| Author | Message | ||
     spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2003 Registered: 05-2005 |
For any pale Fountains fanz on ere! they are playing 2 gigs early 2008!! Liverpool Academy 2 Feb (Jon!) and London Shepherds Bush Empire 3 Feb. It can't be the original line up as Chris the bass p;layer died, howevere I'm hooing Mick is singing, John is playing (Shack) and Tommy drums and Andy blows a horn or two. If the new band consists of The Blockheads and Trevor horn directing proceedings, I'm not going!! | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 96 Registered: 05-2005 |
Trevor can blow it out the back of his a**e ! I Imagine he's jealous of the opening joyous blast of "Thank You". If ever a Top 5 HIT went missing there it is..I would still love to hear that coming out of a daytime radio like we should've in 1982 instead of his overproduced glossmongering ! (rant over) | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 97 Registered: 05-2005 |
in fact I'm going to play "Southbound excursion" now..top song and where is my fringed suede jacket, still at the back of the wardrobe of course. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 904 Registered: 10-2004 |
Wow, I am so jealous!!! This is intensely exciting news. I mean, they're like one of my all time favorite bands. If only I didn't live on the other side of the planet! I do have to wonder, though, about Mick's voice. I mean, it's changed over the years. It's more low and growly now, and I wonder if he can still hit those angelic high notes. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1477 Registered: 03-2005 |
He'll change the key, Jeff. But it'll still be great. This thread reminded me of a task I'd been putting off which I've now completed: putting together a CD of 1980s stuff for a co-worker who is mostly a "classic" 60s' & 70s' pop person and plays guitar in a covers band. The evil intent, of course, is to infect this person with the wonderful sounds of many favorites from the decade for many of us on this board. The Pale Fountains figure front and center on this collection. In fact "Jean's Not Happening" is the first selection. I want my victim to sit up and pay attention right at the start. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 906 Registered: 10-2004 |
No doubt he'll change the key, but one can only down tune the instruments so low (or raise the capo so high) before you start altering the integrity of the songs. I just hope he can pull it off. It's hard when I hear people like Brian Wilson and Macca and Siouxsie (god she sounds AWFUL these days) struggle so much. But then Mick apparently used to struggle to reach those highs 'til he was red in the face back in the early days, getting by on sheer, genuine passion. So I've no doubt it'll still be an incredible event. That's a great idea for a comp, Randy. What else have you got on there? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2006 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yes Jeff, Mick always managed to reach them there high notes just about!! There's also the trickery available now that wasn't around 20 odd years ago, like vocal pitch units which bring the vocal back in key whenever it looks like its about to go out of tune. I forst saw Damon Albarn use one years ago a friend Alex was the guitar tech for Graham and he told me about it and i was WOW! He has/had he same sort of problem as Mick head in many ways. I read an iinterview last night with Mick, talking about the Fountains saying his fave song by them was Natural. I absolutely adored that, it was the first signs of the transition from soft to Across kitchen table... I think my fave songs by the Fountains are in no order : 1. Reach. It was the first track on the album. When I bought it, rushed home like an idiot to buy it, it filled me with awe and excitmenet as a 16 year old. It was uplifting. Full of 60s style calssic brass and arrangements. 2. Something on my mind. The intro i ripped off for the beginning of Actor's Studio on Fifteen my Winnebago CD. The whole song is about showing off the subtlety and skills of Head's songwriting genius. Those upstrokes on Gibson Joe pass guitars just blow me away, the backing vocals, fade outro cello's and the trumpet middle 8 is one of the best middle 8's I have ever heard. 3. Unless (these are turning into the running order of pacific!), this tune got me, it had the most emotional undertones, it was ahead of its time, well ahead, I adored the use of percussion on this and the albums, only thing that remains debatable years later is the vocalesque midi's ooh's and ahh's, but in pure PF stylee, they were nicely done. The build up again, the style of arrangements... 4. Southbound Excursion. Again loads of hope in this song. I needed it like a Mick Head needed a fix. The flute, again and the picking of acoustic guitars. And then the cello kicking in, the more I write down my thoughts, the more I realise how bloody literally influential they have been on me and my own music. 