Errors-To: owner-tmbg-digest@tmbg.org Reply-To: tmbg-digest@tmbg.org Sender: owner-tmbg-digest@tmbg.org Precedence: bulk From: owner-tmbg-digest@tmbg.org To: tmbg-digest@tmbg.org Subject: tmbg-list Digest #3-176 tmbg-list Digest, Volume 3, Number 176 Thursday, 26 June 1997 Today's Topics: TMBG: _Brain Candy_/Spiralling Shape interp TMBG:WOW!!! TMBG: Re: tmbg-list Digest #3-175 TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. NON-TMBG: Yazbek Re: TMBG: Re: TMBG Party Re: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. Re: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. TMBG: Bitter TMBG: Re: various OMLC ideas TMBG: Smells Like Teen Spirit.. Re: TMBG: Don't Let's Start - comparison Re: TMBG: Ruler Re: TMBG: Often mentioned bands. Re: TMBG: Smells Like Teen Spirit.. TMBG: Humor Re: NON-TMBG: Yazbek Re: TMBG: No Subject Re: TMBG: (She Was A) Vinyl Detective... TMBG: Humor TMBG: Robert TMBG: Re: TMBG Party Re: TMBG: other bands similar to tmbg NON-TMBG: dr. who Re: TMBG: (She Was A) Vinyl Detective... Re: NON-TMBG: dr. who Re: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. Re: TMBG: Humor TMBG: Stumpbox TMBG: ***OMLT SHIPPING PRICES YAAAAY*** Re: TMBG: Bitter Re: Non-TMBG: Leffel & Folds Re: TMBG: At the End of This is Surface Tension! TMBG: Yazbek TMBG: Foods Re: NON-TMBG: dr. who TMBG: Waspies, Samba. was:Foods Administrivia: If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing send mail to tmbg-digest-request@tmbg.org for instructions on how to be automatically removed. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The views expressed herein are those of the individual authors. --------------------------------------------------------------------- tmbg-list is digested with Digest 3.3d (John Relph ). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: MegaMind0@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 02:50:00 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <970625024958_1344538342@emout07.mail.aol.com> Subject: TMBG: _Brain Candy_/Spiralling Shape interp >"Spiralling Shape," seemingly about drug use, appears in >the KitH movie _Brain Candy._ Actually, and this is a thought I had first time I saw the movie, _Brain Candy_ and "Spiralling Shape" match up almost exactly. It's almost like the song is *about* the story in the movie: "Fogging the view/Cupping face to the window/In darkness you make out a spiralling shape" You're depressed. It seems there is no hope for you. Suddenly, out of nowhere, comes this amazing thing (the shape/the drug) ! "Putting all reason aside you exchange what you've got for a thing that's hypnotic and strange" You've got nothing to lose, so you take it, not caring what "could" happen (not listening to that voice of reason). "The spiralling shape will make you go insane/But everyone wants to see that groovy thing/And nobody knows what it's really like/But everyone says it's great" Eventually, anybody who's ANYBODY is "on" GleeMoNex!! They don't care about the side effects, they don't care about "going insane" ... they just want it! "This could lead to excellence or serious injury..." The voice of Kevin's Tom-Jones-ish doctor-character. He warns the people of what could go wrong but... "...only one way to know, go, go, go." ...they don't care! "Put out your hands and fall thru the window and clawing at nothing you drop thru the void/your terrified screams are inaudible drowned in the spiral ahead and consumed in the shape" This reminds me of the computer-graphics sequence as we, the viewer, watch the characters' memories. "...the spiralling shape was a fraud and a fake/you didn't enjoy it, you never believed it/there won't be a refund, you'll never go back" No one realizes that Kevin was right all along (and that Mark was evil) until it's too late. As we close the movie, we see a (pretty scary) world in which everyone is ... well ... 72o in the head. Yeah, it's long. So shoot me with your sapphire bullets of pure love. --Bernie "We never said that!" "We could start..." ------------------------------ From: tmbgdhutch@juno.com Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 04:36:49 -0400 Subject: TMBG:WOW!!! Message-ID: <19970625.043650.3998.0.tmbgdhutch@juno.com> Phew! After a 6 hour session on the internet, I have found some pretty cool stuff. (We just got back online) Is the blond girl in Spice Girls really a porn star? Do not go to www.nambla.org Howard Stern ripped on it, so I thought I'd check it out. It turned my stomach. If you haven't been there yet, go to www.rykodisc.com/3/features/monopuff/ cool pics for each song off Unsupervised! The movie TMBG is also $59.99 +$3.99 s&h through CDNOW. What the hell? I'll just rent it. Oh yeah, George C. Scott starred in it (and Exorcist 3) Cool sites, lanio and smelliot. IMHO is also "In My Head Only" Also, if you have a penis and aren't afraid to use it, check out: www.cs.uit.no/~haakonb/diaz.html Cameron Diaz is so beautiful.... The d.j who won't play TMBG songs? Tell him "Hey Mr. D.J, I thought you said we had a deal." And tell him that Flans wore a shirt that said "D.J" on Dec. 4, 1996 "Who's the D.J. now, mother f***er?!?" --Flans to a d.j. www.cdnow.com said there is a $30.00 (+S&H) import of John Henry with some live stuff on it. Anyone? Any comments on the "World is a dress theory?" I'm tired. It is 4:32 a.m. Good nite. --David Hutch ------------------------------ Message-ID: <33B1B231.38D5@cyllene.uwa.edu.au> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 17:05:05 -0700 From: Ewing Subject: TMBG: Re: tmbg-list Digest #3-175 Hello and goodbye, I have not been on this list for long bu I have enjoyed lurking in the digest and talking to some of you. I have to leave now, well, because I have my TEE exams (Important thing!) soon and Im going to be busier than, well, something thats busy indeed. I will miss the conversation, arguments and also the stupid unrelated stuff. I think that a lot of people on this list are quite strange but somehow I don't think they will mind me saying this. I will see you in december, perhaps, good health to you all! TOm. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <33B10795.CFA@pacificnet.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 04:57:16 -0700 From: Bongo Subject: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. "Your average Nine Inch Nails fan was born around the time that TMBG relased its first album, which helps explain why this bright and happy pop act is running out of luck towards the end of the 90s. " - NY Press, June 18 - 24, 1997. Not true! I'd say TMBG could be in store for alot of luck soon. The history of popular music shows us that once a mainstream style gets old, its overthrown by something radically different or even opposite. This is happening now! The *angst/grunge/Seattle* thing is old news. The music industry is now turning 180 degrees in the direction of "bright and happy pop" acts. This is more than just my opinion, its well known in music industry. (And probally to anyone that listens to the radio.) I could name many examples of this bright, happy pop explosion but let me give you just one: The Squirrel Nuts Zippers. They are showing up on alternative radio stations and alternative music festivals. Could you imagine anything more opposite of Bush? The people are crying for a change. Personally, I'm not a SNZ fan but I think its interesting what's happening. TMBG may have a shot at having a hit song that could match or surpass the success of BIY or Istanbul. Of course, their popularity (or lack of) won't change how we feel about them. The point I'm trying to make is that the reviewer doesn't know what he's talking about. -B O N G O _________________________________ "Which side of the tracks are you on? Both sides because the world is round." -Geggy Tah ------------------------------ Message-ID: <33B1092A.3B46@pacificnet.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 05:04:02 -0700 From: Bongo Subject: NON-TMBG: Yazbek >It's called "Surface Tension" by Yazbek. I've never heard of them. Have >any of you? Yazbek is not a band, but actually the name of the artist. His most recent album is "The Laughing Man"... he has an e-mail address, though I can't remember it offhand. Actually, I figured Mike Wood would fill us in on this one... That song, Surface Tension, is so catchy and well written. I'm going to try to hear more of him! -B O N G O ------------------------------ From: Yoel97@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 08:24:42 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <970625082442_-1227078712@emout16.mail.aol.com> Subject: Re: TMBG: Re: TMBG Party In a message dated 97-06-25 00:04:50 EDT, dsimpson@alpha.psd.k12.co.us (Dave Simpson) writes: << I figure that the foods would be horrible puns on song titles (like "It's not my birthday cake"). Unfortunetly, I can't really think of any good ones. Any suggestions? Anyone? The worse the better. Dave Simpson >> um....Purple Soufle [1][2], Sleeping in the Flour, Shoehorn with Beef [3] That's All That I Could Think Of But I'm Sure There's Something Else. Way Down Inside Of Me I Feel It Coming Back.......BARF....GROAN.....oh there it is, some of that Purple Soufle. [4] Joel "Fearing a TMBG Trading Card Type Thread[5]" Gedalius [1] I think that's how you spell Soufle [2] & [3] "Purple Soufle" and "Shoehorn with Beef" are registered trademarks of Joel Gedalius. All Rights Reserved [4] Bad Joke. I'm Sorry. [5] Don't hurt me. I was just mentioning it, not resurrecting it. <> [6] [6] Are you allowed to footnote a footnote? ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.2.32.19970625090528.007ec100@mail.ee.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 09:05:28 -0400 From: Evan Chakroff Subject: Re: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. > Not true! I'd say TMBG could be in store for alot of luck soon. The >history of popular music shows us that once a mainstream style gets old, >its overthrown by something radically different or even opposite. This >is happening now! The *angst/grunge/Seattle* thing is old news. The >music industry is now turning 180 degrees in the direction of "bright >and happy pop" acts. > Or... it could be turning in the direction of awful awful alternative-rap hybrid music... EVIL EVIL!! -ec, who doesn't care for 311, Beck, Sublime, etc... much ------------------------------ From: Fred Boak Message-Id: <199706251319.JAA15272@wordstock.com> Subject: Re: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 09:19:03 -0400 (EDT) Organization: WordStock, Inc. Brooks wrote ... > I've found myself thinking a lot about this review over the last couple of > days. I think it's kind of natural to have a knee-jerk reaction to it, to > see the negative without bothering to think about the whole. But then I'm of > the opinion that blind adoration is a bad thing and that even self-proclaimed > 'rabid fans' can still keep some perspective. > > "Your average Nine Inch Nails fan was born around the time that TMBG relased > its first album, which helps explain why this bright and happy pop act is > running out of luck towards the end of the 90s. Last year's Factory Showroom > was a clever self-tribute that alienated even its loyal following and now > TMBG can't even be arrested in the cause of power pop. Nobody even cared > about the release of Then, a comprehensive two-CD compilation of the time the > band spent as the Stanley Kubricks of Top 40. Consider the rightful > underground hit of "Ana Ng," where the guys write the ultimate > unrequited-love song about a girl on the other side of the world. Typically, > it's a clear experiment that doesn't sound self-referential or coyly > calculated, but instead mixes sincere passion with the glory of scientific > recording. TMBG also assembled this fine package with the fervor of true > record nerds, including original artwork, lyrics and a nicely detailed > history. They also renew their Brooklyn ties by bringing in Tony Millionaire > for some new cover art, guaranteeing additional sales from hundreds of Drinky > Crow completists." > - NY Press, June 18 - 24, 1997. I don't know why