Chalkhills Digest Volume 7, Issue 50
Date: Friday, 21 September 2001
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 7, Number 50
Friday, 21 September 2001
Topics:
Right, that's it
The Disappointed
What to say?
A quick Q for Sir Relph
"Titanic Days"
our constant comparisons of XTC and the Beatles
Re: Terrorism
More converts? Yessiree!
Brian Wilson
Lyin' in bed, just like ... just like ...
In No Sense
HMV? Chapters!
Re: Dukes top ten
Re: Favorite Side Project Bands
Get them on the Phone
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 12:49:50 +0100 From: <dan@barrow.uk.com> Subject: Right, that's it Message-ID: <NFBBLMPAMLLFLLONFHCPAEHDCAAA.dan@barrow.uk.com> Hello Chalkhillians, I'm a London-based pro drummer (and a musician too ha, ha, etc.) and long time huge XTC fan. I learnt to play bass from listening to Colin and guitar from Andy and Dave. Driving back from a gig in Bristol last night, I came across my tape of Nonsuch and stuck it on, just as, by coincidence, I was passing Swindon on the M4. Now we all know that this is a seriously great album and there no need for me to preach to the converted. But listening again to Pumpkinhead and Madam Barnum et al really brought home to me how great these songs are. And how you could rearrange them and they'd still be essentially fantastic pieces of songwriting. More people need to hear these. So I'm forming an XTC tribute. I play music for money, and you can forget why you started playing in the first place. Mustang Sally can really take the fun out of music, you know. Therefore this is an experimental venture to try and pay tribute to my greatest musical influence. I can get the gigs, but first I need like-minded musicians who will start out aiming to have some fun, with the long term view of playing live and getting some more recruits to the cause. Taking this to its logical conclusion, if the boys won't play live, I think someone could probably do it for them, providing they are good enough not to blemish the good XTC name. A kind of ground assualt team to the generals and majors in their red-bricked fortresses, if you know what I mean. So awaken you dreamers. I want to hear from drummers, bass players, guitarists and keyboard players, prefereably those who can play a bit, who fancy a laugh and live in or around London. I know you're out there. Email me at dan@barrow.uk.com Thank you and goodnight. Dan Barrow
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 08:23:36 EDT From: DougMash@aol.com Subject: The Disappointed Message-ID: <36.1ba751ee.28d4a248@aol.com> Watching the coverage of the family members outside Bellvue Hospital with their pictures of loved ones missing in the World Trade Center, I had to pop in Nonsuch... "The Disappointed/All shuffle round in circles/Their placards look the same/With a picture and a name/Of the ones who broke their hearts" I know Andy had tongue in cheek, but seeing the relatives of the missing is surely the most heartbreaking aspect of this whole tragedy. God Bless America
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 07:22:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Ira Lieman <ilieman@yahoo.com> Subject: What to say? Message-ID: <20010915142254.95426.qmail@web11206.mail.yahoo.com> Chalkfolk, Whether or not this is a time for music is anyone's opinion. The only song I've been singing over and over is Billy Joel's "Miami 2017" ... I won't bore you with the lyrics but they ring true these days. Go look 'em up. I just wanted to drop a note because I *USED* to work 3 blocks away from the World Trade Center, and there's (um...there was) a mall I always walked through to get to and from the PATH train that I took in from New Jersey to the WTC every morning when I worked there. That mall has (had) a Sam Goody that I occasionally used to browse in (but they hadn't stocked Homegrown when I needed it!), as well as a couple of lunch places and other shops...I walked through there every day for just about a year until I was laid off on August 9th. I guess if there had to be a time to be laid off that was as good as any. Now, looking for jobs in NYC (including right across the street from the South Tower (!!)) is going to be difficult or impossible, because I don't know if I want to go back there. Strange, isn't it? Who doesn't want to work in New York? I don't know of anyone missing, but my condolences to any of you folk that might. quasi-XTC content: Closing down reality.sgi.com REALLY sucks -- when we're done donating to the Red Cross, we should donate web space to Chalkhills.org. In an amazing fog, -ira
