Discussion - Nov 15 1997 to Feb 9 1998

Nov 15, 1997 - February 9, 1998

May Carl Wilson rest in peace, along with Dennis. I had just finished reading Brian's autobiography, "Wouldn't It Be Nice," when I heard about Carl's death -- seems like none of the Wilsons had a very happy life. I agree that MC would do a fine job on Carl's vocal high point, "God Only Knows"; also on "Don't Worry, Baby" and "Caroline No." And I'd love to hear him do "You Still Believe in Me," another great song from Pet Sounds.
To answer my own Beatles question, I'd like to hear Marshall do practically any song from Meet the Beatles through Rubber Soul, and not only the John-p-- songs -- especially "Every Little Thing" "Any Time at All" and "You Can't Do That" -- but also the songs John and Paul wrote for George to sing, like "Don't Bother Me."
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Mon Feb 9 22:01:24 EST 1998

The Beatles version of "Soldier of Love" can be found on the recent "Beatles at the BBC" compilation. I have to assume that MC got his version on a bootleg they heard during training for Beatlemania.
Anyone who likes 60s soul music would really do themselves a favor by checking out Arthur Alexander's Greatest Hits CD. One's out on Razor and Tie. Besides "Soldier of Love" the Beatles also covered "Anna," "A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" and I think one more. The STones also did a cover of "Better Move On." He is billed as the only artist that the Beatles, the Stones, and Bob Dylan all covered.
ALso, Arthur Alexander did one of those amazing comeback albums and promptly died -- a move known in sicker circles as "pulling an Orbison" -- anyway, it's worth seeking out too. Ben "I'm SOrry But So Is Brenda Lee" Vaughn produced it.
I too will miss Carl Wilson. If you had asked me back in 1965 to pick which one of the Wilson bros. would still be standing in 1998....well, first off, it would have been really, really difficult for me, seeing as how I wasn't even born yet, but putting that metaphysical problem aside, I never would have chosen ol' Brian. Pretty amazing.
Lastly, I'll follow Elvis Costello's advice on the SPice GIrls -- he basically said in an interview that yes they are cheesy, but they know it and that's half the joke. And, if you don't get the joke, then the joke's on you. Or something like that.....
kevin walsh <bkwal@erols.com>
Princeton, NJ USA - Mon Feb 9 21:26:55 EST 1998

Larry: As I recall, I have some old Beatle Bootlegs of old demos and I believe "Soldier of Love" is on there. Most of their early demos were done live. The one I have definately has no crowd noise on it. It might even be on Anthology 1. And, another sweet BBs song MC could do is "Caroline, No". So nice not to be talking about that bimbo band from England!

Al Peach <Apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Mon Feb 9 16:23:14 EST 1998

Larry, Regarding "Soldier Of Love": I think the distinction you make is correct; I believe it was a recording of a live performance I heard, perhaps one of their broadcasts over the BBC.
Jim Keller <doctorbozo@aol.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Mon Feb 9 14:54:24 EST 1998

Larry: Couldn't agree with you more concerning "Don't Worry Baby"--also my favorite Beach boys song; the scenario is incredibly hokey as you say, but the words and melodies just melt together, and it becomes this powerful statement about love and commitment and reassurance. (I think that's Brian singing, but manytimes I can't tell Brian and Carl's voices apart). I love to listen to the album Endless Summer--I know there are much better compilations now, but to me, this is a perfect tape to pop in your car stereo and just ride to--and the highlight for me is the one-two punch of "Don't Worry Baby" and "California Girls." I was never a huge fan of the latter, but when placed right after "Don't Worry Baby," it gains a tremendous force, and makes you just feel happy happy!

One more thing: re the previous post I made about an MC Beach Boys show initiated by Pat Dinizio--a better question would be, does anyone remember exactly when and where this show happened? I remember reading about it a long time ago while browsing through the books section of a record store (I think the book was on Greenwich Village, but I'm not sure); the author had interviewed Pat Dinizio, and he was talking about how he tried to put together a varied program of shows for this series he was involved with, and he mentioned MC-doing-Beach-Boys/Brian WIlson as one of the shows. I'm sorry to be so vague, but this discussion of the Beach Boys sparked what little memory I have left in my old age, and I thought I'd throw it out to the crowd! :)

Anyways, I've rambled on for much too long. Thanks, folks!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Mon Feb 9 13:41:10 EST 1998

Hey Everybody,
Wasn't it the great Arthur Alexander who wrote "Soldier of Love"? AA was a recording artist, so if he wrote it there is undoubtedly an AA version of it which pre-dates the Beatles cover (by the way, did the Fabs actually record this tune? Or just play it live? I've only heard it on those German live recordings.)

Also, RIP, Carl Wilson. Someone asked about BB's covers for MC and suggested "Don't Worry Baby." (Did Carl sing that?) "Don't Worry Baby" is my fave BB's song: so unbelievably sublime that it turns a brutally hokey lyric into something which nearly makes me cry. Also I love the "solo," which is just Carl (or Glen Campbell) plinking on root notes every fourth beat in the instrumental pause.

Goes to show how pointless it is to learn to play the guitar fast--instead of well.

God Bless Carl Wilson,

xo,
Larry
Larry <lfrye@csw.org>
Boston, USA - Mon Feb 9 13:06:19 EST 1998

Carl Wilson and the BB's were super. I remember reading that Pat Dinizio once organized a music festival somewhere in NY and that one of the shows on the program was MC doing Beach Boys songs! Is it possible anyone made a tape???
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Mon Feb 9 12:50:44 EST 1998

"Soldier Of Love" (from MC's first) was recorded by the Beatles in their early years and showed up on one of those Beatles compilation discs released a couple years ago. I never purchased any of them but I heard that song on the radio. My assumption is that MC got the song from that version. I have no idea if any other recordings of that song exist.
Jim Keller <doctorbozo@aol.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Mon Feb 9 11:03:17 EST 1998

I was very saddened to hear of the death of Carl Wilson this weekend. I'm a veteran of many a Beach Boys show.

Regarding Beatles/Beach Boys songs, two that I would like to hear MC cover are two of my favorites by those bands. "I Need You" (a George Harrison tune from the "Help" soundtrack) and "God Only Knows" (which I believe was sung by the late Carl Wilson on the "Pet Sounds" album.

Although Marshall spent some time with the Beatlemania thing, I don't believe he could ever get sick of the Beatles' music. I do believe he likes to play the more unusual Beatles' tunes. Right after Miracle of Science came was released, I heard him on Vin Scelsa's show singing "I'm Only Sleeping."

Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Mon Feb 9 10:11:42 EST 1998

Carl Wilson certainly will be missed. Thanx, Carl! Yeah, MC could do a great version of "Don't Worry Baby", or how 'bout "Warmth of the Sun"? BTW, I think it was Carl who sang my favorite BB tune, "Sail On Sailor". And, on the Fab Four, I could hear MC do just about anything, but would prefer the early stuff, like "Help", "The Night Before", or "Baby's in Black" or "No Reply". Man you could just keep going! He obviously would be better on Lennon-penned tunes. How 'bout "How Do You Sleep"?
And to "Candy Spice Beth", Candy Butchers at TT the Bears Friday Feb. 20th.
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Mon Feb 9 9:17:45 EST 1998

Amen to the moment for Carl Wilson.... I've always thought that MC could nail down "Wouldn't It Be Nice".... Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Mon Feb 9 8:47:41 EST 1998

Which leads me to extend the 'which Beatles' cover to a 'which Beach Boys?' - how about 'Don't Worry Baby'?

Mike Deller
As before..., USA - Mon Feb 9 4:34:24 EST 1998

Michael - Geri is the ginger one - people have scurrilously suggested that she is not in the first flush of youth that their publicists have suggested. Hence 'Old Spice'.

Other business...A quiet moment perhaps, to remember Carl Wilson. In the late 60s, when the Beach Boys couldn't fill a school hall in the States, I had the joy of seeing them perform to a sellout crowd in London. Carl will be missed.
Mike Deller
Greenford, Middlesex Uk - Mon Feb 9 4:32:47 EST 1998

Actually, I'd like to hear MC cover some Beatle solo tunes. How about George's "Blow Away"? Ringo's "Photograph"? Paul's "Take It Away"? I've read that MC does a killer version of "Gimme Some Truth" (as does Sam Phillips...)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sat Feb 7 0:58:18 EST 1998

MC doing Beatles tunes: I would love to hear MC do "Please Please Me," which is one of my fav Beatles trax. He (being MC) could also do a righteous version of "You're Gonna Lose That Girl." MC doing the Boyz -- this is a frightening concept... Later skaters.....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Sat Feb 7 0:40:59 EST 1998

I'm so surprised by the passionate discourse on the S. Girls, I think I'll have to be "Lost in Spice." Personally, I consider them the '90s equivalent of The Banana Splits -- or maybe Josie and the Pussycats, who were not even 3-D. So why are we wasting an erg of mental effort thinking about them??
On the Beatlemania theme, we know MC probably got so sick of being "an amazing recreation" that he'll never play another Fab Four tune again, but if he did... which would you be most eager to hear his rendition of?

Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Fri Feb 6 22:19:09 EST 1998

Kramer : Back in the days of phony Beatlemania, a friend got two free tickets to the Greek Theatre in L.A., so I went. It was pleasant enough, and I got a souvenier book and put it in my library of miscellaneous rock and roll pulp. After discovering Marshall's first album, I read an article about him, alluding to the Beatlemania connection. At that point, I just had to dig out the old program from the archives. To my astonishment, there among the various touring companies, was a picture of our hero, complete with his mop-top fright wig. Years later, when I looked again, I also found a picture of Tom Teely. What a hoot !!!!
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Fri Feb 6 19:02:17 EST 1998

Mike,

I think I missed something... Who's Geri? Does this mean I have to pick another name? Let's see... how abouuuut...
Andrew Spice Clay... nah, maybe Mr. Curry wants that.
Vanilla Spice?, Spice T?, Spice Cube?

I'll just take Spice-W-A (Spice With Attitude).

Yo!
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Fri Feb 6 17:53:58 EST 1998

Hey Michael - over here we have been calling Geri 'Old Spice' for ages... can't begin to suggest why?
mike Deller
greenford, middlesex spiceworld - Fri Feb 6 5:06:08 EST 1998

Hey Michael - over here we have been calling Geri 'Old Spice' for ages... can't begin to suggest why?
mike Deller
greenford, middlesex spiceworld - Fri Feb 6 5:06:02 EST 1998

Hmmm...
I can't really think of what I'd call *myself* if I were a Spice Boy. However, my well-endowed girlfriend likes her new nickname. Call her "Spice Rack."
Michael <michael.bennett@ksl.com>
Salt Lake City, Ut USA - Fri Feb 6 2:40:52 EST 1998

Now I've got mine. Who'll be Sugar N. Spice?
Al(l) Spice (Al Peach) <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Thu Feb 5 16:31:40 EST 1998

Since we're taking pseudonyms, I think I'll grab this one
before someone else does.
Old Spice (aka Michael Aarons) <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Thu Feb 5 14:52:02 EST 1998

Jon, you are not alone in your admiration for Ms. Natalie Merchant...I have all the Maniacs' cds (except this new one) and Tigerlily. I wish I were gifted with a voice like that!

Kramer, although there was a Beatlemania album released when the show was on Broadway, MC never made it to the Great White Way. Any cast recording would be the official B'way cast. I don't know if anyone was enterprising enough to make a tape of the road company's version of the show. Me, myself, was a senior in HS when Beatlemania hit Broadway, but I never bought the album. I already had the originals.

Boy, look what I started with one little off the cuff remark about the Spice Girls... Whether you like them or not, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I don't think that people should be afraid of posting or saying anything for fear of being bullied. Can't we just all get along?

Bitter Spice (otherwise known as Kathy Paul) <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Thu Feb 5 11:53:53 EST 1998

GREAT SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
candace engelhart <c_engelhart@hotmail.com>
oakland, or USA - Wed Feb 4 23:10:54 EST 1998

Hey: Someone mentioned MC as Lennon.... Do recordings of "Beatlemania" exist, or is that a stupid question? I for my simple aggrandizing self just do not know.... Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Feb 4 23:10:20 EST 1998

have been checking in and reading remarks for last few months....hey all i'm still around....diggin the poptopia cd....it is fabuloso from beginning to end :)
donna sue <dasasa@erols.com>
arlington, va USA - Wed Feb 4 13:13:26 EST 1998

Michael: woo woo! I knew there had to be somebody else in MC Land who liked NM. Michael A.: actually, it was the Howard Stern clue! And, last but not least, has anyone heard _anything_ about any new MC recordings/releases???
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Wed Feb 4 12:49:40 EST 1998

Well, I certainly loved reading Pat's opinions. That's what makes America great, huh? And Andrew, there's a sucker born every day and there's alot of people who love to suck or be sucked, but I'll never get sucked into listening to the Spice Girls, just like I never got sucked into listening to Wham. BTW, are you Red Curry, Green Curry, or Tim Curry? Pouty Spice can listen to Natalie all she wants, just don't rank Kermit by comparing them. And, Michael Bennett, I choose death first!
Just look how much time has been wasted here talking about Spice nothingness. Let's get off it and talk about real, like Hanson (just kidding).
Have you guys heard about Volkswagon getting the Beatles together to promote the "new" Beetle? Gee, back in the days of discussions about a Beatles reunion, I was hoping Marshall would get the call to fill in for Lennon. That would have gotten our hero noticed. Oh, well!
Anybody heard of the game "Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon"? How 'bout playing "Seven Degrees of MC"?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Wed Feb 4 10:25:34 EST 1998

Damn! I knew I made that hint too easy. Was it the year, the legs, or Dylan?
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Feb 4 9:06:38 EST 1998

Weird factoid of the day: Speaking of "Peace Train," Dolly Parton (of all people) does a really nice turn on that tune. Since I'm not even remotely a Dollyhead, I couldn't tell you what album or when, but I remember hearing it on our local NPR outlet a year or so ago...
And yes, in all our self-aggrandizing greatness, this site has been interesting the past few days.... Later skaters!!
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Feb 4 8:40:40 EST 1998

Wow!!!!
What a day for postings. I love it! Before I offer any more of my thoughts, I just want to say again how much I think this page rocks. Jeffrey is to be lauded, but so is each person who contributes here. My hat is tipped to each of you. We rock!!!
Back to the music... I liked Natalie Merchant's solo album, and I liked her stuff with the Maniacs too. And yes, Kathy and others, early copies of "In My Tribe" contained "Peace Train." The group never liked the tune, and when Cat Stevens converted AND supported the bounty on Salmon Rushdie's head, the group pulled the track.
Also, I have to agree with Andrew. People like what they like, and I certainly think the majority of us who patronize this site ought to be accustomed to liking better music than 'the masses.' Two words: Marshall Crenshaw.
"Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover." Sophie B. Hawkins. Notwithstanding the poor grammar, the tune is cool. Is she the answer?
Susanna Hoffs' self titled cd that came out in late '96 is a definite winner, and should be sought by MC fans. The girl has talent...
And finally... I kinda like hearing "Say You'll Be There" by the Spicettes when I'm out dancing. Here's a question for anybody who cares: Which would you rather listen to in its entirety if you had to, either of the Spice Girls' discs... Or MM's "Antichrist Superstar?" I'd go the Spice route every time...
Michael <michael.bennett@ksl.com>
Salt Lake City, Ut USA - Wed Feb 4 2:48:34 EST 1998

Kee-Rist, it's busy 'round here.... Glad to see the debate.... Man, dem Spicy Gals stir it up, huh? Hey, I walked like an Egyptian just like everyone else, and the Go-Go's (especially Belinda) got me going, and speaking of Belinda, I really liked "Blue Heaven" -- that's good pop music, folks..... And as far as Natalie and the Maniacs -- her version of "Because the Night" does Da Other Man justice -- but only because it's such a good tune. To paraphrase the Mickster -- it's only rock'n'roll.... (or pop music)... And I like it!! I look back on all the goofy music that I've embraced over the years -- it's more shameless than the Forrest Gump soundtrack. But hey -- it sounds good.... And one last thing -- this Brian Ferry stuff is great! I go way back with Roxy, to the Brian Eno/Phil Manzanera (sp?) daze. Brian does one of the first revisionist versions of "In Crowd" on _Another Time, Another Place." A remarkable album -- also contains covers of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "What A Wonderful World".... Gosh, I'm a babbling fool.... Later skaters.....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
dayton, oh USA - Tue Feb 3 22:53:55 EST 1998

Andrew: beat ya! Re Ms Merchant: to paraphrase Mark Twain, I guess that's why they have horse races! Actually, I like Susanna Hoffs as well, so I guess I have a thing for froggy voices. Ah well, back to the telly....
Jon (aka promise breaker) <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Feb 3 19:44:51 EST 1998

One last thing (I promise!): saw 10KM in concert here last month--they were really good, played oldies as well as the new songs. "More Than This" is nice, but originals like "Rainy Day" are better--sweet and upbeat, like whatsisname!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Feb 3 19:35:32 EST 1998

Three messages in an hour? What, is the TV broken?

