Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 113 Wednesday, 3 March 1999 Today's Topics: want to trade? Re: Wow, this album really blows guys Sex Sex Sex Another AV1 review from a lurker? AGAIN?!? Re: Much Apologies Re: Greenman An Everyday Story of (a) Smalltown Partridge in Chicago walking thru Zurich on Saturday My 1.5 Cents' Worth XTC FM Recordings to promote Apple Venus AVI - the Next Generation More... Medium is the Message Any Singles, Etc. from AV V1? That's telling 'em A new XTC Chat Room Re: Lyrics & Photo Booklet (and a little gushing) Cold As Fishes Was?? Re: AV1 $$$ XTC DEBUTS AT #42 IN THE UK Living vicariously... Andy's fetish...? Close Encounters With Andy miscellany Administrivia: 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>). Life goes on after the show.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: <19990228052526.12224.rocketmail@send104.yahoomail.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 21:25:26 -0800 (PST) From: Tyler Hewitt <tahewitt@yahoo.com> Subject: want to trade? I have three tapes of interest to XTC fans: 1. a recording of the Q&A session at Borders in Chicago 2/25/99. Pretty good quality, andy is very clear, the audience questions a a little harder to hear. about 25 min in length . 2. XTC live in Ann Arbor, MI 1/22/80. They were opening for the Police. After their set, there is a backstage interview by a couple of local dj's that eventually gets drowned out by the Police starting their set. Andy makes disparaging comments about Sting, it's pretty funny. about 80-85 min. 3. XTC live in Boston, 1/30/80 same tour, a week later. No interview here, but I think the performance is a little better. about 80 min. If you're interested in any of this, e-mail me privately, & let me know what you have to trade.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D8F1A3.842472F7@kc.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 23:34:59 -0800 From: "Jeffrey W Wall M.D." <wally@kc.net> Subject: Re: Wow, this album really blows guys <<Here's my hasty assessment after about three listens to AV: I waited <<seven years for this? what kind of glue have you been sniffing? jeff
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D8F512.D53D90DC@gte.net> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 23:49:40 -0800 From: Randy Hiatt <rhiatt@gte.net> Subject: Sex Sex Sex Harrison said (and quite well I may add): See the Greenman blow his kiss from high church wall An unknowing church will amplify his call [BTW: John R. and other Keepers of the Lyrics: That should be "High Church," capitalized, don't you think? And "An unknowing," not "And unknowing"?] I don't know if your right but for kicks (or should I say sex) I see it the other way. The lure of an unknown group (church/cult...) intensifies the sexual attraction to it. Anyone gone for a Roles Royce ride with the Boggie? It's all the same, sex, magnatism, gravity... Greenmen watchout, spring is ....... Later Randy (it must be Saturday night) Hiatt
------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19990228050129.006a7294@mail.ccm.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 05:01:29 -0600 From: "LaShawn M. Taylor" <tbone@ccm.net> Subject: Another AV1 review from a lurker? AGAIN?!? Okay. Looks like I'm gonna have to come out of my lurker's mode and give my own little review of AV1. I ordered it off of Music Boulevard (going through the first-time buyer promotion and the discount, I bought it for $6.21 with tax/shipping. Whoo-hoo!!). It just so happened that on the day it arrived, I also had received a new computer at work (Dell Pentium with 128 mg RAM complete with killer speakers. Whoo-hoo!!) I was in the middle of figuring out how the system worked when our friendly UPS came by with a package for lil ole me! Folks, to test your computer by Apple Venus is the only way to fly!!! The vocalization is pure bliss. The instrumentation is sheer bliss. This entire CD is bliss, bliss, bliss!!! River of Orchids- Like many others, I'm kinda bummed that I have this demo. But the finishing touches on it was pure ear candy. I'd Like That-They play it on WXRT here in Chicago a lot, but I never got to hear it very well. On CD, though, I could understand the lyrics better (bummer that they didn't include any with the CD this time. Who's responsible for that.) The line "I'd smile so much my face will break in two" is sheer genius. Easter Theatre-To be honest, I don't really care much for this song, but it is lush. Knights in Shining Karma - not too different from the originial. It, however, gave me a huge craving for Wonder Annual. Shame it didn't make the cut. Frivolous- When the vocals started, I thought, "Good grief. Whatever happened to Colin's voice?" Shades of Dukes here The Green Man - I am so *so* glad I did *not* get the demo for this song. The green man happens to be one of my favorite myths in English literature, and Andy captured him perfectly as he danced in his leafy glen. Your Dictionary - I don't know. This came across to me as the song that didn't fit on this CD. The lyrics was bitter and the music was unhappy, entirely feeling out of place on such a