Chalkhills Digest Volume 5, Issue 85
Date: Wednesday, 10 February 1999

          Chalkhills Digest, Volume 5, Number 85

               Wednesday, 10 February 1999

Today's Topics:

       Bravo!, Guilty Confessions, Ramblings, etc.
           Apple Venus Direct Order For Aussies
                go figure/soldiering on...
               Interview With The And-pire
                     gonads & thanks
    Newsflash!! Froom to Produce Skylarking 2 !!!!!!!
                   Small town US radio
                        Re: Uncut
                   Radio Free England ?
                     Andy Interview?
                      Hello from TVT
                          Ages?
         TB review (and a bit of self-promotion)
            XTC on the radio in Minneapolis...
             Re: The History of Rock 'n' Roll
                 I'd Like That - single?
                      Buying Copies
              "Now there's one soul less..."
                          Greets
          Fuzzy Warbles and the Colin Problem...
                  Paul's Dictionary.....
                       February 23.
                       Aussie Venus
                        I Like It!

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I heard the dandelions roar in Piccadilly Circus.

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

Message-Id: <s6bf227e.077@tcwgroup.com>
Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 17:43:51 -0800
From: "Dane Pereslete" <peresd@tcwgroup.com>
Subject: Bravo!, Guilty Confessions, Ramblings, etc.

To Mr. Relph: As always, this is the best site on the 'net and,
as always, you continue to do an excellent job in bringing us
all things XTC!  Where do you find the time to commit to this
level of excellence?  The only other site that could even dream
of touching the foot of the pedestal that this one rests on is pos-
sibly the Pat Metheny Group Listener Network, and that's only
on a good day!

A few weeks ago I was just daydreaming about our boys
(or even just Andy) having a stint on "Space Ghost: Coast to
Coast" (I even considered posting this idea but backed out
for fear of vicious ridicule),  when BAM!!, fantasy has become
reality!  I have to confess that this show is one of my guilty little
pleasures, much to the consternation of my wife (who, come to
think of it, doesn't understand my obsession with XTC either...
oh, well...she will someday see the error of her ways, heh heh!...
but I digress), and Andy and Colin seemed to me to be perfect
victims for that show that is so SICK! PERVERSE! TWISTED!...
guess that's why I like it ;-).  They should fare very well in that en-
vironment, yes indeedy!

As far as "URGH! - A Music War" is considered, my fave
moment is when Stan Ridgway, et.al. (Wall of Voodoo)
are seated at the Santa Monica Pier, while a rather strange
butler type approaches from out of the bustling crowd with a
telephone, saying "Phone call for Wall of Voodoo...".

And, in a related aside regarding Mr. Froom's dossier, let's not
forget the producing and playing credits with Stan Ridgway!!
["Salesman" (producer), "Pick It Up (And Put It In Your Pocket)"
(Producer, Keyboards), "Stormy Side of Town" (Keyboards), and
I think "Bing Can't Walk ('Cause Bob Broke Both His Legs)" as well]

What is the mention in the Raygun interview about the "peacock
feather" artwork being dumped because the feathers are bad
luck?  Who's your source for the AV1 cover artwork, Mr. Strijbos?
Are we of Chalkhills being duped? ;-)

To Kevin Lancaster: Good for you!  I dare say that myself and
many on this list would most likely suffer the same fumbling fate
if thrown into that situation!!

Ah, well...'tis enough rambling for now!

"...we're run by the Pentagon, we're run by Madison Avenue,
we're run by television, and as long as we accept those things and
don't revolt we'll have to go along with the stream to the eventual
avalanche."  -  Patrick McGoohan

*----------------------------------------------------------------
 Logging in from beautiful Glendale, CA  USA
 "Getting oh, so impatient!"
daneperes@aol.com -or- bramage64@aol.com
*----------------------------------------------------------------

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

Date: 9 Feb 99 13:17:33 AED
From: Paul.Culnane@dcita.gov.au
Subject: Apple Venus Direct Order For Aussies
Message-ID: <0000xnbrvbxn.0000wwysmeww@dcita.gov.au>

Oz-chalkers!

Further to my earlier Chalkhills posting about the availability of "Apple
Venus Volume 1" in Australia, I have received the following information
from the very helpful Mark Sequeira at Festival Records:

1)  "Transistor Blast" was released locally on 4/12/98, catalogue number
D89943.

