Chalkhills Digest Volume 7, Issue 17
Date: Tuesday, 13 March 2001
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 7, Number 17
Tuesday, 13 March 2001
Topics:
News from the Frontlines
New fun! The XTC satisfaction poll
WS HS
Kiss my aura, Dora
Bungalow in the Jungalow
Just dropping in for a quick....something....
Better Than Them
Nonsvch and such
Too Nice To Be Naughty??
Mr. Blackwell's best dressed list
Mummerrrr...
Re: Caped Crusaders
Not John
URGH OP ORK AHH AHH! That Means I love you!
Wounded Clothes Horse
nun sense
RE: Zap me vitals . . .
No More Horsing Around
Saving the children (through Kirlian Photography)
Who do you love?
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If you never, ever kiss it / How you ever gonna miss it?
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2001 19:11:33 -0800 (PST) From: Jon Rosenberger <wile1coyote@yahoo.com> Subject: News from the Frontlines Message-ID: <20010311031133.1971.qmail@web123.yahoomail.com> Allo All, First a question. On Guitargonauts, Mark shows that Shigemasa of Wonderland Fame and XTC Translator extrodinaire has emigrated to Canada. Anyone know how to get a hold of him? Or what the scoop is? New Job? Temporary transfer? etc.. Secondly, Siren CD finally shows the Homegrown release date and gives some additional info. Homegrown (+2) JAPAN, CD $27.99 22 song Japanese edition includes bonus tracks "Didn't Hurt A Bit" & "Bumpercars". Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 19-Mar-01. This had an original ship date of 2/21 so hopefully it gets issued when they say it will. Only ten days away now. Thirdly, The reissue puzzle pieces are starting to fall into place. Siren also lists this info about the upcoming reissues. Their prices are nearly $15 cheaper than what I have seen from my Japaneese sources. Big Express JAPAN, CD $18.99 Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 19-May-01 Black Sea JAPAN, CD $18.99 Digitally remastered 16 track release in miniature LP sleeve package. Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 9-Apr-01 Drums & Wires JAPAN, CD $18.99 Digitally remastered 15 track release in miniature LP sleeve package. Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 9-Apr-01 English Settlement JAPAN, CD $18.99 Digitally remastered 15 track release in miniature LP sleeve package. Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 9-Apr-01 Go 2 JAPAN, CD $18.99 Digitally remastered 13 track release in miniature LP sleeve package. Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 9-Apr-01 Mummer JAPAN, CD $18.99 Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 19-May-01 Nonsuch JAPAN, CD $18.99 Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 19-May-01 Oranges & Lemons JAPAN, CD $18.99 Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 19-May-01 Skylarking JAPAN, CD $18.99 Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 19-May-01 White Music JAPAN, CD $18.99 Digitally remastered 18 track Japanese release in minature LP sleeve package. Country: JAPAN. Release Date: 9-Apr-01 It appears there will be roughly a 50/50 break of the albums into two release dates. Older stuff first. What I just realized this morning is I don't see the Dukes "Chips" CD here. I am suprised it wasn't reissued with these, maybe it will be later. Japaneese releases normally predate UK\Worldwide releases by about two weeks. So these should be available worldwide starting around April 23. I do believe the Miniature LP Sleeve packaging will be a Japan only option though. Next. Marty wrote in a while back about his new Drums and Wires LP with the "Made in the EEC" label on the back. I have confirmed that this is a NEW reissue release on VINYL. Hopefully just the start. Wouldn't it be great if Virgin Germany reissued all the LPs on vinyl? Preferably some of that great 180g stuff that Cooking Vinyl used on the last few releases. Ah yes! Such a sweet dream. ;) One last item, I purchased yesterday (but haven't received yet) a Japaneese Counter Stand for the Playground CD Single. More info when I get it. Cheers all and have a great weekend. Mole With visions of cd releases dancing round his head like a Helicopter. PS: While I am here......Mummer has been my second favorite xtc album since about 1986. My favorite always changes, sometimes it is even Mummer. But Mummer is always number two. For me it is as close to the perfect lp as XTC have ever gotten. It isn't always the one I want to listen too right now. But I always know I will want to soon. What is really great about this place is that we all have our own Mummers. Each one of us has an XTC album that we love. Something that connects with our own worlds, our thoughts, dreams and desires. I'm so glad to share this place with you and to share this band with you. Funk Pop A Roll, lifts up my soul. But so does Chalkhills and so do you my chalking bretheren. Have a good week. And Hey, Hey be careful out there.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 01:24:35 EST
From: KINGSTUNES@aol.com
Subject: New fun! The XTC satisfaction poll
Message-ID: <e3.11858c98.27dc7423@aol.com>
Chalkers & Chalkettes,
All of this banter about Nonsuch & Mummer & which albums are the best has me
perplexed. Sigh! (see what I mean?) I have always thought of each of their
albums as substantially good to great, with a couple of clunkers. Any of
this is subjective, of course, as one man's clunker is another's 'it don't
suck'-er. But really, on a whole, ya gotta admit that XTC's output is pretty
damn consistent. And that truly don't suck.