wistful, joyful, poignant album. Don't get me wrong; it's a great song, just the wrong placement. Fruit Nut - Another Duke-like offering from Colin. I kept picturing him as the Cheshire cat, happily giggling, "Mad? We're all mad here!" And yes, it is hard to get it out of your head. <giggle> I Can't Own Her - This is, by far, in my opinion, one of the *best* songs Andy has done. I mean, hands down, the absolute *best*. As it played for the first time on my computer, I sat there, unable to work, mesmerized by the orchestration, and as Andy's rose on "like the summer skyyyyyyy..." and the violins rose up to meet him in the air, I swear, a sweet-smelling breeze suddenly lifted my hair, and it was summer, right there in the cubicle! This is the only song that ever brought tears to my eyes. Drove my co-workers crazy as I played it over...and over...and over.. Harvest Festival - The Green Man's presence still lingers, I see. Summer plunged to Autumn so quickly. The Last Balloon - a fitting finish, though it didn't linger in my mind long. It will probably take a few more plays for it to firmly stick. All in all, bravo!!! Eagerly awaiting part 2. Thank you Mr. Partridge, Mr. Moulding, and Mr. Gregory, wherever you are! ============================================================================ /===\ LaShawn M. Wanak (tbone@ccm.net) Note! New Name! |^ ^|\ "Though one is overpowered, two can defend themselves. -\v/--) A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 T-bone's Existential Cafe is at http://www.ccm.net/~tbone/index.html
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 06:47:52 -0500 From: Paul Badger <pbadger@compuserve.com> Subject: Re: Much Apologies Message-ID: <199902280647_MC2-6C24-C3E3@compuserve.com> Hi Molly >>I just wanted to apologise for the double posts I had about XTC not coming to Buffalo. No problem, no offence taken! No need for an apology. Take care of yourself, Paul, UK.
------------------------------ From: CCooli9575@aol.com Message-ID: <913c6347.36d95554@aol.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 09:40:20 EST Subject: Re: Greenman >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... Then John Entwhistle's "Whiskey Man" would get them all roaring drunk. Chris
------------------------------ Message-ID: <000901be632a$06571860$85fdabc3@xonwjikf> From: "Ballentyne" <Ballentyne@btinternet.com> Subject: An Everyday Story of (a) Smalltown Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 14:52:12 -0000 Hello all! First time posting after more than a year lurking ... funny how the new album has brought so many of us out of the woodwork! *s* I've been interested to read so many tales from US folk of them travelling umpty-ump miles to get to a big record store, only to find one copy of the album, hidden away somewhere, or to have to trek through umpteen shops to find a copy. I live in Oakham, market town of Rutland, England's smallest county (pop. approx 12,000). We have none of the big stores found in the cities here (not even a Woolworth's!), but we have got a great little independent record store ("The Music Room"), run by a couple who are not shy to broaden their own (and the local's) musical tastes. She's used to me coming in and ordering all sorts of oddities, normally the morning after hearing something amazing on Radio 3's late Monday night "Mixing It" (British readers will know about it I'm sure ... most recently, for example, Hal Wilner's "Whoops I'm an Indian" -- anyone?). So, on the day of release (interestingly ambivalent word ... the album released, XTC released from the captivity of their strike, all of us released from the grip of famine), I was at her very door when she opened, and asked her to get a copy of AV1 for me. She surprised me by saying, "Would you like it now?" ... Why, of course! And as I paid for it and she bagged it, she said ... "This is going to be big, I've had half a dozen people in asking for it this week already" !!!! Without any kind of formal qualification in demographics, but knowing what a dull as ditchwater one horse town Oakham is (and the horse died last week) ... I doubt that "The Music Room" figures in anyone's chart calculations, but in terms of units shifted ... I think it sets pretty fair for this new album to be BIG indeed in the UK. Oh, and twelve years ago, when I first moved here from Glasgow (I miss the city life still!) and tried to order an XTC album at that time from the only music outlet in town, the pimply youth behind the counter refused to do so, telling me that there was no such band! So, there's progress for you! *s* George M. Ballentyne
------------------------------ From: MRKOC@aol.com Message-ID: <c21b6bfa.36d96139@aol.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 10:31:05 EST Subject: Partridge in Chicago Being a working stiff, barely earning enough for us, I was unable to attend Andy Partridge's appearance at Border's Books and Music on Michigan Avenue. But more distressful was missing his on air appearance on WXRT earlier that afternoon. If any other listeners taped this studio appearance, and would like to share it with another longtime XTC fan, please email me. Thanks, Kevin MRKOC@AOL.COM
