Great Lakes Twang Review Page is up!
The Great Lakes Twang web site now has a review page for Great Lakes-area Americana band's CDs, as well as twang-realted books and videos. Check it out at: http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/Stage/9596/review.html Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: HATCH SHOW PRINT ==Re: bluegrass whatever
In a message dated 4/26/99 4:14:36 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So, that's my PSA for the day. If you're in town stop by and say Hey! Jim is one of the nicest guys in town. It's a living museum folks!! Kudos, P2-ers whom have stayed at my place will testify that I have a fondness for hatch Show posters, as my flat is graced with them, including the famous "Roy Acuff For Governor" poster. Whenever in Nashville, it's one of my prime stops. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Dixie Chicks Article in Dallas Observer
In a message dated 4/24/99 6:52:16 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wilonsky, on the other hand, is a supreme idiot - no, wait, that's too nice; he's a supremely mean-spirited idiot Despite his hatred for bluegrass, I think Wilonsky hit the nail on the head with the Chunks. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Mitch's Dream Gig Becomes a Reality
Woo Hoo! Sunken Road will be warming up for Alejandro Escovedo on Friday, April 30 at the Magic Stick (4120 Woodward, Detroit, 313-833-9700). Tix available through Ticketmaster, blah, blah, blah. Any Qs, you can contact me. Mitch Matthews (still floating on a cloud) Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: help: trying to get stories straight
In a message dated 4/19/99 12:42:37 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: some sort of similar compromise to be on some TV show but refused? On a similar note, Gravel Train refused to be the cheesy "Robert Palmer ripoff" band on Shania Twain's latest video. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
FYI: A decent bass guitar on ebay (I forget who was interested)
While window shopping on ebay, I found this bargain listed (I've dealt with the seller, who seems decent) Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road Title of item: Peavey Fury Bass Guitar(Black) Seller: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Starts: 04/14/99 12:45:50 PDT Ends: 04/21/99 12:45:50 PDT Price: Currently $71.00 To bid on the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=91160574 Item Description: 1997 Peavey Fury Bass Guitar (Black). P-bass style pick-up. Slightly used, some nicks scratches on front. 7 digit ID number engraved on back of head stock. GREAT STARTER GUITAR
Re: Question: Lap Steel by Analogy
In a message dated 4/14/99 7:55:47 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Anyone out there want to take a run at completeing the following statement: fill in the blank is to the lap steel what Mississippi John Hurt is to fingerstyle guitar Jamie Swedberg form the Blockheaters. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
The Bass Guitar Gospel According to Mitch
My $0.02:
I started out playing bass, and probably know more about it than the guitars
(although that's what I'm doing now).
Cost/quality ratio, the Mexi Fenders (especially the Jazz) are the best
deals. As far as noisy p/us, cheaper wiring is used on the windings. I've
found that in some cases, a better ground connection is needed at the p/u's
bottom plate. My personal tastes for Fender is the Jazz over theP-bass,
mainly because of the thinner neck and a mellower tone. As far a Squiers,
IMHO that seems to vary with each guitar. I've found decent ones that were
well worth the $150 price tag, then others that weren't worth anything over
$100.
If you can find one, a used Peavey Foundation or Fury bass can be worthwhile,
but don't pay more than, say $150. Try ebay (although you'll probably find
me bidding on the stuff as well). The early Peavey basses ("T" series) had
very wide necks (reminiscent of the Italian Voxes). I currently have a T-40
bass. While the neck can be cumbersome, the tone variations are magnificent.
We're talking two humbucking p/us, with tapping capabilities to give thinner
sounds, as well as additional tone switches. My first "good" bass was a
T-20, with one p/u that was a humbucker/stacked. It had a P-bass sound, but
again, the neck was not great.
I also had a Gibson EB-2, the hollowbody thing. The p/us were raspy, so
while country swing music was not it's forte, I used to love doing yardbirds,
Animals, and Cream classics on the thing. I never experienced tuning
problems on it, but the neck needed constant observation. I used flatwounds
on the thing to give it less growl and more string bass sound.
Steinberger? Carl Z., you've gone down in my book. The graphite material
made the thing sound so artificial. Sure it stayed in tune, was light, but
the sound was not a woody bass sound.
Alembic? They were fantastic sounding, but were so expensive that no one ever
considered using the (if you can get one, try to start a trend).
Actually, I've also heard some decent sounding Yamahas and Ibanezes. The
Epiphone Thunderbird is pretty powerful, but has more Gibson growl than
Fender warmth.
A lot of it has to do with the amp as well. Even though bass players are
less choosy about the amps, tube amps give a nice warmth that solid state
can't do. However, SS amps are lighter, and with some decent speakers, can
give off a good frequency response. I love ruinning through an Ampeg B-15
(known as the Portaflex due to the portable combo cabinet) or V-4 or SVT.
Yet if I want reliability (tube amps tend to rattle around a bit when low
bass notes hit them), I have the Peavey amp, or for more sentimental
situations, a Kustom roll-n-tuck stack.
