Chalkhills Digest Volume 6, Issue 238
Date: Monday, 14 August 2000
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 6, Number 238
Monday, 14 August 2000
Topics:
Millard Powers
XTC Content!! (and more postings about buildings and food)
Final Note On Sampling & The CD
"Take Away" and "Go+" on Ebay
mummer, etc.
Jump the Cup
The New Gilbertian
I'm back
"lay your head.."
stupidly happy go lucky
Peripheral XTC content
bottoms up
Don't Give Up
Answering Todd's Judgement
Duets
Ants
When Mummer Came Out
Acoustic Tales cover art?
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Is the airplane sweeping low?
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 18:30:39 -0400 From: "Robert Cosentino" <robertlc@erols.com> Subject: Millard Powers Message-ID: <001b01c004ac$f2056620$ddc47ad1@robertco> Check this guy out... http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/68/millard_powers.html Rob Cosentino Nonsuch Productions Owner/Producer/Engineer http://listen.to/nonsuch
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 19:20:32 -0400
From: MinerWerks <dminer@gte.net>
Subject: XTC Content!! (and more postings about buildings and food)
Message-ID: <a04310100b5bb8680515e@[63.25.150.158]>
Keith Walker asks:
>XTC content: I have run across a copy of Big Express in a die-cut sleeve
>(it looks like a giant train wheel). Is this sufficiently rare to snap up?
>(I'm not a completeist, but I'm always looking for a good deal)
If you don't want it, I'll take it! :-) Honestly, I'm not sure what
the value of the said piece is (it would vary widely depending on
condition, I'd imagine), but my recent descent into the geeky world
of turntables and vinyl has got me jonesin' for some clean XTC
platters. I recently pulled out a 12" of "Mayor Of Simpleton" I got
as a gift and played the demos on side B - no surface noise
whatsoever! I was shocked...
--------
Harrison "Pass the Parmesan" Sherwood writes:
>Can we, just for fun, give names to these two warring elements? I think of
>the nervous guitar riff as an expression of Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt--FUD,
>for short. And because I'm a whimsical fucker, let's call the melody's
>impulse toward cheerfulness and normality Elmer. Thus, "Stupidly Happy" has
>at its center the tension between Elmer and FUD.
.
..
...
Harrison, could you remind us again which of your many talents is the
one that pays your bills?
(In other words, what do you do for a living?)
And for that matter, where are your:
A) influential and well-reviewed CDs?
B) copious tomes of fiction and non-fiction?
C) music school for tone-deaf XTC fans?
D) nationally syndicated newspaper column?
and
E) omelet cookbook?
= Derek "shocked and stunned" Miner = ("Yes, very stunned")
P.S. Anyone have an idea why my email program considers "B" and "D"
to be spelled correctly, but not "C" or "E"?
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 21:25:14 -0400 (EDT) From: Radios In Motion <radiosinmotion@iwon.com> Subject: Final Note On Sampling & The CD Message-ID: <380314615.966129917454.JavaMail.root@web193-iw> This is the last point I will bring up about sampling. A few of you have lumped all sampling in one group as if its all just, well ignorant. There are people like Puffy who use instrumentals and he has enough money to hire someone to write his music, but for some reason he prefers not to use too much talent, but there are lots of good groups that sample phrases and sounds. One of those groups is They Might Be Giants. The used tons of samples on their albums along with an old drum machine. I don't see how we can have a double standard with Rap. Michael Bolton can get a Grammy doing a cover of someone's song, but a Rap artists who uses a sample and makes a whole song out of a loop is considered talent-less. I think recycling a beat takes a lot more skill then merely doing a cover! Regardless, when it comes to just a instrumental I agree with you, but not when it comes to pieces of other songs. To me it shows a sign of respect to the artist it borrows from just as a cover does. I am making a double CD containing a bunch of Rap from the past 25 years and am putting the stuff you would not hear on the radio (and to give a wholistic perspective, I may also put a few of the more popular stuff/terrible stuff as well) just so you can at least give it a try. I am willing to trade as well. Recently someone offered me a country CD and I am going to try it. I don't mean listen while clicking the forward button on my CD player either! I am going to listen to nothing but the country CD for a week so I can develop an honest opinion rather than an armchair critic opinion.