you all disagree so vehemently with this reviewer ... I think it's very well thought out. When TMBG toured for Flood and John Henry and came to Boston, they played the 5,000 or so seat Orpheum. For the Apollo 18 tour, I think they came to Boston about 4 times. For Factory Showroom, they played a small 500 or so person club, the Paradise, right before the album came out, and then the 2,000 or so person club, Avalon, in the Spring. It sure seems as if their fan base is getting smaller. Also, they just aren't getting played on the radio as much as they used to be ... or played on MTV ... they've only released one single off of each of their last two albums ... it would seem as if they have hit their commercial peak, at least for the present time. Not to say that this is the death of TMBG ... no, not at all ... in fact, their Avalon show this spring was one of the best, most energetic shows of theirs that I've seen since the first couple of 1992 shows, when they first toured with the full band. I like the songwriting on Factory Showroom, I think S-E-X-X-Y is a great song for them to do. Now, look at the compliments in this review ... '... the Stanley Kubricks of Top 40' Yow! That is one VERY cool compliment! 'Consider the rightful underground hit of "Ana Ng," where the guys write the ultimate unrequited-love song about a girl on the other side of the world. Typically, it's a clear experiment that doesn't sound self-referential or coyly calculated, but instead mixes sincere passion with the glory of scientific recording.' I think this guy really likes and appreciates TMBG. 'TMBG also assembled this fine package with the fervor of true record nerds, including original artwork, lyrics and a nicely detailed history.' "fine package", "fervor of true record nerds", "nicely detailed history"? ... sounds like he likes _THEN_, at least. I think the line about Tony Millionaire's art bringing in "addition sales from hundreds of Drinky Crow completists" is suppose to be a joke, as in "ooo ... another couple hundred sales ... how calculated of THEM!" - Fred. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.32.19970625093041.00689f04@pop.ben2.ucla.edu> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 09:30:47 -0700 From: J Chen Subject: TMBG: Bitter from Trippy: >>I believe Flansburgh said it best at a show last year >>when he announced, "Here's another song in the They Might Be Giants >>tradition; that is to say, *bitter*." > >i guess i'll have to curtail my practice of dancing around like an idiot >and smiling while listening to TMBG... from now on i'll try to be as bitter >as possible... > >i always thought They had some funny songs, and some sad songs, and some >wierd songs, and some bitter-sweet songs, etc etc... and now i find out >that none of their songs are funny and they're all bitter... Now now, no need to get drastic. I always say that the best thing I like about about TMBG is the strange little game They play with irony. I had to explain this to a friend once: the appeal of TMBG is that they write incredibly catchy, bouncy, happy tunes, and if you just listen to the music you can dance with glee. But if you listen to the lyrics, you'll find that many of the songs are sad, bitter, and sarcastic. It's a great partnership between what I see as very well-written, poetic lyrics about unhappiness and music that, once heard, is meant to make you feel good. They do it perfectly: Flans said that the roots of rock indicate that this genre of music was meant for having a good time, and that too many songs these days are about whining. TMBG have written songs in such a way that, although many of the lyrics are about break-ups, the doldrums of work, alcoholism, and other such depressing things, they never sound whiny, and the music makes it even less so. Such is the wonder of their artistry. Maybe I'm a rabid fan, but that juxtaposition is one of things I love most about this band. So don't stop dancing. Dance, but appreciate what you're dancing to. from Josh Nielsen: >I have a question. Did anyone else notice that in the bridge in 32 >Footsteps, he goes alphabetacally (skipping vowels)? Yes. I think it's just a mnemonic device for a way cool bridge. --LVJeff ========================___________________________________________... . . . | from LVJeff | "If you hear only one song this year, | Protected by Guan Yu | | alecson@ucla.edu | there's something terribly wrong with you." ======================== - Kitty Carlisle, Easy Writers ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706251713.AA01621@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: TMBG: Re: various OMLC ideas Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:12:59 -0400 (EDT) > Who actually, honestly, thinks they would and could really truly come to an > ML show? Just a question from a curious person. I live in Annapolis, MD... > New York is a good four hours from here by car, which is how I'd most likely > get there. It would take an awful lot for me to be able to undertake this... > uh... undertaking. I most likely wouldn't do it unless it were a > once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing... something like the Smashing Pumpkins' > secret 'Double Door' show (the band played a tiny club for about 500 people > under a fake name -- tickets were an incredible $5 and only members of the > fan club knew about it). Bands *do* do secret shows, but usually it's > because they're REALLY nice bands and usually it's the band's choice to do > it. Just my coupla cents. > > --Bernie Bernie, Considering that we are on a mailing list to the band, and therefore, most likely enjoy TMBG a whole heck of a lot, 4 hours is nothing to see a show. I've driven from Baltimore-NYC about 3 times just to see them, it's not that far. It gets far when you have to fly to the show, although I have heard of ppl doing that. But Annapolis-NYC is not that far if they are one of your favorite bands, especially if they were not playing at all in your area. /Matt -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706251720.AA01641@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: TMBG: Smells Like Teen Spirit.. Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:20:56 -0400 (EDT) > >why do I have this sinking feeling that TMBG had done a (parody) cover > >of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana? Maybe a Stumpbox song? hmm, > > They do, albeit on accordion and with the lyrics (in their best "I just got > out of the dentist's" voice) as "Ah ah ah ah, ah ah ah ah." So the connection to NIN is 3. TMBG did a cover of Smells like Teen Spirit, which Tori Amos did as well. And Trent Reznor sang or played on Under the Pink. How's that? /Matt -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706251727.AA01650@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: Re: TMBG: Don't Let's Start - comparison Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:27:18 -0400 (EDT) [Lots of speculation concerning DLS on Then, remix vs. remaster] ... How do the other songs compare to the original versions on Pink and Lincoln? Perhaps they are more than remastered but possibly remixed, too? I haven't listened to it in a long time so I am not sure. The reason I bring this up is that perhaps DLS along with the rest of the songs were all remixed and remastered. I mean, it could be a remastered single version of DLS or it could be a remixed and remastered original DLS, how would you ever know? the onl concluding evidence I could think of, is whether the rest of the songs are merely remastered, and thus why would they go to the trouble of remixing and remaster DLS... Then again, why they'd chose to start with the single mix of DLS in the first place is a bit confusing, so we may never know the true origins or thinking behind this! Bye -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706251732.AA01668@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: Re: TMBG: Ruler Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:32:13 -0400 (EDT) > > payed for by Tim > > OK since it seems a lot of people think Linnell would rule I say > Flansburg would just because I bet he feels rejected if he's reading > this > Too bad he would denounce you because you are one of the masses who spelled Flansburgh wrong! It's FlansburgH with an 'h'. --leader of a better spelling of Flansburgh society of America -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706251747.AA01685@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: Re: TMBG: Often mentioned bands. Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:47:38 -0400 (EDT) Hi, I saw your reviews of bands that get compared to TMBG. I just wanted to mention that Bargainsville by Moxy Fruvous has a lot more attempts to be humorous than their other albums that follow. I do think Bargansville is fantastic, though. The B-Album, their mini-b-side-esque is a funny type album too as well. I think they tend to mix comedy, cleverness, political mindedness together, I don't think they're out to make novelty songs, I got a little more feeling of that from Barenaked Ladies and a few other bands I've heard here and there. Also, they're very funny and witty live, it really is a great show. Humor is a great thing, and it is fun to make a funny song, especially when played live, but I wouldn't say their basis for making songs are to be funny and wacky really. I think your point about making goofy songs and making unusual songs (as TMBG would, you say) is valid. But TMBG has made some songs that at least on the surface appear to be funny and even goofy (I mean there is some signs of goofiness present in at least Particle Man, and some other Flood songs, as well as the oolder bizarre songs you'll find on Pink and Lincoln.) Like Mr. Me for instance. I love every TMBG song but I do notice various streaks of humor through various songs of theirs. So I think there is a level of goofiness and a level of seriousness that a number of bands out there achieve, some more than others in either of those. But TMBG has had at least a small dose of both (if not a large dose). Anyone agree or disagree? /Matt -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 10:59:23 -0700 (PDT) From: "'Lani' N Olson" Subject: Re: TMBG: Smells Like Teen Spirit.. Message-ID: On Wed, 25 Jun 1997, Matthew James wrote: > > >why do I have this sinking feeling that TMBG had done a (parody) cover > > >of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana? Maybe a Stumpbox song? hmm, > > > > They do, albeit on accordion and with the lyrics (in their best "I just got > > out of the dentist's" voice) as "Ah ah ah ah, ah ah ah ah." So you're saying that BOTH TMBG and Weird Al did a parody of Smells Like Teen Spirit? Am I understanding correctly? Do we want to make this connection? > So the connection to NIN is 3. > TMBG did a cover of Smells like Teen Spirit, which Tori Amos did as > well. And Trent Reznor sang or played on Under the Pink. > How's that? Awesome, if TMBG really did that. I still like the Sandman connection, though...The character Delerium is based on Tori...and she wrote the introduction to Death: The High Cost of Living... and TMBG is mentioned in Sandman... But yours is better 'cause it's an actual MUSICAL reference, which is probably the whole idea... IF TMBG really did that cover... -Lani O:) lanio@u.washington.edu Lani's Inverse Home Page: http://weber.u.washington.edu/~lanio/ TMBG, chickens, the Washington State Listies page, and more! _______________________________________________________________ There's a place for those who love their poetry It's just across from the sign that says, 'Pros only' -They Might Be Giants --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.2.32.19970625141631.007ebd10@mail.ee.