january 97
------- start of digest (62 messages) (RFC 934 encapsulation) -------
From: "Martyn Iannece"
To: "TheThe's"
Subject: O'RANG.
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 11:35:12 -0500
Message-Id: <199701021631.LAA09961@jonah.>
Hi Fellow Babies,
A few weeks back one of you posted a note about an album called 'Herd Of
Instinct' by a group called 'O' RANG. Apparently, this is the answer to
the question "why hasn't there been a Talk Talk album since Laughing
Stock?" - 'O' RANG is made up of two ex-members of Talk Talk. Also, a
certain Mr. Johnson plays harp and keyboards on a couple of tracks, so it
was suggested that we 'check it out'. Well, it's outstanding! This is the
music I hear in my head, given form and flesh. Thank you to whoever it was
that recommended it. And I support the recommendation without reservation.
Just thought you should know.
laterbaby
mri
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martyn Iannece
Writer/Adventurer/Paranoid
"MY GOD! IT'S FULL OF STARS!!"
Gemsoft Corp.
tel: (416) 368-1552 ext 224
fax: (416) 368-9682
miannece@gemsoft.com
------------------------------
From: ywong@enme.ucalgary.ca (Yan Wong)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: O'RANG.
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 10:33:29 -0700
Message-Id: <199701021733.KAA27370@enme-p.enme>
> A few weeks back one of you posted a note about an album called 'Herd Of
> Instinct' by a group called 'O' RANG. Apparently, this is the answer to
> the question "why hasn't there been a Talk Talk album since Laughing
> Stock?" - 'O' RANG is made up of two ex-members of Talk Talk. Also, a
> certain Mr. Johnson plays harp and keyboards on a couple of tracks, so it
> was suggested that we 'check it out'. Well, it's outstanding! This is the
> music I hear in my head, given form and flesh. Thank you to whoever it was
> that recommended it. And I support the recommendation without reservation.
> Just thought you should know.
I missed this thread earlier so I apologize if this has already been covered...
what label is this O'rang on?... and does it sound like Talk Talk or does it
sound like Talk Talk theThe-ized?... did that make any sense?...
Yan
------------------------------
From: CoolHand@webtv.net (Mike McLaughlin)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 08:49:08 -0500
Message-Id: <199701131349.FAA01533@mailtod-105.bryant.webtv.net>
Does anybody know anything about the new album or when it's due to come
out? Please respond A.S.A.P
Thanks,
CoolHand
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 97 18:54:32 -0500
Message-ID: <19970113234522.AAA15819@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Matt has never done us wrong in the past. Let's have faith in his unheard work.
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: tpoltora@mobility.com (Poltoranos, Ted)
Sent: Monday, January 13, 1997 1:59 PM
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu (Infected)
Subject: FW: New Album
Having recently heard new offerings from David Bowie and U2 that seem to be
'noisier' (or heavier or louder or rougher) than usual, I am becoming
increasingly concerned about Matt's upcoming album. Especially given the
comments below about ditching the harmonica and keyboards, and going for a
rougher sound.
I've always considered Bowie to be the only man in music whose brilliance
could be discussed in the same breath as Matt's - although Bowie's true
talents are marketing and innovation, whereas Matt's are song
writing/singing/performing - so that's why this hits home.
As usual, I can see 'both sides of both sides' of this issue. Early in
Matt's career, a lot of his output seemed to be experimentation with new
electronic sounds (BBS, POD, Gadget), similar to what was going on at that
time in popular music. Soul Mining especially fit in very nicely with the
music of the early '80's. Which leads me to worry that he may ... I don't
want to say succumb ... be influenced by what's happening today. I remember
him saying that he was listening to Portishead a lot when they broke onto
the scene, so there is some reason for concern and I'm not being completely
paranoid. On the other hand, Matt seems to have survived Grunge unscathed.
I'd even go so far as to say he rebelled against it, as Dusk was (to me)
his mellowest album (DofL excepted). So, I don't know what to think ...
should I cry like a baby, or die like a man?
I'm curious what other devotees think, but mainly, I'm looking for
reassurance ... Matt's brilliance has never failed to assert itself before,
and it will shine through this time as well ... right?
Ted
----------
>From: THETHEXXX@aol.com[SMTP:THETHEXXX@aol.com]
>Sent: Thursday, September 26, 1996 9:18 AM
>To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
>Subject: Re: Hello Matt
>
>The new album, working title UNTITLED is almost finished. Matt and the
band,
>Eric Schermerhorn, guitar, Earl Harvin,drums, and Spencer Campbell, bass,
>have been recording in New York throughout this year with engineer and
>co+producer Bruce Lampcov. The music is now finished and Matt is working on
>the lyrics and vocals at the moment. They are aiming to be mixing in
>January-February with a May-June release. There will be a world tour
starting
>next summer with extensive touring of North America throughout the year.
>The band has been stripped down to a four piece. Out go keyboards and
>harmonica, for a rougher, more up tempo feel.
>There will be about 16 tracks on the new album. Which is much more than any
>previous TheThe album.
>We have let the web site wither away at the moment but we will be providing
>extremely wide internet coverage of all the activities of next year. The
band
>prefer to have a very low profile when they are working. Which is why there
>has been no information circulating.
>Hope this info is sufficient. Please pass it around.
>We look forward to seeing you next year.
>
>
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: New Album
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 97 16:55:11 -0500
Message-ID: <19970114214556.AAA13285@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Very well put, I fully agree with your comments. Matt is a great songwriter and
a perfectionist of the highest degree. We should expect to see extreme high quality work in the future from Matt, as we always have in the past.
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: "DOUG H WALKER"
Sent: Monday, January 13, 1997 7:15 PM
To:
Subject: New Album
I'm a little more optomistic about the new album. MJ has always varied his sound from album to album
without jeopardizing quality. The reason for this? He's a great songwriter. Songs like Another Boy
Drowning, This is the Day, Out of the Blue, Mercy Beat, August and September, Love is Stronger Than
Death, Lonely Planet, etc. would sound great accompanied by a juice harp and washboard. MJ seems to
be a perfectionist of the highest degree, and I anticipate another brilliant and original album. I have yet
to be disappointed in any theThe album of original material, and I'm anxiously awaiting his newest
offering.
- -walker
------------------------------
From: Jan Wirken
To: Mike McLaughlin
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 15:45:44 +0100 (MET)
Message-Id:
The last thing I heard about it is that it was due in February,
but I'm afraid it'll take longer for Matt not well known for his
speed in writing lyrics. The recordings for the music have been
finished in 1996.
Hang on pal.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'll never get out of this world alive", Hank Williams
e-mail: jwirken@robeco.nl or J.Q.N.P.Wirken@iris-bv.nl
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Mon, 13 Jan 1997, Mike McLaughlin wrote:
> Does anybody know anything about the new album or when it's due to come
> out? Please respond A.S.A.P
>
> Thanks,
> CoolHand
>
------------------------------
From: "Bloeser, Mike"
To: "'CoolHand@webtv.net'"
Cc: "'infected@cs.uchicago.edu'"
Subject: RE: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 08:47:55 -0600
Message-ID:
See below...
>----------
>From: CoolHand@webtv.net[SMTP:CoolHand@webtv.net]
>Sent: Monday, January 13, 1997 7:49 AM
>To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
>Subject: New Album
>
>Does anybody know anything about the new album or when it's due to come
>out? Please respond A.S.A.P
>
>Thanks,
>CoolHand
>From: THETHEXXX@aol.com[SMTP:THETHEXXX@aol.com]
>Sent: Thursday, September 26, 1996 9:18 AM
>To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
>Subject: Re: Hello Matt
>
>The new album, working title UNTITLED is almost finished. Matt and the band,
>Eric Schermerhorn, guitar, Earl Harvin,drums, and Spencer Campbell, bass,
>have been recording in New York throughout this year with engineer and
>co+producer Bruce Lampcov. The music is now finished and Matt is working on
>the lyrics and vocals at the moment. They are aiming to be mixing in
>January-February with a May-June release. There will be a world tour starting
>next summer with extensive touring of North America throughout the year.
>The band has been stripped down to a four piece. Out go keyboards and
>harmonica, for a rougher, more up tempo feel.
>There will be about 16 tracks on the new album. Which is much more than any
>previous TheThe album.
>We have let the web site wither away at the moment but we will be providing
>extremely wide internet coverage of all the activities of next year. The band
>prefer to have a very low profile when they are working. Which is why there
>has been no information circulating.
>Hope this info is sufficient. Please pass it around.
>We look forward to seeing you next year.