In short, if your budget is low (under $300), try to snag a Mexi Fender or
find a decent used Peavey or Ibanez. Check the neck not only for comfort,
but for warpage. I've seen brand new basses on the rack with a neck that had
the strings a good half-inch from the fretboard at the 12th fret. Also, play
it unplugged and listen for striing buzz. A little can be remediedthrough
adjustment, but a lot means bad sustain and a lot of work.
As far as quieting noisy p/us, there are a few "possible" solutions besides
replacement. I can tell anyone interested offline.
Mitch Matthews (still shedding tears over his gone 66 Fender Jazz)
Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: This will get my ass to a large venue: Do they do it in COlu
In a message dated 4/9/99 3:30:42 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: RAPUNZEL! Raputah the Beautah.
Re: This will get my ass to a large venue:
In a message dated 4/9/99 4:41:52 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I've always heard stories about what a marvelous and influential DJ Wolf was in his early Boston period, For those of you who aren't aware, the Dream Syndicate song "Boston" is all about one incident when a drunken Van Morrison called up Wolf at the radio station to complain about his song content. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: X in L.A.
WHAT?!?!? X doing more shows in L.A. and they haven't even thought about us fans here in the Midwest, especially me in Dee-Troyt, where I begged to John Doe to bring the band here last time he was in town. Now I'm really pissed. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Neat comp tape Jamie Swedberg sent me
Now I've seen it all
I found this in yesterday's Detroit News, I thought you all would be amused. MUSICIAN SUES MUSIC STORE, COMPANY FOR HEARING LOSS by Wendy Case, News Staff Writer In a story that could be compared to the McDonald's "Too Hot Coffee" lawsuit, papers were filed Monday jointly in 19th District Court and at Federal Circuit Court by a musician claiming that the equipment he purchased nearly a year ago has caused him to lose nearly 50 percent of his hearing capabilities. Mark Greenberg, 31 of Dearborn Heights, claims that he was persuaded by a salesperson at Wonderland Music in Dearborn to purchase an electric guitar amplifier for performing with his band and was not warned that the device would cause temporary loss of hearing, eventually leading to permanent hearing loss, if used at a high volume. "I bought the amp to use to play at bars and shows with my band around town,"stated Greenberg. "The salesman convinced me to buy the Marshall amp, which I could hardly afford, and told me that most musicians that are playing my style of music are using that amp. He allowed me to try it out at the store, but it was at a low volume there." Upon performing with his band, a local heavy-metal outfit known as The Rekk, Greenberg turned up the amplifier to get the desired sounds. However, after several months of use, he noticed problems hearing normal conversations. After an examination by a physician, Greenberg was told that he had a definite loss of hearing in both ears. Greenberg's legal counsel, local attorney and former gubernatorial candidate Geoffrey Feiger, claim that both the music store and the amplifier manufacturer are at fault in this incident. "Believe me, I have musicians in my family, and it is sad when they have trouble listening to you," exclaimed Feiger. His brother Doug Feiger is a member of the rock band The Knack. A spokesperson for Wonderland Music claimed that all musicians purchasing such equipment should have general knowledge that there is potential damage to the eardrum if not protected and under continued exposure. He went on to say that most musicians purchasing such equipment are specifically looking for a product that can be used at higher volumes. The product in question, a Marshall model 1959 amplifier, is similar to ones used by rock musicians Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Guns N Roses. The amplifiers are made in England and distributed in the United States by Korg USA of Melville, New York. A representative from Korg could not be reached by presstime. "Kids are constantly warned about the dangers of unprotected sex and the use of drugs. We are constantly making cigarette manufactureres warn about the health hazards. This should be the first step to warning them about the dangers of loud music," concluded Feiger.
Joe Williams RIP
The great jazz singer Joe Williams was found dead Monday night a few blocks from the hospital he was registered at. He was 80. Yeah, not much twang here, but the man was a great performer. He was one of my mother's favorite singers. His work with Count Basie during the 50s was fantastic to say the least. For Mothers Day last year, I took my mom to see JW and George Shearing at a special show here in Detroit. Front row seats, it was one of the best shows that I have ever seen. He belted out his standards like they were his lifeblood. His voice will be greatly missed in the jazz scene, and in my heart. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Better Live?
In a message dated 3/29/99 2:36:11 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Bands where their best album is the live one: Backsliders, IIIrd Tyme Out, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Who, Guy Clark, Graham Parker, and from bootlegs Richard Thompson, Gillian Welch, Loudon Wainwright III, V-Roys etc (which intersects with the other thread about the (im)morality of bootlegs. For some bands I couldn't live without them.) Steve, Thast is SURELY and opinion statement, because IMHO, "Live at Leeds," while a great album, is surely not the best thing The Who ever put out. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: CALL ME!
- Need to be relaxed? - Call 1-800-996-CHAT ! We will make you cum baby! Talk with sexy women that turn your rock hard! Someone hide Alex's phone. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: CALL ME!