Until I see Natalie Merchant and Kermit the frog in the same room, no one will convince me that they are not the same entity. At the very least thaey share the same voice.

And lighten up, Nat. "It's not easy being green. It's also not easy being this earnest all the time..."

One last thing. Since my last name is Curry, can I call myself a Spice Boy?

Desperately awaiting an official response,

Andrew in Houston
Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Tue Feb 3 19:31:11 EST 1998

I seem to be the king of unpopular opinion here, but am I the only one who actually likes Natalie Merchant (and finds her solo stuff to be more compelling than her 10KM stuff)? Fans of Ms. Merchant, unite!
Pouty Spice <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Feb 3 19:23:45 EST 1998

Sophie B. Hawkins? Am I right? Do I win a No-Prize, as Stan Lee used to say? (Probably still does!)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Feb 3 19:17:44 EST 1998

I realized that I never followed through on one of my own threads, from a few weeks back. I challenged everyone to come up with the definitive MC compilation, for die hard and novice alike. Not many responses, but here is mine. (And yes, I broke my own 12 song rule.)

SOMEDAY SOMEWAY
I'LL DO ANYTHING
WHENEVR YOU'RE ON MY MIND
ONE DAY WITH YOU
LITTLE WILD ONE
(WE'RE GONNA) SHAKE UP THEIR MINDS
THIS IS EASY
A HUNDRED DOLLARS
WHATEVER WAY THE WIND BLOWS
FANTASTIC PLANET OF LOVE
SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE
WHAT DO YOU DREAM OF?
THERE AND BACK AGAIN
(YOU'RE MY) FAVORITE WASTE OF TIME

In my effort to hit every era (save My Truck...) I left out some obvious ones. I'm sure the omission of Cynical Girl and Blues Is King will raise an eyebrow.

Any other glaring oversights?
Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Tue Feb 3 19:11:48 EST 1998

Pat:

One of the things I always resented in junior high school and high school was having to hide some record that I liked just because the popular kids had deemed it unworthy. You know, I really LOVED the song Freedom by Wham when I was in the 8th grade, but I never fessed up, for fear of the taunts that I would be forced to endure.

Since then, I've always had a "live and let live" attitude towards people's musical tastes. The way I see it, you like whay you like, I like what I like. If you like the Spice Girls and I like Squeeze, that's great. The beauty part of it all? I don't have to listen to the music I don't enjoy.

"If you wannabe my..." CLICK!!

If someone is succeptible to hype or marketing, I just can't find it in me to hold it against them. Particularly if the object of their affections is as inconsequential as the Spice Girls. I wish that Marshall Crenshaw were more popular. But if the radio stations want to play Wannabe all afternoon, then I'll pop in my cd of Miracle of Science, secure in the knowledge that I have better taste than the masses.

But, hell, I'm a sucker for a good marketing campaign as much as the next guy. I don't own a Jeep Cherokee, but I was right up front to see Titanic and Forrest Gump as soon as they opened. And neither one of them did anything for me. Am I somehow reduced for having seen them? I certainly hope not. Nor do I feel that anyone is worthy of my scorn just because they like a song that I don't.

I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek when I rushed to the Spice Girls defense. And I roll my eyes whenever I hear that "Girl Power" stuff. Luckily, though, I'm never too far from my remote control. And the way I see it, 12 year olds need their music too.

Still measuring my soap box,

Andrew in Houston
Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Tue Feb 3 18:50:58 EST 1998

OK, a hint.

First, I was wrong. Everything I'm finding out about this
singer tells me that her hit song was in 1992. Apparently
she's done some other songs since then, but they haven't fallen on my ears.

In 1992, she virtually popped out of thin air, though.

She played percussion for Bryan Ferry for a few months.

During her appearance on Howard Stern's program, Howard was disappointed that she didn't shave her legs.

She also REALLY digs Bob Dylan's music. I've heard her cover a Dylan tune, but I can't remember whether or not it was on her album.

I think I've given this away.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Feb 3 17:43:42 EST 1998

To Andrew Curry re: Spice Girls: "don't begrudge the legions of people who obviously dig them"? Why not? Most of them are the most to blame for the likes of The Spice Girls, et al saturating the media. Sure, the record company does their fair share of shoving them down people's throats (too many joke possiblities there to mention) but I say to the legions: "Stop being such passive receptacles to whatever trash an advertiser throws your way. You probably own a green Jeep Grand Cherokee and think you're being outdoorsey by getting 10 miles per gallon"
To the rest of you (including Andrew Curry): My apologies for bringing up a group that had run their course in the discussion but I can't let a defense of the Spice Girls be the last word in, of all places, a MC site. I am a sucker for a hook-laden song as much as the next person, but confusing the hook and the hookers is easy to avoid. (My, my soap box is high)
Pat
Cincinnati, USA - Tue Feb 3 16:02:52 EST 1998

Michael A.: You'll have to give at least a teeny hint before I can solve that puzzle, not having immediate access to the Billboard charts from 1991. Any clues??
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Tue Feb 3 15:33:55 EST 1998

Alot of women I know think Bryan Ferry's vocal is extremely sexy, Kathy. I too am a big fan. I remember seeing him a few years back and after the show, my "date" and I stopped off to have a drink, and there he was at the bar! My date just HAD to go up to him and tell him how sexy his voice was and how she had been fantasizing about him for years. He simply said "Thanks".
I think Ferry is just plain SMOOOOOOTH! as was Roy Orbison, whom I saw play the night before he died. I think MC could do some justice to a Roy song, like "Only the Lonely". A guy who does Roy incredibly well is Adrian Belew. Getting back to Ferry, I think Big Head Todd has lifted a little Ferry, like on "Bittersweet", and a few other groups are recognizing Ferry's unique style.
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton , MA USA - Tue Feb 3 14:26:53 EST 1998

I, too, love Roxy Music's "More Than This." Bryan Ferry has a phenomenally sexy voice. Also loved his "Slave to Love."

I like the Maniacs' version of the song. I've heard it on the radio a few times. It didn't make me want to buy their cd, but it's not so terrible that I'd turn the radio off.

I have an interesting idea as to why they might have covered a song for their first single w/o Natalie Merchant. When the Maniacs' were recording "In My Tribe," they were pressured by their label (Warner) to record a cover tune. The label was unhappy with the performance of their first two albums. The Maniacs recorded "Peace Train." I can't remember if that was the first single they released off the album, but after the initial pressing (and after the album performed well on the charts), the Maniacs had it dropped from the cd. Something to do with Cat Stevens becoming a Moslem, and not being very peaceful anymore.
Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Tue Feb 3 11:07:24 EST 1998

I heard another song from the 10,000 Maniacs CD today, and
it was original, new, and pretty darn good. I'm not a Maniacs fan, either, and I find Natalie Merchant's singing
to be more annoying than Allanis Morissette's (sp?)...
and THAT's annoying.

Loved the Marys' "The Day Roy Orbison Died". So did a lot
of other folks, I guess. Another one bites the dust.

Heard a story about Bryan Ferry once... (I love Roxy Music,
but this is so hysterical)... a musician who once worked for him claimed that he'd keep a blackboard backstage, and after a show he'd write down everyone's mistakes for the evening on it.

I dig a musician who's into TQM, continuous improvement, market driven quality, etc...

This musician had a hit song in 1991. None others since then, though. Anyone care to venture a guess as to
who it was?
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Feb 3 9:20:22 EST 1998

Hey Gang...
Regarding "More Than This." Roxy Music's "Avalon" is on my all-time Top Ten Cds list. A beautiful, atmospheric record. And "More Than This" is my favorite song from the album. But The Maniacs' cover leaves a lot to be desired. (BTW-- that's not Natalie Merchant singing but their new singer-- Mary something-- who used to sing backup for them.) I think The Maniacs made a poor choice in deciding to cover the song and an even worse choice by releasing it as the first single. Their highly visible lead singer leaves the group, puts out a very well received solo album, and enjoys great success. Your band, meanwhile, is given up for dead. Hasn't put out an album of new material in five years. Gets a new, unknown singer to front the band. And this is the big "We're back and we're gonna kick ass" musical statement you make? A whimpy cover of an (by pop standards) obscure arty song?? I definitely think a teriffic NEW song sends a much stronger message than an inferior cover of a 15 year-old tune. That's my take.
I'm jealous of those who'll soon be seeing Marshall!! Please give full account(s) in this space!
Michael <michael.bennett@ksl.com>
Salt Lake City, Ut USA - Tue Feb 3 2:44:22 EST 1998

Forgot to mention: Kevin, I did a bit of research and learned that Don Brody was half of a local group called The Marys, and that he also worked for MC's label, Razor & Tie.
BTW, yes, you do have to get your Bottom Line tickets at the box office, but I'm sure it will be well worth the trouble!
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Mon Feb 2 23:49:58 EST 1998

Michael: I, for one, loove "More Than This," and pretty much wore it out when I bought the CD of "Avalon." It's such a great tune I don't think anybody could really ruin it, but I find Natalie Merchant's singing distractingly mannered -- give me Bryan Ferry (perhaps equally mannered, but less annoying) any day!
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Mon Feb 2 23:47:03 EST 1998

I too am really looking forward to the Bottom Line show, but don't you have to actually go down there to get tix? I guess I'll have to shoot my lunch hour. Also, I'm excited to see the Bongos. I thought they broke up!? ALthough I knew that Barone and Mastro continue to do some good stuff. ANyone know anything about the reunited Bongos? How about the person for whom they are throwing this benefit?
p.s. -- New(ish) album by Apples in Stereo, called "Tone Sole Evolution" has that great power pop, familiar on the first listen, type sound. I've only listened through it a couple times, but it sounds great.
kevin walsh <bkwal@erols.com>
Princeton, NY USA - Mon Feb 2 17:53:42 EST 1998

Al,

As usual, I was kidding around... Last I looked (early '90s) NYC and Boston were pretty comparable.

If memory serves me correctly, MC was planning to move from
his little cloister up in Woodstock to NYC. Don't know if he ever did. I had the good fortune of living up that way in the early '90s and I was sorry to leave it. Wonder why MC was looking to leave. It's nice up there. There are still some musicians living up that way. You'd catch some interesting shows at the local theatres. Marshall and Graham Parker, Graham Parker and Rick Danko, Jules Shear, etc. etc. etc.

Natalie Merchant moved INTO Woodstock not that long ago.
Hmmm... Could that have driven MC out? Naahhh..

By the way, the new 10,000 Maniacs just covered Roxy Music's
"More than This". They did a respectable job with it, which
is pretty amazing. The song itself is pretty simple, but I think its "atmosphere" would be difficult to recapture.

Anyone else out there like that tune?
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Feb 2 17:19:47 EST 1998

You'll notice, Michael, I live in Brockton, NOT Boston. Beth and I are not multi-millionaires...yet, right Beth? But Boston certainly can't cost more than NYC? That's why you all live in the Burbs, Right? I'm itchin' to hear MC live again, though. So itchy, I've scratched all of my skin off and now look like Freddy Krueger. I apologize for putting that imagery into your mind!
BTW, I pulled out an old MC live for the B.B.C. tape, recorded in Hollywood, and my tape is degenerating. Only
able to listen to part of it. Anybody got it?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Mon Feb 2 16:44:52 EST 1998

Al: Because it's too friggin' expensive to live in the Boston area!
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Feb 2 11:18:06 EST 1998

Shoulda figured there'd be Tommy Keene fans here, too.
Haven't really gotten way into his more recent stuff, but
I remember seeing him open for Lloyd Cole & the Commotions
in 1986.

Between 1983 and then, though, Keene was the greatest thing
since Coca-Cola in my book.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Feb 2 11:16:14 EST 1998

Thanks for the tip about the Bottom Line show, Mary Ann. I scurried up there and got my ticket yesterday, and I hope to see you and our fellow NY/NJ Marshallites there.
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Sun Feb 1 20:21:55 EST 1998

Well, I guess the Bow Wow Wow ( "I Want Candy") coupled with the Stone Roses ("candyfloss girl") gave me away as being a Candy Butchers fan. I do remember seeing "The Mike Viola Alliance" spraypainted on walls all over Boston and made the connection with "That Thing You Do" soundtrack.
Unless there have been some brand new developments, I was under the impression that the "forthcoming" album noted on the back of their EP was shelved as far back as last summer. I am dying to hear more from them and was thinking I would have to go "rockin' around in NYC" to see them. But I just read today's Providence Phoenix that they will be playing The Met next month. I highly recommend them to all on the list. If you are on the west coast they are playing 2/7 for the Poptopia convention. Another fave of mine, Matthew Sweet, is pairing up with Ric Menck of Velvet Crush and Tommy Keene to close out the festival on 2/8. Can't believe I am gonna miss it!! Well, at least being on the east coast I am closer to contemplate the MC gig at the end of Feb.
And that is "All Thats Fit To Pop" folks,

beth-"candy-spice"

beth <beth2459@aol.com>
boston, ma USA - Fri Jan 30 18:21:27 EST 1998

Damn! Why can't Marshall live in the Boston area?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Fri Jan 30 16:24:51 EST 1998

According to today's Village Voice Marshall Crenshaw will be doing a set at the Bottom Line on Thursday, Feb 26. It's a benefit called "Ringing in My Ears in Memory of Don Brody" with sets by The Bongos, Marshall Crenshaw, Dar Williams and an apprearance by Camp Hoboken. The tickets are $25 and if you want more details the Bottom Line's phone # is (212)228-6300. Just thought all the NJ & NY Marshall Crenshaw fans would want to know. Take care.
Mary Anne Maloney <mmks@erols.com>
Parlin, NJ USA - Thu Jan 29 17:57:14 EST 1998

Michael: Not only are the Candy Butchers alive and well and living in NYC, but their full length new album is due out soon on Blue Note. They have a 5-song EP of great pop stuff that you can find in decent record stores. Mike Viola's vocal and lyrical rhythms remind me a bit of Elvis Costello, though the songs are more pop. Also, you may want to check out the Ben Swift Band next time they play the Bitter End or Bottom Line. Great songs!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Thu Jan 29 14:41:48 EST 1998

By the way, Howard Stern did an AWESOME send up of the
Spice Girls today... He did a "fake" interview with
"the Spice Girl who got kicked out" whose name was Sweaty
Spice. It was revealed that the Spice Girls used to be
named Stinkhole Spice, Hosebag Spice, etc. etc.

It was classic Stern. I nearly drove off the road.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank , NJ USA - Thu Jan 29 10:39:02 EST 1998

OK, let's talk about the Candy Butchers. A trio, right?
Lead singer plays guitar, sort of an odd combination between
lead and rhythm, but mostly rhythm? Covers of Ozzy Osbourne
and Neil Diamond (segueing into each other!) as well as
some cool original stuff? Have I got it right? Are they still around? I'd love to do an article on them (or at
least get my friend to do one... I don't have any time
to write)...