>
>
------------------------------
From: "Melissa Cannon"
To: "Infected Mailing List"
Subject: Re: New Album
Date: 13 Jan 1997 15:13:21 -0800
Message-Id:
RE>>New Album =
1/13/97
Geez, it's been so long since I heard from anyone, I forgot I was on this =
list.
Anyway, here's what I think of the new album: Why don't we just wait and =
see (or
hear)? As much as I love Matt, I have better things to do than predict =
how it sounds. If
it does release next month that's what... four weeks? I can handle that =
and I'm sure you
all can too. By the way, I hear it makes a great birthday gift. For all =
you interested,
February 15. (Hint, hint). Hey, it was worth a shot.
Later,
Mel
------------------------------
From: "DOUG H WALKER"
To:
Subject: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 97 16:15:12 PST
Message-Id:
I'm a little more optomistic about the new album. MJ has always varied his sound from album to album
without jeopardizing quality. The reason for this? He's a great songwriter. Songs like Another Boy
Drowning, This is the Day, Out of the Blue, Mercy Beat, August and September, Love is Stronger Than
Death, Lonely Planet, etc. would sound great accompanied by a juice harp and washboard. MJ seems to
be a perfectionist of the highest degree, and I anticipate another brilliant and original album. I have yet
to be disappointed in any theThe album of original material, and I'm anxiously awaiting his newest
offering.
- -walker
------------------------------
From: tpoltora@mobility.com (Poltoranos, Ted)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu (Infected)
Subject: FW: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 13:59:37 -0500
Message-Id: <1997Jan13.140100.1540.405737@mailgate02.mobility.com>
Having recently heard new offerings from David Bowie and U2 that seem to be
'noisier' (or heavier or louder or rougher) than usual, I am becoming
increasingly concerned about Matt's upcoming album. Especially given the
comments below about ditching the harmonica and keyboards, and going for a
rougher sound.
I've always considered Bowie to be the only man in music whose brilliance
could be discussed in the same breath as Matt's - although Bowie's true
talents are marketing and innovation, whereas Matt's are song
writing/singing/performing - so that's why this hits home.
As usual, I can see 'both sides of both sides' of this issue. Early in
Matt's career, a lot of his output seemed to be experimentation with new
electronic sounds (BBS, POD, Gadget), similar to what was going on at that
time in popular music. Soul Mining especially fit in very nicely with the
music of the early '80's. Which leads me to worry that he may ... I don't
want to say succumb ... be influenced by what's happening today. I remember
him saying that he was listening to Portishead a lot when they broke onto
the scene, so there is some reason for concern and I'm not being completely
paranoid. On the other hand, Matt seems to have survived Grunge unscathed.
I'd even go so far as to say he rebelled against it, as Dusk was (to me)
his mellowest album (DofL excepted). So, I don't know what to think ...
should I cry like a baby, or die like a man?
I'm curious what other devotees think, but mainly, I'm looking for
reassurance ... Matt's brilliance has never failed to assert itself before,
and it will shine through this time as well ... right?
Ted
----------
>From: THETHEXXX@aol.com[SMTP:THETHEXXX@aol.com]
>Sent: Thursday, September 26, 1996 9:18 AM
>To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
>Subject: Re: Hello Matt
>
>The new album, working title UNTITLED is almost finished. Matt and the
band,
>Eric Schermerhorn, guitar, Earl Harvin,drums, and Spencer Campbell, bass,
>have been recording in New York throughout this year with engineer and
>co+producer Bruce Lampcov. The music is now finished and Matt is working on
>the lyrics and vocals at the moment. They are aiming to be mixing in
>January-February with a May-June release. There will be a world tour
starting
>next summer with extensive touring of North America throughout the year.
>The band has been stripped down to a four piece. Out go keyboards and
>harmonica, for a rougher, more up tempo feel.
>There will be about 16 tracks on the new album. Which is much more than any
>previous TheThe album.
>We have let the web site wither away at the moment but we will be providing
>extremely wide internet coverage of all the activities of next year. The
band
>prefer to have a very low profile when they are working. Which is why there
>has been no information circulating.
>Hope this info is sufficient. Please pass it around.
>We look forward to seeing you next year.
>
>
------------------------------
From: santiago zorzopulos
To: tpoltora@mobility.com
cc: Infected
Subject: Re: FW: New Album
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 16:14:27 -0600 (CST)
Message-ID:
Hmm, my take on the new album is about the same. I'd hate to see one of
the most interesting and innovative musicians end up doing the worn-out
guitar rock which has become so popular today. However, I nearly screamed
when I heard about Hanky Panky. I usually detest tribute albums, and to
do a tribute album to a country singer rubbed me as badly as sandpaper on
my eyes. Then, when I listened to the album, something happened. I'm in
love with it. Perhaps this will be the case. MJ hasn't let us down yet,
so I'll try to swallow my doubt, and see what the album has to offer.
Just my take on it,
Regards,
Santiago
On Mon, 13 Jan 1997 tpoltora@mobility.com wrote:
>
> Having recently heard new offerings from David Bowie and U2 that seem to be
> 'noisier' (or heavier or louder or rougher) than usual, I am becoming
> increasingly concerned about Matt's upcoming album. Especially given the
> comments below about ditching the harmonica and keyboards, and going for a
> rougher sound.
>
> I've always considered Bowie to be the only man in music whose brilliance
> could be discussed in the same breath as Matt's - although Bowie's true
> talents are marketing and innovation, whereas Matt's are song
> writing/singing/performing - so that's why this hits home.
>
> As usual, I can see 'both sides of both sides' of this issue. Early in
> Matt's career, a lot of his output seemed to be experimentation with new
> electronic sounds (BBS, POD, Gadget), similar to what was going on at that
> time in popular music. Soul Mining especially fit in very nicely with the
> music of the early '80's. Which leads me to worry that he may ... I don't
> want to say succumb ... be influenced by what's happening today. I remember
> him saying that he was listening to Portishead a lot when they broke onto
> the scene, so there is some reason for concern and I'm not being completely
> paranoid. On the other hand, Matt seems to have survived Grunge unscathed.
> I'd even go so far as to say he rebelled against it, as Dusk was (to me)
> his mellowest album (DofL excepted). So, I don't know what to think ...
> should I cry like a baby, or die like a man?
>
> I'm curious what other devotees think, but mainly, I'm looking for
> reassurance ... Matt's brilliance has never failed to assert itself before,
> and it will shine through this time as well ... right?
>
> Ted
> ----------
>
> >From: THETHEXXX@aol.com[SMTP:THETHEXXX@aol.com]
> >Sent: Thursday, September 26, 1996 9:18 AM
> >To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
> >Subject: Re: Hello Matt
> >
> >The new album, working title UNTITLED is almost finished. Matt and the
> band,
> >Eric Schermerhorn, guitar, Earl Harvin,drums, and Spencer Campbell, bass,
> >have been recording in New York throughout this year with engineer and
> >co+producer Bruce Lampcov. The music is now finished and Matt is working on
> >the lyrics and vocals at the moment. They are aiming to be mixing in
> >January-February with a May-June release. There will be a world tour
> starting
> >next summer with extensive touring of North America throughout the year.
> >The band has been stripped down to a four piece. Out go keyboards and
> >harmonica, for a rougher, more up tempo feel.
> >There will be about 16 tracks on the new album. Which is much more than any
> >previous TheThe album.
> >We have let the web site wither away at the moment but we will be providing
> >extremely wide internet coverage of all the activities of next year. The
> band
> >prefer to have a very low profile when they are working. Which is why there
> >has been no information circulating.
> >Hope this info is sufficient. Please pass it around.
> >We look forward to seeing you next year.
> >
> >
>
>
------------------------------
From: "DOUG H WALKER"
To:
Subject: schermerhorn
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 97 15:58:35 PST
Message-Id:
I know Eric Schermerhorn has also played on Iggy Pop's latest CD in addition to his work with theThe, but
I know little else. Does anyone know more about him? I admire what he added to Hanky Panky and Iggy's
Naughty Little Doggie.
- -walker
------------------------------
From: luster@gnn.com (jay)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 00:02:40
Message-Id: <199701140509.AAA02308@mail-e2b.gnn.com>
I heard the album is like, eight songs, all of which sound just
like "Beaten Generation." I can't wait. Dave? Oh, and that Marr
stormed in at the last moment and wrote most of the songs.
JaY!
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
- -General Email:luster@gnn.com
- -"Draize Train" Email list: lsamper_marr@indiana.edu
- -HOME PAGE:http://members.gnn.com/luster/
- -JOHNNY MARR:http://members.gnn.com/luster/Iknow.htm
...more than you'll...ever...know
------------------------------
From: "Support"
To:
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 00:05:08 +1100
Message-Id: <199701141259.XAA17564@student.anu.edu.au>
Greetings to y'all
I'm back on line....sort of. I have a job. I have access sometimes. I
wanna hear all that I have missed and more. I wanna be bound and gagged
and ....