In a message dated 3/29/99 12:53:50 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: - Need to be relaxed? - Call 1-800-996-CHAT ! We will make you cum baby! Talk with sexy women that turn your rock hard! Call!!! 1-800-996-CHAT OK Ameritwang, no more jeznowka for you for a while. Tom and Steph, take the bottle away from him. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Bad gigs and the ones that make up for it (was: Bad gigs on tape / War stories)
Bad gig: As I was finishing up a song at an outdoor show, I grabbed my can of soda toget a drink, and a bee had stationed himself in there. SO as I proceeded to pour the liquid down my throat, the bee proceeded to sting my lower lip. It swelled 5x its size, my lower lip was the size of a golf ball for a day (luckily, it was the last song). Good gig: Not actually a gig, but a jam session for the posterity books. An old girlfriend called me late one Sunday night and asked if I could drive out to see her. I was not keen on the idea (50 miles away, lived with her parents, who were BTW cooler than her), but she begged and pleaded and convinced me. Well, I get there, and as I go into the basement, there is a whole band set up, and who is playing lead guitar but blues great Albert Collins (friend of her parents). She said that she wanted to suprise me, so I sat in on bass until the wee hours of the morning. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road (SR is looking for a new female singer, spread the word)
Re: V-roys gossip
Douglas Neal [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oh, and one request we have to any one out there who might see the V-Roys live: Please tell them that Michigan is not such a bad place! Apparently they had a disasterous show in Detroit a week ago that culminated in a fight between Scott Miller and some local idiots in the crowd. The V-Roys are, in our humble opinion, one of the very best live bands you will find. Just to set the record straight on the Detroit gig, The Magic Stick wanted to make as much $$$ as possible that night, so they ran the live show a little early to have their weekly punk/retro night run as well. Some of the punks yelled for the V-Roys to get off the stage. One came up to the stage and threw an empty beer cup at the band. He came back a few songs later and was ready to start something when Mike Crimmins, guitarist for Gravel Train, pushed the punk away from the stage. Before anything else could occur, the staff took the punk away from the area. Mitch matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: new P/P2 baby (absolutely no twang or UT)
In a message dated 3/22/99 1:01:13 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Sorry to do this over the PA, but I have a lot of good pals out there and I just wanted to let you all know that my wife had a 7 pound baby boy in the early hours of this morning, both doing well, tho the poor little critter doesn't have a name as yet. Congrats, Steve. Now just get him a bass guitar, and I can guarantee him a place in my band. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Brave New Waves/Nightline/WhateverSonic Blah Blah Blah
Carl, All that I know is, on last night's (Sat.) RadioSonic, David Wisdom was sounding like such a weasel. "Ohh, ahh, guess who I talked to this afternoon?" Mitch Matthews (hating SXSW more with each passing day) Gravel Train/Sunken Road
B-Bender (was: Re: The Gram Parsosn tribute concert)
Lance, A B-Bender is a device attached to an electric guitar (usually a Telecaster) at the bridge that allows for the "B" string to be bent up and down to give a similar sound to a pedal steel. It involves routing out the back of the guitar, installing the device, and to bend the string, you manipulate the guitar strap button near the neck. I used one once, and while it's great to play with, it takes a lot of practice to use it just right. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: eerie quiet called SXSW
In a message dated 3/20/99 10:24:50 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Unbelievable what difference a bunch of P2ers at SXSW can make. Mike Hays Yeah, but in a way, it's kinda nice. Sort of like sittin' on the back porch with your guitar and a bottle of Southern Comfort. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: The X/Brave New Waves
In a message dated 3/19/99 3:33:09 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Carl W: what ever happened to Brent Bambrey (wasn't that the original hosts name?) Last that I heard, he was handling some early morning news coverage (Announcing? Production?) on CBC-TV. If I get up early enough someday, I'll check up on it. BB was one of the best for giving unknown (especially Canadian) talent a start. Some of the bands that he used to promote included DOA, Shadowy Men..., Blue Rodeo, 5440, Leslie Spit Treeo, and Teenage Head. My biggest query regarding Brave New Waves bands (perhaps someone can help me on this one): BB used to play a single from a Montreal band called The Hodads. They reminded me of Leslie Spit Treeo, and had a great Americana feel to them. I was able to tape the one song off the show once, but lost that cassette. Anybody aware of this band or where I can get more info. "Nightlines" was cool because the host (name?), besides you calling in to his answering machine to answer a stupid skill test to get a request, would also allow listeners a "free hour" of music, in which you could send in a format of one hour's music for him to play (he even allowed for listeners to send in a quality tape of them doing the hour as long as it was decent and no profanity) with a prominent theme (songs about numbers, history of the electric guitar, musical bio of a composer, etc.) Ah, those younger days when I could stay up until the wee hours of the morning. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
More Iggy stuff (was: Re: April issue of Gig Magazine - Pittsburgh Content)