------------------------------ Message-ID: <000201be6336$e137d8f0$3f61a8c0@devtrans63> From: "Michael Goral" <mGoral@DevTrans.ch> Subject: walking thru Zurich on Saturday Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 17:21:06 +0100 Hi Chalkhills, walking thru Zurich on Saturday with my mother was a nice affair - it was the first almost warm and sunny day after this long period that produced this massive amount of snow in the alps. It was my mother's 77th birthday and I made the day for her. AV1 had finally arrived. It was prominently displayed in the shops of a major CD-chain overhere. I got my copy. I could not make it to JAMARICO's near the Helvetiaplatz. This shop still has focus on vinyl items and I expect to get the vinyl edition of AV1 there soon. I hope AV1 will give Partridge and Moulding a healthy return of cash and the like. AV1 deserves every effort on behave of Cooking Vinyl to re-establish XTC in the market. I have all sympathies for AV1 as this light and beautiful section of music only XTC can assemble. One question concerning the recent demo material of XTC: Does Cooking Vinyl plan to give this stuff an official release ? If so - in between AV1 and AV2 or following the release of AV2 ?? As a fan I would buy such a release for sure. If not - what to do to get the stuff ? Many thanks to the chalkhills crowd for building up the excitement for AV1 in the past weeks. Ciao, Michael.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990228162955.11342.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Kristen Reed" <kreed31@hotmail.com> Subject: My 1.5 Cents' Worth Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 08:29:54 PST I've had 3 days now w/AV1, which we all know is good for a good 15 listenings (though my estimate may be conservative)! I'll make this as brief as possible... BTW, I didn't hear any demos. I think it's a gorgeous, lush album! I am *such* a sucker for strings and harmonies, so it's a good thing I was reclining for my 1st listening; esp. for "Greenman". (Has anyone listened to that thing w/the volume absolutely *cranked* up? Pure majesty.) "Your Dictionary" is such a stark, visceral piece; I think we've all been there (if not due to a defunct marriage, anyway), and it's comforting to have someone articulate the pain. But I think there's a strength in it, of having made it through. I'm happier w/Colin's songs than I've been with most. Their lighter in tone than most of his previous ones. They're frivilous (but of course) and he sounds content. (I, for one, found "War Dance" to be a bit plodding, no offense to anyone, that's just my humble opinion). I would go on indefinitely, but I'll just go back to listening for now. Oh, thanks to Mr. Relph for posting the lyrics at the Chalkhills site! Without you, I'd have been forever, unfortunately, singing (to "ROO") "Take a packet of seeds/ pick yourself a toupee"! And thanks to those who've posted their XTC encounters; I'm happy for you guys (if a little envious)! To those who've yet to meet them...somebody give Andy a bit wet sloppy kiss for me! Doing What I Will & Attempting to Harm None, Kristen
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D97A81.50B5@pottsville.infi.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:18:57 -0500 From: Chris Kushmider <chriskus@pottsville.infi.net> Subject: XTC FM Recordings to promote Apple Venus Hi, In search of any XTC recordings that might surface from their current promotional tour. Looking for interviews, etc. Have a nice bit of XTC to trade [largely '89 acoustic radio tour tapes from very high quality sources]. -- Thanks, Chris -- "People see no worth in you - oh, but I do."- Morrissey http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Studio/1670/
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03007800b2fee6c05393@[137.186.208.182]> From: Erich Walther <enrico@fox.nstn.ca> Subject: AVI - the Next Generation Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:39:01 -0500 Listening (again,again,again) and reading Chalkhills (again, again, again) Life don't get much better (well, if I lived in a major market with an autograph table...). I work with a music program here in Ottawa that works with 'inner city' kids and part of my job is to come up with the listening music for the day; usually something exotic as part of the program's goal is to foster cross-cultural awareness. I thought that this week I would demonstrate synchopation, cyclical composition and harmony: so I had a captive audience of fourteen kids and five adults listen to "River of Orchids"! Reaction? Preplexity from some of the kids ('where's the drums?) nad smiles from the adults. Perhaps I've made some converts, if they can find the CD here in sonic Siberia. Any other Ottawans find it yet? Back to the headphones (after twenty listens, my wife has sentenced AV1 into exile; what's wrong with hearing the same thing five times in a row?) Erich in Ottawa p.s. I haven't forgotten the survey I conducted in December, but my computer crashed and I'm still in file recovery mode. Results will be soon (and by the way, the sampling was rather small - 35 responses).
