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Johnny Horton
- FB Fan -
USA
14 Posts |
 Posted - 02/23/2003 : 08:34:23
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The buzz about FB seems to be growing again. The recent Washington Post article was one of the best I've seen in years. And it was picked up by a lot of papers around the country. Why don't more interviewers discuss music and influences with Frank instead of going 'Ah..you did a lot of kewl screaming with the Poxies' or 'what's up with the ufo thing?'. If I had a chance to interview and sip espresso with Frank, I can tell you I would have a lot of questions on songwriting (those changes!), favorite chords, alchemy, musical influences and what it's like to play a song like 'Calistan' for ten years. But I digest...
My spidey sense is tingling that FB is about to break through again, perhaps with the next album. If this happens, will the boys have to break up the band? What's next for Frank musically? Django Djazz?
-Dionysus
"Let us leave theories there and return to here's hear"
-James Joyce
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Chris Knight
= Cult of Ray =
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 17:33:49
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I sure hope the Catholics get more invitations to do TV appearances. My mouth is watering for a Conan O'Brien spot.
I wouldn't be much surprised if Frank did suddenly break through with a moderate hit. He's on quite the roll it seems. |
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TOTIPOTENT
- Master of Differentiation -
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2003 : 21:51:10
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quote:
My mouth is watering for a Conan O'Brien spot.
I second that motion...
Differentiation at it's best... |
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FranknWeezer
= Cult of Ray =
USA
356 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2003 : 12:38:42
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Did somebody say "Pull another Menudo???"
Good song, good song. REALLY slow day at the office.
-FranknWeezer |
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cvanepps
= Cult of Ray =
USA
442 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2003 : 19:15:03
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As much as I'd love to see FB break through and get himself a nice radio hit, I don't realistically think it's going to happen. FB and the C's music is way too complex for the MTV crowd. They're content with Britney and Avril, believe me. And not for nothing, but the live to 2 track sound of BLD/DW won't exactly fit in. That said, the live to 2 track sound of DITS was amazing, so go figure.
Anyway, I'd be the first to flip out if I heard Frank on Kasey Kasem's top 100 countdown but I'm not exactly preparing for it. 
-= It's not easy to kidnap a fat man. =- |
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Stuart
- The Clopser -
China
2291 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 04:30:52
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Franks better being respected as a great artist, I'd hate it if he started making music that was radio friendly..... couldn't really see it happening but you never know.
Who would have thought that The Cure were thinking of linking up with Sophie Ellis Bextor for a song on their new album...... that makes me sick.
2002 World Air Guitar Champion |
Edited by - Stuart on 02/25/2003 04:34:03 |
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astroman
- FB Fan -
Portugal
84 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 05:16:54
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| You´re right Stuart, hope the man never does tha..I would ate see FD in a duet with Tina Turner singing " You´re simply the best" eheheh |
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Johnny Horton
- FB Fan -
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 07:18:39
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I don't think Frank will start changing himself for the marketplace.
It's also good to get beyond the inside-outside argument of selling out/commercial success. Sometimes the mountain comes to Mohammed.
Can the Pixies' success be attributed to selling out?
Ever since DITS, the critics have been on Frank's tip, sometimes late in the game. I think they are finally starting to recognize his influence and creativity. Also his guts for playing the music he does in the format he does these days.
I don't think he is going to sellout on the next rexord--just not in his blood. But, I think he is on the critic's radar again and it will be interesting to see what the response is to his next release.
If they like it and he starts to get big again, as in popular, Frank's response will be interesting, too. Will he have to break up the band (maybe not) and have to reinvent himself again (most likely).
Instead of the astronaut punk of the Pixies, the critics will try to stick him with the Americana revivalist uniform. And many great artists just don't want to be put in a box. Look how often Bowie has reinvented himself, that lovely changeling.
I don't have any investment in whether or not he does breakthrough again. I certainly don't hope for a top ten hit: why? Let the web
of the Goddess spin where it may. Just interesting to see what patterns it forms.
