Chalkhills Digest Volume 1, Issue 298
Date: Thursday, 28 October 1993
Chalkhills, Number 298
Thursday, 28 October 1993
Today's Topics:
Decades
Jason
Random Thoughts
xTc popularity
Re: A QUIZ!!!
sale items
Introducing: me! :)
Nirvana thanks other groups...
Re: Chalkhills #297
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] From: Andrew Russell Mutchler <andym@owlnet.rice.edu> Subject: Decades Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1993 15:33:22 -0500 (CDT) #| From: jrcampbe@mines.utah.edu (James Robert Campbell) #| #| Label 60's 70's 80's 90's #| #| Hard Rock Ld Zeppelin AC/DC Def Leppard Living Colour #| Eric Clptn Gns 'N Rses Stne Tmpl Plts #| #| Tunesmiths Beatles Eagles XTC Soul Asylum #| Steely Dan Squeeze Cranberries This puts me in mind of Andy's own "History of Rock & Roll" from Rag&Bone: "So, let's briefly summarize what we know, shall we?..." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Andrew + "MAY I TAKE YOUR COAT" Mutchler + "I DON'T HAVE A COAT. I AM AN ANT" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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From: kes@acpub.duke.edu (Ken Strayhorn Jr.)
Subject: Jason
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1993 16:36:38 -0400 (EDT)
Howdy -
Interesting idea, rating XTC fandom with "Jason and the
Argonauts".
OK, I'll bite: I like it, as a matter of fact, I have worn
out not one, not two, but THREE tapes of "English Settlement."
"Jason" is one of those rare songs: It's perfect.
I'd rate several other songs in this categlory - Paul
McCartney's and John Lennon's "Penny Lane" and "Hello Goodbye"
are two other examples. Creative, original tunes with lyrics
that actually make you THINK if you are so inclined.
Cheers
Ken Strayhorn
Chapel Hill NC
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Date: 22 Oct 93 16:48:54 EDT
From: John.J.Pinto@dartmouth.edu (John J. Pinto)
Subject: Random Thoughts
I'm pleased that Jamie of NYC has taken the somewhat tiresome pursuit of
rateing Nonsuch songs to a new level. His concept of accelertating XTC albums
to higher speeds and then comparing the to anything that comes to mind is an
absolutely brilliant idea. Of course this limits the exercise to those who
still have turntables. Next stop 78rpm. Trash those grooves.
Has anyone else out there come to the conclusion that Steve Miller ("I'm a
space cowboy...") listens to XTC? The intro from his most recent comeback hit
sounds a great deal like the opening to The Mayor of Simpleton. Perhaps some
gifted ear out there could do an analysis.
I'm amazed the more people have not commented on Dave Mattacks and his
contribution to Nonsuch. I think that this is a result of the fact that most
Chalkhillians have had little exposure to Fairport Convention and the entire
British "Folk-Rock" scene that developed along with them.
Andy proposed releasing a mirror image version of Nonsuch comprised of the
corresponding "Home Demos". This novel idea was naturally nixed by Virgin as
it waited to mutate into an even bigger conglomerate. This would have been a
much better plan than releasing a demo here and there which translated into
big dollars for anyone trying to collect. The question is can this be done
>from existing "bootleg" tapes? Seems as if there are a few tunes missing. Can
anyone help me with this?
While it has been hinted at in a number of entries has anyone else had the
thought that XTC may be finished as an group. Consider this... no plans to
record in the forseeable future... for all intent and purpose their record
lable does not exist... what record company would back a band that is not
only "difficult" but has no intention of ever appearing in public again...
who would want to BE in a band that will never tour again, not to mention
maybe never record again... rumor has it that Andy is/was going through
major changes... most everyone dislikes Colin's recent contributions (myself
NOT included)... Dave seems to be finding steady work as a session man... Why
bother to maintain the illusion? Andy could support himself selling tapes by
mail.
If you don't have a copy of WONDERLAND EXTRA #2 you should. Bravo
Shigemasa!
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Subject: xTc popularity Date: Fri, 22 Oct 93 16:57:46 -0400 From: silva@mond1.ccrc.uga.edu >James Robert Campbell sez: I don't care how many times I've read Andy state that he wishes he could do an XTC album every 6 months. It's about time we start seeing something! Forget it mate. That's not goIng to bring them any renewed popularity. The thing is, no matter what your personal take on is, songs like "Peter Pumpkinhead" are good enough to get radio play, but I don't think Geffen/Virgin are not going to get behind a band that refuses to tour and consequently promote their own material. The success of Skylarking might bolster the view that that's something they don't need to do, but as far as the US goes, that's generally not the rule. Tour or let your record fade away. And the thing is Andy is a fairly outgoing guy (I interviewed him once...) and when you listen to thwe radio tour stuff, his ego is right out there in front and intact. BuT if he doesn't want to gig i can see why they fade from people's minds.I think eventually they'll convince him to do it, but until then cult faves is what they'll stay. JoE
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Date: Tue, 26 Oct 93 10:36:44 PDT
From: "John M. Relph" <relph@presto.ig.com>
Subject: Re: A QUIZ!!!
