______________________________________________________________________________ // // The \\kyway \\ // skyway@novia.net Issue #42 September 23rd, 1996 ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) 1996 Bastards of Young (BOY/BetaOmegaYamma) Productions list manager: Matthew Tomich (matt@novia.net) technical consultant and thanks to: Bob Fulkerson of Novia Networking ______________________________________________________________________________ SKYWAY SUBSCRIPTION/LISTSERVER INFORMATION Send all listserver commands in the body of a letter to "majordomo@novia.net" To subscribe to the //Skyway\\: subscribe skyway To unsubscribe from the //Skyway\\: unsubscribe skyway THE //SKYWAY\\ WEB PAGE Check here for back issues, lyrics, discography, and other files. http://www.novia.net/~matt/sky/skyway.html ______________________________________________________________________________ Send submissions to: skyway@novia.net ______________________________________________________________________________ 0. Goddamn Job (M@) I. Aloha! A. Robert Hart B. Adam Gimbel C. Phil Clayton D. Suzanne Boggs E. Martin Andersen F. James Dye G. Nancy LaMotta H. Melissa Portz I. Mick Chorba J. David Carroll K. Daniel MacEachern L. Steve Bentley II. Paul stuff A. Paul n' Tommy cross paths (Marlena) B. Rolling Stone Random Note (Andy) III. Tommy/Perfect stuff A. Tommy pisses off Kiss (Uncle Peebrain) B. SonicNet Perfect chat transcript (Becky Blenkush) IV. Chris Mars art opening (Gondola Bob) V. Miskelainyus A. Personal note (Maureen) B. Feelin' Minnesota review (two words - it stinks!) (Mr. NahNahNah) C. Lookin' for a live tape! (Mario Gonzales) D. Big Star 25th Anniversary Tribute Album (Henk Rijks) ______________________________________________________________________________ 0. GODDAMN JOB I think I've found a job, but there's these hiring delays that keep popping up left and right. I think I need to mail their human resources department a #6 sized titanium crowbar so they can forcible remove their cranium from their...ah, I'll harp about it some other time. Meanwhile, if anybody knows anybody important in charge of hirin' people at UNC, please let me know. Between the red-tape with all the human resources departments in trying to get hired somewhere and lookin' for a joint to live...wait a second, isn't this the same junk that I wrote in the LAST issue of the Skyway?!! Uh... Regarding the note before about the broadcast, it's wasn't live. It turned out that it was recorded August 4th. And unfortunately it turned out that Paul wasn't to be on Homicide either...from the man himself, apparently he said "that fell through". Sorry for the false alarm. If anybody recorded the Westerberg broadcast, there's people clamoring for a tape tree! And as before, all the Westerberg reviews will be in another issue following this one, probably next week. Frustrated, [un]incorporated, M@ ______________________________________________________________________________ I. FRESHMAN WEEK Date: Fri, 6 Sep 1996 15:41:30 -0700 (PDT) From: rhart Alas I must admit that when most of you started listening to the Mats I was enjoying my father's Genesis album, but in high school my newspaper advisor had an All Shook Down poster, which caught my eye. About that time I also saw "Singles" and fell in love with "Dyslexic Heart." At that point, though was still not all that taken by the Mats. After some listening I realized what a gem I had found, though. To this day, besides this group, I know two people who are really into the Mats. The songs that really touched me at first I think were "Here Comes a Regular" and "Can't Hardly Wait," which echoed a lot of the things I was going through at the time. PTMM was the first album I heard, and has to be my favorite. I am going to meet Paul for the first time this month when he comes to LA. My old newspaper advisor is getting married this weekend, and I got Paul tickets for the new couple. It all came full circle, eh? -Robert Hart University of Southern California Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 19:16:26 -0700 From: dumyhead@millennianet.com (Adam Gimbel) I just got my first real long Skyway digest and am absolutely spent. Reading 'Mats fans talk about their love of the band and how much they identify with the lyrics left me exhausted. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I was gonna quit the list because I only have two albums and saw them once but I love listening to the fans. The only band I like to hear fans discuss more is Big Star, but, that's a different deal, innit? Anyways, regarding Tucker, the band I was gushing about before. They do have a tape and an upcoming CD out through Filter Records. I cannot recommend it enough. I've already some mail about my 'Mats comparisons and interest in the band has been great. I've forwarded it to Filter Records whose e-mail address is filterrcrd@aol.com. When people ask me what they sound like, I want to say "sadly beautiful". It's nice to be somewhere where I know people will understand. Adam (The Artist Formerly Known As Dumyhead) ______ |. .