------------------------------ Message-Id: <36D98305.11976DCB@tmbg.org> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:55:23 -0500 From: Ben Gott/Loquacious Music <gott@tmbg.org> Organization: http://listen.to/loquacious Subject: More... Chalkfolk, I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it! "AV1" has most definitely been making the rounds here in Brunswick. My friends Curtis and Laurie can't get "Easter Theatre" out of their heads, and Jon, one of my roommates, has gone from "XTC sucks eggs" to "could we play 'Greenman' again?" I suppose that part of the allure of this album is that it's so *different*. It's not simply a Beatles/Beach Boys/Kinks rip-off, but seems to encompass many styles without being overwhelmingly "burglaresque" (I think I just made that up!) It will remain on the stereo for a long time. TVT or CV: any word on t-shirts? Coffee mugs? Buttons? Bumper Stickers? Flavoured "Apple Penis" condoms? Although there have been quite a few Chalkhills coming our way, they've been truly enjoyable to read. It's great to hear everyone's experiences in Chicago, New York, Boston, and beyond. Keep 'em coming! Yesterday, I was invited to be a special guest on WBOR, Bowdoin's radio station, for "Laurie and Katy's Britpop Special." We played Martin Newell, The Cure, The Sundays, Annie Lennox, Elvis Costello, Robyn Hitchcock, Stereolab...and, of course, XTC. In fact, we began the show with the BBC version of "No Thugs in Our House," and ended it with "Easter Theatre." [A sidenote: while in the 'BOR studios, I came across the "Mayor of Simpleton" single...on vinyl (you know -- the one with "Ella Guru" on it). I'd never seen that particular album on vinyl before...They also had copies of the "Great Fire" and "Peter Pumpkinhead," "3D-EP," "Go2," "Drums and Wires," "English Settlement," "The Big Express," "Skylarking," "Oranges and Lemons," "Rag & Bone," "Testimonial Dinner," and "Nonsuch." Someone had circled "Senses Working Overtime" and had written "GREAT SINGLE! PLAY THIS!"] I'm about to lose control, and I think I like it! -Ben
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03007800b2ff3ff9da27@[209.242.84.154]> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:52:37 -0600 From: John Yuelkenbeck <jy@tomrussell.com> Subject: Medium is the Message Yeah, it's funny about Rolling Stone, isn't it? They have always given XTC around 3 stars, and yet they raved about the band in their review of the 80s issue. One thing to note is that the reviews never seem to have anything but positive comments, and yet the rating is middle of the road. A musician I know has received several four/five star ratings for his albums from the reviewer, which have been "downgraded to the three/three 1/2 range by the editors. Apparently, some of it has to do with how major the label is, and it is rare that non-major, semi-unknown artists fare much better than that in the ratings.