Peter Love
p.love@student.anu.edu.au
------------------------------
From: 3dvideo@magi.com (Rob Ferguson)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 12:32:28 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <199701171732.MAA19819@infoweb.magi.com>
Speaking of Bowie,
has any one noticed that his tour bass player is "HOLLYWOOD" Dorsey?
The same bass player as Matt used on Hanky Panky?
------------------------------
From: "Corbett J. Klempay"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: New album...
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 20:51:16 -0500
Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19970113204923.00687ef0@hops.cs.jhu.edu>
Glad to see the list still alive and well...I was worried there for a
while. The thing that most concerns me with the new album is what everyone
else is talking about...the stripping down of the instruments
used...particularly the harmonica...that was one of my favorite The The
trademarks (the live version of Another Boy Drowning on Solitude is an
example of what I'm talking about). I just hope it retains that same The
The feel...but looking at his track record, I'm sure Matt will turn out
something that we'll all appreciate.
Corbett J. Klempay
http://www.ugrad.cs.jhu.edu/~cklempay
------------------------------
From: twalton@e2.empirenet.com (Trevor Walton)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: New album...
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 18:21:36 -0800
Message-Id: <199701140226.SAA05908@e2.empirenet.com>
> Glad to see the list still alive and well...I was worried there for a
>while. The thing that most concerns me with the new album is what everyone
>else is talking about...the stripping down of the instruments
>used...particularly the harmonica...that was one of my favorite The The
>trademarks (the live version of Another Boy Drowning on Solitude is an
>example of what I'm talking about). I just hope it retains that same The
>The feel...but looking at his track record, I'm sure Matt will turn out
>something that we'll all appreciate.
>
>Corbett J. Klempay
>http://www.ugrad.cs.jhu.edu/~cklempay
I think the new format will definitely take some getting used to, but as you
pointed out, theThe has a pretty good track record of putting out high
quality material. I'll probably get flamed for the comparison but the idea
of theThe w/o keyboards 'n harmonica sounds a bit like OingoBoingo without
the brass section. It was tough to take at first and some even hated it but
if you listened with an open mind you soon realized the music was still just
as good as you'd come to expect. Of course there're always gonna be those
that cry "sell-out" as soon as a band makes any small change in their style...
-Trevor
------------------------------
From: "SHANNON R. LITTON"
To: INFECTED@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: New Album!!!
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 21:28:02 -0500 (EST)
Message-id: <01IE6G8SEEIW90O86A@EMUVAX.EMICH.EDU>
I would think that if Matt were going to sell out, he would've done it by now!
How long has he been at this music thing???
Shannon
------------------------------
From: dc4bapr@cr47c.staffs.ac.uk (Rico)
To: INFECTED@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: matts brainchild
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 20:16:56 +0100
Message-Id: <97011420165675@cr47c.staffs.ac.uk>
All this talk of whether MJs new stuff is gonna be good, bad, country or
whatever is irrelevant if your a true thethe fan then its gonna be
shit hot whatever, i understand though that we all aspire to buying
a new the the album and being magically returned to the days of
soulmining and that uncut sound that filled us with such inspiration
, face it though thats not going to happen, thethe has moved on
but that underlying sound of thetheness will allways be there
, take comfort in that and be happy. ok. i jus had to say dat.
------------------------------
From: Trevor Walton
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: matts brainchild
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 08:35:53 -0800 (PST)
Message-Id: <199701151635.IAA06941@e2.empirenet.com>
> whatever is irrelevant if your a true thethe fan then its gonna be
> shit hot whatever, i understand though that we all aspire to buying
I'm afraid I can't totally agree with you on this one...
I must not be a "true" fan because if any band, theThe or othwerwise, puts
out an album that's shit I'm gonna call it as I see it, shelve it, and
get on with my life. Now I'm not saying that this is going to happen,
or is even likely to happen, but I don't have the sort of blind devotion
that is gonna cause me to force myself to like something just because
it's put out by an artist I like.
--Trevor
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: matts brainchild
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 97 18:48:24 -0500
Message-ID: <19970115233905.AAA14355@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Oh hell, it will be extremely great and you know it!!!!
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: Trevor Walton
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 1997 11:35 AM
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: matts brainchild
> whatever is irrelevant if your a true thethe fan then its gonna be
> shit hot whatever, i understand though that we all aspire to buying
I'm afraid I can't totally agree with you on this one...
I must not be a "true" fan because if any band, theThe or othwerwise, puts
out an album that's shit I'm gonna call it as I see it, shelve it, and
get on with my life. Now I'm not saying that this is going to happen,
or is even likely to happen, but I don't have the sort of blind devotion
that is gonna cause me to force myself to like something just because
it's put out by an artist I like.
--Trevor
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: matts brainchild
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 97 17:36:45 -0500
Message-ID: <19970116222733.AAA27535@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Life's ironies, dark feelings, and of course... reality.
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: TheTheFan@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 1997 12:22 PM
To: VONN.CAMPBELL@worldnet.att.net; infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: matts brainchild
I am so excited about a new the The release that the content is of little
significance
at this point. In all honesty, I've never been disappointed with any of
Matt's work.
He is one of the few artists (poets), that I can always depend on to offer
meaningful and candid lyrics to express life's ironies and dark feelings.
Reserve judgement until
you hear his new messages. If the instruments are stripped down, it will only
enhance his communication to us. Be supportive, he's incredible.
Thethefan AKA Craig
------------------------------
From: TheTheFan@aol.com
To: VONN.CAMPBELL@worldnet.att.net, infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: matts brainchild
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 12:22:50 -0500 (EST)
Message-ID: <970116115746_1344030892@emout15.mail.aol.com>
I am so excited about a new the The release that the content is of little
significance
at this point. In all honesty, I've never been disappointed with any of
Matt's work.
He is one of the few artists (poets), that I can always depend on to offer
meaningful and candid lyrics to express life's ironies and dark feelings.
Reserve judgement until
you hear his new messages. If the instruments are stripped down, it will only
enhance his communication to us. Be supportive, he's incredible.
Thethefan AKA Craig
------------------------------
From: dskirkwood@trentu.ca
To: TheTheFan@aol.com
Cc: VONN.CAMPBELL@worldnet.att.net, infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: matts brainchild
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 13:48:05 -0400 (EDT)
Message-id:
if Matt Johnson can convince us of Hank Williams Sr.'s talent...
he'll be able to convince us that childbirth is painless...
so, I figure the man knows what is needed to satisfy us (being the fans),
he'll come through...he always does.
later
ds.
ps. I hope it's loud...
------------------------------
From: "Melissa Cannon"
To: dskirkwood@trentu.ca
Cc: "Infected Mailing List"
Subject: Re: matts brainchild
Date: 16 Jan 1997 12:00:49 -0800
Message-Id:
RE>>matts brainchild =
1/16/97
While my guess is that the next album will be great, there are a few
things I disagree with.
>if Matt Johnson can convince us of Hank Williams Sr.'s talent...
In my opinion, Hank Sr. was talented in his own right... and I needed
no convincing... although I dug the album anyway.
>he'll be able to convince us that childbirth is painless...
I'm not even going to touch that one.
>so, I figure the man knows what is needed to satisfy us (being the =
fans),
I don't think Matt has ever been one to produce work just to satisfy
his fans. More for himself, I believe. You know, I don't even think
that "satisfy" is the right word here. Perhaps "quench". MJ seems to
be a perfectionist and wouldn't put out anything until exceeded his
artistic requirement. Maybe that is why his art appeals to us.
>ps. I hope it's loud...
That's what the volume control is for.
Later y'all,
Mel
------------------------------
From: CoolHand@webtv.net (Mike McLaughlin)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: the The
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 01:16:30 -0500
Message-Id: <199701160616.WAA09764@mailtod-102.bryant.webtv.net>
Sorry to cause so much trouble, I just wanted some new info on the next
album. And because you are all obviously big fans, you certanly realize
that whatever MJ comes up with next is going to kick F'in Ass. I mean,
has he ever let us down before?
- -CoolHand
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: the The
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 97 17:33:16 -0500
Message-ID: <19970116222404.AAA24413@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Let us down??? Never Before !!! And Never Will !!!!
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: CoolHand@webtv.net (Mike McLaughlin)
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 1997 1:16 AM
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: the The
Sorry to cause so much trouble, I just wanted some new info on the next
album. And because you are all obviously big fans, you certanly realize
that whatever MJ comes up with next is going to kick F'in Ass. I mean,
has he ever let us down before?