5. Natural. It sounds like 50's rock n roll on overdrive this one. The quiffs take over and the piano and the general stomp is pure beauty. 6. Faithful Pilow 1 and 2. When I heard these ditties, I immediately thought, when I am able and skilful enough I want to write some music as good as this. I'm still waiting. 7. Abergele next time. This has love written all over it. Its Astrid Gilberto and also that calssic Gibson, Fender Twin sound, oh and the stomp of the chorus, bit like Shack in that respect. 8. Crazier. The bit in this song which is full of lovely jamaican pan drums, sets it off for me, but its the bit where the song stops and the bass is on its own. I would have put this on an advert for a new guitarist, "if you are ino the middle 8 stop bit in Crazier, you're the man!" i remember thinking, WOW! how can this be so great on its own! Then the band kick in, the cello is as effortless and as sincere as beautiful as Mick Head's voice. 9. Stole the love. This reeks of English beat bands,its got the Mersey written all over it, its getting dark in here... 10. Jeans Not happening. As Randy points out, it has to be the first song you ever play anyone who's never heard the Paleys, simple as that. 11. Bruised Arcade. Loking for acceptance, again, Mick is so skillful. 12. September Sting. You can see where the La's drew their influence from. 13. From across the kitche table. The original vinyl version was the best. The CD reissue was/is bollocks. The drums have been gated with some shitty effect. Orrible backing vox. 14. Palm of my hand/Just a girl. Love em equally. Like my twins! | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 907 Registered: 10-2004 |
Spence, I echo your sentiments to the letter. The original Just a Girl is a crucial song for me because it was my intro to the Paleys. I bought one of those "Rough w/ the Smooth" Crepuscule comps from a dollar bin, which had that song, and it blew me away. I immediately ran out and bought a copy of the "Longshot for your Love" comp which had just come out at the time. Needless to say, that comp was a life-altering experience. To this day, I'm still not so into the remakes of Just a Girl and Thank You. They're too polished. The originals were perfect as they were. There's something so simultaneously modest and grand about them. I love both versions of "Something on my Mind" - though I may lean ever so slightly to the original, since that's the first version I heard. It's got some of the most intensely beautiful string arrangements I've EVER heard. Perfection. To Spence's list, I'd add: "Lavinia's Dream" and "Longshot for Your Love" from the "Longshot" comp - cool, breezy, summery, acoustic-12 string, Brazil by way of Love pop. Endearingly clumsy in spots, but playing every single note like they mean it. "Hey" - a very cool song with a cool chord progression in the verses, a lovely, sweeping chorus and a perfectly dramatic middle eight. Awesome cello in there too. and "These Are the Things" - another fav from "Kitchen Table," with a perfectly sad/happy shift from verse to chorus. The chimey electric guitars (love that electric 12-string!) in this tune are gloriously perfect. Gripping stuff. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 98 Registered: 05-2005 |
While we're here does anyone else get massive goosebumps at the last minute or so to "Cornish Town" off HMS Fable ? (ok I'm being less than honest, it sometimes brings out tears that I cannot explain). From the bit where he sings "this is nothing about soul fire" and the guitars build..Cripes I'm getting goosies just writing about it... | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1478 Registered: 03-2005 |
I still haven't gotten around to HMS Fable, Wilson. So much music! Jeff: Bear in mind that I put this together for a pretty conservative type who likes the usual 60s suspects but also people like the Association and also Steely Dan. So I selected things that I perceived to be most accessible for a person with those tastes. 1. Jean's Not Happening--PF 2. Bachelor Kisses --Gbs 3. Mr. Somewhere --Apartments. 4. Tragedy --The Bats 5. Return to Yesterday --Lilac Time 6. Wet Blanket -- Chills 7. Singer's Hampstead Home -- Microdisney 8. Spring Rain --Gbs 9. Bury Me Deep in Love --Triffids 10. You'll Start a War -- PF 11. Girl Who Waves at Trains -- Lilac Time 12. Holiday Hymn -- Orange Juice 13. Are You Ready to be Heartbroken? -- Lloyd Cole 14. All You've Done -- Sneaky Feelings 15. Streets of Your Town -- gbs 16. You Need a Friend -- Sunnyboys 17. Silver -- Textones. My token American selection! 18. Wide Open Road -- Triffids 19. Thank You -- PF (the really overblown version) 20. Rock n Roll Friend -- gbs This would have been a much poorer list if it had not been for the folks on this board and particularly you and Spence. I'm hoping he likes it so I can make up a Volume Two. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 99 Registered: 05-2005 |