Freedy Johnston (the guy they were opening for) called them
"the best f**kin' band in the world". They were a lot of
fun. If they come your way, I highly recommend them.

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NNJ USA - Thu Jan 29 10:35:02 EST 1998

Well, "Candy Floss Girl", you DID get you're money's worth, and I'm not really on your case. It irks me to see people with no talent getting rich, while true musical geniuses like MC have to struggle to be heard. So, Beth, you must be into the Candy Butchers, who WERE a local band called Mike Viola & the Snap. Viola sang and co-wrote "That Thing You Do". But, being a Crenshaw fan, you may want to check out the Ben Swift Band, formerly Curbside Prophets. Great pop songs, and they have a trombone player doing the bass lines instead of an actual electric bass. Playing at the Lizard Lounge Feb. 13th. And, to finish up on the S Girls, Kathy, they ALWAYS say that every band who comes out of England is the "new" Beatles, because they know we yearn for them and want us t run out and plunk down our money, unheard, before we realize what crap it is. They did the same with Oasis, who actually can write a good Beatlesque pop tune, but are too full of themselves to be as good as the Beatles, because the Beatles touched our hearts and souls, whereas Oasis touches themselves. But I WILL pull out my copy of "Hard Day's Night" tonite and get my fix. BTW, back in the 70s, Circus Magazine hyped my band, Lavender Hill Mob, as the next Beatles also, but we were coming out of Canada, so it didn't quite work!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Thu Jan 29 9:06:56 EST 1998

Having flailed thru life as believing I was handsome and ruthless, arriving at the stupid stage is almost a relief!! And Dorothy Parker is a seer of the 20th century. But for even more trenchant commentary, check out Mary McCarthy. Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Thu Jan 29 0:02:31 EST 1998

Gee, you walk away from this site for a couple of days and when you come back, all hell has broken loose -- and over the Spice Girls, no less!
Anyway, Jon and Beth, I can't believe your timing. By some coincidence, I just discovered the source of the "handsome, ruthless, and stupid" quote for myself a few days ago. I have to confess, I learned it from a greeting card. I'm not quite as bookish as our boy MC, though I'm every bit as myopic :).
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Wed Jan 28 22:33:58 EST 1998

On the ever-popular "You're My Favorite Waste of Time" front, I just read about yet another cover of Fave Waste. It's by Kevin Johnson, whom Billboard calls a "Blue Ridge power-pop nephew of Buck Owens." He has a new album out, but on the debut of Johnson and his group the Linemen, called _Memphis for Breakfast_, there is a cover of "Favorite Waste of Time." I remember hearing this artist's name a while back--perhaps on this very discussion list. Can someone give us some more info on Kevin Johnson, and has anyone heard this version of what is fast becoming the most-covered song in pop history? :)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Wed Jan 28 19:20:01 EST 1998

In regards to Nick & Dave doing the Everly's: The stuff on the EP that later appeared on the CD version of Seconds of Pleasure, was recorded live for a British radio program. In addition to the 4 songs on the EP, they did "Problems," "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "I Knew The Bride", and "What Would Look The Best On You Is Me." I can't understand why "Problems" wasn't included on the CD "Seconds of Pleasure" because it sounds just as great as the other 4 Everly tunes.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Nick Lowe record!
Walter Clevenger <walterc@deltanet.com>
Costa Mesa, CA USA - Wed Jan 28 18:35:54 EST 1998

A secret fantasy is actually coming true! A real, honest to goodness Spice Girls discussion on the MC page!

Call them talentless. Say that they are a marketing ploy. Say their music sucks. But don't begrudge the legions of people who obviously dig them.

Obviously, they aren't the Beatles. Even they wouldn't be so bold as to suggest that. (Would they?) But I don't think of them as New Kids, either. They have a sense of humor about themselves. I've always thought of them in the same way as I think of the Monkees. Harmless --and catchy--pop music. Nothing more. But nothing less either.

And I kind of like that one who never smiles.

Spice up your life--

Andrew in Houston
Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Wed Jan 28 15:11:39 EST 1998

Dear Mr Peach- Please do not jump down my throat for seeing "Spice World" last week. I did NOT plunk down $7.50 for it- I went to the sneak preview a record label friend for free. And HEY I got what I paid for. I also go out to see many bands in the Boston area- The Gravy,Boy Wonder, Future Bible Heroes, X-Guru and Big Wreck are on my list for the next few weeks, but so is Bow Wow Wow.
I am a big fan of cotton candy- both literally and fuguratively. It may not have much nutrtional value- but boy, does it taste good once in a while!!

beth
"the candy floss girl"

beth <beth2459@aol.com>
boston , ma USA - Wed Jan 28 10:46:36 EST 1998

Ever hear Nick Lowe's "Rollers Show" on "Pure Pop for Now
People"? Killer.

I could EASILY imagine a cover of "Saturday Night" from MC,
but he'd HAVE to do it with Burtnick.

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Jan 28 10:40:44 EST 1998

I need to rant just a little while longer on this subject, so please excuse me, here I go...

I had teen idols, too, when I was a kid, The Beatles, The Monkees, had every Partridge Family album, and even a Bobby Sherman album! I remember Tiger Beat and 16 Magazines.

While I know that there is always a need for "teen idols," just the thought of kids listening to, and wanting to emulate, the Spice Girls, or even Madonna for that fact, just makes me shudder.

I have six nieces. The two older ones, ages 15 & 20, grew up listening to the New Kids on the Block and Tiffany. That was pretty harmless (except now the younger one wants me to take her to see Puff Daddy!). My four other neices, who range in age from 2 to 9, are big fans of Hanson.

Another thing about the Spice Girls is the Beatles comparisons. Why is it that every band that comes out of England is touted as the "New" Beatles. Can't the media come up with anything else to say? Don't they see that there can never be a "New" Beatles? And if I have to hear one more time, how Spice World is like A Hard Day's Night...! A Hard Day's Night was one of the most clever, witty movies I have ever seen. It, in fact, won the 1965 Academy Award for Best Screenplay written directly for the screen. Come next March, I get the feeling Spice World won't be picking up any awards. But I guess the Girls will be laughing all the way to the bank.

End of rant. Thank you all for your patience.
Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Wed Jan 28 10:34:04 EST 1998

Believe me, Kathy, you are NOT the only dreamer here, but crap like the Spice Girls will always be there. It's called marketing, as in New Kids or Bay City Rollers. The record execs shove crap down your throat until you give in. You have no choice. That's all they'll give you. That's why Crenshaw is not a superstar. He's not marketable, nor is he moldable, The music business is about money, not music.
And Beth, how could you let yourself get sucked into plunking down $7.50 to see "Spiceworld"? Their idea obviously WAS to rip-off "Hard Day's Night", because they THINK they're the biggest pop group since the Beatles. Problem is, the Beatles were the Real McCoy and will stand the test of time. Spice Girls will be a flash in the pan before the flame is lit.
Beth, I live in the Boston area and would be happy to refer you to some wonderful local bands that can save you from your addiction to music marketing ploys; get you back to the music. Just teasin' ya about this, 'cause I know you're a MC fan and must have your head on straight!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Wed Jan 28 9:19:01 EST 1998

To Tony in Vancouver and the Rest o' the Gang: My tongue is often planted firmly in cheek when I suggest some MC covers, although I do think that "Certain Kind of Fool" has some potential. But Christ, can you really imagine him covering Led Zep?? Zowie!! Anywho, re the Spice Gals, they ain't no different than Madonna or Paula Abdul or any of those other choreographed "Cheerleader Rock" sorts of acts. Aural Twinkies, really.... And say, Twinkies just got recalled.... Later skaters.....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Jan 28 9:00:00 EST 1998

Whoops! Beth, I just reread your message: "Private Eye" (or whatever it was called) actually _did_ get aired? Was MC's music played over the credits? (And was it indeed a Lorenzo Lamas type of thing? I wonder how one could find some info on this show.)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Jan 27 20:50:59 EST 1998

Beth: I have an answer! In a concert taped at the Ritz around the time of La Bamba/Mary Jean ('87-'88), MC performed "On the Run" (which later appeared in slightly different form on Good Evening in 1989). He said he had just recorded it for a pilot called "Private Eye" (which I assume never saw the light of day; perhaps it was a Lorenzo Lamas type of deal, or something like "Foxfire Five" from Pulp Fiction), and that, in his words, "I guess this is world premiere city, or something." So, you are not dreaming (or we are both living in the same dreamworld, where people can listen to the Spice Girls without tearing out their hair and running out of the room screaming...)

BTW, the "Handsome, Ruthless and Stupid" reference is from Dorothy Parker, who wrote "I require only three things of a man. He must be handsome, ruthless and stupid." MC doesn't wear those wire-rims for nothing! :)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Jan 27 20:35:57 EST 1998

Someone check Jon's papers! :-)

I hate to admit this, but I once took my kid sister to a New Kids on the Block concert. It was a god-awful experience, but it made the kid happy.

Not everyone can be the musical elitists we are.

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Jan 27 19:47:45 EST 1998

To pick up a thread from a few messages back...the flip side of my 7" "Someday,Someway" single is "You're My Favorite Waste of Time". Actually the song is credited to "Marshall Crenshaw and the Handsome, Ruthless and Stupid Band"!!
And now for something completely obscure...I have a "vague memory" of seeing MC in concert around 86-88 and him mentioning that one of the songs he played was one that he did for a TV show. I remember laughing at the time because he mentioned that it was an odd song for him as it was written in a minor key. Now, I don't remember the song at all, and all I seem to recall about the show was that it might have been some sort of detective show, maybe a slightly hip or retro thing that never went very far. I had some friends at the time who were into it and would tape it every week. Does this ring a bell with ANYBODY or am I dreaming??

beth
PS- don't shun me, but I went to the screener of "Spice World" last week!! Made me want to go home and watch "Hard Day's Night"!!
beth <beth2459@aol.com>
boston, ma USA - Tue Jan 27 19:45:16 EST 1998

Err, umm....I may be tarred and feathered for saying this, but I don't think the Spice Girls are _that_ bad. Some of their songs are catchy in a Bananarama kind of way, and, well, seven-year olds need rock idols too! Granted, the trailer for their movie looks goddawful, and there are many aspects of their collective persona that are kind of nauseating (boy, this isn't much of a defense, is it?), but they aren't that bad, I say! Trashy, disposable stuff has always been a central part of the rock and roll thang, and to paraphrase Robert Christgau, I want my cheese to be really cheesy. Flock of Seagulls fans, unite!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Jan 27 19:40:22 EST 1998

Tony:

Way to go, great choice for the bimbos du jour to cover! Maybe they should change the lyrics, though. "We can't dance, We can't sing, but we have to be part of this pop music thing!" This past Sunday afternoon, I happened to be near a movie theater showing that latest waste of celluloid, "Spice World." The line was around the block! All little girls and their moms laying out some serious coin to get in.

I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want...I want people to WAKE UP! See these hacks for what they are! Stop buying into this crap.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I can't be the only one...
Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Tue Jan 27 17:21:33 EST 1998

Obviously, Los Spice Girls should do "She Can't Dance" from
MC's debut. You know, "...she can't dance, she can't sing,
but she's gotta be part of this pop music thing..." Actually, they're pretty entertaining except for their music. I'm tempted to see Elvis Costello's bartender cameo in "Spiceworld." Hey Kramer, you're a great guy, but if
Marshall starts doing Eagles and Zeppelin covers, I'll have
to dig a grave and roll around in it! Well, maybe that lemon
squeezing song would be funny.........
Tony Lee <tlee@axionet.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Tue Jan 27 16:09:34 EST 1998

Not only are the Spice Girls a group of no-talents, they're double-baggers. You would think the star makers could find better looking women. I doubt if anyone who attends THIS website cares about the Spice Girls. But, if they did a Crenshaw song....which one should it be?
Al peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Tue Jan 27 14:48:33 EST 1998

Paper Lace recorded "Billy" too, I think...
Both songs were tremendously annoying.

You mean you DON'T like the Spice Girls??? :-)
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Jan 27 9:43:28 EST 1998

Boy, you people really know your music trivia! I don't think Paper Lace & the Heywoods were the Spice Girls of their time. They never made millions and didn't look trashy. "Billy.." and "...Chicago Died" are on my list of the worst songs ever, along with "Honey", "Feelings", "Seasons in the Sun", and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon", which I saw too many clips of on the American Music Awards last night. And what the hell was Michael Bolton doing singing opera? I cringe whenever I hear his voice!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Tue Jan 27 9:42:30 EST 1998

Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods did record "Billy...," Paper Lace recorded that other annoying song "The Night Chicago Died." Were these guys the Spice Girls of their time?

Also, as I found out at this very page some time ago, the guy on the "My Truck..." cd is actually Michael Gibbons, lead singer of The Heywoods.

Now I'm off to find that New Yorker magazine!
Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Tue Jan 27 9:18:04 EST 1998

That's Bo "Billy Don't Be A Hero" Donaldson of Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods.

Anyone know whether "Billy" was done first by Bo or Paper
Lace (the latter group did "The Night Chicago Died")?
Enquiring minds want to know....
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Jan 26 18:33:59 EST 1998

Hey, I brought "My truck is my home" to work with me today and looked at the disc, where there's a guy who looks like a cross between John Denver and David Cassidy. That CAN'T be MC! Is it really??
Yeah, I can't wait to hear something new. I'd even like to hear some bootlegs 'cause it's something I haven't heard. Anybody in the group collect stuff for trading?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Mon Jan 26 11:13:42 EST 1998

Dom from Philly :
As Marv would say.......YES !! "Jungle Rock" was the B side to "Whenever You're On My Mind" and interestingly enough, the only song covered by both MC and the Replacements !!!!
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Mon Jan 26 10:04:01 EST 1998

The other day on a local non-profit radio station I heard a bluegrass version of "Happy Together" (originally done by the Turtles). Since I have mentioned previously that some of the Turtles' songs would sound good covered by MC it made me think that a good bluegrass band could probably do justice to several of his songs. I also once heard an excellent bluegrass version of "Ain't That Peculiar" on the same station. I guess a good song will transcend musical styles. I will say that I have yet to hear a bluegrass version of any Led Zeppelin tune.
Jim Keller <Doctorbozo@aol.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Mon Jan 26 0:13:43 EST 1998

Haven't been here for awhile. But does anyone else remember the B-side of Someday Someway? I believe it was called Jungle Rock. Hard to play 45's today with no record player. Pretty cool tune...
dom <ddibu51051@aol.com>
phila, USA - Sat Jan 24 20:51:02 EST 1998

Just found my copy of that New Yorker--Jan 12 issue, p. 22. One column's worth, and veddy nice indeed!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sat Jan 24 12:40:45 EST 1998

I'll have to hunt down that issue of The New Yorker!
"Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa" is another great Gene Pitney song; I seem to remember Garry Tallent once saying it always brought tears to his eyes. It's a melodramatic narrative, along the lines of "Liberty Valance." I think "It Hurts to Be in Love" is more Marshall's style, and I'd love to hear him cover it.
By the way, I read that GP fooled around with recording as a hobby and in the days before multi-track recording, he managed to put seven vocals on his tapes the hard way -- by rerecording the vocal exactly the same way over and over.
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Sat Jan 24 11:57:34 EST 1998

BTW, did anyone see (I think) last week's New Yorker? There is a brief "Book Notes" where MC discusses rock in literature. MC's comments are, well, very MC-like, funny and intelligent. Also, a neat cartoon of our hero!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sat Jan 24 1:41:10 EST 1998

Also, MC did Pitney's "Love My Life Away" (I think that's the title) in a concert in Chicago that was on PBS' Sound- Stage in '82 or '83. MC/RC/Chris Donato; ended their set-- sounded great, natch!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sat Jan 24 1:34:51 EST 1998

Pitney is known for his soaring ballads, but I've always liked uptempo songs like "It Hurts to Be in Love," of which MC could do a killer version.
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sat Jan 24 1:31:07 EST 1998

Nancy: I believe you mentioned a Gene Pitney connection and/or possibility with MC.... I think a bit ago I suggested that MC could do a serious cover of Pitney's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance".... Pitney was an interesting guy.... Who knows more on him?? Later skaters....

Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, Oh USA - Fri Jan 23 22:41:29 EST 1998

Now there's a concept: No Led Zep.... Jeez, the mind quivers.... No 'Kashmir', no 'Song Remains the Same', no 'Goin' to CA'.... Egads!! Now, what about MC covering 'Stairway To Heaven'?? Think about it, people!! "There's a feelin' I get when I look to the west...." Yeah, there's some potential.... Later skaters.....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Jan 21 22:26:08 EST 1998

.... and to extend on THAT (given my penchant for making a life out of being ridiculous), if there were no Beatles, popular music altogther might have ground to a halt in the mid 1970s. Not only would there not have been MC, but we'dve
missed out on Peter Frampton, Giorgio Moroder, Sister Sledge, The Knack, M, Men Without Hats, ... the list is endless. I think we'd have still gotten to experince disco, but not quite as much of it. Probably Sir Monte Rock III would have just squeaked by before the train stopped. All we might have had to listen to would be Led Zeppelin, Lawrence Welk, and Liberace.

Cosmic, ain't it???

Thanks, Carl, and rest easy.... you done a good t'ing.

(by the way, ain't it cool how all of that noise and
talking at the end of "I am the Walrus" sounds so....
well, NINETIES!)
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Jan 21 9:59:14 EST 1998

Kevin:

Not 'Famous Flames'; Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs (later had a hit in their own right with 'Sugar Shack', if memory serves.

mike deller
greenford, middx UK - Wed Jan 21 4:30:10 EST 1998

To expand on that, if it weren't for Carl, there quite likely wouldn't have been a Beatles either. He was a huge influence for John & Paul. And as we know so well, MC's love of the Beatles' stuff has been a major influence for him. So it's entirely possible that with no Carl, no Marshall (scary thought!!!)
As a huge Rockabilly fan, this simply devastating.

And, in Carl's honor, keep on rockin'!
Don Kissick <kissickd@art01.ferris.edu>
Big Rapids & Royal Oak, MI USA - Tue Jan 20 23:20:42 EST 1998

Let's not forget "Pink Pedal Pushers", either. The man had a thing for colors and shoes... If it weren't for Perkins, I don't think there'dve been an Elvis.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Jan 20 17:15:41 EST 1998

Just heard that the great Carl Perkins died. "Blue Suede Shoes," of course, but also the thunder of "Matchbox" and the groove of "Honey Don't"....
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Jan 20 0:12:09 EST 1998

Yes, Kramer, "Let Her Dance" is awesome. When I'm dancing to music while bouncing on my mini-trampoline, that song gets me going so much I have to be careful not to careen right off it. (Trampolining for exercise creates a whole new category of music, by the way -- "trampoline songs"!)
Larry: thanks for the new info in the little-known-facts category. I think you might have hit on one Marshall song we might NOT want to hear. Giorgio Moroder?? Is it anything like "Call Me," heaven forbid?
And yes, many of us are pining to hear anything new from Marshall. On the Everlys topic, I'd like to hear him do my favorite song of theirs, "Walk Right Back." Also, am I crazy or does anyone else think he could do justice to some Four Seasons tunes, like "Big Man in Town"? Some of them, including that one, are in that Gene Pitney vein that I think comes very naturally to MC.
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Mon Jan 19 21:21:35 EST 1998

The Rockpile cd "Seconds of Pleasure" does include the Everly Brothers songs. They are "Take A Message To Mary", "Crying In The Rain, "Poor Jenny", and "When Will I Be Loved".

Is anyone else out there getting anxious for something, ANYTHING, by MC to be released?
Randy Keller <randyk1492@aol.com>
Redondo Beach, CA USA - Mon Jan 19 17:36:35 EST 1998

RE: Everly Brothers... Anyone remember the first (and
only) Rockpile album? If anyone can sound like the
Everlys, it's Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds. A limited
edition 45rpm of Nick & Dave singing some Everly tunes
was packaged with the Rockpile album.... I think that the
CD version of the Rockpile album (Seconds of Pleasure)
has the music from the 45 on it... Don't remember. Anyone
know for sure?

"Let Her Dance" kicks ass. No doubt about it.

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Jan 19 12:00:29 EST 1998

Kevin, et al,

I'm sure you're right about what's on the soundtrack for "Peggy Sue Got Married." Two points to add: (1) I remember a lovely version of "See the Pyramids Along the Nile" (or whatever that song is called) by the MC Band actually in the movie, and (2) I absolutely remember a commercial for "PSGM" on TV in which a MCBand version of "Peggy Sue Got Married" was used as music for the ad. So, that means MC did indeed record a version of PSGM, a tune I love, but as far as I know the only light of day it has ever seen was in that ad.

Anyone else remember?

BTW, the first (and worst) appearance of MC on a movie soundtrack that I know of was his version of a dreadful tune called "Rock On" (written, I believe, by Giorgio Moroder) which appeared on (drumroll, please) the Superman III soundtrack.

I'm probably the only guy on earth with that record.

xo,

Larry
Larry Frye <lfrye@csw.org>
Boston, USA - Mon Jan 19 11:57:30 EST 1998

Long time since I posted anything here (I've become a lurker!), but hello to all the regulars out there. The Buddy Holly thread reminded me of a couple things.
First, besides the other songs he recorded and performed in "Peggy Sue Got Married", I know that Marshall did a version of the title song, which was much more of a full band arrangement than the one by Buddy on the soundtrack. (I know a Holly "full band" version also exists, but I think it might be one of the posthumous Famous Flames [is that the right name?] atrocities). Anyway, I clearly recall listening to the horrible Top 40 radio station in northern Indiana where I was in college (it was literally called "WAOR") and hearing a radio ad for "Peggy Sue" with Crenshaw doing a snippet of "PSGM" in the background, leading me to hope that it might be on the soundtrack. No such luck. I don't recall if it was even one of the songs he played in the movie. I agree with the thought that some of that stuff would be great for "The 9-Volt Years".
Also, on the PBS video (which I think I have somewhere), I think he does a version of "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" (I know Chuck Berry did the original, but it's certainly associated with Buddy Holly). He did a few cool cover songs on that show...I should try to dig that out....
One further thought on "The 9-Volt Years": The Shoes (who I know very little about) recently put out an odds and sods compilation on their own label and sold it through an 800 number. I don't know if it's possible to make any money that way, but that might be an avenue to explore for "9 Volt". Whaddya think????
Happy New Year, everybody........
Kevin Walsh <bkwal@erols.com>
Princeton, NJ USA - Mon Jan 19 11:51:18 EST 1998

Yet more on the Buddy Holly connection : Saw MC in L.A. (in support of "Life's Too Short", I think), doing "Brown Eyed Handsome Man"........................
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Mon Jan 19 9:58:30 EST 1998

Yeah, I've always been a big fan of Good Evening, and "Let Her Dance" is, IMHO, better than the Bobby Fuller version (which is also pretty terrific). Love that mantra-like "dance baby, dance baby, dance dance dance..."
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Mon Jan 19 4:12:34 EST 1998

Good connection, Jon. I always thought that Ricky Nelson was vicious.... Had all the right chops.... And yes, I too would love to hear MC's version of "That'll Be the Day..." And while I'm on the air, is anyone else as knocked out by "Let Her Dance" as I am?? I've got it on right now, and my toes are tapping... Got dem happy feet.... I seem to kick into air-drum mode, too. Good tune... Later skaters!!
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, Oh USA - Sun Jan 18 23:46:58 EST 1998

Inspired by Kramer, I have a similar question: has anyone ever heard MC cover any of Rick Nelson's tunes (concerts, radio)? MC is apparently a big Rick fan, and I've always thought of MC as Ricky and James Burton wrapped up in one.
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sun Jan 18 18:13:36 EST 1998

Re MC and Buddy Holly tunes: in the Goldmine interview (I think) MC says he also recorded "That'll Be the Day" for La Bamba. I am crying, waiting, hoping for this to someday, someway be released (perhaps on the 9-Volt CD)?
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Sun Jan 18 18:05:40 EST 1998

Thanks for the Buddy Holly info, guys. Any point in talking about MC doing other Holly tunes?? "True Love Ways" may be my favorite BH tune, but I can't quite hear MC doing it. Yet I envision MC doing old Eagles retreads!! Go figure.... Hey guys -- enjoy the weekend... Later skaters...
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Sat Jan 17 16:02:32 EST 1998

The soundtrack for "Peggy Sue Got Married" has the Marshall Crenshaw Band singing "You Belong To Me." It also has the Buddy Holly's original version of "Peggy Sue Got Married."
Kevin McCallum <ch340@freenet.toronto.on.ca>
Mississauga, On Canada - Sat Jan 17 14:36:58 EST 1998

I just happened to stumble on the site today, and couldn't believe it. If there were any justice in the world, MC's first few releases would now be triple platinum and the Spice Girls would be where they belong, dancing on tables in some sleazy Soho club. That's how I see it these days anyway. When anyone asks me what my definition of perfection is, I slap the debut or Field Day album in the player and say nothing. A treasured item is my 45 rpm 10 inch ep of Marshall doing Somethin's Gonna Happen and She Can't Dance, which would later make it's way onto the first album. Nice to read all of your comments, everyone. A wonderful site indeed...
Jon Reynolds <buzzkill@maplecity.com>
Monmouth, IL USA - Fri Jan 16 19:24:18 EST 1998

Before the Everly thread disappears forever, I thought I'd add my thoughts. In addition to "Lesson #1," I'd like to hear Phil and Don sing "The Usual Thing."

Everly songs I'd like to hear Marshall sing: "That's what you do to me," "Donna, Donna" and the wonderful Phil Everly song "(Girls are) Made to Love" which always sound like it could have come from Field Day.

If Marshall wants someone to harmonize with, I'd suggest Andy York, because they sound terrific when they sing together!
Nancy Burke
Southgate , MI USA - Fri Jan 16 16:37:13 EST 1998

Chorus: "Mary Anne, Mary Anne...." Dmaj7, Amaj7....it puts chills down my spine...too bad modern "rockers" don't use those chords.
ray <einarson@nettally.com>
tallahassee, fl USA - Thu Jan 15 21:26:55 EST 1998

Yes, MC sings "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" on the La Bamba soundtrack (with Garry Tallent and Max Weinberg playing rhythm!!!)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Thu Jan 15 17:49:22 EST 1998

I don't have my copy of the "LaBamba" soundtrack album in front of me, but MC has a song on it. I think the title is "Cryin', Wishin', Hopin'" or something like that. I believe it is a Buddy Holly composition. My vinyl albums are stored out of reach of my two preschool-aged kids so it would take some digging to find it. Anyone out there with ready access to that recording to verify?
Jim Keller <James.S.Keller@HealthPartners.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Thu Jan 15 15:14:22 EST 1998

Jon: Thanks for the info. And I meant that he did "PSGM" in the film of the same title.... Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Thu Jan 15 11:53:37 EST 1998

Kramer: let's see, MC has done "Love's Made a Fool of You" and "Not Fade Away" live; also, there is an old performance of "Rave On" on disc (B-side to a single)? BTW: I think MC did "Peggy Sue" in the movie, not "PSGM."
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Thu Jan 15 11:05:49 EST 1998

To da MC Gang: Slightly off the current topic, but I'm curious, since I haven't had the pleasure of seeing The Man in concert: What (if any) Buddy Holly tunes has he covered? I know he played him in _La Bamba_ and also did "Peggy Sue Got Married" in that film. What else?? Cheers, and later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Thu Jan 15 9:35:56 EST 1998

Jon: I've always heard the lines you're talking about as "You'll be all right" (which makes sense in the song's context) and "Good night, Mary Anne." Sort of like "Good Night Irene."
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Wed Jan 14 22:54:15 EST 1998

I'd like to throw out a (kind of silly) question regarding "Maryanne" (one of my best-of trio of songs): can anyone tell me what the background vocalists are singing during the chorus? I understand "Don't cry," but the rest is unclear to me. The other two lines I hear are "You'll be all mine" (it's probably "You'll be all right," which makes more sense, but I've always heard it as "You'll be all mine," which gives it a slightly off-kilter quality that I like) and "You're not Maryanne" (which makes no sense at all and would really put things into David Lynch-like territory--I have no idea what they are singing here: "You're all right Maryanne"? "Good night Marryanne"?). Perhaps this is clear as a bell to everyone else: if so, please clue me in! :)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@ea.oac.uci.edu>
Irvine, CA USA - Wed Jan 14 21:39:46 EST 1998

DOH!! I meant "Some Hearts" rather than "Radio Girls".... A brain is a terrible thing to waste.... Later skaters...
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Jan 14 19:04:53 EST 1998

To the Gang: Hmmmm... 3inarow..... Neat concept... Being one of the few _Good Evening_ fans around here, I'll weigh in with "Radio Girls", "Whichever Way The Wind Blows", and "Let Her Dance." I've gotten lots of people to dance with that string of songs before.... Re the MC "Greatest Of..." concept -- I'll have to think about that one.... Especially since I gotta get all this Eagles/Lyle Lovett/quasi-cowboy stuff outta my system.... Hey wait -- what was the great Hooters tune?? "And Then We Danced"?? Howaboutthatone?? Later skaters.....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, Oh USA - Wed Jan 14 19:02:40 EST 1998

O.K. kids! Here's my 12 song "Best O Crenshaw" CD (in no particular order): There & Back Again, Some Day, Some Way, Blues Is King, Lesson #1, Favorite Waste of Time, Mary Jean, What Do You Dream Of, Cynical Girl, Whenever You're On My Mind, Little Wild One, Girls Girls Girls, Somewhere Down The Line.
O.K., Don Pardo, tell me what I've won!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Wed Jan 14 13:33:48 EST 1998

Ooops! I meant late 85 - early 86....sorry!
Mike Scaletta <rc05155@deere.com>
Cary, NC USA - Wed Jan 14 13:08:45 EST 1998

Hello - I agree that Downtown is a good album - but the songs played live were even better - proof of this was MC in a King Biscuit Hour concert recorded during the Downtown tour (late 95 or early 96). I taped it and had a copy for the longest time - songs which sounded light on the album came to life on stage with louder, tougher arrangements. Unfortunately, I lost this tape some time ago - if anyone out there still has one, I would give my right arm and then some. Thanks!
Mike Scaletta <rc05155@deere.com>
Cary, NC USA - Wed Jan 14 12:51:17 EST 1998

Mary Anne is a heavenly good song. Does anyone out there have "Nick the Knife" by Nick Lowe? If so, then check out My Heart Hurts, written by Nick and Carlene Carter. Uncanny resemblance to Mary Anne. So uncanny, in fact, that I can't hear one without thinking of the other. Both albums came out in 1982, so I suspect no conspiracies.

On the other hand, I must admit that I have never seen those two songs in the same room at the same time.