- -CoolHand
------------------------------
From: "Ted Hein"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: the next album
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 97 05:08:22 EST
Message-Id: <9700178535.AA853518428@ccmail.timberland.com>
Enough banter on how great Gun Sluts will be until we hear something more
"concrete". ( we did hear something about a rougher heavier sound,
didn't we?) Sure, we'll all rush out and get the album immediately, some
will say it's his best ever after hearing the first track, others will
question it or take time to get accustomed to it. Let me quote Matt
(including him quoting someone else);
"As I grew up I tried to translate these overwhelming feelings I had into the
physical form of music and lyrics, but it's a bit like trying to describe
love . . . you can't touch, taste, hear, see or smell it, even though you
know that it exists, and the problem with trying to describe things that
ultimately can't be described but only experienced is that you tend to get
misunderstood, and in some cases attacked upon the basis of that
misunderstanding mostly by people who listen purely with their heads instead
of their hearts and souls. This used to upset me until several years ago I
came across a wonderful little quote by the Irish playwright Brendan Behan
who said "critics are like Eunuchs in a harem. They watch it being done, they
know how it should be done, yet they cannot do it themselves."
There are a number of ways to read that - including applying those thoughts to
what we do, or try to do, via this list.
ANYHOW- How's this for a subject for discussion - - every time I have awaited a
new the The album, I fear that it will be a **rampant commercial success.** Why
fear success? It could mean we all have better or more access to the music we
love...
Only a small part of this fear is that Matt would be spoiled or forever changed
by success the way so many before him have... (no need to cite examples). If
this was to happen, it would have or has by now right? Then there is
"selfishness" or the "alternative music" angle. Yeah, maybe a little of that...
Maybe the masses would make it popular for what it does to their ears, not
theirs emotions. Maybe, as Wayne Cambell would put it, (they) aren't worthy!
Would that dilute the impact it has on us? (remember the success of Beaten
Generation? Multiply it 100X).
I think the core of my feelings stem from the intellectual and emotional bond
formed when listening to the The. Somehow even the name implies singular not
plural. I would like to believe it's a one to one conversation. Somehow I feel
that the energy would be diluted if I knew (or admitted) everyone else was
talking too. Recognize this one??
"I'm all alone in the middle of a crowd,
I open my mouth and scream a silent shout"
Enough for my manifesto... YOUR THOUGHTS?
Ted "anticipation" Hein (a.k.a. THEIN@TIMBERLAND.COM)
------------------------------
From: Richard
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: the next album
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 1997 17:31:19 -0800 (PST)
Message-Id: <1.5.4.16.19970129173842.30076842@pop.uniserve.com>
Being a The The listener only since Dusk was released and being in Canada i
never heard of TBG recieving any airplay of any sorts or it even becoming
vaguelly popular. Had it become even vaguelly mainstream i probably would
resent TBG as much as you but since i didn't see that to me it was just a
song which was poppy, upbeat and with intelligent lyrics. Although it wasn't
one of matts better ones i still enjoyed it because the lyrics are quite
brilliant, but it isn'ta song which touches your emotions deeply, however,
that doesn't make it a bad song. Being an avid Housemartins fan, in fact
they rank just slightly bellow The THe in my books, i liked the poppy beat
of TBG.Even if it wasn't Matts style of music it was lyrically brilliant and
i thought it was good that there was a change in Matts sound for one song. I
appreciate that Matt tried somethign new, even if it was attempting a poppy
more mainstream sound, as long as he doesn't stay that way and it is only a
one song thing.
richard
At 01:54 PM 1/28/97 -0500, you wrote:
>
>It seems your humble opinion matches mine. From the first time I heard
>Infected, I thought it was the most brilliant piece of music ever released
>.. but I always had a problem with The Beaten Generation. Not just because
>it was a single and got radio airplay, because there were other singles from
>the album, and I still hear Soul Mining singles a lot more on the radio, and
>don't 'resent' them. It must have to do with the pop-y beat. The song
>sounds (on the surface) very much like something Squeeze would release. I
>am a big Squeeze fan, and will be forever greatful for their contribution to
>Uncertain Smile, but I expect so much more from Matt.
>
>You're very correct in pointing out that the lyrics are much deeper than the
>vocal sound would indicate, and that there is a definite irony to them, but
>that doesn't solve my problem. Deep down, TBG just doesn't seem to be a
>real the The song. As much as I try to convince myself with logic, this
>line of reasoning just doesn't work.
>
>I think it has a lot to do with expectations. One of my favourite late
>'80's bands was The Housemartins, who wrote pop-y dancy tunes, but with very
>sarcastic, intelligent lyrics. It was a fairly unique combination, and I
>loved it. But its not what I expect from Matt. I liked to think I was
>above people who 'labeled' and 'categorized' things (music, etc.), and that
>I could appreciate things for what they really are ... but it looks like I'm
>no better than them. I guess I'll have to continue listening to the The and
>await my salvation.
>
>Ted
> ----------
>
>> Then again, The beaten Generation, (one of the worst things he's ever
>>done, IMHO), was a big hit. (it DOES have a certain ironic wit to it,
>>but can only be appreciated watching members of that generation making
>>it a hit). When I first heard that , it was like hearing the first bit
>>of New Order after Joy Division, and wondering if their drug supply had
>>been cut off. Yikes! beaten Generation makes me not want to play that
>>CD. It's got some good stuff on it, but somehow, when I go to put that
>>one on, the beaten tune comes to my head, and I just sort of skip over
>>it , like an embarassment.
>>
>>Lea
>
>
"Join Hands...Bake Phallic Cake"
-- Richard Baer --
------------------------------
From: "Mr R. Forster"
To: rbaer@uniserve.com (Richard)
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: the next album
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 08:44:14 +0000 (GMT)
Message-Id: <199701300844.IAA04731@uxa.liv.ac.uk>
I was not really a big fan TBG, but when I saw him doing it live on the
'Jingle Hell' tour it blew my head off along with the rest of them, he
stripped it a 'la 'This is the day', just guitar and harmonica, much better
anyone else on the list heard it stripped down?
In the last mail Richard said:
>
> Being a The The listener only since Dusk was released and being in Canada i
> never heard of TBG recieving any airplay of any sorts or it even becoming
> vaguelly popular. Had it become even vaguelly mainstream i probably would
> resent TBG as much as you but since i didn't see that to me it was just a
> song which was poppy, upbeat and with intelligent lyrics. Although it wasn't
> one of matts better ones i still enjoyed it because the lyrics are quite
> brilliant, but it isn'ta song which touches your emotions deeply, however,
> that doesn't make it a bad song. Being an avid Housemartins fan, in fact
> they rank just slightly bellow The THe in my books, i liked the poppy beat
> of TBG.Even if it wasn't Matts style of music it was lyrically brilliant and
> i thought it was good that there was a change in Matts sound for one song. I
> appreciate that Matt tried somethign new, even if it was attempting a poppy
> more mainstream sound, as long as he doesn't stay that way and it is only a
> one song thing.
>
> richard
>
> At 01:54 PM 1/28/97 -0500, you wrote:
> >
> >It seems your humble opinion matches mine. From the first time I heard
> >Infected, I thought it was the most brilliant piece of music ever released
> >.. but I always had a problem with The Beaten Generation. Not just because
> >it was a single and got radio airplay, because there were other singles from
> >the album, and I still hear Soul Mining singles a lot more on the radio, and
> >don't 'resent' them. It must have to do with the pop-y beat. The song
> >sounds (on the surface) very much like something Squeeze would release. I
> >am a big Squeeze fan, and will be forever greatful for their contribution to
> >Uncertain Smile, but I expect so much more from Matt.
> >
> >You're very correct in pointing out that the lyrics are much deeper than the
> >vocal sound would indicate, and that there is a definite irony to them, but
> >that doesn't solve my problem. Deep down, TBG just doesn't seem to be a
> >real the The song. As much as I try to convince myself with logic, this
> >line of reasoning just doesn't work.
> >
> >I think it has a lot to do with expectations. One of my favourite late
> >'80's bands was The Housemartins, who wrote pop-y dancy tunes, but with very
> >sarcastic, intelligent lyrics. It was a fairly unique combination, and I
> >loved it. But its not what I expect from Matt. I liked to think I was
> >above people who 'labeled' and 'categorized' things (music, etc.), and that
> >I could appreciate things for what they really are ... but it looks like I'm
> >no better than them. I guess I'll have to continue listening to the The and
> >await my salvation.