Robert Guralnick <robg@fossil.berkeley.edu> writes:
> My first idea was to just ask one simple question ---
>Do you like Jason and the Argonauts? If the answer is yes, you
>are an "obtuse lover"
> Then I thought that maybe liking songs such as
>"Wrapped in Gray" and "Books Are Burning" proves that you are
>the "gimme the message straight up" type, since both those songs
>have the subtlety of a rhinoceros in a library.
Is there one type of fan? I think not. But then again, is there only
one label for XTC music? (This is Pop?)
Personally, I like "Wake Up", which is fairly unsubtle. Power chords
and big drums. A hard-edged opener to a great and classic album. But
then again, I especially like "Desert Island". Fairly quiet,
interesting Caribbean quality to the music. Terrible (and perhaps
less- than-subtle) puns and wordplays abound. But it's all in all a
paean to the English way of life, even if it is couched in shipwreck
terminology. (Speaking of ships, have any of you read Patrick
O'Brian's nautical novels? Most excellent.)
For me it just depends on the song. I like "Jason and The Argonauts".
I like "Great Fire". I like "Funk Pop a Roll". I like "Millions". I
don't think there are just two kinds of songs, no more than I think
there are two kinds of fans.
Maybe there are two kinds of fans. One, the casual XTC listener. Has
one or more albums. Likes them. The other? The addicted crazy XTC-nut.
Must have all albums. Must have all songs ever recorded. Gimme gimme
gimme.
The floor is open.
-- John
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From: Ray Sherrod <rsherrod@ecst.csuchico.edu>
Subject: sale items
Date: Tue, 26 Oct 93 12:30:56 PDT
For Sale:
1. The Bull With the Golden Guts, authentic (not a copy) and played once.
$18 ppd.
2. XTC Window Box. 4 songs on a cassette available at 1991 convention only.
$18 ppd.
3. King for a Day 3 inch CD single in crown-shaped pack. 2 versions of "King"
plus "My Paint Heroes" and "Skeletons". $10 ppd.
4. The Loving 3 inch CD single with one other LP track and also "The World
is Full of Angry Young Men". $5 ppd.
5. For any REM fans: "Single Action Green" box set of 4, 45 rpm 7 inch vinyl
singles all with picture sleeves and a poster for "Get Up". The singles
are "Stand", "Get Up", "Pop Song 89", and the other one I can't remember.
Anyway, they are all mint and never been played. $30 ppd.
Hope to hear from you all. Ray Sherrod (rsherrod@ecst.csuchico.edu)
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1993 13:02:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Wendi Dunlap <litlnemo@u.washington.edu> Subject: Introducing: me! :) As requested, I'm introducing myself as a new subscriber to Chalkhills. I heard about the list on alt.music.alternative, I think. I live in Seattle, and I'm a musician/artist. I suppose I first heard XTC back around '82, when a local radio station started to play "Senses Working Overtime." I liked it, and eventually checked out the rest of the band's music and liked that as well. Of course, I've never seen them live and probably never will. <sigh> I'm looking forward to what this list has to offer... thanks. | Wendi Dunlap * litlnemo@u.washington.edu | "They're not dead, they're | | Currently playing on my stereo: | metaphysically challenged!" | | The Specials, "Concrete Jungle" | --MST3K |
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1993 10:28:27 -0500 From: "Bird Rendell H." <rhb@usl.edu> Subject: Nirvana thanks other groups... I remember reading in a couple of interviews with Kurt Cobain around the time _Nevermind_ came out, he said that he liked R.E.M. a lot and was influenced by their music. He's also said that he's been influenced by XTC, The Beatles, The Replacements. Some GOOD company if you ask me... Rendell
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Date: 28 Oct 93 09:03:45 EDT From: Kyle Skrinak <70702.3054@compuserve.com> Subject: Re: Chalkhills #297 Re: Chaulkhills 297, Jeff Rosedale: >>They probably never will play live again, so we can all analyze our tapes to death...... You're right. I feel pathetic arguing this point. Maybe out of frustration that I'll probably never see them live. >>But the old stuff jumps out of the speakers and grabs you by the throat in some of the live performances. On another note: I forget to rate Ugly Underneath with my nonsuch review. Which is funny, 'cause I think it's the best song (sharing that title is Dear Madame Barnum) on Nonsuch. Both songs have this curious effect of making my scalp tingle... A+ Re: Eric R, #297 >>Now try to rate the songs NOT with the other XTC-albums in mind. Why bother? I thought it would be assumed that by virtue of checking and corresponding this board out that we're all XTC fanatics, and that we all think that they're tops.
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] For all administrative issues, such as change of address, withdrawal from the list, fan club addresses, discography requests (last update 19 October), back issues, FAQ list, etc., send a message to the following address: <chalkhills-request@chalkhills.org> The Chalkhills archives are available at "http://chalkhills.org/". All views expressed in Chalkhills are those of the individual contributors only. But sharks made a meal out of him.
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