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 01:58:08 -0400 From: David Gershman <dagersh@pobox.com> Subject: "Take Away" and "Go+" on Ebay Message-ID: <4.2.0.58.20000813015021.00990970@smtp.netway.com> Hi Chalkhillions, Just wanted to let interested parties know that I just put up a couple of hard-to-find XTC vinyl items up for bid on Ebay: Mr. Partridge's "Take Away" (rare white-label version) and XTC's "Go+" EP. Both are in near-mint playing condition. Please have a look-see: Take Away: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=408313296 Go+: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=408314692 For those of you not up-to-date on these platters, the two of them contain most of what you now can only find on the "Explode Together" CD. Both auctions end late on August 19. Have fun! Dave Gershman
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 22:32:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Thomas Long <thlong@interchange.ubc.ca> Subject: mummer, etc. Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.4.21.0008122143150.20010-100000@inch.interchange.ubc.ca> Venusians: For all those who love Mummer, I salute you. It's the easiest of their recordings to dismiss (with the possible exception of Go2), but it has buckets of character. I definitely remember where I was when the album "clicked" for me: riding a bus along the drenched streets of Vancouver, a snotty 19 year old mod in '83 (still mourning the breakup of my beloved Jam), miles from a walkman, with Human Alchemy ringing in my head. Songs that seemed so difficult to embrace suddenly fell into place when I was able to wrap my ears around Human Alchemy's arrangement. I still rank Ladybird as one of their best melodies; Funk Pop a Roll's lyrics should be required reading for any aspiring musician; and the end of Deliver Us From the Elements continues to scare the bejesus outta me. Human Alchemy was actually a watershed tune for me in another way as well: the first "weird" track I actually "got". Suddenly, a whole bunch of music that I'd dismissed as horribly unfashionable came crashing in. And now I look back at my beloved Jam as rather silly... all bowling shoes, pant creases, and stupid haircuts. The Jam were great for a teenager in search of an identity who'd missed the 60's, but fairly destructive in terms of broadening one's outlook. The torch was passed to XTC, and damn if they haven't dropped it since! Thomas
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 20:40:25 -0400 (EDT) From: Brian Whitman <bwhitman@crudites.org> Subject: Jump the Cup Message-ID: <Pine.BSF.4.10.10008132039260.26768-100000@othala.pair.com> Can anyone tell me the origin of the song "Jump the Cup"? What I hear is a shortish instrumental with (synth?) strings and a whistley lead. Is this XTC and when did they do this and for what? Thanks! -Brian -- Brian Whitman bwhitman@crudites.org Crudites Sound Ventures
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 15:43:43 -0700 (PDT) From: pancho artecona <partecona@yahoo.com> Subject: The New Gilbertian Message-ID: <20000813224343.2919.qmail@web217.mail.yahoo.com> Well, thanks to all of you who have kept mentioning Kevin Gilbert I started listening to his stuff and well....consider me among the converted. Quite the pop songster and an incredible musician-facile with so many styles its uncanny. Thanks again. And recently someone stated that Neil Young's songs would never be used for sales purposes.....well just the other day I heard a ditty that said I want to give, I want to live, and I'm searching for a Trojan Gold keep me searching for a Trojan Gold before I get cold I guess EVERYONE is for sale after all. I was rather flabbergasted when I heard Lipshitz Kravitz' tune about Flying away for a car commercial 'while the song was still a hit' but then I heard Blur for another car and realized its all kind of the same, so much for my pithy moral superiority. I'm an amoral cur anyhow. At least the estate of Nick Drake is making some money..... Anyway, my misheard lyric is still Napalm instead of Maypole. Pancho XPRXTCFAN
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 21:18:16 -0700 From: jbkxtc@ev1.net Subject: I'm back Message-ID: <00d301c005a6$ae1510a0$0a525d3f@sony.com> Hi all, So, you probably didn't even notice I was gone, but I've been mostly incommunicado for a month or so due to work and the fab International Pop Overthrow festival. But I'm back and a new e-mail address named in honor of the band we all know and love. Okay, I need some advice & info from my fellow Chalkhillians across the pond. I'm coming to London mid-September but will only be in town about three days. The fourth day will be spent in Bristol and HOPEFULLY in Swindon but the rest of the time will be in London and I need recommendations on record stores. I know and have been before to the usual haunts - Tower in Picadilly Circus, HMV and Virgin on Oxford or New Oxford or whatever that street is. BUT, I'm looking for the cool, used or new stores where I can look for goodies. Feel free to send your picks off list. XTC content: In two unlikely places here in L.A. I've heard XTC playing over the in-store music system. First it was "King for a Day" in the 24 hour Rexall Drugs in West L.A. and then "Senses Working Overtime" in a sporting goods store in Marina Del Rey. How great is that? More later and thanks in advance for any record store advice, John
