Chalkhills Digest Volume 7, Issue 55
Date: Sunday, 28 October 2001
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 7, Number 55
Sunday, 28 October 2001
Topics:
Keneally Convert
you say potato
Ben Folds
Classico de VH-1
Leckie Does Lobos
Re: Six Year Anniversary
VH1 Classic and Limited Edition CD's
I Hate Jazz, Give Me Pop
Re: VH1 Classic
"TBWTGG" + "JVS"
Surfing the web for your amusement
Big Express Day!
Re: Mr. Bungle
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 20:37:16 -0700 (PDT) From: Cathryn Myers <cathrynmyers@yahoo.com> Subject: Keneally Convert Message-ID: <20011021033716.85169.qmail@web20508.mail.yahoo.com> Hello Music Lovahs: At then end of this e-mail you will find a recipe for 70 Minutes of Music that will Blow you to Kingdom Come. If you follow the assembly instructions to the letter, you will be the fortunate owner of a potion better than Drugs, better than Sex. Better than XTC. Yes, better than XTC in some respects. Please believe that I do not write those words lightly. I have thought long and hard about what this means for my musical evolution. Am I straying away from pop? And who knew how much I loved the guitar? That is certainly a stretch. But, maybe the reality is that the signs have been there all along. The Big Express is by far and away my favorite XTC disc, and I have been bemoaning Andy's recent penchant for taking the easy way out by adding a few horns and strings and calling it a day instead of taking the melody to every possible destination. So, perhaps it was only a matter of time before my ears began to search for something "fuller". Take for example the guitar licks that open Kedgeree (a track for which I have an ever growing appreciation). Mike is so "comfortable" with his melody that he doesn't hesitate to spend a good 25 seconds leading us into it. I have a suspicion that I will share, but first let me set it up. I believe one element that KEEPS many XTC songs interesting is Colin's bass playing. An enjoyable exercise for me is to listen to a track while concentrating on the bass line instead of the more pronounced guitar or vocal tracks. When I do this, I experience the song from an entirely different angle and get to hear some fabulously CREATIVE bass playing. Was Colin particularly happy during the nonsuch and oranges and lemons sessions? The bass track that ends the mayor of simpleton has evolved to be my favorite part of the track and turns what could have been the "suffering through the single" part of the album a much more pleasant experience, unlike the disappointing (to my ears) Peter Pumpkinhead and Man Who Murdered Love. I don't know if anybody else is as "thorough" with their XTC listening and makes a habit of concentrating on the bass tracks, but I wonder if anyone else thinks that the bass lines on both Apple Venus disks were not up to their stellar standards, which could explain the "different" feel of those albums even more so than Dave's absence? Listen folks, I am a die hard chalkster, so I do not write these words lightly, nor do I underestimate the cosmic shift that such a statement represents in my musical evolution and development. I have been sitting on this knowledge like a secret, afraid to speak its truth as I feared neither I, nor the world, was ready for such a discovery. But like the inevitable march of progress, the genie can not be put back in the bottle. I can only hope that the realization that music can get "BETTER" is ultimately a comfort and not a fact to be feared. XTC will make me this giddy again. They will. I have faith, but until then, let me tell you about this band I discovered. It all began about eight months ago thanks to an amazing review on Audio Asylum by Troy. (http://www.AudioAsylum.com/audio/music/rock/messages/2067.html) It was so glowing that I immediately ordered a copy. Thank you Troy. Your words changed my life for the better. I hope my words can do the same for some other music fan out there just waiting for a piece of music to knock their socks off. Well, after all of that, here it is (and just in time for the east coast tour folks - NYC Bottom Line 11/16 and 11/17): Recipe for Musical Bliss. 1. Go to www.keneally.com and order Dancing and Sluggo. Pay your money and thank your lucky stars that the meaning to life in the universe will be soon be revealed to you for less than $40.00. A relative bargain. 2. Mix the following songs onto a CD in the following order: Potato S Beautiful S Poo-Tee Weet? D Backwards Deb D Pretty Enough for Girls D Chatfield Manor S Skull Bubbles D Live in Japan D Frozen Beef S Tranquillado S Cardboard Dog S Own S Kedgeree D Please understand that the above is an exact equation and should not be modified. Recognize that you are benefiting from months of scientific experimentation to create the perfect mix. What I deem to be the musical equivalent of the "Unified Theory" was not thrown together at first blush. The mix has been perfected and tuned to create the perfect take off, flight and landing. Trust Me If you do not have the capabilities of creating a cd mix, please e-mail me and I will do it for you. I will think of it as my chalkhill civic duty. Here is the caveat that you were waiting for and the little bit of proof that just goes to show that it takes all kinds. A warning to you chalkheads who consider Skylarking to be XTC's best album. You might not "Get" Mike Keneally. Ooh! Did I just write that! Thank goodness Skylarking doesn't have any defenders the likes of Debora Brown's total commitment to Mummer or I'd be in for quite a debate! The flip slide to such a warning would be a suggestion that those of you enlightened enough to appreciate Big Express should act without delay. Cathryn P.S. What is up with the lack of posts recently? I admit that I suffer from lurker disease and have definitely feasted from the wellspring of knowledge and wit that generally permeate these pages without giving back my fair share. However, I promise to share at least one musical tidbit with my fellow readers at least once a month from now on. I have been lurking on the ecto list lately and they are so chummy over there, I'm beginning to think that we chalksters are bit dysfunctional. P.P.S. I am exaggerating. Skylarking is no that bad. When I was 17, I wrote in my high school newspaper that it was the album of the year. And it most certainly was.
