Re: Austin Motel
Randi Fratkin asks: So when and where (here or on the fluff list?) do we get to start talking about who's going to SXSW, and where they're staying? Who's in charge of compiling the P2 directory? Because I am insatiably nosy, I will volunteer to do this (even though I barely have time to read my e-mail and all my friends are beginning to hate me because I never write them back). If you're going to SxSW and you want others on the list to know you'll be there, please send me an e-mail to say so. You can also let me know where you'll be staying, if you feel really daring. (NB: Alex will be staying at the Austin Motel, and the party is in his room.) --Amy
Premier Player Awards
Congratulations, Nancy! You done real good! I see from your list of nominees that you're in some pretty fine company. Good luck and let us know... Tera 14th Annual Premier Player Awards Nominees Premier Songwriter Award: Nancy Apple, Tommy Burroughs, Jimmy Davis, Jerry Hayes, Ross Rice, Keith Sykes. Award for Community Service recognizes an outstanding contribution to the music community and/or community at large by an individual or group. Nominees: Nancy Apple, The Blues Foundation, Bob Kelley, Larry Nager, Play It Again Memphis. The Premier Player Awards will be held at The Pyramid on Wednesday, March 31. For ticket information, call NARAS at 525-1340.
Re: SXSW Saturday
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Guess this opens up my Saturday night again. And I was suddenly panicking that it would be opposite Sparklehorse. Who are incidentally playing before the Flaming Lips. Does anyone know if this is going to be a true Flaming Lips' gig or more of that synchronized car stereo crap? Chad -- Chad Hamilton University of Texas Graduate School of Business [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Time line?
John Magee wonders: Who was the first alt.country artist? Bill Monroe? Bob Wills? Johnny Cash? snip My vote goes to that kamikaze of the acoustic guitar, Riley Puckett.
Austin show on Sunday nite
Hi everyone, Thought I'd let you know: I'm a Chicago-based singer/songwriter and I'm off to Texas for a week. 'Twould be excellent if any of you Austinites could come hear me this Sunday night...I've never been down there before and I'd love to have somewhat of an audiencehere's the show info: sunday, feb 21, 8:30PM $5 Jonathan Rundman at "Jollyville City Limits Songwriters Series" B.B. Rovers International Cafe and Pub 12636 Research Blvd. 101-B Austin 512-335-9504 Thanks! -Jonathan www.mich.com/~tbberg/saltlady.html
Needed Accordion
Someone said: Play an accordian. Go to jail. It's the law. So that's what happened to Nathan Abshire, Amede Breaux, PeeWee King...and Art Van Damme. g Seriously, all of the above by mastering this chest cumberbund,made some very beautiful, richly textured music. I'm particularly fond of Abshire (French Blues ) and Van Damme (Swings Sweetly, The Art Of...). Great stuff, in my opinion. The squeezebox is dead, long live the accordion! Tera (getting off the homemade soapbox)
Re: Time line?
While I'm thinking about it, I came up with a solution -- that works for me -- to dealing with the infernal question "What is Alternative Country?" For the purposes of the time-line -- although it's also my general philosophy -- I don't attempt to define "alternative country" at all. Instead... sort of turn it around a bit, and consider -- -- an alternative way of looking at country music(snip rest of post) ...Cheryl Cline Great stuff, Cheryl. Wonderful concept. Might make for a great book (hint). I'd love to read a discussion such as this on P2 as well. Any takers to continue the ball rolling here? Tera
Re: SXSW Saturday
Who are incidentally playing before the Flaming Lips. Does anyone know if this is going to be a true Flaming Lips' gig or more of that synchronized car stereo crap? I think it's a real one. I suspect they have to get back to making conventional records after that 4 CD thing they did last, which probably sold about ten copies total. NW, who kinda liked the synchronized car crap.
SXSW Saturday
If anybody has some time Saturday night of SXSW and you want to hear the rockin blues done right try David Gogo's showcase at 8:00 at the Watrloo Brewing Co. This guy is amazing. Doug Baxter
Re: Time line?
Reply to: Re: Time line? John Magee wrote: Who was the first alt.country artist? I think the line begins with Hank Williams. And don't forget Gram Parsons! HP
Joe Pernice Interview (long)
Warning: this interview contains jokes which dont look so funny in print as they were live in the studio! - Joe, were so glad that you finally made it to Australia you had a few dramas getting here last time, didnt you? Yeah, it was just one big drama, haha. Its good to be here, actually. I just flew in a few hours ago. - You look remarkably well for someone whos just been in a plane for 24 hours. So I dont look half-dead? I think Im two-thirds dead, haha. - Now I understand youre doing a solo show tomorrow night, and then play Saturday night with local band Golden Rough backing you up. Yeah, Golden Rough are only doing a handful of songs with me, like six or so. That should be a lotta fun. - And I hear youre gonna play a few old Scud Mountain Boys songs too on this tour, you havent done that in the states for a while have you? No, not since the summer of 97. Ive played a handful of solo shows in America where I pull out a lot of those songs, but for the most part when I do that, Ill play songs that we didnt play much as a band. So I havent visited a lot of the material from my first three records in a couple of years, it should be interesting. - Well, I begged you before to play a Scud Mountain Boys song for me will you oblige? Of course. How about In A Ditch, from the record Massachussetts? (heavy sense of sarcasm in his voice since I had hassled him mercilessly to play this song) (laughter) Hmm, that doesnt sound rehearsed! (slowly) How about IN A DITCH off the record . MASSACHUSSETTS? (laughter) - live performance - Joe, thank you so much thats a song that Ive often wondered about do you mind telling me about the context of the song? Ah no, I dont mind, but hahaha um, how about a more specific question? - Well tell me what its about! Well, most of the songs I write are based pretty much around real experiences, loosely sometimes less loosely and, uh, 95, as youll find out when you do your big trek across America is a major interstate. Uh, its just, you know, someone I knew was found on the other side of that road. That was their last journey. So its pretty much, you know, thats the story. - Its a pretty raw song a lot of your songs evoke a sense of loss Why, thank you. Thanks! Hahaha. - And I think theres quite a few angry songs on the new album, too Really? Oh no, Im not capable of anger. - Cmon, Monkey Suit is a pretty angry song Theres not an angry bone in my body. Monkey Suit well, yeah, thats a little angry Its more fearful, probably at least where I come from its probably the same everywhere but you live your life, you go down a track, and you end up working in a bank or something, and to me, that track would be I mean, I dont wanna offend any of your listeners who might be bankers, but it would do me in for sure. I hate bankers. Insurance, thats another thing if you underwrite insurance policies, god bless you. - Is music what you always wanted to do, or did you dream of being an insurance broker one day? I did! Hahaha. No, Ive always played music, but I never thought I would do it as full-time as I am. It just came as a fluke. I was in graduate school, and the opportunity came up it had always been a dream, I just had to do it. - How about writing? Last time we talked, we spoke about your studies in poetry and your interest in creative writing have you been writing lately? Mostly songs lyrics Im working on a book of poetry right now. I have a Masters in Fine Arts, but I havent had a lot of time, yknow. Ive just been focussing on playing music and writing songs and recording. It seems like Ive been really busy since, I dont know, the last year things have been pretty busy for me. - I heard a rumor that youre also working on a side project? Just finished an album two weeks ago, its pretty mellow like the other records arent, hahaha. We made it at home with a few of the members of the band, and my friend John from Jolene, he sings on the record, and Geoffrey Underhill from the Velvet Crush plays on it. It was a lot of fun, we werent really sure where it was going to go, and that was half the fun of it. We just jumped into it. I had a bunch of songs that didnt seem to fit the project we were doing, and the opportunity to make a record came up, so we got off the road wed been on tour for months and just jumped right into recording. Its gonna be released on Sub-Pop. Would you like to hear a song from that record? - Id love to. Ill try not to mangle this I reserve the right to stop in the middle of it When I left home two days ago it was 20 degrees fahrenheit and the street was covered in ice and its something else just trying to get your key in the lock of your car door, it can be an ordeal A writer whos influenced me a lot is a Swedish poet called Thomas Traumstromer (sp?) and I wrote a song thats a sort of homage to him called Solitary Swedish Houses which is a
Half Mad Moon
Great record. You all were right. Except that guy from Usa Today who compared the Damnations TX sister-singers to the Louvin Brother singers didn't know what he was talking about. The only similarity is the fact that the two pairs are each related by blood. I don't hear the X comparisons either, at least with regard to singing. Anyhow, when I listened to it, I expected the "second voice" to be louder in the mix, and more of a vocal contrast to the lead singer, as in the Louvins. But not so. Anyhow, a good record with clever, engaging songwriting, and best of all, a nice, tangible, chunky sound. I love the bass. -- Terry Smith
Re: Half Mad Moon
Terry, Although it is indeed exaggerating to compare them to the Louvins, the X comparisons make sense to me. I think these come out more when you see them live. They have certain sounds, harmonies, etc. that have a very "X-like" effect in that context. I forget which song it is, but they sometimes cover an X number live and it sounds damn good in their version, very true to the spirit of the original, etc. Overall, however, I find their writing and sound pretty unique. They are truly not a cookie-cutter outfit and have that rare thing, a sound and style truly their own.
