| Author | Message | ||
     Paul Swinford Member Username: Prema Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2005 |
I am not unfamiliar with death. In my pastoral role, I’ve officiated at a number of funerals. So, I am surprised that Grant's death has affected me so much. A week after Grant’s departure came the first signs of healing (or at least acceptance). In my head I kept hearing Grant sing, "Don't you cry for me no more". That and prayer have helped. I even sponsored a service at our temple in Grant's memory, but still the empty feeling comes over my stomach when I log into the web site... The eulogies have offered some wonderful insights into Grant's personality. Wish I had known him, but then the pain would be worse... I’ve watched myself trying to connect, cope and console by filling in the holes of my Go-Betweens and McLennan solo CD collection - mostly getting the CD singles. Perhaps I've been hoping that by consumer activity (consumption) this emptiness in my stomach would be filled. Awaiting the arrival of these recordings in the mail from the four corners of the globe (Israel, London, Australia, Colorado) is a way of creating anticipation for something new from Grant, from the Go-Betweens. It’s artificial, of course, these are not NEW recordings, it’s just catch up. Still, listening to Grant’s music is a way of connecting. And since I saw the band only once nearly twenty years ago, connecting with the Go-Betweens has always been a matter of listening to the music. Of course, there had always been the hope of one day seeing them in concert again. Thanks to the DVD now, though, I can see them anytime. Still, my stomach is not sated. Acceptance and healing will take more time. If it's this way about Grant, what will it be like when a close family member passes away? Or have the Go-Betweens become something like family, or close companions, mates for me? My hope now is that when Robert is ready, he will pick up his own torch again and let it burn bright in the striped sunlight. We’ll be waiting patiently, Robert. You, Adele and Glenn are in our hearts and prayers. Perhaps the love of Grant’s fans will be of some solace to you in his absence. “Solo” at first may seem like “alone”, but the love between you and the Go-Betweens’ fans will soothe your heart. It’s like the way Grant lived – for the love of composing life in music, for the love of performing, for the love of the audience and for the love of his friends. And who knows, maybe you’ll still feel Grant’s magical, mystical presence to your left. Anyone else care to share how they’ve been consoling? | ||
| Hardin Smith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 466 Registered: 03-2006 |
Paul, I'd just about made up my mind not to participate in the GoBees board anymore - too sad, too hollow (without it being based on a viable, working band), etc. - but I thought such a plaintive question deserved a response. I, too, have been profoundly shaken by Grant's untimely passing. And, what has provided a lot of solace and comfort for me really has been his music. Perhaps it's a bit cornball, but it's also completely true. One album in particular (though they're all wonderful): "In Your Bright Ray", which seems to be not only incredibly moving and powerful, but also a deeply spiritual record. Listening to songs like "All Them Pretty Angels", "Lamp by Lamp" and "Can You See the Lights?" make me think Grant knew exactly where he was going.... There's also, I think, much comfort to be had in contemplating the fact that Grant lived a great, beautiful life, spent the bulk of it doing exactly what he wanted to do: pursuing art and love, travelling the world, creating beautiful things...we all should be so lucky. And also, by all accounts, he died happy - he truly was the man who died in rapture. He really does leave behind a great legacy of beautiful and luminously soulful music - one could spend a lifetime listening to and contemplating it. | ||
| gareth w Member Username: Gareth Post Number: 67 Registered: 05-2005 |
I suspect i'm not alone with the (guilty) thought that since Grant passing away his (and the go-b's) music has never sounded better. Despite the shock and abrupt end to his life, which will always lead to 'what would the next album have sounded like?' conversations and thoughts, it's finally allowed us to see and hear the music as a whole with a beginning, middle and an end. It's like getting to the end of a great book. The ending could ruin it so you can't judge it until you're done and you put it down. With the line now drawn under them the go-b's now sound strangely complete. More great songs and albums than any other band I know of. They won't trail off or turn into a parody of what they once were. It's not the preferred option but there's so much left behind to keep me happy for as long as I need. They always struck me as a band with a lot of dignity and self-respect, both for their music and their audience, and the way the band has now ended somehow lives up to that. The deepest sadness in all of this is that Grant probably didn't know how highly we all thought of him and it's now too late to tell him. Won't make that mistake with Robert. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 420 Registered: 03-2005 |
I read Paul's beginning to this thread yesterday and just was not ready to say anything. Like Hardin, I too have been listening in particular to "In Your Bright Ray." It and "Horsebreaker Star" have always been my favorites of Grant's solo records. But last night on a drive to visit a friend I pulled out one of Robert's albums, "Country Phone." It's Robert who remains and when I let my imagination wander to how he might be feeling I just lose it. Then I listen to other well-regarded records and the contrast between them and the work of both Robert and Grant hits me in the face again. It's that old honesty thing that I've harped on so many times. No matter what you listen to by Robert or by Grant, you are drawn into a personal relationship with them. It's uncanny how two different people could be so consistent in that one respect. And it's not sham; I'm not that easily fooled. Just re-read Robert's message to us on this board if you need any convincing. But I know nobody on this board needs any convincing. | ||
| david pestorius Member Username: David_pestorius Post Number: 55 Registered: 08-2005 |
I'm not sure it's consolation exactly, but those who regularly log onto this message board will, no doubt, be wondering what RF will do now and it occured to me that in this dark hour some comfort might be gained in reading quite a lengthy interview with him back in 1999 on the eve of the acoustic tour that led to the more permanent reformation of The Go-Betweens in the following year. The publication which was dedicated to this interview was not distributed very broadly and, consequently, only a relatively small number of people would be aware of it. I read it again after Grant's death and I found it uplifting in a certain way. Anyway, I've had it added to my website as a PDF which you can freely download. I hope it brings on smile or two ... http://www.davidpestorius.com/publications.html | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 457 Registered: 05-2005 |