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 08:22:48 From: "Duncan Kimball" <dunks58@hotmail.com> Subject: you say potato Message-ID: <F113lf3Q2DEGuakAxw60000b6de@hotmail.com> >But since he lost two band members, shouldn't he call himself "Ben Folds >Three"? > >Bob Well he now has three guys in his regular touring band (who are great, don't get me wrong, but to be brutally honest, when you hear them live you do realise what absolutely superb singers Darren and Robert are). So given that he is now part of a four piece, our household uber-fan, young Lucas, quite logically suggested that they should be called Ben Folds Six. (The Three O'Clock???? Gadzooks - now there's a record I haven't heard in a LONG time. I *loved* that band.) BTW does anyone have the Echo & The Bunnymen boxed set, and if so, do you recommend it? I've read that it's a bit light-on for stuff from the first two CDs, which I always really liked. Also I *really* want to know how much, if anything, it contains from their seminal "Shine So Hard" live mini album. I reckon that live version of "Over The Wall" shits all over the album version, and I still have vivid memories of seeing the brilliant short film promo for SSH, which I used to have on tape (why, oh why did I not keep it???). Over to youse, Brain's Trust. Dunks
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 11:48:58 -0400 From: "Garret Harkawik" <funktaisia@hotmail.com> Subject: Ben Folds Message-ID: <F21F1XKD6CEgTAP0zGb0000f02a@hotmail.com> >Also, Duncan mentioned BF's "Rocking The Suburbs", and I >wholeheartedly agree. Along with Amnesiac & Old Ramon by The Red House >Painters, it's one that I can't get enough of. But since he lost two >band members, shouldn't he call himself "Ben Folds Three"? Despite it's title, Ben Folds Five only had three members. They chose the name Ben Folds Five over Ben Folds Three because they thought it sounded cooler. I have to agree though that Rocking the suburbs is one of the best albums I've heard in a while.
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 16:37:03 EDT From: BRJohnson1@aol.com Subject: Classico de VH-1 Message-ID: <159.2cf7f9e.29048bef@aol.com> Molly asked about VH-1 Classic: << Do they ever play any XTC? If yes, then what videos have they played in the past? >> Why, just the other day they played 'Mayor of Simpleton.' That's the only one I've seen though... Brad
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 20:30:36 -0500 From: "Will Kreth" <wkreth@lifeset.com> Subject: Leckie Does Lobos Message-ID: <NDBBLGAJCLCEJKAIPCONOEJJFNAA.wkreth@lifeset.com> (John Leckie, who produced both Dukes albums, is at it again -this time with East L.A.'s finest, Los Lobos. It sounds like it might be a return to the psychedelic sounds of their Mitch Froom-produced "Kiko" - wk) [Mammoth Records Press Release] LOS LOBOS RETURN TO THE STUDIO TO RECORD NEW ALBUM WITH FAMED PRODUCER JOHN LECKIE 2002 Will Mark 25th Anniversary For The Group October 8, 2001 Three time Grammy winners and new Mammoth Records recording artists Los Lobos, have begun recording their eleventh studio album in Los Angeles this month. Legendary producer John Leckie has been hand picked by the band to produce their new album. Los Lobos multi-instrumentalist Steve Berlin had this to say about working with Leckie, "I think we were ready for something different. John is an O.G. if you will; he's been doing this for a long time. With him, we've gone back to the classic artist-producer working relationship. So far, we're having a lot of fun." Leckie talked about the opportunity to work with the group, "When I got the call asking me if I wanted to work with Lobos I fell off my chair. It's an honor to work with them. They're very respected in the UK amongst people with taste. They're one of the best bands I could work with." Mammoth President Rob Seidenberg added, "If I was thrilled when Los Lobos moved over to Mammoth--and I was-- then I am positively apoplectic about their working with John Leckie. John is an astounding producer, whose talents are matched only by those of Lobos. I can't wait to hear the results." 