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom"
-William Blake |
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Stuart
- The Clopser -
China
2291 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 07:46:03
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Franks cool with what he does, changing his style, not giving a fuck about what the critics say because at the end of the day he knows that he has a loyal following of fans who fully appreciate the work he puts out.
I never thought that I'd say this but Frank is cooler than Eastwood in my opinion..... the way that people put on the pressure to reform the Pixies, but he acknowledges that it is better to keep them in the past. That way their legendary status has no chance of disintegrating, as it could possibly do if they reformed and put out a half arsed album.
2002 World Air Guitar Champion |
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theonecontender
= Cult of Ray =
Canada
565 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 10:49:15
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The new tunes he's been playing in concert will not make a big splash in the commercial market. Good songs from our perspective, but I don't think they'll bring him too many new fans.
I do like the thought though...
1c |
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Stuart
- The Clopser -
China
2291 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 16:55:22
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Ive not heard any of his new songs, but pretty soon I'm gonna get myself a new computer so that I can download stuff off of the FTP site and burn onto cd.
Can someone answer a question for me?? I have a P266Mhz, 64Meg RAM and 5 Gig hard drive...... is this powerful enough to accomodate a cd burner and enable me to download gigs from the FTP site???
2002 World Air Guitar Champion |
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Chris Knight
= Cult of Ray =
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 11:13:39
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| I think you'll be fine if you're downloading one song at a time (as opposed to a single mp3 file encompassing an entire concert; it's been a while since I browsed the FTP site, so I don't know what you're in store for). Just keep the remaining hard drive space above 700 MB (plus the virtual space requirement if applicable) so you've got space for a full 80 minutes of music. Ya know, like, whatever. |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 12:36:50
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| Frank won't be a huge commercial success in the US. He's not on a major label and he's not pretty enough. |
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The Champ
= Cult of Ray =
Canada
736 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 19:15:24
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| If he would release a few singles off his new albums and re recorded it i he would have a few hits. There are songs on his albums that i think would actually do really well if the radios would play them, unfortunately there content playing the same shit over and over...nickelback..creed...avril...somemore nickle...if im luck il hear avril again...then maybe just maybe nickleback..then throw in a little hard core eminem for flavour...hes got his own fashion line now..ha! |
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Chris Knight
= Cult of Ray =
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 23:16:55
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| Ram! Virtual ram! But seriously, another big detriment to Mr. T and The Cs' popularity besides limited label resources and lack of radio support would hafta be the band's stance against making music videos. Ya never know, MTV2 might put a new Catholics clip in rotation for at least a brief span if given the chance. Not all the faces that pop up on the channel are that pretty anyway. ;) |
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Steak n Sabre
* Dog in the Sand *
Uzbekistan
1013 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 00:02:07
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If Frank wanted to, he could make more 'accessable' and 'demographically oriented' records, and end up with some big record deal, touring endlessly and all over the radio and having every minute mapped out by a roomfull of suits..etc. He did all that with the Pixies, and that grind hastened their demise.
If someone can make a good living as a musician and still have a life is a better deal compared to getting chewed up and spat out by the industry.
Well, at least I think so....
.... "do you have another opinion" |
Edited by - Steak n Sabre on 02/27/2003 00:04:56 |
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Itchload
= Cult of Ray =
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 10:29:10
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at 37, even if Frank made a big spiffy produced pop record, he would not have a hit. The proof? Robert Pollard made a big spiffy produced pop record at around that age and it didn't sell any better than his other Guided by Voices albums (Do the Collapse with the ultra catchy "Teenage FBI" as the single). It's a time tested fact. All it leads to is pissing off some of your fan base and eventually the artists all end up returning to their roots. Frank's well aware of this I'm sure. I mean, Men in Black is one of the catchiest singles ever, and it came out right at that Weezer post-grunge pop-punk time and it still didn't sell off the charts.