2)  "Apple Venus", due for release on 22/2/99, can be ordered direct from
Festival Records, by calling their toll-free order line:
1800 674 646.

Moreover, I get the impression from Mark's correspondence with me that he
and Festival are very enthusiastic about having XTC on their label, and are
making strong efforts to support the new album.

....the shell will soon be fully open!
~p@ul

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

From: STakesh@aol.com
Message-ID: <f3db2858.36bfa5e2@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 22:05:06 EST
Subject: go figure/soldiering on...

Hi, Chalkers,

The SPIN online interview (Part II) with Andy is out.  Don't read it while
eating, folks.

Does anyone know if Andy is still actively collecting toy soldiers?
And what's the status of his book on military uniforms, with his own
painted illustrations?  Does he intend to finish it after AV2?

On an eerily related note, I found this while perusing the official
website for Harlan "I'm NOT a 'sci-fi' writer!" Ellison:

>>Fans, readers, and good-hearted souls keep sending Harlan
little gifts, "tokens of their esteem". The thoughts are usually
very nice and much appreciated, but usually it's nothing he can
use, or has room for. HE thanks you, but says he'd rather you
didn't. From time to time we (and Rick Wyatt on the website)
ask for youse guys to look for something special HE needs;
but otherwise, if you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT restrain yourself,
here's a tip from the RABBIT HOLE editor: he loves historical
miniatures. (What we laypersons call "toy soldiers").....>>>

I don't know what's sillier, being enamored with toy soldiers, or
being... fascinated with the artistic guys who are enamored with
them...

Another eerie similarity:  a recent discussion thread there had
people confessing their Harlan Ellison-related dreams....

Science friction burns my fingers,
Stephanie

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

Message-ID: <19990209034234.289.qmail@hotmail.com>
From: "Bob Crain" <bobcrain@hotmail.com>
Subject: Interview With The And-pire
Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 19:42:34 PST

Chalk Eaters,

My dream has come true.  While some have pined for a musical tour by our
lads, I knew this was just not to be.  There is only one thing more
wonderful than a live performance by XTC, and that would of course be...

An interview of XTC by the finest talk show host of this or any galaxy,
Space Ghost!

Er, ok... keep Braak away from Andy's hat, he is known to get hungry
during long interviews.

Please read on:

Here's an opportunity many have had in person, but those of us who hang
on to each posting on the list hoping for hard news, insights, and
actual new nuggets of wisdom from Mr. Partridge have cause for
rejoicing.  In a couple of weeks he will be interviewed by the SECOND
best interviewer in this or any galaxy, Jack Rabid of the marvelous,
force-of-nature publication The Big Takeover, (Todd Bernhardt is of
course the THIRD best interviewer in this or any other galaxy).

Those of you who have sampled this great music magazine know that Jack
puts out a thick, phonebook-like tome every six months or so, totally
dedicated to "music with heart".  In other words, this is a magazine
that exists to let the world know what one Rabid fan feels is the best,
and I can't tell you how many great albums I've purchased based on his
recommendations.  House of Love, Chameleons, Kitchens Of Distinction,
and so many more.  Jack's interviews are long, detailed, and hilarious
(in the newest issue on your better newsstands now, check the chat with
Ray Davies for an excellent example).

See some good stuff promoting the mag at: http://www.bigtakeover.com

Is is any wonder that he also loves XTC?  Jack asked me in a recent
email if there were any questions I would like to be asked.  I of course
took this to mean that I could poll all of you for your all-time hot XTC
inquiries.

So here, enough of this yakkin'.  Any and all questions you have always
wanted to ask Andy, please forward to me at

bobcrain@hotmail.com

in the next week's time, ending on February 15.  I will be sending the
Q's for A's to Jack for his consideration.