2002 will mark the 25th Anniversary of Los Lobos. The band's first album Los Lobos Del Este De Los Angeles (Just Another Band From East L.A.) was released in 1977. Throughout their 25 year career Los Lobos have recorded some of the most treasured albums including: How Will The Wolf Survive, By The Light Of The Moon, Kiko and 1999's This Time. With their distinctive and innovative blend of rock & roll, pop and creative record production, Los Lobos' music has always reached out to fans young and old, from every different background imaginable. Just last year the band's recording career was celebrated with the release of a four CD box set, El Cancionero Mas Y Mas: A History Of The Band From East L.A., which featured stand out tracks and unreleased material from all of their studio recordings. Earlier this year Los Lobos were the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami. Producer John Leckie has long been one of the most prolific and acclaimed producers. He began his career as a tape operator and engineer at the legendary Abbey Road studios where he worked with the likes of John Lennon, George Harrison and Pink Floyd. Many of the albums he has produced have become some of the most cherished albums of all time including Radiohead's The Bends and debut albums by the Stone Roses and The Verve. Leckie has also worked with XTC, Public Image Limited, Dr. John and Simple Minds among numerous others. The album is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2002.
------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 21:57:16 -0400 From: "Angie Hill" <thunderien@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Six Year Anniversary Message-ID: <F237gra7wJAioTnKT090001f503@hotmail.com> In response to Ben Gott's list of bands he got into due to chalkhills, I must say I was most impressed with his mention of the Judybats. I first heard of this band via college radio in the early 90's, and I absolutely love them. However, much like being a fan of XTC, I find not many have heard of them. So...cheers for digging such an ultra-cool band. And if I may be so bold to suggest (seems how you seem to be influenced by fellow chalkhillians, haha), a coupla of bands I fancy. Who knows, you may already be into them, but here goes anyhow :-P Buffalo Tom E (later went on to form the eels...all good stuff) Drivin' n Cryin' Just in case you get a hankerin' fer something "new", heehee. Also, to all Chalkhillians, I heartily suggest downloading a nifty little toy called the Destiny Player and Broadcaster. It's a program that allows you to broadcast your mp3 files over the net for others to hear. A few of my cyber friends have this, and it's been a blast to finally listen to the music they love and vice versa. It's all totally free and fun. the only drawback? I have trouble sustaining more than 2 listeners without the buffering demons coming for their revenge, heehee. Anyhow, those interested, go to www.radiodestiny.com and download both the player and the broadcaster. If any of you get up and running, let me know...I'd love to give ya a listen ;-) Oh, btw, the name of my station is Purrsia's Tunes from the Balkan Bar...it airs whenever I'm online and it's chock full of XTC tunes! :-) Angie
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 09:49:58 -0500 From: SOlsen@lexecon.com Subject: VH1 Classic and Limited Edition CD's Message-ID: <OF5DF2F8EB.BB06DD92-ON86256AED.00502818@lexecon.com> "A couple of days ago I found out that I now get VH1 Classic, and I love the channel. These next two questions are for those who get it. Do they ever play any XTC? If yes, then what videos have they played in the past?" I love VH1 Classic, but they are sorely missing XTC videos. The only one that I have seen is King For a Day. I have had the channel for over a year, and I have only seen that video played once! I think Mummer is a great album, but without Toys, Jump, or Desert Island, I'm sure I'd feel differently. I haven't been on this list long, so I don't know if this has been mentioned yet. If you're going to (re)purchase any of the first 10 CD's, try to get the limited edition remastered mini-lp versions. They are so awesome, in little cardboard sleeves like records and the sound is fabulous. HMV.com has them for US$13.81 and Cdn$20.99. I spent way too much money rebuying all of those plus the same for Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, but there are worse things to spend that money on!