| Visit: | > | "Adam & Summer Are Dummyheads" |____| http://millennianet.com/dumyhead/ _\_______|________ home of: / | /\\ "Joining A Fanpage:Jellyfish Tales" | \_/ "Picture Yourself In A Vote On The Beatles" | / \ / \ _/ \_ From: "Phil Clayton" Date: Thu, 5 Sep 1996 23:26:37 +1200 Subject: "keep tellin me what I been missin" Hello Matt & The Skyway I'm Phil and I tried to subscribe about 3 years ago when at Victoria University in Wellington. For some reason I was unable to receive it. But now I'm living in Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand, doing admin for an Internet Service Provider to community groups and am receiving The Skyway :). About 7 or 8 years ago the Public Library in Wellington had a free record lending service. We used to get about 6 records out per week and 5 would be total crap, but sometimes one would be a real gem. I can't recall exactly what motivated me to select Let It Be. It was the best album I ever borrowed from the library. Now it's the era of user pays and the Wellington library has bins full of music that is no longer listened to. The music I listen to generally consists of honest vocals, great guitar, and catchy tunes (eg The `Mats!). Mostly it's punk/hardcore stuff like SMUT, Compos Mentis, Lung, Subhumans etc, but often mellower (well relatively) stuff, like The Cake Kitchen or Pretty & Twisted or Mecca Normal, gets a hearing and so does weird shit such as Wendy House or Tall Dwarfs. Christchurch has a busy live scene with too many boring bands with names that start with S, but there's usually gigs to go to each week. I only knew a couple of people who vaguely enjoyed listening to the Mats in Wellington - although nobody complained when I slipped their albums on at parties. In Christchurch I haven't encountered any other fans. Availability of recordings is limited but the only album I haven't been able to find is Shit Hits The Fans. The projects of ex-Mats (eg. Bash & Pop, Mars' solo stuff) can generally only be found in the North Island. But I saw the video for Love Untold in the pub a couple of weeks ago (I almost fell off the barstool, so surprised I was at it being aired). My only Mats story comes is having taped some of my favourite songs to listen to whilst in the kitchen, I recently noticed while chopping garlic strange noises emanating from the tape deck. Closer investigation revealed that the opposite side of the tape was being played backwards at a lower volume level and at the same time as the proper side was playing. Imagine Heyday with a backwards Unsatisfied in the background! Have Fun! Phil Clayton phil@ch.planet.gen.nz Date: Fri, 6 Sep 1996 21:00:10 -0500 From: hedgehog@usit.net (Suzanne and Scott) I've been on this list for months, but I've been too busy with work to even read the Skyway, much less write to it. I'm glad to say I was able to read the latest issue as well as rejoin the real world. My Replacements story is not really that interesting: I discovered Let It Be when it came out, bought the old stuff, saw them in '87 in Nashville, played in a band that covered "Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out" and "I.O.U.," continued to buy up through Don't Tell A Soul, still love 'em, don't care much for Westerberg solo, love Chris Mars' first two albums, love Bash n' Pop, still love the Replacements, the end. My boyfriend Scott's story is better: in 1982, his band Shadow 15 opened for the Replacements in Nashville. Later, Paul told someone Scott's band sounded like a "shitty Husker Du." They took it as a compliment. About me: I'm 26, I'm an editor for a sports magazine and I love playing house with my shitty-Husker-Du-sounding boyfriend and our two little pound-mutts. Next year Scott and I will be getting married and I am still looking for that perfect non-traditional tune to accompany me down the aisle. Suggestions are welcomed. Other stuff I (still) listen to nowadays: Elvis Costello (just saw him at the Ryman--mindblowing), the Muffs, Jonny Polonsky, Overwhelming Colorfast, Dancehall Crashers, Superchunk, Eels, Superdrag, plus some jazz, some oldies and some other wacked-out stuff to keep my mind fresh. Now that I'm back, I look forward to keeping up with the antics of the ex-Replacements. This is an excellent list. Suzanne Boggs Date: 8 Sep 1996 08:50:40 -0500 From: "Martin Andersen" Subject: hello to everyone My name is Marty. I grew up in Winona, Minnesota; went to college at Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts; lived in Chicago for a few years after graduating; and now find myself in medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. I first heard about the Replacements in '85, when "Tim" came out. At the time I was into British bands -- the Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Chameleons, the Smiths etc. Aside from "Here Comes a Regular" and "Within Your Reach", I thought the Replacements pretty much sucked. What sacrilege from a Minnesotan! And so my opinion remained until quite recently. From 8/94-6/95 I was in a Catholic volunteer program in Chicago called Amate House. The people involved in the program were really cool (definitely the best year of my life), and several of us went out all the time. One night at Shuba's (spelling?) Bar in Chicago, in the midst of getting extremely intoxicated, a friend went to the juke box and put on "Alex Chilton", "Skyway", and "Can't Hardly Wait". When I heard those songs, I was hooked. I quickly bought all of the albums (which is not easy when you're a volunteer getting only $150/month + room and board and trying to maintain a social life). The reason I love the Replacements is the fact that they don't try to impress or startle the listener (something I used to love when I listened to those previously mentioned Brit bands). Morrissey sings about wanting to be hit by a ten ton truck; Paul just sings "I'm so unsatisfied". Ian McCulloch throws in obscure references about the playwright John Webster; Paul's only reference to a cultural icon is Alex Chilton. Robert Smith dresses like an eccentric to stand out; Paul tries to blend into the crowd. This simplicity results in spare, unpretentious music that is unmatched. "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "My White Devil" cannot even compare to "Unsatisfied" or "Alex Chilton". Robert Smith looks like an idiot while Paul looks like a man who is aging gracefully. I hope I made my point somewhat clear. The more I listen to their music, the more I'm convinced that the Replacements are the greatest American rock band of the past 20 years. Forget Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam, REM, Husker Du. At best, these bands are good, maybe great (read Husker Du, Nirvana). At worst, they suck, and I can't understand why anyone would want to listen to them (read Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam, and anything past "Reckoning" for REM). What else to say? I guess I can list my ten favorite albums: 10) "Marquee Moon"--Television 9) "Singles Going Steady"--Buzzcocks 8) "Never Mind the Bollocks"--Sex Pistols 7) "Loveless"--My Bloody Valentine 6) "Underwater Moonlight"--Soft Boys 5) "The Velvet Underground" 4) "Warehouse: Songs and Stories"--Husker Du 3) "Murmur"--REM 2) "Sister Lovers"--Big Star 1) "Let It Be"/"Tim"/"Pleased to Meet Me" Anyway, I won't take up any more space other than to say I saw Paul perform this past summer at "Taste of Chicago". It was great. Date: Sun, 8 Sep 1996 21:49:54 -0400 (EDT) From: James Dye As is custom at Skyway, here is my story of discovering the 'Mats: I had heard a lot of great things about the Replacements for a long time, and having discovered Husker Du, I was really starving to hear them. But I hadn't been able to listen to any of their stuff because I couldn't find it on tape or vinyl. Then, I received a totally unexpected gift one Christmas - a CD player. The only problem was this - none of the record stores I frequented carried the 'Mats on CD, either. After endless searching, I finally found one store that carried only one copy on CD of -Sorry Ma-. I bought it and breathlessly ran home to listen to it. The only problem was, I didn't think it lived up to the band's reputation. I took it as a good hardcore record, like the Descendents or the Circle Jerks, but not much more. So I wrote the 'Mats off... (don't despair, my story takes a turn for the better.) Some time later, I search a new record store for a Residents album (which I still haven't picked up) and found some 'Mats stuff, including one with an song titled "Alex Chilton." I thought it must have taken a lot of courage to write a song like that, and as a Big Star fan, I decided to try again and picked it up. When I listened to it, I was truly astonished by how great it was (well, except for maybe Shooting Dirty Pool). I became transfixed, especially because some of the songs (Alex Chilton, The Ledge, Nevermind, Skyway) held musical values that I "discovered" I had been missing in my listening. This music wasn't elitist hardcore or soapy top-40...it stood on it's own merits without pretense. I was also amazed by the musical range, which I found rare (who said the 'Mats couldn't play?) Later, I picked up -Tim-, -Let It Be-, -Hootenanny- etc. There was no one defining moment when I became converted; it was just a process of discovering that the 'Mats music was something I had been looking for without knowing it. (This is usually the case with my favorite bands). What I love about the Replacements is the honesty (of course) but also the warm humanity that critics overlook in writing about the band (disastrous live shows come first, then alcohol, etc.) I have a roommate this year whose listening tastes are only defined by MTV's schedule for the last three years, which seems like a sad way to appreciate music. But at the same time, I think a great many underground bands record music that stands less for any beliefs and more as a way to isolate themselves for the benefit of the underground. To me, Replacements' music was always soulful and human in a way that ignored public expectation for something better. Just think of the song this digest is named for. I'm not a slavish fan because I skip over quite a few tracks on -Hootenany- and -Let It Be- (like the Kiss cover, and "Seen Your Video") Actually, the only album I usually listen to all the way through is -Tim-. But the 'Mats at their best made songs about real feelings, which is what great music should be about. Well, that and fucking shit up. Too bad I can never see them live. James Date: Thu, 12 Sep 1996 11:37:04 -0400 (EDT) From: Nancy B LaMotta Subject: Hello, folks Just found this list last night, and am pleased to be here; look forward to hearing from other Replacement devotees. My name's Nancy. Married 16 years, we've two kids aged 2 and 5, I'm a university financial aid administrator (thrills!), been there 19 years. Grew up having to listen to Mario Lanza, Lawrence Welk, Herb Alpert, cha-cha records, and soundtracks. In 1960 my parents bought a "hi-fi" (before that, we listened to 78 RPM stuff). First LP I ever bought was "Bee Gees' 1st" (now, now, don't laugh!). Have always been a British Invasion fan--Beatles, Bee Gees, Kinks, Led Zeppelin, Caravan, Moody Blues, Yes kind'o gal. First concert I ever saw was Creedence Clearwater Revival, Boston Garden, 1969. Last concert--Paul Westerberg at the 9:30 Club, Washington, DC! It was a thing of beauty. And a bargain compared to what Minnesotans had to pay to see him, I hear. The first Replacements album I stumbled upon was "All Shook Down," when it came out because I adore the song "Merry Go Round." Hated the rest of the album at the time. The next thing that sank into my brain was "Alex Chilton" (heck--I used to own singles by the Boxtops!) so I bought "Pleased to Meet Me." I liked it much more but still wasn't moved enough to purchase or listen further. Then got "Tim." Gave up, didn't like it enough, the time wasn't right, something. Went back to worshipping The Church and XTC. When I first heard "Dyslexic Heart," I knew that voice--the Replacements guy! But didn't buy the album. Then, recently, I saw "Eventually" in Tower Records after weeks of hearing "Love Untold," and decided to risk it. The time was ripe at last. Went out and bought all the Replacements albums I was missing, and "14 Songs," within two weeks. I love it all. Amazing to think how many of the songs on these LPs I already knew from radio, but never realized they were by the Replacements--so I feel right at home. I suspect I'd feel differently about the group if I'd first heard them in my teen years--they could have filled my need for Deep Purple, perhaps. The honesty of their lyrics appeals to me. The Replacements don't use big words, they don't refer much to things they've read, myths, history, nursery rhymes--they just talk from the gut Best of all, there's Paul W's voice--the low register, the breaks in it, the yells, the sobs. Wow. When listening to "Hootenany" for first time after buying it, I thought I recognized "Within Your Reach" (one of my top five Replacements songs). Pondered. A few hours later, suddenly I remembered: the film, "Say Anything." As soon as I had a chance, I stuck the movie on the VCR and zipped to the end credits, expecting to hear the song. No, wait--further back! Yes, the song plays during John Cusack's departure from his sister's house. Pulled that memory out of a hat! I recall being struck by the song first time I saw the film. Great is my regret that I've never seen the Replacements in concert. Ah, well, finally jumped on the train, even if it's the caboose. 'ta luego-- Nance From: Melissa Portz Subject: another PW, 'Mats fanatic (I hate that word) Date: Sun, 15 Sep 1996 15:41:09 -0500 Hello fellow Skywayers, My name is Melissa, I'm from a suburb of Minneapolis. I'm a new subscriber and got chills when I found the Skyway. I've loved the 'Mats for a long time but just recently got totally hung up on them. I have two favorite bands -- The 'Mats & PW, and the Gear Daddies & Martin Zellar. It seems like that's all I listen to nowadays. I also like indie rock and rockabilly. I'm not much of a talker or writer, but I will try to do my best. I went to the recent PW show at The State theater here in MPLS. It was a phenomanal (whatever, so I can't spell) show! After the encore, he did a body stand on his guitar, then smashed it into pieces on his speaker and left the stage. I don't know what Paul was trying to prove but it brought back memories of the 'Mats days. I have the review from the Star & Trib but we won't talk about that - the review sucked - they said he looked like David Lettermen, as if! I really regret the days of old before the 'Mats broke up What was I thinking, I wish I could have seen at least one show, all of them at that. I want to thank Matt for doing this Skyway thing - this is the best thing I've found on the net. I seem to spend all my time (well, not all I do have somewhat of a life) there. It's hard to say what my favorite tunes are cause I like just about all of them. My fave 'Mats records are PTMM and Hootenany. I just got Eventually and I love it - its almost worn already. I have a request, if ANYBODY has a copy of "When the Shit Hits the Fans" please e-mail me at melpor@citilink.com - I will pay for a copy! My friend used to have it and it got stolen [LAME]. That person should be...well I won't say. I'd also like to get a hold of some bootlegs. I don't have much to give, which I regret, but I will try to find stuff. Well, it's finals week at school and I should try to study! Bye for now - Melissa. Date: Sun, 15 Sep 1996 21:35:22 -0700 From: facedown@ix.netcom.com (Michael L Chorba) I just subscribed to the Skyway & got my first issue so I guess it's my obligation to write this letter. I'm amazed at how many people out there feel the same way I do about the Mats & Paul. I'm 26, in graduate school at Trenton State College in NJ, and play guitar and sing in a band called the DIPSOMANIACS. I guess I fit into the stereotypical description of a Mats fan. A white, middle class, lonely sot who drives a mid-eighties maroon Chevy Nova (how that fits i don't know