-Bob Crain
bobcrain@hotmail.com

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

Message-Id: <3.0.2.32.19990208233216.006bb2e0@mail.interlog.com>
Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 23:32:16 -0500
From: David Oh <davidoh@interlog.com>
Subject: gonads & thanks

i guess it had to happen sooner or later, but dom lawson & i actually agree
on something! who would'a thunk it?

when i first heard that xtc were going to be "honoured" with a tribute
album, i was overwhelmed & overjoyed. i thought, "hallelujah, there is a
god after all!" however, upon listening to the "testicles' dinner", i was
actually underwhelmed & underjoyed!

i was half expecting the crash test dummies to do luke-warm rendition of
"all you pretty girls", after hearing their pathetic cover of "peter
pumpkinhead", but i was also half expecting sarah mclachlan to do "dear
god" some justice. her interpretation is mediocre at best, sucking most of
the irony, & life, right out of the piece.

i always wanted to hear "dear god" done up as a punk rock song; guitars
thrashing along at 200 bps, with the lyrics being spat out venomously.
think green day, the exploited or [insert seminal 1976 punk band name
here], you might get the picture. perhaps the song is a little too melodic
for a pure thrash-hardcore-punk interpretation, but that is the way i can
hear it in my head. can anyone else hear it that way?

anyway, the testicles' cd has only been played twice 'round here. i mean,
really, there is only that one song by terry & the lovemen, that's not too
bad. kinda sounds like the lads a little bit, don't it? maybe i'll give it
another chance someday, but for now...

some big thanks go out to the following chalkmarks for their advice on the
bootleg of "making plans for andy":

Dorothy Spirito 		(terrible sound on the 1982 material)
Steve Stearns 		(most of it sounds so-so)
Andrea Lynn Rossillon 	(sound quality isn't the greatest but it's not bad)
Roger Patton 		(it wasnt that good of a purchase. Horrible quality.)
Martin van Rappard 		[refered me to chalkhills list of boots]
Matt Keeley 			(inferior sound quality)
& good ol' Mark Strijbos 	(a wishy-washy affair... really sub-standard)

all responded to my question about its sound quality & i really appreciated
the feedback. it was the italian version, so i ended up _not_ buying the
disc. it'll probably bug me 'til the day i die, but i refrained from
parting with the $40.00 cdn ($10.00 us or #2.50 sterling - joking!) they
were asking for it.

btw, dom, when will our impending nuptials be? i need to know as i must do
something with my hair...

peace & xtc

davidoh

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

Message-ID: <19990209041026.9513.qmail@hotmail.com>
From: "Joe Funk" <jomama64@hotmail.com>
Subject: Newsflash!! Froom to Produce Skylarking 2 !!!!!!!
Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 20:10:25 PST

"Are you here for a 5 minute argument? Or would you like the course of
10? "

My question is:-..My questions are-.Amongst my questions herein lay
these particular arguments:-.
Timeout!!! Before the arguments begin I had these observations

Mitchell Froom  inexplicibly decides "Summer's Cauldron" should be the
last track on "Skylarking" and overlays a collage of samplings of random
theremin noisings.  GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!

< I know, Todd fans might consider that sacrilegious. It's no secret,
<though, that Andy wasn't particularly pleased with Rundgren's
<production work on Skylarking.
  Is that so Chris?
Could Mr. Froom Arrange the incredible crecsendo on " Sacrificial
Bonfire"?

Quote Andy: "The arrangements were brilliant and I don't know how he
came up with them-.He'd work them out one note at a time. " Sacrificial
Bonfire" he more or less did overnight, which was shocking."

And, Man!!! The terrible segue into "Grass" and fade out back to "
Cauldron "!  What nonsense!! And how dare Todd decide the running order
for these song!
Every aspect of the album was in perfect harmony on what was going on in
my life at that exact moment.  Marriage, having a child, death of my
grandmother-..

Chris, You probably like Phil Spector's production of the Beatles better
than George Martin's-.This I can only assume because you take your
personal bias ( you must not like Todd! ), and generate it towards
getting a rise out of folks like me who were overjoyed when they learned
Todd would produce the next XTC!!!

So, lets get a little poll going here: Who thinks Skylarking would have
been better with Ol' Mr. Froom ( or any likewise producer )?

Todd has his ups ( A wizard, a True Star ), and his downs ( TR-1), But
"Skylarking" is definitely one of his gems.

By the way, got my copy of AV1 from Jill, and cannot..I repeat..I cannot
get over " River of Orchids"!!
Could be one of Andy's most mesmerizing songs ever!

As I go on and on across this antheap.