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 09:22:26 -0700 (PDT) From: Steve Johnson <simpleton_01@yahoo.com> Subject: I Hate Jazz, Give Me Pop Message-ID: <20011022162226.20395.qmail@web20609.mail.yahoo.com> I've tried. I really have. But finally I must confess: I hate jazz. Okay, maybe (for the sake of national unity) "hate" is too strong. Maybe I only severely dislike jazz. Hmmm, really it's more accurate to say it just doesn't interest me in the slightest...so is "utter disinterest" milder or stronger than "severe dislike?" You be the judge. But give me pop in great big dollops. Catchy tunes and clever verse, dripping in flourescent sugary syrup. Four minutes or less, if you please!
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 10:23:24 -0700 From: Pat <pattrex@emptystreet.com> Subject: Re: VH1 Classic Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20011022102129.01bb8010@emptystreet.com> Thanks Molly! Wow, there's a music video channel that actually plays music videos again? Most excellent, especially if they play XTC (I like the Dear God video best). I have DirecTV and as of last week didn't see the channel... must get out the letter writing pen to start a campaign! Pat Ortman http://www.patortman.com
------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 16:30:06 -0400 From: Ben Gott <bgott@rectoryschool.org> Subject: "TBWTGG" + "JVS" Message-ID: <B7F9FA0E.55DB%bgott@rectoryschool.org> Yo, homeslices: In an effort to post 3,271 times over the course of two weeks, I'm writing to ask if anyone would be willing to burn me "Jules Verne's Sketchbook" and "The Bull with the Golden Guts." I used to have them on cassette (and, perhaps, CD), but moving made some of my CDs go bye-bye. You know how that is. (Also, if you should happen to have a copy of "Terrorism" (the song), I'd appreciate that too. And "Let's Make a Den.") If you are in possession of these items, let me know, and I'll gladly burn something in return. You rock. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you! -Ben
------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001 13:05:10 -0400 From: Ira Lieman <ira@myself.com> Subject: Surfing the web for your amusement Message-ID: <3BD6F4C6.1020901@myself.com> Chalkfolk, I don't know why or how I got there but there's a site called "dictionaraoke.org" that has mp3s of songs "spoken" by synthesized voices -- kinda like the converse of Moog Cookbook. (Now that's a phrase you aren't going to hear too often.) We might be interested in this one: http://www.dictionaraoke.org/music/theformeryugoslavia-senses_working_overtime.mp3 Some people have WAY too much time on their hands. I'm one of them. -ira
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 06:16:37 EDT
From: Sedivo@aol.com
Subject: Big Express Day!
Message-ID: <12b.65cee9f.29094085@aol.com>
Dearest People,
The recently Mummer-inspired celebration has led to a
discussion about other album-inspired days. Thru a somewhat arbitrary process
conducted on the Yahoo!xtcenglandsglory message board, it was decided that
Big Express day should involve steam trains, overalls, tin lunch boxes and
other archetypal train-related things! It was thought that a New Year
celebration would fill the gap after the Xmas festivities had passed, and
that a weekend would be appropriate - to enable workers and families to
celebrate! So the third Saturday in January has been designated Big Express
Day, unless anyone has any strong objections! The first of these chuffing
days will fall on 19th January 2002! Can't wait!
Other proposals were for a Skylarking Day, and someone cruelly proposed
the passing of Haley's comet as GO2 day! If anyone has any ideas for specific
dates or times of the year or activities that should be part of these or any
other days, please post your thoughts! Which is your fav album, when and how
would you like to celebrate it? This is by way of bringing us together,
people! It may be a token gesture, but Lord knows we need it in these
troubled times.
Peace to all,
Lord Seds (aka
Potato)!
------------------------------ Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 11:57:30 -0500 From: "Xteve X" <xteve@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Mr. Bungle Message-ID: <F124eCFqf0axJh64f4s00015993@hotmail.com> Just like to put my 2 cents in re: Mr. Bungle. Their first, eponymously titled album is absolutely classic IMO, it does have a few of the most obscenely funny (or is it funnily obscene) songs ever recorded, "Stubb a Dub", "Travolta" and the immortal "Girls of Porn." Let's face it, it's not every day that an album comes along that sounds like Megadeth crossed with demented circus music. Anyhoo, the reason for this was John Zorn produced the first Mr. Bungle album & I always thought he'd be an interesting producer for XTC . . .anyone agree, or is this a great pairing only in my head? Now playing: the remastered "Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven" by Love & Rockets.
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