------------------------------ From: WWi8064839@aol.com Message-ID: <de181e74.36d99ace@aol.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 14:36:46 EST Subject: Any Singles, Etc. from AV V1? Has anyone seen any 7-inch singles, CD-extra plays, or other spin-offs of the Apple Venus, Vol. 1 album? So far, I'm just aware that the CD, cassette, and vinyl exist. E-mail me, or just share with the list. (What I'm hoping for are demos, outtakes, that sort of thing...) Wes (Wilson)
------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19990228124552.0068b400@mcn.org> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 12:45:52 -0800 From: Jason Kirkman__Carol Kawase <jkirk@mcn.org> Subject: That's telling 'em Hello again, Sorry to post again so soon, but I wanted to let you know I'm not taking the bad review of AV1 in the San Francisco chronicle lying down. Here's the text of the letter I just emailed to them: Editor-- You did your readers a big disservice by printing Julene Snyder's vacuous review of XTC's wonderful new album, Apple Venus Volume One, in the February 28 Datebook. Her remarks indicate this CD contains derivative, "syrupy" music. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most misleading is her assertion that XTC's new opus breaks no new ground. In fact, it is a large leap beyond anything they've recorded before. There is nothing remotely like it coming from other bands. It is an extraordinary collection of songs, many with beautifully realized orchestral arrangements. She says the effect of these arrangements is "sometimes baffling," which leads me to conclude Ms. Snyder's threshold for bafflement is very low. As she concedes herself in her review, she doesn't have a clue. Her remarks suggest that Ms. Snyder actively dislikes XTC, which should disqualify her from reviewing their first new album in seven years. Your readers deserve objective reviews. This poor review of a fabulous new release could scare off listeners who would love Apple Venus Volume One, and would hear it if they knew it would reward them for listening. I'll let you know if they print it in their letters section. If any of you would like to email them with your opinion, their email address is pink@sfgate.com. They instruct you to "include your name and city for publication, and a phone number for verification." A quick listen to "I'd Like That" will cheer you up if this gets you down. Jason K.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199902282133.NAA24065@matisse.posinet.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 13:36:05 -0800 From: Ken DeRouchie <webmaster@pomn.com> Subject: A new XTC Chat Room Hello Chalkhills! As a fan of XTC I have added an XTC Chat room to our existing chat lounge. The site is the Portland Online MusicNet at http://www.pomn.com from there you simply click on the "CHAT" button and there you are. Thank you very much for your consideration, Ken DeRouchie webmaster@pomn.com -- http://www.pomn.com Portland Online MusicNet The Definitive Portland Music Source!
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D9CE57.D57F221C@bond.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 18:16:43 -0500 From: mondacello <mondacello@bond.net> Subject: Re: Lyrics & Photo Booklet (and a little gushing) Takashi Ikeda gloated: >For those frustrated with the simplicity of the cover art: >the first pressings of the japanese release of AV1 include a full color >over-20-page booklet with all lyrics printed over photographs of Andy and >Colin (in a circus setting!)... I'm certainly not complaining about the absence of lyrics (I just printed up my own from the Chalkhills site and made a little booklet out of them to slip inside the jewel case)... but the Japanese Import sounds great!! I'd love to see it, as I'm sure other unfortunates also would. I've got a request... can anyone with a copy scan it in for the rest of the world to enjoy? Pretty please?? Now for my two bits (which has been more succinctly expressed many times over... but hey, I'm just a dumb Canadian)... I LOVE THIS ALBUM!! I've been listening to it all weekend, and if I'm not getting chills down my spine from the likes of 'Knights in Shining Karma' and 'Your Dictionary', I'm practically in tears by 'The Last Balloon'. When Andy sings that final line "Drop us all like so much sand"... well, I pretty much lose it. Being a father, I suppose it's stuff like this that really gets to me. And as for Collin's offerings, once again... superb! 'Frivolous Tonight' could easily fit in the midst of 'Sgt. Pepper's...' with an ease that is unparalleled. All I can say is... Thank you to Andy, Colin and Dave. You've given all of us one of the greatest experiences we've had in many a year. ... going underground ~Mark Kirk~