Randy, If he likes Steely Dan you might get through via Prefab Sprout, a straight burn of Steve McQueen should do it, before Paddy got too irratating..or perhaps too familiar to me. Some Roddy selected cuts too ? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2009 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yes Jeff, I echo yours too. Randy you'd be a great DJ over here! And over there! Wilson, I get bigger goosebumps with Captain's table and Daniella. Its a fuck*n superb if slightly boystrous album. I am after the demo version that was released a couple of years ago, I can't find it.  | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1480 Registered: 03-2005 |
Crap! I forgot Paddy! I've only got "Swoon" which I love, but it might be too challenging for my audience though. Wilson, you remind me that the remastered "Steve McQueen" is still on my want list. I confess to not owning any Roddy Frame, not even "High Land." I give that record a short listen every once in a while to see if I finally like it. I don't hate it by any means; it just never seems to grab me. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 392 Registered: 05-2005 |
I've googled Pale Fountains and they look familiar, but I don't recognise any of the song titles/lyrics. I know I'm (or my bank balance!) going to regret asking, but where should I start with them? There's no point in asking if they're any good. That'd be like asking the pope if there's a god!! | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 911 Registered: 10-2004 |
Randy, that's a great comp. I could see Microdisney's "Dolly" fitting in, as well as something like "Stop that Girl" from Vic Godard. And Randy, speaking of Prefab, that reminds me, have you heard the two pre-Swoon singles? Those are superb. If not, I'll have to get those to you somehow. "High Land" is one of my all time favorite albums. I love Aztec Camera's Postcard singles too. Have you heard those, Randy? They're pretty incredible, IMHO. Catherine - For the Pale Fountains, I would probably start with Pacific Street, but if you have trouble locating Paleys albums, there's a copy of "From Across the Kitchen Table" that's been at my local record store for months that's only going for $10. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1481 Registered: 03-2005 |
Jeff, people in the Bay Area have such massively better musical taste! It really gets on my nerves! I'll bet I wouldn't find a Pale Fountains CD--much less a used one--at the Hollywood Amoeba. It reminds me of the time I was in the Bay Area in the early 90s in the midst of one of my "I hate LA" fits. I was riding the BART across the Bay and there was a young woman sitting across from me reading a Dostoevsky novel. I just sat there thinking "See? See? People actually read here!" I've probably already told that story. [Then I got what I deserved. I came back to LA from that trip and promptly met someone in a bar who not only read but was a struggling writer. Of actual novels, not screenplays.] And no I have not heard the Aztec Camera Postcard singles. Nor have I heard the pre-Swoon Prefab. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1482 Registered: 03-2005 |
Catherine, I concur with Jeff's suggestion. "Pacific Street" is the first album. It nicely straddles the period with and without trumpet. I suspect most of us (certainly me) wish the trumpet had stayed but "Kitchen Table" (post-trumpet) is definitely very very good. I wouldn't choose "Long Shot for Your Love" first as it is more of a completist set with alternative versions and live-on-air performances. But whatever you get you'll find that you need the rest. Wonderful records. | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 126 Registered: 02-2007 |
Randy, that reminds me of one of Bill Hicks standup bits where he unloads on LA (Arizona Bay cd I think). On the phone to LA guy "What you doing? Talking to TV producers? Bummer. I'm reading a book. Yeh, we're evolving back East!" Very funny man. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 100 Registered: 05-2005 |
I've always thought it amusing that sensitive "Michael" Head complete with cord jacket and floppier fringe became "Mick" Head with spikier hair and t-shirt/leather jacket when we lost the trumpets and went for the rockier sound on Kitchen table...they (and the record company) were in search of a hit... not unusual: Edwyn, Mr Polydor wants you to push Zeke up front a bit more and try and incorporate an african/contemporary "1982 production"...we want a HIT ! These pop kids don't care for the velvets any more than I do. Roddy, Forget the Buffalo Springfield shtick and give us a glossy hit will ya...and get your bloody haircut ! Why can't you two be a bit more like that lovely Nicky Heyward fella, the girls love him AND he lives in London.... Rob, Stay in the background will ya, I want to see Grant up front with that prettier girl, yeah the one on the violin that's her. Do a video for that song "I'm here" or "Right here" or whatever it's called...Hey I've got to go, there;s a bequiffed, lantern jawed mancunian outside my office with a skinny Roger McGuinn-a-like who looks about 14 years old...Maybe they'll get me a top ten hit.. What ya got boys ? This one's about the Moors Murderers..for the b-side, the a-side is called "Heaven knows I'm miserable now" Sod off back "ooop north" and take those bloody flowers with ya... I'll call that Julian Copey fella, he doesn't look like he would cause any record company a problem.... | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1484 Registered: 03-2005 |