but it just seems to) and as far as songwriting goes I guess I am sort of a Paul wanna be. I've been a huge fan of the band since I ordered All Shook Down through a record club on a whim. I've never listened to a CD more. From there I traced my way back through all the releases and can't honestly say I have a favorite - I like 'em all. What I don't have and am dying to get my hands on is a copy of their live release - "The Shit Hits the Fans" and I need to get a copy of "If Only You Were Lonely." If anybody out therehas these and would send me a copy or let me know how I can order it please e-mail ASAP. After reading a bunch of the Skyway letters I assume Paul sat on his tour bus and chatted after many of his current shows. I was one of the lucky people who got to meet him after the 8/3 show in Philadelphia and I had absolutely nothing intelligent to say. I can't believe how nervous I was. He seemed very relaxed and was very genuine - after I complimented him on the show he looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and said thanks. I'm really pissed that I didn't have one of my band's CD's or cassettes with me to give him. He probably wouldn't have listened but you never know. Along with Pete Townshend, he's basically my favorite & most inspiring songwriter. My band always throws in one or two Mats songs in our sets and honestly many people don't know who the Replacements were. I've gotten compliments after our shows on "I'll Be You" or "Alex Chilton" from people who think I wrote 'em - I wish. Paul's the greatest. For a while we covered Waiting for Somebody & people heard of it cause of Singles. After reading Skyway I'm reassured to find that there are many people out there who are tuned in to one of the greatest songwriters. I hope it doesn't take him another three years to come out with a new record. I guess I've said enough. Mick Chorba Date: Fri, 13 Sep 1996 00:19:43 -0700 From: "David M. Carroll" Saw the Replacments and the Reducers at the Living Room in Providence a long time ago. It was the type of show that built the legend. Bob, in a dress, flat on his back on stage, drunk, watching the audience before the show. Paul pissed off and miserable, sulking behind the drum kit. Chris Mars singing Godzilla. And an audience hell bent on civil disorder. It was a great night. Seen some version of the boys ten times since. Never quite like first, but all pretty near amazing. For at least a couple of songs on their worst night, or a whole evening on their best, the Mats always gave me money's worth. And sometimes they were just the funniest band going. Keep up the good work. David Carroll Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 13:38:43 -0300 From: dmaceach@is2.dal.ca (Daniel MacEachern) Subject: first mats experiences Hi, how is everyone? I bought my first Replacements album yesterday and I wish I'd bought one years ago. For me, it all began when I bought the Singles soundtrack about five years ago or whenever and being completely blown away by two songs on the album by a guy called Paul Westerberg. When 14 Songs came out, I bought that too, and was instantly glad I did. I bought Paul's new album this summer, and loved it too. Anyway, yesterday I was flipping through the record store and came across Tim and figured since I'm such a big fan of Paul Westerberg, I might as well check out his earlier stuff. So I bought Tim. I immediately recognized Bastards of Young from when I saw the cool video a long time ago and I decided to subscribe to the list - next week at a coffeehouse me and my band the Mockingbirds are going to play Waitress in the Sky. So anyway, that's it. My name's Danny, I'm a fourth-year university student in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I'm a fresh Replacements fan. And I won't take up any more space. Danny Halifax Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 14:11:56 +0000 From: Steven Bentley Hi, I'm Bentley and I am new to Skyway. I was stumbling around the net (just got it at work finally!) and linked up to it - a key stumble indeed. I'm 27, soon to be 28 (Oct. 2) and live in Los Angeles - don't ask me why. Born and raised I guess. I do hate it though but will probably never leave because I never finish anything I start - me and everybody else right?.... I'm a drummer, not a musician. I started playing clubs at 16 (Tommy definately has one on me). I stopped playing a few years ago - my dream too tired to come true - and just became plain old angry at everybody and everything. I first heard the Replacements when I was in High School when "Let it Be" came out. I really dug it at the time but sort of lost track of them as I entered college and was playing with my band. It wasn't until I heard "I'll Be You" that I became a fanatic and did a whole rediscovery of sorts. That is my favorite song - I wish I wrote it - it just sums up my whole life to a tee - like most Mats songs do . Pain, despair, emptiness, alienation are feelings I know all too well. I am starting to realize that I have to accept this so called life I have. I'm having a hard time with the death of the American Dream. I've worked hard for others, achieved little if anything, and I've had it! My only solace is music. Since I gave up on the belief that I could ever make it in music, I decided to work in