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 12:12:30 -0700 From: "J & J Greaves" <jgreaves@rapidnet.net> Subject: "lay your head.." Message-ID: <200008131924.MAA13169@mail.rapidnet.net> Check out this info FYI: http://emrs.chm.bris.ac.uk/morris/CClarke/GREENMAN.HTM
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 15:21:47 -0500 From: "William Sherlock" <bdsherlock@earthlink.net> Subject: stupidly happy go lucky Message-ID: <41200080132021470@earthlink.net> This afternoon my dear wife informed me that she just loves the song "Wounded Horse". "It's a good wailing along song", she said. She also likes SIFJ. These are probably the two least listened to songs on WS for me, but I'll take what I can get, that is after I pick myself up off of the floor. I know now how you feel Annamarie. She even confessed that she put the disc on and listened to it while I was out listening to... (General Public. Now, there's a band I haven't heard in a while. It may be time to go get that disc from the cabinet....) Yes, Erik, they're back (or at least Dave Wakeling is). Saw them at the Metro in Chicago, hard by Wrigley Field, on Friday last. Actually they should have billed themselves as English Beat as that made up the vast majority of the set list. Probably for the best, and it was truly a rockin' show. Bill Sherlock "I should be in bed, I need my 11 hours. I'm a real sleep addict. I started off just napping. Then I got into the harder stuff...siestas. Before I knew what was happening I was a sleep junkie." Andy Partridge, Melody Maker, 8-18-79
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 18:55:23 -0400 From: "squirrelgirl" <squirrelgirl@hitter.net> Subject: Peripheral XTC content Message-ID: <000301c00579$918a1020$1b48c0cf@meredith-s> Howdy 'Hillians - Yes, I'm a techno-idiot, and I'd like YOUR help in becoming a thieving heathen. My computer at work has a CDR-W so I thought I'd download Vee-tube's MP3 files. Got them converted to .wav files and all but am having difficulty writing them to disc - the error message is something about the buffer, which seems like the computer isn't giving the info to the CDR fast enough. The solution to this problem is beyond my limited computer knowledge (in fact, it took me most of the afternoon to get as far as I did, including defragging de frigging computer to see if that would help!) I got as far as looking to make sure my computer and my CDR have "disconnect" enabled, as per the instructions in the CDR manual, but I'm stuck now, and having listened to Candy Mine, I want a portable version! Please e-mail me off list if you can provide some assistance, or if you want to chastise me for my descent into the hellish life of computer crime. Thank you! SG NP: Nonsuch
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 14:07:41 +1100 From: SEBASTIEN MAURY 02 9950 3315 <maury.sebastien@abc.net.au> Subject: bottoms up Message-ID: <200008140416.OAA0000030572@inmail01.abc.net.au> For the curious: my take on the French article below if this: "If you search for "XTC.com" on the web, you come across...a porn site. Too bad if you were after info on the British group XTC. But actually, it's not so bad, given AP and CM's earthy sense of humour. No-one produces pop like XTC any more; in fact not even XTC themselves do. It would be lying to deny that they have yet to hit their peak (the unsurpassable English Settlement). This, their 12th album, gives them a chance to relive their glory days. The guitars, salvaged from the attic, tear apart with glee the bucolic lace which was the specialty of the house of XTC. Quand on tape XTC.com sur le web, on ichoue sur... un site de cul. >Tant pis pour les infos sur le duo brittanique. Mais au fond, ce >n'est pas si mal trouvi, tant l'humeur d'Andy Partridge et Colin >Moulding s'affiche printaniere. Personne ne fabrique plus de la pop >comme XTC. Pas mime eux puisqu'on mentirait en soutenant que leurs >plus riches heures (l'indipassable English Settlement de 1982) n'ont >pas dija sonies. Ce douzieme album leur donne l'occasion de >s'encanailler comme aux plus beaux jours. Sorties du grenier, les >guitares dichirent a plaisir la dentelle bucolique don't la maison >XTC s'etait fait une spicialiti. I particularly loved Altavista's translation of "cul" as "bottom". The mind boggles. Cheers, Seb.