> >
> >Ted
> > ----------
> >
> >> Then again, The beaten Generation, (one of the worst things he's ever
> >>done, IMHO), was a big hit. (it DOES have a certain ironic wit to it,
> >>but can only be appreciated watching members of that generation making
> >>it a hit). When I first heard that , it was like hearing the first bit
> >>of New Order after Joy Division, and wondering if their drug supply had
> >>been cut off. Yikes! beaten Generation makes me not want to play that
> >>CD. It's got some good stuff on it, but somehow, when I go to put that
> >>one on, the beaten tune comes to my head, and I just sort of skip over
> >>it , like an embarassment.
> >>
> >>Lea
> >
> >
> "Join Hands...Bake Phallic Cake"
>
>
> -- Richard Baer --
>
>
------------------------------
From: ywong@enme.ucalgary.ca (Yan Wong)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: the next album
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 12:10:40 -0700
Message-Id: <199701301910.MAA25103@enme-n.enme>
> I was not really a big fan TBG, but when I saw him doing it live on the
> 'Jingle Hell' tour it blew my head off along with the rest of them, he
> stripped it a 'la 'This is the day', just guitar and harmonica, much better
> anyone else on the list heard it stripped down?
I've seen the The twice (Mind Bomb and Dusk tours) and have yet to see them
perform 'The Beat(en) Generation'... however, mark me off as a fan who does like
the song... the only problem with it is that it does not belong on Mind Bomb...
or maybe it should have been an earlier track on Mind Bomb, after 'Armageddon
Days...' I just don't like it being between 'Kingdom of Rain' and 'August &
September'... I always thought the latter two pieces were great accompaniments
to each other...
Yan
------------------------------
From: "Matthew A. Cheney"
To: Yan Wong
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: Beating the Beat(en)
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 18:30:27 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id:
> I've seen the The twice (Mind Bomb and Dusk tours) and have yet to see them
> perform 'The Beat(en) Generation'... however, mark me off as a fan who does like
> the song... the only problem with it is that it does not belong on Mind Bomb...
> or maybe it should have been an earlier track on Mind Bomb, after 'Armageddon
> Days...' I just don't like it being between 'Kingdom of Rain' and 'August &
> September'... I always thought the latter two pieces were great accompaniments
> to each other...
Mind Bomb without a bit of lightness between "Kingdom of Rain" and
"August&September"?!? We'd have people committing suicide en masse after
listening to it! "The Beat(en) Generation" is not one of the classics of
Western culture, but it's a clever, interesting song. Matching such bleak
lyrics with such a perky, poppy tune creates a fascinating dynamic, and
allows us a little bit of a breather between two thick, introspective
songs. To put it after "Armaggedon Days" would only weaken both.
And anyway, the album was finished and released years ago, and there's
nothing we can do, and this is a pointless argument. Everybody's taste
differs, and it's a credit to Matt Johnson and the various artists he's
worked with that the music is so varied that nobody will like it all.
- --Matt Cheney
------------------------------
From: winky@ming.law.vill.edu (Yes that is my name)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: Beating the Beat(en)
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 18:51:56 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <199701312351.SAA19787@flash.law.vill.edu>
> Mind Bomb without a bit of lightness between "Kingdom of Rain" and
> "August&September"?!? We'd have people committing suicide en masse after
> listening to it! "The Beat(en) Generation" is not one of the classics of
> Western culture, but it's a clever, interesting song. Matching such bleak
> lyrics with such a perky, poppy tune creates a fascinating dynamic, and
> allows us a little bit of a breather between two thick, introspective
> songs. To put it after "Armaggedon Days" would only weaken both.
>
With the exception of the comment on suicide, these are my thoughts
exactly. Probably because Mind Bomb was my first theThe album, I
actually like TBG. It sort of makes me laugh every time I hear it, sort
of reminds me of that Weird Al Yankovic song "Happy Birthday" in which
he sings about the the destruction of the world then says to have
another piece of cake.
The music to "Armaggedon Days" makes it sound a lot like TBG to me...
Interresting how the worst and most hated (by fans) theThe song
is the one that gets the most comment though.
> differs, and it's a credit to Matt Johnson and the various artists he's
> worked with that the music is so varied that nobody will like it all.
>
I don't have all the albums but I like everything I have heard so far.
Winky
------------------------------
From: tpoltora@mobility.com (Poltoranos, Ted)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu (infected),
THEIN@ccmail.timberland.com (Ted Hein)
Subject: RE: the next album
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 15:18:04 -0500
Message-Id: <1997Jan21.151408.1540.422978@mailgate02.mobility.com>
Interesting thoughts below ... I;ve gone through similar arguments in my
head. I tend to like 'alternative' music (Webster's definition of the word,
not the media's), and feel disappointed or let down when one of 'my bands'
has a commercial success. Part of the reason is selfish - I don't want to
share my little secret with the whole world. But the biggest part has to do
with a questioning of my taste. In general, 'the masses' like simple,
unintelligent crap (or well-marketed crap) - witness Hootie, Phil Collins,
the funny-looking balding guy with the long hair Michael something - and
when the masses embrace a band or album that I'm into, I find myself
questioning whether I've become like them. Which scares the shite out of
me. In some cases, commercial success turns me off a band's current
offering ("they were good before they sold out"), but in other cases it
turns me off the band and their material altogether, which is completely
irrational - why is my enjoyment of past material dependent on the current
sound? Who knows why we act the way we do? Certainly not I ... and one of
the reasons I listen to Matt is because he makes me reflect on these
matters.
The above thoughts aside, I don't think we have to worry about Matt selling
out - he always has been, and always will be, true to his ideals. I
remember hearing an interview with him when Infected was released (has it
really been more than 10 years?) in which he was asked if he is trying to be
successful commercially. His answer was basically that he was only
interested in enough commercial success to sustain his musical career, and
that, in fact, if he did have a huge commercial success, he would turn it
around and likely put out the most inaccessable material of his career,
simply because he was financially set and no longer needed even the
slightest bit of commercial success. An interesting comment I thought at
the time. As I think back on it, I wonder how prophetic is was. I have
absolutely no idea what his sales figures are, but my personal guess is that
each successive release has been less commercially well received than the
previous one (from Soul Mining through Hanky Panky). A very unusual trend
in the music industry. But we're talking about a unique talent, so we
shouldn't be surprised.
Ted
----------
{Excerps from Ted Hein}
ANYHOW- How's this for a subject for discussion - - every time I have
awaited
a new the The album, I fear that it will be a **rampant commercial
success.**
Why fear success? It could mean we all have better or more access to the
music
we love...
Only a small part of this fear is that Matt would be spoiled or forever
changed by success the way so many before him have... (no need to cite
examples). If this was to happen, it would have or has by now right? Then
there is
"selfishness" or the "alternative music" angle. Yeah, maybe a little of
that...
Maybe the masses would make it popular for what it does to their ears, not
theirs emotions. Maybe, as Wayne Cambell would put it, (they) aren't
worthy!
Would that dilute the impact it has on us? (remember the success of Beaten
Generation? Multiply it 100X).
I think the core of my feelings stem from the intellectual and emotional
bond
formed when listening to the The. Somehow even the name implies singular not
plural. I would like to believe it's a one to one conversation. Somehow I
feel that the energy would be diluted if I knew (or admitted) everyone else
was
talking too. Recognize this one??
"I'm all alone in the middle of a crowd,
I open my mouth and scream a silent shout"
Enough for my manifesto... YOUR THOUGHTS?
Ted "anticipation" Hein (a.k.a. THEIN@TIMBERLAND.COM)
------------------------------
From: Lea Curry
To: "Poltoranos, Ted"
CC: infected ,
Ted Hein
Subject: Re: the next album
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 01:01:34 -0800
Message-ID: <32E5D76E.AF1@sirius.com>
- --> I have
> absolutely no idea what his sales figures are, but my personal guess is that
> each successive release has been less commercially well received than the
> previous one (from Soul Mining through Hanky Panky). A very unusual trend
> in the music industry. But we're talking about a unique talent, so we
> shouldn't be surprised.
I think infected did VERY well in the UK , but i might be wrong. It's
still probably my favorite. A reviewer I read somewhere termed Matts
music as Existentialist Blues. i like that.
Then again, The beaten Generation, (one of the worst things he's ever
done, IMHO), was a big hit. (it DOES have a certain ironic wit to it,
but can only be appreciated watching members of that generation making
it a hit). When I first heard that , it was like hearing the first bit
of New Order after Joy Division, and wondering if their drug supply had
been cut off. Yikes! beaten Generation makes me not want to play that
CD. It's got some good stuff on it, but somehow, when I go to put that
one on, the beaten tune comes to my head, and I just sort of skip over
it , like an embarassment.
