______________________________________________________________________________ // // The \\kyway \\ // skyway@novia.net Issue #64 January 29th, 1999 ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) 1999 Bastards of Young (BOY/BetaOmegaYamma) Productions list manager: Matthew Tomich (matt@novia.net) always thanks to: Bob Fulkerson ______________________________________________________________________________ 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. Lookin' out forever now. (m@.) I. The scoop on the new Westerberg album, "Suicaine Gratifaction", including the complete Capitol release plan, which one you see it, kind of takes out all the romance of a record release. And Paul's take on Tommy's GnR thing. (Jon Anderson, Mike, and Grub Dog) II. Dave Donohue is looking for Maureen Conklin. III. People talking about how much The 'Mats rock. (Anne Morseth, Steve, Graham Stroud, Blair Smith, Bill Walsh, Mike, Zach Carter, Emma, Matt Maloney, Joni Hyvnen) IV. People asking to trade concert tapes of The 'Mats rocking. (Joe C., Ben Pierce, Scott Sherpa) _____________________________________________________________________________ 0. LOOKIN' OUT FOREVER NOW It's hard to be unsatisfied when life tries to be nice to you. The girl you like likes you back, that noise in your car ends up being "no problem" ($12.73), the local college radio station decides to put your CD into rotation and it happens to make the top ten for a handful of weeks, spring decides to come to North Carolina three months early, and you find a fare to Paris for the weekend $260 on the internet. It doesn't really make for great songs. "Here Comes a Regular" isn't about getting to hang out with old friends. "Answering Machine" wouldn't be as incredible if she really was home to answer the phone. "Valentine" isn't 'yeah, guess what, she loves me back'. So when I got in the mail an anonymous package of a tape of a tape of a tape of some songs from Westerberg's new album, that was the first thing I noticed: how perfect comfortable this guy sounded. Just Paul banging out some tunes on his piano in his living room living with his wife and kid in the suburban upper Midwest. No drunken wall of guitar to hide behind, no scream over the din, no hellbound adventures in the tour van. At least at this point in my life, I can't say that I can totally relate. But he does it, and hey, he does it well. It's not The Replacements. It's not four 20-somethings emotionally careering out of control. It's just what it will probably say on the cover: Paul Westerberg. Write back and say what you think about it after February 23. Au revoir, Matt _____________________________________________________________________________ I. NEW WESTERBERG ** Paul Westerberg's latest album "Suicaine Gratifaction" will be in stores February 23, 1999! ** From: Maxsilent@aol.com Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 09:09:35 EST Here's the complete Capitol release/promotion plan for "Suicaine Gratifaction." Enjoy! -John PAUL WESTERBERG SUICAINE GRATIFACTION Standard package: Special CD package: C21X/C41J - 59004 C2PW - 98939 [$16.25 cost] Full Price CD Street date: 2/23/99 $10.98 List Cassette Street date: 2/23/99 Bio/history/highlights: Suicaine Gratifaction was recorded at Paul's Minneapolis home and in New York and Los Angeles. The album - a stormy blend of rockers, acoustic guitar ballads and piano-and-vocal songs - features Paul on guitars and piano, backed by such esteemed players as Don Was and keyboardist Benmont Tench. From his days fronting the legendary Replacements, to his recent solo works - 14 Songs (1993) and Eventually (1996), plus 2 songs on the Singles soundtrack - Paul Westerberg has always blazed his own uncompromising path. Paul Westerberg (in his own words): Father. Artist. Mid-Westerner. Eccentric. Walker. Movie hater. Tree lover. Pill taker. Songwriter. Gardener. Floor sweeper. Floor sleeper. Dyslexic. Weather enthusiast. Rock singer. Janitor. Romantic. Has Been. Hero. Has made a new record, SUICAINE GRATIFACTION. POP/Merchandising: 28" x 9" Pre-release banner: Suicaine Gratifaction phonetic spelling and release date! 18" x 24" Poster: photo of Paul WESTERBERG rubber bands! For use in the office or at home. Radio: "Lookin' Out Forever" 2/9 add date at Modern Rock/AAA/Rock Full album serviced to college 2/9 Retail: Limited edition Suicane Gratifaction special package consists of a craft board CD size box which includes individual lyric pages