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 11:19:36 -0500 (CDT) From: Brown <i.sundog@verizon.net> Subject: A quick Q for Sir Relph Message-ID: <200109151619.LAA5854997@smtppop3pub.verizon.net> John, any news on the fate of your marvelous website? Besides the making of shiny, shiny costumes, and the building of an authentic corn husk stage in Old MacDonald's big-arse red barn, is there anything else we freaks can do to help? "Please just ask," she offered up, with all the sincerity of a four year-old child. ;o) A couple of frivolous responses to digest 7-49- >From our man in Austria, Klaus B.: <<If you want to see Barry's organ and loads of interesting stuff, some XTC related, some not, visit me at www.thedoors.at/klaus.html>> I don't know why, but for some reason I thought that Barry's organ would have bigger keys.. Hmmmm... My ole Gigantor bud, Andrew Gowans writes: <<A final aside - I read on Friday that silverchair are going to get VDP to produce their next album. ????!!!!????>> So then this next Silverchair album has a shot at being palatable? NP- Mummer.. I will have Beating Of Hearts on repeat play until further notice. All the best, Debora Brown Oh, and Mr. Keel? I will *never* get over Mummer :)
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 17:41:35 -0400 From: Ben Gott <bgott@rectoryschool.org> Subject: "Titanic Days" Message-ID: <B7C9434F.5082%bgott@rectoryschool.org> Gang, I too am devistated about the recent terrorist activities in my country. My thoughts are with all New Yorkers and Washingtonians on this list, as well as with everyone else affected by this tragedy. Musically, I have a request: would anyone anywhere be willing to burn a copy of Kirsty MacColl's "Titanic Days" for me? I've searched and searched for it but have come up blank. I'd be glad to trade some XTC rareties or a mix CD of good stuff if you'd like. E-mail me off list... Goodnight, and thank you... -Ben
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 15:29:19 -1000 From: Jim Smart <smart@punahou.edu> Subject: our constant comparisons of XTC and the Beatles Message-ID: <a04330102b7c9b0a53353@[10.23.4.7]> "it's hard to think of too many other bands as creative as those two" Ahem (and other throat clearing sounds). Might I suggest consideration of the Kinks and their 30 albums? Jim
------------------------------ Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001 22:34:04 EDT From: IMSUNBAKE@aol.com Subject: Re: Terrorism Message-ID: <72.fe27493.28d5699c@aol.com> In a message dated 9/14/01 9:52:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time, "Darryl W. Bullock" <drol@btinternet.com> writes: > > My heart goes out to all of my American friends, XTC fans and ChalkHillians. > > What a waste. I just pray to God that you and yours are well. Thanks, Darryl - I work at one of the hospitals (in public relations) that received 15 of the burn patients from the Pentagon disaster. I could see the smoke from my office window, as the Pentagon is about 3 miles from the hospital. Terrifying beyond words. My heart simply aches and we are so weary. Annamarie Annapolis, Maryland USA
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 16:25:35 -0400 From: Ben Gott <bgott@rectoryschool.org> Subject: More converts? Yessiree! Message-ID: <B7CA82FF.50AA%bgott@rectoryschool.org> 'Hillians, I just received this e-mail from my old college roommate, Curtis. It looks like my little "experiment" has been successful! > ACK! WHAT have you done to me??! > > For the past few days, I've been suffering from XTC cravings! Gah, it's > horrible! I've listened to that stupid "Maypole" song a hundred times > over the past week. > > Maybe I'm just used to hearing your music on a daily basis--it's like some > sort of scary caffeine or crack addiction or something. I have to wean > myself away from it all. > > Thank God, no Morrissey cravings yet. Ugh. *THAT* would be scary. > > Curtis Bwahahahahahaha! -Ben
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 11:21:07 +1000 From: "Peter Brown" <peter@outputdsj.com.au> Subject: Brian Wilson Message-ID: <010e01c13f17$07297640$850ca8c0@peter> If you've seen Brian Wilson perform recently, or maybe heard the Live At The Roxy double CD, you may will disclaim that comment completely. He seems completely under control, still his usual childlike eccentric self. Actually considering all he has gone through he has emerged as the one Beach Boy who currently is providing any valuable contribution to music, he seems incredibly happy and content with his life. In fact he is the only Beach Boy of any musical significance and one of the most significant American composers of the century. He will get his due, doubtless years after he has passed away, as being up there with Gershwin, Ellington, Cole Porter and co. Actually what New York needs right now is a concert in Central Park by Brian and his new band. Everyone should have a listen to Warmth of the Sun. Mike and Brian wrote that shortly after Kennedy's death as a repsonse to those shocking events. Peter card carrying member of the Brianista