Jomama

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

Message-ID: <19990209081222.28703.qmail@hotmail.com>
From: "Chris Crouch" <chriscrouch@hotmail.com>
Subject: Small town US radio
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 02:12:20 CST

Someone wrote (I should see who. A-ha, Huw Davies
<DaviesHPT@cardiff.ac.uk>):

1) I've recently found myself in the odd position of actually envying
the Americans on this list. There has been numerous recent postings
about how people are pressuring local radio stations to play tracks
from AV1 and I've been thinking, well at least you are lucky enough
to have radio stations that may listen to your requests. Due to the
fact that the US has a comparatively large and diverse radio market,
Americans are lucky in the sense that they are more likely to have
radio stations that will play XTC.

The radio stations where I live (and also here at school) can hardly be
classified as diverse.  They all play the same kind of music and have
the same 5 song rotation.  Once, as a matter of experimentation, I tried
to see if I could go for an hour listening to nothing but
"Intergalactic" by the Beasty Boys (you kow, that song that sounded
kinda cool the frist time you heard it, got more and more annyoing as it
moved up the playlists untill you couldn't stand it, and now derives no
reaction as your senses have become completely numb to its sound?  That
one.).  I didn't make the whole hour, but I did hear it 6 times on 4
stations.  That's right, two stations played it twice in one hour's
time.  There's no diversity here (In western Illinois or anywhere I've
been in Iowa).  This is a boys only club here, be they beasties or
backstreet, they get exclusive airplay.  Maybe I've just been in the
wrong markets, too small to get the niche stations...

XTC content (well, kinda...):  One thing that I can't complain about (I
think) is the manger of the local hole-in-the-wall record store.  I
stopped in Peeple's music here in Ames, IA last week to make sure they
would havea copy of AV-1 for me on that Tuesday that seems so far away
(Why did the industry decide on Tuesday to release albums?  Anyone have
any idea?  Seems like an odd day of the week to me...).  After he ran
out of TB before I could get there, I was worried I might not get my
copy on opening day.  He said he would be sure to have a copy for me.
Now I have to hope he hasn't bought just one copy and is plotting to
charge me 21$ for it.

That was kinda long winded and rambling for only my second post...

chris (in ames)

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

Message-Id: <s6c03c56.095@parliament.uk>
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 13:45:45 +0000
From: Dominic Lawson <LAWSOND@parliament.uk>
Subject: Re: Uncut

>>The latest issue of Uncut magazine (March 1999) has a review of
AV1 along with an interview with Andy Partridge. Plus there is free
CD included with the issue that has "River of Orchids" on it. I
haven't actually listened to it yet as I am in two minds about doing
so. I think I'd prefer to listen  to the whole album at once when it
comes out.

Duh! What's wrong with you? Where does all this ludicrous nonsense come
from? If I hear one more person making a bid for saint status I will vomit
blood. As soon as I heard that there was a new XTC tune on the Uncut CD I
raced to WHSmiths and nicked a copy. Then I got home as fast as I could and
played it. Any other decision would have been moronic. "I'd rather wait for
the whole album" indeed. What a load of crap. You're an XTC fan, you've
been waiting seven years for a new album and now you want to delay it even
further? Stop turning this into an exercise in self-flagellation and HEAR
THE SODDING TUNE!!!! Like this........

I sat in front of my speakers, the volume control set to BASTARD LOUD and
demanded silence from my esteemed partner & gormless pal.  They took the
hint and shut it. I pressed play and we listened...........

.........six minutes later and we're all completely
speechless. Awestruck. Dumbfounded. Gobsmacked. Stunned.

Music means more to me than anything in life except maybe people (and
that's debatable - I've never been let down or stitched up by XTC or Black
Sabbath as far as I can remember) but despite having been obsessed by it
for the best part of twenty years, I have rarely been quite so moved and
affected by a single song as I was by "River Of Orchids" last
night. Utterly, utterly incredible. Granted, it's going to take me a while
to truly get to know this amazing song, but the hairs on the back of my
neck were all standing to attention and saluting, unexpected adrenalin was
searing along my veins and, well, etc etc etc, to be quite honest. Both my
beloved and our witless associate were similarly bowled over.....and they
don't even like XTC that much. New underpants all round, and I couldn't
have been less interested in the rest of the Uncut CD if it had been Celine
Dion sings the hits of Shithead Collins. I played it again. Same
effect. Jesus, the new album really is going to be more shit hot than a
skip full of hot shit, isn't it?