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 14:16:31 -0400 From: Evan Chakroff Subject: TMBG: Humor Matthew James wrote: ((concerning Humor in music, mostly about Moxy Fruvous, BNL)) People seem to think that being a "novelty" band or playing "joke" songs is somehow less relevant than being a "real" band... Well, I ask you: why try to convince yourself that TMBG are *not* a "joke" band? [1] If you look at other aspects of popular culture you will see that humor has as much a place as any other genre. In movies and television, comedies are often just as popular as dramas. Would a typical "mainstream" person be ashamed to go see a comedy (say... Austin Powers), as they might be ashamed to listen to a "novelty band"? When people say Particle Man is funny, that doesn't mean they don't like it... on first listen it *is* funny... nonsensial lyrics, odd instrumentation. If you don't explore the deeper interpretations of the lyrics it could be seen as merely a novelty track. Feel free to respond. This would have been better if I had outlined it first like my English teacher taught me... -ec [1] I'm not saying I see TMBG as a joke band. PS. Another band I see miscategorized as being "funny" is Weezer... their lyrics also have humor to them... however, their music is more typical... giving stations an "excuse" to play Weezer songs... ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:23:53 -0500 (EST) From: Queen Sneepy Subject: Re: NON-TMBG: Yazbek Message-ID: On Wed, 25 Jun 1997, Bongo wrote: > Yazbek is not a band, but actually the name of the artist. His most > recent > Yazbek? Isn't that a Turkic group in Asia? Oh, wait, that's Uzbek. Sorry. (Empires of the Steppe- fun class, but mentally warps you for the rest of your life...this case in point, I might add.) Stefanie Elliott smelliot@falstaff.ucs.indiana.edu *http://copper.ucs.indiana.edu/~smelliot/home.html Craig Kilborn is cool! http://copper.ucs.indiana.edu/~smelliot/craig.html I'm NOT judgmental. I ACCEPT that we're all different -- some of us are just a little TALLER than others." -Craig Kilborn. And oh, how true that is. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <199706251827.NAA06752@cereal.ncfcomm.com> From: "Mike Leffel" Subject: Re: TMBG: No Subject Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 14:13:56 -0500 > > > >Cookie here! Just wanted to gloat that Mike > >Leffel and I are engaged! > > It's deja vu all over again. Fist Linnell, then Leffel. ::sigh:: Well > Celestia and I will.. whoops nevermind .;) > Mike "I still needs me a bachelor party! WAHOO!" Leffel ------------------------------ Message-ID: <83DA54E7.159E@baka.com> Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1904 00:23:03 +0000 From: Jonah Organization: MILK Subject: Re: TMBG: (She Was A) Vinyl Detective... > On side A, it says "IT IS DANGEROUS TO BE > SINCERE UNLESS YOU ARE ALSO STUPID" and on side B (are you ready for > this?) "MOTEL DETECTIVE: WIGUE WIGUE WISHNICK". Discuss... Wigue wigue wishnik? Sounds like a reference to sigue sigue sputnik. I confess to never actually having heard their music, but I have seen their CDs and I know they are a stupid punk band from the eighties. And if they are not a stupid punk band from the eighties, please correct me. They look like one. And I'm not even going to bring up Wishniks. -- "Those little food characters on commercials always spooked me. They were always so happy and trying to get you to eat them. That's just not right"- Jhonen Vasquez, Squee Jonah ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706252005.AA01776@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: TMBG: Humor Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:05:09 -0400 (EDT) > People seem to think that being a "novelty" band or playing "joke" songs > is somehow less relevant than being a "real" band... Well, I ask you: why > try to convince yourself that TMBG are *not* a "joke" band? [1] If you > look at other aspects of popular culture you will see that humor has as > much a place as any other genre. In movies and television, comedies are > often just as popular as dramas. Would a typical "mainstream" person be > ashamed to go see a comedy (say... Austin Powers), as they might be ashamed > to listen to a "novelty band"? > When people say Particle Man is funny, that doesn't mean they don't like > it... on first listen it *is* funny... nonsensial lyrics, odd > instrumentation. If you don't explore the deeper interpretations of the > lyrics it could be seen as merely a novelty track. > > Feel free to respond. This would have been better if I had outlined it > first like my English teacher taught me... Well, this gets right down to the heart of the argument, are TMBG (or other bands for that matter) joke/novelty bands, or is there more substance there? There seems to be a line that is drawn in people's minds when it comes to this. Some bands are totally serious, you won't see an ounce of humor in them. Other bands, possibly the Bobs (although I'm not 100% sure here) just go for wacky covers, and try to make wacky tunes, perhaps "Weird" Al could fit here (I'm not saying they don't make their own music, too, I just haven't heard original compositions by these 2). You see, here is a perfect example. With "Weird" Al, I have only heard his wacky covers he does, I haven't heard any original tunes. With the Bobs, I don't even know if they do original tunes, but from what I hear they make wacky songs. People often don't delve into bands enough to see what they're really "made of". With TMBG, someone could only hear Particle Man, not really pay attention to any lyrics, push it off as some wacky tune from (what they suspect) is a wacky band and brand them that label. Many of us folks tend to look deep down, read into the lyrics, hear some of the less seemingly quirky, wacky-type music/sounds produced. Often, bizarre and unusual sounds can sometimes be mistaken for pure novelty-ness or craziness. Strange and confusing lyrics with strange sounds can lead a person to think that a band is funny and not a "real" band. But ultimately, your definition of what is a funny band (perhaps from live performances, perhaps from the records themselves or both) and what is a serious, "real" band will be up to you. And some people like funny, quirky bands, some people hate them, thinking they are stupid, and fake. But as Evan said, it's the same in the movie business and other