[This digest is the copyright of the Move "Useless Information" Mailing List. Re-publication or re-distribution of "Useless Information" content, in any form whatsoever, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent.] USELESS INFORMATION The Move Mailing List Digest Issue #371 July 15, 2002 In this issue: * Roy in the news * Friday's show on Radio WM (cont.) * Beautiful Daughter...with drums? * Song Of The Week (week of 7/8): "Curly" * A morbid subject * Song Of The Week (week of 7/1): "Keep Your Hands On The Wheel" * Nancy Sinatra review in Billboard ============================================================== To POST TO THE LIST: Send an e-mail to: move-list@eskimo.com Useful Web addresses: TheMoveOnline: http://www.themoveonline.com Official Roy Wood site: http://www.roywood.co.uk Face The Music Online: http://www.ftmusic.com Join the ELO List: http://www.eskimo.com/~noanswer/showdown.html Move List Info & Archives: http://www.eskimo.com/~noanswer/movelist.html TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail to move-digest-request@eskimo.com with the word "unsubscribe" (no quotes) in the subject line ============================================================== Subject: Roy in the news Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 15:56:05 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins Lately there have been some Roy "blurbs" in the news. Seems Roy is as popular as ever with the press. For instance, the Sunday Mercury (30 June) ran a story about Indian restaurants in Birmingham: "Question: What do Joan Collins, Kylie and Ian Botham have in common? Answer: They've all dined at one of the oldest authentic Indian restaurants in Birmingham. The Rajdoot Tandoori opened its doors in Albert Street just over 31 years ago and proved an instant hit. And its comment book reads like a celebrity guest list. Comic Lenny Henry praises 'the Rajdoot posse!', musician Roy Wood labels his meal 'fabbo' and Aussie Rolf Harris drew a picture and thanked the staff for a 'wizzo' time." (Could Rolf Harris be a Wizzo fan, or is that just a typically Aussie thing to say?) And then there's the Daily Telegraph's review (2 July) of Jasper Carrott's new production of "The Mikado" playing at the Savoy Theatre. The review says that Carrott is a complete disaster as Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner who can't bring himself to execute anyone. However, it goes on to say that overall, it's a hugely entertaining production, full of inventive wit: "Joseph Shovelton gives a fresh-faced, engagingly innocent and beautifully-sung Nanki-Poo, while Graham Stone - complete with bagpipes and bushy beard in the title role - is a dead ringer for that great and underrated British pop star, Roy Wood." Just thought you'd enjoy those... ********** Subject: Re: Roy in the news Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 23:38:40 -0700 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" Thanks, Lynn, for your unceasing dedication to providing info like this to list subscribers. Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: Re: Friday's show on Radio WM Date: Mon, 08 Jul 2002 06:38:39 -0700 From: John DeSilva Lynn Hoskins wrote: > Playlist for FRIDAY, 5 JULY: > Dancing Days - Graham Gouldman (from his new album "And Another Thing") > You Stole My Love - Graham Gouldman (from "And Another Thing") Lynn: Is "Dancing Days" the song originally by Led Zeppelin? I ask because the other listed song was done by the Jimmy Page-led Yardbirds in '67 for a single release that never happened. I only have the backing track for "You Stole My Love" on a deluxe 2 CD reissue of the Yardbirds' "Little Games". Glad to hear Carl's BBC appearances went so well - he did a great job in May, so I wouldn't be surprised if he gets more gigs like this in the future (at least what he can fit in with Hollies appearances!). JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: Re: Friday's show on Radio WM Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 12:58:45 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins Hi John, I thought the same thing when I was first given the playlist. But every track on "Another Another Thing" was either written or co-written by Graham Gouldman. He co-wrote "Dancing Days" with Gary Burr. (I believe this is the same Gary Burr who was lead singer and guitarist for Pure Prairie League back in the 80's. He's written many, many hit songs.) A question for Rob... was Carl's Friday Radio WM show the first time the BBC has played Nancy Sinatra's version of Roy's "California Man"? I'm just wondering if they got any