In a message dated 3/17/99 5:40:02 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Also, this Iggy thing has me all worked up. I've been listening to "The Idiot" and "Lust for Life" since Sunday night. Could a cover of "Give Me Danger" be far off? One of our local record labels put out a compilation recently called "Pop O.D.", which is basically a bunch of local bands, most of whom are members of the local Detroit Musicians Alliance (gag!), covering Iggy songs. Jeez, you'd think the local press had just gotten their hands on the next "Sgt. Pepper." Nothing but praise for it, but you talk to the locals, and none of them have even considered purchasing it. I've listened to it, and believe me, I'll stick with the original. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: V-Roys
In a message dated 3/17/99 9:09:16 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: In case anyone was wondering, the V-Roys are *still* the best live band in America. Uh, you better put something like "IMHO" before that statement, because IMHO, The Bottle Rockets hold that title, and I'll stand on Steve Earle's lazy susan in my jungle stompers and say it out loud. Hmm, although few will deny (again, IMHO) that The Beat Farmers were the best live band when they were around (Dick, you're still in my soul). Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: waddy wachtel
In a message dated 3/18/99 12:30:51 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Am I right in assuming that the well-known session guitarist Waddy Wachtel is the same Wachtel who wrote the beautiful "Maybe I'm Right" on Ronstadt's "Simple Dreams" album? And was this a one-off, or is he familiar for his songwriting? If it IS a one-off, did he just get struck by lighting one day, or what? He had a few songwriting tricks up his sleeve as well. He did a lot of work with Warren Zevon, his most popular being co-writer with Zevon on "Werewolves of London." Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Sonic Rendezvous Band (was: Re: Iggy/Pretenders/Clash/Ameritwang)
In a message dated 3/16/99 6:00:03 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: ok, but the real question is: did you ever see the greatest rock'n'roll band ever to come screaming outta the motor city? i'm speaking of sonic's rendezvous band. I started playing in my cousin's band when I was 15, an oldies band, but he was able to sneak me into a lot of cool places. Anyhoo, I saw a later incarnation (I think) around 1979, and The Romantics warmed up for them. Their debut album was just about to be released, and the red suits that they wore on the cover were made of painted vinyl, so by the end of the show, the sweat soaked the suits, and it looked like they were bleeding all over. Hey, remember Traxx out on the eastside of Detroit? A lot of cool shows there as well. I went into the place after it closed and everything was up for auction. I still have about 100 unused Ramones tix in my possession for a show there in the mid 80s. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
April issue of Gig Magazine - Pittsburgh Content
Hey, the April issue of Gig Magazine (that how-to rag for working musicians that Matt Benz swears by, or is it swears at) has Pittsburgh featured as its monthly city guide. Boy, when they mentioned those cole slaw/French fry sandwiches at Primanti Bros., my heart skipped a beat (and my stomach growled to the tune of a Hank Williams song). They had a photo of some Elvis impersonator, but not one mention of Paul Ameritwang (unless he IS the Elvis impersonator). Mitch Matthews Gravel Train (new drummer!)/Sunken Road
Iggy/Pretenders/Clash/Ameritwang
Whine, whine, whine. "I got to see him here." "Oooh, I wish I was there." That's why I stay in Detroit. Despite its present day music mundaneness, I got to experience so much when Detroit was still Rock City. First, if you Igster fans ever blow through town, be sure to hit Lili's in Hamtramck (just 1/2 block away from my place). They have a virtual shrine to Iggy, where he is worshipped like a prophet. Occasionally when he's in town, he'll stop by to take Lili out to dinner. Wild as he is, he's one hell of a nice guy. And I got to see him play at the place with a local band attempting to do "I Wanna Be Your Dog" to about 50 people. Second, I got to see Pretenders circa 1981 and The Clash circa 1980 at a great place for punk rock in Detroit: The Motor City Roller Rink. Mention that venue to any alternative music aficianado over 35 whom grew up in thistown, and a tear is libel to be shed. Some absolutely fantastic bands played there. Note to Paul Ameritwang: Just drove by the Latin Quarter (note to readers: we both saw Red Hot Chili Peppers and Young Fresh Fellows there), and it looks like it's being gutted or torn down slowly. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Treorchy Male Choir "March of the Men of Harlech"
Gatton in Vintage Guitar Magazine
Well, you all know who my my gee-tar hero is, and April's issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine has a decent bio on him, along with interviews from cohorts on stage and such. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: First single off of Mitch Matthew's solo project, a song entitled "South By South Waste"
Re: Covers v2.01 (was Re: Got my Grand Funk dose)
In a message dated 3/14/99 5:50:50 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: BTW, my favorite part of the movie is a brief clip of the Osborne Brothers on TV with Harley Gabbard playing guitar and singing the third part. He was only with them for a few months, and it's probably the only filmed record of that period. My fave part is when Mr. Monroe is sitting outside the old abandoned house, and is explaining when his uncle would come over to play fiddle. He talks about the songs that he would play, then asks the interviewer, "Can I play you a song?" Yeah, right, deny THAT man to play a song for you. Like denying Jesus to pray for you. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Got my Grand Funk dose
So I'm flipping channels at my parents' place, adn VH1 has "Behind the Music" on, this episode covering the rise and fall and rise of Grand Funk Railroad. I'm satisfied for a while. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road ns (now showing): Webb Wilder "Corn Flicks" video
Re: Covers v2.01 (was Re: Got my Grand Funk dose)