I echo all the above comments. The comments on Grant's passing were and still are very touching. Even people reading the board and not knowing the group or Grant as an artist would have felt moved, the board will never be the same again, like the GB's will never be the same again, I am going to bow out and wish all the lovely people who put up with me on this board all the very best, Kev, Jeff, Hardin, Jerry (x2), Kurt, Randy, Padraig, Geoff, its been great knowing you all, there are some real characters out here who have inspired me over the last year or so. My love remains with The Go Betweens - always... Spence PS I'm gonna buy that guitar that Grant played thanks Pat! | ||
| jerry hann Member Username: Jerry_h Post Number: 143 Registered: 07-2005 |
Not only has Grant inspired me over the years sent me off chasing some film,book or piece of music or band.But since being on this board I've also discovered some great music from you guys. I feel upset that some of you are bowing out and big respect to you Spence (and the lovely Winnebago Orchestra) and Hardin. I might stick around and see what develops. | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 356 Registered: 04-2005 |
Farewell, Spence, and thank you for your always interesting and entertaining posts--you've been a big part of what made this such a cool community over the last couple of years. Good luck with your band and everything else, my friend. I'm not sure how I feel about participating in the board right now. I don't see how we can go back to what it was--my heart's not going to be in arguing about favorite Neil Young albums, ranking recent releases, etc.--at least for awhile. And so much has been said about Grant, all of it moving and beautiful, that there's not much left to add. I find comfort and solace in his (and Robert's) music, which helps--a little--offset the sadness that there will be no more of it. And it seems slightly disrespectful to speculate on what Robert will/should do next. That's his business and his alone. But I know I'm going to keep checking in and doubt I'll be able to resist chiming in when the time seems right. You guys (and gals) have all been great friends and I still wish we all have the means to meet up in Brisbane someday to toast Grant and the Go-Betweens in more than a virtual way. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 3 Registered: 05-2005 |
I agree with most of the above, even down to the filling of gaps in my collection. There's now a sense of urgency to get those CDs that I knew I wanted, but hadn't gotten around to picking up. I'm still listening almost entirely to the Go-Betweens. First, it was Grant's solo stuff, and skipping through CDs to listen to just his Go Betweens contributions. Gradually, I've let the CDs run, and listened to Robert's stuff also. Then I took out Warm nights, and realising it was the only one of Robert's solo albums I had, immediately got on the net, to fill that gaping hole in my collection. It felt - and feels like a natural progression. I still, and always will love Grant, Robert and the Go-Betweens. In my listening choices over the past three weeks, I feel like it's expressed how I've been feeling, and expressed the slow healing process. Grant has passed. The GoBetweens have passed. Robert is still here. Its going to take time. A lot of time. Jeez, this post is taking me a lot of time!! I’ve been coming back and forth, and I’m still not sure if I’m getting it right. I want to get what I want to say to sound right. I don't want to sound......... What I'm trying to say is this: Gradually, we’ll get back to normal. But normal is going to be different from now on, for all of us. Getting back to Normal. What a crap saying!! 1500 or so posts have shown it. The Go Betweens are a part of us. We’re a part of the Go Betweens! We’re the band members who sit in our rooms, our cars, who sat in darkened rooms late at night, listening, loving it. Singing along, playing along, sticking our elbows in the breeze… I’m still getting it wrong. The message board is going to be a lot different. It’s going to be a lot darker for a while. Just like all of us. But slowly, we’ll heal, and get back to N…… that word again. Spence, others who are thinking the same way – never say never. Two more messages since I started typing this… Guys, do what you feel is right, but don’t not come back. I hadn’t posted in a year, until Grant’s death. I checked in now and again to see what everyone was up to, and yes, I do think of you all as friends. And yes it would be cool to meet up. Put faces to the typefaces, and have a drink together. Slowly, we will be able to have conversations about other things. I’m not suggesting that someone should start a “cinnamon buns that look like Robert” thread, or anything like it anytime soon. Keep a close eye. Don’t go too far away. The message board will heal itself, just as we all will. Reading back over this, It doesn't make a lot of sense. It's all over the place. Go easy on me. Its a bit like the inside of my head and heart right now... | ||
| David Matheson Member Username: David_matheson Post Number: 103 Registered: 12-2004 |
Not sure how I feel at the moment about continuing to post here. Like many others I'm still coming to terms with Grant's passing. I'm amazed that the death of somebody I have never met has affected me so profoundly, and I ponder the reasons for this. Of course Grant's music has been a special part of my life for over twenty years. But besides the music itself there is something unique about the Go-Betweens and being a fan of the band that I can't quite put into words. It's got to do with them being an alternative band whose music was so highly regarded by those who knew them, yet inexplicably they never had commercial success. To this day I still don't get why. But the Go-Betweens was like a wonderful little secret that those "in the know" shared. So ironic that the secret began to get out near the end. I've said before that although it was an enormous injustice, I'm glad they never had huge commercial success. It was always a thrill to see them in smallish venues and to be physically close to them as they played. That is where their music took on a spcial atmosphere. It was like they were playing for small group of invited guests. Reading and posting to this board over several years, and seeing familiar names, has also been part of that special little