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 18:17:31 -0500 From: Steve Pitts <Steve_Pitts@compuserve.com> Subject: Cold As Fishes Was?? Message-ID: <199902281817_MC2-6C2C-281D@compuserve.com> Chalkfolks, In 5-105 Michael Stone quoted: > "Some may say we're a bit overshot , but this could be our finest hour!" < I think that ought to be 'a bit of a shower', old son. Having said that, the subject of this Email should give away my own fave misheard lyric (so far, plenty of time yet, especially without a booklet to help out) In 5-106 our friendly CV rep wrote: > This was how Andy and Colin wanted the artwork < Now that kind of excuse is that?? Blasted artists are all the same. Always want their own way :)) Ah well. I guess I'll just have to figure some way of printing the Chalkhills web site version in a form suitable for folding up and making into a booklet. Cheers, Steve
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D9D078.E5F@bhip.infi.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 23:25:47 +0000 From: Brian <mattone@bhip.infi.net> Subject: Re: AV1 Tschalkgerz! After my 3rd listen to AV1 ("What?" you ask. "You've not listened to it more than THAT?!?" - no, I've been job-hunting and camping and don't ask...), I have this to say: Tasty. Some one said it: Big and intimate at the same time. XTC reinvents itself. Bravo. -- BRIAN THOMAS MATTHEWS * Digital & traditional illustration/animation * RENDERMAN ~ One-Man Band Ordinaire SAPRINGER CENTRAL ~ http://www.angelfire.com/fl/sapringer
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36D9D4AD.635D@bhip.infi.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 23:43:52 +0000 From: Brian <mattone@bhip.infi.net> Subject: $$$ Tschalkgerz! OK, not like we need a new thread or anything, but let's see how much money the lads are making off us... Who's paid the LEAST for AV1? Who's paid the MOST? (Me? $18.99) I'd be curious... -- BRIAN THOMAS MATTHEWS * Caricaturist-for-hire SAPRINGER CENTRAL ~ http://www.angelfire.com/fl/sapringer
------------------------------ From: Davejh5@aol.com Message-ID: <68013bc6.36d9e2a3@aol.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 19:43:15 EST Subject: XTC DEBUTS AT #42 IN THE UK Check this site for XTC's entry in the UK Charts http://www.dotmusic.com/charts/top75albums2.asp Biilboard shows no XTC in the top 100 see below http://www.billboard.com/charts/bb200.html
------------------------------ From: pann@gate.net Message-ID: <36D9E493.11BC@gate.net> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 19:51:31 -0500 Subject: Living vicariously... how-do Chalkies, Just a quick little note here to say I've really enjoyed the past few digests a lot, with all the tales of fans' BIG day meetings with Andy and Colin, and just Andy. Its really fun to read everyones reactions, the excitement, the buildup, the sudden attacks of stammering and shyness, the replies of Andy and Colin, what was signed, who got photos, how you became a fan, etc....thanks for giving us all (especially those of us who weren't near any of the appearances...) your little private moments (and "hard" info too----excellent to hear that the demo box is on schedule). Perry Perry (
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199902282239.IAA21386@hydra.au.oracle.com> Date: 01 Mar 99 12:20:41 +1100 From: "Adam Davies" <AJDAVIES@au.oracle.com> Subject: Andy's fetish...? Ever seen the lyrics to 'Your Dictionary' from a distance? S-L-A-P C-O-L-D S-H-I-T Need I say more? Ad Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzbx The statements and opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of Oracle Corporation. Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzbx
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 19:23:01 -0600 From: Piriya Vongkasemsiri <vongkpp@LFC.EDU> Subject: Close Encounters With Andy Message-id: <36D9EBE2.80B06A84@lfc.edu> Organization: Lake Forest College Reading all of the accounts of everybody else's meeting Andy has delighted me to no end! So, I guess I wanted to contribute my brief but enjoyable exchange with the man, the myth, the legend. First of all, it was nice meeting fellow Chicago Chalkhillians...that was very cool! I hope to see you all again! :) And I was so happy to see so many people there, even though I had to wait so long due to the bumbling Border's people. Okay, enough of that. When I finally got up to meet Andy, I think we were both equally tired! I was about 10-15 people behind David (aka Spanky ;), and yes, the line was still lurching along at snail's speed. He held out his hand for a shake, and I was shuffling items for him to sign from one hand to another. I think that was the only time when I felt really dumb. The first thing I said to him was, "Andy, I must say...I think you're cooler than the other side of the pillow!" He was already signing a CD, but he stopped for a moment...cocked his head, looked up and let out a laugh. Then he said, "I've never heard that before! I've heard, 'You're cooler than a penguin's chuff,' but I haven't heard that one!" Whew! He liked