Hmmm.
Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Wed Jan 14 10:19:22 EST 1998

Jon of Irvine : Finally someone mentioned "Maryanne" as a favorite track. If I live to be 100 and hear that song, I can guarantee that it will still give me chills !!
As for my personal triple crown, it would have to be "Little Wild One (No. 5)", "Yvonne" and "Blues is King" from Downtown.
Anyone else ????
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Wed Jan 14 9:56:11 EST 1998

How civic-minded of you, Frank! Hope your donation makes lots of converts. The three openers on LTS are favorites of mine, too (especially #2), but my picks for greatest sequence are tracks 6, 7, and 8 on Field Day (For Her Love, Monday Morning Rock, and All I Know Right Now); and tracks 5, 6, and 7 on Miracle of Science (Twenty-Five Forty-One, Starless Summer Sky, and Only an Hour Ago).
As for the ideal 12-song compilation, I was just pondering such a lineup a few days ago, though I was thinking of stretching it out to 18 songs. Anyway, my picks for a best-of collection geared to "mainstream" listeners might be: Something's Gonna Happen; Someday Someway; Cynical Girl; Whenever You're on My Mind; For Her Love; Blues Is King; The Distance Between; This Is Easy; Better Back Off; Delilah; What Do You Dream Of; and There and Back Again.
My choices for a "hardcore-fan" collection will require more careful consideration (and the process will be even more agonizing:)). In the words of a great fan, later, skaters...
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Tue Jan 13 23:18:29 EST 1998

My favorite three-song Marshall span is the first three tracks on LIFE'S TOO SHORT. Can't get much of a better start to a disc than that! Speaking of LIFE, I donated an extra CD that I had to our local library - what better way to try and convert new Marshall fans! In browsing the library's CD selection, they had some cool stuff (Kate Bush, Matthew Sweet) but I thought they needed some Marshall.
frank <fsmcguire@juno.com>
hamilton , nj USA - Tue Jan 13 22:39:11 EST 1998

Andrew: my choice for the best back-to-back-to-back would also come from the white album, but I would choose She Can't Dance/Cynical Girl/Maryanne. To me, that's proof that _Marshall Crenshaw_ is one of the greatest albums ever--three of the best songs kick off the _second_ side (for those of you who still think in LP terms)! "She Can't Dance" still ranks as one of the most exuberant, breathless cuts that MC (or anyone) has put out: pure Detroit! "Maryanne" has grown to be one of my absolute favorite MC songs; and, of course, "Cynical Girl" goes without saying....Other trios that comes to mind are I'm Sorry/Right Now/Lesson Number One (even if two are covers) and This Is Easy/A Hundred Dollars/Calling Out for Love.
Also, I can actually think of a number of other one-two-three punches that are interrupted by, to me anyways, a (relatively) lesser track, such as Whenever You're on My Mind/Our Town/Try (cut into by One More Reason, the one track on Field Day that I am less than absolutely nuts about).

As far as your 12-song compilation challenge goes: you're right, that's a toughie! I'll have to think about that one! :)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Jan 13 22:35:15 EST 1998

An odd thread I have in mind, but I'm curious, so I'll start it off.

People always talk about what albums they would want with them when they crash onto the island. I want to know what your favorite 3-song sequence is on any MC album. To my way of thinking, none of MC's albums has a better run than songs 4-5-6 on the first album.

I'll Do Anything. Rockin' Around NYC. The Usual Thing. Now that's good listenin'. None of those songs would rank individually as my all-time "favorite" Crenshaw song. But back-to-back-to-back, I'm hard pressed to find a better trio in a row.

I know that this is odd, but what is YOUR favorite run of three songs on any of MC's records?

And maybe more difficult...could you put out a track listing for a "definitive" MC compilation? I'm not sure whether it should be for the hard core fan, or an introduction for the casual listener.

Twelve songs. Have at it. And explain your selections. Who knows? It might just be "A Collection" all over again. I'll have mine for you in a day or two, but I already know of a few that will certainly make the cut.

I look forward to seeing the lists.

Andrew in Houston
Andrew Curry <candrew@uh.pop.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Tue Jan 13 18:55:45 EST 1998

Went out with my wife on Saturday nite and was having dessert at this restaurant in East Brunswick. The
band there played "Someday, Someway". 'Twasn't perfect,
but it's nice to know that Marshall is still in the hearts and minds of musical wannabees....
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Jan 12 14:58:12 EST 1998

Two very Marshall-esque songs are "I've Been Waiting" by Matthew Sweet and "Fifty Years After The Fair" by Aimee Mann. I'd love to hear MC cover those. Having said that, Marshall's taste in covers is impeccable, from Al Green to the Ramones to Abba, from "Viva Las Vegas" to "Flirtin' With Disaster." In interviews, it always seems that Marshall is not incredibly interested in other "power pop' type musics. He always seems to be listening to old country or pop records, or some cool new weird thing on WFMU in New Jersey. Anyway, I love that Lisa Loeb song, too and yes, Kathy Paul, I still owe you a tape.
Tony Lee <tlee@axionet.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Sat Jan 10 15:31:08 EST 1998

To all: Since I'm on this western theme, how about MC doing "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance"?? That would be a hoot. And since I can't seem to get Don Henley outta my mind, MC doing "The Boys of Summer" has some possiblities. And as I've said before, MC could nail some Lyle Lovett tunes, particularly "If I Had A Boat" and "L.A. County." Regarding songs that should be and/or sound like MC, I mentioned here once a long time ago that Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" sounds an awful lot like our boy.... Later skaters...
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Sat Jan 10 15:02:22 EST 1998

As long as we are talking about Marshall songs that would
be cool if covered by others, here's a somewhat different
thread: songs that _aren't_ Marshall songs but should be.

My candidate: Lisa Loeb's "I Do". This sounds like a Marshall
song if I ever heard one; the riffs, the harmony's, the
lyrics. I wouldn't be surprised if it _was_ one :)
Jim Jagielski <jim@jaguNET.com>
Perry Hall, MD USA - Sat Jan 10 11:42:13 EST 1998

Yeah Larry, I'm upset that I missed that show. I think I chose to see him at Lupo's in Providence that tour, where
he did "I Fought the Law" and "Knowing Me, Knowing You". "Cathy's Clown" is special for me, in that it was the first record I ever purchased, at 9 years old. Crenshaw just has the knack of choosing the right song to cover, AND
the ability to pull it off. Well, I'm sure we'll BOTH be there at his next show, whenever that may be. Were you at the Mama Kin show in '96?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Fri Jan 9 13:57:24 EST 1998

Dear Al,

I hope this doesn't break your heart, but I actually have heard MC do "Cathy's Clown." It was at the Paradise in Boston around '90 or so. Brilliant stuff and a great call for a cover--on MC's part and on your part, Al.

Louder, faster,

Larry
Larry Frye <lfrye@csw.org>
Boston, USA - Fri Jan 9 10:59:23 EST 1998

I don't think "Deserado" is MC's style, but the Hollies stuff would be great! Or "Pay You Back With Interest", right?
Yeah, Dick Dale would be good on "Flaregun', so would another current "surf" band, Pell Mell. How 'bout Tom Petty doing "Monday Morning Rock" or "For Her Love"?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, ma USA - Thu Jan 8 14:22:30 EST 1998

I'll probably raise some eyebrows with these suggestions, but I think that MC could do justice to both "A Certain Kind of Fool" and "Desperado" from the old "Desperado" album.... And it's probably already been mentioned, but two old Hollies tunes -- "Carrie Ann" and "Look Thru Any Window" -- would be perfect.... Whaddya think....?? And Dick Dale on "Theme From Flaregun" seems a good match.... Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Thu Jan 8 13:27:10 EST 1998

I suppose I could imagine the Boss doing "Cynical Girl", but how 'bout "Little Wild One" or "Blues Is King"? And how about hearing the kings of the Mosrite(?) guitar, the Ventures, doing the "Theme From Flaregun"? And, Larry, I would love to hear Don & Phil do "Lesson Number One".I'm sure MC is a fan of theirs. I'd love to hear him do "Cathy's Clown" or "Cryin' In The Rain". At this point, I'd like to hear MC do ANYTHING!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Thu Jan 8 10:09:21 EST 1998

Kathy (et al):

When you mentioned Bruce contributing to our fictional cover record, "Cynical Girl" immediately (strangely) popped into mind. I can hear Bruce, in his road-ravaged voice, screaming "SHE HARBORS NO ILLUSIONS AND SHE'S WORLDLY-WISE!" over a wash of buzzing guitar.

Also, I vote for the Everlys to do "Lesson Number One" as God intended them to.

Viva le rock,

Larry
Larry Frye <lfrye@csw.org>
Boston, USA - Thu Jan 8 9:30:46 EST 1998

what a treat to discover this site on a dreary wed. morning! ihave an old e.p.(remember those?)featuring m.c. doing a bang-up cover of elvis presley's "little sister". if anyone is interested, let me know and i'll get you a copy somehow.
harvey <mines@mailhost.tcs.tulane.com>
new orleans , la USA - Wed Jan 7 14:37:39 EST 1998

Wow, Tony! Here's my money, where can I get this cd! So many of my favorites listed, (BNL, Michael Penn, Matthew Sweet, Freedy, Smithereens). Love the selections, too. (Even though MC didn't write Some Hearts, it's still a fave of mine!)

Now, I don't want things to get ugly like the last time I uttered his name, but I would like to have Bruce "You Know Who" reciprocate. Only problem is what could he play?
Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Wed Jan 7 12:38:16 EST 1998

Tony: Wow!!! That's a pretty amazing list. (As I recall, Don Kissick came up with a pretty nifty tribute CD track list as well a few months back.) As far as I'm concerned, the more "ridiculous" the choices, the better: one of the great strengths of MC has been his eclecticism (although I believe it has hurt him commercially, since his music never fits neatly into one definable genre or niche), and I think these songs are durable enough to withstand the craziest of interpretations....Regarding Sinatra doing "Favorite Waste"
--do you mean Young or Old Frank?....My dream choice for "Somewhere Down the Line": Roy Orbison (but I guess you can't have everything :( )....
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Jan 6 18:32:43 EST 1998

Yes, Tony, many ARE ridiculous and many not so ridiculous, like Ben Folds, Smithereens, Odds, Los Lobos, Isaak, Johnston, and even k.d. lang doing "Somewhere Down the Line", which I thought Leeann Rimes would be good doing. But Tony, Toni, Tone doing "There & Back Again"? No way! Leonard Cohen doing "The Usual Thing"? More like the UNusual thing! And Ole Blue Eyes doing "Favorite Waste of Time"??? " Your my..hup, hup..
favorite..yeah...waste of time, baby...". Isn't it mushroom season out there in British Columbia right now? 'Nuff said!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Tue Jan 6 14:08:44 EST 1998

Well, here's my obsessive, ridiculous, impossible Marshall tribute album lineup, all 47 tracks. Eating only one potato chip would be easier than stopping at 12 or 20 Crenshaw covers. I included the dead-on casting of Ben Folds Five, Chris Isaak and k.d.lang. Sorry for hogging bandwidth. 1. Something's Gonna Happen - Rev. Horton Heat 2. Someday, Someway - Junior Brown 3. Girls... - Lemonheads 4. I'll Do Anything - Matthew Sweet 5. Rockin' Around In NYC - They Might Be Giants 6. The Usual Thing - Leonard Cohen 7. She Can't Dance - Shonen Knife 8. Cynical Girl - Fountains Of Wayne 9. Not For Me - Michael Penn 10. Brand New Lover - Dwight Yoakam 11. ...Favourie Waste Of Time - Frank Sinatra 12. Our Town - Kirsty MacColl 13. One Day With You - John Hiatt 14. For Her Love - Tommy Keene 15. Monday Morning Rock - Barenaked Ladies 16. All I Know Right Now - Mavericks 17. Little Wild One #5 - Muffs 18. Blues Is King - Mark Eitzel 19. Terrifying Love - Jill Sobule 20. Like A Vague Memory - Blue Rodeo 21. The Distance Between - Lisa Loeb 22. ...Shake Up Their minds - Southern Culture On The Skids 23. This Is Easy - XTC 24. A Hundred Dollars - Gin Blossoms 25. Calling Out For Love.. - Paul Westerberg 26. Somebody Crying - Freedy Johnston 27. Mary Jean - TAFKA Prince 28. 'Til That Moment - Tom Jones 29. They Never Will Know - Maxwell 30. You Should've Been There - Chris Isaak 31. She Hates To Go Home - Billy Bragg 32. On The Run - Steve Earle 33. Some Hearts - Deana Carter 34. Whateverway The Wind Blows - Los Lobos 35. Better Back Off - Everclear 36. Don't Disappear Now - Paul Kelly 37. Fantastic Planet Of Love - Ben Folds Five 38. Delilah - Odds 39. Walkin' Around - Foo Fighters 40. Everything's The Truth - Smithereens 41. Somewhere Down The Line - k.d. lang 42. What Do You Dream Of? - Aimee Mann 43. Laughter - Elvis Costello 44. Starless Summer Sky - Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction) 45. Theme from "Flaregun" - Los Straitjackets 46. Seven Miles An Hour - Jules Shear 47. There And Back Again - Tony Toni Tone. Whew, that's it! Wait I forgot Liz Phair and Marti Jones and Beck and the 3 Tenors and....
Tony Lee <tlee@axionet.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Tue Jan 6 2:39:39 EST 1998

Yes it's true, Andy York has been playing regularly with John Mellencamp.
Jeff Castel De Oro <jeffcdo@primenet.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Thu Jan 1 21:52:08 EST 1998

Hello and happy new year to all the MC fans...On last nite's VH-1 New Year's special, they had a concert with John Mellencamp. It appeared to be Andy York on lead guitar, if I'm not mistaken. Can anyone else verify this?
Dave <Redbutton@aol.com>
NY USA - Thu Jan 1 19:39:48 EST 1998

Happy New Year to All -

'97 was capped off by discovering this page! A great unifier this is, despite our desire to keep the gift of MC's music private. ('splain please) I feel that we all want music to call our own, yet, being human, we want to share the joy of it, so we open others to it. I equate it to seeing U2 with 349 other people on their second night ever in the USA only to see them the next time with 35,000 other souls. Something is lost, but at the same time gained.

Are we blessed by MC's relative obscurity?

Finding this page has been joyful as have my discussions with a co-worker who just bought "Downtown", as he starts to fill the gaps in his MC collection.

Perhaps a bit introspective - but so is MC.

See ya later bye.

Don

P.S. Larry Frye of Boston - had a mental revisit to Marshall show in Saratoga Springs in '81 - Were you about 13-15 rows back standing throughout with a pretty brunette???
Don
Clifton Park, NY USA - Thu Jan 1 18:34:44 EST 1998

Happy, healthy New Year to all! Let's hope it brings us (at last) "The Nine-Volt Years" and any other goodies MC wants to lay on us. Besides the usual regular doses of Marshall, I've lately been immersed in the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" (the 1990 CD reissue) and Robert Gordon's "Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die," featuring our perennial favorites "Someday, Someway" and "Something's Gonna Happen," plus "Wasting My Time." All of this is providing an uplifting soundtrack to the start of the new year. Danceable, too!
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Thu Jan 1 13:08:56 EST 1998

To the MC Gang: Have a safe and joyous New Year, my friends!!
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Dec 31 11:09:11 EST 1997

I'm a DAT trader wanting to connect with other DAT traders. I have one MC show and want more. Also have a large list of other artists to trade with (trades only please). In the power pop genre would also like to trade for Chris von Sneidern. E-mail your list if you can.
Kyle <kyle_spain@warnerbros.com>
USA - Tue Dec 30 12:42:51 EST 1997

To Tony Lee: My faves for the year also include Freedy, Ben Folds, Southern Culture, Sweet, and Penn. But my favorite 3 are The Devlins-Waiting (from Ireland, sort of a very mellow, early U2 with great songs), the Simon Townsend Band-Among Us (Yes, Pete's younger brother whose voice is uncanny, but more pop with less edge and again, great songs), and Patty Larkin-Perishable Fruit (super songwriting and the best female guitarist there is, sorry Bonnie!) Have a great New Year everybody!

Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Mon Dec 29 11:58:53 EST 1997

My Two Cents' Worth...
I saw Sheryl Crow last summer and came away fairly impressed. She can certainly sing, and I like her theme for the new Bond flick. But maybe I just saw her on a good night. I will say that both her opening acts were even better: Michael Penn and Wilco. Marshall devotees owe it to themselves to check out their recent unjustifiably overlooked releases. As for Cheap Trick, saw them earlier this year too, in a tiny club. They rocked! I agree their new cd is teriffic too. I nominate "Surrender"-- a Marshall-worthy slice of power pop if ever there were one-- to be covered by our man.
Lastly, at one of my favorite cd haunts I stumbled across a Christmas promo cd that I myself already own. It only has a half-dozen tracks on it, most of which suck. BUT... It is the only place Freedy Johnston's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" can be found on cd. A "must have" in my opinion. Five bucks, plus tax and shipping if anybody wants it. Mail me.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Peace on Earth. And lets be good to one another...
Michael <michael.bennett@ksl.com>
Salt Lake City, Ut USA - Thu Dec 25 9:50:10 EST 1997

Having Sheryl Crow cover a Marshall tune would probably
be good for Marshall, but I can't hear it.

