Chalkhills Digest Volume 3, Issue 104
Date: Friday, 25 April 1997
Chalkhills Digest, Volume 3, Number 104
Friday, 25 April 1997
Today's Topics:
Which is it Dave or Andy?
LE news from June & Peter!!
Close But No Cigar Pt. 384
Questions for AnDy...
Upsy Daisy track list
Emptiness lies through the glass
Ben Folds this Grammy into the Posies w/XTC engineers
re: Upsy Daisy Assortment compilation
What's going on here??
POP
What a listless vid!
Georgian's un-lurking...
The Skids
AP demo WAV files
Erratum
Re: Kinks & T.Heads
Dear God
various and sundry things
Chalk Horse(?) of Uffington
Seven Worthies
Dave Marsh The Loving ...
Green Man in a Dress
Re: Rants & Raves 3
First 'Chalkhills' post.
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---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 23 Apr 97 15:02:32 CDT Message-ID: <vines.pL06+4QWLnA@bangate.compaq.com> From: "james dupuy" <James=Dupuy%SPD=Mainstream%Sys=Hou@bangate.compaq.com> Subject: Which is it Dave or Andy? >"On and on and on. On and on and on" (name that tune) One of my favorite XTC songs! (at this point in time) "Across This Antheap" Does Dave play the guitars on the main part (not the bridge) or is it Andy (it sounds rAndy to me). I love the tick-tock-tick-tock percussion which reinforces the On and on and on. Thanks kids for the responses. It sounds like XTC's music is ageless. As for the >This is not just a modern phenomena (listening to the current "big thing," I mean.) What can I say, my cheeks are ablaze. The point I was getting at, Do people initially get into XTC because they are tired of the current "big thing," (which I was in 79). For example Gerardo's "I wanted to listen to music, but a lot of the music I listen to is alternative and I really didn't want to listen to it. I started listening to Nonsuch..." I was also wondering if XTC's popularity among the young was the start of a new trend in musical taste (XTC a new big pink thing?). But if you are a minority, as I was in high school, then it's probably just the "clever lyrics and infectious pop melodies" that has lured the "bored to distraction" with the popular music scene into the Chalkhills zone. (Humm, Chalkhills, Gooood!) To me XTC is as good if not better than the Beetles and I really wish they could reap more of the commercial success that they deserve.( but then would they become the commercial stuff that I try to get a break from when I listen to XTC now? Not with those lyrics and music.) (sniff, sniff I'll go have a tear in my ESB later) By the way, what do Chalkhillians think of the Clash/Big Audio Dynamite? I agree they are not the caliber of XTC and others listed here but ...?
------------------------------
Message-ID: <335EB73D.4078@3rddoor.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 18:28:29 -0700
From: Daniel Ray Phipps <phipps@3rddoor.com>
Subject: LE news from June & Peter!!
Hey all! --
Just received a letter today from the elusive June
and Peter of LE fame in Canada! They sent me a
rather informative news "phamphlet" re: our boys!
A bit of old, a bit of (somewhat) new, but it's
XTC news nonetheless, so dig some of it:
<quote>
Apologies for the long delay between LE issues --
hopefully you rec'd the letter and card we sent
at Christmas? We spoke to Colin in February and
he felt the band were very close to signing a
deal with Setanta / Go Discs! in the UK. At the
time, Dave & their mgr. were shopping for a US
deal. We plan to phone Colin or Dave next week
to get the very latest details & then LE #41 will
be printed FOR SURE!...Patrick Bourcier provides
a scoop -- While in Paris in Sept. to promote
"Fossil Fuel", Andy said ("He was serious!") that
he would come back on the scene and play live! But
one condition, and not the least, he wants to play
on a truck, an open truck. Play live while driving
in the street! Hope it'll be true!...Another music-
ian who admits that he's almost elevated Andy Part-
ridge to God-like status is Verve Pipe drummer Donny
Brown. Andy visited the band at their studio while
they were recording their album "Villians." He was
brought to the studio just to say "Hi." "It was one
of those situations where I was dumbfounded. Once
we finished freaking out, we played him a few songs
which he said he liked. I was going to ask him if
he needed a drummer, but, given the circumstances,
that wasn't really appropriate"...Super fan / musician
Becki Di---had the good fortune of not only having Dave
and Andy listen to a few of her songs that she was
preparing for her album, but happily finding that
they enjoyed them so much that her offer to do "a li-
tle something" (a keyboard here, a guitar solo there),
was taken up, and a fan's ultimate dream came true...
