by now. The owner of the (small) store said it was selling surprisingly well - "I was kind of apprehensive about ordering it, but I sold about thirty copies already!" I also bought the XTC tribute album at the same time, and I join Dom's and David's opinion (by the way, when's your "Big Day"?) by saying that it's a complete dud - pah, another $7 wasted! A snippet of info: I was searching XTC items on GEMM and apparently Easter Theatre is (to be) released as a single here in Holland - it was listed as an "Import (Netherlands)". And a questions: I also came across the item "Explode Together" - can anybody tell me what this is? Cheers, Martin NP: (No comment)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D8025C.282A7BBA@bellatlantic.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 09:34:04 -0500 From: Jim Slade <castells@bellatlantic.net> Subject: Less is More! I've now been able to listen to AV1 about a dozen times, and it's all this skeptical fan could have hoped for. By ditching studio drummers, intricate guitar parts, and too-obvious Beach Boys tributes, Andy and Colin have gotten back to the heart of great, mid-period XTC albums like Mummer and Skylarking. The new album concentrates on melodies, great lyrics, and a comfortable, spring-fever feel, best characterized by "I'd Like That". "River of Orchids" is a nice nod to Jon Hassel, Phillip Glass, and company. "Greenman", as others have observed, is in the vein of "The Beating of Hearts". My least favorite song is "My Dictionary"; I just don't get into hearing Andy Partridge moan about being mistreated by his ex-wife. Nevertheless, the music pulls it together just enough so that I don't need to hit the skip button. I've got some 12-inch eps and singles with the likes of "Red Brick Dream" and "Find a Fox". The new album has that sort of simplicity despite the unusual instrumental touches. Keep a lid on the reverb, compression, and piccolo snares! Very nice album that flies in the face of current trends. Jim http://www.groovedisques.com
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D800BB.8A7C3DEF@home.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 08:27:07 -0600 From: Rick Hap <rickhap@home.com> Organization: @Home Network Subject: Apple Venus on alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1990s Apple Venus Volume One has been posted to alt.binaries.sounds.mp3.1990s Enjoy.
------------------------------ From: Davejh5@aol.com Message-ID: <268559d3.36d810a1@aol.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 10:34:57 EST Subject: Andy in Boston I am 40 years old felt weird about going to record signing. I expected Andy to be a bit arrogant and stuck up. To my surprise he most gracious and took time to talk to everyone. I went with 2 other friends. Most of the people attending were over 30. He signed everything, some people had over 10 items. I wish I brought more. My friend got a drawing on the Apple Venus cover. He put two arms and two legs made a nice drawing. He stated he will be doing appearances for the next few months in America and Japan then returns to the U.S. He was touched at the turnout both here and in New York. Just got an Email from WBOS in Boston that Andy will be doing a radio interview on Sunday between 9 and 11 am.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990227155946.21192.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Joe Funk" <jomama64@hotmail.com> Subject: Tears For Dave Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 07:59:45 PST Dave; >P.S. I find the melodrama on Chalkhills regarding AV1 quite hilarious. >Did someone actually say he/she cried when he/she first listened to it? I have to say both first listenings to "I can't own her" and "The last balloon" brought tears to my eyes...maybe I'm just an old softie or its the fact I heard two poignant songs written by "the" best song writer in the "world", of whom I hadn't heard in 7 years!! ...More than enough to keep me fettle, yeah!!! And Joel; >Great slide guitar on "Fruit Nut." Who's playing it, do you suppose? Smacks of Dave!! The tasty little lick on "Easter Theatre" also smacks of Dave!! >This album needs a libretto. The music is well suited to the stage. Check out digest 5-89 (Andy's Bolero)..I think a ROO ballet would be very fitting indeed! Speaking of ROO, there are tears of dismay rolling from my eyes as I type for those poor souls whom either: Think it was a "Stunt"!!; or gave it a "Thumbs Down"!! Ya'll need to giv' it a few listens..Ya' Hear!!! I'm fixin' to giv' it another myself... Jill; thanks, and have fun standing in line in SF to talk with AP!!! Give him a "thumbs up" from me. R-O-O OH!, Know thats how I spell "chills" in my dictionary! Jomama
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199902271618.IAA20158@grebe.prod.itd.earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 08:18:54 -0800 Subject: Fossil Fuel reissue From: "Russ Reynolds" <rcreation@earthlink.net> I was browsing the on-line stores and I noticed Fossil Fuel is listed as a Feb. '99 release. Still on Virgin, however. What's up with that? I guess the bastards reissued to capitalize on in the upsurge of XTC interest that comes with a new album on another label. I also noticed (on Music Blvd, CD Now AND Amazon) that apparently it contains a track called "Life Begins at the Top". And all this time I thought it began at the hop. No wonder my life's so messed up. Anyone have an old copy you'd like to sell me so Virgin doesn't get my money? ------- <rcreation@earthlink.net> Russ Reynolds <rreynolds@ksjo.com>