SV: Chip Taylor in Concert! Part II
Sorry all, I got John The Guitarplayers name all wrong - of course it
was John PLATANIA - who played with Chip for many years, and also have
played with Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison a.o.
Johnny
-Opprinnelig melding-
Fra: Johnny Borgan
Sendt:18. februar 1999 10:05
Til: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
Kopi: 'Tom Skjeklesæther'
Emne: Chip Taylor in Concert!
Last night, in Oslo, Norway, Chip Taylor stopped by, and played us an
incredible bunch of songs, from his megahit "Wild Thing" (Jimi
Hendrix) and a string of other songs made popular by people like
Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and others. But, even better, he played
the great songs from his last and forthcoming albums. His
guitarplaying compadre, John Nataglia, made an excellent job, playing
sensitive guitar behind Chip, and great harmony vocals. It was a very
unique experience, as the crowd was just the "chosen few" - but then,
Chips performance is not to crowds, but to you and your heart.
Chip was off the road for many years, and didn't make music, but
making a living as a professional gamler. A few years ago, he went
home, to his old mother, and to creating great music - first the
Living Room Tapes, and then one the highlights in country music in the
nineties, in my opinion - "Seven Days in May". The whole story is
about Chip meeting this young french girl, Florence. She is pregnant
at the time, he fell deeply in love and spends seven days in May with
her, before she leaves for France and marriage with the father of the
child. The song cycle gets everything, the story, and the feeling of
falling in love, the despair and sadness of not being able to hold on
to this love ("How Can I Get Through This"), and one of the saddest
and greatest "love-that-can-not-continue"-songs I ever heard, "Just
Keep Holding On". The album is bathed in real emotions, put through in
a poetic way, showing us feelings that many of us may know, a
beautiful soundtrack to love stories. The sensitive ballads, the
strong emotions and the very intense vocals can be compared to Bob
Dylan's masterpiece, Blood On The Tracks. And then we're on the all
time top of the list! In many ways it gets under your skin the same
way Iris DiMents "My Life" did, a few years ago.
But Chip is not alone on this record. Among others he got members from
The Band, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson helping him out, and we also get
two beautiful duets with Lucinda Williams. Guy Clark made harmony
vocals, and duets with Chip on the song, "One Hell Of A Guy" (!).
The record is released on Chips own company, TrainWreck Records (What
a great name for a record company).
It's a shame that so few got to hear Chip last night, though it made
it a very memorable event for me and the others watching.
But the record is out there - go get it, you won't regret it! And
then, when you heard it, tell us all about it!
Johnny
(O_O)
---oOOO---(_)---OOOo-
"Don't ask me nothing about nothing, I just might tell you the truth!"
(Bob Dylan)
"You're getting closer to the grave each day!" (Hank Williams)
Re: Radio M show about No depression music
On Wed, 17 Feb 1999, Amy Haugesag wrote: Bob Soron--an editor, I might add--wrote: A soon-to-be-former technical book editor, if you will. And if any of you publishing types have any contacts around Chicago in a saner and more interesting line of editing work (no books, no daily-paper copy desks, but just about anything else), I'd love to know about it offlist... I liked the lead singer better than Tracy Really? Does Tracy know about this, Bob? I actually did tell her this last night. She seemed OK with it, but I'll let her speak for herself. Bob
mainstream country query
A friend who doesn't listen to country but is curious about where it's at these days just asked me who the top acts in mainstream country were, aside from Garth and Shania. That is, who it is that represents the current state of respectable mainstream country, etc Not legends, like Dolly or whoever, but top sellers and top draws *today*, people who represent the current development of the mainstream aesthetic. So, putting aside Garth and Shania as marketing superphenomena of their own (and as dubious examples of "country"), I'm wondering what some of the people here on P2 who know the mainstream think. I suggested, of the male artists: Vince, George Strait, Alan Jackson. Of the female artists: Reba, Pattly Loveless, Trisha Yearwood. Does that sound about right? Actually, having gotten to thinking about this, I'm curious what people think. Are these about the biggest "legit" current country names, or I am forgetting someone? Thanks, --junior
Re: mainstream country query
Junior, since your looking for commercial folks, I'd recommend this chart for "legit" info: A HREF="http://www.billboard.com/charts/country.html" http://www.billboard.com/charts/country.html/A (Top 20 Country) Kate. In a message dated 2/18/1999 12:52:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I suggested, of the male artists: Vince, George Strait, Alan Jackson. Of the female artists: Reba, Pattly Loveless, Trisha Yearwood. Does that sound about right? Actually, having gotten to thinking about this, I'm curious what people think. Are these about the biggest "legit" current country names, or I am forgetting someone?
RE: mainstream country query
Reply to: RE: mainstream country query BARNARD wrote: I suggested, of the male artists: Vince, George Strait, Alan Jackson. Of the female artists: Reba, Pattly Loveless, Trisha Yearwood. Does that sound about right? Actually, having gotten to thinking about this, I'm curious what people think. Are these about the biggest "legit" current country names, or I am forgetting someone? You forgto the Dixie Chicks. HP
Re: mainstream country query
Thanks Katie, Yeah, if one can access top 20s for the last few years, I'm sure that would give a clear idea too... -junior
Re: Half Mad Moon
BARNARD wrote: Although it is indeed exaggerating to compare them to the Louvins, the X comparisons make sense to me. I think these come out more when you see them live. They have certain sounds, harmonies, etc. that have a very "X-like" effect in that context. This struck me as well, and me and JR were at the same mid-July show as I remember.Their late October KC show was a bit more subdued and more in the spirit and sound of the record. I forget which song it is, but they sometimes cover an X number live and it sounds damn good in their version, very true to the spirit of the original, etc. "We're Desperate". They didn't do it here in KC, and they sorta smiled when I shouted out for it."You musta seen us before, huh?" was the guitar/banjo player's (Rob?) comment. Overall, however, I find their writing and sound pretty unique. They are truly not a cookie-cutter outfit and have that rare thing, a sound and style truly their own. Yup. It worries me though, all the accolades and buzz about 'em here and it's just February. We'll have 'em cut down to size by summer I reckon, and by top ten time they'll be forgotten. g b.s.