I saw Sheryl perform in Melbourne, and her show was pretty
uninspiring. Maybe we each had an off day.

Have a great holiday!

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Dec 24 16:08:00 EST 1997

Merry Crensh-mas everybody! Thanks to Jeff for running this fantastic page. I've been busy, but rest assured, the track listing for my 800-song Marshall tribute will be up soon ("...Favourite Waste Of Time" = Frank Sinatra)! In the meantime, what were people's favourite records this year? I liked Fountains Of Wayne, Pulsars, Jill Sobule, Cardigans, Wallflowers, Odds, Muffs, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Southern Culture On The Skids, Ben Folds Five, Odds, Mark Eitzel, soundtracks to The End Of Violence and Austin Powers, Sleater Kinney, Freedy Johnston, Matthew Sweet, Michael, Penn, Jen Trynin, and that dog. Unlike most years, no country or hip hop records stand out, but I am eagerly awaiting a duet album from Leann Rimes and Busta Rhymes. Happy holidays!
Tony Lee <tlee@axionet.com>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Wed Dec 24 15:31:32 EST 1997

Jim Keller :
Yes, Cheap Trick is still together. Their most recent self-titled album on Red Ant Records (the label went belly-up) absolutely rocks. If you don't have it, try to pick it up with the bonus single "Brontosaurus" and "Baby Talk". I know, I know, but they've always been a guilty pleasure !!!
Happy Holidays to all !!!
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Wed Dec 24 10:05:24 EST 1997

To Marshall Maniacs and Other Assorted Fellow Travellers: Happy Holidays to you and yours! To the Crenshaw Clan: have a very Merry Christmas! To Jeff: Many thanks for maintaining this site over the past year. Again, Happy Holidays to you all, and have a safe and joyous New Year!

Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Wed Dec 24 8:30:49 EST 1997

Happy Holidays to all my fellow Marshall fans and of course to Marshall & his family. Many thanks to Jeff for keeping this going. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Mary Anne
Mary Anne Maloney <mmks@erols.com>
Parlin, NJ USA - Tue Dec 23 23:55:12 EST 1997

How about Cheap Trick (I have no idea if they are even still together) doing "Everything's The Truth".
Jim Keller <James.S.Keller@HealthPartners.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Tue Dec 23 11:51:57 EST 1997

If we're going to have a female doing "7 Miles an Hour", how 'bout Sheryl Crow, whose 2nd album was fairly rockin'. And how 'bout pulling restauranteur, Julian Lennon, out of retirement to do "Monday Morning Rock".
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Album to Marshall and all of you!
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Tue Dec 23 10:31:14 EST 1997

LAst day at work before the Xmas break, so just one chance to say

HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND A
GREAT NEW YEAR

to all posters, R&T personnel, and (of course) Marshall.

CYA next one.

mike deller
greenford, middx uk - Tue Dec 23 9:55:15 EST 1997

i think bonnie raitt or fiona apple or somebody should do "7 miles an hour" - a woman singing it could be an aggressive, interesting twist.
jim kenney <jim@soc1.soc.qc.edu>
whitestone, ny USA - Sat Dec 20 18:52:12 EST 1997

Gang: Just bought myself a early Xmas present: CDs of MC's first, _Good Evening_, and _Life's Too Short_. Replacing the vinyl and cassette versions. I'm now cranking them up here at work and illiciting using the INTERNET. Well, ya know what to say if they can't take a joke!! But anyway, I had nearly forgotten how fine that first album is. Zowie!! This must be one of the strongest debut albums around, in my humble opinion. Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Fri Dec 19 13:40:14 EST 1997

My 2 cents on the cover tune discussion-I would love to hear Marshall do a cover of "I could never take the place of your man" by Prince,also would love Marshall to cover John Hiatt's "Tennessee Plates"-food for thought. Merry Xmas to all
Kevin McElligott <KevMac007@aol.com>
East Meadow, Ny USA - Fri Dec 19 11:41:34 EST 1997

Definately, Nick Lowe doing "Usual Thing"! How 'bout Roger McGuinn doing "Cynical Girl", Leane Rimes doing "Lesson Number One", the Smithereens doing "7 Miles Per Hour" or "Don't Disappear Now", Bruce Springsteen doing "Blues is King" or "Little Wild One", or Robert Gordon doing it. Freedy definately has to be in on it, as well as the Gin Blossoms, Lowe, Gordon, and probably several country stars. Keep those suggestions coming in! Razor & Tie, are you listening?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Fri Dec 19 10:45:55 EST 1997

BTW - 4got 2 mention that Nick Lowe and The Usual Thing are
a perfect match!

This is too much fun to stop doing.

How about the Artist formerly known as Prince (sorry, don't
have the symbol in my character set) doing "Don't Disappear Now"?

I really mean it. I'll stop.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Thu Dec 18 15:25:01 EST 1997

Once I get going, I'm tough to stop...

Joe Jackson & Jill Solbuile (sp) doing "Girls", a capella

Here's another goodie:

Chris Isaak doing "You Should've Been There". That's a
hit if I ever heard one.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Thu Dec 18 15:05:05 EST 1997

Oops. Mixed up Ramones & Blasters on my last post.
Ramones should do "NYC", Blasters should do "Right Now"...

How 'bout "Whenever You're on My Mind" - Elvis Costello
(Marti Jones' version is very good, too)!

Although "Favorite Waste" has been beaten to death, why
not let Peter Frampton have a crack at it.

Ben Folds Five doing "Fantastic Planet"

Freedy Johnston doing "On The Run"

Annie Lennox & Sarah McLachlan would do a nice job singing "Some Hearts" - so what if MC didn't write it....

Howard Stern Fans: What should we let Mark Harris and
his violinist friend "Da-veed" do?

I'll stop now. I'm getting dangerous.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Thu Dec 18 14:07:45 EST 1997

I've got one!

How about Robert Gordon doing "Someday, Someway"!

:-)

I'll also vote for the Blasters doing "Rockin Around NYC",
The Ramones doing "Right Now",
k.d. lang covering "Somewhere Down the Line"

michael aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
red bank, nj USA - Thu Dec 18 13:47:12 EST 1997

As to the tribute album, I'd like to nominate some of the artists, as well as the songs they should do.

Nick Lowe--The Usual Thing
They Might Be Giants--Not For Me
Michael Penn--Try (he has his own song called Try that made me think he'd be good for this one too)

Any other nominations? I'll think of more. Hell, this could be a quadruple album by the end of this.

Talk to you soon--

Andrew in Houston

Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Thu Dec 18 10:39:58 EST 1997

With all the tribute albums out, paying hommage to anybody with a large body of work, live or dead, I'd love to see a MC tribute album get organized. My band, Deep Six, would certainly be up for a contribution. How do we get it going, people?
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Wed Dec 17 9:23:12 EST 1997

I also saw MC do "I Fought the Law" a few years ago at a club in Providence, RI. It really rocked! And though I've been a loyal fan since the 1st album, that show was also the first time I heard "Favorite Waste of Time", believe it or not. I thought it was new! That was the "Truck" tour. Matter of fact, I had my VCR rolling when MC did David Letterman a few weeks later and the performance rivals the live CD track. Too bad they didn't include it on the new Best of Letterman CD.
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Tue Dec 16 17:00:19 EST 1997

Saw MC perform "I Fought the Law" in East Lansing, MI a few years back (it was shouted out from the audience as a request.) Robert and Graham Maby were playing with MC (my God, what a trio that was) and their rendition was fantastic. Also recall that MC and Robert seemed to be playing a "game" of sorts where (it seemed) Robert would start the song somewhere in the middle of a measure so the drum part would be hard to follow and then Marshall had to figure out where to start the guitar so that it went with the drum part. I don't think I'm explaining it very well but it sure was cool. Robert: was I imagining this? I would love your input.
Rock on!
Pat
Cincinnati, OH USA - Tue Dec 16 13:17:02 EST 1997

Robert-

I think the tune is "Honestly Sincere" from "Bye, Bye Birdie," attributed to Conrad Birdie but I don't know who actually recorded it.

I also saw MC (et al) to "I Can See for Miles" but I think my all-time fave is "Don't Fear the Reaper" which I saw 3/4 years ago at the Paradise in Boston.

Rock is your friend,
Larry
Larry Frye <lfrye@csw.org>
Boston, USA - Mon Dec 15 14:58:14 EST 1997

Re: Graham & Marshall

I wonder if that gig was the Vin Scelsa's 50th birthday
party that happened at the Bottom Line on Friday 12 December. I'd bet it was. I think Freedy Johnston and
MANY others were there as well.

I wish I had been there, too.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Dec 15 10:40:45 EST 1997

Robert, yes absolutely! "I've Been Good To You" Awesome tune. Last heard it in '83 when you were on the road with the two brothers. I gave a copy of a live radio simulcast (WPGU, Champaign Il) with that tune on it to Marshall a few years back before another performance. I didn't get the whole show--most of it though, but if you're interested I could make/send you a copy. Just let me know through the postings here.
R.C. Wood
Tucson, Az USA - Sun Dec 14 15:50:43 EST 1997

Does anyone remember seeing MC do "you gotta be sincere" from Bye Bye Birdie ? It was really great.How about I've been good to you by Smokey Robinson ? MC used to sing the hell out of that one
Robert Crenshaw <robcren@earthlink.net>
USA - Sun Dec 14 7:14:34 EST 1997

It just came over the Graham Parker list that both Graham and Marshall performed at the Bottom Line in New York last nite. The message didn't say what song Marshall performed, or what the occassion was. Other performers included Lou Reed and Joey Ramone. Sounded like a very interesting nite!
Shame that no one on the list knew anything about it!
Dave <Redbutton@aol.com>
NY USA - Sun Dec 14 2:51:24 EST 1997

Favorite MC covers...how 'bout a hilarious version of the Ramones "The KKK Took My Baby Away". Yes, he's done it to uproarious applause. That was also the last time I saw him with a "full" band that did his tunes justice. Would like to see a return to that if his current label RNT could back him. The Man sure has staying power dont he? There's a lot to be said for talent.
R.C. Wood
Tucson, Az USA - Sat Dec 13 22:30:27 EST 1997

Re: Covers -

I became a hardcore Marshall fan pretty late (1989), the only songs I heard him cover live (i.e. never on an MC studio album) were "I Can See for Miles & Miles". The next time I saw MC, I was already into Dave Alvin, and was really pleasantly surprised to hear him cover "Wanda & Duane". But, as Crackhead Bob says "Daaaaat's It". He didn't play too many surprises on his tour supporting "My Truck", and based on the set lists for MOS, I didn't
really see any serious cover action there either...

I'd have loved to have been there for "Sexual Healing" or "I Touch Myself". Goof city.

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Fri Dec 12 11:36:24 EST 1997

I'd almost forgotten about "Go All The Way". Yeah, that
one works for me, too! How about "Spirit in the Sky"?

To Al Peach, the other Belew-head out there - the Slaves
of New Brunswick (a Glen Burtni(c)k joint) played "The Momur" the other night, only a couple of songs after they
covered "Dancing Queen". I almost soiled my shorts with delight. "Lone Rhino" brings back a lot of great memories.

Just out of curiosity, what is the sensitivity to self-aggrandizement? What's wrong with it? Remember, this is the Internet, where perverts electronically seduce little children for fun and death. Can a little auto-ego-inflation on behalf of some innocent Marshall Crenshaw fans hurt anyone?

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Fri Dec 12 11:07:48 EST 1997

I'd love to hear Marshall cover "He's a Rebel" by The Crystals and "His Latest Flame" by Elvis. I think a CD of Marshall covers would be great! Any release would be great, as I need a fix of MC. Also, I'd like to see a collaboration sometime with Marshall and my other fave, Adrian Belew. They both have Lennonesque vocal capability and are my favorite pop songwriters. Finally, is the mailing address on "Field Day" still viable? Got a video I'd like to send Marshall. I created some Crenshaw "videos" a few years ago. I set MC tunes to film clips that go amazingly well with the tunes. For example, I did "Lesson Number One" with "Angels With Dirty Faces", where Father Pat O'Brien visits James Cagney in his jail cell, just before he walks the last mile to the electric chair. It really came out great. Got 5 or 6 other ones.
Al Peach <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, MA USA - Fri Dec 12 10:27:24 EST 1997

Ooooooh, cover tunes!!
It's amazing how many people can also think of Marshall doing "Love Grows" by Edison Lighthouse. Here are some more candidates : "I Only Want to Be With You" (Dusty Springfield), "Darlin'" (The Beach Boys), and for no particular reason "Survival Car" (Fountains of Wayne)....................
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Fri Dec 12 10:03:03 EST 1997

Random jottings from across the pond:

Saw the Ben Folds Five last night - knockout! Whoever said a couple of days ago that they gave good gig was spot on.

'Love grows..' interesting (train spotter) facts...
The tune was actually the original bass line of the song... it was the product of a writer/producer/singer team that actually had 4 songs under different names in the Top Ten at the same time (others were White Plains, Flowerpot Men and ... doh! the memory is going - it's my age).

Had the pleasure of watching the first 20 minutes or so of 'Peggy Sue got MArried' on TV two days ago - had forgotten how many different number MC plays - can anyone list them all?

Songs MC should cover - 'Crimson and Clover' by Tommy JAmes and the Shondells, or 'Skaking All Over' by Johnny Kidd and the Pirates would get my vote. What about songs he should NEVER cover - top of my list would be 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen... can you imagine it?

;-x
mike deller
greenford, middx UK - Fri Dec 12 7:23:00 EST 1997

Martha, you must have read my mind (and a few others, from the looks of it). When I listen to Mary Jean, I always think at the end of "Til That Moment," "wow, Marshall is really morphing into Eric Carmen here." That's the kickin' Raspberries-era Eric Carmen, not the bathetic "All By Myself" Eric Carmen, needless to say. I have no problem with "Go All the Way," but how about a cover of my very favorite Raspberries single, "Tonight"?
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Fri Dec 12 0:38:13 EST 1997

Martha: Way to go w/ the RAINBOW request!! ;) It was one of the highlights of that show! And count me in for getting Marshall to cover some Raspberries tunes! There's already been a 'berries tribute disc, but Marshall wasn't on it. Also a few Badfinger tunes I'd like Marshall to tackle.
frank <fsmcguire@juno.com>
hamilton , nj USA - Thu Dec 11 23:26:59 EST 1997

Martha: Ditto with a lazer beam. I grew up in Cleveland -- Eric Carmen is highly regarded in some corners there. MC could kick some fine ass on "Go All The Way"..... But then that's just my own self-aggrandizing opinion.... Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Thu Dec 11 22:50:59 EST 1997

Michael: I'm with you on those cover tunes -- especially "... Rosemary," one of my guilty pleasures. In the same vein, I've always thought Marshall could do a killer version of Eric Carmen and the Raspberries' "Baby, Go All The Way."

Frank: I called in that Hungerthon request for the hillbilly version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." I had heard Marshall and Jules Shear perform it a few weeks earlier at a Sweet Relief benefit show in NYC, and it just cracked me up.
Martha Hickson <hickson@att.com>
Washington, NJ USA - Thu Dec 11 12:09:31 EST 1997

Michael: Yes, I can definitely hear MC covering those two tunes! And he just might have over the years - especially in '82-'85, when it seemed like you'd never know what cover tune he'd dig up. About 5 years ago on a rainy winter night in Philly, he did the DeVinyls' "I Touch Myself." Marshall also did a "Idiot's Delight" All-Star Rent Party Band gig about 5 years ago where listeners phoned in requests for donations. He did off-the-cuff versions of Donovan's "Sunshine Superman," Beatles' "And I Love Her" and "Don't Let Me Down" and a hillbilly version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." That radio show was great!!! A quick "covers" CD would be great filler while we wait for 9-VOLT YEARS, a box set and the next studio effort. I'd like to hear him try "Everlasting Love" by Robert Knight, and later Carl Carlton (I think), and the old Elvis Presley tune "Suspicion," which Terry Stafford had a sounds-like hit with in the early 60s. (Not "Suspicious Minds," which was from '69, ... but, hey, while we're at it ....)