Spotted in Germany: a tour poster for Cleaners From
Venus presenting Dave as "ex-XTC." Andy was labelled
similarly by the Toronto paper, eye, in a Nov. piece
on the Heads' project...Andy likes "Virtual Insanity",
the Jamiroquai single...Matt Mahaffey of Tennessee
band Self told The Houston Press that of all the com-
parisons that are made to his band, he holds the most
reverence for the XTC ones. "It's amazing. I never
thought I would ever be able to associate myself with
anything Andy Partridge ever did," says Mahaffey...Mike
Foster is pretty close to putting the finshing touches
to a UK XTC convention. Basingstoke, 50 miles South-
West of London, will be the "Meeting Place." Mike has
worked hard at securing a great venue, and ads in pro-
minent rock / pop magazines Mojo and Q should garner a
good turnout. Videos, trading posts, XTC quizzes and
an opportunity for fans to perform XTC songs are in the
line-up. Mike also hopes to have a "special guest" or
two...More than 30 demos are ready, so two albums are
planned, in different directions. Some collaborations
are foreseen, with Harold Budd again, (and) Baby Bird,
who sent Andy about 40 demos. And some songs have been
written with Chris Difford of Squeeze...
<end quote>
So, as I said, some old news, some more recent, but it's
XTC news and that's what counts! I think it's really won-
derful to know that this band is still being mentioned
either indirectly or directly in music-news circles! They
simply will NOT go away (thank God!!!).
Long live XTC, ya'll!!!
Peace,
/Dan <phipps#3rddoor.com>
* ----------------------------------------
"Nothing happens the same way twice."
(Peter Blegvad)
* ----------------------------------------
Dan's XTC quote of the day: "I fell down to the bottom
of the sky." (AP)
Currently playing in Dan's CD player: "Sheryl Crow"
(2nd album) Damn! This thing's GOOD!!!
Dan's all-time favorite XTC album: "English Settlement"
(closely followed by "Mummer"...)
Bye!! :-)
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199704232237.AAA22129@utrecht.knoware.nl> From: "Mark Strijbos" <mmello@knoware.nl> Organization: The Little Lighthouse Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 23:43:30 +0000 Subject: Close But No Cigar Pt. 384 Dear Chalkies, I was surfing around the Web the other night and much to my horror I discovered a site where they are selling the AB-XTC !!! The "latest in fitness equipment - as seen on TV" If you are masochistic check out the thing yourself at: http://www.globalaffairs.com/ab/ After this I was not really surprised to find a British Hifi magazine with a review of a new range of top-class (pre)amps, tuners et al This stuff is marketed with the name XTC. Very nice gear, but hideously expensive, I'm afraid... The power amp alone costs a mere 2000 Pounds :( How can these companies (there are more examples) get away with this? Isn't the name "XTC" somehow protected by copyright? After all, the name of a band is part of their "work of art", isn't it? Any lawyers or music biz bobo's who can explain this out there ? in ecstasy, Mark Strijbos at The Little Lighthouse http://utopia.knoware.nl/~mmello ===> Mark's Random XTC Quote <=== All of the riches that shine will turn sour
------------------------------ Message-ID: <335E6D99.2BFE@negia.net> Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 20:14:16 +0000 From: JoE Silva <silva@negia.net> Subject: Questions for AnDy... I've got a chat with Andy set for some time next week, and I always like to poll the list for any questions anyone might have for Sir Andrew. Principal topic is, of course, Upsy Daisy, but anything is welcome. Thanks for the help... JoE ----------------- JoE Silva Senior Contributor Consumable Online http://www.westnet.com/consumable/Consumable.html
------------------------------ From: lizneil@netcom.ca Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 21:49:21 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <19974231848846334@ix.netcom.com> Subject: Upsy Daisy track list >From Addicted to Noise's Music News of the World (I think we can take the last paragraph with a grain of salt)... Talk about your untenable situations. Not only have XTC been unable to tour for over a decade due to singer/songwriter Andy Partridge's crippling stage fright, but they've also been barred from releasing any new material since 1992's "Nonsuch" due to a protracted contractual battle with their international label, Virgin Records. So, as a sort of stop-gap peace offering to fans, their U.S. label, Geffen, is releasing a 19-track greatest-hits compilation called "Upsy Daisy Assortment (The Sweetest Hits)" on June 3. The album contains all the classic oddball anthems you'd expect: "Life Begins at the Hop," "Making Plans for Nigel," "Generals & Majors," "Senses Working Overtime," "Grass," "Dear God," "Earn Enough for Us," "The Mayor Of Simpleton," and "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead," plus some less radio-friendly fodder, like: ""Respectable Street," "Ball and Chain," "No Thugs in Our House," "Love on a Farmboy's Wages," "This World Over," "Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her, Kiss Her..." and "Chalkhills and Children." Other songs on the collection include: "Funk Pop A Roll," "King for a Day" and "The Disappointed." According to a source at Geffen, the band has recently freed itself from their Virgin contract and are in negotiations with a number of labels to release the multiple albums they recorded during the limbo years.