Very funny Wilson! Your London record company flack sounds like a classic LA one. I suppose they're all the same wherever they are. When people started referring to "Mick" Head on here I was slightly puzzled. I'd clean forgotten that. Michael is the only name that made its way into my overtaxed brain. David, there's a blog on the LA Times website that's devoted to the unfolding collapse of our overpriced real estate market. The guy running the blog proposed a thread on "why I'm leaving LA." It has attracted the largest number of entries of any thread by a huge margin. It actually makes me optimistic for the future of the city, as the bulk of the folks who are promising to leave spout all sorts of reactionary and xenophobic complaints. | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 325 Registered: 04-2005 |
Funny post Wilson! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2017 Registered: 05-2005 |
Wilson, I think your post stinks quite honestly. The paleys were rockin out with natural on the first album and when on the tour for the first album, a 'look' didn't make a blind bit of difference to me. Whilst i never cared for much after most of the artists you mention's initial output, why you havin a go at the people that started the whole thing, and, without whom...yadda yadda yadda Or are you being cool and ironic, and I find you slightly juvenile and quite annoying?? | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 326 Registered: 04-2005 |
Jeez lighten up Spence! I like(d) all the people that Wilson mentions, but I don't feel he is getting at them but at the music biz and their ridiculous marketing ideas. But then maybe your post is ironic too? | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1992 Registered: 05-2005 |
Could any post about The Pale Fountains be cool and ironic? Seriously, I cant speak for Wilson, but I'm sure his tongue is planted firmly in his cheek. Although we all know this kind of stuff goes on, whether it applied to the artists Wilson mentions who knows? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2020 Registered: 05-2005 |
Andrew, I seem to remember that last time I felt like this on the board, it was me and thee who had bones of contention! And you are steppng in on this one now that I'm in a one sided fight with someone else!!  Porquoi? Are you the kinda guy that cools a fight, or steps in in an argument? The fact of the matter is that the sentiments Wilson came out with (IMHO) have fuck all to do with this thread. And to be honest, yes tis the season to be jolly, and this was negative street as far as I am concerned, so why the effin ell does someone have to come out with this shit. It offends me. That's why I typed this stuff in response, those are my feelings, and end of. Can I not have my say what I feel I want to comment on Andrew? Seemingly, anything that you don't agree with you have to comment on, so why should I not have that privelage? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1893 Registered: 05-2005 |
Pretty funny Wilson! | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 328 Registered: 04-2005 |
I'm finished here. Frankly Spence (!) you're the only person here who feels a necessity to be abusive to others. I was only pointing out that I felt that you had entirely misunderstood the basis of Wilson's posting. Not quite sure why you have got so worked up. Life too's short to argue with people like you. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 224 Registered: 01-2007 |
And I nearly missed this thread. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2026 Registered: 05-2005 |
Andrew. Thanks for pointing that out, have a great Christmas. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2028 Registered: 05-2005 |
Wilson/Andrew, I apologise for my rude behaviour. Too much pop unfortunately. | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 127 Registered: 02-2007 |
Shit I must get some Pale Fountains. Anything that evokes these kinds of feelings is must-have for this punter tired of the same old same old. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1894 Registered: 05-2005 |
Maybe this will bring LK back? | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 102 Registered: 05-2005 |