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 10:57:41 +0200 From: Bergmaier Klaus <klaus.bergmaier@maxonline.at> Subject: Don't Give Up Message-ID: <41E0B760C85AD3119BE200E0291B6EE5057BF2@NTSRV> Dear all! I like "All of a Sudden", you're not the only one, Dave. I like Squeeze's "Dominoe", just to let you know. It's much better than its predecessor. I absolutely love Ringo's song "Photograph". It always makes me cry. I will never give up on: XTC Yes (although it's getting harder now) Genesis (maybe they give up themslves) Beatles and their solo stuff King Crimson (+Belew) Ultravox Big Apple (my own band. Listen to them on West Beatown!) Depeche Mode Human League Soundgarden Kate Bush Alice in Chains Cud Jars of Clay Trip Shakespeare Oregon All the best from Austria Klaus http://www.charm.net/~duke/xtc/beatown2.html Soundfiles: http://www.charm.net/~duke/xtc/apple.aif http://www.charm.net/~duke/xtc/apple2.aif
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 06:07:39 -0400 (EDT) From: Radios In Motion <radiosinmotion@iwon.com> Subject: Answering Todd's Judgement Message-ID: <380293229.966247662816.JavaMail.root@web184-iw> First, let me address a few of your statements: "Then why do you insist on constantly bringing up politics in this forum?" No, someone else brought up politics, I only responded and added some of my own comments. I have never initiated a conversation about politics on this list, or any other thing for that matter. "And if you're going to consistently make such sweeping generalizations about people -- which you've done the whole time you've been here, no matter what subject matter you're on about or what name you've called yourself while on the list -- why are you so sensitive when people call you on it?" First, I have not made "sweeping generalizations" on this list other than those regarding the politics. I agree, they were "sweeping generalizations" and maybe I should have worded that whole post differently, but then again, I never called anyone an ass, or an asshole for that matter for stating their opinion, whether I felt they were wrong or not. To me, that is unexcusable and childish. Finally, I changed my name because I changed my email address on the list. The only name I call myself is "Brian." Radios In Motion is my Band name and email address, which is the only reason I use that. At this point, I am used to seeing "RIM" or "Radios" when looking through the list, so I kept that as the name in my mail program. I will no longer talk politics because I do not want to argue. I just want to meet likeminded people on this list and I am sorry if my post infuriates you that much. If you, or anyone would like to speak, or argue off list (maybe we can both vent our frustrations in a more appropriate place) email me at radiosinmotion@iwon.com. I'm sorry if my opinions offended anyone on this list. I was just speaking my mind. Oh, and I am by no means a "Moderate." I am very liberal, I just don't agree with everything that some liberals stand for. I don't think its fair if I speak out and criticize republicans or democrats if I don't at least look at liberals as well. The same thing goes for everything I have always stood for. When I was a young Punk, I did not like most punks. I like to be critical of what I believe so that I can either strengthen or weaken my own beliefs; thus changes are made and I become a better person. End. If you want to speak to me, rather than flaming me on the list, which in my opinion is worse than the initial argument in the first place, just email me so we can keep this off the list so crap like this does not end up taking up space any more. Whether you want to flame me or just expand on something I said, I don't think this belongs on the list. I looked back today at all the topics since I have been here the past few months and even a few months back and it seems that the same pattern goes on. There is a whole history with this list it seems. It goes like this: 1. Someone say's something or states an opinion about something, whether its XTC related or not. (something like, "Wasp Star Sucks") 2. Someone else gets bothered about that persons opinion and tries to prove that person is wrong. (No it doesn't) 3. Somehow, this starts a domino affect and a bunch of people start arguing there points and the whole list argues for a few weeks. 4. Somehow, 1 argument leads to several other arguments and no one wins until its all dropped and someone bitches about all the off topic stuff. 5. The list gets back on topic and is fine for about 2 or 3 digests when all of a sudden, we are back to square 1! I'm sorry for my contribution to the crap on this list and I will stop now and will no longer get into debates on this list. I can see why this list should be kept on topic. I think we should all go out and join other lists as well as chalkhills and no longer share any opinions about anything that is not related to XTC on this list. I hate to say this because I liked some of the off topic conversations. Because of it, I am going to be introduced to Country music (which I still don't like, but am open to listening to it). I have also been introduced to some artists I had never listened to before that I now love. However, it does not seem to go anywhere and does more harm then good. In no way am I any authority on this list and I am not telling anyone what to do. I am only saying that it might be better to limit some of these off topic arguments. Maybe we should all make an effort to try and keep everything off list. If we do post something off topic, we should include our email addresses so we can keep the arguments (and flames) off list and on list we can focus on meeting XTC fans and chatting about the future of our favorite band. I hope those of you bothered by my politics will forgive me and take this as it is; A serious attempt to get back on topic and apologize for anything that I said that disturbed anyone. Thank you. (Now this post was moderate!)