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 00:08:08 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <199704240408.AAA23500@cyber1.servtech.com> From: Joshua Hall-Bachner <particle@servtech.com> Subject: Emptiness lies through the glass >>dripping with hip > >That should be an album title. May I, Josh? Steal away, my good man. :) >I later purchased "White Album" and "Go2" on vinyl. Must... resist... obvious... joke.... >I realized then that they were probably a great band. (pretty >much like Sarah found out about them) No, you can blame me for that. :) >To me the message of the song is pretty sophomoric and obvious, >something that I observed about Christianity when I was like eleven Not everyone looks as closely at religion as you or Andy does, though. (However, despite how controversial it was, Andy has said repeatedly that it wasn't pointed enough!) BTW, just a small note regarding two lines from "Toys" -- there is in reality a gay doll. Going by the name of Billy, his most prominent feature is that he's... um... all there. (He does *not,* however, have "real life hair," a la the "Action Man." Seems like a more than fair tradeoff to me...) Josh I can hear the passengers scream... /-------------Joshua Hall-Bachner-------------Chaos Harlequin-------------\ | particle@servtech.com http://www.servtech.com/public/particle/ | |"We all have our idiosyncracies -- maybe thinning hair, or gum disease." | \---- Kowanko, "Will You Come To?" ------ Thank You, And Goodnight. ------/
------------------------------ Message-Id: <v03102801af84a2976d62@[209.50.99.43]> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 02:31:51 -0400 From: arthur james virgin <audio@one.net> Subject: Ben Folds this Grammy into the Posies w/XTC engineers Greetings Chalkhillians, Now unemployed, I've had more time to pour through my recent Chalkhill's digests. Let the gleaning begin: 1) The "I hate Ben Folds Five too!" thread (or Natalie's first step): Its starting to sound like an AA meeting around here when it comes to these guys. "Hi, my name is ___, and I hate Ben Folds Five as well". Though I cant quite understand anyone NOT liking this band, I must say I appreciate the comments of those who dont. I've read everything from "a Muppets scam" to "Someone told me it was Jellyfish unplugged", to people experiencing spontaneous nausea upon the mention of these lads. If someone told you it was "Jellyfish unplugged", you were terribly misled. I'd say early Joe Jackson. Though I'm not at liberty to discuss Kermit's influence in either recording. Once again the diversity of the world is what makes it great (though the "Spice Girls" give credence to a re-think on that matter). 2) XTC Grammy nomination I searched all through NARAS and came up empty-handed on info about this alleged 1993 nomination. If anyone has any more information on this I'd greatly appreciate it. 3) Amazing Disgrace indeed Keith Sawyer commented on the Posie's latest album being aptly titled. Though not as bright as their instant masterpiece "Frosting on the Beater", "Amazing.." contains some of Jon and Ken's best songwriting moments. BTW, the recording of "Amazing Disgrace" was apparently marred by personality conflicts with their producer (Nick Launay / ex-XTC engineer). The Posies and Nick split whilst the album was 3/4 complete. 4) XTC and Semisonic Got a letter the other day from Dan Wilson of "Semisonic". According to Dan, Nick Launay (see #3) is producing their follow up to their fabulous "Great Divide" album. Dan always makes a point of telling me how into XTC he and his bandmates are, and the choice of Semisonic's producers back that up (Great Divide produced by Paul Fox/Ed Thacker, follow up by Nick Launay). Hopefully things will go smoother in Minneapolis. My longest post in my 3 years here! Back to lurk mode, AJ audio@one.net
