Chalkhills Digest Volume 5, Issue 55
Date: Friday, 8 January 1999
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 55
Friday, 8 January 1999
Today's Topics:
Without Dave
Trio, Sir.....Duet, Sir
XTC new fan
A bunch of Nigels running around
No XTC content, but...
Fano Guitars Website Update
Re: hardcore collector
Italian Book
Re: Apple Venus Vinyl
More On The Japanese Release Of AV
What's the story?
Go 2 Review
Andy & Colin in Sound & Vision
Re: Article in 5/53
Pleazzz, give us a break!
JAPANESE LTD. EDITION
To buy or not to buy that is the question
Jules Verne's Sketchbook
B-sides
Watch out, Ken Herbst!
Rush, Theakston & The Usual Cobblers
San Francisco Bay Area XTC Gathering
A little clarification about Andy's "stage fright"?
Japanese Apple Venus
Andy Partridge and the Residents
USTBCD
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve.Bunda@born.com Message-ID: <01A75FC090FCD111B1260008C7FAA62A012AD144@corpnt3.born.com> Subject: Without Dave Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 12:20:12 -0600 I agree with Jennifer from the recent posting. I, too, am interested in how XTC will sound without Dave Gregory. "Skeptical" might be how I'd describe my feelings on future quality. It seemed to me that Dave was an integral part of the group. I liken XTC to a three-person corporation consisting of the Entrepreneur, the Engineer, and the Administrative Assistant. Take away any of the three and you don't do business. Each performs a different, but vital function. I hope I'm proven a fool for doubting Andy and Colin, yet I can't help but wonder if ego(s) have ruined a good thing. It might just be a different sound in the future. But if I cite a few examples of "splits": Elvis Costello w/o the Attractions, Springsteen w/o E Street Band, Tom Petty w/o The Heartbreakers, Mark Knopfler w/o Dire Straits, REM w/o Bill Berry, Robert Wilkinson w/o The Flamin' Oh's... (Music that I never liked as much after the split, though REM might be a bad example as they started to suck long before Berry retired.) (Sigh) Skeptical. -Steve
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199901071823.NAA01522@smtp-gw.vma.verio.net> Subject: Trio, Sir.....Duet, Sir Date: Thu, 7 Jan 99 13:23:26 -0500 From: Constantine Pappas <locp@clark.net> Howdy Hi Chalkpressarios, I assure you this time I'm Chalk-cited and not Chalk-bored...hmmm..Chalkboard. Anyhow, re: Song Stories All right, before reading Song Stories I was merely sad and concerned about Dave's departure. After reading Song Stories I'm terrified. I simply had NO idea how much he actually contributed. I really don't see how Andy can act like it will be just business as usual, considered all of the wonderful arranging, keyboards, and of course guitar wizardry Dave provided. Actually, it seems like Dave played most of the instruments on Nonsvch. I know Apple Venus volume 2 is gonna be guitar-oriented and Andy is no slouch himself, but are we to understand that there won't be _any_ keyboards on the album, which Dave can clearly do better? Dunno. Ok, on to my point and question. I know it's not customary for a musician who writes a guitar solo or intro riff or whatever to get songwriting credit, but doesn't it seem like Dave should've received songwriting credit for some of his greater contributions? I mean if Song Stories is accurate, he wrote the middle part (i'm assuming this is the middle eight bit, which is actually my favorite part of the song) of Blame The Weather. Isn't that worthy of a writing credit and the accompanying royalties? re: Comic Books Does anyone know which issue of the Justice League of America featured Mr. Partridge? If so, please let me know by email. If it's somewhere in the FAQ and I missed it somehow, feel free to flame me. I'm sure I'll deserve it. I was also wondering if any of you comic readers found it uncanny that the DC/Vertigo comic Hellblazer had storylines about both the Happy Families game AND the Green Man. Admittedly these were at different times and by different writers. Does anyone know which comics Andy reads? re: Tape Trees Don't you folks think it's time we rooted all of those pesky tape trees growing in the Chalkhills orchard and replaced them with CD-Trees? I'll bet that many of our lovely readers have CD burners (CD-R's). I myself have converted tapes to CD format and it's no big deal (i am far from being any sort of techie). Once the demos are first converted, then everything is downhill, and actually, besides the obvious advantage of CD's lasting longer, I think that they're probably cheaper and faster to make as well. Also consider the fact that people at the trunk of a tape tree have a pretty decent quality recording, whereas us up in the leaves of the tape tree end up getting a