So, I shall repeat, if you've bought Uncut and have the free CD LISTEN TO
THE DAMN THING!!!!! I'm appalled that anyone should have to point this out.

Dom.

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

Message-ID: <O4KgcDAx$Ew2EwCG@neutronstar.demon.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 15:10:41 +0000
From: chris <chris@neutronstar.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Radio Free England ?

People,

In message <6EC33AC19DB@PARKLA1S.CF.AC.UK>, Huw Davies
<DaviesHPT@cardiff.ac.uk> writes
>1) I've recently found myself in the odd position of actually envying
>the Americans on this list. There has been numerous recent postings
>about how people are pressuring local radio stations to play tracks
>from AV1 and I've been thinking, well at least you are lucky enough
>to have radio stations that may listen to your requests. Due to the
>fact that the US has a comparatively large and diverse radio market,
>Americans are lucky in the sense that they are more likely to have
>radio stations that will play XTC. The situation is a lot worse here
>in the UK. I doubt whether XTC will get played on the radio at all in
>this country although I may be wrong. Can anyone foresee Radio 1
>playing them?

Well, I remember when 'Nonsuch' was released Nicky Campbell (yes..Nicky
Campbell!!) playing at least half the album on his evening show during
the week. Also when 'The Loving' was released as a single Mike Reid
(yes, Mike Reid!!!!!) playing it and saying it was one of his favourite
songs of the year. So, you never know. (Note to non-Brits: to give an
indication of Nicky Campbells usual levels of taste he was for several
years the presenter of the British version of 'Wheel of Fortune')

Noticing Blur crop up recently in this mailing list always reminds me of
reading a few years back in 'Empire' magazine (I think) a review of
Blur's terrible 'Great Escape' album which concluded along the lines of
'what's the point of being a second-rate XTC' which amused me greatly.

Thanks to the people who responded to my Barry Andrews question (nice
website Phil!)

Cheers

--
chris2
email: chris@neutronstar.demon.co.uk

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

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 12:16:38 -0600
Message-Id: <199902091816.MAA07640@thor.inlink.com>
From: jims@inlink.com (Jim S)
Subject: Andy Interview?

>I just read Art Dudley's interview with Andy.  Quite amazing.
>The bits regarding Dave are extraordinary.  It's not pretty stuff, but
>I appreciate Andy's candor about it.

>On the other hand, what he says about Todd Rundgren is delightful.
>He's turned a corner there.

I keep hearing about this interview where Andy details his problems
with Dave.  Is this online somewhere, or could someone be kind enough
to scan it and e-mail it to me?

Thanks for any info.

BTW, some of the demos I recently aquired are REALLY growing on
me.  The Wheel And The Maypole, We're All Light and I Don't Want To
Be Here are simply amazing.

 Jim S.     <jims@inlink.com>
Staff member/writer for the Sports Gaming Network
    U.S. site:  http://www.sports-gaming.com/
    U.K. site:  http://www.sports-gaming.co.uk

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

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 14:53:01 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <l0313030cb2e5f8a05b40@[38.149.92.70]>
From: John Hammond <johnh@tvtrecords.com>
Subject: Hello from TVT

Hello Chalkhillers,

After enjoying the discussion as a lurker for a while, I thought I'd pass
along a little info.  Everyone here is really excited about AV1, and as
we've all read in different posts, the initial response from press and
radio is incredible!

We have an advance preview of the album now available on our web site:
www.tvtrecords.com.  You can download "I'd Like That" in full from now
through 2/23/99 (album release date), as a Liquid Audio file.  If you don't
have a Liquid Audio player, one will be provided for you.  (wow, sounds
like Mission Impossible! -- and yes, the file will self-destruct on release
date!)

If anyone has a band-oriented website and wants to put the album preview &
download up on their site, we can provide you with all the necessary files,
and we'll be glad to set up a link from our site.  Contact me
(johnh@tvtrecords.com) for details.

APPLE VENUS Vol. 1 will be in stores in the US and Canada on 2/23/99.  I
know there were varying reports that had it coming out earlier or later
(for some reason this week's Billboard article lists the date as 3/16 -- I
have no idea where they got that!), but that is a confirmed date: 2/23/99.
Two weeks and counting!