------------------------------ Message-ID: <31510B652669CF11BA1D00805F38219E020A2B3E@DUB-04-MSG> From: Peter Fitzpatrick <peterfit@MICROSOFT.com> Subject: re: Upsy Daisy Assortment compilation Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 02:09:40 -0700 When I met Andy back in March he gave me a long fax roll containing artwork and font options for this compilation. He also had the packaging proofs (but I didn't get those....) The package includes some photo(s) from a recent XTC photosession. (They look REALLY cool - I seem to recall that Colin is wearing a brilliant silver coat, but that could be my memory...) One thing to watch out for is a presentation CD box of the album. The box is slightly larger than the standard CD jewel case. >From what I can remember the whole image is one of a selection of confectionery or chocolates. An usual selection of songs too - not a singles compilation.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <335F5C48.55FD@3rddoor.com> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 06:12:40 -0700 From: Daniel Ray Phipps <phipps@3rddoor.com> Subject: What's going on here?? What has happened here to Chalkhills?!? This thing started out as a fan-discussion forum to talk about the greatest band in the world! Now it's been reduced to ethnic jokes (3-103) and some- thing called "AMANDA-bashing"?? PUH-LEEEESE! Seriously close here to unsubscribing, 'cos this thing's slowly but surely turning into a joke! :-( Get with the program, people! If there's no XTC commentary in your posts for this forum, go to ANOTHER forum!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! /Dan <phipps@3rddoor.com> * ---------------------------------------- "Nothing happens the same way twice." (Peter Blegvad) * ----------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 19:37:56 +0800 (SST)
Message-Id: <199704241137.TAA00834@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
From: Kevin M Mathews <mathews@cyberway.com.sg>
Subject: POP
Heard that XTC are closer to that deal and even
about going on tour. How true is that? Or is someone jerking my chain.
By the way, those of you who may remember that I
mentioned my band The Crowd? Well our album POP is finally out - more info
e-mail pony@pacific.net.sg
Cheers, Kevin.
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 08:37:17 -0500 (CDT) From: "AMANDA \"louisiana lollipop\" OWENS" <ACOEA@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Subject: What a listless vid! Message-id: <01II2SJ2WXTM8XZEAY@jazz.ucc.uno.edu> Waiting in anticipation for the vid for King For a Day, I finally get the tape from a fellow Chalkhillian, and the video is so dull! And (this is my #1 complaint when it comes to XTC videos) THERE WASN'T ENOUGH DAVE!!!!!!!! The guy's only the most visually pleasing member of the band, he deserved more camera time! And onto a question..... I was listening to Dave's version of 3rd Stone From the Sun last night (on high speed dubbing, first time I could make out what Gregsy was saying), and I was wondering....did Right Said Fred lift the guitar riff from that song for "I'm Too Sexy"? Sure as hell sounds like it. Unsubbing-I hate it when there is a message prominently displayed at the bottom of every posting that says "For info on how to unsub"...and people still post directly to the damn list and say they want to unsub! This happens on a daily basis on the CTD list. (I think Mark can agree on this one.) Ben-Yes, it was the "Never Mind the Mainstream" tape. I remember I begged my sister to bring it (it's her tape) when she visited us last, and I looked at the pictures of the band on the inside flap and recalled how when I first saw the picture I thought "God that guy with the glasses on is fugly!" But I don't think that about Sir Partridge anymore. (My sister still does. Off with her head!) Ciao, Amanda XTC song of the day-All I Dream of Is a Friend non-XTC song of the day-Shadow Dancer-Fiona Apple Je me souviens du soleil PS-Kim! I lost your address, for some reason, but I must say, I can't copy videos as I haven't the facilities to do so. But there are probably some Chalkers who'd be willing to do it.....