calls about it. Or do we have to wait for your recap? :) ********** Subject: Re: Friday's show on Radio WM Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 18:22:13 -0700 From: "Ken Latta" "You Stole My Love" was originally recorded by Graham Gouldman as a teenager when he was with his first band "The Mockingbirds". Graham also wrote "For Your Love" and "Heart Full Of Soul" for The Yardbirds so there's a pretty good chance it's the same song. Dancing Days by Graham was available as a CD single (on the For Your Love label CD FYL 301). The CD album was originally release back in 2000, so it's not that new. Graham also wrote some notable hits for a band called The Hollies...which in a round about way brings the whole subject back on topic. ********** Subject: Re: Friday's show on Radio WM Date: Mon, 08 Jul 2002 19:45:43 -0700 From: John DeSilva Thanks very much for the additional information. As a matter of fact, my favorite Hollies song of all time is Graham's "Bus Stop" (a song I would hope they do now with Carl). JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: Re: Friday's show on Radio WM Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 18:22:05 -0700 From: Rob Caiger >A question for Rob... was Carl's Friday Radio WM show the first time >the BBC has played Nancy Sinatra's version of Roy's "California Man"? It's the first time it has been played in this country - the album is not yet scheduled for release here. ********** Subject: Beautiful Daughter...with drums? Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 05:58:01 -0700 (PDT) From: Kenny Howes Saw some bootlegged Move footage recently, including a version of Beautiful Daughter (mimed) with no strings and with drums! Any idea where I can get this on LP or CD? Also saw the Birmingham Beat documentary. Very nice! Update on Message From The Country CD deluxe reissue? I'm chomping at the bit! Thanks! -Kenny ********** Subject: Re: Beautiful Daughter...with drums? Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 21:17:38 -0400 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" The clip you saw was probably from the "Color Me Pop" TV program from Feb. 1969. I don't think that version of "Beautiful Daughter" with drums and no strings exists anywhere else, unless there is an alternate unreleased version from the "Shazam" sessions that we don't know about yet. Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: Song Of The Week: "Curly" Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 00:59:13 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins Song Of The Week: July 8, 2002 "Curly" Possible discussion topics: Vocals Lyrics Instrumentation Songwriting Arrangement Production Personal interpretation Strong/weak points *********************** [Lyrics taken from the original sheet music - errors and all!] "Curly" (R. Wood) Mister Mackan was a practical man Curly was his only son And he loved him like no other can Bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum He discovered the world in a wonderful girl Though he played with more than one But he loved her like no other can Bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum CHORUS: Oh Curly has she let you down and run? Oh Curly where's your girly? Where's she gone? Ran all over the town Till he covered the ground Every inch of Liverpool In a way I feel so bad That she let he be made a fool But remember she's right As we freeze in the night When the dawn took years to come Does he love her like no other can Bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum CHORUS (repeat) Now curse the day Yes it really shok you good Just broke away, no You didn't feel she would You didn't feel she would La-da-da, na- na- na- na- Desolation tones play on Though it breaks you Curly Can't you see what she has gone and done? He discovered the world Such a wonderful girl So he played with more than one But he loved her like no other can Bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum Oh CURLY, where's she gone? You didn't feel she would Feel she would La-da-da, Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Curly" Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 10:18:02 -0700 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" All these years later, I'm still trying to make up my mind about "Curly". There are parts I like and parts I dislike. It is probably one of my least favorite Move songs. The chorus at certain points makes me cringe. Yet the song overall is a well crafted pop tune. There's just something about the over-all feel of the song that rubs me the wrong way. I've never been able to