forms of entertainment. Unfortunately, I have not seen Austin Powers (I do enjoy Mike Myers work immensely) but I have heard that it is a silly, wacky film, possibly for rent only. But some people just enjoy that. Others think you must make a mega-artsy film full of metaphors or else it's just not a "real" film. So, it's 1/2 perception, and 1/2 delving deep down into the work to discover how you feel and what you make of the music, or film, or what have you. I guess your standards are defined by this and this prompts you to think, "Oh that's fantastic", or "Oh, that is a terrible song/group!", or "This is just a novelty band, it's not real". bye, /Matt -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ Subject: TMBG: Robert Message-ID: <19970625.160323.7575.3.aviso@juno.com> From: aviso@juno.com (Justin T McElroy) Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:11:13 EDT I was reviewing my TMBG bootlegs and noticed something TMBG has been on the same show on the same night TWICE with Robert "Freddy Kruger" Englund.. I smell a conspiracy....towards what? I am not sure. Justin McElroy aviso@juno.com The words I'm (writing) now mean nothing more than "meow"to an animal" ------------------------------ Subject: TMBG: Re: TMBG Party Message-ID: <19970625.160323.7575.2.aviso@juno.com> From: aviso@juno.com (Justin T McElroy) Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:11:13 EDT On Wed, 25 Jun 1997 08:24:42 -0400 (EDT) Yoel97@aol.com writes: >In a message dated 97-06-25 00:04:50 EDT, dsimpson@alpha.psd.k12.co.us >(Dave >Simpson) writes: > ><< I figure that the foods would be horrible puns on song titles (like > > "It's not my birthday cake"). Unfortunetly, I can't really think of >any > good ones. Any suggestions? Anyone? The worse the better. > > Dave Simpson > >> > >um....Purple Soufle [1][2], Sleeping in the Flour, Shoehorn with Beef >[3] >That's All That I Could Think Of But I'm Sure There's Something Else. >Way >Down Inside Of Me I Feel It Coming Back.......BARF....GROAN.....oh >there it >is, some of that Purple Soufle. [4] > >Joel "Fearing a TMBG Trading Card Type Thread[5]" Gedalius >[1] I think that's how you spell Soufle >[2] & [3] "Purple Soufle" and "Shoehorn with Beef" are registered >trademarks >of Joel Gedalius. All Rights Reserved >[4] Bad Joke. I'm Sorry. >[5] Don't hurt me. I was just mentioning it, not resurrecting it. ><flames>> [6] >[6] Are you allowed to footnote a footnote? > Ok let's see...."Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head Cheese" "Counterfit Bake"[1] "J-E-L-L-O" "James K. Pork" "Stompbox O' Chocolates"[2] "Santa's Beer" "Meet James EnSorbet" "My Evil Twinkie" [1]A no-bake cookie... [2]You know "Life is like a".....nevermind Justin McElroy aviso@juno.com "The word's I'm writing now mean nothing more than meow to an animal" ------------------------------ From: Kaylum@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:32:52 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <970625163132_374857444@emout16.mail.aol.com> Subject: Re: TMBG: other bands similar to tmbg In a message dated 97-06-25 13:01:50 EDT, you write: << >1) The Sugarplastic >2) Primus >3) jonothon richman >4) Space >5) captain pyjama >if you have any questions about these bands plese write back. i have a question... what are you on, that allows you to think that any of these bands are similar to TMBG... whatever it is, it must be pretty powerful stuff... >> Well, I don't know about most of these bands, but Sugarplastic reminds me of a "mellow" TMBG and Primus is like an "evil" TMBG :-O Kay ------------------------------ From: mjames@greed.loyola.edu (Matthew James) Message-Id: <9706252032.AA01795@greed.loyola.edu> Subject: NON-TMBG: dr. who Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:32:05 -0400 (EDT) > Oh! In an allusion to something the inimitable Mr. Leffel once said, > maybe they are from Gallefrey (I know that's not spelled right. My > Doctor memory is a bit hazy.) and they regenerate, but instead of > regenerating into adults, they regenerate into children, and must be > adopted by some family! And they really _did_ meet in highschool, whilst > playing the role of children! Yes, that sounds plausible. I think the immortals of Gallefrey aren't actually immortals but have 12 lives. I think the recently Dr. Who tv movie showed how the Master was running out of lives and had to steal Dr. Who's to get his form back. Is this right? /Matt -- Matt James mjames@greed.loyola.edu Loyola College in Baltimore, MD Bruce Campbell Gazette: www.bcgazette.com ------------------------------ From: SUZZIE5808@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:42:55 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <970625164218_1722187429@emout08.mail.aol.com> Subject: Re: TMBG: (She Was A) Vinyl Detective... In a message dated 97-06-25 00:32:27 EDT, yu108533@yorku.ca (The Famous Mr. Klaw) writes: << Like many of their records from that era, this one has writing etched into the inner hub >> Yeah, what's the deal with that, anyways? I bought a copy of Lincoln on vinyl and it has something about that "I don't want the world...." quote. Who etched that in there? Do all of the Lincoln vinyls have the same thing etched in? AnnA ------------------------------ Message-Id: <199706252033.PAA08792@cereal.ncfcomm.com> From: "Mike Leffel" Subject: Re: NON-TMBG: dr. who Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:21:47 -0500 ---------- > From: Matthew James > To: tmbg-list@tmbg.org > Subject: NON-TMBG: dr. who > Date: Wednesday, June 25, 1997 3:32 PM > > > Oh! In an allusion to something the inimitable Mr. Leffel once said, > > maybe they are from Gallefrey (I know that's not spelled right. My > > Doctor memory is a bit hazy.) and they regenerate, but instead of > > regenerating into adults, they regenerate into children, and must be > > adopted by some family! And they really _did_ meet in highschool, whilst > > playing the role of children! Yes, that sounds plausible. > I think the immortals of Gallefrey aren't actually immortals but have 12 > lives. I think the recently Dr. Who tv movie showed how the Master was > running out of lives and had to steal Dr. Who's to get his form back. > Is this right? > /Matt > "It was on the planet Skaro that my old enemy, The Master, was finally put on trial. They say he listened calmly as his list of evil crimes was read, and sentence passed. Then he made his last, and I thought, somewhat curious request.. he demanded that I, the Doctor, a rival time lord, should take his remains back to our home planet, Gallifrey. It was a request they should have never granted." (Enter damn snazzy Doctor Who Theme Song... FOX-ized, of course.) Anyway, after the intro scene, The Doctor says they have 13 lives. What the gelatinous evil semen Master has to do with anything, I don't know. You'll have to find a more powerful Whovian than I. Mike "I also have a copy of the FarSide Cartoon on tape!!!!