Re: Austin Motel
In a message dated 2/17/99 9:00:37 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Just curious, what P2ers are actually staying at the Austin Motel? I know Alex is, and Jake London and maybe Jerry Curry. I need to know who I've got a room but I'm on the maybe list depending on what happens with my job. Deb
Re: Austin Motel
In a message dated 2/16/99 10:06:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Just curious, what P2ers are actually staying at the Austin Motel? I know Alex is, and Jake London and maybe Jerry Curry. I need to know who I'm gonna be able to share a cab with, and who I need to avoid. g whoops, I read wrong. I'm not at the Austin motel but I might be in SXSW depending on the job situation.
Re: mainstream country query - Gavin
In a message dated 2/18/1999 1:26:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yeah, if one can access top 20s for the last few years, I'm sure that would give a clear idea too.. one more resource from the radio side of the biz, The Gavin Country Chart: A HREF="http://www.gavin.com/music/country/chart.shtml" http://www.gavin.com/music/country/chart.shtml/A K.
Re: Half Mad Moon
Heh, like Bill I worry a bit that all this buzz could be a problem for a fine group. Obviously people should definitely hold on and seem em live this summer, when they'll be out and about. I hope they have some staying power, in any case. Excessive buzz is always a difficult thing to deal with. I do think they've got something fresh and, in my few encounters with them, they've struck me as the kind of people I like to like, if you know what I mean. Besides that, however, I'm waiting for new Derailers, dang it!! g --junior PS. And thanks Bill for the reminder: that version of "We're Desperate" was fine fine fine
Re: Half Mad Moon
In a message dated 2/18/99 12:40:54 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Obviously people should definitely hold on and seem em live this summer, when they'll be out and about. I saw them for the first time at a Waterloo instore on tuesday, and I was impressed enough to buy the CD (on sale at $9.99). I haven't given it a lot of listening time due to the deluge of stuff in the mail this week, but I could tell it was good with one complete listen. There was an obvious difference in the live and recorded performance, part of which may be due to the fact that the album was recorded well over a year ago. I imagine they are ready to move past that material, but with the national promo machine cranking up they will have to live with it for a while. The harmonies were good, but they are no Louvins. I think the comparison with x comes from the nature of the harmonies, which I am sure some music scholar can describe better than me. I hear a lot of lower harmony (minor 3rds?) as opposed to high harmony, which the Louvins did. Nevertheless, I enjoyed them, and hope to see more in the future. The banjo ruled. Slim
Re: mainstream country query
I suggested, of the male artists: Vince, George Strait, Alan Jackson. Of the female artists: Reba, Pattly Loveless, Trisha Yearwood. Of the above, I'll vote for Vince and Strait. And I'll add to the list Dolly, maybe that barefoot Carter gal, the Dixie Chicks and most anyone Weisberger recommends. Hell, I even like some of Shania's stuff, but that might be just because I think of her belly button every time I hear 'em. Personally, I can't stand Reba. Her overdramatic songs make me nearly as nauseas as those of Celine Dion. And mostly, let's not forget the future of mainstream country, Allison Moorer. Her star is rising, and quick. Plus, of all the artists mentioned above, she is the *only* one that *really* hits me like I need to be hit. All the others are more like: well it's good for mainstream country, you know? Done with monster deadline (woo hoo), but gotta go clean up cat puke, Neal Weiss
more good news fom the music Gods
I have a pre-release tape of the new Ray Wiley Hubbard studio album due out on Philo later this year. Very nice passionate stuff that picks up where Dangerous Spirits left off. Lloyd Maines produced with the usual cast of characters plus a bunch of greasy slide guitar from Ray himself and some nice vocals from Patty Griffin. Lots of gritty Gospel folk concerning down to earth/metaphysical dilemnas, and the small-room band sound is really appealing to me. anyways, add this to the list of great music due out later this year. -jim
Re: mainstream country query
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I suggested, of the male artists: Vince, George Strait, Alan Jackson. Of the female artists: Reba, Pattly Loveless, Trisha Yearwood. Of the above, I'll vote for Vince and Strait. And I'll add to the list Dolly, maybe that barefoot Carter gal, the Dixie Chicks and most anyone Weisberger recommends. Faith Hill is the only other one I can think of that's been left out. but gotta go clean up cat puke, ugh. Louise -- If you like rocking country music, check out the Okeh Wranglers web site at: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/bluesmoke
re: Jason White/Hadacol
Mr. Curry says: Oh...lastly, a "You HEard It Here First".be on the lookout for an incredibly talented young singer-songwriter, Jason White. He sung two songs at the Donald Lindley benefit and he basically left the audience floored. I'm talking about an audience full of Nashville cats. How timely. Jason White and Hadacol are playing the Sutler in Nashville this Saturday night. I'd recommend seeing both. If anyone from the area is planning on being there, give me a holler. It would be nice to say hi! marie np: psychotic herd of small dogs barking incessantly.
Michigan content: Sovines in Lansing
Quick reminder that those men of the road, The Sovines, will be playing at Mac's Bar in Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Feb. 20. PBR will be flowing. Also, Dave Alvin, The Riptones and Terrance Simien at the Magic Stick in Detroit on Friday, Feb. 19. Be there or be L7. Jamie D.
Reviews you can (or can't) excuse
There's some reviews of new records by bands many folks here are interested in, Bad Livers, Damnations TX, Del McCoury and Beth Orton at the Salon website. http://www.salonmagazine.com/ent/glow/ Not bad but some fodder for the especially review-critical in the crowd. Might be a good appetizer for the dormant "working-class" discussion I still wonder about. Wake me once somebody finally actually defines it, or did I just attempt to eliminate it by asking? bg b.s.
Re: Chicago content -- Hideout this weekend
Sez THOMAS KRUEGER: I wanted to make sure the Chicago contingent noticed there will be an all-too-rare appearance of our town's old-time string band homiez, the Volo Bogtrotters, at the Hideout this Saturday. In my uninformed yet vehement opinion, there is no better old-time band in the land. I am with Tom here about a million per cent. I moved up here from Kentucky with the snooty conviction that there ain't no way a bunch of Yankees could play old time music worth a damn, and then those Volo boys cured me of that notion and converted me to their Bogtrotting ways. They are always a good time. 'Course we regret the fact that Mr. Jim Nelson left the fold and moved to St. Louis, but we're sure he's doing good things down there. Also on the horizon at the Hideout: tonight, LeRoy Bach, Gina Forsyth, Cow Lily; tomorrow Anna Fermin Trigger Gospel, Lloyd Maines, Terri Hendrix; March 12 the V-Roys; May 9 Blue Mountain. Kelly
Re: Time line?