Andy (and Colin in a couple cities) will be doing some promotional
activities for the album right around release date, including in-store
appearances/signings in select major cities.  Stay tuned to the web site
for full details as they get confirmed.

thanks!

John Hammond
TVT Records

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

Message-ID: <8w1hoFAIuJw2Iwt8@coopefamily.demon.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 20:33:12 +0000
From: KT <Katy@coopefamily.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Ages?

What's the usual age for an XCT fan then? I'm 13 and have yet to find
someone my age to like (let alone have heard of) the band...
--
Katy Coope

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

Message-ID: <697A4CA51395D111A658AA00040058069D9F88@NT6>
From: "Wiencek, Dan" <wiencek@aaos.org>
Subject: TB review (and a bit of self-promotion)
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 14:38:56 -0600

Pop-Culture-Corn just posted my (rather lengthy) review of Transistor Blast.
You can find it at:

http://www.pccmag.com/music/issues/jan99/review-xtc.html#

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

Message-ID: <36C0A289.4E3ED308@mindless.com>
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 15:03:05 -0600
From: Dark Rabbit <dark_rabbit@mindless.com>
Subject: XTC on the radio in Minneapolis...

It had been a looooong weekend for me, and it felt nice to just order a
pizza instead of cook this last Sunday night (02/07).  I hopped in the
car and switched the dial over to the local 'alternative' station
(alternative being questionable since despite there being numerous radio
stations here, they all play a variation of the same format).  First
thing I hear is the unmistakable vocals of XTC playing something I had
never heard of before!

I knew the album was coming out this month but wasn't certain if it
would even have songs in rotation here, but it was!  Well, I had
apparently caught the end of the song ("I'd like that", judging from the
lyrics) and then to dampen my enthusiasm even more, discovered that I
was just listening to the syndicated radio show, "Across the Pond."
Anyone catch the whole show?

As soon as I got home I put in a request for more XTC!  =)  I still
think the chances are good we will hear something of the album go into
rotation here because they still play "Dear God" and "Senses Working
Overtime" at least once a week during the day.

Glenn
"Yes, our governor was a pro-wrestler... at least he's not Hulk Hogan!"

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

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 15:03:20 -0800 (PST)
From: relph (John Relph)
Message-Id: <9902091503.ZM20870@mando.engr.sgi.com>
Subject: Re: The History of Rock 'n' Roll

Lemoncurry <lemoncurry@geocities.com> asked this question:
>
>What would appear as the sound of the 90's if Andy Partridge had made
>"The History of Rock'n'Roll" now ?

Andy Partridge himself answered this one.  Here's a bit from a Geffen
press release in which Andy talks about each track on "Rag & Bone
Buffet":

     History Of Rock 'N' Roll: There was this project called
     Miniatures.  Each cut was supposed to be less than a
     minute.  I went for the gigantic: a history of rock 'n'
     roll in 22 seconds.  The 50's: an echoed hiccupping vocal
     of the word 'well'.  The 60's: A snatch of a fuzzbox riff
     in indian scale.  The 70's: A power chord.  The 80's: At
     the time, this was done in 1981, the 80's threatened to go
     horribly synthetic, and a lot of it did, so the 80's is an
     electronic fart.  The 90's? I suspect that will be a bit of
     a James Brown drum rhythm.

Funky drummer.  Yeah.

	-- John

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

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 15:23:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Benjamin Lukoff <blukoff@alvord.com>
Subject: I'd Like That - single?
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.3.96.990209152119.25224A-100000@locutus.alvord.com>

Hi,

The CMJ New Music Report review of AV1 on Chalkhills mentions "the bouncy
first single 'I'd Like That'".  Does this mean an actual single is being
released, or does this just mean that is the track that will be pushed
most heavily to radio?

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

Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19990209165337.00877290@pophost.micron.net>
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 16:53:37 -0700
From: Phil Corless <philco@micron.net>
Subject: Buying Copies

Mark wrote:
>Now the time has come to ask not what XTC can do for you but vice
>versa. How many copies can you possible buy without risking divorce
>or bankruptcy?