But anyway, what the author of this thread was talking about was have a big hit among the indie crowd. No one needs to go get all upset like he means Frank's gonna sell out and be like Britney Spears and all the other stuff people get riled up about. He just meant have an underground hit, something along the lines of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or something (though maybe not that extreme) |
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Steak n Sabre
* Dog in the Sand *
Uzbekistan
1013 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 11:48:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Itchload
I mean, Men in Black is one of the catchiest singles ever, and it came out right at that Weezer post-grunge pop-punk time and it still didn't sell off the charts.
I thought that tune was a lock for the 'Men in Black' soundtrack. It should have been playing during the closing credits instead of a weak Will Smith effort....Oh well. |
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leokearse
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
203 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2003 : 07:05:28
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I think the time is ripe for a big Frank Black hit. You can't really get catchier or better than songs like "San Antonio TX" and "End of Miles". Plus he's got a solid, growing fanbase. And look at all the bands who are hugely Pixies/FB influenced and use similar production methods - the White Stripes, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters etc. And alt country (Bonnie Prince Billy, Lambchop, Jim White, Handsome Family, Scud Mountain Boys, Calexico, Corb Lund Band) is just about the biggest thing right now - well it is in Scotland, don't know about the rest of the world.
I saw FB+C in Vancouver about 2 years ago and the place was hoaching - I reckon they sell out everywhere they go - don't know what record sales are like but bands on indy labels always sell more than the charts give them credit for.
- Leo |
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wilsmyth
- FB Fan -
Canada
17 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2003 : 18:28:13
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| i think... frank black is what he is... if the is a hit... i say good... if not it does matter. it took him a long time to get past the whole pixie thing, and he has done so by consistantly putting great stuff... if people see that... cool... if not, what difference does it make, as long as he rocks out... although it would be cool to him on tv again. |
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OliverK
- FB Fan -
43 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2003 : 15:56:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Chris Knight
I sure hope the Catholics get more invitations to do TV appearances. My mouth is watering for a Conan O'Brien spot.
I don't think things like that happen via an "invite".
The record label or management books the appearance. So that's who you'd talk to if you wanted to see Frank on the old cathode ray. |
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OliverK
- FB Fan -
43 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2003 : 16:02:08
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When folks start talking about music that's a would be/should be/could be hit, somehow the fact that American radioplay is bought and sold gets frequently left out.
Nothing becomes a radio hit in America anymore unless its backed by a rich label who spends a jillion dollars. Peep this article (http://dir.salon.com/ent/feature/2001/03/14/payola/index.html), yo. |
Edited by - OliverK on 03/01/2003 16:02:42 |
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Chris Knight
= Cult of Ray =
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2003 : 18:59:25
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| Of course bands aren't "invited" to perform on late-night talk shows. But a band's popularity (among other lesser factors) determine whether its management's solicitation solidifies into an actual gig. You don't suppose the Catholics are purposely avoiding television appearances or don't have the time for them? |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2003 : 08:55:15
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quote:
Originally posted by OliverK
When folks start talking about music that's a would be/should be/could be hit, somehow the fact that American radioplay is bought and sold gets frequently left out.
Nothing becomes a radio hit in America anymore unless its backed by a rich label who spends a jillion dollars. Peep this article (http://dir.salon.com/ent/feature/2001/03/14/payola/index.html), yo.
It's capitalism and the "free market" at it's worst. Since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, four companies control over 60% of US airwaves. Read a little more here:
http://members.cox.net/rwagoner/columns/2002/jun2102.html |
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leokearse
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
203 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2003 : 09:27:33
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I'm sure FB+C could get on teevee nay problem - you've got to remember that when people book bands for a teevee show they're wanting spectacle, charisma and entertainment just as much as they want someone who has shifted X units in the past financial quarter. Plus the people who are now studio execs or whatever grew up listening to the Pixies and FB - I'm sure you've noticed how Pixies tunes have been on adverts (Smirnoff) and in films (Fight Club, Unbreakable etc)?
- Leo |
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toxicguppy
- FB Fan -
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2003 : 13:23:43
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If greater reknown comes to Frank Black, it certainly won't be because he sold out. I doubt that you'll be hearing '21 Reasons' on some Clear Channel Communication's radio station anytime soon. :)
However, if I may venture somewhat off-topic, you may take a look around you at the scene of this world. Millions and millions protest Bush's War on February 15th all over the globe. The vanishing of American rights and the injustices of the powers that be are growing more and more notorious with each day and the two sides are becoming even more hardened against one another.