Randy, Andrew, & Padraig, Glad YOU appreciated my clumsy attempt at humour... Spence, I fear you have misunderstood. I was trying, through parody, to take a pop at the music biz A&R men on the early 1980's who I understand were totally lacking in genuine apprection of the massive talents named in my post. I certainly wasn't "having a go" at these artists, I Love them, they have all enriched my life too much for that ! ("It's so easy to laugh, it's so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind"). I wasn't attempting to be "ironic" "cool" or even "juvenile". Obviously I was annoying to you if that's your perception, though that wasn't my intention either. I wasn't really suggesting that these guys changed their look because they were told to, but I'm sure there was a pressure from A&R "gurus" to conform to a type, I possibly overcooked the point. Wasn't it the case back then that the musicbiz would try and iron out any maverick or individuality (that wasn't marketable) and their woeful lack of seeing what we could when it came to the real talent in the provinces ? Not the lazy journalists proping the bar up at The Blitz club and trying to get their mugs in The Face magazine ? I recall that Journos would complain at having to travel to "the hinterland" to meet and interview Roddy and Edwyn et al, much to those guys amusement, I admired their why should we suck-up to LONDON stance in the early days.The A&R men were falling over themselves, especially at the paley's Sheffield Leadmill gig in 1982 (I was there) when Michael suggested that the rowd cheer but the A&R guys should wave their contracts ! I probably made too much of the Michael/Mick thing about haircuts etc but's because, like many others (Spence ?) I did try to emulate these guys and so watched their every haircut seriously, as only earnest young men can do. "I'm no trouble, not like the trouble I used to be when I was somebody's double". Back in 1982 I became Edwyn for a few months, except when I once spent the whole weekend being Roddy. Sometimes I was Michael. When in confident mood I would be Mac and put all my workmates down with sarcy one-liners. I had the oversize plaid shirts, the haircut and the oxfam overcoat. I had the suede fringed jacket and longed for the day when I could "grab that gretsch before the truth hits town". As my teens turned into my twenties I dropped the personas but the trying on of identities and styles is all part of the "being young" game isn't it ? It helped me through some difficult years. "when your laughing and loving and finally living, here my voice in your head and think of me kindly". I recommend "Cider with Roadies" by Stuart maconie where he recalls his similar adoptions of the very same people. Also Clive James autobiography where he recalls, during his JD Salinger phase, that he spent a whole week being Holden Caulfield. Which neatly brings us full circle to the "Holden Caulfield Universal" and Edwyn and all things postcard, the look the attitude but most importantly the music...although as hard as I tried I could never master the eyebrow raise camp expression of our dear Robert... Perhaps I should have kept this all to myself... "Why must you tell me all your secrets when it's hard enough to love you knowing nothing ?" Spence, perhaps I should have saved this for a different thread but your reaction suggests I hit a nerve ? Anyways, turning to your response to my Level 42 jibe on the "misheard lyrics" thread:- "Wilson, lighten up man for fucks sake! Before I tell you to fuck of big time!" What was THAT all about ? Surely I could just wear the virtual message board hairshirt ? I WAS considering "lightening up" as the very last thing I wanted was a fellow fan of great music(we have much in common Spence)telling me to "Fuck off big time". You have since apologised so maybe I will stick around..especially as other have been able to see what I was trying to say.. Anyroad, Happy Christmas and good luck with the music... Wilson | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2030 Registered: 05-2005 |
Wilson, You don't have to defend anything you said mate. Its all absolutely fine by me whatever you have said. I really am not bothered. Fuck off was said in the nicest pissed way. Its the kinda fuck off I share with people I know around the pub table, and most of the time the fuck off is usually at me! As I prev stated, sorry to you and sorry to Andrew for any offence. However, I do have issues with people who may say something far worse than swearing, especially in a patronising way, if people wanna act like the Gobees msg board police, we all don't know each other that well, do we? we may know musical tastes and things we all like/dislike, but we don't actually KNOW each other. PEACE. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1490 Registered: 03-2005 |