------------------------------ Subject: Greenman vs. Spoonman Message-ID: <19990227.122416.5143.2.mbrechtel@juno.com> From: Meredith Brechtel <mbrechtel@juno.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 11:30:36 EST Howdy 'Hillians! > Re: > Who do you think would win in a fight: Soundgarden's "Spoonman" or > XTC's "Greenman"? > > TMBG's Triangle Man, of course (he always wins). > > Robyn Hitchcock's Balloon Man could join in, but > Black Sabbath's Ironman would kick all their asses... >I don't hold out much hope for Ray Davies's Plastic Man >He'd be Nowhere Man! Ah, yes, but aren't we forgetting about the disco era's famous Rubberband Man??? He'd kick all their asses (except, of course, Greenman who has been around a lot longer). Cheers! Meredith squirlgirl_99
------------------------------ Subject: More wordage debate Message-ID: <19990227.122416.5143.1.mbrechtel@juno.com> From: Meredith Brechtel <mbrechtel@juno.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 11:30:36 EST Howdy 'Hillians >Harrison Sherwood wrote: >So now that we've gotten "phallic" and "priapic" all straightened out, >what's the difference between "anal" and "rectal"? Anybody? Well, "anal" actually refers to the circular muscle at the opening of the rectum (the anus). The rectum is the last segment of the colon. The rectum should not be visible outside the body (but sometimes is...we won't get into that here), whereas, believe it or not, there is a reflex known as the "anal wink" . And, before you wonder how it is that I have knowledge of this phenomenon, let's just say that I have a medical background, specifically in women's health, and frequently hear stories about such things. Hope that answers the question of the moment adequately! Meredith squirlgirl_99
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990227163608.22132.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "a b" <lkjfds@hotmail.com> Subject: XTC Signings Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 08:36:08 PST Hello everyone- I have a favor to ask in my desperation. Would anyone that is going to one of the signings want to get me an autographed copy of AV1. Unfortunately for me I can't make it to any of the appearances. I have plenty of rare xtc material that I could trade you for it, or I could just pay you a fair amount. After reading the posts about the NY signing, it seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to get an extra autograph. Would anyone like to give it a try? I'll definitely make you a generous offer. Please e-mail me privately if you want to try to arrange something. Thanks a lot. -B.R.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <000201be6273$28ec79e0$bd5808c3@w8k1p3> From: "Dave Hall" <goldwing@clara.net> Subject: Re: The Wicker Man meets The Green Man Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 06:51:20 -0000 >Has anyone ever seen the film 'The Wicker Man' , made in the early '70's, >where Edward Woodward goes to investigate the disappearance of a young girl >on a remote Scottish community at the time of the harvest? I won't ruin it >for you but there is a scene of a May day celebration - mummers and all - I preferred the scene with Britt Ekland wandering about with her lungs out! davidh
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v04003a01b2fdd65ae426@[12.73.97.158]> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 09:38:32 -0800 From: David Haakenson <dhaakenson@worldnet.att.net> Subject: under-Cooked promotion? An observation about packaging and promotion: Say what you will about Virgin, but this has always been one of their strengths, with virtually every major and minor artist receiving any manner of neato packaging and limited edition treatment from 1977 onward. Unfortunately, when the lads chose Cooking Vinyl, my heart sank a bit. I loved hunting down every rarity as it was released, even driving from North Dakota to a shop in Chicago after phoning and discovering they had the Nigel gameboard sleeve the week it was released. And it all started when I found Go2 cellophaned together with Go+ and a huge XTC poster and a bright green Virgin sticker touting the limited edition, in of all places, a record store in Fargo. But Cooking Vinyl (bless them for signing XTC!!) seem too small to pay for, or possessing too little design sense to create, the neato ads, press releases, CD-single covers (who among you actually likes the front sleeve for "I'd Like That"?), etc. A quick look at eBay uncovers a Cooking press kit for AV1, with printed materials that look like a grade school created them. Can't they afford an iMac and a copy of QuarkExpress? Crayolas may be cheaper, but it'd be nice if we could attract new listeners to XTC instead of just holding on to the loyal among us who are content (er, maybe just willing) to sit idle for years until a new release is burped out. Don't get me wrong. I'm a loyal fan who has every vinyl/CD release ever known, and who years ago brought much of the European TV video material to the States that we continue to swap. But I continue to be wary of the decision to go with a small label that may cul de sac the band future. Sure, it's noble and laudable to be a cult band, but that doesn't pay the bills. Money was an issue when leaving Virgin. One doesn't need to let things escape from the shed, but when they are willingly released into the world, it would be nice to nurture them to fullest potential and dress them properly. If Virgin was bad for slaughtering "Wrapped in Grey" before it was officially released as a single, one wonders how it feels to send a child onward, dressed in somewhat tattered clothes? Badge of honor? I think not. Best foot forward, but hoping for better shoes... David Haakenson (count me among the fans enjoying the constant rain of Seattle)
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #5-111 *******************************
Go back to Volume 5.
2 March 1999 / Feedback