club. I've never met any of you either, but like Kurt said you all seem like great friends. Reading the tributes over the last couple of weeks has made me realise the depth of respect they engendered in so many people. Perhaps another reason for my intense reaction to the news is that I see something of Grant in myself. A bit alternative, in love with music and other arts, somewhat shy and unassuming. As well as his music, Grant himself was an inspiration to me. I'm an Aussie who is passionate about this country, and I love all of the Australian images that Grant evoked in many of his songs. Cattle & Cane, Unkind & Unwise, Boundary Rider - they will always be among my favourites. But the last week or so I just seem to be playing Horsebreaker Star over and over. Of the future, I don't know. Perhaps Robert will do some more stuff one day. Perhaps some unreleased Go-Betweens music will become avialable. But that doesn't seem important to me a present. I feel for Robert, Grant's family and close friends. So I am left with my sadness. Yes, I know I'll move forward eventually. And perhaps in a peculiar way I will even value the memory of this time of grief as a tribute to how much Grant, his music and the Go-Betweens have meant to me - and will continue to be. Thanks. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 102 Registered: 01-2005 |
Grant's passing has been a blow to us all. I was really touched by all the tributes posted from the four corners of our small planet. I too have been listening to Horsebreaker Star lately. Call me late to the party, but I fianlly bought the first Jack Frost album on cd the other day. I am very much looking forward to listening to it. I am going to continue to post, as the music and the memories of Grant and the G-B's will always be a touchstone for me for as long as I live. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 349 Registered: 10-2004 |
Despite the sadness I've been grappling with over Grant's death, and despite the fact the Go-Betweens can now only be spoken of in the past tense, I still feel compelled to contribute to the msg. board for several reasons. Firstly, I don't know very many people in my personal life who love the Go-Betweens as much as I do. Which means I don't really have anyone outside this msg. board with whom I can talk about Grant in any meaningful way, which is difficult for me. So I'm glad there exists a place where I can do that. Even if I'm not contributing much to a particular conversation, I still get a lot out of being an active reader of other peoples' sentiments, which I certainly share. It's comforting. But also, the Go-Betweens are not going to stop being one of my very favorite bands. Their music is still worth discussing with the same energy, enthusiasm, and passion. It will always be relevant to my life. I expect it may take a little while before any of us feel like dropping back into the kind of discussions that kept this board humming everyday. And those discussions will from now on surely take a different tone. I'm sad to see some of you leave, but I understand you need to do what feels right. Perhaps if/when Robert feels ready to continue down his own musical path, we will again see some of you who are leaving. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 473 Registered: 05-2005 |
I'm with Jeff and Jerry on this one, I intend to visit every day as I have done for the last year -18 months. Hopefully things can pick up again, sure it can NEVER be the same, but speaking personally I came here for two reasons. Firstly for Go-Betweens news and chat, and secondly to check in with the regular posters - Spence,Padraig, Hardin, Jeff, Kurt,Randy,Jerry (x2),Abigail,Geoff, M Mark and many more - as much for their insight to the current topics, but also to see what sort of mood they were in that particular day  My gut feeling is that Spence and Hardin will stick around, and I for one really hope they do. Then again, now that Spence is a bona fide rock star getting good reviews in major music magazines maybe he will find it hard to post from the Bahamas!! And Hardin, who else on here likes Drive By Truckers 'cept you and me, and I hate being alone I suspect that (in a way that nobody wanted) the Go-Betweens, far from disappearing off the radar will live on here and in the music which we already have, and who knows if the vaults are dusted down, in the future. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 311 Registered: 08-2004 |
I agree with everyone on this & it's only right that the off-topic section is closed for a while. There is a lot of room still for mourning but the music is with us all & means even more now, since Grant's passing. I've got the Acoustic Stories DVD on as I write & it makes me smile, time is a good healer & so is the music Robert & Grant have created. Farewell Spence & good luck with the current & future albums. Hardin, goodbye 'til next time? | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 421 Registered: 03-2005 |
David (Pestorius), thanks for posting that interview. It was a really nice read. Spence, I can't blame anybody for any response they have to this dreadful experience. I'll be rooting up whatever I can on the Winnebagos. I've got a nice space on the shelf right between Mari Wilson and the Wipers. Catherine, I can SO relate to your post. David (Matheson), I too have always related to Grant. I am the type who freezes up if I start telling a story and too many people turn to listen. And Grant's total disinclination to self-aggrandizement is a quality that I genuinely value in a person. And I think you should be passionate about your country. The work of people like Grant, and also Robert and David McComb and Paul Kelly and Ed Kuepper, has certainly enchanted me. At nearly 50, I keep struggling with the question whether I should not cash in my chips here in Imperial Rome and live out the years still remaining to me in a land graced with so much soul. I'm with the folks who want to stay on the board. This Go Betweens family is a real thing as far as I'm concerned. There is a strong common thread that ties all of us together and it also tied us to Grant and still ties us to Robert. If you haven't read David's wonderful 1999 interview with Robert, by all means do so. While he may not post here with us, he's clearly in our little group. I wish I had the insight to be able to actually identify this thread running through us but I must settle for my inarticulate intuitive sense on this point. Clearly we are all deeply passionate about music and its role in our lives, but that doesn't even scratch the surface. | ||
| M. Mark Burgess Member Username: Fortysomething Post Number: 85 Registered: 05-2005 |