I did my bit.... 4 copies of Apple Venus from Music Blvd, AND one copy
of Transistor Blast.   Yes, it'll hurt the ol' pocketbook, but my wife
says I'm not allowed to buy any more CDs until January 2000.  So sad,
no Jason Falkner, no Blur, no Fuzzy Warbles, no Beautiful South.....

Phil Corless
philco@micron.net
http://netnow.micron.net/~philco/

"Noise is life.  Quiet is death."
    - D. B. Hughes

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

Message-ID: <19990209235449.12615.qmail@hotmail.com>
From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com>
Subject: "Now there's one soul less..."
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 15:54:48 PST

Hi Chalkers

Looks like my post in #5-84 got lost in transmission - curse that damned
ether - I must stop drinking it.

Anyway, the principal reason for my post was to pass on some very sad
new from the Aussie music scene - the death of one of Australia's finest
singer/songwriters, David McComb, who died suddenly at his home in
Melbourne on 2nd February, aged only 36.

David was the former leader of The Triffids, one of the all-time great
Australian 'independent' bands, and his beautiful songs and distinctive
baritone were an indelible part of that great period in Australian
music. Much of his work for the Triffids is now accorded classic status,
and although the band never achieved wide commercial success in
Australia, McComb was regarded by his peers as one of the best.

By coincidence, Paul Kelly recently paid tribute to him by performing
one of McComb's best-known songs "Wide Open Road" at the recent Mushroom
Records 25th-anniversary concert, and including it as a regular encore
in his January Australian tour.

The Triffids made a great series of records between 1981-89, producing
some of the best Australian music of the 80s, but (typically) they were
far more popular overseas than here at home, and had an avid following
in Europe. If you haven't heard them, I especially commend to you their
brilliant albums "Born Sandy Devotional" and "Calenture". McComb also
made an excellent solo album called "Love of Will" relaeased in 1994.

Although McComb had been unwell for several years and had to have a
heart transplant in 1995, he had coped well with his illness - according
to former bandmate "Evil" Graham Lee, McComb's biggest disappointment
was that he couldn't take his old heart home with him after the
operation!

In spite of the illness he continued to work sporadically in Melbourne,
where he lived. On January 30 McComb was involved in a minor car
accident, was treated in hospital and released the next day, but died
suddenly at his home two days later.

Dunks

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

From: REXGROOVI@aol.com
Message-ID: <7188a73c.36c0d0a4@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 19:19:48 EST
Subject: Greets

 It has been far to long since last I had written. Anyone know if the
Little express in Barrie is still up and running? usual blah blah
blah.. been fan since drums.. a DEVOTED fan since hearing "Knuckle down"
and a wonderful B side "Heaven's paved with broken glass" on college radio
... anyway... i have had a promo copi of Apple Venus since two weeks
ago...(it pays to keep in touch with ex co workers when you no longer work
someplace) . Of course after one listen. I was only slightly engrossed. But
as always (Nonesuch took 3 listens) the second time around I was so
absorbed the head phones stayed close for 2 more listens that night. I
think "dictionary " is obvious risque' enough to get some spins in
radio/video. Colin's "fruit nut" is a clever little charm on the brain. I'm
not as ingrossed with "river as orchid's" as others I seen but I'm sure
it''ll find a slot in my musical mind as I hum in the shower or while at
work."Greenman" is awesome! Anyway I cant wait to buy the CD/LP and get the
whole package. I have not seen the cover or any inserts and that alone is
worth the $15 I'll pay for each. I have not heard any demo's in over 5
years.  and if someone had access to quality copi's I'll be willing to
trade some of my extra copi's of LP's I've collected (I got UK version of
English Settlement on vinyl a few months back for only $3.99 silly record
stores. It's my 4 copi's on LP including a a cutout version of the US
release. I also have many 45's that I'd trade for demo's although my fav of
"No thug's" game-fold will never leave my record box. I work for a
distributor of Wise chips in Syracuse now and in one of my larger Grocery
accounts I have heard "King for a day ." I even remember hearing it in a
'Wendy's' many moons ago. Anyway I'm babbling' so bye for now....

Bill Goodfellow Syracuse
rexgroovi@aol.com

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

From: ERA1970@aol.com
Message-ID: <f431d72.36c0d0e6@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 19:20:54 EST
Subject: Fuzzy Warbles and the Colin Problem...