quite put my finger on it. I suppose I'm a bit schizophrenic in my attitude toward it. As a point of interest, I remember reading somewhere that when the Move toured here in Oct. '69, this was the only current record A&M had by them to use for promotion, which puzzled them because the Move presented themselves as anything but the cute pop band the record suggested they were. "Curly" was not even in their live set at this time. They were into their "Shazam" material for that tour and turned any of their "pop" hits they did play into extended jams (e.g. "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" on the Fillmore West tape). Usually a band makes live appearances to promote it's latest record. I suppose that's one of the many reasons The Move never caught on here in the states. They seemed to enjoy taking "the road less traveled" most of the time, shunning predictability and doing the unexpected. Hence, "Curly ", as all the other Move singles released on A&M, sank without a trace. Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Curly" Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 10:18:07 -0700 From: marmil (Marc) As much as I love that devastating Move CRUNCH, this has always been one of my faves. Great use of recorder! ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Curly" Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 23:59:49 -0700 From: Richard Messum "Curly" has always been a favourite of mine of the Move's "poppier" side, although Bev Bevan was quoted somewhere as saying that he thought it was too "sugary." Well, there's nothing wrong with a bit of sugar in the diet, as long as you don't overdo it. I think it's an extraordinarily catchy number, in fact i've been humming it to myself all day. This was the first recording Rick Price made with the band, apparently, and his bass playing fits in perfectly well: in fact, the entire rhythm section, drums, bass & guitar does a remarkable job. And that's a recorder? All these years i've thought it was an ocarina. Doh! By the way, the very last chord in the song, is it or is it not identical to the final chord of the Beatles' "She loves you"? Bi-dum, bi-dum, bi-dum.... ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Curly" Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:00:01 -0700 From: Kevin Kunreuther Since I heard this song years after it's initial release, I wasn't affected by any pre-conceived notions about the band. Admittedly first heard it on A&M's double LP USA only 1974 release, Best Of The Move. In context of other material I heard on this release, I kinda liked the sound of the record, especially while reading Bev Bevan's commentary from the liner notes. Nice recorders, chugging bass. Carl sounds like he enjoyed singing it. The lyrics are a mere trifle, but, so what? I've heard much worse, before and since and right now (reaching over to turn off radio)(click)(ah, that's better). At the time, when I used to listen to Best Of The Move religiously (1979), I knew in three more songs,the album would thunderously conclude with the ponderous, gallumping "Brontosaurus". I suppose this was written during the Move's "pocket the money and run" phase, when they were inexplicably doing the cabaret circuit in the U.K. instead of joining comrades like the Who, the Moody Blues and Jimi Hendrix Experience in the USA. Imagine if The Move performed at Monterey Pop or Woodstock. How would pop history have changed? Would there even had been an ELO or Wizzard later on? Kevin Kunreuther Dallas TX ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Curly" Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 10:58:58 -0700 From: Peter MANION Seeing this as 'song of the week' prompted me to delve into an old scrap-book where there is a photo of Carl in his local pub holding a piglet supping a pint. The interview with Keith Altham goes on to reveal that 'Curly' is dedicated to a pig Carl used to own - (not the one in the picture, apparently called Peter!) The interview gives a good insight on 'The Move' at that time which was a remarkable period on the eve of the American tour, with a new bass player replacing Trevor, having just recorded the first two tracks of 'Shazam' which they were promoting live. I have always loved 'Curly' - it was the second Move song I bought and have been hooked ever since. It is probably the only Move single where Carl and Roy actually share the vocals (apart from ICHTGG with Ace), complimenting each other to brilliant effect. So often there is some conflict vocally (Fire Brigade, Blackberry Way) which 'Curly' doesn't suffer from. I recall some