So I revved up the old noodle a came up with a good waste of time idea fer
y'all. What I came up with is this; a satisfaction rating for each record
based on the percentage of songs that you would consider acceptable to great
vrs. what you feel are the clunkers. Sort of a somewhat scientific method to
determine what, to you, are the best albums. An objective approach to your
subjectivity, if you will.
And as I'm sure you're anxiously awaiting, here's mine.
What I did was take every officially released XTC album from Drums & Wires to
Wasp Star, identified what I personally felt were clunkers that I could do
without, took the number of those and divided it by the total number of songs
on the album.
I then removed the decimal point, rounded out the number to two digits, and
subtracted it from 100 for the percentage of acceptable listening for the
album, which I refer to as the satisfaction ratio.
I did not include White Music and Go2, as for me personally they are dated
albums that I have no desire to listen to on a regular basis, even though
they contain some gems. (That's my personal thing; if any of you feel
strongly about those albums and want to try this, knock youself out!) I also
did not include the Dukes, as those records were not offical XTC releases,
and for the most part are a goof, albeit an exquisite one. (Again, my
choice. Keep yer feathers unruffled!) With the ones that were originally on
vinyl, I did not include any of the add ons to the CD reissues, being the
silly purist that I am.
Here's what I came up with:
Drums & Wires -
11 songs total
Clunkers - Outside World, Helicopter
SR (Satisfaction ratio) - 82%
Black Sea -
11 songs total
Clunkers - Sgt. Rock
SR - 91%
English Settlement -
15 songs
Clunkers - Knuckle Down, Down in the Cockpit
SR - 87%
Mummer -
10 songs
Clunkers - none (I'm on the fence about Wonderland, but not enough to
chuck it)
SR - %100
Big Express -
11 songs
Clunkers - Everday Story of Smalltown
SR - 91%
Skylarking, pre-Dear God vinyl
14 songs
Clunkers - none
SR - 100%
Skylarking, w/ Dear God
14 songs
Clunkers - Dear God
SR - 93%
Oranges & Lemons
15 songs
Clunkers - President Kill
SR - 94%
Nonsuch
18 songs
Clunkers - Smartest Monkeys, War Dance
SR - 89%
AV1
11 songs
Clunkers - Fruit Nut, Your Dictionary
SR 82%
Wasp Star
12 songs
Clunker - Boarded Up
SR - 92%
So now, by percentage, I can now list the albums by the satisfacton ratio:
100% - Skylarking (pre-Dear God), Mummer
94% - Oranges & Lemons
93% - Skylarking w/Dear God
92% - Wasp Star
91% - Black Sea, Big Express
89% - Nonsuch
87% - English Settlement
82% - Drums & Wires, AV1
The strange thing is that albums like WS are near the top while English
Settlement is near the bottom, which is the opposite of how I feel about them
in general. And I would never have suspected Mummer ranking with Skylarking.
That's probably because of the dispersal of what I think of as their really
great songs.
But all & all, with not more that an 18% distance between the top to the
bottom,
I'd give XTC very high marks for consistent listener satisfaction.
Anyyways, if any of you want to do this and send me your results, I can tab
them up and get an average for everyone. Do so offline, please. Depending
on how many of you rush my box with salivating enthusiasm, I'll let you know
a deadline for entries. If you do the CD reissue versions with the add ons,
be sure to include them in the total if you're going to asses them.
Send them to: Kingstunes@aol.com
Now if you do this, let's not get into arguments over the songs, please!
What you think about my choices for clunkers doesn't matter. Think of what
*you* would leave off the album for your own ratings. No fights, please,
especially in my mailbox. If you want to have a clunker debate, make it
another thread. Thank you.
Or if you think it's time for all of us get a life, no argument there. I
won't hold my breath.
Your discrimate servant,
TK
"Anyone who sees and paints a sky green and pastures blue ought to be
sterilized."