tapeofatapeofatapeofatapeofatapeofatapeofatapeofatape. re: John Lennon I was 10 when John Lennon was shot and I hadn't discovered his music yet. The day he was shot I got really annoyed. I kept asking why everybody was making such a big deal out of this loser who looked like the biggest idiot with his hair parted in the middle like that. PLEASE, will someone PLEASE invent a time machine so I can go back in time and kick my own ass? re: Elvis and Burt I saw Elvis and Burt play live (they said it was only their 2nd live show ever) here in Washington DC. I was shocked at how empty Constitution Hall was. I'd say the auditorium was only 1/2 to 2/3 full. Half of the people that did show, came late and had the nerve to talk and move around while Elvis was singing. They eventually did settle down, but I was just furious. It was a great concert and I must say that before hearing the songs live, they really hadn't 'clicked' for me. But that VOICE. For those of you that do have the Painted From Memory album, but haven't had the privlege of hearing it performed live, listen to 'Tears At The Birthday Party'. Hearing him hit the high note of that song live was one of the most amazing musical experiences of my life. As a side note I'd like to say that for the above reasons I'm very glad that XTC doesn't tour. I don't think I could handle seeing a half empty concert hall full of people who won't shut up and don't respect the fact that they are in the presence of genius. re: Jazz I highly recommend the Verve Cole Porter Songbooks (It's a double and even sometimes triple CD) featuring performances by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, etc....lots of great performances by big names). It's a good Cole Porter/Jazz primer. However, my favorite jazz CD (if you can call it jazz...it's more swing or easy listening/pop) is also on the Verve label. It's Blossom Dearie - Jazz Masters 51. Any other Blossom Dearie fans out there? Some of you fellow American Gen-X-er's out there might remember her singing "Unpack Your Adjectives" and "Figure 8" from those 70's Saturday morning Schoolhouse Rock shorts. Blossom is somewhere in her 70's now I think, but I've seen her live in NY and man, she can still sing and play the piano. Highly Recommended. re: Closing Well, that's about it for now, except that I'd like to know where that great Elvis Costello quote about Sting singing with a Jamaican accent comes from. I laughed my ass off. Your comments are always welcome. Thanks for reading. Constantine Pappas
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36950261.839D7160@post.bsnet.com.br> Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 16:52:18 -0200 From: "Alexandre de Alcbntara Ferraz" <alexandre.ferraz@lead.bsnet.com.br> Subject: XTC new fan Hi My name is Rogerio. I'm 24 and live in Brazil. I have recently been into XTC music as I was surfing through the Mike Keneally website. I became very curious to listen to that band that Mike was talking about with such enthusiasm. Then I went to an used records store near my house and found a vinyl copy of ORANGES AND LEMONS. Wow! I completely fell in love with those melodies and sounds all over the record. I also bought the Nonsuch CD and I am hoping to buy all XTC records in the future. (Transistor Blast is probably my next purchase). Anyway, I would just like to say hello to everyone in Chalkhills Digest since I have just subscribed. I hope we can discuss a lot of the material of this great band. Greetings from Brazil, Rogerio Ferraz
------------------------------ From: JStrole@aol.com Message-ID: <7885dd96.36950626@aol.com> Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 14:08:22 EST Subject: A bunch of Nigels running around To the Hills of Chalk, - Firstly, Terry Chambers was with XTC until the beginning of the Mummer sessions (he plays on two tracks). That should should mean he was a band member until late 1982. - I was watching my Rockpalast video the other night, man, what a great live band they were. But, to be honest, it didn't seem like Andy was going to make it through that show. - I would like to get something about XTC on Behind the Music on VH1. Does anyone have any suggestions? You can e-mail me privately. - Finally, The Nigels (the XTC cover band) will be playing the NYC area in the spring. They would like your musical suggestions. They would also be interested in playing The New England or Penn / Upstate NY areas. You can contact them through their web-site: www2.netcom.com/~hntclb/nigels.html . Until next time Harry
------------------------------
Message-Id: <s694d71d.086@chemonics.com>
Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 15:35:42 -0500
From: Todd Bernhardt <tbernhardt@chemonics.com>
Subject: No XTC content, but...