Lea
Some bands just run out of material. Matts changing the band and
running each work like an independant project, is a good vaccine for
that , but not fool proof.
------------------------------
From: tpoltora@mobility.com (Poltoranos, Ted)
To: lea@sirius.com (lea)
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu (Infected)
Subject: Re: the next album
Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 13:54:31 -0500
Message-Id: <1997Jan28.135332.1540.435572@mailgate02.mobility.com>
It seems your humble opinion matches mine. From the first time I heard
Infected, I thought it was the most brilliant piece of music ever released
.. but I always had a problem with The Beaten Generation. Not just because
it was a single and got radio airplay, because there were other singles from
the album, and I still hear Soul Mining singles a lot more on the radio, and
don't 'resent' them. It must have to do with the pop-y beat. The song
sounds (on the surface) very much like something Squeeze would release. I
am a big Squeeze fan, and will be forever greatful for their contribution to
Uncertain Smile, but I expect so much more from Matt.
You're very correct in pointing out that the lyrics are much deeper than the
vocal sound would indicate, and that there is a definite irony to them, but
that doesn't solve my problem. Deep down, TBG just doesn't seem to be a
real the The song. As much as I try to convince myself with logic, this
line of reasoning just doesn't work.
I think it has a lot to do with expectations. One of my favourite late
'80's bands was The Housemartins, who wrote pop-y dancy tunes, but with very
sarcastic, intelligent lyrics. It was a fairly unique combination, and I
loved it. But its not what I expect from Matt. I liked to think I was
above people who 'labeled' and 'categorized' things (music, etc.), and that
I could appreciate things for what they really are ... but it looks like I'm
no better than them. I guess I'll have to continue listening to the The and
await my salvation.
Ted
----------
> Then again, The beaten Generation, (one of the worst things he's ever
>done, IMHO), was a big hit. (it DOES have a certain ironic wit to it,
>but can only be appreciated watching members of that generation making
>it a hit). When I first heard that , it was like hearing the first bit
>of New Order after Joy Division, and wondering if their drug supply had
>been cut off. Yikes! beaten Generation makes me not want to play that
>CD. It's got some good stuff on it, but somehow, when I go to put that
>one on, the beaten tune comes to my head, and I just sort of skip over
>it , like an embarassment.
>
>Lea
------------------------------
From: Lea Curry
To: Ted Hein
CC: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: the next album
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 10:37:41 -0800
Message-ID: <32DFC6F4.249C@sirius.com>
- -Ted Writes:
> ANYHOW- How's this for a subject for discussion - - every time I have
> awaited a
> new the The album, I fear that it will be a **rampant commercial success.**
> Why
> fear success?
And then he would get produced by Todd Rundgren and sound like all the
other Tod Rundgren groups...Remember what happened to the Pschydelic
Furs?...XTC... the Rundgren Kiss O Death, they all ended up sounding
like the Beatles. (not that I don't love the Beatles, but The Furs had
a womnderful edge untill pablimized by Todd).
Maybe this is part of the grunge motive. Keep an edge. I think he's
learned how to stay off the wrong charts, and still bring in enough $$$.
The Beaten Generation WAS real scary though , until I got the joke.
Lea
lea@sirius.com
------------------------------
From: sleeper@oanet.com (Mick Sleeper)
To: THETHEXXX@aol.com
Cc: thethe@WPI.EDU, fabiol@io.com, joonas@jazz.cc.spt.fi,
infected@cs.uchicago.edu, VONN.CAMPBELL@worldnet.att.nett,
m_c_00b5@frank.mtsu.edu, lea@sirius.com, shill@harper.cc.il.us,
3dvideo@worldlink.ca, geschke@itronix.com, matt@telebyte.nl,
juanyen@tezcat.com, dlyder@drao.nrc.ca, ifr@compusmart.ab.ca
Subject: New & improved!
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 20:34:55 -0700 (MST)
Message-Id: <199701180334.UAA24936@cronus.oanet.com>
Hello everybody,
After some problems with my server, I'm pleased to announce the arrival of
my new and improved The The page, "Slow Train To Dawn".
The latest version features new images, more information on "Pornography Of
Despair", The Gadgets, and other rare The The music, as well as a greatly
expanded links section. The URL address is below in my signature, so the
next time you're surfing be sure to spend awhile there...
Thanks very much to those who contibuted and inspired.
Mick Sleeper
PS: Behfar - "you're welcome" for the "Sweet Bird Of Truth" image [:-)
==========================================
We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse.
==========================================
Charlie don't surf, but we think he should:
http://www.oanet.com/homepage/sleeper/scratch.htm &
http://www.oanet.com/homepage/sleeper/thethe.htm
==========================================
------------------------------
From: "Ian"
To: "infected"
Subject: Hanky Panky
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 02:44:42 -0500
Message-Id: <199701190739.CAA18773@homer.thenet.net>
All,
It occured to me tonight, that I really appreciate MJ's rendition of Hank
songs. Previously, I limited myself to the audio appeal of Hanky. But,
recently I've begun to receive his choice rather than his rendition. And I
was wondering what others would consider their top five theThe
renditions...covers if you will.
As for me...I'd say:
1) Spaceman3 Recurring- because it resembles so much of his early work
while capturing psychedelia.... more accurately.
2) Bob Marley- Kaya- without question Matt has already tapped into Bob's
breadth. But in the unlikey event he hasn't, I think he would do no less
than tune into Bob's "vibe" with this record.
3) Depeche Mode- Some Great Reward- Not quite classic, yet Gore's lyric's
sound more natural with an acoustic than a few cheesy synths. Matt would do
no wrong with his sensibilities.
4) Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon- With the Slow Emotion Replay single,
our boy showed that Ambient was a facet of his repetoire. I'd like to see
him take-on the gran-daddy/grand-mamma of all ambience.
5) XTC- Skylarking- The quintessential English intellectectual pop record.
I think it would be a drastically different album with a caustic sarcasim,
rather than a intellectual cynicism.
~I~
------------------------------
From: luster@gnn.com (jay)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: Hanky Panky
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 12:45:53
Message-Id: <199701191752.MAA00256@mail-e2b.gnn.com>
>
>As for me...I'd say:
>3) Depeche Mode- Some Great Reward- Not quite classic, yet Gore's
That would be below our dear Matt...
>4) Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon- With the Slow Emotion Replay
agreed.
I'll add:
Bowie-anything early on. It would just be interesting.
The Smiths-anything off "strangways..." would be rad.
Swain-that's my group. We don't have too much material, and really
I'm only plugging the group, but since we're influenced by
matt...it could all come full circle.
JaY!
P.S. Dave, we're getting close to having enough material to send
you. I'm in the studio today.
------------------------------
From: Lea Curry
To: Ian
CC: infected
Subject: Re: Hanky Panky
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 11:33:05 -0800
Message-ID: <32E276F1.6152@remove.sirius.com>
Ian writes:
> XTC- Skylarking- The quintessential English intellectectual pop record.
> I think it would be a drastically different album with a caustic sarcasim,
> rather than a intellectual cynicism.
>
Maybe he should RE DO anything Rundgren has taken the edge off, (and
made sound like the Beatles). How about the Furs? he could be the
Anti-Rundgren!
How about a collaboration with the old Gang of 4. (who said in a NME
article that they quit because they ran out of material- most sensible
thing I ever heard , they probably should have stayed quit), but maybe
Matt could help them get back to what they did well with a new twist.
That would be an interesting mix!
And finally , maybe he could heal the latest incarnation of New Order.
Matt is very good at getting the real juice out of a lot of
influences... could he be the great healer? If I was a band hitting the
creative wall , Matt would be good medicine.
Lea
lea@sirius.com
------------------------------
From: "SHANNON R. LITTON"
To: INFECTED@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: why worry???
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 16:52:40 -0500 (EST)
Message-id: <01IEHCT9I0KI8Y77MB@EMUVAX.EMICH.EDU>
i just have to say one thing...although many of my bands have become "big" at
one point it's not always because they "sell out", it's simply because we are
human and extremely moody. We change our tune every 5 minutes. So it's not
the band that changed often, but society. I will say that even if musically
Matt decides to "sell out"(which I doubt), the people who listen to "mainstream
music is simply not usually intelligent enough to realize what it truly means
and we will be the only ones there in the end anyhow. Matt is a god in our
own little Heaven and chances are we'll be the only ones to enter the gate
in the end...
Shannon
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: why worry???
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 97 19:30:51 -0500
Message-ID: <19970122002807.AAA4945@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Extremely well put.
They can all listen, but only we truly understand !!