the Music Industry. Sounds logical right? Hey, I'm creative, smart, knowledgeable - people will respect my ideas... wrong!!!! It's that old saying - it's not what you know, but who you know... so true. Whatever happened to working hard for success? I know it's a cliche, but my generation sucks. But hey, enough of my disgruntled rambling. When I listen to the Replacements I feel like I belong and not alone. My favorite songs are: I'll Be You, Unsatisfied, Here Comes A Regular, Can't Hardly Wait, The Ledge, and Bastards of Young ...although I like all of the others too!!! I can't really pick a favorite album - I kind of switch every year or so...right now I would have to say it is TIM. As far as live shows, I am kicking myself because I never saw them live...the one regret I now have! I am a late bloomer who worked his way backwards. I have seen Westerberg solo many times and Perfect as well - I know, it's not the same..... As far as other bands, I like the Hoodoo Gurus, The Jam, Pretenders (original line-up of course), REM, Nirvana etc...but nothing comes even close to my love for the Replacements! As far as a Replacements love interest, I did have a long distance thing going with this girl who was a MATS lover in Detroit - didn't turn out well and I won't bore you with the details...we met in Las Vegas...said enough?... I think that gives you a good idea about the guy that I am. I'm glad to be a part of Skyway now that I have been initiated so to speak. Anyone wishing to correspond (much welcomed) e-mail me at: Bentman@Earthlink.net I'm going to pour myself to sleep, Bentley P.S. Westy's bass player has his own home page (can you believe this?) Check it out if you dare... http://www.visi.com/holistic/Mus(e)clectic.html ______________________________________________________________________________ II. THE BALLAD OF EL PAULO From: marlenals@aol.com (MarlenaLS) Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: From 9/4 Addicted to Noise... Date: 4 Sep 1996 15:17:41 -0400 Former Replacements Paths Cross No, they are not getting back together. Yet. Addicted To Noise staff writer Gil Kaufman reports: If it seems like the phrase "former member of the Replacements" has been cropping up more often than usual lately, that's because Minneapolis' favorite bad boys have been all over the place this year, with all four ex-members (excluding, of course, the late Bob Stinson) releasing albums. Paul Westerberg started the whole thing by releasing his second solo record, Eventually in April, then Tommy Stinson's new band, Perfect, dropped the EP, When Squirrels Play Chicken in July and just this week we received the advance of Slim Dunlap's great second solo effort, Times Like This (October 22) and heard that reclusive drummer Chris Mars will release his fourth solo CD, Anonymous Botch on September 24. But the stars are aligning in even weirder ways for the boys. Just last month (August 1) , Perfect played the Mercury Lounge in New York just one night after Westerberg played a pair of shows at the Irving Plaza (both were reviewed in the August 3 New York Times). And, on the evening of September 14, Mars will celebrate the opening of his art show at the Burning City Gallery in Los Angeles at 7 P.M., just hours before Westerberg takes the stage across town at the El Ray Theater. So, we asked one of the boys' handlers, what are the chances of a full-fledged Replacements' reunion, something one of the other boys' handlers was trying to arrange when she uncovered some vintage photos and footage of the band? "Paul played on Slim's new record and Tommy played on Paul's record, but I think Paul and Chris are still pretty estranged. Chris said some pretty band things about the band when his last record came out." Bottom line, not a chance. ------------------------------------------------- New York Trash http://www.nytrash.com From: DROIDWH4@aol.com Date: Mon, 9 Sep 1996 08:45:07 -0400 Subject: Rolling Stone & Paul The following appeared in the September 19th 1996 issue of ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE, in the Random Notes section: [appears a picture of Paul in a grey suit jamming on electric guitar, with Tommy Keene in the background, over the caption: Westerberg plays one Mats song, "Nobody."] "I look at it as constructing a rainbow, because the pot of gold is already there," says ex-Replacement Paul Westerberg (whose talent-to-record-sales ratio is criminally off kilter) of his in-store appearance at New York's Tower Records. "Sometimes it's a physical thing. You have to go out and sweat." And sign some autographs. He did just that and played "Love Untold" and "MamaDaddyDid," off EVENTUALLY, which includes "Good Day," a tribute to band mate Bob Stinson, who died last year. "That's a song I don't want to perform anymore," he says. I'm proud I was able to keep it together long enough to record it." Keep up the good work and thanks! Andy ______________________________________________________________________________ III. TOMMY N' PERFECT From: PBrain1966@aol.com Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 18:30:53 -0400 Subject: Tommy on Kiss I.O.U. Nothing... by Tommy Stinson I don't think any of the Replacements were really big Kiss fans. We were more into the ludicrousness, the kitsch of it. We appreciated the sheer party