-Adolf Hitler
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 16:23:40 +0900 From: "John Boudreau" <aso1@mocha.ocn.ne.jp> Subject: WS HS Message-ID: <000301c0aa05$ac678e00$735791d2@johnboud> Greetings from Aso , I have ONE unopened Japanese LE " Wasp Star " ; and ONE like new Japanese " Homespun " ( 2 CD ) for sale . If interested please contact me off list . Cheers , Sushiman
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 10:39:01 -0500 From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net> Subject: Kiss my aura, Dora Message-ID: <l03130300b6d145b432fe@[206.231.24.83]> >>>Subject: need 126 color cartridge film >>>Any leads would be great. My Kirlian camera runs on this film type > >>Your WHAT?? > >That was my response. > >>A) Just wondered how *exactly* this relates XTC? > >And that's what I wondered, too... > >>B) You can't be serious? > >Oh, it wouldn't surprise me. There's an awful lot of uncritical thinking >going on in the world today. >Has anyone heard of infrared light? A nice warm, human body puts out a lot >of this. Gee, I wonder if this is what 'Kirlian photography' - if it >exists - is capturing. Hello! > >>>it was discontinued > >>(... presumably due to lack of demand in this quadrant of the galaxy) > >My camera doesn't use it, and I've never run across anyone who has one who >does... > >>>and I'm looking for old stock (it must exist somewhere). > >>Have you tried www.flakeypseudoscience.com? I've had my aura photographed; kirilian photography is as exact a science as any other, it's just not accepted by all scientists. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. That said, it's not something I take as gospel truth either. The fact that we used to think you couldn't split the atom and now thanks to Einsteinian physics we know we can isn't something I think about every day either. There are two things in life for me as far as what's true, what I accept and understand to be true and what I don't understand yet. At least 90% of what comes out of the so-called New Age movement is poorly researched crap; I'm interested in the remaining 10%. My problem isn't with Kirilian photography, it's with people taking a potentially interesting idea for cutting edge research(such as Kirilian photography) and take it to its illogical lunatic conclusion; when they start spouting jargon that I don't understand and I'm not sure they do, that's where they lose me. But by all means, check out some of the 10%; I've been doing Hatha Yoga off and on for all my adult life(20 years), and if it weren't for the chiropractors I've seen(both network and traditional) I'd be walking around like a bent old man from multiple broken ribs in a car accident a number of years ago. There's also some very interesting research being done by various Spiritualist churches and organisations around the world that offers ways you can verify with your physical five senses that the human personality continues to exist beyond the change called death and can communicate with its loved ones left behind if they pay attention in the correct way. The question is, what burden of proof is required for true science? If you mean in a laboratory, can't help you there, which is why some sciences reject parapsychology as a true science. The point being, keep an open mind, but by all means be cynical about human nature. Leave it to human beings to take a good idea and take it to some weird place which makes no sense. For those who are skeptics and atheists, take heart, Buddhists are effectively atheists too. You don't need to believe in a SkyGod to believe in a guiding scientific principle to human existence, and you don't even need to understand it. I'm sure Andy understands that, as a skeptic who greatly reveres the natural world. There is such a thing as natural law, including the laws of physics and other laws that are somewhat more esoteric. It's a good thing to be skeptical and incredulous, skeptics tend to understand better once they do accept something. Christopher R. Coolidge "The bad news is, there is no key to the universe. The good news is, it has been left unlocked." -Swami Beyondananda
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 13:22:21 -0500 From: mitch friedman <mitchf@mindspring.com> Subject: Bungalow in the Jungalow Message-ID: <v03007800b6d1700fb5a5@[165.121.74.59]> Peoples, I liked "Bungalow" the first time I heard it and I'm positive it's because it could be a vintage late '60s-ish Ray Davies outtake. It's in the same league as "End of the Season", "Young and Innocent Days", "Village Green", "Rosie Won't You Please Come Home", etc. Mitch
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 12:32:16 -0600 From: "Amanda Owens" <daveizgod@hotmail.com> Subject: Just dropping in for a quick....something.... Message-ID: <F70HXC9xubfedlMAUGY00008a68@hotmail.com> *Slight pause whilst I dust off my keyboard* *Choke choke* TOO MUCH CHALK DUST! Dear God, how long has it been since I've graced these hallowed halls? It's been too long since I've even read one, me senses have been working overtime at me delightful job! (Nothing like ten hour days to keep the pocketbook happy) What in the world has been going on in the land of XTC? I had finally buckled down and purchased Wasp Star, but as sad as it is to say, I was sorely disappointed. Maybe it comes from my unwavering alliance to Our Man Skinflint, Senor Gregory, but not being able to hear his crafty guitarmanship (if such a word exists, it does now) just brought the whole experience down for me. Or maybe it came from the fact that I found the demos to be better. Or maybe it's because my musical tastes of late have been involving, or de-volving, depending on which way you look at it. (Ah yes, AMANDA has been sucked into the vortex of buggle gum pop-dom, let's all nail her to her cross right now.) But I must say it is fantastic to see so many familiar names keeping alive the pride of Swindon. I really miss taking the piss out of everyone and getting into my little debates over completely trivial nonsense and frippery. So with that, I shall depart for now. Heed my words: be good, be real, and behave! Amanda C. "Hates Crash Test Dummies forevermore" Owens XTC song of the day-Obscene Procession non-XTC song of the day-Lay Down Beside Me-A band that shall go un-named for fear of stirring up severe ire amongst fellow 'hillians
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 19:00:16 -0000 From: "pop boy" <powerpopboy67@hotmail.com> Subject: Better Than Them Message-ID: <F222iLdElsBt8sBjukJ000056da@hotmail.com> chalksters, If even the worse tracks that xtc have written are better than any other band has ever produced (as is often tediously commented upon on this list) why dont people put all their most disliked tracks onto one cd and listen to it?