Hi Tom, Tom Smith wrote: Jamie Hoover wrote: I'm still trying to figure out the anti-country (any country) backlash in Gallup and one theory that was presented to me was that it wasn't actually anti-country but anti-Navajo. --Yikes. Yikes indeed. Just outta curiosity, if country is out, what's "in" instead? What I'm finding out is that the folks that tend to call this station are really against anything, music or involvement that is of a local/community nature. Strangest thing I've ever come across. Seems that many people who make a living off the Indians don't like being reminded that they're in the west. The blatant paternalism is truly offensive, especially to someone who has only lived in the west.My first day here all I heard was "well, local programming is ok as long as it isn't Country and Western" about seven people said that to me in day. The folks that don't like the west want Classical and Jazz programming,especially if it is NPR produced. Very strange indeed. Hey you are headin west aren't you? Have a great time in Alpine and Austin. Jamie
1999 Edges from the Postcard2: Call For Submissions!
We're officially extending the deadline for this (but not for much longer!) so if you're new to the Postcard2 mailing list or you figured this deal was past due, well...send us your songs! Last year's "EDGES FROM THE POSTCARD 2" featured unreleased material by Robbie Fulks, Kimmie Rhodes, Mike Ireland Holler, Wooden Leg, Five Chinese Brothers, The Meat Purveyors, One Riot One Ranger, Bill Lloyd and Elena Skye among many others, and we're looking for this volume of EDGES to be just as unique. So regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or a ready-to-go newer act, get us your stuff!--Your Twang Gang -- Forwarded message -- Even while the wildly-acclaimed "Edges From the Postcard2" still continues to grace the CD changers of the urban hip intelligentsia and sexy librarian types, it's time to issue the call to you music makers out there to send us your nocturnal (and diurnal, for that matter) emissions for consideration for the 1999 version of Edges. In other words, send us your songs! Of course, we've got some ground rules here, mainly to help the selection committee maintain the shred of sanity they have left. So here they are: (1) We're asking for original, previously unreleased material. If you submit a cover tune, it will probably be passed over unless its sheer genius causes the selection committee to have simultaneous orgasms. The tunes submitted may be demo versions, but realize that you will need to have a well-recorded version in our hands if we chose your song for the compilation. (2) Since the Edges CD is first and foremost a reflection of the Postcard2 community, we ask that all submitting bands have at least *some* tenuous connection to the list--in other words, either a band member or someone connected with the band (manager, booking agent, bail bondsman) should subscribe to P2. (3) No more than four songs will be considered, so don't bother sending more--they won't get listened to. (4) We will need THREE (3) identical copies of the submitted tunes, in cassette format only. (5) Send these submissions, along with generous bribes, to: Dave Purcell 720 Overton St. Newport, KY 41071 Be sure to email Dave at [EMAIL PROTECTED] after you send the material so that Mr. P can confirm that he got everything he was supposed to. (6) If one of your songs is chosen for the CD, we'll eventually need a professionally recorded DAT copy of it, so keep this in mind. (7) All proceeds from the project will go toward the staging of Twangfest3 and future Postcard2 projects. Honest. If you saw what kind of cars we drive, you wouldn't even *ask* if we were skimming. That's it! Last year's Postcard2 CD has done quite well, and we think that this year's will do even better. To paraphrase what Tom Cruise said to Cuba Gooding, Jr. in "Jerry McGuire": help us help *you*. Send us the results of your talent, determination, and substance abuse today. Love, Your Twang Gang
Re: 1999 Edges from the Postcard2: Call For Submissions!
P.S. Please note that Dave Purcell's e-mail address has changed, with regards to the EDGES III post. His current, correct address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] Oops. Sorry. Your Twang Gang (well, just Kip this time, actually)
Re: Time line?
Jamie Hoover wrote: I'm still trying to figure out the anti-country (any country) backlash in Gallup ... many people who make a living off the Indians don't like being reminded that they're in the west. The blatant paternalism is truly offensive, especially to someone who has only lived in the west.My first day here all I heard was "well, local programming is ok as long as it isn't Country and Western" Yeah, that's odd. I wonder if metropolitan Nashville natives were like that in the early days of the Opry, before the recording money started barreling in. Maybe it's part of the undying urge to identify with a larger mass culture and ignore the local stuff. I lived in New Orleans about 20 years ago and hearing local musicians on the radio outside of Mardi Gras season was rare. I also remember an old Cajun guy in Golden Meadow whose granddaughter was transfixed by the Osmonds. She couldn't have cared less about the culture she was living in. Hey you are headin west aren't you? Have a great time in Alpine and Austin. Thanks, I Ieave on Monday! Tom
Damnations NY
Todd Larson [EMAIL PROTECTED] asked of the Damnations TX: Ah, home..anyone know where in New York they're from? Theyre from Cobleskill, up near Albany, although I had heard they used to live in Binghamton. Jim Catalano Ithaca NY
Re: 1999 Edges from the Postcard2: Call For Submissions!
Dear Edges guy: May I ask for a clarification and some advice? The submission from Scrimshanders was recently rejected from this compilation, yet the deadline for submissions has been extended. I was kind of surprised to see that. I can only take this to mean that a certain bar was set for the level of the material to even be considered, and our work didn't pass muster . . . it was placed in a "definitely won't make it!" pile. You must have had to extend the deadline because the "good enough" pile was a few beers short of a six pack. I can understand. While we Scrimshanders are nowhere near a Fulks, Ireland, Wooden Leg, Five Chinese Bros, One Riot One Ranger, et. al., we're pretty proud of and serious about what we do. In the hopes of improving ourselves, we ask: why didn't we make it? Do the songs blow, was the performance too shoddy, is the demo-quality recording not good enough, or some combination of the above? Had we sent a picture, I would completely understand rejection based on the hairstyle of our lead guitar player, but you've never seen him. Thanks for your time. John Magee Scrimshanders -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: passenger side [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, February 18, 1999 3:51 PM Subject: 1999 Edges from the Postcard2: Call For Submissions! We're officially extending the deadline for this (but not for much longer!) so if you're new to the Postcard2 mailing list or you figured this deal was past due, well...send us your songs! Last year's "EDGES FROM THE POSTCARD 2" featured unreleased material by Robbie Fulks, Kimmie Rhodes, Mike Ireland Holler, Wooden Leg, Five Chinese Brothers, The Meat Purveyors, One Riot One Ranger, Bill Lloyd and Elena Skye among many others, and we're looking for this volume of EDGES to be just as unique. So regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or a ready-to-go newer act, get us your stuff!--Your Twang Gang -- Forwarded message -- Even while the wildly-acclaimed "Edges From the Postcard2" still continues to grace the CD changers of the urban hip intelligentsia and sexy librarian types, it's time to issue the call to you music makers out there to send us your nocturnal (and diurnal, for that matter) emissions for consideration for the 1999 version of Edges. In other words, send us your songs! Of course, we've got some ground rules here, mainly to help the selection committee maintain the shred of sanity they have left. So here they are: (1) We're asking for original, previously unreleased material. If you submit a cover tune, it will probably be passed over unless its sheer genius causes the selection committee to have simultaneous orgasms. The tunes submitted may be demo versions, but realize that you will need to have a well-recorded version in our hands if we chose your song for the compilation. (2) Since the Edges CD is first and foremost a reflection of the Postcard2 community, we ask that all submitting bands have at least *some* tenuous connection to the list--in other words, either a band member or someone connected with the band (manager, booking agent, bail bondsman) should subscribe to P2. (3) No more than four songs will be considered, so don't bother sending more--they won't get listened to. (4) We will need THREE (3) identical copies of the submitted tunes, in cassette format only. (5) Send these submissions, along with generous bribes, to: Dave Purcell 720 Overton St. Newport, KY 41071 Be sure to email Dave at [EMAIL PROTECTED] after you send the material so that Mr. P can confirm that he got everything he was supposed to. (6) If one of your songs is chosen for the CD, we'll eventually need a professionally recorded DAT copy of it, so keep this in mind. (7) All proceeds from the project will go toward the staging of Twangfest3 and future Postcard2 projects. Honest. If you saw what kind of cars we drive, you wouldn't even *ask* if we were skimming. That's it! Last year's Postcard2 CD has done quite well, and we think that this year's will do even better. To paraphrase what Tom Cruise said to Cuba Gooding, Jr. in "Jerry McGuire": help us help *you*. Send us the results of your talent, determination, and substance abuse today. Love, Your Twang Gang
Whoops!!! Personal message to list.