spirit of it all, but "Black Diamond" was more of a joke than an attempt to cover a great rock'n'roll song. Just recently, kiss and my new band Perfect were both rehearsing at Cole Studios in L.A. Gene Simmons and Peter Criss were playing pool in the lounge area--and I walked in and said, "Hey, I'll play you for 10 bucks!" Gene said, "Really?" I said, "Nah! I'm just kidding." They both looked disgusted -- it was sorta like how dare I speak to them -- and then walked away. Gene was wearing really, really tight pants, and he didn't seem to care that he not only has a big gut, but also a big butt! You know, Matt, I wanted to laugh at this, but I can't find the punchline. P.Brain Date: 8 Sep 1996 21:44:03 -0500 From: "Becky Blenkush" Perfect/Tommy Stinson Chat Transcript Perfect is the third band for Tommy Stinson, formerly of the Replacements and the short-lived Bash and Pop. Their first record, the EP When Squirrels Play Chicken, is out on Restless Records. Perfect's Robert Cooper (bass, vocals) joined Stinson (guitar, vocals) for this chat. TOMMY: Don't you people have better things to do? Crucial: Nope! We're pretty much losers. TOMMY: Me too. Roachclip: What are your secrets for your great hair? TOMMY: Neurosis and Murray's Hair Pomade in large doses. eliza: Do you enjoy traveling? TOMMY: I love traveling, otherwise I'd be home watching the Olympics. zardoz: If you could describe your personal odor in one word, what would it be? TOMMY: "Time to wash my clothing odor" -- wanna help? spacegrrl: Where do you live when you aren't on the road? TOMMY: I live in L.A. Crucial: Do you follow the Minneapolis music scene anymore? TOMMY: No I don't, I live in L.A. -- how could I? Redhead: How's Robert's cold? Robert: Jaegermeister works wonders for a cold. spacegrrl: Robert, how long have you known Tommy? And how long has the band been around? Robert: I've known Tommy for one year and 15 days, and as far as I'm concerned that's how long the band's been around. test: Do you remember playing Philly on Friday? TOMMY: Of course I remember playing Philly -- what do you think I am, a drunk? SONICMOD: While you guys are on tour, what are your favorite pastimes? TOMMY: I'm partial to Denny's, White Castle, clean clothes and bad books. NickNack: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be? TOMMY: A French bulldog -- they get away with murder! Fracks: If you were something you found in your girlfriend's purse, what would you be? TOMMY: Her smokes. She likes them a lot and has many. nicko: How do you think the record biz has changed since your younger days? Is it more artist-friendly now? TOMMY: The music business has not changed at all -- it's as awful as it's always been. nicko: Gee, even though the majors are so supportive of "alternative music" now? TOMMY: Which majors? nicko: Why, all the record companies have fine young "punk" bands on their rosters now, don't they? TOMMY: They had better ones 15 years ago. Roachclip: Don't you think there's a little more love going around? TOMMY: Only in my band. Redhead: So when is your solo record coming out? TOMMY: Sometime early next year, whenever it's done, whenever I start. deaddoll: Do you have any dolls? TOMMY: Yes, one Kermit doll. test: What is your fave guitar? TOMMY: A black one and a yellow one. deaddoll: Do you ever watch the Muppet Babies? That's the best cartoon on. TOMMY: Yeah, I've watched it. How old are you, 10? deaddoll: Do you think I'm a retard? TOMMY: Only partially. spacegrrl: Would you ever do a medley of Cure songs to the Stooges? TOMMY: Wow, you've got a great angle -- I'll definitely consider the possibility. Robert: I love the Three Stooges, it's some of the best TV-viewing around. Redhead: Did you get the name for the EP from Logan's artwork, or was it vice-versa? TOMMY: Over drinks I explained my concept and he drew exactly what I saw. bill98745: When are we going to see a full Perfect LP? TOMMY: Probably sometime in the beginning of the new year. bill98745: So does that mean the solo project has been shelved? TOMMY: No, the solo record has not been shelved, it just hasn't been completed. spacegrrl: Do you like Jenny McCarthy, and if so, if given the chance to go out for one evening with Jenny or Pamela Lee, whom would you choose to spend the evening with? Robert: Mr. Pamela Lee has many, many guns and I hear he likes to use them, so I would have to choose Jenny. Crucial: Which bands are you listening to these days? TOMMY: Southern Culture on the Skids -- they are amazing. My favorite band is still the Geraldine Fibbers. spacegrrl: Do you like Bjork? TOMMY: I love Bork! bill98745: How long had you been playing trombone before doing "Trumpet Clip" on Paul's album? TOMMY: About two minutes -- don't I rock? Fracks: How old were you when you started playing with the Replacements, and when did you realize that's what you were going to be doing for a long time? TOMMY: I was 12 -- I was suckered into it with candy bars and Cokes and now I'm fucked! bill98745: How did you guys manage to get the EP recorded in that incredible place shown inside the cover? TOMMY: We only recorded "Crocodile Rock" there. Christin9: What's your favorite Kinks song? TOMMY: I have a bunch of them, but "Till the End of the Day" is one. SONICMOD: At the risk of sounding totally cheesy, what would you say is