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 10:31:14 -0500 From: "Wiencek, Dan" <Dan_Wiencek@mcgraw-hill.com> Subject: Lyin' in bed, just like ... just like ... Message-ID: <7CD262315F30134A920E02F344868A7A86D512@dbq-exchange.mcgraw-hill.com> My heart goes out to all of us in this terrible time--but particularly to anyone who lost friends or family. My thoughts are with you. MJC responded to me: > Brian Wilson's not an inarticulate freak. He IS rather "eccentric" > and undeniably affected by his difficult past, but he's happily > remarried with two young adopted daughters and his life is much more > "together." He's toured each year for the past three years, recently > introducing such brilliant obscurities as "Surf's Up," "Heroes And > Villains," "Sail On Sailor" and his brother Dennis's "Forever" to his > set list. Yes, he's still awkward on stage and sometimes very awkward > in interviews, but you know what? I'd bet A.P. would be a bit awkward > on stage at this point. <more stuff snipped> My remark about Brian being an "inarticulate freak" was hypothetical, as in "even if Brian *were* inarticulate, you still wouldn't pass up the chance to meet him and maybe work with him," but there are a few things that need to be said. First of all, I love Brian and I love his music. But very few people either in the music business or in the audience are willing to admit the truth: He is not "eccentric," and his problems on stage don't come from stage fright. He is severely mentally ill, he relies on a slew of medications to maintain what semblance of normality he has (and still confesses to experiencing delusions on stage), and he further relies on both talented sidemen and a very forgiving and generous audience (including me) to compensate for his deficiencies. Yes, he's married with two girls now, but he still is not legally empowered to enter agreements without his trustee's (read: wife's) permission. The press wants to portray Brian Wilson as a survivor, a guy who went through hell before finally pulling his life back together in order to enjoy the autumn of his career. They highlight the occasional moment of lucidity, when the old genius seems to briefly shine through, and downplay the very real difficulties he continues to experience. As well-intentioned as this is, it's also dishonest and a little condescending. People I know who saw him open for Paul Simon, and who weren't particular fans of Brian, were appalled at what they saw. Having seen Brian perform Pet Sounds myself, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything--but I also came from that show with no remaining illusions about his condition. Andy is correct to wonder how well Brian is really capable of working. But as I say, I still don't think I could let the opportunity pass. Also, from Eric: > Oops, my mistake, I meant to say > "Wearing the Inside Out" where Nick sounds > like Colin. The problem here is, there's a > line in the song which goes, > "I'm coming back to life, > My nervous system (something something), > I'm wearing the inside out..." After I sent my post I thought you were probably referring to this song. That's Rick Wright singing, not Nick Mason. There's something kinda sad about Rick Wright--he's been in this band for thirty years with three different people as the de facto leader, and he still can't get more than one track on an album. Dan
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 10:05:27 -0600 From: Kirk.Gill@equifax.com Subject: In No Sense Message-ID: <OFC05A2E45.9E823EB9-ON87256ACA.00556C49@fin.equifax.com> I felt a little heart tug reading the last chalkhills message, #7-49, as it was completely innocent of the recent terrorist tragedy/travesty perpetrated on us all, until the very last post - it's like looking back at last Monday's newspaper, filled with all of our regular daily concerns, the weather, the local sports teams........ And now, here we are. Living in the same world, but perhaps looking at it in a very different way. As a US citizen, I've been moved by the outpouring of support and prayer from around the world. No-one knows what the US military response is going to be, and no-one knows what other sickness the sub-humans have planned to terrorize and subjugate us to their will. As much as I'd like to listen to "Melt the Guns" and "Here Comes President Kill Again," I can't right now. I'm gladdened by the fact that the US military hasn't already committed some bumbling, massive act that would only make the situation worse, the hatred worse. But I know that something is coming, and what's worse, I find myself wanting it to come, waiting for it to come, hoping that the people who committed this act or celebrated this act will be made to pay. I'm not naive about the way the US blunders around the world, casting itself in a role that engenders the hatred that we've seen expressed to terribly. But there's also the good this country does, the positives that it achieves, and the people here who have come from all around the world to live in relative freedom. There's nothing that those people have done to deserve this attack. "When I look on the sea of rubble, and ask 'what was New York Like...... Oh well......................." Kirk Gill Denver, CO USA