Awesome! A personal message to the list by me . . . you may all make your comments on our music if you want. Egg on face. Edges committee, please respond anyway. Magee -Original Message- From: John Magee [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: passenger side [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, February 18, 1999 4:15 PM Subject: Re: 1999 Edges from the Postcard2: Call For Submissions! Dear Edges guy: May I ask for a clarification and some advice? The submission from Scrimshanders was recently rejected from this compilation, yet the deadline for submissions has been extended. I was kind of surprised to see that. I can only take this to mean that a certain bar was set for the level of the material to even be considered, and our work didn't pass muster . . . it was placed in a "definitely won't make it!" pile. You must have had to extend the deadline because the "good enough" pile was a few beers short of a six pack. I can understand. While we Scrimshanders are nowhere near a Fulks, Ireland, Wooden Leg, Five Chinese Bros, One Riot One Ranger, et. al., we're pretty proud of and serious about what we do. In the hopes of improving ourselves, we ask: why didn't we make it? Do the songs blow, was the performance too shoddy, is the demo-quality recording not good enough, or some combination of the above? Had we sent a picture, I would completely understand rejection based on the hairstyle of our lead guitar player, but you've never seen him. Thanks for your time. John Magee Scrimshanders -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: passenger side [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, February 18, 1999 3:51 PM Subject: 1999 Edges from the Postcard2: Call For Submissions! We're officially extending the deadline for this (but not for much longer!) so if you're new to the Postcard2 mailing list or you figured this deal was past due, well...send us your songs! Last year's "EDGES FROM THE POSTCARD 2" featured unreleased material by Robbie Fulks, Kimmie Rhodes, Mike Ireland Holler, Wooden Leg, Five Chinese Brothers, The Meat Purveyors, One Riot One Ranger, Bill Lloyd and Elena Skye among many others, and we're looking for this volume of EDGES to be just as unique. So regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or a ready-to-go newer act, get us your stuff!--Your Twang Gang -- Forwarded message -- Even while the wildly-acclaimed "Edges From the Postcard2" still continues to grace the CD changers of the urban hip intelligentsia and sexy librarian types, it's time to issue the call to you music makers out there to send us your nocturnal (and diurnal, for that matter) emissions for consideration for the 1999 version of Edges. In other words, send us your songs! Of course, we've got some ground rules here, mainly to help the selection committee maintain the shred of sanity they have left. So here they are: (1) We're asking for original, previously unreleased material. If you submit a cover tune, it will probably be passed over unless its sheer genius causes the selection committee to have simultaneous orgasms. The tunes submitted may be demo versions, but realize that you will need to have a well-recorded version in our hands if we chose your song for the compilation. (2) Since the Edges CD is first and foremost a reflection of the Postcard2 community, we ask that all submitting bands have at least *some* tenuous connection to the list--in other words, either a band member or someone connected with the band (manager, booking agent, bail bondsman) should subscribe to P2. (3) No more than four songs will be considered, so don't bother sending more--they won't get listened to. (4) We will need THREE (3) identical copies of the submitted tunes, in cassette format only. (5) Send these submissions, along with generous bribes, to: Dave Purcell 720 Overton St. Newport, KY 41071 Be sure to email Dave at [EMAIL PROTECTED] after you send the material so that Mr. P can confirm that he got everything he was supposed to. (6) If one of your songs is chosen for the CD, we'll eventually need a professionally recorded DAT copy of it, so keep this in mind. (7) All proceeds from the project will go toward the staging of Twangfest3 and future Postcard2 projects. Honest. If you saw what kind of cars we drive, you wouldn't even *ask* if we were skimming. That's it! Last year's Postcard2 CD has done quite well, and we think that this year's will do even better. To paraphrase what Tom Cruise said to Cuba Gooding, Jr. in "Jerry McGuire": help us help *you*. Send us the results of your talent, determination, and substance abuse today. Love, Your Twang Gang
Re: Playlist: Fringe 2/13/99 featuring LONE JUSTICE
It is my pleasure to announce that, beginning next Saturday, the Fringe is expanding to a three-hour format. Yikes -- imagine 3 hours of the Bystanders in a camper? I don't know if I want to be around them guys in that small of a space for that long! Congrats, Shane! Rob ___ Robert A. Russell Director, Writing and Communication Center East Tennessee State University Box 70602 Johnson City, TN 37614 Phone: (423) 439-8438 Fax: (423) 439-8666 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.etsu.edu/wcc *** "Objective evidence and certitude are doubtless very fine ideals to play with but where on this moonlit and dream-visited planet are they found?" -- William James, 1842-1910, "The Will to Believe"
Re: SXSW HOTEL ROOM AVAILABLE
I also have an Austin motel reservation that I won't be using 'cause I'm staying with folks in town. If you want it, write me offlist sometime before Saturday (that's when I'm cancelling it). It's from the 17th thru the 21st (leaving on the 22nd). Steve Kirsch [EMAIL PROTECTED] "I've been thinking with my guts since I was 14 years old, and, frankly speaking, between you and me, I have come to the conclusion that my guts have shit for brains." -- Nick Hornby, "High Fidelity"
Re: mainstream country query
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: And mostly, let's not forget the future of mainstream country, Allison Moorer. Yes. Her star is rising, and quick. Plus, of all the artists mentioned above, she is the *only* one that *really* hits me like I need to be hit. Equally hit. Done with monster deadline (woo hoo), but gotta go clean up cat puke, Thank you for that, Neal. dan bentele
Re: Hangin' with the Stahs!!! (SXSW Film '99)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Looks like us SXSW--bound P2ers will have worthy company. I get Jenna Elfman! Heh. That "Krippendorf's Tribe" was a good un. b.s.