and Westerberg drawings. Standard package is 3 panel digi(pack?) In store listening station/display contest in Feb/Mar. Prize to be awarded: limited edition Westerberg art print!! CD will be stickered with the 3 lead tracks: "Lookin' Out Forever", "Whatever Makes You Happy" and "Bookmark". "Lookin' Out Forever" on Album Network Sampler Publicity: Spin feature March issue, on sale Feb. Alternative Press 2-page feature, Pulse interview, Musician interview Features to be scheduled: Performing Songwriter, Billboard, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, Newsweek Reviews in: Men's Journal/Feb issue, Mademoiselle/March issue, Entertainment Weekly, Maxim Target TV appearances in April/May: Letterman, Sessions Target TV appearances in July/Aug: Leno, Saturday Night Live Visual Marketing: Target VH1 Storyteller or Behind the Music type programming Westerberg short/EPK shot in New York. Features interview footage with freelance writer Amy Linden. Advertising: Spin May issue, on sale April 13 Utne Reader April issue Rolling Stone April issue, on sale Mar 12 Jane May issue, on sale April 13 New Media: Website through Hollywoodandvine.com Site launched 2/12 2/19 Suicaine Gratifaction listening party Marketing: Hi Frequency hired to target: NY, Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Austin, LA, SF Bounceback card in package begins Westerberg fan list. Café music marketing hired to service restaurants/cafes Music Marketing Network to service postcard to Bob Dylan database list Serviced to AEI for in store play - Gap, Banana Republic, etc. Serviced to United for in-flight programming Touring: 10 date tour planned in March. SXSW performance March 19 File Under: Rock Track Listing: It's A Wonderful Lie Self Defense Best Thing That Never Happened Lookin' Out Forever Born For Me Final Hurrah Tears Rolling Up Our Sleeves Fugitive Kind Sunrise Always Listens Whatever Makes You Happy Actor In The Street Bookmark From: CaroCncr@aol.com Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1999 12:36:35 EST FYI, latest issue of Men's Journal features a review by Anthony DeCurtis on Suicaine, pg. 46 - very favorable, if not that detailed. mike Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 09:22:11 -0000 From: Grub Dog Subject: Paul on Tommy This from allstar daily news 1/25/99: allstar contributor Aidin Vaziri sure knows how to pose the perfect question. In his recent interview with former Replacements leader Paul Westerberg, he asked, "When the Replacements were around, Guns N' Roses was considered the enemy. Do you consider Tommy Stinson a traitor because he's become a member of Axl's gang?" Westerberg responded, "Well, I'm joining Night Ranger. You know, I think it's OK. Josh Freese, the drummer who also played with me and is now playing with Tommy, called me way back and was like, 'I got this offer and I don't know what to do.' He and Tommy were both hesitant, and I told them to go for it. You only regret something like that if you don't do it. I mean, why not? If everybody says it's a mistake, then you know you really got something. If everybody encourages you, you know that it's lame and it's safe. It's always right to do the thing that most people are afraid to do, so my hat's off to him. But they have to play first. They've been hanging out in the studio in the valley, it seems, for over a year now. I don't know what's going on. I haven't talked to Tommy, but I get word from Josh that it's pretty cool. But it sure is taking a long time for rock and roll."... Just thought I'd let you know. Only heard Paul's new album twice so far, it's got som cool stuff, but it has yet to grow on me, we'll see. BTW- my band Grub Dog and the Amazing Sweethearts have just release our new CD - very 'Mats influenced. If anyone's interested let me know. Grub --- Grub Dog and the Amazing Sweethearts show info (916) 443-8979 *3 _____________________________________________________________________________ II. MISSING PERSONS Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 19:38:07 -0500 From: David Donohue I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of a great Mats fan named Maureen Conklin via "Skyway" a while ago, but have since lost touch with her. She sent me a videotape of the Mats, and I wanted to thank her for it and send her some live tapes in return, but I think she moved! I'm hoping she still subscribes to Skyway, so that maybe you could get the word out for her to get in touch with me (over