In a message dated 3/14/99 3:44:30 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So, if you had a set at Twangfest, what Grand Funk tune would you slip into the list, and why? Gee, that's a tough one. Maybe T.N.U.C. from that double live album with a really long theremin solo. That leaves "American Band" for Gravel Train and "Closer To Home" for Hillbilly Idol - Al can do the "seagull" sounds with the pedal steel. I was hoping that there could be this P2 jam session going and we could do a bluegrass version of "Some Kind of Wonderful". Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road ns: "High and Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music"
Re: dreaded artist of the decade (plus Rushmore)
In a message dated 3/12/99 5:25:51 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Which leads me to the (rhetorical?) question: Can anyone top Steve Earle for artist of the decade?? Dave Alvin (can I get an "Amen" from Miss Marie, there?) Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Let's Active cover on Friends
In a message dated 3/12/99 3:13:28 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Now, back to my question...who did that cover!?!?!?!? Paul No Paul, I'm a pretty big fan of The Who, and I'm sure that they have never recorded "Every Word Means No." Mitch Matthews Abbott Train/Costello Road np: Bryan Bowers "The Scotsman"
Re: THE NUGE IS BACK
YES! It's time for me to go find a Gibson Byrdland to "yank me, crank me, but don't wake up to thank me." Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Me doing "Great White Buffalo" on 4-string banjo
Re: RIP Stanley Kubrick
In a message dated 3/8/99 3:37:45 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yes. Tarantino said as much when he was promoting Pulp Fiction. Carl Z. Pulp Fiction, now THAT'S the one with Slim Whitman, right? Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Tweedy quote/alt.country
In a message dated 3/9/99 1:57:25 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Frankly, I'm shit -sick of hearing that my appreciation for UT, Wilco, etc. is just some youthful infatuation that I'll get over when I grow up and realize that alt.country was around before 1990. ...and a lot of other very perceptive stuff. Y'know, I'm a little tired of having to apologize for being a UT fan, too. They're just a band, for chrissakes, and I happen to think they were a damn good one. What's to backlash against? Yeah, I feel the same way of how I always have to defend my love for the Deliberate Strangers. Damn it, they're a great band, but there are just too many metalheads here in Dee-Troyt. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Dream Syndicate "3 1/2"
In Defense of Deliberate Strangers (was: Re: Tweedy quote/alt.country)
Hey Tom, Knowing you and your music, you would probably get more into UT's "March 16-20" album. All acoustic-based pretty much and album of "Acuff-Rose" type songs. Damn! Just shot another Del-Stranger hater out my window with my musket. Hope I didn't hurt him too bad. I'll be sure to rid the Motor City of these vermin before this year's big Deliberate Strangers Hogwild World Tour (supposedly, UT is considering reuniting to open for DS on their Midwest leg of the tour). Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: RIP Stanley Kubrick
In his honor, tonite I will have a toast and recite as many lines as I can remember from "Dr. Strangelove," especially Slim Pickens famous patriotic speech to his men. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road (Ice cream, Mandrake? Children's ice cream?)
Re: RIP Stanley Kubrick
In a message dated 3/8/99 3:41:46 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: ADD: three great performances, and George C. Scott, and Slim Whitman. Carl Uh, Carl, that's Slim Pickens. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road (as for Laurence Olivier in "Sparticus;" Come, wash my back!)
Re: Fatboy Slim eating MMs and Cake riding on a Jet
Paul, Come to Dee-Troyt, and you will quickly tire of Cake, Fatboy Slim, and Eminem (a Motor City native), which are all overplayed on our narrow-playlist radio modern rock radio stations. I'm getting sick of all three. np: Bangles - September Gurls Did I ever tell you the time I got thrown off the stage at St. Andrews for kissing Susannah Hoffs? Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Angels' Visits (Vocal Music of Victorian America)
Re: Old 97s blurb
Personally, I'd probably do the same thing with my CD (if it ever gets finished) to one of our local hangouts (although none of them have a CD jukebox). Oh well, I guess I'm outta luck anyways. But the Old 97s rule. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
CMT (vomit content) / Twangburgh Question
First off, I'm at The Kettles (pet name for my parents' house) while they're on vacation, doing laundry and stuff there, and flipping cable channels around, and CMT's Delivery Room is on. UNGH! There's this video of a song "Single White Female" (I didn't even bother to check the artist) with the singer(s) on a bus flaunting their braless chests and tight behinds around. My God, Country Spice Girl World. I'm sorry, but I'm no longer a sexually repressed 16 year old into MTV erotica (I'm now a sexually repressed 34 year old into yanking the strings off my Telecaster at the end of a set). Next scan, and the program's still on, this time with Shania Twain (no relation to Mark, Thank God) doing her latest, and the video concept is a ripoff of the Robert Palmer "Addicted To Love" video. Musical appendix burst. And people ask me when they go into my basement recording studio why I have a picture of Shania with the red circle/slash traffic symbol over it. All of the meals that I ate on the Gravel Train mini-tour are now coming back to haunt me bowelly. Now the Pittsburgh/Twangburgh question: Who was the guy that introduced the bands at the Rosebud on Friday night. It's bene bugging me for a while, he just looked like a reject from the Broadway cast of "Grease". Mitch Matthews Gravel Twain (oops, see what happens when I get worked up), I mean, Train/Sunken Road
Great Lakes Twang is up and running!