recent interviews posted to the list where Roy openly admits to his dislike of 'Curly' which apparently was the record companies choice to release ahead of 'Beautiful Daughter'?? Perhaps Roy had reached the stage where he could churn out songs on demand even if this one was a bit too sugary and nursery rhyme for some tastes. Perhaps this was a period that mirrored the 'Tonight' and 'Chinatown' era, where Roy was working to contract and producing hits on demand. What an amazing talent to be able to do that and make such great music with an acoustic guitar at the core. Curly has other qualities as well - The studio production is quite superb blending jingly acoustic guitar with bass and drums nearly as heavy as Brontosaurus (well, perhaps not!) And when you look underneath 'Curly' is full of bass (and recorder) riffs - hallmark 'Move' but not what Curly is remembered for. Before I leaned to play guitar it was recorders at school and what a treat to have a pop song to play along to instead of 'Silent Night.' The harmonies are top notch as well and there is a great video doing the rounds with Roy singing and playing two recorders at once (TOTP?) and it has Carl strumming a guitar and smiling all the way through. When radio stations or nostalgic interviews remember 'The Move' they avoid 'Curly' even though it got to number 12, understandably preferring 'Blackberry Way' or 'Flowers in the Rain', no one really remembers Curly, a bit like being in a quiz team and trying to name all 'The Magnificent Seven' and forgetting Brad Dexter. I was listening to 'Lemon Tree' the other day and the opening line hit me as one hell of a hook - There's girl next door to me whose round the bend... So many of Roy's songs open with a line which catches the imagination, about individuals who aren't all there with a hint of sex? Who on earth was Mr Mackan? We may never know, but I for one am glad that Woody chose to tell us all about that son of his getting in to mischief, in Liverpool of all places... ********** Subject: Curly Tuesday! Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 11:07:59 -0700 From: "Joel Lehair" When "Curly" came up as song of the week I had "Between the Buttons" by the Stones on and I came to the conclusion that "Curly" is to the Move what "Ruby Tuesday" is to the Stones. I dunno, maybe its just the recorders! Both tracks are certainly unlike most of the other songs from either band. "Goodbye Curly Tuesday, where's your girly where's she gone"... ********** Subject: A morbid subject Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 23:59:44 -0700 From: StphnClln A bit morbid I know, but has anybody thought of a Move/ELO/Roy Wood/Jeff Lynne song to be played at their funeral. It has been on my mind for some time now & I recon my choice would be One Summer Dream by ELO. I cant really see California Man or Brontasauris being suitable & defienetly not Curlie. Appolgies again for the morbid subject & my spelling. Steve. Ipswich England ********** Subject: Re: A morbid subject Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 04:14:59 -0700 From: Richard Messum What a tantalising thread! Probably revealing more about myself than indicating any funerary appropriateness, the first song that came to mind was "10538." Giving it a bit more thought, nothing by the Move seemed to suit (with the possible exception of "Blackberry Way"), but ELO's "Above the clouds" was a possibility. However, my feeling being that funerals should not be entirely unhappy occasions, i also would have to consider -- for the compilation tape i hope i have the opportunity to make -- "I wish it could be Christmas everyday." Rock on... ********** Subject: Re: A morbid subject Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 16:09:25 -0700 From: Peter MANION I've already told my kids I'd like 'Fire Brigade' when my time comes... ********** Subject: Re: A morbid subject Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 12:19:35 -0700 From: Edward Morris > A bit morbid I know, but has anybody thought of a Move/ELO/Roy > Wood/Jeff Lynne song to be played at their funeral. For Mr. Wood, it has to be "The Song" doesn't it? For Mr. Lynne, "I'm Alive." :-) Personally, if I don't get Feel Too Good at my funeral, there'll be trouble!! ********** Subject: Re: A morbid subject Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 10:59:21 -0700 From: Kevin Kunreuther Man, what a creepy subject. I'd rather not like think about that, especially since the past few days we've lost Ray Brown, John Entwhistle and Rosemary Clooney (always in threes izzinit?). On the other hand... why not? Each