e-mail). Think you could help me out? I would very much appreciate your help. Please let me know! Thanks again, Dave Donohue - - III. THE ROCK! From: Anne C Morseth Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 15:47:48 Hey! (to whoever reads this) I've been visiting your site for quite a while now, and finally decided to write and give thanks and praise to you for making such an informative and interesting page. When I found this page, I was amazed to see such a great resource for pictures, lyrics, movies, etc... I was blown away by the stories in your columns. It's great to know that there are so many other people who have been deeply affected by the great music the Mats made. My name is Matt and I'm 16 living in Hopkins. I've been listening to The Replacements for about four years now and I absolutely love them! Before them, I hadn't heard anything that spoke to me and that I could relate to so much. Living in Minnesota and listening to rock music, it's hard not to hear of The Replacements. I kept hearing stories on the radio and in magazines about this wild amazing band called the Replacements. So with the help of the greatest radio station ever,Rev105, and a little investigation, I finally realized what everyone's praises and glory days stories were about. This band was awesome. My first album was 'Pleased To Meet Me'. Though not my favorite of theirs, I still love it. Over the years, my collection has grown to the point that I have all but the last three albums. I just recently bought 'Stink' and I was blown away by the pure attitude and rawness of it all. I wish I would have been around in those days, so I could have experienced, first hand, the excitement I had when I got my first Mats album. Now I've gotten into other local bands as well. I've always liked Soul Asylum, and I started listening to Semisonic about three years ago but couldn't fully understand the greatness of them till I saw them this past June at First Ave. (best show I've seen) Well thanks for letting me spill my guts to you. I love the site, so keep up the good work. Thanks, from a fellow Mats fan, Matt. From: Rody0@aol.com Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1998 21:24:25 EST Not much going on here in NYC but early darkness and boring TV. Anyway, I thought I'd drop you a line with a couple of little tidbits. 1) Saw Perfect last month at Coney Island High. All band members appeared to be having a great time, and it was a fun show, if a little loud(perhaps I'm getting old). They sounded very polished and put on an excellent show, including some snazzy covers. There were some meatheads calling out for Gn'R tunes, and a fight between two women broke out, but I guess that's all to be expected. No mention of the album's status. 2) Another lyrics correction (sorry if this is annoying): In Dice Behind Your Shades, it should be "you & me Carson McCullers" instead of "you & me causing the colors". Carson McCullers is a Southern author. Crossing my fingers that Paul's album isn't as bad as we all seem to think it's gonna be. I hope everything is well where you are. Steve mors0059@tc.umn.edu From: "Stroud, Graham" Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998 13:00:48 -0000 Hope things are going well for you, things on this side are going pretty well if you ignore the fact that I'm stuck in this shitty job - but in the last week or so, Rocket From The Crypt, You Am I, and Billy Bragg have been in town, and this week we've got Buffalo Tom and Bob Mould, so I guess things could be a lot worse. Anyway I got this thing that might be of interest for the next Skyway: in the NME they have this section called 'Songs in the Key of Life' where they ask some artist about the tunes that shaped their life etc. etc. This week it was Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and this is what he said: RECORD FOR THE GREATEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE : 'Pleased To Meet Me' - The Replacements "I don't know, I'm not really a very summery guy, but the first summer after I quit my parents' house and left school was pretty special. That was the summer that the band started to come together and The Replacements came to play in Atlanta. We stayed drunk for two weeks just getting ready for that show because they were a seriously drunken band. I remember getting a fake ID made so that I could go and see them on the tour before this when I was really underage but they fucking rocked and R.E.M. were standing at the side of the stage, who were my total heroes at the time. 