the biggest difference between the Replacements and Perfect, and which band do you enjoy more? TOMMY: I love both, but Perfect is a democracy. ______________________________________________________________________________ IV. CHRIS MARS From: gondola@deltanet.com (Gondola Bob) Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Went to the Chris Mars art show opening... Date: Mon, 16 Sep 1996 13:14:27 -0700 I talked to Chris a couple of times. All of his works were "pastel and rag paper," so I asked him what exactly rag paper was. He gave me a very friendly, detailed explanation. He has a very nice manner/smile, despite his well-known inner bitterness. I asked him if all his paintings were similar, or whether he had painted these works with a conscious theme in mind. He said something like, "Well, this is pretty much what I'm into." I asked him if it was true he was leaving music to work on art, and he kinda hedged. He said he would continue recording, but that his focus was shifting to art. Judging from the prices on the paintings, I can't blame him. Here are some facts for you: 39 paintings, 6 sold, prices ranged from $150 to $6500 (the Anonymous Batch cover art). I then asked him if the show would tour anywhere, and he said no. Sorry, folks. But...he perked up when I said I had "Internet buddies" who would be disappointed. He said that he will have some sort of major art presentation/interview in the CD-ROM magazine Launch, and also in some other WWW site he couldn't remember the name of. He grinned and added something like, "So be sure to tell your 'Internet buddies' that!" So here I am. :) Keep your eyes peeled.... Weird celebrity sighting of the night: Bobcat Goldthwait, just about unrecognized as far as I could tell. I also saw Peter Jesperson's name in the guestbook, for those who care. (I don't know what he looks like.) After the show, I went out for late dinner and drinks with the sexy Bar/None representative (an old friend), but that's another story.... Eb [The fiesta in question was also a release party for Chris's new album. - M@] ______________________________________________________________________________ V. EVERYTHING ELSE From: Maureen407@aol.com Date: Mon, 9 Sep 1996 15:45:38 -0400 I'm the person who found salvation at Paul's Columbus concert in June after taking my SO to a rehab facility earlier in the day. Just wanted to add a happy ending (or beginning) -after completing 10 weeks, he comes home this Friday committed to sobriety (& me). On Sept. 30 we are off to Cleveland to see Paul, together this time. It can only be wonderful. Maureen From: nahnahnah@aol.com (NahNahNah) Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Date: 15 Sep 1996 18:50:46 -0400 Bill Ruef wrote something about "I Will Dare" being featured prominently in "Feeling Minnesota." Well, I haven't seen it yet but my friend did and she told me about the scene. Cameron Diaz & Keanu Reeves are driving in a car and it comes on the radio. They both start singing along to it to themselves. Then I guess they realize they both like the song so they start singing it louder and together. Or something. P.S. She also said the movie pretty much sucked. From: gonz@VNET.IBM.COM Date: Sun, 22 Sep 96 14:45:23 EDT Is there was a tape of the first Replacements show I ever went to? The show in question was at the Cuban Club in Ybor City Tampa, FL around 1985. You can reach me by e-mail at gonz@vnet.ibm.com or by telephone 919-967-4755 (H) 919-486-1007(W). Thanks...Mario Gonzalez Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 17:55:20 +0200 From: Henk Rijks Picked this up on Ardent Records Website: (http://www.ardentrecords.com): ============================================================ [clip] "In addition to these releases, a Big Star 25th Anniversary Tribute album is slated to be out in September of 1996, and will feature covers from some of today's hottest modern rock artists. Here's a few who've already conformed their involvement and the Big Star songs they've chosen to cover: Soul Asylum-"September Gurls" Afghan Whigs- "Nightime" Matthew Sweet- "Ballad of El Goodo" Gin Blossoms- "Back of a Car" Idle Wilds- "You Get What you Deserve" The Posies-"What's Goin' Ahn" Cracker-undecided; maybe "Big Black Car" Kelly Willis has also confirmed, but is also undecided. Still deliberating: Teenage Fanclub, Paul Westerberg. Regards, Henk ______________________________________________________________________________ fin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The //Skyway\\: The Replacements Mailing List (digest only) To subscribe, send a letter saying "subscribe skyway" to "majordomo@novia.net" http://www.novia.net/~matt/sky/skyway.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "They mentioned the bridge that my Dad had worked on They had a picture too, this size It jumps the Pontiac from Copsey's to here My brother points with pride each time It's not the biggest bridge but it's still something he did How about us? And I won't get that far I got a job - I drive electrical orders For a friend of Dad's part time I haven't used that bridge to travel much further Than to work or school for some time I can't believe I'm grown - none of my friends live at home Not since fall No I won't get that far No, I won't get too far." -- The Wrens, "Won't Get Far"