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 17:03:04 -0400 From: Andrew Boyle <uscolor@uscolor.com> Subject: Nonsvch and such Message-ID: <v04210100b6d18de4f807@[192.168.0.3]> I was going to keep quite, but... The first time I heard XTC that I remember well was the Senses video on MTV. My buddy bought the album and we listened to it with out girlfriends while waiting for 4th of July near the Orlando International Airport (been having too many flashback with too much clarity recently. I blame Angie K. P. Another day.). Loved them ever since. Especially, TBE, Skylarking, & Oranges & Lemons. TBE had bits of it on almost every tape I made for driving and working. Love it much-ly. Skylarking. Same. In a moment of role reversal I played it for my buddy and his wife (same buddy, different gal) who remarked, "Wow. This is great, Rob. We need to get it!". Another sale for the band. Oranges & Lemons marked a major point in my life. I was living alone for the first time. No roommates no strings. Me and music and books and movies. I played O&L until my neighbors started putting in complaints to the management. I always wore headphones so I could cranks up the tunes and some times strum along. Turns out I was keeping time with my feet so hard it was mimicking a bass sub-woofer to these poor folks! Then, along comes Nonsvch. I was in giddy anticipation as I carried home my 2nd actual CD I had ever owned (me, the vinyl snob) and plopped it in and...egad! What the hell? Here, I was waiting for O&L, the Sequel. I can't remember if I gave up after Humble Daisy or The Disappointed. I tried. Really. About 3 more times. Maybe it was the woman I was seeing at the time. Maybe the long hours? Maybe the company of Mr. James Beam? Dunno. My head just wasn't ready for it. I put the disc in "Maybe later" box and promptly forgot about it. Fast forward about 7 years. One of my least favorite songs from O&L was Chalkhills and Children. (Relax, I said WAS). How ironic that a site named after that song restores my faith in all things XTC. So, after all of this time and having devoured Wasp Star (AV barely registered in my head even though I own it and listened to it often. Kids do that to me), I found the box that Nonsvch was in. I listened. I kicked myself. How could I have let this poor little gem sit so neglected? It is a great album. I think I would still put it in the 2nd tier that Chris Vreeland proposed. My highlighted notes: Always loved PPH. To me, since I listened backwards, Dear Madam Barnum sounds like TMWML. Try it: Dear Madam Barnum, I resign as clown. I-i-i-i-i-ii-i'm The Man Who Murdered Love Smartest Monkey is Sting joined by Yess in the middle. Disappointed The Beach Boys (which I fairly detest. Maybe it is a East Coast/West Coast thing?) Rook. Like it a lot. Omnibus. Ditto. That Wave. At first listen, I couldn't take it. That delivery! But I get roped in just to hear the solo. Vgly Vnderneath. ELO. The rest I like. They just didn't bring up a real strong thought. I could do without War Dance, Bungalow, Books Are Burning and probably Crocodile. There. I said it. * ___________________________________________ Because I can, Ben wrote >If you all wait long enough, you might be privy to my latest "side project": >a bubblegum/teenpop album released under the moniker The Carry Nations. >(Isn't that a great name for a band? So who's going to tell me that it's >already been taken?) Found at allmusic.com: AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Carry Nation's 1990 self-titled debut mixes the band's overwrought retro-hippie leanings with the occasional pop nugget. -- Jason Ankeny Rollingstone.com doesn't know who they are/were. CDNow.com doesn't even have a bio for them. Which I find odd. We had a local bar round these parts called Carry Nation's. And I think a rock band. Wanna see her hammer? http://www.kshs.org/cool2/coolcary.htm * ___________________________________________ More catching up later. Andrew "I'm off to shoot the Lizarts again" Boyle Orlando, FL Curious? http://www.lizart.org/liz_sightings.htm P.S. Great Shuttle launch last Thursday, eh?
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 23:03:22 +0000 From: Steve.Pitts@i-tcs.com Subject: Too Nice To Be Naughty?? Message-ID: <OF74FB6666.1673A53D-ON80256A0C.007E885B@thesaurus-computers.co.uk> Chalkfolks, In #7-15 Rory Wilsher stated, of Washaway on the cassette version of TBE: > It's not listed as a bonus track. Neither are the other two < There was a sticker on the outside of my copy, but I can't find any mention on the 'sleeve' either Ryan Anthony asked: > What is Chalkhills Nation's SECOND-favorite band? < If you insist on 'band' I'd have to say Squeeze. Artist would be Roy Harper Smudge asked, of Ian Dury's 'Reasons To Be Cheerful': > Were the lyrics on the album sleeve < Since that track was never (to the best of my knowledge) on an album, I'd rather doubt it :) The only CD that I have with it on, 'Jukebox Dury', doesn't have any lyrics either. Many moons ago I had an advert snipped from one of the old-style UK music newspapers (probably Sounds) which had the full lyrics in a rebus format (ie. with sundry words replaced by pictures). However, I've had a dig through all the likely places for me to have kept such an artefact, and I can't find it :(( There is a version on the web (try http://www.btinternet.com/~david.wassell/iandury/lyrics/reasons.html) but it is incomplete and inaccurate. I'd be happy to contribute my 'wisdom' to a team-effort deciphering the words, so contact me off list if you'd like some assistance Cheers, Steve
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 11 Mar 2001 23:50:16 -0600 (CST) From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: Mr. Blackwell's best dressed list Message-ID: <200103120550.XAA111867272@smtppop2pub.verizon.net> Virginia asked if anyone knew what Mummers wore (when they weren't prancing about in *my* snappy togs, that is!) I posted a bit about Mummers (ENGLISH RITUAL DRAMA-Mummers Plays) back in October, to coincide with the most beloved of all holidays, Mummer Day (that's October 17th, kids!) Here is an excerpt: "Traditionally performers were always men, even when a female character was required. To be recognised broke the 'luck' brought by the players so they hid their identity by dressing in disguise consisting of strips of paper or rag attached to ordinary clothes which completely covered the wearer, including the face. This style of costume, which may have been a rationalisation of animal skins and forest greenery of earlier days, survived longest in the rural Southern counties but eventually, partly because the purpose was no longer understood, performers began to dress according to the character." If you would like to read the Mummer piece in its entirety, go to: http://www.merrieenglandmummers.fsnet.co.uk/#Eng Ritual Drama *** Debora Brown --Bless you, Dunks!