'Pleased To Meet Me' is a fucking awesome album; a great rock 'n' roll record." There you go. Cheers Graham From: "Blair Smith" Subject: "....a little Big Star" Date: Sat, 02 Jan 1999 14:02:54 PST I've been following the newsletter sporadically over the last few years, so I apologize if the following information has already been covered. Anyone who has the "I Will Dare" 12" single may have noticed this already. If not, dust off the old turntable and put on side 2. At the end, you can hear about 5 seconds of the beginning of "Feel", by Big Star (it sounds like the actual recording). It goes to show that they were preaching about Big Star (albeit more subtle) long before "Alex Chilton". From: "Walsh, Bill" Subject: Latest Skyway Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1998 10:38:07 -0600 This is Bill Walsh & I contributed a story in the current "Skyway" - thanks for sending me (and including me in) the recent issue - it's really good. It's cool to read other people's stories about the Mats - people that actually "get it". I just hope people won't get pissed off that I dissed Paul's solo work. I think the best stuff he's done has been the non-album material (such as "Stain Yer Blood", "Seein' Her"). Most people I know see Paul as "The Replacements" and I strongly disagree with that. I think the lure of the Mats is the combination of rag-tag personalities coming together to make some very personal & dynamic music. Paul just spearheaded the effort. I don't associate Paul with the Replacements anymore because he doesn't anymore, musically or professionally. I judge him solely on the merits of his current work, not any of his past affiliations. I do the same with Tommy, Chris, & Slim. It's interesting to see people get so excited about a new Westerberg album. I don't anymore because it doesn't "grab me" - there is nothing "dangerous" about Westerberg's work. I'm more excited about the Twin/Tone box set slated for 1999 release. I think he is the best lyricist out there - but not musically. Stinson's material with Bash & Pop/Perfect is far superior to anything Westerberg has done. People will argue that Paul is "just getting older" - well so am I (just turned 30) but I don't want to turn into a cream puff! I would welcome any rebuttals at wjw4@msn.com Thanks, Bill Walsh Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1999 06:07:17 -0800 (PST) From: Mike Having nothing to do, I figured I'd write a little bit on what an amazing guy Paul Westerberg is (not that anyone reading this isn't already aware). I got Westerbergian CD's for Christmas: the Mats' Stink and Grandpaboy. Listening to these two fine EP's back to back, I became more aware than ever of how amazingly honest Paul's songs are. The fact that two records made at opposite ends of his career could both sound so amazingly heartfelt is amazing. As weird as it seems, the rebel growl of "Kids Don't Follow" sounds, well, perfect next to the quiet mourning of "Lush and Green". Look, I know all the people who rip on Westerberg's late stuff have a reason, but I really think if they stopped pissing and moaning about him selling out on Don't Tell a Soul and actually gave his more mature stuff a chance, they'd see that he is still the greatest songwriter alive. Of course he's never gonna sound as good as when the Mats were whole, but he's still a million times better than almost everything else. Even if his new album is gonna be to poppy for all the hardcore guys who never really understood his songs, I'm still gonna buy and enjoy it. Thanks for listening to me babble. Mike From: "Zach Carter" Date: Mon, 04 Jan 1999 18:00:46 PST Hey, I'm Zach Carter. I've been a huge 'Mats fan for almost a year. I'm probably one of the younger Skyway subscribers. I'm 16 and go to Thomas Jefferson High school in Fairfax, VA. Needless to say, I got on to the 'Mats late (I was born the year Hootenanny came out.). I got into music early- I started listening to the radio when I was 9, and listened to some underground stuff when I was 10. My cousin, who stayed with us for a little while after he got out of college turned me onto the Goo Goo Dolls in 1993. Have patience, yes, there is a point to this babble. In a bookstore a couple years back I saw a huge book called the Encyclopedia of Rock Stars, or something like that. I looked up my favorite band (at that time the GGDs). I didn't like what I saw. It