..I just have to ask this:
Is it just me, or is the Upright Citizens Brigade (Wed. night at 10:30
E/PST on Comedy Central) the funniest, most insidious sketch-comedy
show since SCTV?
Back now to your regularly scheduled digest...
--Todd
"Damn you, Bong Boy!"
--Capt. Jim Lunatic ("It's pronounced 'loo-NAH-tic,'
dammit!")
------------------------------ From: meridith@fanoguitars.com Message-ID: <36951F3D.35F7@fanoguitars.com> Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 15:56:06 -0500 Organization: Fano Guitars Subject: Fano Guitars Website Update Happy New Year! Fano Guitars is happy to announce the addition of Ed Robertson of the Grammy nominated Barenaked Ladies to our Artist List which also includes Andy Partridge, Dave Gregory and David Yazbek. You can view pictures of Ed with his SatelliteR on the new Ed Robertson Artist Page at www.fanoguitars.com. Come by and take a look! Don't forget to visit our guestbook and sign up for our mailing list. We hope to hear from you in 1999. www.fanoguitars.com Thanks!
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 13:55:40 -0800 (PST) From: relph (John Relph) Message-Id: <9901071355.ZM461578@mando.engr.sgi.com> Subject: Re: hardcore collector Erik Candiani <Erik.Candiani@nike.com> wrote: > > I am only missing a few songs on CD, >and would like to know if ANY of the following tracks (B-sides) have been >released on CD anywhere... and under what name. > >Drums and Wires: 1. Chain of Command 2. Limelight Both of those are on the standard UK CD release of _Drums and Wires_. And most other CD releases, including Geffen USA, Virgin Japan, Virgin Canada, etc. >Mummer: 1. Cut it Out >Skylarking: 1. Terrorism 2. The Troubles 3. >Let's Make a Den 4. Find The Fox No. >Johnny Japes and his Jesticles: 1. Bags of Fun with Buster >2. The Scrotal Scratch Mix There was a rumour that John Otway was giving away a CD to promote the Viz Comics Albert Hall concert last year, and the CD would contain "Bags of Fun". Anybody ever hear/see such a thing? >Oranges and Lemons: 1. My Paint Heroes 2. Skeletons Both of these were on the "King for a Day" CD-3 in the crown-shaped sleeve (a copy is available on eBay). >Nonsuch: 1. Down a Peg This one is on the UK and OZ "Peter Pumpkinhead" CD single, and Virgin Japan "Demo Tracks" CD. -- John
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36953AA8.A15E0DA7@which.net> Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 22:52:24 +0000 From: B Blanchard <b.blanchard@which.net> Subject: Italian Book I've just remembered something. Years ago I was in HMV in Oxford Street London, and I remember seeing an Italian book on XTC, all in Italian, except for the fact that it had the words i English to every XTC song ever written (up to that time, and I can't remember when it was, except years ago!) I didn't buy it much against my better instincts as I was broke at the time and refuse to have a credit card. I though to myself, I get paid at the end of the week and I'll come back and buy it Friday. Guess what, the book had gone and HMV didn't know what the hell I was talking about. I forgot all about it till today. And I remembered it today as I finally got round to ordering TB from WHSmiths in South East London. They said they'd phone me when it's in. Nice, eh? Anyhow, does anyone know about this Italian book? Maybe it was discussed on Chalkhills when it came out, but I'm only six months into Chalkhills so I missed that! Please let me know where I can get this book if anyone knows. Thanks. Belinda
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 09:56:44 +1100 From: Duncan Kimball <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Apple Venus Vinyl Message-Id: <36953BAC.BB120F35@hotmail.com> Dear Mr Chalkhill, Further to Per Aronsen's enquiry about the availablilty of XTC on vinyl: When, oh when are more XTC albums (such as Apple Venus) going to be released on 78. And what about Edison cylinder collectors? We are a small - but significant - market, yet we are always treated like dirt by the record companies. You vinyl collectors don't know how lucky you are. And this is not an uncommon story - I have other collector friends who are even more put-upon than myself. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a copy of "Drums & Wires" in the Marconi-Stille 2" steel razor tape format? That makes me REALLY mad .... I'll give those young whippersnappers a taste of my stick ..... ooops .... oh dear ... lucky I was wearing the Inconti-pads Yours from the comfy chair next to the heater Ol' Mr Kimball