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 06:51:24 -0500 From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net> Subject: Duets Message-ID: <l03130301b5b99626360a@[208.13.202.196]> >Regarding Andy's appearance the "The List" - does anyone else think that >Andy would make a great guest on the "Politically Incorrect" show? I >wish I could somehow influence them to do this but alas, I am only "one >of the millions'.... Andy was mismatched that week. Weird Al Yankovic has been hosting the show this week, and has had some very interesting, personable and funny guests(also closer to Andy's age!)such as Emo Phillips(one of the best comedians still alive, IMO), Jackie Collins(I can't stand her books, but she was actually pretty cool), Bill Mumy,(Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!) and Teri Garr. Lat night the subject was What is your dream duet? Which got me thinking of who Andy or Colin would be an appropriate duet with. Does Erica Wexler sing? Weird Al himself was very personable and funny, and thrilled to be hanging with these people, some of which he undoubtedly had something to do with inviting on the show(Emo Philips has a role on UHF, his late 80's cult movie). Something tells me he and Andy would be a better mix than that idiot who was hosting the week that Andy was on. Some very interesting duets were suggested, such as Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson by Bill Mumy(dang! why hasn't that happened?)and Annie Lennox and Dr John by Teri Garr. Those two would definitely be guests at my hypothetical dinner party of the stars. Christopher R. Coolidge Homepage at http://homepages.together.net/~cauldron/homepage.html
------------------------------ Date: 14 Aug 2000 11:51:00 +0100 From: "Robert Wood" <Robert.Wood@mutech.co.uk> Subject: Ants Message-ID: <00003748@mutech.co.uk> Organization: Mutech Ltd >> Has anyone noticed the similarity between the chorus melodies of XTC's Melt The Guns' and Prince Charming' by Adam & The Ants? << Yes! My friend Dave has, he points it out every time I play Melt the Guns. The git! <g>
------------------------------ Date: 14 Aug 2000 11:48:00 +0100 From: "Robert Wood" <Robert.Wood@mutech.co.uk> Subject: When Mummer Came Out Message-ID: <00003747@mutech.co.uk> Organization: Mutech Ltd Warren was asking what we thought when Mummer came out. I was shocked to find she was gay, but then again it was the early '80s and people weren't as liberal as they are now. If she came out now, people wouldn't bat an eyelid. Oh. Sorry. You meant the album. Actually, I was fairly dissappointed when it came out, (after all the previous release *was* one of the greatest albums ever recorded!) but listened to it a lot anyway. It grew on me, with standout tracks being Farmboy, Great Fire and the last four tracks. I remember especially the last four tracks really capturing my imagination and loved the bit that joins Loving Memory and Me and the Wind; what really worried me though was the "buy buy" at the end of Funk Pop a Roll, I thought Andy was singing "bye bye". With Terry leaving I thought Andy was saying that's it, game's over. I was mightily relieved when Big Express came out. I only ever really listen to the last four tracks now, I think they are all awesome tracks that would make it on to any XTC compilation. Ladybird is a superb track that many people who don't like XTC seem to enjoy. :-) Some of Andy and Colin's best lyrics on those four tracks IMHO. Rob.
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 10:59:39 -0400 From: Tom Paluzzi <tmp@tmp.mv.com> Subject: Acoustic Tales cover art? Message-ID: <007001c00600$454ec250$9606c90a@btrd.bostontechnology.com> Hi... Does anybody have the color cover art of the Acoustic Tales cd that they could send me?? Thanks, Tom
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #6-238 *******************************
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