OK, GLT is out of the womb, but needs nurturing and maturing. This is where you all come in. Some of the pages are nothing but "under construction" statements. But you will get the jist of what this site is about as you browse. Not much is there, but if you have newsworthy info, mail it along. I'm trying to stay away from a lot of show listings, instead trying to get this to lead into linking to band pages which should have that info. Thanks in advance for your help. A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/Stage/9596/gltwang.html"Great Lakes Twang/A Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Has Anyone Actually seen this?
In a message dated 3/2/99 6:04:18 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: While looking up a movie in a video guide, I came across this entry: HILLBILLIES IN A HAUNTED HOUSE(1967) Unbelievably bad mishmash of country corn and horror humor. 88m Director:Jean Yarborough Cast:Ferlin Huskey, Joi Lansing, Don Bowman, John Carradine, Lon Chaney Jr., Basil Rathbone, Molly Bee, Merle Haggard, Sonny James. Yikes But I do think it's something we all need to get a hold of and watch just once, AND ONLY ONCE! (Along with "The Fastest Guitar in the West" with Roy Orbison) Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Robbie Fulks and covers
In a message dated 3/2/99 3:45:36 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wait. . .I've never heard Robbie do this particular cover. Are you referring to that cheesy rock song Suffragette by the Beatles? Linda! I know that this isn't a Beatles discussion group, but I'm shocked that you didn't know that "Jet" was a Wings song, not a Fab Four comp. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Gravel Train Returneth
Got in about an hour ago, and got a call from Lili's to work there tonite. I'll elaborate more later tonite/early tomorrow. Mike is feeling a little better, although he will see the doctor tomorrow, as well as the van going in for a brake job. However, thanks to everyone that was there for us on our road trip. You P2-ers are the best in my book. In the words of SCTV's Lola Heatherton, "I want to bear your children, H!" Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....
In a message dated 2/25/99 5:12:13 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: -- Bono looked really off-balance when he was performing during the Kirk Franklin song ... like he was, "My word, I'm the only white guy here." He just got out of an operation for a sinus infection yesterday. Could still be feeling the anesthesia. THE DIXIE CHICKS WON? Oh God, country's answer to The Spice Girls gets an award for Best Cleavage--Country Duo or Group (couldn't be for their talent, or lack thereof). Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....
In a message dated 2/25/99 6:39:29 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: oh, come on, compared to Shania Twain, the Dixie Chicks are the Carter Family... BLASPHEMY! To even put the Dixie Chunks in the same sentence as the Carter Family, let alone comparison. Forgive him Mother Maybelle, he knows not what he speaks. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....
In a message dated 2/25/99 7:00:54 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Patsy Cline woulda worn a vinyl bustier if they were available. Sure she would! Russ, you better be joking, you're treading on thin ice on Lae Postcard2 with them words. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....
In a message dated 2/25/99 11:56:17 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Russ, you better be joking, you're treading on thin ice on Lae Postcard2 with them words. I meant Lake Postcard2. Sorry. Mitch
Going offlist (Gravel Train mini-tour)
Gravel Train is hitting the road for its "3 shows in 3 days" tour. I ask that matt Benz serve as my second in the upcoming "Dixie Chicks vs. Talent" debate, and that the Warrior Princess of Twang sing "see How We Are" with us when we get to Pittsburgh. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Gag reflex
One time I was running sound for The Lettermen (you know, "There's a Summer Place..."), and since they were more entertainment than music (a few gags thrown in about their age, blah, blah, blah), another stagehand and myself had to run around to our friends that afternoon to find an acoustic guitar for one of their "skits", but it had to be a name brand (Martin, Guild, Gibson), not some hokey thing. He didn't plug it in and faked the strumming, but he wouldn't use my Yamaha or another guy's Lotus. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road (GT hitting the road tomorrow around noon, see y'all soon)
Re: Musician mag is dead.
Yeah, when Dorkchuck took over, it seemed almost to be a Rolling Stone little brother. Some classic interviews before 1984, I still have the McCartney and Strummer/Fripp issues (somewhere). The "Faces" section was a fantastic place to pick up on upcoming talent. But even that got to be just mini-reviews of established artists. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road (Buffalo, Boston, and Pittsburgh this weekend)
Re: Return of the Grevious Angel
In a message dated 2/22/99 3:59:57 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Is Son Volt conspicuously absent OR is this only a partial listing? This does look like a partial listing, but I'm sure someone out there knows.. SV may have bowed out, considering that UT was already on the previous GP tribute. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: P2 bands @ SXSW?
When is that, mid March? Oh yeah, we have a festival here in Dee-Troyt that time as well called The Hamtramck Blowout, and it's pretty much the same thing. Seventy of the Motor City's best ass-kissing bands playing a bunch of local venues for FREE with the proceeds going to fund The Detroit Music Awards, which honores the same 5 or 6 local acts every year (want to be "in the know" around here? Just mention the name Jill Jack). Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: And the winner is......(Derailer news!)