I've stayed mum through this because that's what my instincts told me to do. I happen to be pretty attached to Spence and was therefore much inclined to pipe up on his behalf but couldn't see a way to do it without making things worse. Here's my perception of it: In other online contexts I have had my efforts at humor misfire horribly as it turns out that they can be read in more than one way and I don't have my facial expressions or body language to help convey the meaning I intended and I also don't get to see my audience and monitor his or her response. I'm sure we have all had this experience. Picking up on Spence's comment that we don't actually KNOW each other, that's unquestionably true: we don't have the usual three dimensional context to flesh out the meaning of our communications. Naive or not, I actually believe that people CAN move toward knowing each other even by this medium but it takes years. I figure the lack of context is what drove this recent misunderstanding. Spence couldn't really know where Wilson was coming from--mostly because Wilson is still relatively new on the board--and, purely innocently I'm sure, Wilson had followed up Spence's most recent entries on two or three threads with comments that might have started to feel like attacks when they were taken as a group rather than one at a time. And, finally, for those of us up in the Northern hemisphere this is a sucky time. The days are too short and too cold. Nobody's getting enough vitamin D. And I hope to hell that I haven't somehow made things worse because what I very much want is for both Spence and Wilson to stay active on this board. They both live where I live: in the land where music matters. Maybe our work colleagues and some of our family members think that is childish and that we should grow up but, dammit, music matters! It kept me going when I was a misfit kid and it's still keeping me going as a misfit adult. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 2008 Registered: 05-2005 |
Randy, you might be a misfit, but youre the wisest misfit on here | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 2009 Registered: 05-2005 |
Blimey, just realised that some of my semi drunk posts in the last few days have taken me over 2000 posts. Which gives another slant on what Spence was getting at. Sure, we might not know each other as flesh and blood, but with Spence also over 2k posts, Padraig nudging it, Randy well on his way, and many other regular posters contributing we are hardly strangers either. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 103 Registered: 05-2005 |
Totally agree ! It probably was the lack of context on both sides, my humour not being perceived as intended and Spence's "sweary mary" retort likwise ! Anyway, I'll wind me neck in a bit until I know you guys better ! Virtual pints all round from me for the season of goodwill. Time for a new thread methinks... | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1903 Registered: 05-2005 |
Well said Randy. It was good that some of us got to meet in Brisbane last July though. You were all terribly disappointing and I won't be repeating that however. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1904 Registered: 05-2005 |
That really was a joke btw! I've said elsewhere on this board that meeting you all in Brisbane was one of the highlights of my year. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 912 Registered: 10-2004 |
anyway... yeah, i sure do love the pale fountains. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2047 Registered: 05-2005 |
Back to this bleedin thread! Is anyone considering going to any of these? Only, I don't know anyoone this end who is and it would be good to meet someone ther at eithr of them, thanks, Spence. Details: For any pale Fountains fanz on ere! they are playing 2 gigs early 2008!! Liverpool Academy 2 Feb (Jon!) and London Shepherds Bush Empire 3 Feb. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 930 Registered: 10-2004 |
I'd go to both, but they're too far away! | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 983 Registered: 10-2004 |
Spence, these shows are this weekend! Are you going to either of them? If you are, please give us a full report! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2110 Registered: 05-2005 |
jeff thanks for reminding me i may travel to london tomorrow eve, if there are still tickets, weather is awful over here at the moment, so its a tricky one, whether to travel or not, last time I ventured to London to see Tuxedo moon, my wipers stopped working on my car and i never made it, it happened to be the worst storm of the year that night! | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 155 Registered: 05-2005 |
Spence, I'm thinking of going too ! Need to suss out parking at Shepherds Bush... | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 157 Registered: 05-2005 |
The ticket is ordered and I'm heading east later on...full report to follow and maybe some pics... | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2112 Registered: 05-2005 |
I was gonna go but I came down withthis prohectile vomiting bug that's been on the news, my whole familyhas it now! Hope it was good, look forward to the report. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2115 Registered: 05-2005 |