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199901072256.RAA141388@virtualmaster3-int.prodigy.net> From: "Noble K. Thomas" <moonsilver@prodigy.net> Subject: More On The Japanese Release Of AV Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 16:54:30 -0600 According to my sources, the Japanese release of APPLE VENUS is slated to contain at least one undisclosed bonus track. It will come in lavish packaging strictly limited to the initial pressing. I suspect the price will run about $28 - $30. Should anyone need more information regarding how to acquire a copy, please e-mail me directly. Here is a list of other titles scheduled to be released in Japan in the near future, ALL with bonus tracks: Sarah Brightman / Collective Soul / Culture Club / Jason Falkner / Pavement / Scorpions / Paul Westerberg... just goes to show that this really is the norm. Oh... and there's a new Best Of Martin Newell CD titled WAYWARD GENIUS OF MARTIN scheduled for release soon in the UK. 23 Cuts culled from GLE & The OWA... sorry, NO bonus material is mentioned as being included.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <3694CDFB.13CBAEF0@sirius.com> Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 15:08:47 +0000 From: David Friel <davidjf@sirius.com> Subject: What's the story? I've been AWOL from Chalkhills for many months. Would someone please bring me up to speed on the current status of the lads' forthcoming album??? Judging from the most recent version of Chalkhills I read, it sounds as if their plan to create their own label didn't come to fruition. Has the release date been determined? Are there really going to be more tracks on the Japanese version of the album? If so, are there any online outlets where this version might be purchased when the album's released? Please fill me in on these questions and any other answers to the universe I may have missed. Many thanks. - Dave in San Francisco
------------------------------ From: Matt_Kaden/CAM/Lotus@lotus.com Message-ID: <852566F2.007D7245.00@mta2.lotus.com> Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 17:41:39 -0500 Subject: Go 2 Review XTC Go 2 XTC's follow-up to their debut LP, White Music, could not disappoint anyone already in tune with their sound. The energy still radiates out and the nature of their sound has not been sacrificed in any way. There are a couple numbers with a slower tempo which don't seem to stifle singer/guitarist/songwriter Andy Partridge one bit; he still sings with the vigor of a madcap maniac who does not know of the concept of holding back. The anger which surfaced on tracks such as "All Along the Watchtower" on White Music is further developed here on the song "Red" with his guitar more distorted and his raspy voice more venomous as he spouts out incoherent rantings all throughout the extended ending with bassist Colin Moulding's classic wrong note scheme punching through the speakers; sends chills down the spine. GO 2 is a promising record in that it maintains the integrity of their first record, yet it points forward with more innovative music and words. The song "Are You Receiving Me?" is really a retro pop song played with the fervor of a speed-addict. It will fly right past the common ear, but it will devastate those who crave more of a rush than what's currently available. Don't miss that great moment where the entire band speeds up for the heroic finish. A moment I don't see ever ceasing in its impact. Another exciting aspect is Colin's songs taking form on GO 2. He had a few on the first album, but they weren't quite signs of real songwriting prowess. Here he has created some great songs full of color and motion, songs which stay with you and beckon you to visit again, songs with an addictive quality which is unexplainable. Keyboardist Barry Andrews takes credit for sprinkling in his classical scales where least (most) appropriate, thus adding yet another dimension to these songs. This band is unique. It's hard to imagine anyone else replacing any of the members. ***** 5 stars out of 5
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 19:55:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Ken Clinger <clinger@duq.edu>
Subject: Andy & Colin in Sound & Vision
Message-ID: <Pine.BSI.4.05L.9901071952020.18708-100000@mail.cc.duq.edu>
Maybe I skimmed over my unread Chalkhills too fast, so I may not be the
first to report this, but I haven't seen mention of it yet.