And Matt has no reason to "sell out" anyway. Here's to Matt, a god in our own little heaven.
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: "SHANNON R. LITTON"
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 1997 4:52 PM
To: INFECTED@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: why worry???
i just have to say one thing...although many of my bands have become "big" at
one point it's not always because they "sell out", it's simply because we are
human and extremely moody. We change our tune every 5 minutes. So it's not
the band that changed often, but society. I will say that even if musically
Matt decides to "sell out"(which I doubt), the people who listen to "mainstream
music is simply not usually intelligent enough to realize what it truly means
and we will be the only ones there in the end anyhow. Matt is a god in our
own little Heaven and chances are we'll be the only ones to enter the gate
in the end...
Shannon
------------------------------
From: TheTheFan@aol.com
To: Infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Fwd: why worry???
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 21:10:19 -0500 (EST)
Message-ID: <970121210944_1311834518@emout06.mail.aol.com>
- ---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: VONN.CAMPBELL@WORLDNET.ATT.NET (Vonn F. Campbell)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Date: 97-01-21 20:38:51 EST
Extremely well put.
They can all listen, but only we truly understand !!
And Matt has no reason to "sell out" anyway. Here's to Matt, a god in our
own little heaven.
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: "SHANNON R. LITTON"
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 1997 4:52 PM
To: INFECTED@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: why worry???
i just have to say one thing...although many of my bands have become "big" at
one point it's not always because they "sell out", it's simply because we are
human and extremely moody. We change our tune every 5 minutes. So it's not
the band that changed often, but society. I will say that even if musically
Matt decides to "sell out"(which I doubt), the people who listen to
"mainstream
music is simply not usually intelligent enough to realize what it truly means
and we will be the only ones there in the end anyhow. Matt is a god in our
own little Heaven and chances are we'll be the only ones to enter the gate
in the end...
Shannon
------------------------------
From: TheTheFan@aol.com
To: Infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Fwd: why worry???
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 21:10:48 -0500 (EST)
Message-ID: <970121211046_1926138265@emout04.mail.aol.com>
- ---------------------
Forwarded message:
Subj: Re: why worry???
Date: 97-01-21 21:09:03 EST
From: TheTheFan
To: VONN.CAMPBELL@worldnet.att.net
I don't think that MJ would aspire to be a "god" to anyone. I think he is
probably
glad and fulfilled that his music is listened to and his lyrics are
meaningful to so many. I enjoy, alright even love the music of the The as
much as anyone. But it is only music. Appreciate it for what it is, don't
make it a religion or a lifestyle. Granted
we who listen are lucky that someone out there can pull from their personal
experiences and strike a chord in all of us so well, but they're MJ's words
and MJ's experiences and views of the world, not ours. I'm glad that I'm able
to know the difference, you should be too.
thethefan AKA Craig
------------------------------
From: "David B. Hirsch"
To: The The list
Subject: re: why worry?/pretentious shit
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 23:14:49 -0500 (EST)
Message-ID:
>I will say that even if
>musically Matt decides to "sell out"(which I doubt), the people who
>listen to "mainstream music is simply not usually intelligent enough to
>realize what it truly means and we will be the only ones there in the end
>anyhow.
only someone REALLY intelligent could write such a sensible line as that
one. this must be another example of how the the fans are better than
everyone else.
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: why worry?/pretentious shit
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 97 18:42:25 -0500
Message-ID: <19970122233948.AAA29245@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Are you angry, David?
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: "David B. Hirsch"
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 1997 11:14 PM
To: The The list
Subject: re: why worry?/pretentious shit
>I will say that even if
>musically Matt decides to "sell out"(which I doubt), the people who
>listen to "mainstream music is simply not usually intelligent enough to
>realize what it truly means and we will be the only ones there in the end
>anyhow.
only someone REALLY intelligent could write such a sensible line as that
one. this must be another example of how the the fans are better than
everyone else.
------------------------------
From: "Ian"
To: "infected"
Subject: This recent thread
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 03:28:41 -0500
Message-Id: <199701220823.DAA16664@homer.thenet.net>
Greetings again,
Sorry to get down on those of you who thrive on this boring debate about
the sell-out potential of Matt's music. But, I think this thread has been
terminal for quite a while. It will not happen...save your worries for
other important issues...I'm sure Matt has. To paraphrase, Matt said: I'm
happy selling about a million copies of each release! If you need a direct
quote I will provide it. I asked a simple (over-worded) question the other
night and one person took the time to answer it (partially). If given the
option, who would you most like Matt to cover? I thought it was a
reasonable question, seeing that most artists do not release a complete
album of covers from a single artist....perhaps I'm way off. And this idle
banter about Matt "letting us down" and Matt "becoming popular" is this
list good for nothing more?. If it isn't...I apologize, I'll unsubscribe
like the rest...but I don't think it is.
Regards,
Ian
------------------------------
From: Lea Curry
To: Ian
CC: infected
Subject: Re: This recent thread
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 01:27:15 -0800
Message-ID: <32E5DD73.10DD@sirius.com>
Ok , I'll answer it the rest of the way.
I don't like covers in general, but if I had to pick, I'd be interested
in hearing him cover John Lennon's work.
No one else could do it, but I could see him playing around with Cold
Turkey, or I Don't Beleive, and all of that stuff that has been pretty
much forgotten. I think he could flesh it out a bit and yet still get
Lennon's spirit in it.
However, I "Imagine" the idea might be a bit like incest.
I heard a lot of "Lennon" in Dusk. Was that "the friend " he was
walking with? Maybe later.
I think it's ok for people to question why artists run out of juice
and speculate if that will happen. I won't slit my throat if it does
and it probably won't, but I think there is something to be learned
about the nature of popular music in talking about it. Certainly better
than my bad puns anyday.
Lea
PS , to any body in the Bay Area I highly recommend George Coate's
latest work called "20/20 Blake". projected stagecraft, ( 3D renderings of William Blakes etchings through
which the performers move, float and appear, and interact with) is
awesome, ( very holographic), and the SF Chamber Chorus is great. This
may travel so keep your eyes open for it. Best theater I have seen in a
long time. The dripping Datura tree is fabulous.
Ian wrote:
>
> Greetings again,
>
> Sorry to get down on those of you who thrive on this boring debate about
> the sell-out potential of Matt's music. But, I think this thread has been
> terminal for quite a while. It will not happen...save your worries for
> other important issues...I'm sure Matt has. To paraphrase, Matt said: I'm
> happy selling about a million copies of each release! If you need a direct
> quote I will provide it. I asked a simple (over-worded) question the other
> night and one person took the time to answer it (partially). If given the
> option, who would you most like Matt to cover? I thought it was a
> reasonable question, seeing that most artists do not release a complete
> album of covers from a single artist....perhaps I'm way off. And this idle
> banter about Matt "letting us down" and Matt "becoming popular" is this
> list good for nothing more?. If it isn't...I apologize, I'll unsubscribe
> like the rest...but I don't think it is.
>
> Regards,
> Ian
------------------------------
From: "DOUG H WALKER"
To:
Subject: This recent thread
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 97 22:48:34 PST
Message-Id:
My thoughts about future thethe cover albums:
I'm a big fan of the blues, and when I heard that MJ was coming out
with an album of Hank Williams tunes I told my wife that he (MJ that
is) should come out with an album covering songs written by Robert
Johnson. About a week later I read where he is considering such an
album in the future. With MJ being such a talented songwriter
himself, there are very few songwriters worthy of his attention, and R
Johnson was the first to come to my mind.
By the way, MJ is not a god. I certainly believe he's one of the most
talented musicians/songwriters I've heard and his music has reached me
in a way few others' have, but I certainly don't worship the man
because of his talents. So far as I know he could be a total horse's
ass.
- -walker
------------------------------
From: Patrick Stewart
To: DOUG H WALKER
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: This recent thread
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 08:42:00 -0600 (CST)
Message-Id:
As far as covers of tunes... having watched a few "Blaxploitation" films
over the weekend, I would really like to see MJ cover the themes for
these films (aka "Theme from Shaft"). That would be fun!
Patrick Stewart
------------------------------
From: Truls Thunold
To: Infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Hello all!!!!
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 20:17:24 +0100
Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19970122194859.006c2820@online.no>
My name is Truls Thunold, and Live in Norway, I have ben on the list for
half year, and I have learn much more about The The... Thanchs to all your
fan around the world.....
I wondred of how many records have The The sold???????
The The is not so populary band in Norway, but I't some, who know The The...
We hwo are knowing about The The in Norway, is not youst old' falk's like,
me youst 16 years at age, and have been a fan in 5 years!!
One other thing to the list, I hope we all could get name and e-mail of
all the members, so we can send mail youst to each other, more easy...