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 07:31:04 -0500
From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net>
Subject: Mummerrrr...
Message-ID: <l03130300b6d26ec1a707@[206.231.24.6]>
>Mummer..mummummummummummer...
>As my dear friend and fellow Mummer crusader, David 'with the smoothest legs
>in the chorus line' Smith has already pointed out, Mummer will never get the
>respect it so richly deserves. Under the influence of the English
>countryside and Andy's precarious emotional state, this little masterpiece
>came to be.. and it truly is a work of art. Yes, Smudge, there is the
>pastoral thang, which also surfaces in ES, Skylarking and AV1, IMO.. but
>beyond that there is a sense of timelessness about Mummer.. you can't really
>place this baby in to any convenient genre.. it defies categorization!
>Mummer is 'Odd As A Sod' Partridge & Co., *distilled*.. pure, concentrated
>British eccentricity in musical form.. F*cking Brilliant! (sorry, mom!)
>
>I pity those of you who can't see this..
>
>Well then, what say you, Smudge? It looks like we've got a lot of souls to
>save before the sun sets.. so fire up the chain saw, buddy, WE'RE GOIN' IN!!!
>***
>
>..and now if you'll all have a look under your chairs, I think you'll be
>pleasantly surprised..
>
>Debora Brown
>
>--TROUT kicks TAILFIN!--
I find Mummer uneven myself; I can't speak for the bonus tracks since I
just have it on vinyl. Nonetheless, it's an uneven but interesting album
with several great tracks that rank among XTC's best("Love On A Farmboy's
Wages," "Deliver Us From The Elements," "Ladybird," "Funk Pop A Roll," all
of which would be candidates for a 90 minute XTC compilation tape if I
wanted to turn somebody onto them), and though I find a couple of songs a
little dodgy there's nothing I'd skip over(I find "Human Alchemy" and "In
Loving Memory Of A Name" weakest). Nonetheless, it's not the album I'd play
first to an XTC neophyte, and I don't play it all that often because
stylistically it doesn't quite flow enough, especially side 2. Perhaps we
could blame the stylistic shifts on the two or three different
producers/mixers on the album, and the two different drummers. Somehow,
though it's a good solid song(not their best, but good), "Great Fire" just
doesn't sound like it fits on the album, its relative brightness stands out
like a hard-on in a monastery against the relative murkiness of Steve Nye's
production on most of the rest of it. "Funk Pop A Roll" doesn't quite fit
either, but since it closes the album it seems appropriate somehow.
Christopher R. Coolidge
"The bad news is, there is no key to the universe. The good news is, it has
been left unlocked."