Sound & Vision (formerly Stereo Review) has Andy & Colin reviewing
speakers in their February/March issue! There's also a positive review of
Apple Venus Vol 1, as part of it. Several pictures too.
Maybe I'm the only one with a subscription? It should be out on the stands
soon.
-*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*-
You have just read e-mail by Ken Clinger.
<clinger@duq.edu>
You may now resume your previously scheduled life.
-*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*-
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v01540b03b2bb1e8e350c@[139.80.100.155]> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 15:33:55 +1300 From: james.dignan@stonebow.otago.ac.nz (James Dignan) Subject: Re: Article in 5/53 >XTC were formed in 1977 in Swindon, an industrial town in Northern England. Hmmm, that's right. Just across the border from the Irish city of Aberystwyth, IIRC ;) James
------------------------------ Message-ID: <369447EC.8825A69A@pobox.com> Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 00:36:44 -0500 From: Dave Gershman <dagersh@pobox.com> Subject: Pleazzz, give us a break! >From: David Oh <davidoh@interlog.com> >Subject: defending dave, praizing colin & 'tb' thoughtz >az much az i love xtc & az much az i'm looking 4ward 2 the new albumz, i, >personally, will miss dave's guitar playing on the future xtc releasez. >i've been listening 2 a lot of xtc lately, in my car on 2 recent journeyz >of 4 hourz duration each, in the big run up 2 the release of 'ap-v1' & >there are a few thingz i've noticed... Okay, David, let me put it to you straight: Do you not see that your style of writing is so damn annoying to the majority of people reading it that you could be writing the Great American Novel chapter by chapter in your posts and no one would care because they couldn't bear to read on? Trust me -- it may not be obvious to you, as I can only imagine that you think you're being incredibly clever, but your posts are the best reasons to exercise the "Page Down" option that I've seen in Chalkhills since the last round of the "Dear God" debate! Dave Gershman
------------------------------ Message-ID: <001f01be3abc$75100780$7d5791d2@johnboud> From: "John Boudreau" <aso1@mocha.ocn.ne.jp> Subject: JAPANESE LTD. EDITION Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 13:03:26 +0900 Greetings from Japan , I advance-ordered 10 copies of the Japanese Ltd. Edition of APPLE VENUS . I was told by Pony Canyon ( XTC's label iin Japan ) that the packaging is " special " and that there are extra tracks ( probably demos ? ) . Release date is Feb. 17th . I am going to sell 5 copies for COST ( about $ 30 at current exchange rate ) plus postage so that some Chalkhillians who want the LE but can't find it where they are will have it . P & H would be $ 5-6 . Let me know ! John in Japan
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990108071211.16894.qmail@hotmail.com> From: "Molly Fanton" <mollyfa@hotmail.com> Subject: To buy or not to buy that is the question Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 23:12:11 PST Chalkers, Some of you disappoint me. I mean you would rather buy a Japanese import than the US version. I think most Japanese imports are too expensive. I know yeah they would have extra tracks, but I can't afford Japanese imports. Man, you people just don't get it. Molly
------------------------------ Message-ID: <007d01be3ac2$5e4996a0$3cb4e3cf@syd> From: "Sean Fredrick" <madcap@iols.net> Subject: Jules Verne's Sketchbook Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 22:50:05 -0600 Did the original Jules Verne's Sketchbook come on a standard blank cassette? I just acquired a copy (#27) and was wondering if it was an original. Thanks. Sean Fredrick madcap@iols.net
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 11:21:53 +0100 (MET) From: Martin van Rappard <rappard@dds.nl> Subject: B-sides Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.3.90.990108111721.10334B-100000@fatima.dds.nl> "Candiani, Erik" <Erik.Candiani@nike.com> asked about where to find the two following Drums And Wires B-sides in digest #5-54: 1. Chain of Command 2. Limelight My copy of Drums And Wires has both songs - it's an Austrian pressing. A while back there was a thread about the many different editions of Drums And Wires - my CD has fifteen songs instead of the usual(?) twelve, and the track order is different (i.e. they didn't simply tack on the extra tracks at the end). Sincerely, Martin http://members.xoom.com/rappard rappard@iname.com