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 18:38:19 +0200 From: jeffrey.thomas.jt@bayer-ag.de Subject: HMV? Chapters! Message-ID: <OF019989B9.54A01C24-ONC1256ACA.005AE557@bayer-ag.com> Hi "Kreideberger", In the last couple of CH digests, various people, among them John Keel, Todd Hardtbern, and Scott Taylor, have mentioned ordering the new remasters at HMV.com in Canada. Although I haven't checked the site recently, when I ordered the records a few months back, they were even cheaper at Chapters (.com? .ca?). Something on the order of $9.50 US. No, I'm not associated with them blablabla. Just wanted to mention it in case anybody wanted to check them out again. Interestingly, their e-mail address in mailings I have received is "chapters.indigo.ca", and Indigo is the German distributor for Idea/Cooking Vinyl. Keep on chalkin' - Jeff
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 08:38:05 -0400 From: "Angie Hill" <thunderien@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Dukes top ten Message-ID: <F184sA91E9GQvnbEG100000f839@hotmail.com> I couldn't resist posting *my* two cents worth for this one. It was asked what our fave side projects are, and wouldn't ya know, I have a few faves :p OK, so some of these offshoots are actually what the scattered pieces of a now defunct band became, but it's *nearly* the same thing....right?? Pixies >> Breeders R.E.M. >> Hindu Love Gods (their cover of "Raspberry Beret" alone earns them mention :p) Throwing Muses >> Belly Janes Addiction >> Porno For Pyros (since Janes is back together, I suppose Pyros could now be considered an "official" side project...) Husker Du >> Sugar (not technically a side project, but definitely proof that Bob Mould could top himself and do bigger and better things) And it goes without saying that XTC and Dukes are the best of the lot ;) That's all I can think of for now. It will be interesting to see who pops up on other folks' lists... TTFN, Angie
------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 15:37:07 -0700 (PDT) From: The Colonel <captainextraneous@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Favorite Side Project Bands Message-ID: <20010918223707.34142.qmail@web12106.mail.yahoo.com> Fave side project bands, eh? Hmmm... I would definitely agree with the Dukes of Stratosphear (among my most favorite Partridge/Moulding material!) Others: Mono Puff (John Flansburgh from They Might Be Giants & friends) Yes, his albums sound almost like TMBG b-side records (though with more of a funk focus), but there are several tracks that would've been classic Giants. I prefer his first album better, but both have some good stuff... Also check out John Linnell's (the other Giant) album 'State Songs,' my personal fave as far as non-TMBG TMBG albums goes... Prozzack (members of Philosopher's Stone) For those of you raving about how Gorillaz are the first 'animated band,' you should check your facts. Animated bands have been around as long as cartoons (the Archies?)... But if you want another recent band to compare Gorillaz to, how about Prozzack? They're a hook-filled techno-pop duo. Check out "Sucks To Be You" or "Omboloshire" for further evidence. Fear of Pop Ben Folds' crowning achievement... okay, not really. But some funny moments with William Shatner! And, until next time, let us not forget... The Colonel
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 21:08:12 -0500 From: "Jamie Lowe" <jamielowe@msn.com> Subject: Get them on the Phone Message-ID: <004701c14179$1b1e3fa0$2872393f@unlpm> Dear Chalkholders, I hope this missive finds you and yours well whether you are here in the states or wherever you may be in this big square world. Only time will tell what lies ahead and I can only hope that good will prevail. But enough of the depressing news of the world.... I know that someone on this list offered a download of XTC music for Nokia phones awhile back. If anyone point me in the their direction I would certainly appreciate your help. It seems sadly as if all the XTC websites have gone dark. Peace, Jamie Lowe Chicago, USA
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #7-50 ******************************
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