-Swami Beyondananda
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 07:46:47 -0500 From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net> Subject: Re: Caped Crusaders Message-ID: <l03130301b6d2753f2d82@[206.231.24.111]> > of course, >crusaders need a uniform, nay, we'll make it a dashing costume instead!.. >How about this.. moss green tights under navy blue velvet body suits, with >perhaps a matching cape?.. no! a matching poncho! > >Debora Brown How about mummers costumes made from newspaper, like the band wears on the inner sleeve? :-) Christopher R. Coolidge "The bad news is, there is no key to the universe. The good news is, it has been left unlocked." -Swami Beyondananda
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 07:57:31 -0500 From: "Christopher R. Coolidge" <cauldron@together.net> Subject: Not John Message-ID: <l03130302b6d277a4bd87@[206.231.24.111]> >I've been Jonesing on Empty Garden by Elton John >lately. It's definitely my favorite tribute to >John Lennon. It's one of Elton's finest moments >and never fails to bring a lump to my throat. >I know there's many Lennon fans at this digest. >What are your favorite Lennon tributes? > >Mike I'd go with "Not John" by Loudon Wainwright III. I'm a sucker for a guy who lifts up his left leg and sticks out his tongue onstage. Met him once, weird but talented guy, as his exes would agree.(and probably his kids too) Christopher R. Coolidge "The bad news is, there is no key to the universe. The good news is, it has been left unlocked." -Swami Beyondananda
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 08:18:59 -0600 From: Jason Phelan <jphelan@ICGCopyright.com> Subject: URGH OP ORK AHH AHH! That Means I love you! Message-ID: <CBE4754489E8D211816000500416EAE00E7164@w162.z064002150.bna-tn.dsl.cnc.net> Hey yeah Urgh!, The first time I saw that I was mesmerized, the last time I saw it I was STILL mesmerized. What happened to that era of guitars and live music and banging it out to the people who LOVE to hear and watch bands. Gosh, I miss that. Yes, there were a few WHAT?'s and HUH?'s throughout it's run. Take for instance the band who did "OFFSHORE BANKING BUSINESS". That was definitely their 15 minutes. What a horrible song and a horrible band. Then we have Athletico Spizz. I don't know what they're on about. Toyah Wilcox (or won't she?). Oh and a few more bad news bands that escape me. On the other hand, we have transcendant moments and performances by DEVO (holy shit they rock), Gary Numan (fucking riding a demented wheelchair/dalek/car around the stage with a perfectly straight look on his face doing DOWN IN THE PARK), Wall of Voodoo (Back in Flesh), Oingo Boingo (def at their heyday!), PERE UBU!!!(Dave Thomas, not the Wendy's guy, but looks like he had a few burgers), a spoken word poem by someone completely crackers! Steel Pulse, and of course our XTC with Andy practically screaming Respectable Street and on the line that says "It's in the look they give you down your no-oh-ose" he mimes it! Unfortuneatly, the original copy I had broke when my VCR thought that it was a permanent part and decided to ingest it. Anyway, can anyone firm up a release date on any box sets or anything coming out from XTC? Sort of back on track but I'll be watching you, THE SKYLAR KING
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 09:30:46 -0700
From: Kirk.Gill@equifax.com
Subject: Wounded Clothes Horse
Message-ID: <OFD3AAE370.FB335061-ON87256A0D.00589177@fin.equifax.com>
Moss Green Pants?
Thank god I'm not a huge Mummer fan.
That's one of the unspoken benefits of liking Black Sea. I believe that the
official outfit entails only a pair of beaten jeans, a t-shirt (washed or
not), and a black leather jacket. Klunky black boots, of course.
Additional note: loaned a friend at work Upsy Daisy, as he stated that he'd
never in his life heard an XTC song (how I befriended such a turd is
another story). His comment: "They're very friendly." He didn't seem
enthused.
Imagine my surprise when I walked by his desk the next week and saw the
cover for "The Big Express."
"I liked that Seagull song," he declaimed................
k?
"I am a vulgar man, but I assure you my music is not"
W.A.M (nee P.S.)
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 07:46:05 -1000 From: "Jim Smart" <jismart@ksbe.edu> Subject: nun sense Message-ID: <3AAD0B5D.B63FFFA6@ksbe.edu> Organization: Kamehameha Schools Hmmm....the debate of Nonsuch extends even to its spelling here on the hill, what with Nunsuch, Nonfvch, etc. My unasked for 2 p is that I love the album, but Peter Pumpkinhead is very tiresome and I could do without it. It seems to have been sort of the "hit" of the album (owing to its delicious big guitar and drum sound, which I like), which probably lead to the decision to push The Man Who Murdered Love as XTC's latest single (a mistake, I believe). Both songs have a certain storytelling quality, somewhat McCartneyesque, that doesn't hold up to repeated listenings. I can only take the story once, then I'm tired of it. When I play *Nvnsuch* in my car, I will often play it more than once before removing it. The only track I'll skip the second time through is PP. It's more irritating than anything else on the excellent collection. Jim "yes, even the singing penis" Smart
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 18:27:06 -0000
From: "Smith, David" <David.Smith@tfeurope.com>
Subject: RE: Zap me vitals . . .
Message-ID: <4BBE67B71C1DD411A23600508B65F71E01168D96@tfsecmsg04.tfseur.co.uk>
Parrots, lemurs and rooks, I greet you.
Help me please . . . Zappa. Never got into him, never
really tried. Always got the impression he was
deliberately kooky and weird, which ain't necessarily
my thang. However, enough of youse guys rave about him
to whet my appetite. What's the best point of entry?
C'mon, 'fess up and convert an ignoramus.
***
Soooo, we all like Rook (almost) and we all like Mummer
(almost almost). Warms the heart of me cockles it does.
Debs said:
> How about this.. moss green tights under navy blue velvet
> body suits, with perhaps a matching cape?.. no! a matching
> poncho!.. do any of
Debs - I WILL shave my legs (hmph, again . . .), but take my word
for it, nobody, but NOBODY would benefit from seeng me in tights.
And a matching Poncho??????
Who is the Gaucho amigo?
Debs also said:
> ..and now if you'll all have a look under your chairs, I
> think you'll be pleasantly surprised..
TRUE! I found that piece of gum I lost last September!
***
On Nonsuch, David Seddon "said on" (sorry)
> No other album seems to invoke quite the same polarisation.
'S funny. I said that about Mummer just the other week! So
perhaps ONE other album . . . etc.