Yes,yes! All of these posts and Robert's interview are why I must stay on this board. I've never met any of you but I feel we are kindred spirits in many ways. I am terribly shy but feel so at home here. My wife calls me a nerd (in an endearing way) and I suppose in some ways I am,which is why the Go-B's are so special to me. With every new record over the years I've found myself saying "That's it,you guys understand!" Also, I think there might be a tendency to pull punches with each other when we disagree but I don't think Grant would want that. I want someone to tell me when I'm full of crap and when I'm having a bad day I want to be able to vent a little. Robert is entitled to do whatever the hell he pleases. He's earned that and I'll respect him if he never records or performs again. See everyone down the road. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 373 Registered: 05-2005 |
Well said Kevin. I hope Spence and Hardin will stay in touch too, but I fully understand why they might not want to do so. For me, it is Kevin, Spence and Hardin who re-invigorated this board a year ago and became even more regular posters than Jeff, Kurt, Randy, Jerry (x2), Abigail, Geoff, M Mark, Peter (x2), myself and a few more. But, of course, none of us likeminded people would have found each other if it had not been for the beautiful music of The Go-Betweens and Grant and Robert solo. I'm with those who say they don't much feel like posting about our usual stuff right now, but maybe down the line we will. I'm wondering if, for instance, me, my namesake Peter Collins, Kevin and the other football fans will have a World Cup discussion? I know I'd rather do it here than on a dedicated football board where people would just be scoring points off each other about their knowledge of the beautiful game, but unleavened by a knowledge of that beautiful striped sunlight sound. Farewell Hardin and Spence (I will check out your album when I head back to Europe in a couple of weeks - yes, I'm going to the World Cup!). I hope you'll visit us from time to time. | ||
| Catherine Vaughan Member Username: Catherine Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2005 |
All these posts are really hitting home. Thanks Randy. Mark, I know where you're coming from, here's your sister. Padraig, nail on the head. Only a handful of my solid friends can relate to whats been going on these last few weeks. Still filling in gaps (In head, heart, record collection). Just left my favourite record shop owner, with a big smile on his face, considering the size of the order I gave him. The Go-Betweens Live in London arrived yesterday. Glorious! Was left breathless, almost crashed my car, when that string intro for Right Here blasted out. I was jealous back then, and am more so now, of those of you who had the pleasure of being there. It will keep me company as I drive a 200 mile round-trip this evening, to see The Church play in Dublin. (Had been faffing all week, as to whether to go - bugger it, the cats are fed, the housework can wait..) David, thanks for that interview, much appreciated. Padraig, start that W.C. thread when you're ready. Only as long as I can throw in some inane "don't get what all the fuss is" remarks! Got to get on the road... | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 474 Registered: 05-2005 |
Padraig hit the bullseye with his comment about us all being likeminded people brought together via The Go-Betweens. Totally agree about rather having a football discussion here rather than on a dedicated board. To expand on that, I regularly visit several Glasgow Celtic Football message boards, a few reggae messageboards, and band messageboards (Morrissey, Sonic Youth, DBTs etc), however I post rarely and tend to "lurk" (which I'm led to believe is a term for non, or rare posters) - its probably because I feel no great connection with these people. That is not the case on here though, I would rather share my thoughts with the posters on here,and share in theirs, because I feel a bond with them | ||
| andreas Member Username: Andreas Post Number: 32 Registered: 04-2006 |
i still often think about grant and his passing. like all the others here i am still sad. and i am really don't know if i should post here again or not. unfortunately i was too late in here. last year after i discovered the board (reason was this bad, bad mastering of the ocean's apart cd) and i was glad to learn that the partially crappy sound depends not on bad ears or similar) i decided not to participate. one reason was limited time and maybe the difficulty to write in english (because it took too long to find the right words). but since the last few months my feelings for the go-betweens music got higher and higher, and i had the feeling that this band is the band to grew old with (a band which i knew and like since 1983/1984). so i decided to take part into this nice community here. one week before grant's death i started to read the david nichols book about them and i satrted to post regularly. i noticed that most of people writing here have the same or a similar taste of music and i recognised that i was welcome here. i think that it is worth to continue to stay here - because of the go-betweens, because of the music in common and because of all the nice people here and of the inspiring (remember: great speckled bird) . time will heal and time will tell how this board could (and should) be kept alive. many greetings from berlin andreas p.s.: padraig, where do you stay at the time of the world cup? in berlin, too? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 374 Registered: 05-2005 |
Hi Andreas, unfortunatetly I will not be in Berlin during the World Cup. I will at games in Frankfurt, Munich and Kaiserslaurtern. I am going to the Korea v Togo, Australia v Brazil and Paraguay v Trinidad & Tobago games. I'm also staying with a friend in Stuttgart for three days, but could not get tickets for any games there. This discussion belongs in the 'off-topic' section, but that is still closed. Sorry Jonathan. I will be listening to lots of Go-Betweens, Grant and Robert while there though. | ||
| Hardin Smith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 467 Registered: 03-2006 |