Also, YES!, Pat DiNizio's "SONGS & SOUNDS" is an excellent disc (produced by our buddy Don Dixon), but the "Somewhere Down The Line" on it is an original DiNizio work, not Marshall's tune. Can't wait for those two to work together!
frank mcguire <fsmcguire@juno.com>
hamilton, nj USA - Wed Dec 10 22:34:53 EST 1997

My Dutch mother used to say I was " looking with my nose". A reference to not seeing something right in front of me. Those Dutch sure see the world a little bit differently.
How about "the dog lies in the cemetery again"? And they wonder why we need therapy! Any way, I found the Foskett info on the "What's New" page. Thanks anyway.
Don <donevans@wrgb.com>
Clifton Park, NY USA - Wed Dec 10 20:31:05 EST 1997

Going back a couple of weeks - mention of Jeffrey Foskett
- What label is that on? I called a local music store, one that usuallly has everything and they told me that they don't have it. So I need more info, if anyone can provide it.

"Too" cents on driving with Marshall. Since the beginning its always been the music of choice while driving - from the Karmann Ghia (convertible) days to the four door sedan. Favs include: "girls...", "Whenever You're on my Mind',
"One Day with You", the much maligned "Hold it", "Don't
Disappear Now", MoS' "2541", Starless..." and "Only an Hour Ago". Thanks for the indulgence. See ya later bye.
Don <donevans@wrgb.com>
Clifton Park, NY USA - Wed Dec 10 20:19:57 EST 1997

Need an MC fix bad! Saw THE MAN a little over a year ago in Boston. His voice went on him and he apologized, saying he'd be back soon to make up for it. It's been 14 months now and I need a fix! Anyway, thought I'd pass along that Pat Dinizio of The Smithereens has a new solo album out and covers one of my faves, "Somewhere Down The Line". Anybody heard it? Anybody cry when you here that song? Just wondering...
Al Pechulis <apechulis@asaint.com>
Brockton, ma USA - Wed Dec 10 14:51:59 EST 1997

I'll bet that if MC REALLY put his mind to it, he could craft something INCONCEIVABLY hokey! I'd like to think the man has a good sense of humour about his work.

Case in point: "Glass Houses" by Billy Joel.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Dec 10 12:32:41 EST 1997

In the miniseries "The Stand," the role of Larry Underwood was played by Adam Storke, a veteran of many TV movies and miniseries.

Since it took such a long time for the book to be made into a movie, MC may have been a bit too mature to play the struggling young musician. When I read the novel, way back when, I tried to picture Marshall as the character, but King kept including some lyrics to the character's songs, and I remember them being really hokey, and not at all something that Marshall would be capable of writing.
Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, NY USA - Wed Dec 10 11:26:57 EST 1997

Yeah, I LIKE that sound. It really integrates nicely with
the bassline (it may be a bass with lots of delay and little
decay, for all I know). I have a woofer out of commission on my stereo right now, and while I'm waiting for the
replacement to be sent to me, I've been listening to some
of my CDs on the left channel, sick pup that I am. It's fun to do that, though - depending on how the tracks are isolated when the song is being mixed, you get a discrete sense of all the different parts which make up a song - something you lose in the stereo "image".

If you listen to the left channel only on "There & Back Again", you may get some hints on what that sound really is.
Or, maybe my wife wired the stereo backwards and it's the
right channel... Who knows? Who cares? Just try it!
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Dec 10 10:39:50 EST 1997

One more thing about Miracle of Science and driving: I first listened to MoS (with the volume full blast) while on the 405 freeway heading for Los Angeles. On "There and Back Again" (another fine driving song), there is a weird, rhythmic tacka-tacka sound that is especially loud during the verse sections (coming from the right speaker, if you are listening in the car)--it's very cool, but for a few seconds, I really thought that my front tire had blown out and was making the sound! Looking back, it seems pretty silly, but what the heck.... :)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Dec 9 19:35:28 EST 1997

The other day I found myself digging thru some old vinyl
(records, lest any imaginations wander) and found 2 songs
that I thought would be excellent cover material for
MC. They're both bizarre enough to qualify.

The first tune was "Shake Some Action" by the Flaming Groovies.

The other one was "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes" by
Edison Lighthouse.

Can anyone else hear the possibilities there, or am I celebrating New Years a little early?
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Dec 9 17:46:28 EST 1997

Nancy: right on about the MC-driving connection! I think I remember MC saying somewhere that he often comes up with ideas while driving, and as you point out, many of his songs are from the point of view of a alienated/jilted/emotional driver (I'd add "Somebody Crying" and "On the Run" to the list). The whole MoS album works well as a cruising-down the-highway soundtrack (especially "Theme from 'Flaregun'" and "Starless Summer Sky")--it has a permanent place in my car, right next to the Beach Boys' Endless Summer. As someone who grew up in Southern California, I have spent an inordinate amount of time behind the wheel, and MC has always been the musician of choice.

Beth: I remember reading in Barbara Nellis' music column in Playboy (err, umm) a few years back that Stephen King made an open call to cast MC in the TV version of The Stand--I guess MC never heard (does anyone remember who played that part in the miniseries?); it's neat that King would mention MC in print (he also mentions the MC white album in his liner notes to Michael McDermott's record; I believe Jeff has that in the Articles section).

BTW: Happy Holidays, everybody! :)
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Tue Dec 9 17:43:52 EST 1997

Not to repeat myself, but "Right Now" seems to work
well behind the wheel, too.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Dec 9 17:41:47 EST 1997

Kathy and Nancy: I had to smile at the image I had of you two zooming around NYC, gunning engines and bellowing MC tunes.... I think the ultimate bitchin' MC ride tune would have to be that cover of "Flirting With Disaster" that people have heard him do. As I have mentioned here before (I know, another moment of self-aggrandizement), I first heard MC in my ex's car as we motored down Rte 3 south of Baltimore. Egads, many moons ago..... The song was of course "Whenever You're On My Mind." I took it back to California with me and turned all my Monterey friends onto what I called "East Coast power pop." I thought that MC was from NYC, based on his first album. Had no idea that he was as midwestern as I am. Anywho, a trip down memory lane.... Later skaters....
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
Dayton, OH USA - Tue Dec 9 8:45:37 EST 1997

I can't resist the latest "how does Marshall's music reach you" topic. I am the kind of person who can't drive without a good tune playing, and a lot of my favorites are MC cuts -- so many tunes, so little road, so little time. My all time favorite road tune is one that is uptempo and is chock full of layered guitar hooks that I sometimes forget that I'm in a moving vehicle blazing along at 65 mph (130 kph for us Canuckleheads). In short, "Delilah" is pure road rage Prozac. Rock ya later...
Kevin McCallum <ch340@freenet.toronto.on.ca>
Mississauga, On Canada - Tue Dec 9 0:47:26 EST 1997

Not to stray too far into Bruce territory (an area fraught with peril for all us veteran self-aggrandizers here;)... but I seem to remember that Stephen King prefaced "The Stand" with a verse from "Jungleland," whence the book's title apparently comes. I never noticed his fantasy casting of Marshall, however.
By the way, thanks to all the drivers who have posted their motoring associations with MC's music -- I'm having fun reading which songs evoke the open road for other people. We know Marshall enjoys being behind the wheel and does some of his songwriting in the car; I guess it really comes through, even to non-driving listeners!
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Mon Dec 8 22:03:25 EST 1997

Hectic Holidays to all!! Just picked up ( with both hands as it clocks in at 1153 pages) a copy of Stepen King's "The Stand" and what do I see in the introduction??
" In discussions people are willing to cast various parts endlessly....They all "sound" good, just as Bruce Springsteen would seem to make and interesting Larry Underwood, if he ever chose to try acting (and, based on his videos, I think he would do very well...although my personal choice would be Marshall Crenshaw)." 10/24/89
HOWZABOUTTHAT??
Anyhoo- Any Marshall song reminds me of driving.. . There is a place on Rt 2 that I always think of when I hear "This is Easy", I picture Rt 128 with "There She Goes...", and "Life's Too Short" reminds me of one summer day when I decided to drive all the way from Cape Cod to Greenwich NY to take pictures of some abandoned diners.what is that saying...In the car no one can hear you sing?? ;-)
BTW- I still have an extra copy of MJ&9O on CD if anyone is looking.
And finally, thanks again Jeff for keeping this little community up and running!!
beth
beth <beth2459@aol.com>
boston, MA USA - Mon Dec 8 21:02:25 EST 1997

Not to belabor the dead musician thing, but I wanted to note that December 10 marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Otis Redding. To me, he personified soul. Nobody, and I mean nobody, sang so truly from the heart and soul like he did. Not James Brown, not Sam and Dave, not Wilson Pickett, not even Aretha. Otis is King.
Jim Keller <James.S.Keller@HealthPartners.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Mon Dec 8 16:43:08 EST 1997

I was just checking the board again. Reading the posts since my first one approx. a week ago. When I got to mine, I re - read it. I orginally typed it in very late and I can't believe the major typo I had in it. I referred to Marshall as Michael. My sincere apologies. You all must think I'm from another planet. I swear, I really am a fan. I had just got done posting another message to a Michael McDermott board and I must have had his name stuck in my head. Anyway, I just thought I'd clarify that major Faux pas (sp?)
Tracy
Tracy <Rocknrollheart@msn.com>
NJ USA - Mon Dec 8 16:22:50 EST 1997

This has not been a good few weeks for musicians.

First, Michael Hutchence dies.

Then, guitarist Michael Hedges died in a car crash last week.

Now Stephane Grappelli...

There's a Reinhart/Grappelli tune (Tears, appropriately enough) on the Knopfler/Atkins "Neck & Neck" collaboration.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Mon Dec 8 13:07:31 EST 1997

Nancy:

I love to listen to Marshall while I drive, but I really love to play "Better Back Off," while I'm tearing up the turnpike (or the parkway or thruway, for that matter) in my Nissan Sentra. I turn the sound way up, sing at the top of my lungs, and leave the rest of the pack behind.

Kathy Paul <kmp@ms.com>
NYC, USA - Mon Dec 8 10:53:45 EST 1997

It has struck me that some of my favorite Marshall songs -- like "Only an Hour Ago" and the openers on Mary Jean, "This Is Easy" and "A Hundred Dollars" -- are what I think of as driving songs. That is, even as I'm listening to them in my living room, I'm picturing listening to them in a moving vehicle, preferably a convertible. And I don't even drive! Does anybody else associate particular MC songs with certain activities (other than dancing, of course)? Just wondering.
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Sun Dec 7 13:55:10 EST 1997

I also have long enjoyed the music of Stephane Grapelli. No-one else will ever get a violin to produce the sweet sounds he did. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune actually ran a tribute to him on their editorial page. I guess there's nothing wrong with that, but it struck me as being a little odd. Apparently one of their editorial writers is also an admirer. And, as always, Keep on jazzin'! ;)
Jim Keller <James.S.Keller@HealthPartners.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Sat Dec 6 11:58:53 EST 1997

Don: thanks! I think you're right--Stephane Grappelli was one who broke through musical barriers, playing in a number of styles and with a wide variety of musicians (David Grisman, Yo-Yo Ma): truly a pop musician. I think he passed away on Monday, in Paris, due to complications following a hernia operation. The only obit I read was in the Los Angeles Times by Don Heckman, who also wrote an excellent appreciation in the entertainment section that day.

Back to MC: I actually found some info regarding my own question about the mysterious Chisel Brothers! They are (were?) a Detroit-based R&B/pop group; their drummer is (was?) Ron Pangborn, whose name is familiar to MC fans. Does anyone have any further info on this group?
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Fri Dec 5 23:01:34 EST 1997

Attention :
Don Evans and Mary Anne Maloney : please leave your e-mail addresses !!!!

Mark
mwesley@uwmc.com
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Fri Dec 5 9:45:09 EST 1997

Jon:
I had not heard of Stephane Grappelli's passing. My old roomate was a big fan of his, along with Django Reinhart (sp). He introduced me to them and I introduced him to Marshall, so your comparison might not be as off base as you alluded.
Yeah, The Distance Between is another catchy tune that, like a few of Downtown's tunes, takes a number of listens to appreciate.
Don
Clifton Park, Ny USA - Fri Dec 5 6:53:00 EST 1997

Here's one more vote in support of Downtown as a great record--love that crisp, twangy guitar sound. "Blues Is King" sounds even better live; another keeper is "The Distance Between," a powerful song.

A question: on the Razor & Tie MC message board, there is mention of MC's version of "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag," performed with the Chisel Brothers. I assume this is "Sock It to Me Santa"; does anyone know anything about the Chisel Brothers? (The track is a killer, BTW).

One last thing: I may get into trouble for this, as it is off topic, but I wanted to mention the passing this week of one of my other Music Gods, the great jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli. SG and MC may not seem to have much in common, but I find a common thread in the virtuosity of their playing and the pure, sweet, melodic beauty of their music. Even if you are not a heavy jazz listener (and I certainly am not), I would strongly recommend SG's music to all. Thanks for indulging me, folks!
Jon Mochizuki <jamochiz@uci.edu>
Irvine, CA - Fri Dec 5 2:43:05 EST 1997

Marshallites :
I have available for holiday giving or conspicuous consumption :
"A Collection" cd (two copies), "Good Evening" cd and large promo posters for "Downtown" and "Mary Jean and Nine Others".
Respond with inquiries, missives and bad language to Mark @ mwesley@uwmc.com.

BTW, I had the good fortune of seeing Ben Folds Five live over the weekend. WOWEE!!!!!!!

Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca USA - Thu Dec 4 9:50:02 EST 1997

To all: When " Downtown" first came out, I played "Blues Is King" (on my vinyl copy, no less) so much that my wife began to seriously gripe about it. She's now my ex-wife.... Hmmmm, any connection...??? Later skaters (and that's my last "Blues Is King" self-aggrandizing anecdote)....

Kramer
Kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
dayton, oh USA - Thu Dec 4 9:07:04 EST 1997

My ending comment in the previous post got cut off in the transmission. It was: Of course, she hasn't seen Marshall live yet... (as some of you probably guessed).
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Wed Dec 3 22:09:46 EST 1997

Andrew, you're a hoot! I love the names of your pets. I've always planned to name a dog Ollie Vee, after Buddy Holly's "Rock Around With Ollie Vee." But that will have to wait a while longer, since my cat wouldn't cotton to a dog named anything.
Speaking of Justice Tilbrook :), a friend of mine caught a show of his in L.A. earlier this year. It was one of those wonderful, endless, "play everything you ever played" shows. She said it was the best concert she had ever seen/heard. Of course, she hasn't seen Marshall live yet...
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Wed Dec 3 22:06:34 EST 1997

I read Mary Anne's posting, and I had to chime in. I have only told a few people this tidbit, at the risk of being labelled a freak. Make that MORE of a freak. I, too, named my cat after Marshall Crenshaw.

Coincidentally, I got the cat the week Thurgood Marshall resigned from the Supreme Court, so most people think that is the source of his name. Oh, well, the word is out now. There is no alternative explanation for why my dogs are named Difford and Tilbrook, though. As far as I know, those two justices are still on the bench. (kidding, by the way...;-))
Andrew Curry <candrew@pop.uh.edu>
Houston, TX USA - Wed Dec 3 10:35:15 EST 1997

To echo your comments, Nancy, it sure is a nice change of pace from the Downtown "bashing" (maybe not quite that harsh, but it was breaking my heart) that was going on here a while back. I always felt that Marshall had never shown more versatility than he did then.