------------------------------ Message-ID: <900822C71730D2118D8C00805F65765C2F3C71@einstein.moneystar.com> From: Jill Oleson <oleson@moneystar.com> Subject: Watch out, Ken Herbst! Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 09:45:02 -0600 WARNING: Denigrating Elvis Presley --THE KING-- especially on his birthday, will be hazardous to your health! You're walking a little too close to the spaghetti bowl on the interstate, my friend, and an 18-wheeler is heading directly at your face. The driver's been snorting cocaine for 57 hours straight and hasn't slept in all that time. He's pretending he doesn't see you. One more wrong step and your limp bag of bones, already withered from too many trips from Texas to Sweden, will be smeared across the asphalt like infected, hacked-up phlegm. CAUTION: I feel as strongly about Elvis as Dom does about Ozzy. That beer I was going to buy you, Ken, might just end up on your head. Jill Oleson Austin, Texas
------------------------------
Message-Id: <s69637a3.015@parliament.uk>
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 16:50:35 +0000
From: Dominic Lawson <LAWSOND@parliament.uk>
Subject: Rush, Theakston & The Usual Cobblers
>>And I'm having a panic attack knowing that a Chalkhills subscriber listens
to Rush Limbaugh.
Ah, but as we recently learned, being an XTC fan does not preclude anyone
from any particular political tendency, despite the naive ideals of people
like you and I. On this occasion I think it may be a symptom of how often a
band's message/general worldview can be completely overlooked or simply
misunderstood by people. Admittedly, XTC have never been Gang Of Four or the
Redskins (American subscribers may scratch their heads at this point) but
one thing that shines through their works to date is their humanity,
open-mindedness and, dare I say it, love for their fellow man. Not terribly
right-wing values, laden with cod-irony or otherwise. Ah, how sweet. Maybe
it's because Partridge is such a stroppy bugger that his appeal extends way
beyond tree-hugging hippy liberals........but on the other hand it's
probably due to the fact that his songs rule.
On the other hand, there is a strong chance that I have completely missed
the point and that Rush Limbaugh is a jovial, Benny Hill-style mirthmaker
rather than a complete **** like I'd always been led to believe. Enlighten
me, my across-the-pond chums!
------------
On the issue of XTC singles - which we weren't - it has to be said that the
need for single releases in the UK depends entirely on what the band wish to
achieve. Realistically, without the endorsement of Radio 1 or, Ozzy help us,
Chris Evans, XTC stand very little chance of selling more than about, say,
twelve copies of Apple Venus. There's been plenty of vile 80s revival
shenanigans going on of late, but while the shit-for-brains posturing of
Duran Duran, Culture Club and numerous other cack-handed no-hopers has been
experiencing some kind of sick rebirth, the big creative cheeses of that
hideous decade (XTC - natch - Smiths, Bunnymen, Jam, Clash, Dexys, Specials
etc etc) are being disgracefully overlooked. In a way I suppose we should be
thankful. After all, we wouldn't want XTC mentioned in the same breath as
Kajagoogoo or Howard Jones. However, the band's profile in the UK is
virtually non-existent. Transistor Blast is the first XTC record I've seen
in a non-mega record store for fucking years and even then it will be gone
within a few weeks, when all the corporate slags start rush-releasing their
post-Christmas, "let's cash in on all those record tokens"
eighth-single-off-the-LP drivel. Ooh, getting a bit angry again......breathe
deeply.............that's better.
What I'm saying, in my own bull/china-shop kinda way, is that single could
potentially make all the difference in the UK. There's no reason at all why
radio stations wouldn't pick up on a well chosen XTC tune, and recent times
have seen a huge swing back towards melodies and well constructed songs
(ironically largely due to Oasis, of all people) with like, duh, tunes and
that. I suspect the financial restrictions inherent in the band's current
position will scupper any single releases, which is a shame, but you never
know your luck. All it would take would be a bit of exposure and we could be
seeing Andy & Colin displaying their creative wares once more on Top Of The
Pops, surrounded by retarded teenagers and stubble-free, cheesy-grin TV
tarts like that godawful Jamie Theakston. Imagine, XTC on Live & Kicking
(Saturday morning kid's TV kinda thing). Oh yes, I can see it now.