it, AND I made him laugh! I'm doing well... Okay, on to my next comment. I said, "And, this album, it's almost as good as being in love." Still in the midst of signing a CD, he was silent...and then he was uncomfortably silent (that's how I was perceiving it!) as he stopped writing. And I let out a little weak, "Um, that's good...for me, at least!" Then he said, "Oh wow, yes, thank you! I'm getting all emotional now...I'm going to have to stop now, go back to my hotel room and start sobbing!" So...I took that as a good reaction. I guess my comment just took him aback! And I was telling the truth--I honestly think that Apple Venus Volume 1 is almost as good as being in love, though not quite AS GOOD. But it's up there!!! It definitely had me swooning and reeling the first time I heard it. The album is so beautifully lush, rich, sensuous, erotic, and exciting! See, much like being in love. :) Anyway, before I get too carried away... My last comment was, "I am going to toast a pint to you tomorrow night at the Great Guinness Toast." He said, "Thanks! Yeah, that big thing is going on tomorrow night..." Hehe. I said my parting thank you's as he signed my Punch cigar box (which served as a paint box and was also signed by Neil Gaiman), and I shuffled off to let my former roommate meet him. She took all of the pictures of me standing next to him. The officials were not letting anybody take any more posed pictures by the time I got up there. I felt slightly cheated to say the least. Especially since I had arrived 2 hours early!!! Ah well, at least I got to meet him. It was an absolutely WONDERFUL experience. I'm dually envious and overjoyed for all of you who have yet to meet Andy! And a lot of you will get to meet Colin as well, you lucky dogs! Oh, and by the way. Last night I processed and printed the pictures from meeting Andy. I have some nice black and white shots of him during the Q&A session. They look quite impressive as full 8 x 10 prints! I'll try to scan them in as soon as possible, but it might be a little while since it's midterm week, and then I'm headed off to Florida for 10 days. Anyway, the point is...I'm willing to make multiple prints and send them out to people. Also willing to trade for tapes and such, but otherwise I might have to charge just a little for postage and photo paper (I use ILFORD multigrade, double-weight, fiber-based, glossy paper, i.e. really high quality expensive stuff. ;) Also, I can mount them to matte board as well...that'll be a bit extra. I'm not charging for profit--just to cover my expenses! Cheers, Piriya -- ol, ceol agus craic! "Your heart is the big box of paints, and others, the canvas we're dealt." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Minister of Propaganda http://www.lfc.edu/~vongkpp
------------------------------ Subject: miscellany Message-ID: <19990228.212856.5047.1.mbrechtel@juno.com> From: Meredith Brechtel <mbrechtel@juno.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 20:35:21 EST Howdy 'Hillians! I keep thinking I've said all I wanted to say and that I'll just lurk for awhile, but everyone keeps posting things that make me want to respond. So here goes... 1. Back in #106, Slonedog wrote some very negative things about AV1 and the band in general. I appreciate his/her courage to voice h/h opinion which is clearly in the minority on this list. I understand that the "orcoustic" sound may not appeal to everyone and hope (s)he gives AV2 a listen. Hopefully there won't be too much fallout from Slonedog's post by defenders of the band, as we all have our own opinions (thankfully)! 2. Which brings me to my next comment: in keeping with the recent anatomical discussions we have had here, the word "orchoustic" reminds me WAY too much of the word "orchiectomy". Please see your nearest medical terminology book for that definition (men, especially). 3. Regarding the posts that have referred to Colin's voice as gruff, I think his voice has matured wonderfully, and is now sexier than ever. Carol is one lucky lady to get to hear it daily. 4. I have really enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences meeting Andy and Colin. It has brought back wonderful memories of meeting all 3 of the lads in Philly at Tower Records just after O&L was released. Same long lines, same camaraderie. I got some wonderful pictures, and the hastily-drawn artwork on my Dukes and assorted XTC sleeves always gives me a chuckle. Glad to see they haven't changed much despite all the horrible things that have befallen them in the intervening years. Hope they keep on making wonderful music and that we fans keep supporting them like we have been on the various websites and through CD sales. Tell a friend! Back to lurk mode for the time being! Meredith squirlgirl_99
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #5-113 *******************************
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