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Apr 97 09:20:22 EDT From: Darrell <DRAINEY@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU> Subject: Georgian's un-lurking... Message-Id: <970424.101636.EDT.DRAINEY@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU> Since there has been a Gainesville, GA related post in the last two digests, I guess its my turn. I've been a lurker on this list for MANY years but haven't ever posted anything. I live in Athens, GA but grew up in Gainesville, GA. I'm 38 but still refusing to really believe it. I first discovered XTC when WUOG, 90.5 FM, put Black Sea into heavy rotation, which we played in most graphic design classes here at the Univ of GA. 90.5 is the student run station here on campus. I immediately ran out and bought all their albums and every release since. My biggest XTC regret; I chose to go water skiing in North Carolina rather than staying in town to attend the XTC show at a local club with rem opening. I justified it saying I'll see them "next time". The mistakes of a jaded youth! I'll never get over it. On the subject of rem, I've been a fan since their days as a "punk band", when Pete Buck was still learning to play on stage. You have to admire them for becoming such a success all the while doing things their own way. One of my all time favorite live shows was the Kinks at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta in the late 70s. The opening bands were Blondie and Tom Petty. I won passes to Ben Folds Five at the GA Theatre a while back. Thank god I didn't pay and could leave during the second song. My opinion; cheesy and pretentious. The song that had been played on the radio, I though it was Billy Joel! I'm also sure I like some bands/music others wouldn't like as well. Anyway, I enjoy this list very much. Darrell RAINEY (drainey@uga.cc.uga.edu) Univ Comp. & Networking Services / Computer Services Annex The University of GA / Athens, GA 30602
------------------------------ From: Stephen Clarke <S.Clarke@maires.co.uk> Organization: NOP Research Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 13:01:25 +0000 Subject: The Skids Message-ID: <9704241255.aa09220@itserv.maires.co.uk> Mark Irvin wrote > wow! I was 15 years old, and heard on a compliation album entitled > "This is New Pop '80" (great compilation!). Also on this album was > "Making Plans For Nigel" Other greats on this early Virgin compliation > included Magazine, Human League (before the girls), OMD, the Skids, John > Foxx, the Flying Lizards, and the Ruts. Well seeing as you mentioned the Skids does anybody know any of the lyrics to "into the valley" ?. Myself and my colleagues were trying to sing it at work today (that's how sad we are) and the only words we could come up with were the first line "into the valley...". It does sound like a great album, Mark. Appologies for the lack of XTC content and hope see some of you at Basingstoke. Steve.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <335F9976.6ED9@netwalk.com> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 10:33:42 -0700 From: Ian C Stewart <stewart@netwalk.com> Subject: AP demo WAV files Hey There are still four insultingly terrible sounding WAV files of 1995 Andy Partridge demos available for your imminent (sort of..same day anyway) downloading. Sorry Mac people, maybe next time (next time? who said there'd be a next time?) they'll be in Real Audio or something... Check them out now because in a week or so the whole AUTOreverse site will be burned to the ground to make way for a new AUTOreverse site. http://www.netwalk.com/~stewart/xtc.htm Re: Swindon It's not totally true that I didn't do my homework. And the bottom line, you may or may not recall, was that I love Swindon to the degree that I considered relocating there for a long time... I swear we were in the Acton Barnes Suite! Photographic evidence and everything! Maybe the hotel made some typos or something? As far as cities being scenic... I'd just spent the weekend in Norwich, which has a pretty city centre. Peter Fitzpatrick! I cannot wait to hear what Andy Partridge said about SKYLACKING. Please end this anticipatory suffering soon!!! As soon as you're allowed, I mean. On the SKYLACKING tip, I missed Chalkie/Lackie Keith Hanlon's rather stunning band NORTONS ORCHESTRAVILLE's gig last night in Columbus. I'm not pleased. Also the next AUTOreverse will feature an interview with Franco Turra, who's done some of the most amazing (truly, ask anybody) XTC covers ever. The guy has a lot to say and he talks about XTC a lot. So.. sit tight. And check my site, biaaaiaiaaaaaiaaaaiaiaiaiaaaaiaaiaaaaiaaaaiaaiaiaiaaaaaiiiaaaaaaaaaatch. Ian "shut up and give me what I want" -Mark Eitzel, Toiling Midgets