I'm at the office on Memorial Day (something that needed doing, unfortunately) - that's a fine how do you do, isn't it? I will make it to the beach a little later, though... But anyways, I hate to paint myself in a corner and say I'm never gonna post again, because I really have enjoyed getting to know youse guys. I really do consider you friends...there's a bond I think we've all established that goes beyond mere pixels and binary code...you all have way better taste in music than my "real" friends, by the way (my best friend thinks Huey Lewis is the shit. It's a good thing he's a great guy)... So, though I'm not feeling a lot of enthusiasm for posting and don't think things will ever get back to normal, I'm not saying goodbye forever - I'm just going to take a break for a while. In other words, I'm going away but I'm not going far...I'm going to check in every now and then. Utmost respect and affection to all my "partners in crime" on this board. You know who you are: the Great Scot, the other guys in the West Coast Mafia, the Rock Star (I expect backstage passes if you ever make it L.A.), the Irish journalist, the two Jerries (or should that be "Jerrys"?) and our new eloquent German friend. Back in the good old innocent days before May 6th (remember those carefree days?) I was going to start a thread called "What is it that makes the Go-Betweens so great?" A little corny and groupie-ish perhaps, but it's something that truly intrigues me...I've pondered that over the last few weeks. I've come to the conclusion that it's because their songs are like dispatches from our better angels. There's something in them that exalts the human spirit and what it means to be human. They raise us up (at least they do me)and they're about all the best things in life: friendship, love, truth, beauty (really all the same thing when you think about it). There's something in them, too, that seems to speak to the presence of beauty in everything, perhaps best summed up in the line from "Simone and Perry": "Everything is golden, everything's alive"... So, all this is (laboriously) leading me to two conclusions: 1) For all the above reasons, Grant's life is ultimately very inspiring. 2) It must be those same reasons that explain why you find such great people on the GoBees message board. Later guys, Hardin | ||
| Geoff Holmes Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 139 Registered: 05-2005 |
Gee.. I've been avoiding writing anything in here or even looking. The balloon feels like it has definitely been punctured. If you want some sort of solace and you haven't done so, I can recommend that all you regulars find Steve Kilbey's blogs (myspace or something)..the one's about Grant are amazingly free from the esoteric bile that can sometimes dish out so easily. They are really heartfelt and genuine and from (obviously) a real friend. It puts into perspective how little we know of someone as a fan, no matter how obsessed we think we are. Despite that, I have felt some sort of community here in our rabid discussions of the Go Betweens album covers to Captain Beefheart and everything in between. I can understand Spence not wanting to contribute. I feel really numb about it all still - as with you guys I've got friends and family who are that age and it, understandably, brings it all a little to uncomfortably close to home. Part of my memories died with Grant. Playing Grant songs in this wake of it all, it's uncanny how many of them discuss death compared to other artists, excluding all Death Metal bands of course. I nearly smiled then. Love goes on anyway. I guess we'll all come back at some stage but it will, quite rightly, never be the same as it was before. | ||
| jerry hann Member Username: Jerry_h Post Number: 144 Registered: 07-2005 |
On of the things that has "kept me going " since Grants death has been the community on this board. We all seem to have that similar feeling that talking about any thing else is too trivial, and it is really,who cares really which John Cale LP is the better. Another comforting thought to me is that Grant died at the top of his game of "natural causes".As a Dr I've seen alot of wasted life from drugs and alcohol ( I work in a rough area)and some how that sudden heart attack, though not really Rock and Roll,seems more dignified.I don't know if i put that right.I guess the Gitanes and the Long Island Ice teas don't help but then none of us are angels. | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 357 Registered: 04-2005 |
Well put, everybody. For awhile, I thought we should consider creating a new board to share our general interests and keep the community together, but I realized that the core of this flame is, of course, the Go-Betweens. After a few weeks, the sadness over Grant's passing and the continuing empathy toward those in his day-to-day life still hangs very heavy. But the thing I can't quite grasp in my mind, strangely, is that the Go-Betweens are over. Not on record, of course--there, they'll live forever. But Jonathan has done such a wonderful job with this board that I wouldn't want to go anywhere else anyway. In many ways, I feel like it should become whatever he feels it needs to be. It's sad to think of this board as something that continuely eulogizes or celebrates something that is gone forever--such as a Joy Division or Velvet Underground board. As much as I admire those artists, at some point, what more can you say, really? So I've never been one for that kind of nostalgia. A big thing that made this place so fun and special was that we were celebrating something vital and alive that was getting better all the time (GoBs Mk II, specifically). Maybe, when Robert is ready to re-emerge in the world creatively, it'll shift to a Robert Forster-focused board--and a place where we'll be following the future activities of Robert V., Lindy, Amanda, Glenn, Adele, etc.--not to mention our own members and their creative endeavors. And the feeling of celebrating the present and future will return. Grant won't be forgotten--he'll be the emotional heart of everything--but the others in the cast will move on in ways we'll care about and want to stay abreast of. Because love and life always do go on. So, I'm with Catherine. Stay tuned and stay in touch. We have too great of a little community here to give up on. (And Hardin, buddy, as our most prolific poster, you KNOW you can't resist chiming in when the time is right!) | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 103 Registered: 01-2005 |
Yes Hardin, please make your vacation from this board a short one! | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 81 Registered: 05-2005 |
I also hope that many of you stay or come back to the board in the future. This is the best board on the net and one of the only ones I post to with any regularity. Both on- and off-topics are interesting and insightful. You are family and we share an interest in something great that few know about. Especially in this sad time, it brings great consolation to read and share our thoughts. Thank you. I will continue to read and post. I've been listening to the Go-Betweens constantly and all the side projects I have. Jack Frost (the 1st one) has struck me as very good and the songs have affected me greatly. Especially Trapeze Boy and that line so often quoted. But Providence, Civil War Lament "And all you do is carry on" are very stirring too. I've been watching the Acoustic Stories and trying to figure out the songs so I can play them and find the joy of discovery with the sense of touch on the guitar strings and hearing the sounds from the instrument. I've almost figured out the bits to Bachelor Kisses. I'd like to learn Easy Come Easy Go (which is such a sunny sound) and Black Mule too. It stirs me from my melancholy to try and learn and play their songs. Peace friends. | ||