And, as always, keep on rockin'!
Don Kissick <kissickd@art01.ferris.edu>
Big Rapids & Royal Oak, MI USA - Wed Dec 3 3:56:07 EST 1997

To add to the chorus of hosannas for "Blues Is King," I find the most thrilling moments in it to be those sharp, sudden drums that crack like a whip. I'm sure all the crashing-drums fans who love "Field Day" enjoy those moments too. It's a great song overall.
Nancy Arnott <NGrace@prodigy.net>
New York, NY USA - Wed Dec 3 0:17:41 EST 1997

Hi,
I got to meet and speak to Marshall twice. The first time was after a show at the Stone Pony a few years ago. I had had a few drinks and was feeling brave so after the show much to my husband's delight(just kidding) I decided I wanted to tell Marshall how much I enjoyed his music over the years. Marshall was very nice. He told me about the book he was working on Hollywood Rock and I was thrilled to actually have the chance to speak to him. The next time was at the PlayPen in Sayreville and I brought the book with me to have him sign it. He did and seemed amazed that I had actually purchased it. After he signed his name he put "author?" after it. I also got to tell him that I had just named my new cat after him. He seemed amused. Needless to say these 2 meetings with Marshall are very special to me.
Also "Blues is King" is one of my favorite tunes. I love to play it for my friends who think they know all about Marshall Crenshaw, it usually blows them away.

Mary Anne Maloney <mmks@erols.com>
Parlin, NJ USA - Tue Dec 2 21:45:47 EST 1997

Hmmm... Marshall and Joe Jackson on the same bill. Two of my faves. I really dig Freedy Johnston too...

Wait a minute! Maybe I'm really a Graham Maby fan! (No pun intended).
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Dec 2 17:15:52 EST 1997

Nice to see some positive comments about Downtown!
"Right Now" is no slouch of a song either. It usually
takes me about 6 or 7 consecutive plays to get past it.
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Tue Dec 2 17:13:09 EST 1997

Hey Everybody,

I too got to meet Robert & Marshall, and (Don) I was at that very same show in Saratoga in which MC opened for Joe Jackson. A great night it was.

When I met Robert it was at the Paradise in Boston (years ago). I asked him about former bassist Chris Donato's departure from the band, and RC told me he quit because he wanted to be w/his wife and children. "Pretty fuckin' noble, really," was Robert's comment on Chris' departure, which I have always remembered.

I also met MC at the Paradise. He had played "Gotta Lotta Livin' To Do" that night, and I asked him what other Elvis covers he played. We talked and I encouraged him to pick up "Rock A Hula Baby," a goofball tune which I love. Marshall claimed not to know how the tune went and asked me to hum a few bars. So I did, the look of recognition came over his face, and he joined me for a verse of Rock A Hula Baby.

And that, friends, is my claim to fame. Not quite 15 minutes, but I'll take it for now.

xoxoxo,

Larry
Larry Frye <lfrye@csw.org>
Boston, USA - Tue Dec 2 11:14:52 EST 1997

Don: "Blues Is King" is indeed quite the tune. Lots of things going on in one simple little song -- full of signature MC moments, too, at least for me. Enjoy, my friend.... Later skaters....

Kramer
kramer <henfran50@aol.com >
dayton, oh USA - Tue Dec 2 9:55:47 EST 1997

Hey Fellow Marshall Fans:
I picked up MC's first album and Downtown on CD, the last two needed to complete the CD version of Marshall's retail catalogue. I also called a former radio station co-worker regarding the "Collection" CD. Haven't heard back yet but I would encourage you all to call your local stations to see if they have it and if they'll part with it and any other. Look for stations changing format. They usually want to rid themselves of their librairies.
Anyway, today I discovered Blues is King! I can't believe I downplayed Downtown. Maybe I never got past Yvonne, which too has grown on me as I play the CD for the third time tonight. Kramer - you were right! I've discovered "Blues" very late. What an amazing song.
A side note, actually a correction to my first posting to this site last nite. The call letters to the station Marshall visited was WXLE physically located in Schenectady, NY. Perhaps a small detail but I think its important to be accurate.
I feel better now. Thanks for this opportunity to share a passiion I've had since the '82 debut!
Anybody else encountered MC?

Don
Clifton Park, NY USA - Mon Dec 1 22:16:51 EST 1997

I luckily just stumbled on this board by accident. The how's and why's of it are a very long story and since it 1:15 AM where I am and I've just spent quite a bit of time reading previous posts, I won't go into it. Let me just say that Michael is a truly wonderful performer. I've only been lucky enough to see him a few times. I did manage to get some incredible pictures of him at a show he performed in Sayerville, NJ. It was a party and a half. It was the show with Greg Khin, Elliot Murphy, John Eddie, and Springsteen. I'm sure some of you were probably there and since it was so long ago, it's probably been mentioned, but it is an electrifing (sp) evening. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Holiday. I hope to be checking in regularly

Tracy
Tracy <rocknrollheart@msn.com>
Totowa, NJ USA - Mon Dec 1 1:27:34 EST 1997

Thanks to Eddie for the info on the Glen Burtnick Christmas Show. I will have my ticket order in tomorrow's mail. I know that whoever shows up it will be a great show. Thanks again!

Mary Anne Maloney <mmks@erols.com>
Parlin, NJ USA - Sun Nov 30 23:07:57 EST 1997

Robert:
How's the furniture biz? I ran into Marshall about a year ago on his way into a local radio station (WEQX - Albany, NY) and he mentioned your involvement along with your wife.
Has any one else had the pleasure of meeting these guys? I first met you Robert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs NY August 30, 1982 (I have the ticket stub). You & Marshall opened for Joe Jackson. I saw you during the warmup and asked for the Hancock. You were gracious (would you guys expect anything else?)
and did joke that Marshall was back at the hotel sulking.
At that time, the old apartment was decked out with a poster of your first album. Unfortunately, it was left behind when I moved on.
Anyway, your brother was really cool when I met him. Picture it as he's getting out of his van and I come running up to him in my suit, asking him to sign the LP version of your first album...like I was eleven years old. It was truly a huge deal for me. Then things got really out of hand when I started asking about the production quality of "Field Day".
I always thought it was too boomy and that the vocals were muted. He looked at me like I had three heads. He was at the station to promote "Miracle" and I'm in the parking lot talking about "Field Day". But I always wondered about and thought that if I ever met your brother I'd ask him. So I did.
Well all you MC fans, I didn't just meet him. I was invited (by the station's owner) upstairs to listen to Marhall on air. Incredible. What more can I say. (Interesting to listen as he changed the lyrics on "2541" from "...big windows to lay in the sun" to "let in the sun" and just kind of shrug it off.)
Thanks Jeff for this great site. By the way the set list on this site was the playlist from his performance that night.
I was happy to be able to share it. Any tour soon?
Thanks Robert for your input. It really makes it.

Don
Clifton Park, NY USA - Sun Nov 30 18:51:21 EST 1997

The Bottom Line Xmas Xtavaganza will be on Friday, December 19th, at 7:30 and 10:30......This year's special guests are rumored to be RICHARD BARONE, Lloyd Cole, Patti Rothberg and others....Tickets are selling fast according to the Bottom Line Box Office (212) 228-6300....Glen Burtnick does a great job organizing this annual charity event, and this concert is guaranteed to be a highlight of the holiday season!!!
Eddie Kamen <EDDIEK@aol.com>
USA - Sun Nov 30 13:06:47 1997

I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the Christmas Concert that Glen Burtnick and Friends usually put on at this time of year? I know that Marshall has performed at it a few times and I look forward to it each year but so far I haven't heard anything about one for this year. If anyone has any info I'd appreciate it. They put out a CD of one of the shows a few years ago called A Christmas Extravaganza. It features a track by Marshall and it's a great Cd for this times of year. If you don't already have it I highly recommend it. Thanks. Mary Anne
Mary Anne Maloney <mmks@erols.com>
Parlin, NJ USA - Sat Nov 29 0:28:14 1997

Kathy Paul,

I have stopped listening to NEW altogether, Giants games
notwithstanding, but I find that the interference with
Scelsa's program to be DOUBLY infuriating.

Everyone else,

No discussion of Chumbawumba's "Tubthumping" has appeared
in this forum yet! That has to be the coolest tune of 1997!
I think Chumbawumba will be a 1 song wonder, but what a
song - it's extremely clever on a number of levels, particularly the inclusion of Henry Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary buried WAYYY under the fray at the end of the song. Definitely quirky enough for the eclectic tastes of Marshall fans, if not for the Crenshaws themselves....

Finally -

My 17 month old's choice for favorite song on MOS is a toss up between "Theme From Flaregun" and "There and Back Again". As a Burtnik fan, I won't say what my own choice is. I'm biased.

Enough bandwidth and disk space wasted. I'm outta here!

Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Nov 26 16:50:49 1997

Marshall's pal Glen Burtnik is playing a gig with the Slaves of New Brunswick TONIGHT (26 November) at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick, NJ at 10PM. Address is 124 Church St.
Number is 732 545 7265.

I do NOT expect Marshall to show up, however whenever the
Slaves play, a good time is usually had by all.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Michael Aarons <maarons@notes.cc.bellcore.com>
Red Bank, NJ USA - Wed Nov 26 16:32:05 1997

FYI, I scored a neat two cd set over the weekend featuring our man Marshall hosting a radio show called "The Difference". He's his usual entertaining and pithy self. Wheter he's playing his songs or hosting a radio show, his joy and honesty are always right there !!!!!!!
Mark Wesley <mwesley@uwmc.com>
Placentia, Ca. USA - Wed Nov 26 9:59:16 1997

i didn't notice anything about some pbs specials from the mid-80's and the live best of moutain stage vol 3 released in 1992 on blue plate music. var artists crenshaw has one song cynical girl. otherwise very nice.
herb <kleinmhm>
USA - Tue Nov 25 22:03:42 1997

Marius,
For starters, that's some nice equipment you've got there. Particularly the receiver. I just got my brother into the Onkyo model one step below yours and that one is a beast, yours is even better! (None of my business, but I'd be curious to know what you paid for it as the list is $2500.) In any event, if you purchased it locally, I would go there and see what they recommend. I for one would proceed with extreme caution before hooking up four ohm speakers to that receiver. It has a clean, powerful amplifier (two of 'em, actually) and at louder levels there'd exist a possibility of damaging the spealers. Worse, you could really harm the receiver itself. That'd make ME cry and I don't even own the thing!
Whatever you wind up doing speaker-wise, please spend a little money and get quality, low-gage time-corrected speaker wire and connectors. Crappy RCA plugs and speaker wire make your receiver work a lot harder than it has to and will prevent you from getting the most out of a hellacious component.
Hope this helps a little, without being too technical.
Michael <michael.bennett@ksl.com>
Salt Lake City, Ut USA - Tue Nov 25 2:18:12 1997

I own a set of Linn speakers as follows: 2 AV 5140 (left, right), 1 AV5120 (center), and 2 TUKAN (rears). I know all the speakers are rated at 4 Ohms Impedance. I have purchased an Onkyo TX-DS939 receiver that is rated 100 Watts per channel (5 channels THX surround mode) into 8 Ohms Impedance. The back panel of the receiver says "Caution: use 6 Ohms or higher Impedance speakers". Can anybody tell me if I should even consider using this combination? What are the implications? What's your suggestion?
Marius Farkas <mariusf@microsoft.com>
Bothell, WA USA - Mon Nov 24 13:47:19 1997

OK, now it's my turn to nitpic [;-)], Pangborne's first name is Ron. I've had the pleasure of watching a few times back in the Detroit area playing drums for Thornetta Davis (who may be getting ready to breakout nationally herself).
As WFSU gets rolling for 97-98 here at Ferris State, I had the pleasure of stumbling upon a couple of MC vinyls while flipping through the archives: MJ&9O and Field Day. Also rejoice at discovering the CD single for "Better Back Off" in our CD racks. Needless to say, they all have been transplanted from the 'office' to the DJ's booth ;-).
While I've been away from this site for a while, I've enjoyed immensely reading through the postings since my last visit. I'm bummed out that I waited until 11 days after his birthday before stopping back in. Then again, electronics, technical writing, physics, and communications beckon along with work 8-(.
And as I've said before, what I wouldn't give to finally see him live!

Keep on rockin', y'all!

Don Kissick <kissickd@art01.ferris.edu>
Big Rapids & Royal Oak, MI USA - Sat Nov 22 17:41:50 1997

I was going to request that Robert Crenshaw send us more frequent and more detailed postings regarding MC, however, upon closer inspection, I noticed he left no return address! Aaargh! Perhaps some info on new songs, future recordings. And more importantly, how and where did MC celebrate his birthday? In addition, what is the significance of the Sullivan Street correspondence address (NYC) listed on earlier CD/album jackets? And how did he come up with the title, "Miracle of Science"? Adios Amigos!
Jack Hirsute <Smantenpi@aol>
New York, NY USA - Tue Nov 18 15:30:40 1997

I wonder if our hero lies about his age? (CONTROVERSY!) I remember some early articles listing his birthdate as 1952, and some as 1953....Did anyone else see his free concert in Central Park in `92? Open air, beautiful day, good band (Mitch Easter, Rob Pangborne, & (I think) Graham Maby...and FREE! He mighta done "Flirtin' With Disaster" (the Molly Hatchet warhorse) as an encore -- I know he did on that tour, anyway. Ah, memories....
Jim Kenney <jim@soc1.soc.qc.edu>
Whitestone, NY USA - Mon Nov 17 13:38:01 1997

To All: Sorry I've been away.... My BD was Saturday -- as someone else mentioned, we Skorps gotta stick together.... Looking forward to getting my copy of the Foskett disc -- thanks for the ref and the link to him. Saw the "Kokomo" video today -- Foskett is apparently on the song, but don't know ifn he's in the video or not. Anywho, go Redskins!! and happy BD to Mr. MC and to anyone else sharing the sign of the stinger.... Later skaters....

Kramer
kramer <henfran50@aol.com>
dayton, oh USA - Sun Nov 16 13:54:23 1997

Well, I've been "out of the (proverbial) loop" for a while. We're still not sure if it's our internet provider or the funky phone wiring in our new house. At any rate, I'm back.
Two reviews first: I'll add my voice to the chorus of praise on the Jeffrey Foskett CD -- if you like Marshall, you'll like this -- in fact, on several songs, it sounds like Foskett's trying out for "Marshall-mania". Definitely worth buying if only for the previously unknown (to me) Marshall song "Everybody Loves You".
On the other end of the spectrum, that Marys CD (to which MC contributes guitar on one track)was (after one listen) a real dog. Ruff, ruff.
I'll add my Happy Birthday to the others here, albeit much belated. My birthday was Friday, so I'm happy to know the good Crensh (as my brothers call him) is a Scorpio like me.
One note on the "Party of Five" airing -- seems to me that the only reason it was put in there was that it's such a happy song and I mean that in a good way. The producers must have been searching for a song to show how happy the family was to be reunited and growing, etc. and they chose Marshall. Very cool.
Two final plugs -- my wife got me "Beg, Scream & Shout: The Big Ol' Box of 60s Soul" for my birthday and it is unbelievable. Among other things, it contains the original version of "Twine Time" which MC covered on "My Truck is My Home". I should be fascinated by this thing for about 6 months....also, the new Replacements greatest hits CD is really great. Those guys did some of the best real rock and roll in the last 20 years.
Kevin Walsh <bkwal@erols.com>
Princeton, NJ USA - Sun Nov 16 10:31:19 1997

Thank you Nancy (and Robert!) for the correction on Marshall's birthdate. This isn't the first time I've changed it...it seems to be different in everything I read! I'm pretty confident his brother has the correct answer though! BTW, regarding the discussion of other musicians in this area. Please, please, PLEASE keep it up!! It's great! I'm sure the last thing Mr.Crenshaw would want is an endless discussion in here about him and him alone.
Jeffrey Castel De Oro <jeffcdo@primenet.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Sat Nov 15 8:12:37 1997