David also said:
> The George Harrison remastered All Things Must Pass is great
> to (another top 10 album for me)
In the latest Mojo magazine it's reviewed and summarised as "the
best solo album ever by any of the Beatles". Opinions?
***
Steve Pitts spake thus:
> Apropos of absolutely nothing, and nowt to do with XTC
> (unles you count the Steve Lillywhite connection), but did
> anyone else see Cerys Matthews (of Catatonia) performing
> Kirsty MacColl's 'Fifteen Mintues' on the TV at the weekend
> (as part of a documentary on Kirsty)?? I was stunned. A
> simply beautiful rendition
YES! Yes yes yes yes yes. That'll be a yes then! Good call sir.
Stranger still, I bloody HATE Cerys Matthews, yet she was GREAT
on "Fifteen Minutes". Real throat-lumping stuff. Wonderful.
Still Steve . . .
> Oh, and I'd like to join in the defence of 'Washaway', which
> has always been a part of TBE for me because I had no record
> deck when it came out and bought the cassette version
> instead, which had the same three bonus tracks (in the very
> same location, if memory serves). It is one of a fine group
> of laundrette songs that always make me smile
Blimey - I've really stirred up a hornets nest here! Even me new
drinking buddy Rory is pointing and growling! ("The Washaway
Defence League" indeed.)
It's not that I don't like it (he back-tracked) it's just that
I don't hear it as an XTC song. Weird. It's probably me.
Oh, cheers, don't ALL rush to disagree, will ya? Hmph!
> NP: Beth Orton - Trailer Park
Yep, that's where I'd put her as well :-)
Rory also said:
> Apart from O&L, which sucks pretty well all the time
Oooops - looks like we know what we're gonna yak about next time we
meet up :-)
Harrison Sherwood . . .
>
> Hey, gang! Here's a thought:
>
> Kirlian pornography!
>
> A harlot we'll call Dora
> Straight from Sodom and Gomorrah!
> Left a fascinating image
> On the photographic plate
>
> The lovely purple aura
> Of her labia minora
> Portended painful urgency
> In full priapic state
>
> It is written in the Torah
> About strumpets like our Dora,
> To mince no words, "Don't Covet"
> (Thou Shalt Not Masturbate)
You sir, are a genius (again!). A little something wings its
way VA-ward as we squeak.
***
Nicole said . . .
>
> Regarding this post (too lazy to go back and find out who wrote it):
>
> Aaaaaaargh!
>
> > If I were a musician, I
> > would do a cover of it... work day and night until I could get the
> > music to match with the beautiful words .
>
> Don't bother - someone's already done it!! :-)
>
>
> ???????? Huh ????????????????? 1st, what's the argh for and 2nd, did
> someone make a cover, who, and whats it sound like... or are you
> stating that Andy's song needs no fixing, period.
Errrr, it was me. Just a quick "aaaargh" at one of my all-time
faves being dissed. More of a grinning aaaaargh than a scowling
aaaaargh though! And, yes, I was stating just that, in my ever-so
'umble opinion.
> Thanks in advance for the clarification.
You're most welcome :-)
> I am now going out to eat a bagel w/ cream cheese and smoked salmon.
> You must be jealous, all of you... The only foods better: lobster and
> Fillet Mignon. Dare to disagree. Oh, there I go again, antagonistic!!!
Well actually, my Mum's Turkey Stew . . . see, you've got me at it now!!
****
Jessica Gluckman said:
> Anyone try to win someone over
> and send a
> subtle message by putting "Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss
> Her" on a mix
> tape?
What a GREEEEEAAAAT idea . . . 'scuse me . . . must dash . . .
Smudge "I DO need a satellite, actually" Boy
The early bird catches the worm. Hey worms, stay in bed late!
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 22:28:06 +0100
From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl>
Subject: No More Horsing Around
Message-ID: <20010312211830.4EACB390A5@mail.knoware.nl>
Dear Chalkers,
I've learned that the site of our hooved friend the White Horse of
Uffington is, like many other rural areas in the UK, currently closed
off to the general public due to the foot--and-mouth crises.
Sad, innit?
So perhaps it's best if you don't plan a pilgrimage to Swindon &
surroundings right now.