| M. Mark Burgess Member Username: Fortysomething Post Number: 86 Registered: 05-2005 |
I agree with you, Matthias, on the first Jack Frost. It's very underrated. The songs individually may not stand out as much but the whole cd has a distinct mood that just feels right, especially now. I cried listening to it on the way to work a few days ago. | ||
| Hugh Nimmo Member Username: Nemo Post Number: 37 Registered: 07-2005 |
Matthias, if you have not already done so, check out the post 'You Can Sing That Everything Takes Forever' on Steve Kilbey's Blog Site for his memories of the recording of the first Jack Frost album. Some nice insights. http://stevekilbey.blogspot.com/2006/05/you-can-sing-that-everything-takes.html | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 82 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thanks Hugh. I had read his first post several weeks ago but not the 2nd one where he goes into detail about the tracks on the first Jack Frost cd. Very interesting. I've always wondered who was singing (their voices are very similar sounding at times) and who wrote what and what some of those songs were about. Now, I'm going to start listening to Grant's solo work as well. It had been some time since I've pulled out Horsebreaker and Ray. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 104 Registered: 01-2005 |
I ordered both Jack Frost's last week. Snow Job has arrived but I am still waiting on the first one. Hopefully tonight when I get home. It will make some nice driving music, as I am heading up north tomorrow to the beautiful Traverse City, Michigan area to visit my best friends and their two daughters. | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 358 Registered: 04-2005 |
Just to chime in about Jack Frost (hey, we're having a discussion again!) because I rate the two albums more highly than a lot of others do, I wanted to mention that Kilbey's blog discussing the creation of the Jack Frost albums is especially enlightening when talking about "Snow Job," which I think is a strange, darkly haunting album that contains some real standouts from Grant. Kilbey admits he was in a very bad place in his life at the time and implies Grant was going through a relatively dark time as well--which makes the album's frequent desperation and despair ("I'm alone, ALONE for crying out loud!") make a lot more sense. Yet despite that, the harmonies are gorgeous--Grant and Steve sang beautifully together--and the music is both lush and rocking. An underrated album--I know some people think the songs are shallow; to me, they're minimalist and spontaneous, which is different. And the first JF album ain't half bad either, but Kilbey sings a lot more leads, which is probably why I prefer "Snow Job." | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 423 Registered: 03-2005 |
Thanks for that, Hugh. Kilbey's sophomoric grandiosity can get on my nerves but his report on this interesting episode in Grant's career is great. And I think he really means what he says. And this did remind me to load the two Jack Frost albums into my new iPod. Matthias, I hadn't listened to "In Your Bright Ray" for quite a while when I started listening a couple weeks ago. It's pure, soul-touching Grant, a wonderful re-acquaintance. A couple weeks ago the thought dropped into my head how the GoBees always seemed to have a bit of the star-crossed to their career whether it be the folding of Beserkley Records in time to bury "The Sound of Rain" or their experience with Rough Trade or the fiasco with the Capitol Records folks in Hollywood reported in David Nichols' book. So after years and years in the wilderness they start to accumulate some honest-to-God success and stability in their lives. And just like that, boom! Grant's heart attack. | ||
| Matthias Treml Member Username: Matthias Post Number: 83 Registered: 05-2005 |
Kurt, I never bought the 2nd Jack Frost album. It wasn't released in the U.S. at first (may never have been.) And once a saw the high-priced import, I couldn't get past the cover. Talk about self defeating marketing! A friend did buy it and panned it. I'll have to take a listen though now. Steve Kilbey's work has often been hampered by his drug problem I think. The Church has some great songs and several great albums but there are a number of songs and albums (Hologram of Baal) that had great potential but for his voice or perhaps a bit too dark and druggy of mood or lyric. Still a big fan, probably why I'm so critical about what could have been or be. I do really like Steve's comments about the 1st record and particularly the lines he quotes from the songs. These are the lines that Grant wrote and sings that I am most affected by on that record. That is the essence of what draws me to his lyric, that lovelorn quality. "I know you can keep me warm", "and all you do is carry on" for example. Shivers. Time for some Bright Ray for the drive... | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 359 Registered: 04-2005 |
I found this piece this morning and haven't seen a link to it anywhere else--a lovely, interesting tribute to Grant by Robert V. in Perfect Sound Forever: http://www.furious.com/Perfect/grantmclennan.html I find it remarkable that Grant never played or aspired toward music before RF taught him the bass, but then he blossomed so quickly into a gifted musician with such a great sense for melody and composition. I've never really heard whether Grant locked himself away learning bass and guitar for months at a time, or whether he was just a natural. Matthias, definitely give "Snow Job" a chance! Throw the cover away first, though. Kilbey's contributions are pretty druggy, but Grant is in his usual glorious form throughout. | ||
| Hugh Nimmo Member Username: Nemo Post Number: 38 Registered: 07-2005 |
Matthias, the lyrics to both Jack Frost albums can be found at http://homepage.mac.com/fipster/church/lyrics/index.html My own personal preference is for the first album but 'Snow Job' is certainly worth owning. I should perhaps qualify that statement by explaining that I am a big fan of The Church in general and Steve Kilbey in particular. I had a quick look around earlier tonight and 'Snow Job' doesn't seem to be readily available in the U.S. It is however currently available from a number of Amazon.co.uk MarketPlace Sellers for around £5.97/US$11 plus shipping. | ||
| John Flood Member Username: Floodjo Post Number: 48 Registered: 05-2005 |