Furthermore, exactly HOW GOOD is the TB version of "Garden Of Earthly
Delights"? Extremely bastard good, since you ask.
CURRENT FAVES: XTC - Transistor Blast ('kin all of it, pal)
Deep Freeze Mice - Hang On Constance... LP
REM - Up
Cathedral - Caravan Beyond Redemption CD (Ooh Yeah!)
Thank you and good grief.
Dom.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03102802b2bbf3fc6740@[165.227.110.102]> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 10:59:40 -0700 From: Richard Pedretti-Allen <richard@tactics.com> Subject: San Francisco Bay Area XTC Gathering San Francisco Bay Area XTC Gathering in the heart of Silicon Valley The date: Wednesday, January 27 The time: 7:30 p.m. The place: Scottie's Pub, 693 Grape Ave., Sunnyvale, (408) 245.7268 I wrote up a lengthy amount of details but didn't want to post them here so email or call me if you'd like to attend. richard@tactics.com (408) 247.6010 Cheers, Richard
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v04011701b2bc1cd840a7@[208.240.250.142]> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 14:39:45 -0600 From: Ken Herbst <ken@bamadvertising.com> Subject: A little clarification about Andy's "stage fright"? Okay, I've been confused for years over the references to Andy's supposed breakdown when XTC was on tour in the 80's. I remember reading in "Chalkhills & Children" (by Chris Twomey), that Andy started having panic attacks on stage due to "fatigue and road weariness", not due to some extreme aversion to performing itself. My take on his avoidance of touring today is that he's painfully aware of the effects that the road has on his mental health, and he doesn't want a repeat episode. This interpretation makes plenty of sense to me, because if you've ever spent time on the road you know how distorted your sleeping/eating/thinking patterns can become. This has been pretty thoroughly researched over the years by the US military [big surprise!] in order to minimize the effects of jet lag on troops being sent across the world to combat situations. I remember reading that ordinary jet lag can cause extreme reactions in certain people including panic attacks, hallucinations, and extreme mood shifts. I myself experienced a humiliating, all-consuming panic attack after landing in New Delhi after not sleeping for two days. I got the shakes, starting seeing floating geometric patterns and fireworks bursts, and became nauseated and completely disoriented. I could barely walk, and my cognitive abilities almost shut down. It was like having the world's worst acid trip. While I've seen no reference to Andy experiencing symptoms like these, everything I've read about his episodes points to extreme fatigue rather than some kind of phobia. What do you think? -- K.H.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <36965835.E6210ACF@fan.com> Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 14:10:45 -0500 From: "Mark D. Irvin" <cornhusker@fan.com> Subject: Japanese Apple Venus I may have missed it in a previous post, but how can I get my hands on one of these infamous japanese pressings of Apple Venus? Wow.......how long have we waited for this......*sigh* XTC song of the day - Wake Up nonXTC song of the day - Jesus and Tequila by the Minutemen Peace - Florida Mark
------------------------------ Message-ID: <19990108191301.1007.rocketmail@send104.yahoomail.com> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 11:13:01 -0800 (PST) From: Tyler Hewitt <tahewitt@yahoo.com> Subject: Andy Partridge and the Residents Hello New subscriber to CHalkhills, so forgive me if this has been covered already. We all know that AP worked with the Residents on their Commercial Album (1980), but have there been other collaborations between them? I've heard indistinct rumours, but have not been able to verify.
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Message-Id: <199901082219.XAA15732@mail.knoware.nl>
From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl>
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 23:27:38 +0000
Subject: USTBCD
Dear Chalkers,
I have recently acquired the US edition of the T.Blast box set
and i noticed that it is _exactly_ the same as my copies from the UK,
with the same catalog number COOKCD152. As far as i can see all TVT
did was add a little black sticker on the bottom of the box.
Now my question is: are all the "american" box sets made in the UK ?
yours in xtc,
Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse
http://www.knoware.nl/users/mmello/
or http://come.to/xtc
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #5-55 ******************************
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