I read with great interest the mention of the forthcoming "all-demo" box
set, "Fuzzy Warbles."  However, it was also mentioned that very few demos
of Colin's songs are known to exist, as he threw them away some years ago.
Could anyone owning copies of these demos please contact Cooking Vinyl/TVT
Records/whoever so that this box set could be as complete as possible?  I
know you have them, but can you bear to part with them?  True, the novelty
of being the "only one on your block" to have them would be gone, but you
would make your fellow Chalkhillers (and, I suspect, Colin) extremely
happy.
Now, let's see who the "real fans" are.
Heh-heh.

Chris W

XTC song of the day-- "River Of Orchids"
Non-XTC song of the day-- "Psychotic Reaction" by Count Five

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

From: "Michael Harvey" <mdharvey@home.com>
Subject: Paul's Dictionary.....
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 19:18:21 -0500
Message-ID: <000101be548a$decdc580$8dfe0218@cc321554-a.mcmb1.mi.home.com>

Good day Chalkbabies,

In digest #5-84, Paul Culnane wrote:

Would any of you linguistically talented ones care to suggest a word which
is the feminine form of "phallic"?   For such word would certainly describe
the AV artwork!

Hmmmmm, I would tend to say "Sapphic". Anybody agree?

I want to add that I think it is the best artwork I've seen for an album in
maybe seven years. I don't think
I need to elaborate to anyone on this list.

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

Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 20:10:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Brian Whitman <bwhitman@WPI.EDU>
Subject: February 23.
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.4.10.9902092002560.29912-100000@wpi.WPI.EDU>

So, is this really the date? TVT thinks so, CDNow thinks so, why do I have
a feeling it's wrong?

I just downloaded 'I'd Like That' and heard my first new note of XTC since
the fade out at the end of "Books Are Burning." Oh Boy. I'd Like That if
someone could just fastforward time a bit to get to February 23rd.

Also: New Jason Falkner album, "Can You Still Feel?" is also set for Feb
23rd. That should be something else. And the new Built to Spill record,
which I've already heard and sounds lovely... same day. Mebbe the
Sugarplastic and Michael Penn both have works they're going to secretly
release that day as well. Then my head just will explode.

Excited. Damn this teasing technology.

Brian Whitman - bwhitman@wpi.edu
http://www.netspace.org/users/bwhitman
crudites: http://www.crudites.org

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

Message-ID: <19990210014439.24076.qmail@hotmail.com>
From: "* Hobbes *" <hazchem25@hotmail.com>
Subject: Aussie Venus
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 17:44:38 PST

Bad news Oz kids,

The Australian release date of Apple Venus has been held back until
March the 26th.  I got this straight from the distributors mouth.  Seven
years of waiting, and now this?  I'm just going to get the import! lol!

Incidentally how hard can Transistor Blast be to find down here?  I mean
if *Sanity* can order it in for you...

Lastly, And if anyone should know the feminine version of phallic it
would be you Culnane!  lol!  I'd dearly love the watch my XTC videos
again SOMETIME before the next millenium.  You've had them since
December 1995!  Get organised man!

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

Message-Id: <36C0E821.87427C15@bowdoin.edu>
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 21:00:06 -0500
From: Ben Gott/Loquacious Music <bgott@bowdoin.edu>
Organization: http://listen.to/loquacious
Subject: I Like It!

Chalkers,

My roommate Curtis was kind enough to download "I'd Like That" onto his
super zippy PC with surround sound, and we took a listen.  I was just
outside of heaven (St. Peter's gates?) until the amazing, astonishing "say
a sunflower..."  That pushed me over.  Holy shit.  It's glorious.  We
looked at each other, muttered the "F-word," and then proceeded to play the
song again.  And again.

Download it if you don't have it already!

-Ben

P.S.  TVT lists the release of this little gem as 2/23.
P.P.S.  Curtis is now going to buy "Apple Venus."

+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
    Benjamin Gott :: Bowdoin College :: Brunswick, Maine 04011
AOL Plan4Nigel :: Telephone (207) 721-5513 :: Mobile (207) 798-1859
If sand waves were sound waves / What song would be in the air now?
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+

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

End of Chalkhills Digest #5-85
******************************

Go back to Volume 5.

10 February 1999 / Feedback