basically said that hardcore Replacements fans (and what other kinds are there) pass these guys off as a 'Mats rip-off band. My reaction was something like "That's a bunch of crap," and "Who the hell are the Replacements? And who are the 'Mats?" A few months later at a local record store I saw Let it Be by the Replacements. I had read some positive reviews about the band by then and went ahead and bought the CD. Good Idea. A few weeks later I picked up Tim, Pleased to Meet Me, and The 2-disc greatest hits/b-sides set. I now have all of their records, and I think there's something good on just about all of 'em. The Mid-Period stuff, though. I don't think they put out a bad song between '84 and '87. My favorite albums (in order) are Let it Be, Tim, Pleased to Meet Me, All Shook Down, Don't Tell A Soul (Ok, it's a sell out record, but it's still better than most of their early stuff), Hootenanny, Sorry Ma.., and Stink. Left of the Dial, Little Mascara, Unsatisfied, Can't Hardly Wait, Seen Your Video, I Will Dare, Alex Chilton, The Ledge, Bastards of Young are some of my favorite songs. Other bands I like: Goo Goo Dolls, Husker Du, pre-Grave Dancers Union Soul Asylum, you get the idea. I'm in a rock band called two star hotel (for now). I'm lead guitarist, lead singer, and songwriter. Well, that's about it. Thanks for reading this. Zach zman_53@hotmail.com Date: Wed, 06 Jan 1999 13:07:38 +1100 From: Sellwood Ok, here goes. I'm Emma. I suppose I got into the Replacements because I got "Merry Go Round" stuck in my head. However, I actually got Paul Westerberg stuff first, because that's all I could find. It was a totally enlightening find/discovery/thing (aggh, I am sure you know what I mean). Favourite songs: Nobody, Someone Take The Wheel, Black Eyed Susan and MammaDaddyDid, (well favourite songs for today, anyway.) By the way, I'm Australian . . . is anyone else? Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 14:30:15 -0800 (PST) From: Matt Maloney Atta boys, dot coms all around. So I'm new to this list or what have you. I live in Frisco. I'm 23. I've never heard Shit Hits The Fans, or anything live, for that matter. The Replacements are a favorite, even though they strike me as ungrateful bastards. My sophomore high-school English teacher first turned me on to the Replacements. We had to write in these journals. I always thought journals were private things, but Mr. Weaver insisted upon reading and grading them. I once bitched in my journal about how contemporary music lacked any lustre. At the bottom of my entry, Mr. Weaver wrote, "I know some bands. Start with the Replacements." So the first LP I bought was "Don't Tell A Soul", which I liked, but only about as much as any Tom Petty record. I backtracked through their catalog, and picked up "Pleased To Meet Me", which shocked me. It was like "Exile on Main St." but '87 style. I couldn't believe someone was playing music that SOUNDED like that (little did I know then there were others). The Goo Goo Dolls are an abomination. I interviewed them on my college radio show about four years back and questioned them about the 'Mats. That cockass singer told me it was so cool that he and Westerberg both HAPPENED to write songs like one another. The Goo Goo Dolls cop every Mats song. Fuck them and their Hollywood hair, I want out. Anyhoo weasels, my favorite songs are "Red Red Wine", "Gary's Got A Boner", and "Goddamn Job". I look forward to reading all the stuff. I've never heard "Shit Hits The Fans" either, so I'd be happy to send someone postage and a cassette for that. I can never find that in stores. Bye. From: "joni hyvnen" Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 05:09:10 PST Thought it'd be interesting to mention this, even though y surely know 'bout it. Having the increasing (sic) cred th' 'Mats are getting in mind, an' as this is a place for 'Mats fans, y sure will appreciate this information as it is not of importance to any else than 'Mats fans. But in 'Mats fans days it'll most likely bring joy or a somewhat string of sunshine, for to see y'r lovely 'Mats finally start receiving a somewhat fair response. For it is truly absurd. Ridiculous to say. That how a stupid notion as this can really be of any meanings, or even joyful! Be that as it may. However preposterous this is, it is proudly presented with that proudness of YOUR band, or th' joy YOU feel when having in mind that y might just be enlightening another 'Mats fans day... Yeah, that's