And at my homepage I have a chat channel try it...
Bye bye
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
- -General Email:wthunold@online.no
- -HOME PAGE:http://home.sol.no/wthunold/
Bye Bye from NettKid (Truls Thunold)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: "Paul Spiers"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: The The on The Telly
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 23:26:25 +0000
Message-Id: <199701222331.XAA26309@mail.enterprise.net>
Having nothing much to do tonight, I thought i'd browse throw my old
video collection of stuff I taped of UK music programs in the 80's.
I found a fair bit of The The stuff and i'm considering putting it
onto a three hour video tape. If anybody is interested in obtaining
any of the following goodies then drop me a line and i'll think about
it.
1983ish Uncertain Smile - Live on Oxford Road Show (first TV
appearance I believe)
1984? This Is The Day - Live on Switch
1984? I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow - Live on Switch
1984? This Is The Day - Live on Loose Talk
1984? The Sinking Feeling (say no to cruise) - Live on Loose Talk
1985? The The Versus The World - Live concert screened on Channel4
1987? Infected - Video compilation of the Album from Channel4
1995? Two Tracks From Hanky Panky - Live on VH1
I also have heaps of Smiths stuff, including the wonderful live
concert in 1983 that brought Morrisey and Marr fame and fortune.
Cheers.
Paul
___________________________________________________________________
Paul Spiers
Homepage: http://homepages.enterprise.net/howburn
Home: howburn@enterprise.net
Work: pspiers@finshire.grampian.gov.uk
___________________________________________________________________
------------------------------
From: "Paul Spiers"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: The The on The Telly
Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 20:47:51 +0000
Message-Id: <199701262053.UAA20806@mail.enterprise.net>
Thanks to all those that expressed an interest in my The The video
compilation.
I'll be in touch with more details in the next couple of weeks.
Paul
___________________________________________________________________
Paul Spiers
Homepage: http://homepages.enterprise.net/howburn
Home: howburn@enterprise.net
Work: pspiers@finshire.grampian.gov.uk
___________________________________________________________________
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Fwd: Why worry???
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 97 18:57:20 -0500
Message-ID: <19970122235443.AAA7540@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Hey Craig,
It wasn't meant to be taken literally.
And yes, they're MJ's words ABOUT MJ's experiences and views of the world.
However, most of us as human beings are capable of sharing those same
experiences and views. (i.e. one does not OWN experiences and views)
They are his words, describing his and many other's feelings. So, I do know the difference, you should too.
Vonn "Devo"
- ---------------------
Forwarded message:
Subj: Re: why worry???
Date: 97-01-21 21:09:03 EST
From: TheTheFan
To: VONN.CAMPBELL@worldnet.att.net
I don't think that MJ would aspire to be a "god" to anyone. I think he is
probably
glad and fulfilled that his music is listened to and his lyrics are
meaningful to so many. I enjoy, alright even love the music of the The as
much as anyone. But it is only music. Appreciate it for what it is, don't
make it a religion or a lifestyle. Granted
we who listen are lucky that someone out there can pull from their personal
experiences and strike a chord in all of us so well, but they're MJ's words
and MJ's experiences and views of the world, not ours. I'm glad that I'm able
to know the difference, you should be too.
thethefan AKA Craig
------------------------------
From: sleeper@oanet.com (Mick Sleeper)
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Pornography information
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 01:05:32 -0700 (MST)
Message-Id: <199701230805.BAA20188@cronus.oanet.com>
Okay - the biggest, baddest, and most complete version of my The The page,
"Slow Train To Dawn", is FINALLY online after some hassles with my server.
Besides new and improved images, the page now features a complete account of
the mysterious "Pornography Of Despair" album, as well as some information
on Matt's early days, and LYRICS to all of the "Pornography" songs. My
special thanks to Yvo Van Vliet, who was kind enough to supply me with a
tape containing the few The The songs I had never heard before. Finally, the
links section is now pointing in a lot of neat directions, so check it ALL
out at:
http://www.oanet.com/homepage/sleeper/thethe.htm
Cheers,
Mick Sleeper
==========================================
We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse.
==========================================
Charlie don't surf, but we think he should:
http://www.oanet.com/homepage/sleeper/scratch.htm &
http://www.oanet.com/homepage/sleeper/thethe.htm
==========================================
------------------------------
From: Outrageous Dissector of Human Feces
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Excited
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 97 22:06 EST
Message-Id:
I just want to let you all know that I'm a new member of the mailing list.
My Name is Nate.
I have been a the The fan for about a year now.
I only have 5 of Matt's CDs but each one I get I like the band more and more.
I have to admit I started listning to the The because I have been a Smiths
fan for a long time and wanted to hear more of Jonny Mar's stuff, but now I
am a huge (Huge considering that I don't even know anyone else that has ever
heard of the band) fan.
Everyone out ther needs to fill me in on all the stuff I need to get to have
the full the The experience.
Talk to eveyone soon.
Nate Bottorff Hanover College
------------------------------
From: "Matthew A. Cheney"
To: Outrageous Dissector of Human Feces
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re: Gun Sluts?????
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 1997 23:05:50 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id:
Since I'm here, I might as well ask a question on everybody's mind: WHERE
THE HELL IS GUN SLUTS?!?!?!?! This album was supposed to be out a year
ago -- does anybody know what's going on? Rumors are that Matt is still
alive...
------------------------------
From: Nate
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Good question?
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 97 12:06 EST
Message-Id:
I've even heard about the mythical Gun Sluts. I think the Sony The The page
has had the band In New York recording for about two years now. You would
think that the bands own record company would at least know where Matt is!!!!
Does anyone have a copy of Porno... that I could get a copy of if I sent
them a blank tape? All I need is your snail mail address --thanks--
talk to ya later
Nate
"It's the end of the World, Lets talk deep and meaningful things"
--Gavin Friday--
------------------------------
From: "Ted Hein"
To: ywong@enme.ucalgary.ca, "Matthew A. Cheney"
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re[2]: Beating the Beat(en)
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 97 21:38:38 EST
Message-Id: <9700308546.AA854689872@ccmail.timberland.com>
"I'm sick to death of 'The Beaten Generation'. It really gets my wick."
MJ - in the The vs. the world tour program
Interesting comments from all on TBG. I fully agree on comment about
unusual placement in the album. Kind of like eating a Big Mac in the
middle of a five course novelle cuisine meal. Also agree with the
astute comment about how MJ did perform a wonderful off-tempo stripped
down version of this on tour subsequent to the above quote. IMHO, his
most dramatic remix.
I also vaguely remember some similar comments MJ made about Uncertain
Smile and how he had grown tired of it. Take just about any word,
write it down ten times, say it aloud ten times-- it begins to seem
awkward and lose it's meaning. It becomes cacophony.
So WHEN this new album arrives, how many times can you listen to it
without O.D.-ing? If I do O.D., what should I listen to? Maybe some
classical (Bach or Wagner), the Bobs or those Chanting Monks?
Ted
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: RE: Re[2]: Beating the Beat(en)
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 97 19:05:00 -0500
Message-ID: <19970201000447.AAA7035@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Chanting Monks works for me every time!
Vonn "Devo"
- ----------
From: "Ted Hein"
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 1997 9:38 PM
To: ywong@enme.ucalgary.ca; "Matthew A. Cheney"
Cc: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: Re[2]: Beating the Beat(en)
"I'm sick to death of 'The Beaten Generation'. It really gets my wick."
MJ - in the The vs. the world tour program
Interesting comments from all on TBG. I fully agree on comment about
unusual placement in the album. Kind of like eating a Big Mac in the
middle of a five course novelle cuisine meal. Also agree with the
astute comment about how MJ did perform a wonderful off-tempo stripped
down version of this on tour subsequent to the above quote. IMHO, his
most dramatic remix.
I also vaguely remember some similar comments MJ made about Uncertain
Smile and how he had grown tired of it. Take just about any word,
write it down ten times, say it aloud ten times-- it begins to seem
awkward and lose it's meaning. It becomes cacophony.
So WHEN this new album arrives, how many times can you listen to it
without O.D.-ing? If I do O.D., what should I listen to? Maybe some
classical (Bach or Wagner), the Bobs or those Chanting Monks?
Ted
------------------------------
From: "Vonn F. Campbell"
To: infected@cs.uchicago.edu
Subject: A question to all
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 97 19:03:09 -0500
Message-ID: <19970201000256.AAA5349@CAMPBELLV.CRYOVAC.COM>
Has anyone ever done business with "Records In General"?
And if so, what was your reaction with their/his business practice?
Vonn "Devo"
------- end -------