------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 10:55:07 -0400 (EDT) From: Natalie Jane Jacobs <gnat@umich.edu> Subject: Erratum Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.95.970424102902.16002A-100000@frogger.rs.itd.umich.edu> OK, OK, I don't *hate* the Ben Folds Five, I *strongly dislike* them. :) I *strongly dislike* Jellyfish as well, but I don't think they sound much alike... except for their tendency to make me leap desperately for the "off" switch whenever I hear them. That sort of cutesy, "cloying" (perfect word!), oh-so-clever stuff was made for stronger stomachs than mine, I'm afraid.... reminiscent of XTC, yes, but XTC at their absolute worst. Anyway, it's cheering to know that I'm not alone. Oh, and I can shout about "Ladybird" as much as I like, so there! :p Natalie Jacobs Perdix: The Andy Partridge Appreciation Page A chubby bespectacled man and his music http://www-personal.umich.edu/~gnat/perdix.html
------------------------------ From: kekkone@sci.fi Message-ID: <33600C38.911@sci.fi> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 18:43:20 -0700 Subject: Re: Kinks & T.Heads Jason Garcia wrote: > > Have you noticed that "Wonderland" on Mummer is about as Talking > >Heads as you can get? > Really?! What Talking Heads have you been listening to? My head was talking about the early TH, the first two albums to be more specific. "Wonderland" would fit in well with the mellower, non-neurotic bits on these LPs. Most of all, I think it's the high-pitch melody that immediately struck me as Byrnesque. If you still think I'm imagining things, check out "The Good Thing" on "More Songs about Buildings and Food" (1978)! Harrison Sherwood wrote: > Also, couldn't you hear "Victoria" on Black Sea? Sister song to "Towers of > London," maybe? OK, you got me there. I'll rephrase my idea: The Beatles and the Beach Boys are all over in XTC's music, in-your-face really. You have to dig a bit deeper to find the Kinks, but they're there allright. > (HYVAA SUOMI!!) Heyy, that's nice! Never imagined I would see *that* on this list... You've got Finnish friends or what? :-) kekkone
------------------------------ Message-Id: <2.2.32.19970424164637.0069ce98@popmail.dircon.co.uk> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 17:46:37 +0100 From: Simon <nonsuch@dircon.co.uk> Subject: Dear God From: The Gottschalks <gotts@tenet.edu> about "Dear God" >To me the message of >the song is pretty sophomoric and obvious, something that I observed about >Christianity when I was like eleven. According to what I've read this is precisely why Andy wanted a kid's voice to book-end the song. Basically the presentation implies that these are the thoughts that first occured to him as a kid and now that he's been out in the world, studied history, seen current affairs unfolding on the TV and in the press, nothing he has seen or learned has swayed him from his intial confusion. Even Andy, though, admits he failed in his aim with that song, and some of the lyrics _are_ below par, "don't mean a big reduction in the price of beer", for example. Maybe the return to the child's voice at the end of this track is an admission that the view expressed _is_ very childike (especially the 'tantrum' where Andy, in the video, attacks the tree with hammers), although it could almost equally be taken to imply even children can see through the hipocrisies of organised religion. If you want a song that's pretty persuasive in the other direction, try "That's Why I Believe" from the Truth and Beauty album by Ian McNabb. As a tiny foot-note, berating the lack of sensitivity to intelligent art forms in a music writer and then rounding off the post with a joke that manages to mix racist sensiblites and spousal-abuse is, perhaps, asking for trouble... >From 'ol Stormy hisself >I can love a song, and apparently tell you why I do, and yet you may >present another song to me that possesses all of the attributes of the >first song, and yet I might hate it. Who knows why? An excellent and enjoyable post all round there Stormy. Some very good points very well made. You may choose _any_ biscuit from this plate. Simon +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~nonsuch/bungalow.htm +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ XTC? Are they still going? Follow me and find out..