right. They've dunnit again. They've scored, that is. A song of our 'Mats has appeared in at least two movies. Not mentioned here yet, that is - hopefully that is correct. "Can't Hardly Wait" appears in th' 1998 (?) movie with, yeah, the same title; "Can't Hardly Wait". Supposedly th' PTMM version. The other reference is "Empire records". Th' one with Liv Tyler in it. Unfortunately th' memory bank will not, for reasons not worth questioning, allow to give out th' name of th' song. But that will be given as a mission to all th' 'Mats fans to find out. Maybe it is best that way. You felt that?! Well... Ain't it fun?! _____________________________________________________________________________ IV. CONCERT TAPES Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 16:54:15 -0400 From: "Sarah and Joe C." I just started tape-trading, mainly for Replacements and Paul Westerberg tapes. I have met some very cool people and made some excellent trades. But there are so many anal assholes out there with a list of 20 rules and specifications for trades. Generally it's the guy who has every scrap of audio the Replacements ever produced. Or else they have no interest in the Replacements and say "I can do a 2:1 trade." Fuck 2:1 trades. Or the ones that say "I'll send yours out once I get mine". Nice trust. I traded with this guy who will do 1:1 trades for newbies. I thought that was really great. I would give his name, but he would get an avalanche of E-mail. I got the impression he was busy enough already. But I would like to find some Mats fans who are interested in trading tapes--and are still in it for the fun of the music, not the completist, anal bullshit. Like I said I just started trading, and here is my small list of tapes: Nirvana--Rome Italy--2/22/94 Nirvana--Reading festival--1991 REM--American acoustic tour--MTV unplugged---1991 Replacements--Boink compilation--1986 Mats--how did the vomit get up on the ceiling Mats--Beat Girl compilation Mats--Univ. of Wisconsin--6/2/89 Paul Westerberg--Unintentionally P.W.--1987 interview P.W.--First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN---10/17/82(acoustic) P.W.--Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ---7/8/93 So that's what I got. And I figured the Skyway was my best bet to find some traders. If you're interested in trading for Mats, Westerberg, Cracker, Superchunk, Cure or any other cool band drop me an E-mail. Thanks, Joe From: "Ben Pierce" Subject: ye olde 'mats Date: Mon, 7 Dec 1998 15:50:49 -0800 Does anyone out there in radio/email land know how I can get ahold of any sort of collection of Replacements TV (etc.) footage? The SNL appearance, etc. Any leads would be much appreciated. Will gladly pay any shipping/etc. costs duly associated. Thanks. Ben Pierce ben@rockpileinteractive.com From: TheMats311@aol.com Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1998 16:13:23 EST My name is Scott Sherpa and I live in Alabama. I sent in my Replacements experience a couple of months ago. I was wondering if anyone had copies of Mats bootlegs that they would be willing to make copies of for me I can send tapes or CDR's so they can be done. My e-mail is themats311@aol.com. Please someone help a big Mats fan out. I don't have much money but I will rob a bank if I need to. Also I wanted to know if there were anymore Mats fans here in the Birmingham area. If your out there please get in touch with me. Maybe we can go get a couple of beers and talk about shit. Anyway can't wait for the new album. My buddy at the radio station says he's gotten a sneak preview of the album and says its AWESOME. He will be playing it every Sunday at 10-12 CST. on wraxfm.com 107.7 the X. Thanks for all the good times and good reading Scott Sherpa fin. ________________________________________________________________________________ The //Skyway\\: The Replacements Mailing List (digest only) http://www.novia.net/~matt/sky/skyway.html Matt Tomich | 117 Green Street | Chapel Hill NC 27516 | USA ________________________________________________________________________________ "Sleeping off the last five years takes another five. Recovery in lieu of being here right now. When I throw myself at your feet, you know it's to be walked on. We're breaking up every single night. Sore, hit the floor. Got my first glimpse of the sky. The stars were on your side. Who would've thunk the thirteenth fell on Friday? I say hello and it's goodbye again." - Jawbreaker, 'In Sadding Around'