Re: Mojo Magazine
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey there, Does anyone have the US address for Mojo magazine that I posted back in november? Thanks. Later... CK Don't know if you still need it or not, but I found this tucked away somewhere: Hey there, OK, here's the address on the subscription card MOJO c/o Mercury International Ltd. 365 Blair Road Avenel NJ 07001 12 issues for $69.97 plus the CDs plus the Tshirt Later... CK Louise -- If you like rocking country music, check out the Okeh Wranglers web site at: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/bluesmoke
Re: Hangin' with the Stahs!!! (SXSW Film '99)
snip EDtv directed by Ron Howard (attending), starring Matthew McConaughey (attending), JennaElfman, Woody Harrelson and Jon Bon Jovi (attending); world premiere Abilene directed by Joe Camp III, starring Ernest Borgnine (attending) Wow I don't think this town will ever be the same after being visited by Bonjovi, Borgnine and Iggy in the same week. Jim, smilin'
Re: Damnations NY
No, they aren't a honky tonk band. Listen to their covers and you'll figure where they are commin' from: Ted Hawkins, Lucinda Williams, X, Minutemen, Kiss, Tom Waits, The Gourds, Carter Family, etc. Keith's a very jazz-influenced drummer, but he's confessed that he used to play Iron Maiden as a youngster. Rob comes straight from post-punk rock (Picket Line Coyotes, with Kev. and Jim 'o' The Gourds, were closer to Husker Du than anything else). He learned the banjo just to play those songs. I'm not so certain about all of Amy and Deborah's influences. I'm pretty sure that before Austin and The Gourds they heard mostly pop and folk (like most of us). The Beatles are, of course, huge. 'Bout the exact same influences as The Gourds, but without the occasional gangsta rap and honky tonk (both from Kev., mostly). --Matt Cook James Gerard Roll wrote: I haven't been following this thread real real carefully, so forgive me if I am re-iterating anything someone else already said. anyway, I find the Damnations to be much more of a 60's soul-oriented band deep down than a country band. I certainly don't hear any Louvins in there at all . . . By soul I mean the chord structure and rhythms are out of the Stax mold as opposed to the Hank Williams mold. -jim
Re: Half Mad Moon
Because I'm in a bad mood, this whole post really pissed me off. Can it really be that your entire self-worth is predicated on The Gourds and what others think of them? That's pathetic. This is the Damnations shot. How petulant and prissy of you to stomp your feet and hold your breath because the Gourds don't get mentioned everytime somebody praises the Damnations! Lots of people consider the Damnations superior to the Gourds. Though this may never be comprehensible within your sad little worldview, it remains a fact. To sooth yourself in the face of this grave injustice is quite natural. It's just reprehensible to do so by minimizing a great band and grudgingly acknowledging contributions of Deb and Amy as some sort of footnote to the contributions of the men that surround them. It's disgusting and I hope a bunch of female musicians corner your ass someday soon. "We're Desperate" Rob and Debra sing it. Just to add alittle: I don't think Rob and Keith are getting quite enough credit. A lot of that 'uniqueness' comes from their end of the deal. Rob is the most effective and emotional guitar player I've ever seen in my life, and I've never heard anyone say he's less than their favorite. And Keith, damn, I just point to the difference he's made in The Gourds. It's pretty damn astounding. And I honestly believe even more of it comes from Jimmy and Kev (Gourds). Jim wrote "Take It on Down the Line", used to be their drummer before Keith was (he had to quit when The Gourds 'took off')--the Jimmy in "Black Widow" is guess who? And, of course, there would be nothing without Big Daddy Russell. The first gigs D-Nation ever played outside of Austin was opening for the Gourds on a Texas swing Oct. before last (Keith played with The Gourds and decided to join). I have one of those shows on video, believe it or not. Everyone has influences. The Gourds wouldn't be like they are without The Bad Livers, etc. And Amy's songs are great songs, nothing wrong with them at all. And she's an excellent bass player. And they sing beautifully. I guess, all I'm trying to say is buy GHOST OF HALLELUJAH. You can hear more of that 'uniqueness' from everyone else involved except Amy and Deborah. I'm just freightened that The Gourds are gonna be left out of this equation when The D-Nation hits it big. It's time for them to drag The Gourds along (instead of the reverse). And don't forget Mike Nicolai, too. Everyone (including the girls) is all over his stuff. --Matt Cook
Re: Half Mad Moon
I have figured it out: The Damnations TX are a country version of Cheri Knight. It's good stuff. Slim np - duh
Re: Half Mad Moon
Slim quips: I have figured it out: The Damnations TX are a country version of Cheri Knight. Ooooh!! Mrowl! gGood one, Slim. Like I said this morning, don't let the buzz fool ya, they're a fine fine band!!! Nuff said for now, --junior
Re: Half Mad Moon
Yup. It worries me though, all the accolades and buzz about 'em here and it's just February. We'll have 'em cut down to size by summer I reckon, and by top ten time they'll be forgotten. g b.s. So which night at Twangfest are The Damnations TX gonna headline? I think it's obvious they're gonna be there. Anybody wanna bet? -- Terry Smith, who has no inside knowledge (about anything)
P2 1316-PLEASE??
When I opened digest number 1316 there was nothing there. Would some kind soul pleae forward it to me? Much appreciated, Karen Without music, life is a mistake--Friedrich Nietzsche
Re: mainstream country query
If nobody has mentioned Faith Hill, I will. This is going to sound weird, but she is just so damn gorgeous and (seemingly) friendly, and her songs don't make me gag like Shania's do. So there it is. Faith Hill's the queen of country music. -- Terry Smith, who actually prefers Lee Ann Womack, if what we're talking about is songwriting
matt cook -- performance artist
Admit it Matt. You are not really a Gourds' fan at all, are you?? C'mon?? I have the sneaking suspician that, in the grand tradition of Andy Kaufman, et al. you have decided to deconstruct fandom by creating the absolute most obnoxious fan you or anyone can imagine. Your real genius (c'mon admit it) is that you have exploited the internet and become the first ever virtual performance artist. You aim to make those of us who are still salvageable - aware of the absurdity of identifying with a band or any musical movement and you have chosen our humble little cult to beging tyhe Cook Revisionist movement. I salute you good sir. Matt Cook. You have captured Beatlemania (lightning in a bottle!!) and thrown it back at another generation in a brilliant stunt and stuffed history back in its black whole. gourds. gourds. gourdS. gourDS. gouRDS. goURDS. gOURDS. GOURDS. GOURDS!! ha ha. oh Matt, please let us in on the joke. I know you won't. But breathe easy for we are one step closer to freedom from bondage. Matt Cook. Performance Artist. Liberator!
Re: Half Mad Moon
Actually, Terry, funny you should ask. There are, in fact, several significant developments about Twangfest lately Including headliners, and so on. We're going to get ourselves organized for an announcement of several of these developments in just a very few days. Not trying to be a tease, REALLY! We just want to cross our Ts, dot our Is, and let our world famous spokesmodel Mr. Mark Wyatt step up to the plate when everything's in order. News a-comin' soon, --junior, for the TwangGang Inc.
Re: Half Mad Moon
Terry A. Smith wrote: So which night at Twangfest are The Damnations TX gonna headline? I think it's obvious they're gonna be there. Anybody wanna bet? -- Terry Smith, who has no inside knowledge (about anything) That's hard to say Terry, since Thursday will be the Blood Oranges and Jayhawks reunion double bill, Friday will be the Green On Red and Blasters reunion double bill, and Saturday will be the Uncle Tupelo reunion show. Don't think there'll be room for a bunch of Gourds wannabees. g b.s.
Re: mainstream country query
Thanks to everyone responding to this mainstream country query... I know about Alison M, etc. But in giving a neat least of 3 men, 3 women to my friend, I'm trying to represent not necessarily what's "best" from an informed critical standpoint, but rather what most clearly represents a contemporary mainstream country aesthetic. So yeah, Faith Hill is definitely right there in that category. Trisha is too popped-out? --junior PS. I like Jim's reading of Matt as performance artist. I must admit, I've been taken in all this time g.
Over-produced?
I was listening to Dwight's 98 release again last night, closely, and came to the conclusion that this is just about the most produced records in the country genre from last year. Well, one of 'em. Remember how Mike Ireland and Holler's record got a lot of attention because it has strings on a few songs? And some folks criticized it for being over-arranged or produced (I know these mean different things, but am not really sure why). But, shit, Dwight Yoakam's record is like a ceramic pot that's been worked so slick that you can see yourself in it. In comparison, Ireland/Holler is a barebones affair. I don't know what this is leading to; certainly not a value judgment, since I like both records. Dwight's, in fact, is probably one of my favorites of his (though it's no "Looking for a Hit" or "Buenes Noches...") I guess it's just a way of saying that the presence of strings doesn't necessarily say much, one way or another, about the production ethic that's going into a record. Oh, yeah, DW's record has more strings, used less delicately, than the Holler record. -- Terry Smith
Re: Over-produced?