yours in xtc,
Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse
http://www.knoware.nl/users/mmello/
or http://come.to/xtc
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 17:28:17 -0800 From: Randy Hiatt <rhiatt@gte.net> Subject: Saving the children (through Kirlian Photography) Message-ID: <3AAD77B1.1191D12E@gte.net> Brian responded; "**************************************" From: "Brian" <mattone@bhip.infi.net> Subject: Re: Kirlian Photography My point was: 'Kirlian photography' is a term that exhibits New-Age connotation, i.e., the idea of some 'mystical' human energy field that has somehow escaped the notice of science (like the one with astrology). I applied Occam's Razor - if such a thing exists, then it's better to first try to explain the 'Kirlian field' with something simpler that we already know about - infrared light. Film for an 'infrared camera', perhaps? Maybe the manufacturer calls it a 'Kirlian camera', but that does not mean that a 'Kirlian aura' - in the sense of the term - is what it is taking a picture of. I'll throw about an unconfirmed statistic: 95% of the people in the U.S. are scientifically illiterate. Any figure even approaching this percentage is alarming. How are we to deal with the issues based on science and technology that affect our lives everyday if we keep wallowing about in pseudoscientific terms, labels and positions that explain nothing? Don't we as a race WANT to be literate in this regard? Isn't it in our best interest? Maybe I'm going a bit overboard here, but I'm nervous about my children's future. -Brian Matthews http://www.stonetrek.com With Boingo gone, XTC rules the roost. "*************************************" Brian, Science has a few things (even still) to learn (or in a Tesla context, maybe re-learn), and I don't know how "new age" acupuncture is but they work with a system still unseen, possibly. Infrared is very similar in look (at times) to Kirlian but are very different in numerous other ways (126 film is not infrared sensitive, just a very convenient way to handle 24 exposures of light sensitive, 1"x1" film). A Kirlian image is unique in the info it seems to track (like bio-feedback), the wild image fluctuations do not relate to steadier body system fluctuations (heat, moisture, elect skin resistance, contact/pressure, etc.), the cool thing to me is it still is mysterious. And that is how I tie this subject to xTc. My promise now to you all: I will never again speak of 126 film in this place, (I may start a womens support group however). (btw, the original CH posting found the only rolls of ### film to date, thanks again!) Randy (CosmicCarney) Hiatt
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001 06:24:08 EST
From: JackJacovides@aol.com
Subject: Who do you love?
Message-ID: <d3.11bd8990.27df5d58@aol.com>
Dear All,
I'm a first timer, so feeling a little overwhelmed by the to and fro
of debate. As a somewhat isolated devotee (quite deliberately), it's jaw
dropping to jump in to some of the debates that are going on, although I do
feel at times that some of you chaps are in danger of disappearing up the
never-ending-story. I feel like giving up a little personal history in
relation to the 'fave album' question.
I agree that depending on your mood different albums can mean
different things, and if the band are as much a part of your life as we
probably agree they are then the two are inexorably linked. I've been a 'fan'
since I saw the band on TV in 19-something-and-frozen-to-death, rushed out
and grabbed 3D and eagerly awaited WM. Does anyone agree that the buying of a
new release is a kind of out-of-body, ethereal experience? I remember sitting
on the bus with my pristine copy of WM feeling like if I didn't get the thing
on a turntable soon, I was gonna have to eat it! The same could be said of
GO2, DW, BS & ES. Regardless of current opinion, at the time ALL of these
were magnificent, like the next chapter of an unputdownable book. Then came
Mummer. At the time, and I stress the importance of the context, this was a
dreadful disappointment. The songs dragged and the boys sounded like they
were going thru the motions. I like it now but I guess I'm older and I feel
the content appeals to the more mature ear. I guess I hadn't grown at the
same rate as the band, but I was a little stuck in the 3 minute pop space.
Looking at it now, it was the next stage on from ES, but I hated it at the
time and felt really let down. I hung in there but TBE was as, if not more,
of a let down. I still struggle with it as a whole, but there are individual
songs that stand out (Seagulls, Liarbird). I began to fall out of love.
Skylarking came along at the right time. I was in love, the world was
a wonderful place to be and this album topped it off. As near to a
masterpiece as the band had got, the whole was greater than the sum of it's
parts. You can't play one track without wanting to run on to the next and the
next. To go back to the point of different albums at different times, this
one makes me feel the happiest, and I guess that's the point I've been
getting to. I don't analyse each track, pour over lyrics, discuss endlessly
the meaning of every nuance. XTC are like family. I can't judge too much how
they fit into the whole scheme of things only how their music relates to me.
If the album hits me between the eyes, great. If it doesn't, I'll wait for it
to grow.
Non was one of these. I was knee high in nappies at the time and
didn't get it at first. This was the first chapter of a new era, a different
direction. The had really grown up. Consequently, being grown-ups, they
decided to stand their own ground. I thought I'd lost touch completely, more
concerned with other things, but it was all part of the plan. I was destined
to 'rediscover' the wonderful world. If not for the review in the sunday
papers I would probably not seen Apple Venus for ages. I had the utter
delight of reliving my youth, rushing into the shop to buy a new XTC album on
the day of it's release. Glory be! And glory be! THE masterpiece. It says
everything about everything. Love it to death. And the promise of another
(and another and another).
Oh but Wasp Star. Scrub the above. This is pop. I've come full
circle. This is the one I want to eat! My limited vocabulary can't do it
justice. This is the album that Andy & Colin dreamt about at the back of the
class. This is the album I dreamt about at the back of the class. Love it to
death and beyond. Play the whole thing at my funeral, pleeze!
OK, I feel a little exposed now. The whole XTC thing is just SO
personal. In a way I hated the hit single chase. I didn't want everyone to
have a little piece, and I guess Andy didn't either.
You want some lovely,
I got some lovely.
Jack J.
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #7-17 ******************************
Go back to Volume 7.
13 March 2001 / Feedback