I guess that my point in all of this is that it is somewhat possible that we are on the verge of another cultural revolution. As music is greatly influenced by the conditions of the society that we live in, this could mean some big changes in the music world. And as you mentioned earlier, though the media seems to try to smother it out, there is an increase in the popularity of bands that DO NOT DO THINGS like Justin Timberlake, Creed, or Brittany Spears and her various assortment of clones.
Perhaps I'm just being too hopeful, but the possibility is there. Great advancements, new ideals and discoveries, and yes, even tragedy has given birth to great artistic achievement (both musical and visual) and enlightenment for the entire history of civilized man. There is no denying that great and/or perhaps terrible things are on the horizon not just for the U.S., but for the whole of mankind. Perhaps we will see a rebirth of good music.
And do keep in mind that just because something becomes popular it doesn't make it "pop". When someone gains fame as a result of their own unique and individual talents, it shouldn't be looked down on. Because there is a WIDE gap between that and selling out.
Inarguably, Frank Black is a legend. Perhaps not a legend in the way that Led Zepplin or Bob Dylan were with their fame, but the impression that he left upon the face of rock/alternative music is set in stone. Kurt Cobain, in an interview, was once quoted as expressing his embarassment at the huge success of the anthem of generation X, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. He stated that he was influenced so heavily by the Pixies that he felt that he was doing them an injustice with the success of that song. ^_-
Who knows if FB and the C's tunes will ever be popular? Whether he does or not, you can't take his REAL success away from him. It's already happened. I admit, though, that I was ecstatic when I was watching the rolling credits on the Powerpuff Girls Movie and I heard them play 'Pray For the Girls'! :) I had no idea that he had a song on that soundtrack and when I heard it, I was overjoyed that the song will likely be heard by children and teenage fans all over the place.
He's a Rock-God to all his fans. I think that's amazing in itself!
"Ni!" |
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Stevio10
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1116 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2003 : 21:36:38
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| I wouldn't be all that surprised if Frank had a hit with a single or an album, but there seems to be 2 stumbling blocks, radio play and music tv play. For the former, well i dont listen to the radio all that much anymore but ive heard the pixies about 4 times on the radio in the past few years let alone a Frank Black song. For the latter, well he just doesnt do videos anymore, am i right? to the guy from scotland, leocarse (sorry if i spelled your name wrong, its getting late and my memory is on the blink) where in Scotland are you from? Were you at the gig at King Tut's in Glasgow 2 years back? It's funny to hear someone else talk about Bonny Prince Billy and Calexico besides myself! Was looking through a Vox magazine from 93 and saw Mark Goodier's dream lineup of Frank Black, Johnny Marr, Chris Novoselic and Mike Bordin! Quite interesting, get nostalgic looking at old music magazines. Also, you heard of a band called the Silencers? Saw an advert for their album in the same mag, was funny because my friend's band "the sleeping prophets" tour with them these days! Feel free to check out their page on yahoo, some songs available to download and some cool or not so cool pics from last halloween party! Cheers |
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leokearse
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
203 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2003 : 09:25:13
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Howdy, no I missed him at King Tuts, saw that tour (Dog in the Sand) in Vancouver though. Saw FB at the Garage in Glasgow way back in about 95/96 on the Cult of Ray tour. I'm from Dumfries btw, nobody ever comes to play here (actually the Jesus and Mary Chain came on the Munki tour - they quit half way through and said they had never been to such a shithole and they would never come near Dumfries again!!! has that effect on most people). Out of the friends I grew up with here, I reckon half would call Frank Black and the Catholics their favourite band. Which would suggest that only Scooter would draw a bigger crowd than FB+C at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.
What's the URL of this silencers page?