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ledhxzb0ZyE blah blah blah | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 985 Registered: 10-2004 |
Word on the Shack msg. board is that the Liverpool gig was pure magic. Euphoric. Exceeded all expectations and laid to rest any doubts. I am jealous. Also, according to posters on the Shack board, the London gig was slightly less riveting due to dodgy sound and a shitty soundman. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1524 Registered: 03-2005 |
Well, the youtube thing sounds good enough to want to see. Horns and all. Who financed this? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2117 Registered: 05-2005 |
I tell you what, Bicycle Thieves quashes unanimously in my humble opinion any doubts that these guys could not re-inact the Pale Fountains 60's based garage/and Baccarach beauty euphoria, if that version of BT was anything to go by, sounding really amazing and that was just a movie form a Nokia. They shoulda taped these gigs? The sound at Bush empire can be funny, I admit, but that wouldnt take away anything for me. I'm interested to know if the drummer was jock Whelan (It loks like the Shack drummer Ian?. If so, apart from Chris McCaffery who sadly died 22 years ago of a brain tumor, that would've been the original line up. The PF line up save for Diagram is basically Shack, bassist is Pete formerly of Cast, he is a brilliant bass player. re the finance, I dunno, maybe some rich japanees kid. The Japanese are really really obsessed with PF. I think it might've been a Shack management thing, where they take a agamble with Shack funds stored in the pot in order to make some with these two shows. I reclkon Mick and the boys could gig and live on the proceeds for the rest of their lives, which for me is great considering they nearly disappeared from the radar a thousand times in the last 26 years! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2119 Registered: 05-2005 |
God this place looked rammed, the 'home town' gig. http://youtube.com/watch?v=1URETuqEIn0 Surely The Pale Fountains could take over the world?? | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 988 Registered: 10-2004 |
Spence - according to several posts on the Shack board, that *was* Jock Whelan on drums. Apparently at the Liverpool show he looked really nervous on the first song, but quickly settled into the groove and, with the rest of the band, did a stellar job. Andy Diagram was there too. People from Shacknet also commented on how awesome Mick Head's guitar playing was, noting that he was playing all these complex jazz chords and not once looking down at the neck. Sounds like an incredible event. | ||
| Gee Member Username: Gee Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2005 |
It was amazing. I drove up to Liverpool from London - well worth the trip. Shame you missed out Spence. I gave London a miss, although it was tempting. No way it could have matched the emotion in Liverpool. The Liverpool gig at least was being professionally filmed. Line up was Mick, John, Martyn Campbell (bass), Andy Diagram (they've got to get him on board for the next Shack album) Jock Whelan (drums on all songs) and Templo mostly on percussion, but dual drums on a few songs. It was a bit scruffy in places, but honestly who cares; you never get real professionalism from Mick Head, it's all about the soul. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2120 Registered: 05-2005 |
Jeff cheers for the update on Jock. Gee I know, I'm mightily pissed I didnae make this one. Thanks for the personnel confirmation. And for the info that it looked liek it was professioanlly filmed. I know there's a Shack docu on the way, wonder if this'll feature? Can't wait to see Shack again. Who knows maybe Mick and the boys time will come? | ||
| Gee Member Username: Gee Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hopefully they'll throw the occasional Paleys songs into Shack sets from now on. They're his songs after all. They closed with Meant To Be and Comedy (technically a Paleys song I guess) which fitted perfectly. Oh and then a 2nd outing of Jeans Not Happening. Bliss. I didn't rate Miles and Gil much, but this has definitely refired my enthusiasm for all things Head! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2123 Registered: 05-2005 |
They seem to have avoided the Paleys in Shack's live set for sometime now, it makes sense that latter day Paleys could feature due to their more rockiness leanings, rather than the bossa stuff. Comedy is great too, as you say Gee who cares about if its Shack or not. If anything, should Virgin or another company, re master, re relase, whatever it is they might have in their vaults? I'd like to think so. Gee, I think jeff commented a coupla years ago he wasn't too impressed with Miles and Gil, I know what you mean, it sorta dips, but I feel that after many listens, it can grow. I like the way bands can do that, provide a slow burner. Its a real slow burner I guess and not as immediate as previous stuff, but what the heck its subjective. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 989 Registered: 10-2004 |