------------------------------ From: "KIMBERLY MARTIN" <KMAR0971@Mercury.GC.PeachNet.EDU> Organization: Gainesville College in Oakwood, GA Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 13:37:27 EST5EDT Subject: various and sundry things Message-ID: <5738525F23@Mercury.GC.PeachNet.EDU> Hello Chalkies!! I only joined this list a week ago and I love it BEAUCOUP already! THis is just going to be a miscellaneous commentary on some things I have read in the list...I can definitley see how many XTC fans could like the BFF, at least as far as "quirkiness" is concerned (of course, we all know that XTC is not "just" a quirky band). I do like the BFF, but if they disbanded tomorrow I wouldn't be shedding many tears; of course, I've never seen them live either. Whoever was comparing (or denying that comparison) them to Jellyfish--I definitely see this...when I got the BFF CD, I listened to it and liked it, but something about it reminded me of Jellyfish and made me want to LISTEN to Jellyfish, so I took out the BFF and put in Jellyfish instead. So I guess that may put them in proper perspective?? Since I'm on the subject of bands besides XTC, does anyone out there like the Swamp Zombies?? I think that this band's status is currently "semi-retired"; they haven't had an album out since '93. But I friggin' LOVE this band and had the opportunity to talk to them on the phone once (courtesy of their record label, Dr. Dream) and print up the interview in the fanzine I used to do, "Sanity Sux". I used to do lotsa pro-XTC and TMBG reviews too, but needless to say, no interviews...I've been reading a lot about Moxy Fruvous lately and have wanted to get something of theirs; even though the US is right next to Canada, it seems that it takes a lot of CAnadian bands a lot longer than British bands to be heard or make it "big" over here, but in the case of the CRash Test Dummies or Barenaked Ladies, it should've taken a LOT longer (yuk!!). Oh yeah, I really like BLUR a lot, I had the opportunity to see them live in Atlanta about a month ago, it was one of the best shows I have ever been to... If someone could hook me up with an ANdy Partridge interview I'd be more than happy to start publishing my fanzine again :) (ahhhh, pipe dreams!!!) Please write me! love, THE VANISHING GIRL (kim)
------------------------------ Message-ID: <335FD5DF.1BA4@seark.net> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 14:51:27 -0700 From: Douglas Hardin <douglas@seark.net> Organization: Fairfield Trucking, Inc. Subject: Chalk Horse(?) of Uffington Dear Fellow Chalkies, Have been on the list for only a couple of weeks but I love it. Lots of great fans, young and old. I am 40. Have been a fan since the "Times Square" soundtrack (Grinding Halt) and English Settlement was my first XTC LP. They make the best music around and are worth waiting for. I may have to put on my asbestos suit from the subsequent flames but feel I must bring this up. My girlfriend is a big XTC fan and a new age type. She was reading a book "The Sun and the Serpent" by Paul Broadhurst and Hamish Miller about the ley (electromagnetic)lines in England and they believe that the chalk horse is actually a dragon. The dragon was the symbol of the ley lines that runs through many of the churchs in England and there is a Dragon Hill nearby where it is believed that St. George killed a dragon. This may all just be new age theory but who knows. Andy was right when he said the chalk horse was just an Iron Age advertisment. It does date back to the Iron Age. If this has arleady been hashed out in earlier Digests then forgive me. Just thought its would be of interest. Please don't heed my shout I'm relax in the undertow, Doug
------------------------------ Message-Id: <2.2.32.19970424192002.00687770@popmail.dircon.co.uk> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 20:20:02 +0100 From: Simon <nonsuch@dircon.co.uk> Subject: Seven Worthies Hi gang, I just got home tonight to find a shiny copy of Becki diGregorio's CD "Seven Worthies...Of The Bamboo Grove" waiting for me. What can I tell you about it? I won't muddy the water by trying to compare it to other artists, but I will say that it _is_ a wonderful disc, and those who have ordered it will not be disappointed (oo-oo-oo-oo-oooo). I'd place it up there with Bob Mould's "Workbook" and Vic Chesnutt's "Is The Actor Happy?", and anyone who has ever shared a car with me can testify to my encompassing love of those albums. People in my immediate aquaintance are going to have this album played to them in seriously heavy rotation. Dave Gregory's contributions are of the best sort - they don't shout "here's the Dave Gregory bit!", they add to the already excellent work by becoming _part_ of it. He truly does _contribute_, and it sounds as if he's had a lot of fun with some of it. Becki, you wonder, I am in awe, Simon +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~nonsuch/bungalow.htm +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ XTC? Are they still going? Follow me and find out..