Jeez, Matt, I thought you were going to tell me that it was YOU that was the new bass player. You know, give up that cushy museum job to plunk the four- string in a bunch of smelly dives just to say "I'm a Derailer." Mitch Matthews (partying with Dave Alvin tonite!) Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: un-needed accordian
In a message dated 2/17/99 9:39:56 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: un-needed accordian I did not know there was such a thing. I have 3. I wish someone would have told me. Three of them? God Nancy, marry me now! Mitch Matthews (owner of 2 accordians) Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Those Darn Accordians "Hotsy Tosty Girl"
Re: un-needed accordian
In a message dated 2/17/99 11:02:31 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Play an accordian. Go to jail. It's the law. Hate an accordian, hate life. Buckwheat Zydeco and Frankie Yankovic rule! Mitch Matthews np: Frank Wojarnowski "Jedze Boat"
Re: SXSW - What is the deal
In a message dated 2/14/99 4:44:55 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What is the deal with SXSW anyway? It seems it is no longer a cattle call for "new undiscovered" talent, but a chance for record companies to jerk off and flaunt who they have in front of others. Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, It's obvious that you haven't paid attention to what I have been saying on why I won't attend these festivals any longer, and why the people whom originally started the SXSW are no longer involved in it. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Kim Richey "Just My Luck"
Re: The North Carolina Run Starts This Friday!
In a message dated 2/9/99 9:00:33 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Our follow up to Cow Patty Bingo, is just about in the can. It's going to be a hell of a disc, the likes of which have not been heard in a.. well, NEVER. It's a whole lotta rock roll, with a grin and a glint in the eye. Now I don't have a problem deciding what to get Paul Ameritwang for his birthday (forget Jeznowka). Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Nesmith Biz (was: Re: MonkEE Biz)
Hey, wasn't there talk here last spring/summer about a possible Mike Nesmith tribute album? I remember some P2 bands interested in it, but lost track. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Ernest Tubb Query
I was thumbing through a book the other day at the library called "The Tombstone Tourist: Musicians" by Scott Stanton (3T Publishing, 1998). It basically lists the grave sites of the dear departed musicians and singers. Under the listing for Ernest Tubb, it states that although he's buried at Hermitage Memorial Gardens in TN, his grave is unmarked, just a number (38-C) due to his family's forgetfullness/selfishness/whatever. Is this true? Is his grave still without a tombstone? If so, why the hell hasn't any country performers done anything about it? Honestly, this pisses me off, someone like Mr. Tubb deserves a headstone, for God's sake. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Today in History
In a message dated 1/31/99 1:38:07 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: In a transformation worthy of Eliza Doolittle, Porter Wagoner - he of the wagon wheel rhinestone suits - officially went disco on this night in 1979. Appearing at Nashville's Exit/In nightclub, he performed dance mix renditions of old counry standards while the colored lights went crazy. "Country music is actually pretty close to disco or rock," he told a local reporter. "Hell, you can sing 'Y'all Come' to disco." Yeah, well Scotch tape was invented on this date in 1928, so go figure. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: Gillian Welch "Hell Among the Yearlings"
Old 97s/Gravel Train Dee-Troyt Show
Hey P2-ers, I just got back from our warming up for the Old 97s, and what a fantastic experience. They sounded unbelieveable, so tight and on. The people went nuts, they even clapped for us. Guitarist Ken B. wore a GT T-shirt onstage, and Rhett kept praising us in between songs. It was just too sweet. East Coasters: Do yourself a favor and go see them on their last dates there, you won't be disappointed. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Question about TV bands
C'mon you people, that's not deep enough: Charlie Chan and the Chan Clan - cartoon in which the detective's children had a rock band. Played an Archies-styled song at the end of every show. Banana Splits - The Sovines, Jamie Swedberg and I had a big conversation on this one Sat. morning after our show. Groovie Ghoulies - CBS cartoon with the hippie wolfman, a pinoff from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Hey, what about Happy Days? Richie, Potsy and Ralph had a combo with varying drummers (pudgy gang member, high school majorette, hip black guy among others). Speaking of which, probably my favorite TV band of them all (many of you know this about me), Lenny and the Squigtones from Laverne Shirley. (BTW, they put out an album, and I would kill to get a copy of it). The Brady Bunch had that album, remember when Peter's voice changed and creative Greg re-wrote a song around it? Odd Couple? Felix wants to get in good with Jaye P. Morgan (who happens to be dating Oscar), so he forms a band around his song. I Dream of Jeannie - Wanting Major Nelson to be rich and successful, Jeannie makes him a manager of a rock band that she creates. F Troop - A Beatles ripp-off in the 1870s (is that possible?) comes to Fort Courage, and Corporal Agarn (Larry Storch) chooses to manage them. Gilligan's Island - Who could forget The Mosquitos (Bingo, Bongo, Bungo, and Irving) arriving on the island, only to leave because of the competition from the new girl group with Ginger, Maryanne, and Mrs. Howell. Oh God, see what you made me do? I am awash in TV Hell. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Question about TV bands
In a message dated 1/26/99 7:41:06 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I can't believe no one's mentioned Pinky Tuscadero from Happy Days played by Suzi Quatro. Did she have a band on that show? No, the Richie/Potsy/Ralph Experience usually backed her up. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: John upstairs again, talking to Rosie O'Donnell
Re: Question about TV bands
In a message dated 1/26/99 9:20:20 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: They did a cover of "Green Tambourine", the Lemon Pipers smash hit, fronted by the cowgirl who had a crush on Captain Parmenter. (Ken Berry, and sorry can't remember the gal's name or her character's.) The gal character's name was Wrangler Jane (Don't know her real name, and I have some episodes on video, but the VCR is on the fritz). Sorry B.S., but it wasn't "Green Tamborine." They did "Mr. Tamborine Man" and "Lemon Tree." Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: John (renter) mumbling (can't decipher)
Re: Question about TV bands
In a message dated 1/26/99 9:41:19 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: scene from that episode in which Barney drops the bowling ball in Fred's foot,a nd thus, creates "The Frantic." Which was soon followed by the "Flinstone Flop" later in the episode. And then ended with Barney running from Fred, Fred hitting his head, and Barney joking to Wilma that the new dance of Fred holding his head and jumping around was "The Flintstone Frenzy." Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road np: John (renter) just yelled at the TV again.