Great to see discussion going on again. I need to root out my JF album now too (Snow Job) - I vaguely recall likiing bits of it. I'll continue to peek and contribute here. It's the only board I've ever become engaged in. This time last year was superb, following the GoBees on their tour of Europe & the US. I even contributed a few photos (via Jonathan) of the Zurich gig 19.05.05 - lovely night. Antoher great thing here has been other music recommendations. And here are a couple more: Josh Ritter - saw him in Copenhagen last week and he was brilliant. Great music, great lyrics, great person (judging by his really enthusiastic stage presence and the short chat I had with him afterwards). Download two superb tracks from his latest at his website (www.joshritter.com). Pure joy to lift you out of the grey Grantlessness! Then there's Calexico who I also saw recently here in Zurich. Very different brand of music but nonetheless inspiring and brilliant. Live, they had a couple of muscians blasting out Mexican trumpets which were gorgeous. They and the support (Iron & Wine) spoiled us with almost 31/2 hours of class. Finally, love Padraig's idea of a World Cup discussion here. Oh by the way, Padraig, if you happen to be flying in via Zurich, let me know and I'll meet you for a beer! I work very close to the airport. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 375 Registered: 05-2005 |
Hi John, I'm flying from Dublin to Frankfurt three days after flying Sydney-Honk Kong-London-Shannon. I'm going to be a tired boy! But who cares, I'm going to the World Cup! I'll start a discussion if the non-Go-Betweens section opens up again. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 57 Registered: 05-2005 |
To all on this thread, hang on in there guys.. John, Good call re Calexico ! I have only heard the one song called "Cruel" but it caught my ear, the opening refrain reminded me very much of Go-Bees. I've taken strength from listening to the warm, melodic and humanistic songs of Ron Sexsmith during the last month. I would hope he and Grant would appreciate each others work. Ron too is very much an underrated songwriter and is always charming and polite whenever I have grabbed 5 minutes with him. I want to ask him about Grant next time I get the chance. Peace & Love Wilson | ||
| jerry hann Member Username: Jerry_h Post Number: 145 Registered: 07-2005 |
Absolutely Wilson Ron is very special. I saw him twice above a pub in a small room in Preston and he was great. In fact buying his new cd the bloke in HMV commented on my purchase and said he booked him for those dates in preston and what a lovely man he was. My wife likes him as well as he seemed to smile at her in particular at the concert!! Don't know about any one else on the board. But I've not bought may CDs recently and not had the excitement of a new purchase (have bought the Neil Young,Ron Sexsmith and Elvis Costello)all down to my lower mood since the death of Grant.But even in death people have mentioned Grants enthusiasm for Francoiz Breut and Francois Truffaut films so will get those in the future. | ||
| Peter Collins Member Username: Tyroneshoelaces Post Number: 113 Registered: 05-2005 |
Pádraig... Have an excellent time in Germany. I went to France 98 with seven other people, staying in an isolated house north of Toulouse and saw about seven games, including two involving England. Had a fantastic time, mainly because having so many large numbers of different nationalities in a relatively small place wsa invigorating - even most of the England fans were great. Also saw a few games at Euro 2004 in Portugal. You'll have a fantastic time. Sorry to blast on when this is mainly about Grant. It's all been said really. It just seems very hard to take in. Personally, I hope this chat site carries on being as invigorating (I've used that word twice now!) and rewarding as it's always been. All the best to everyone. | ||
| andreas Member Username: Andreas Post Number: 33 Registered: 04-2006 |
seeking consolation. yes, listening to music can help. on my way home from work i just heard the bittersweet melodies and strings of andrew morgan's album misadventures in radiology. people who like elliott smith (this album was recorded at ellitt's studio and is dedicated to him) could like this album, too. | ||
| Peter Collins Member Username: Tyroneshoelaces Post Number: 114 Registered: 05-2005 |
Oh, and Frank Sidebottom is playing London this weekend. Bliss. | ||
| John Flood Member Username: Floodjo Post Number: 49 Registered: 05-2005 |
Padraig - nice little flying schedule! Pity our paths won't cross but enjoy the world cup. Here I am living next door and I didn't even apply for a ticket - too much hassle, I reckoned. And will be brilliant on the box here - the supposedly quiet, dull Swissies know how to scream for their team, I can tell you. Wilson, Cruel is track 1 on Garden Ruin, Calexico's latest. It's a real grower though it doesn't have quite the usual quota of Mexican influence that their earlier work has. | ||
| Wilson Davey Member Username: Wilson Post Number: 58 Registered: 05-2005 |
Here in England it rained every day in May, which was fitting I guess. But through all the rain you could see things slowly coming back to life as spring was turning to summer. Today the sun shone hard and things felt more positive. I guess the sun nevers stops shining, it's just that sometimes the clouds are in the way. There are Go-Bees songs for every mood, every weather change and for all the cards life deals you along the way. Is this why we love RF and GWM so much ? As many have written, the songs are the backdrop to so many of our lives for 20 years or more. I'm convinced that music is a life support system. I'm unashamedly sentimental that I used to rock my daughter to sleep to 16 LL (and Murmur). When I drove her to her first flat when she left home recently it was the "Live in London" CD we played (she when to the show with me). The Go-Betweens, Ron Sexsmith and all the others helped me through coming to terms with my young son being diagnosed with Autism a few years ago (Speaking with the Angel, thanks Ron). Literate, sensitive pop music with intelligent lyrics can soothe and stir the heart. Today I feel up and forward looking, I shimmering sunshiney day. A day to sit outside and play my acoustic guitar. I know it will rain again sometime, but not today.The good days take care of themselves, it's how we handle the difficult days...music helps, being able to post this without fear of ridicule or cynicism helps. The uplifting thing for me is knowing that I could post the above on the Roddy Frame site, or Ron Sexsmith site etc and the same would apply. Love Wilson Thinly veiled Disguise... "Under every sky of baby blue Is an undercurrent of rain Under every trial life puts you through Is an undercurrent of change Through the noise and the poisonous words That lead us to believe otherwise I can hear the bells, they're ringing out Through a thinly veiled disguise" | ||