I like Miles and Gil okay. Not completely wowed by it, but I'd say about half the songs are good. I guess for me it's definitely not a bad album, just not a great album. They do some really interesting things on that record, and there are some awesomely direct and energized moments too. But I think Zilch will always remain my favorite Shack album. Waterpistol has a few of my favorite Shack songs too. | ||
| Gee Member Username: Gee Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2005 |
I think it was more that I felt they were retreading old ground and the lyrics were a bit 'will that do'. There was a more Paley's tinge to 'Here's Tom'; hopefully they'll choose to head down that route again and keep Andy Diagram on board. One can dream anyway. 'Full Moon' on this Myspace would give the path. Not a classic song but a great feel. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus eaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=268518 532 | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2125 Registered: 05-2005 |
HMS Fable still does it for me. Waterpistol captures that 60's in England feel. I have just experienced a revelation in my The Paleys world, whilst playing Hey There Fred from Longshot for your love, I noticed it is basically the foundations for the song I realised from approx 1m 17 seconds its Hey from Kitchen Table! They dropped the There and Fred! Shame LOL n all that bollo*ks... | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 990 Registered: 10-2004 |
Spence, I believe there is also a part in the bridge for "These Are the Things" that swipes a section of the bridge from "Hey There Fred." "Hey There Fred" is an awesome song, I wish they'd had made a studio recording of it. The steel drums in the live version rule! | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 159 Registered: 05-2005 |
The London gig was amazing and the sound improved in the last half hour, I retreated from the front and got a place by the desk. There was a few "senior moments" when Michael curtailed the songs when he forgot the words (even on Thank you !). At one bit at the begining I think he rounded on Templo who was making comments about the crowd not being as up for it as the L'pool crowd. He seemed to be very edgy at times. Some songs were very loose to put it kindly but when they soared they were bloody great...Andy's trumpet was phenomenal. John Head probably the most underrated guitar player of his generation, there were times when his playing and the trumpet just melded beautifully.Michael seemed genuinely moved by the whole thing. I didn't recognise the second bass player who came on for the last few numbers ? Michael had a few botched attempts at Daniella. Comedy was a surprising highlight for me. I was left feeling a bit "what might have been". The sound could have been better and a bit more rehearsal would have helped ! The "London crowd syndrome" was a factor but templo's comments didn't help that either. It was great to hear "those songs" played live by "that band". | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2126 Registered: 05-2005 |
Jeff, just payed Things, you are right, I think its more or less based around that song rather than Fred. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 160 Registered: 05-2005 |
maybe my HUGE expectations were just too big..? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 2127 Registered: 05-2005 |
Wilson, at least you made it mate! | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 161 Registered: 05-2005 |
yeh, glad I went, it has re-ignited a love for their stuff which I had stopped playing a few years ago due to:- a) Over-familiarity b) having no deck to play vinyl It's weird cos I now hear certain chord changes and things for the first time, especially as I now play guitar...does that make sense ? I also appreciate the "cinemascope" element of their sound more than I did before and actually ENJOY their songs more...hooray for that !(I'm now a relaxed forty-something rather than being too much of an early 1980's angsty "would-be" music critic/NME reader !! LOL) I will need to get the CD's but need to budget after the £21 ticket and £9 Car parking shell-out. 90p for 20 minutes...strewth ! | ||
| Gee Member Username: Gee Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'm selfishly pleased my decision to go up to Liverpool was right, Wilson! A combination of the hometown gig and it being a Saturday night I reckon. There were lots of mistakes in Liverpool too, but it just didn't matter. They probably should have stuck with just the one gig or done some promotion - but when have Shack ever done anything by the book? 'Comedy' is one of the greatest songs of all time. No hyperbole. Every time they hit the outro live it just gets me... just a simple song but incredibly emotionally powerful. |