Re: Question about TV bands
In a message dated 1/27/99 2:41:06 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
The contrbutors to this amusing thread are missing all of the soap opera
rock bands, typically put together in the summer to keep the attention of
the kids home from school. I'm vague on the specifics, but I do remember
characters in bands on
- Guiding Light (sax led rock band)
Hey CK,
My brother and mom used to watch that soapy, and while I can't remember that
guy's band, I do remember that Neil Sadaka, The B-52s, and Quarterflash were
some of the bands that appeared on that show as "performers" at the local bar.
Speaking of soapys, what about Rick Springfield and his soap opera time? Did
he ever play on the show?
OhOhOhOhOhOhOh!
Almost forgot (unless none of you want to include this): Jas and Stan
Schmengy, The Happy Wanderers (John Candy and Eugene Levy), the polka band on
SCTV. Then again, they also had Candy appear as Gil Fischer, the Fishin'
Musician ("Love to fish, I just don't like the taste of them") when he had The
Tubes go bass fishing with him, or Carl Perkins do a Canadian outing, or The
Plasmatics and their bow hunting expedition.
Mitch Matthews
Gravel Train/Sunken Road (Hey, new member of SR, he's a banjo player)
Re: Question about TV bands/'''soaps
In a message dated 1/27/99 4:16:42 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yep, Rick Springfield was on General Hospital years ago. He left the show to pursue his "musical career". And former teen idol/pop singer Rex Smith was on As The World Turns a few years ago. Yes, and who can forget Matt Benz's brief appearance as Biff the long-lost son now turned gigolo on "The Edge of Night"? Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road (Just got a call from Marie Arsenault whom would like to sit in with SR on Jewsharp during the band's West Coast tour)
Re: Musician question; Risk of Electrocution???
Well, the first thing you DON'T do is imitate Keith Relf (singer for the Yardbirds, whom decided one day to play electric guitar while taking a bath). Many guitar amps (all amps SHOULD by law) have a ground switch, that helps curb the zap. Usually when musicians first go on stage, when they strap on their guitar and turn on the amp, they will approach the mic they will use and lightly/quickly touch it. If there is a shock, they'll flip the ground switch to the other position and check again (some of these switches even remove the ground completely). If that still doesn't eliminate the shock, then there is definitely something wrong in the electical wiring for the sound systen (either the PA or the venue), at which time the musician(s) need to decide if they want to continue. In some cases, the covering of the mic with a windscreen solves the problem, but many times, it's a matter of choosing to continue performing and keeping a distance from the mic, or not playing at all. Unfortunately, the wiring (especially if it is the problem with the PA or the venue) cannot be solved with a simple adapter or flick of a switch. Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: Steve Earle/old vinyl/Huddie Ledbetter
Geff King wrote: On another note...how many of you p2'ers have owned (or own) a three sided album? And what is it called? I remember once owning a vinyl copy of Joe Jackson's "Big World," and I think that was a 3-sided album Does Genesis' "Three Sides Live" count? Or perhaps the whole album can be thrown out (good riddance) Paul np: Long Ryders - Native Sons/10-5-60 Ameritwang, you are so cool! Mitch Matthews Gravel Train/Sunken Road
Re: The boys are back in town....
In a message dated 1/14/99 9:44:48 PM !!!First Boot!!!, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Excerpts from internet.listserv.postcard2: 13-Jan-99 The boys are back in town by JP [EMAIL PROTECTED] The new year finds us finishing up the tracks for our new CD, which we hope to have out in February... we will keep you posted! We never doubted that you'd keep us posted. Carl Z. iced in BOY! Did we NEVER doubt that you'd keep us posted. Mitch Matthews (toddy'ed up and feelin' the rum) Gravel Train/Sunken Road Hey Paul Ameritwang, wanna do a road trip to Atlanta (I'll dress in my Union blues, you bring the matches).