| C Gull Member Username: C_gull Post Number: 31 Registered: 05-2005 |
Still immensely sad about Grant, mainly been listening to Live in London and The Botany Sessions for some reason - both just feel more raw than anything else. Can't bring myself to watch the DVD again yet. Others have posted much more eloquently than I could but can't get Quiet, Quiet Heart out of my head - this kind of says it all for me. Read more than I write on here but would love this board to carry on - where else can I get informed views on such diverse musical tastes? For instance going to see Robin Guthrie's show on Sunday in Brighton - I'm sure others on here will have been and have an opinion. Also, we do need a World Cup topic, I am going to Germany and will be at THE BIG ONE - Spain vs Saudi Arabia of course - well its the only game we could get tickets for, though hopeful of getting to USA vs Ghana aswell - never had problems getting face value tickets on the day before - don't start me on the whole tickets fiasco. | ||
| Geoff Smith Member Username: Thatway Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2006 |
This is my first post on here although I have contributed to the other pages following Grant's death. I've been a GBs fan for 23+ years. After reading the messages I would like to suggest that this board still be used to keep in touch, support GBs fans and pass on any other GB info. I've been out wearing my GBs T shirts hoping for a contact with other fans, so far Nada, however I did think that whenever you see a GBs T shirt it would be great to go an introduce yourself as another fan. What is that saying 'A Stranger is Only a Friend You Haven't Met Yet'. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 458 Registered: 05-2005 |
Guys! N gals! I'm back, when i can that is! Loved the msgs, quite touching, thanks, really really great to see you all hanging out at the GB's cafe! hope you are all feeling ok. I am really over Grant's passing now, I suppose my twin baby daughters are the real reason I am. Things were a bit bleak after his death, but having ploughed the back catalogue, i can safely say I can listen to everything without an ounce of sadness, every sound from the GB's makes me happy. Am sure Grant would smile if he could hear me, I know he can see me! Anyhow, will be dropping in as much as I can to play my part in the community, like I say, hope you're all well, kev, hope you're not working weekends with all this sun around!! See you guys on the board, Spence | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 367 Registered: 04-2005 |
Welcome back Spence! Glad to hear you couldn't stay away. Grant's music was/is too alive to stop listening to or to hear differently after his passing. It's the sound of a life well-lived. It doesn't cause grief in me when I listen to it now--it makes me feel appreciative and glad he was as prolific as he was in his too-short-but-fully-lived time. | ||
| andreas Member Username: Andreas Post Number: 36 Registered: 04-2006 |
spence, twin baby daughters? should we all congratulate? or iam just to new here to know about that? nevertheless it sounds like it is time to do so: congratulations and a lot of fun. best wishes andreas | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 428 Registered: 03-2005 |
Wow, Spence. Twins and a band? | ||
| jerry hann Member Username: Jerry_h Post Number: 148 Registered: 07-2005 |
Congratulations Spence and to the Missus.I guess we'll get alot of latenight early morning posts form now on.still enjoying the Winnebago's. I think this board is going to get going again.But what do I know.People seem to be getting things back together again.even a short message from Hardin.~I bet he can't wait to let us know what he thinks of the new Elvis Costello.Hardin are you out there man??? | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 461 Registered: 05-2005 |
cheers Kurt, Andreas, Randy and Jerry!, they were born last year, they are 15 months old now, but seem to act as a picker upper for every downer that life has to throw at me, so I am very lucky. This board is great, its like we rae all coming to terms...like therapy even! have a great weekend, anybody up to anything cool? I'm getting a caravan in the morning!! | ||
| jerry hann Member Username: Jerry_h Post Number: 151 Registered: 07-2005 |
Going a 15 mile walk in Northumberland,driving up and down form sun-drenched Preston tomorrow so great to lIsten to some music.In fact bough a live Lec Zeppelin CD to listen to " How the West was won". God I don't know why but had this vague aching for some hard rock.I feal that I shouldn't admit this here. All my other music id Indie/folk/punk etc and the Zepp were an anathema to me- but it's good to be broad minded. Spence you'll enjoy the caravan especially you're to girls. We have a campervan ( not a combi unfortunately)and have a great time exploring the Lakes/Eden Valley and holidaying in france. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 314 Registered: 08-2004 |
I can understand that Jerry a long walk with the dog, through the countryside & earphones booming on a sunny day is heaven. David Byrne's Rei Momo is a good one for cheering me up. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 429 Registered: 03-2005 |
Yes, Jerry, it's good to be broad-minded, but my mind it ain't so open that anything could crawl right in. | ||
| jerry hann Member Username: Jerry_h Post Number: 155 Registered: 07-2005 |
Yeah Randy may be it's all this sun we're getting but having listened to some I wont be playing it much. Having said that Jimmy Page was/is a great guitarist just not up my street.Having listend to Led Zep 1 and 2 kept thinking of putting Neil Young on from the same era. | ||
| Hardin Smith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 469 Registered: 03-2006 |
Hey Jerry, and for that matter, hello everybody...good to see this little oasis of culture and civility is thriving... Since you ask, Jerry, the Costello disc is pretty magnificent. But then, I'm pretty partisan, so I'm probably not the best person to ask. When you add to the mix the fact that it's a collaboration with Allen Toussaint, the New Orleans R&B legend, the deck becomes, to me, impossibly stacked in its favor...by the way, I have an unconditional disc recommendation for you, or anybody else: Finger Poppin' & Stompin' Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions For Minit Records 1960-1962. It's a classic collection of Toussaint's great productions for artists like Ernie K Doe and Irma Thomas...it's hard for me to imagine a more rockin' song than "A Certain Girl" - it will brighten the darkest of days... I guess I had to branch out into some other things besides Grant and the GoBees...I was in serious danger of burning myself out on them |