Heavily produced, yes, but overproduced, I personally don't think so. As with most things, it's all in context and how you use it. Low-fi is cool when it works, sounds crappy when it doesn't. Big production is cool when it works, bombastic-sounding when it doesn't Dwight's was my number 1 album last year and remains a fave, so I'm always ready to say good things about it. About the production, I guess one could also note that Pete (who did the producing) has varied things on each cut, according to what works on that particular track, etc. I mean, some of the big Twangpop numbers have huge-sounding production, whereas (pardon, I'm always blanking titles), the Lantern song is quite spare and the last track, the Elvised-out re-do of the earlier track, is positively garage-y sounding (and one of my favorite tracks on the album). My point being that Pete has done a good job of doing what the context demanded, rather than simply adopting a "big" production sound as an invariable norm for all the cuts. Over and out from Dwightsville, -junior
Re: Half Mad Moon
You're exactly right. I am a sad case. Except, I think, you're confusing me with someone with any kind of self worth. Sure, I feel happy when someone praises one of my favorite bands' music, but it has absolutely nothing to do with me. I'm not on those records. I just wish my bud's in Austin could be appreciated the way they should be. I was just trying (poorly, I guess) pointing out that Rob and Keith where getting almost no credit at all. And I tried to tack on an ad for GHOSTS at the end (shouldn't have done that, I guess). I certainly wasn't trying to put down The Damnations. After all, the Damnations are the second best band in Austin. --Matt Cook P.S.-Sorry if I pissed you off. I pissed myself off when I reread my post, it does sound a little like I was putting the girls down a bit. JP Riedie wrote: Because I'm in a bad mood, this whole post really pissed me off. Can it really be that your entire self-worth is predicated on The Gourds and what others think of them? That's pathetic. This is the Damnations shot. How petulant and prissy of you to stomp your feet and hold your breath because the Gourds don't get mentioned everytime somebody praises the Damnations! Lots of people consider the Damnations superior to the Gourds. Though this may never be comprehensible within your sad little worldview, it remains a fact. To sooth yourself in the face of this grave injustice is quite natural. It's just reprehensible to do so by minimizing a great band and grudgingly acknowledging contributions of Deb and Amy as some sort of footnote to the contributions of the men that surround them. It's disgusting and I hope a bunch of female musicians corner your ass someday soon.
Twang TV (of sorts?) Tonight? (alliteration sold separately)
I was just utilizing the movie listings of my digital cable (yeah yeah...i happen to *like* The Game Show network)...and noticed that TNT is playing the movie: The Deliberate Stranger meanwhile back in the 'burgh, tonight The Deliberate Strangers are performing with the Crawling Low band... coincidence?? I think not! Stop by their show tomorrow night at Plutos and I'll buy ya a drink!*** Paul np: Alejandro Escovedo - With These Hands *** offer not valid for residents in the state of Pennsylvania. No purchase necessary.
Re: Half Mad Moon
In a message dated 2/18/99 5:49:29 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have figured it out: The Damnations TX are a country version of Cheri Knight. Ooooh!! Mrowl! gGood one, Slim. Like I said this morning, don't let the buzz fool ya, they're a fine fine band!!! Oh, I like them a lot! And Cheri Knight. It was a compliment. Slim
Nine Inch Nails in my Coffin
Hey there, According to some DJ on Q101 (Chicagos Rock Alternative) The next Trent Reznor CD is going to be all Hank Williams covers. The DJ wasnt as excited as I was. If I was not in my car I might've called him up and given him what's fur. LAter... CK ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Re: Time line?
Hey there, Hanspeter Eggenberger writes: Reply to: Re: Time line? John Magee wrote: Who was the first alt.country artist? I think the line begins with Hank Williams. How? He was Nashville, popular, mainstream, did adds for just about anything, and wrote songs for the sole purpose of selling alot of them to a mainstream audience. The man was country. No alt. Later... CK filling in poorly for JW ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Clip: Margasek on Tom T. Hall Tribute
http://www.chireader.com/hitsville/990219.html The liner notes to The Essential Tom T. Hall, a 1987 compilation reissued on CD last year by Mercury, feature an uncommonly wide array of testimonials. There are the usual raves from peers: Johnny Cash shares a few personal memories; George Jones calls Hall "the all time greatest songwriter/storyteller that country music has ever produced." And Don Tyson, who hired Hall to stump for his chicken empire, calls him "A Great American." But then Kurt Vonnegut chimes in with a recollection of how he first met his good friend Hall, all-star catcher Johnny Bench enthuses about Hall's hit "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine," and Billy Carter writes that his mother trusted Hall "because a man that could sing about baby ducks the way he did loved animals, and a man that loved animals had to love people and life." Hall is best known for writing "Harper Valley P.T.A.," probably the only country song to inspire a movie and a sitcom. But in his nearly four-decade career he has also worked as a radio jingle writer and DJ, written four novels, and toured college campuses lecturing on literature with old pals like Alex Haley, accumulating a diverse but rabid fan base along the way. As a performer he's had his share of top-five hits--"A Week in a Country Jail," "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died," and "I Love," to name a few--but his bread and butter has been the thousand or so songs he's written for the likes of Jones, Waylon Jennings, Flatt Scruggs, Gram Parsons, Bobby Bare, Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, and even Perry Como. Longtime Chicagoan Mark Linn got an introduction to Hall in the early 90s, when he caught a performance of his "That's How I Got to Memphis" by Lucinda Williams in Baltimore. Over the years Linn has dedicated himself to reviving interest in Love front man Arthur Lee and flaky folkie Michael Hurley, and by 1995 he'd become so enamored of Hall's oeuvre that, with the help of former Thurston's booker Justin Bass, he began planning a tribute record. The two originally planned to release it on Linn's tiny Delmore label, which had issued early work by the High Llamas, Scarce, and Wild Carnation, but once artists like Cash, Joe Henry, Ralph Stanley, Whiskeytown, Richard Buckner, Ron Sexsmith, and Mark Olson and Victoria Williams came on board, Linn says, they decided to try licensing it to a bigger label. In late 1996 Linn and Bass met with Luke Lewis, the head of Mercury's Nashville department. "He knew it wasn't going to be a big moneymaker, but he thought it would be cool to have because Tom T. Hall was on Mercury," says Linn. Lewis made Linn and Bass a verbal offer, but before it could be put into writing it was overruled by bean counters in New York. After six more months of protracted negotiations, Linn and Bass decided they'd rather put the record out themselves. In the summer of 1997, while they were waiting on a bank loan, a tape of the record fell into the hands of Sire records founder Seymour Stein, the eccentric who gave the world the Ramones and Madonna. When Stein called, Linn says, "he was so charming. He knew more about country than anyone on Music Row, and he sang Jimmie Rodgers songs to me on the phone. He blew my mind. What I didn't realize was that he's a completely elusive character, and when we started talking business he changed a lot. He became a lot tougher and we had a lot of shouting matches." It took nearly another year and a half for Sire to bring out Real: The Tom T. Hall Project, and when it did, in December, it got lost in the Christmas rush. But last week it popped up at number 35 on the Gavin Report's Americana radio chart. The album contains some real gems. Kelly Willis nails "That's How I Got to Memphis"--the last track commissioned since, Linn admits, he'd held the tune for Lucinda Williams, who had promised to contribute and whose father, poet Miller Williams, is friends with Hall. (Williams was busy recording her notoriously perfect record, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.) Syd Straw and the Skeletons rip through "Harper Valley P.T.A.," Freedy Johnston turns the trucker song "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee" into a countrypolitan ballad complete with Floyd Cramer-style piano, and Calexico gives the mariachi treatment to "Tulsa Telephone Book," which contains the irresistible couplet "I was in Tulsa and didn't have anything going / She lived in Tulsa and didn't have anything on." Despite some less interesting musical cuts, lines like that one keep the 17-song collection a head or two above the everlasting flood of tribute albums. Hall's narratives are rich with small, telling details and his flawed characters are presented without prejudice; his ecumenical prose frees the singers to interpret the songs as they see fit, without worrying about measuring up to some "definitive" performance. Henry does quirky justice to "Homecoming," the story of a touring country singer who drops in on his father
Charles Wolfe's health?