(*)" Leffel (*) Albeit a rather bad non-tracking enabled version. Oh well! ------------------------------ From: utopiaone@qconline.com Message-Id: <199706252201.SAA15319@ussodyssey.ufp.org> Date: 25 Jun 1997 16:00:52 EDT Subject: Re: TMBG: Then review in the NY Press. LP>some perspective? but that review is just ridiculous. for one, they LP>*aren't* fading, running out of luck, or losing fans, and, if the LP>mailing list and newsgroup are any indication, plenty of people bought LP>Then. This review was most likely by someone who was never a TMBG fan, LP>and doesn't understand what everyone likes about "that Birdhouse song." Does anyone know how many people are presently on this list? I was thinking about that the other day, and this post reminded me about it. ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.2.32.19970625184513.007dc5f0@mail.ee.net> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 18:45:13 -0400 From: Evan Chakroff Subject: Re: TMBG: Humor Matthew James wrote: >see an ounce of humor in them. Other bands, possibly the Bobs (although >I'm not 100% sure here) just go for wacky covers, and try to make wacky >tunes, perhaps "Weird" Al could fit here (I'm not saying they don't make >their own music, too, I just haven't heard original compositions by >these 2). You see, here is a perfect example. With "Weird" Al, I have >only heard his wacky covers he does, I haven't heard any original tunes. >With the Bobs, I don't even know if they do original tunes, but from >what I hear they make wacky songs. People often don't delve into bands >enough to see what they're really "made of". For the record.... "Weird Al" has many original compositions, many of which are better musica;lly than his parodies... and all of them are meant to be funny. -ec ------------------------------ Message-ID: <19970625225116.27809.rocketmail@send1.rocketmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 15:51:16 -0700 (PDT) From: The Almighty Cookie Subject: TMBG: Stumpbox Hey guys! Where can I lay my hand on a copy of this? It sounds wunnerful. Cookie (Yes, I'm nervous) === This message is brought to you by SAINT ANA THE SUAVE PRODUCTIONS Get Stomped!at http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/1993 "We're the Spice Girls! It's good to be back! All XXXXing right!" John Flansburgh _____________________________________________________________________ Sent by RocketMail. Get your free e-mail at http://www.rocketmail.com ------------------------------ From: Christi587@aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 19:10:29 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <970625191028_1958982218@emout20.mail.aol.com> Subject: TMBG: ***OMLT SHIPPING PRICES YAAAAY*** Guess what? The post office was open today. I got shipping prices for every country of residence of OMLT requesters (now there's an awkward sentence). People who ordered two or more shirts will get them in seperate packages, because that way I only have to buy one size package (only one shirt fits per the size envelope I am using) and I can get a bulk discount. All prices are in US dollars. SHIPPING PRICES per each OMLT ordered: Anywhere in US: $3 Canada: $3.27 Anywhere in Europe: $6.36 Australia (I warned you): $8.15 PACKAGING PRICE of each OMLT: $1.30 (will probably decrease-- I have to look into bulk orders) There ya go. Unfortunately, I can't accept checks just yet because I still need to look into a) bulk prices (which, if I can get them, will be worth your wait), b) exactly who you will make your check(s) out to. But the shipping prices are set. Just thought you'd like to know. --Christy ------------------------------ Message-ID: <19970625231310.131.rocketmail@send1.rocketmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 16:13:10 -0700 (PDT) From: The Almighty Cookie Subject: Re: TMBG: Bitter This message is brought to you by SAINT ANA THE SUAVE PRODUCTIONS Get Stomped! at http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/1993 "We're the Spice Girls! It's good to be back! All f%$#ing right!" John Flansburgh > It's a great partnership > between what I see as very well-written, poetic lyrics about unhappiness > and music that, once heard, is meant to make you feel good. Yes, it is. Woo. I agree. > TMBG have written songs in such a way > that, although many of the lyrics are about break-ups, the doldrums of > work, alcoholism, and other such depressing things, they never sound whiny, > and the music makes it even less so. Such is the wonder of their artistry. The lyrics are poetic yet honest. (Sometimes direct- like Pet NAme.) > Maybe I'm a rabid fan, but that juxtaposition is one of things I love most > about this band. Thanks, J. Now I've figured out what it is that I love so much about Them. I knew what it was, but it was so intangible until now. > > So don't stop dancing. Dance, but appreciate what you're dancing to. Brilliant. > _____________________________________________________________________ Sent by RocketMail. Get your free e-mail at http://www.rocketmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 18:58:02 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <1.5.4.16.19970625175232.0e8f743c@proaxis.com> From: bruce guildner Subject: Re: Non-TMBG: Leffel & Folds >>BEN FOLDS FIVE > >I am in love with this band. May I be the first to say here: BEN IS A GOD. Their first album is AMAZING. Go get it if you haven't. _Philosophy_ is the best song in the history of the universe. >>Cookie here! Just wanted to gloat that Mike >>Leffel and I are engaged! > > It's deja vu all over again. Fist Linnell, then Leffel. ::sigh:: Well >Celestia and I will.. whoops nevermind .;) Sarah -- THE EAGLE FLIES AT MIDNIGHT. Repeat--The Eagle flies at midnight. And may I also add: YAY!!! SOMEBODY REMEMBERED MY NAME!!! >suddenly sarah the single girl >linnellgirl@tmbg.org >http://lava.home.ml.org Celestia, tooms@proaxis.com http://www.geocities.com/Paris/LeftBank/2210/ <===== my homepage "I pushed you cause I loved you guys, I didn't realize you weren't having fun" - Ben Folds Five -----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK----- Version: 3.1 GMU/L/O d+ s a---- C++ U--- P L- E? W++ N++ o K- w+ O- M-- V? PS+ PE Y+ PGP- t+ !5 X++ R tv++ b+++ DI++ D++ G e* h! r% x -----END GEEK CODE BLOCK----- ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 22:13:33 -0400 From: nmcgrath@world.std.com (Nancy McGrath) Message-Id: <199706260213.AA20212@world.std.com> Subject: Re: TMBG: At the End of This is Surface Tension! In TMBG-list Digest #3-175, Joshua Hall-Bachner responded: > > It's called "Surface Tension" by Yazbek. I've never heard of them. Have > > any of you? > > > Yazbek is not a band, but actually the name of the artist. His most recent > album is "The Laughing Man"... he has an e-mail address, though I can't > remember it offhand. Actually, I figured Mike Wood would fill us in on this > one... > Yazbek is indeed David Yazbek. Check out his web page at (what else?) www.yazbek.com. "Surface Tension" is on Yazbek's first album, which was released in late 1995. He's currently putting the finishing touches on his second. I've had reports from friends who've heard some of the cuts that it's great. Yazbek definitely fits into the TMBG/XTC/Beatles mold. Try him; yuo'll like him! And, if I may be so bold, I'd also like to recommend a frequent Yazbek collaborator, Sean Altman. The two have been friends since high school, and have written a number of songs together, including the "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" theme song. Sean was a founding member of Rockapella, but he recently quit the group to go solo. He has just come out with his first album, seanDEMOnium; it's an amazing collection of original song demos. Sean Altman's web site can be found at www.bigsean.com; check it out! And finally, the obligatory TMBG content: Sean and Yazbek were (along with their pal Billy Straus) co-producers of the "Carmen Sandiego: Out of this World" album, on which TMBG's song "Why Does the Sun Shine?" appeared. Nancy McGrath nmcgrath@world.std.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <33B1FB5A.E3DBF013@remcen.ehhs.cmich.edu> Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 22:17:14 -0700 From: Kevin McGuire Subject: TMBG: Yazbek > Yazbek Wasnt there like an Amy Yazbek on this list a little while ago? Maybe it sounded like yazbek. Gopherically- Kevin ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 23:26:54 -0400 (EDT) From: "Jennifer L. Geese" Subject: TMBG: Foods Message-Id: Dave Simpson wrote: > Well, actually, I thought of the idea before getting any real details. > I figure that the foods would be horrible puns on song titles (like > "It's not my birthday cake"). Unfortunetly, I can't really think of any > good ones. Any suggestions? Anyone? The worse the better. How about: Lie Still, Little Bottle Of Pepsi Put Your Hand Inside the Pita Bread Purple Pate Sno-cone in Hell Why Does the SunShine cookies? I Should Be Allowed to Drink punch Hot Cha Chili No One Knows My Flan It's Apple (Not Constantinople) pie Lady Fingertips Ok, these are just getting worse and worse. I'm going to go to my padded room now. Jen "The insect headed worker wife will hang her waspies on the line." - ? Bonus points to anyone who can identify the quote! :) ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19970626134650.0069e590@postoffice.sandybay.utas.edu.au> Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 13:46:50 +1000 From: Brownie Subject: Re: NON-TMBG: dr. who >> I think the immortals of Gallefrey aren't actually immortals but have 12 >> lives. I think the recently Dr. Who tv movie showed how the Master was >> running out of lives and had to steal Dr. Who's to get his form back. >Anyway, after the intro scene, The Doctor says they have 13 lives. Time Lords have A first life, then twelve regenerations, hence thirteen lives. I'm pretty sure that this was only established when William Hartnell quit the series... But if the Johns are Rebel Time Lords they'd have to battle evil Aliens and Daleks and things. And change their looks, and have a Tardis, and do all sorts of things that'd interfere with making music. Better that they be immortals, and then they've got plenty of time to make music. Brownie --------------------------- tear here ------------------------------- Bad Movie Quote: "(she)-You've got good taste in clothes, good taste in food... (he)- Good taste in women too, I like your flavour!" North By Northwest (Hitchcock) ICQ: 1310725 http:www.geocities.com/Hollywood/6739/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 22:12:16 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: From: Bob Gonsalves Subject: TMBG: Waspies, Samba. was:Foods >Jen >"The insect headed worker wife will hang her waspies on the line." - ? >Bonus points to anyone who can identify the quote! :) How odd. They played XTC's "No Thugs in Our House" (the source of above) in this cafe that I was in today. I has occurred to me that some folks might not know what samba time ("Weep Day") is. You should check out the World Samba pages at http://www.worldsamba.org for a little taste. -Berimbau Bob ------------------------------ End of tmbg-list Digest #3-176 ******************************