- Leo |
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askyoufellers
- FB Fan -
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2003 : 11:21:39
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| It would be great to see Mr. Black fly accross my tv set on a hovercraft again. oh man, that was classic. |
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Stevio10
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1116 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2003 : 20:03:25
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| Hi...only seen Frank Black the once though my brother did see the Pixies back in 91 i think at the SECC, the infamous one where it got stopped about 3 songs into the set. Heard a wee bit of interesting news, New Musical Bandwagon...sorry, i mean New Musical Express, listed a top 100 albums of all time the other day. I dont buy the magazine though I heard from a colleague that the top 2 albums are the Stone Roses debut then the Pixies Doolittle. Still sure the rest of it was full of Hives and Strokes though. Not too sure on the Silencers webpage, theyve done quite a few albums and just putting the finishing touches on a new one, tour Europe a lot, places like Switzerland and France mostly. I'll get back to you on that one. Anyway, cheers fur noo |
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Itchload
= Cult of Ray =
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2003 : 13:16:31
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| I think Frank's pretty much like a Neil Young or Lou Reed type figure now. Radio plays his old stuff, he's made his "classic" (classic in a music magazine's opinion) albums and now he'll just continue to record new albums and all his adoring fans will keep buying them. I mean, you don't hear any new Lou Reed or Neil Young songs on the radio do you? I think it's good, because when you have a steady fanbase, it allows you to be prolific and also to continue as a musician for a long time. One can only hope Frank's still releasing new stuff when he's 60, but either way it'll be entirely up to him, as his fanbase will always be their to support him. |
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Stevio10
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1116 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2003 : 20:29:10
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| Just a message to leokearse, thought you might be interested about Evan Dando's new album if you already haven't heard. The backing band are members from Calexico and Giant Sand, heard some of it, sounds quite good. Hes doing a set in Virgin Megastore on Buchanan Street sometime in the next couple of weeks. Interesting as Rich Gilbert played Pedal Steel on the Lemonheads last LP Car Button Cloth. The style is pretty much in the same vein as bands such as Calexico (susrpisingly enough!) and such "alt/country" ilk (though im no fan of genre's as they seem to pigeonhole bands/artists). However, in my opinion Evan Dando and another example, Stephen Malkmus' new albums don't have an appeal of Black Letter Days for example. I know it's not nice or even relevant in some cases to compare them and I love all their stuff, but Black Letter Days is one of my favourite albums and to me is a milestone in Frank Black's career. I suppose Frank has been more prolific of late and his music style has switched progressively whereas other artists such as Malkmus and Dando havent had the same consistency of band members or as much time and experience of being a "solo" artist. Both top notch albums though. |
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Stevio10
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1116 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2003 : 20:34:20
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| Oh and as to me personally, well im from the Shetland islands, but living in Glasgow so you can imagine pretty much next to no one tours up there! Well, actually, that's not strictly true, you get the occasional band that ventures into the unknown...Ian Brown, Pulp, Idlewild most recently. Remember Julian Cope playing a few years back too, and once upon a time the Smith played...though they got booed off the stage. The reason? Well, no one really knows, maybe because they werent Aerosmith or AC/DC!! Thats about really...unless you count Runrig... |
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Bartholomew
= Cult of Ray =
USA
344 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2003 : 06:08:51
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| It does appear Frank is on the verge of a popularity boost (at least in critics circles). Like someone else said, ever since Dog In The Sand, critics have perked their ears up a bit. So (assuming the rumors are true) just wait until the word gets out that Frank collaborated with Van Dyke Parks. Mere mention of the name VDP gets most of them sweating excitedly in all kinds of embarrassing places. It should be interesting to see what happens. I for one hope it blows up big and Frankie rides the wave high. |
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TOTIPOTENT
- Master of Differentiation -
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2003 : 09:39:25
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I messed up the '666 Read' count...whoahahah (yes that's my live laugh)
61 posts, yeah!
Differentiation at it's best... |
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TOTIPOTENT
- Master of Differentiation -
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2003 : 09:41:09
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I have Dyslexia... (hint: up there)
oh yeah 62 posts!
Differentiation at it's best... |
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