------------------------------
Message-ID: <01BC50CF.A2D4F910@port-29-10.access.one.net>
From: Tony Nowikowski <tonynow@one.net>
Subject: Dave Marsh The Loving ...
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 16:50:31 -0400
(Effectively folding two ongoing topics into one enigmatic Subject: line ...
8*)
1)
From: Ralph DeMarco <r.demarco@elsevier.com>
Dave Marsh has been writing about rock music for decades and my impression
seems to be that Marsh's concept of a perfect rock band, against whom all
are judged, is Led Zeppelin.
Hmmm ... I would've said that The Who ("Tommy" / "Who's Next"-era
especially) was the standard by which Marsh measured other bands. (And not
to throw in a plug for him, but if there's any Who fans out there how
haven't read his book, "Before I Get Old" ... it is a VERY complete,
well-written history.) His weakness, as I see it, is for the anthemic
statement (thus Pete Townshend, arguably one of the smarter guys in rock
history, but one who could transcend and go for the heart/balls/jugular.)
Marsh's faves also include guys like Bob Seger, John Fogerty/CCR,
Springsteen ... anyone see a pattern here? And unfortunately pop music,
(especially as practiced by Messrs. Partridge, Moulding, and Gregory,) while
being intelligent, witty, beautifully melodic, and DEFINITELY filled with
emotional content, does not, by its very nature, contain enough BIG SWEEPING
GESTURES to please the Dave Marshes (Daves Marsh?) of the world, and so it
gets written off as being too cerebral.
(But hey, just means more XTC for those of us who UNDERSTAND!)
2) Waybackwhen, our dear AMANDA asked,
>Okay, not actually a mishearing, but a question.....in the ending part of
>"The Loving", when there are about six different thigs being sung, what the
>heck is (Colin, I think) saying? Sounds like "strange trip"
I always heard it as "straight to ya"
And for those of you collecting them statistics on us Chalkhillicious types,
put me down in the "33-year-old single European-American heterosexual male"
category ...
Toodles,
tony
------------------------------ From: J_ARTECONA@rcmad.upr.clu.edu Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 18:23:42 -0400 Message-Id: <970424182342.2141e058@rcmad.upr.clu.edu> Subject: Green Man in a Dress Hey there chalkhillians, I am 37. I love Mummer. I think Ben Folds 5 are ok once I get past their chipmunkish sounding vocal harmonies. Finally heard the new demos, think they are great and that if we dress up the green man in a fancy video and do something about that unusually long tail we just may have a HIT on our hands (it'll probably never happen). This list is great although too much time is spent on petty things. Extremism in the defense of XTC is no vice. Pancho the puertorican XTC fan who does not have the guts to perform an interpretative dance version of Funk Pop a Roll for his school's talent show.
------------------------------ Message-Id: <199704242320.QAA20520@gryphon.com> From: "William Wisner" <wisner@gryphon.com> Subject: Re: Rants & Raves 3 Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 16:16:03 -0700 > Remember, Marsh has been writing for Rolling Stone for ages and that > magazine went from a newsprint format (with occasional hard-hitting > political journalism) to a slick, corporate music industry teenie-bopper > rag. When's the last time you read Rolling Stone? They may be slick and corporate, but the thing that keeps me reading is that they do frequently run good political and social journalism.
------------------------------ Message-ID: <335FC459.3B11@prodigy.net> Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 20:36:41 +0000 From: dke <dke@prodigy.net> Organization: Prodigy Internet Subject: First 'Chalkhills' post. Hi there! My name is Doug Ellison and I'm thrilled to find that there are so many other XTC fans out there. I was first exposed to XTC around 1980, when I was at a friends house. The video for "Making Plans For Nigel" appeared on the TV. I was hooked immediately. (Which is lucky for me, since with many of their songs, it's not until the second or third listen that I fall madly in Love with them.) I have never seen the video since then. I have vague memories of Andy (I think) manically dismembering a fake guitar. I live in Ft Lauderdale, Florida so if there's anyone nearby please let me know. (As far as I know, I'm the only XTC fan down here.) I am extremely new to the net/web, so if I do or say anything really stupid, someone please let me know. (From what I've observed of the group so far, that was probably a redundant request.) Thank you all for existing! --Doug
------------------------------ End of Chalkhills Digest #3-104 *******************************
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