Howdy, I'm only just now getting to the P2 posts about Dr. Wolfe's ill health. Several folks on the staff here at ETHS studied under him at one time or another at MTSU and I'm a big fan of his research. We're curious how he's getting along. Feel free to contact me off-list with information. Take care, Shane Rhyne Knoxville, TN [EMAIL PROTECTED] NP: Billy Bremner
Re: Damnations NY
Hey there, Smilin Jim answers Todd Todd Larson [EMAIL PROTECTED] asked of the Damnations TX: Ah, home..anyone know where in New York they're from? Theyre from Cobleskill, up near Albany, although I had heard they used to live in Binghamton. I'll provide verification of that - was chatting with 'em before their show at Stubbs w/ Kelly Willis thanksgiving of 97. Was delighted to find out they spent some time in my hometown. Binghamton, that is. I'm actually from Endwell, but that's right across the river. You see there's the triple cities of Binghamton, Endicott and Johnson City and Endwell is sorta part of Endicott - right next to it, but the mailing address is Endwell even though I went to Union Endicott High School, and, erm, where was I? Oh yeah, there's from around Albany. Later... CK ___ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
The Boudin Barndance Playlist - 2/18/99
The Boudin Barndance - 2/18/99 Dan Ferguson WRIU-FM, 90.3 Kingston, RI Thursdays 6-9 pm NEA fallout dominated tonight's opening set. Also went West for a set (inspired by some great performances by Cisco the Reasons Why and Mark Insley down at NEA). Also previewed the Cajun Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball happenin' at a monstrous ballroom here in R.I. on Saturday night. Lots of new stuff too. First-time Barndance spins this evening included new stuff from Vince Bell (thank you Sarah!), the Waco Brothers, the Bad Livers reissue, the very hot duo of Dave Biller Jeremy Wakefield, Balfa Toujours, Chris Ardoin Double Clutchin', and the various artists compilation "West Texas Bop." Butt- Shaker of the night? "Tiffany Two-Step" from Chris Ardoin Double Clutchin'. Onto the goods Buck Owens, et al/ Buckaroo / Box Set / Rhino (intro) .. NEA FALL-OUT . Vince Bell / All Through My Days / Texas Plates (One Man's Music) Geoff Muldaur / Someday Baby / The Secret Handshake (Hightone) Lonesome Bob / Plans We Made / Things Fall Apart (#Past) Allison Moorer / Set You Free / Alabama Song (MCA) Jim Roll / Old Love / ready to Hang (OMC) Dave Alvin / (I Won't Be) Leaving / King of California (Hightone) Josh Rouse / Suburban Sweetheart / Dressed Up Like Nebraska (Slow River) Silos / Mom Out Dancing / Heater (#Past) Waco Bros / The Hand that Throws the Bottle Down / WacoWorld (Bloodshot) Bad Livers / Precious Memories / Dust on the Bible (1/4stick) go west!! Merle Haggard / Look Over Me / Sing Me Back Home (KOCH) Dwight Yoakam / Bury Me / Guitars, Cadillacs, etc, etc (Reprise) Cisco / Bad Man / Wishing You Well from the Pink Motel (Propellant Transmission) Mark Insley / 6 Feet Under / Good Country Junk (CTM) Jorgenson Maddox / No Better Place / The Moon is Rising (CTM) Sammy Masters / Help You Dream / Everybody Digs (Dionysus) Biller Wakefield / Siamese Strings / The Hot Guitars of ... (HMG) ..happy 85th pee wee!!. Pee Wee King / Birmingham Bounce / Rompin' Stompin' Singin' Swingin' (Bear Family) Bobby Bare / When the Wind Blows (In Chicago) / Best of (RT) Webb Pierce / Love, Love, Love / The Wondering Boy (Bear Family) Skeets McDonald / I'm Sorry to Say I'm Sorry / Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes (Bear Family) Spade Cooley / Guess I've Been Dreaming / Spadella (Legacy) Ernest Tubb / Pass the Booze / Waltz Across Texas (Bear Family) Loretta Lynn / Honky Tonk Girl / Honk Tonk Girl (MCA) Webb Pierce / Honky Tonk Song / The Wondering Boy (Bear Family) Faron Young / It's a Great Life / Live Fast Love Hard (CMF) Sonny West / Sweet Rockin' Baby / West Texas Bop (Ace) Bobby Sisco / Honky Tonk Rhythm / Get With the Beat: Marvel Masters (Ryko) Tiny Harris / Double Clutchin' Truck Line / Overloaded Diesel (Gusto) Sonny George / The Truck Stops Here / Truckin' Country (SpinOut) The Sovines / High-Ballin' the Jack / Owner-Operator (Semi-Tone) Tom Leach / Tire / Live (Slow River) Chris Ardoin, et al / Tiffany Two-Step / Turn the Page (Rounder) Steve Riley, et al / King Zydeco / Bayou Ruler (Rounder) Steve Riley, et al / Mardi Gras Jig / 'tit Galop Pour Mamou (Rounder) Balfa Toujours / Marshall's Club / La Pointe (Rounder) Bois Sec Ardoin Balfa Toujours / Sundown Special / Allons Danser (Rounder) Chris Ardoin, et al / Double Clutchin' Old Style / Turn the Page (Rounder) Lawrence "Black" Ardoin / Tu Le Ton Son Ton / his French Band (Arhoolie) Burton Mooney / Corn Pickin' / Legends of Country Guitar / Rhino (outro) Enjoy. Boudin Dan N.P. - Rex Allen
Re: matt cook -- performance artist
James Gerard Roll wrote: Admit it Matt. You are not really a Gourds' fan at all, are you?? C'mon?? I like The Gourds. Enough to make a movie about them. I have the sneaking suspician that, in the grand tradition of Andy Kaufman, et al. you have decided to deconstruct fandom by creating the absolute most obnoxious fan you or anyone can imagine. How am I obnoxious? I really wanna know. 'Cause in real life I try not to be. On the internet and in my other writings, I'm not sure that applies. The narrator is not always the author. Your real genius (c'mon admit it) is that you have exploited the internet and become the first ever virtual performance artist. You aim to make those of us who are still salvageable - aware of the absurdity of identifying with a band or any musical movement and you have chosen our humble little cult to beging tyhe Cook Revisionist movement. I do say things on here I would never say on public (unless completely plastered). And I know I probably shouldn't. Identify? What does that mean? I could never make music like The Gourds, and I would never try. I like it, though. Those guys have helped me a lot in a lot of ways. I salute you good sir. Matt Cook. You have captured Beatlemania (lightning in a bottle!!) and thrown it back at another generation in a brilliant stunt and stuffed history back in its black whole. The Beatles were a great band. Their fans don't really enter into that fact in my mind. gourds. gourds. gourdS. gourDS. gouRDS. goURDS. gOURDS. GOURDS. GOURDS!! ha ha. oh Matt, please let us in on the joke. The joke is all at my expense, believe me. I've spent a year of my life on this movie, and it's not finished yet. I know you won't. But breathe easy for we are one step closer to freedom from bondage. Matt Cook. Performance Artist. Liberator! I hope that there are more people as stupid as I am. --Matt Cook
Re: matt cook -- performance artist
On Thu, 18 Feb 1999, Matt Cook wrote: How am I obnoxious? well not obnoxious in a bad way . . . perhaps it should rather be said that you are remarkably consistant and persistant. The narrator is not always the author. thus my performance artist theory!! g The joke is all at my expense, believe me. I've spent a year of my life on this movie, and it's not finished yet. well maybe it is more fun to not finish it?? my earlier post was more sarcastic than I intended . . . it's just that your love for the gourds is like water seeping into every potential p2 crack/opening . . . and that is a rare (but often times endearing) mindset. -jim