former member would have to have their own individual song. Carl's would be, what was it called? um, yeh, "You're a Star"; Roy's would be an accapella version IWICBCE; Trevor, well I'd choose that song Roger Daltrey sang from one of his solo albums, I think Steve Gibbons wrote it, "One Of The Boys"; Ace Kefford...hmmmmmm..... "Cherry Blossom Clinic"? ; Bev Bevan, "Over London Skies"; Rick Price, "Last Thing On My Mind", Jeff Lynne would be the instrumental "After All"; Richard Tandy, a little Pagini, a little Mozart (Requiem), then a lot of Roll Over Beethoven; Bill Hunt, hmmm, "Wear A Fast Gun". It's all just an entertaining intellectual exercise, no offense anybody. Kevin Kunreuther Dallas TX ********** Subject: Re: SOTW: "Keep Your Hands On The Wheel" Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 03:52:33 -0700 From: BigLarry Hey gang! Well, this is one of my favorite Roy solo songs! Everything about it is sheer perfection. Melody, lyrics, production, and playing, of course! John Bonham added a wonderful dimension, which made the greatness of Roy's work even greater. Great idea there, Roy! This is a great little story, in the lyrics. Lots of good imagery, as the day progresses. I think this, and much of the "On The Road Again" album has a rather "American" flavor. Even Californian, in this song. And not just for the Beach Boys influence. There's a bouyancy in the production here, that's different from the previous albums. Generally, more airy, with time and room to breathe. That's the best way I can put it. Keep Your Hands On The Wheel is my absolute favorite Roy song to blast in the car!!! Windows and sunroof open, continually turning up the volume knob, trying to share the joy of Roy and John Bonham with all the citizens of my city! Anyone else care to share your list of favorite Roy Wood car-cruising songs? Larry Harris Dallas, Texas ********** Subject: Re: SOTW: Keep Your Hands On The Wheel Date: Sat, 13 Jul 2002 18:13:32 -0700 From: Bob Hughes Larry wrote: >Anyone else care to share your list of favorite Roy Wood car-cruising >songs? Starting Up is an entire album of car cruise songs. I keep the tape in my glove compartment for those endless traffic jams trying to drive into Boston. "Red Cars Are After Me" is a really great song to listen to when you're stopped dead in traffic. ********** Subject: Nancy Sinatra review in Billboard Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 00:00:18 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins She's opening her set with the right song! Words & music Billboard; New York July 6, 2002 by Jim Bessman STILL A CALIFORNIA GIRL: Nancy Sinatra's recent gig at Manhattan nitery the Bottom Line served as a reminder of what a great girl-rocker she once was-and still is. Backed by a monster band starring Blondie drummer Clem Burke, Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clark, and legendary "Wrecking Crew" L.A. session keyboardist Don Randi, Sinatra opened with Roy Wood's classic "California Man" from her current Buena Vista album, California Girl, then rocked through a set that included many of her trademark 1960s hits, as well as material like Elvis Presley's remixed U.K. charttopper "A Little Less Conversation," which Sinatra incorporated into her show long before its current revival. "It's a song of his that I always wanted to do, because it was written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange," Sinatra says. (Strange was her longtime arranger.) But the songwriter with whom Sinatra is most closely linked is Lee Hazlewood, and her set featured plenty of the many hits he penned for her, including "How Does That Grab You Darlin .... "Love Eyes," "Sugar Town," "Lightning's Girl," and, of course, her signature hit, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." "He had such a great imagination and wrote fairy tales," Sinatra says of Hazlewood-who, incidentally, will be commemorated in August by Astralwerks' Total Lee tribute album, featuring the alt-likes of Evan Dando and Lambchop. "Songs like [Sinatra/Hazlewood duets] 'Sand' and `Some Velvet Morning' are real fantasies, and there was a great sweetness to his writing. Steven Van Zandt came to the show and said that when we sang together, we just nailed `the little girl and the old guy with the deep voice.'" Sinatra recorded other hit duets with Hazlewood, including "Jackson" and "Summer Wine," "but I don't do them in my shows, because it doesn't feel right to do them with anyone else," Sinatra says. "I know Lee does them, but I don't have the heart." Still, Sinatra plans to record again with Hazlewood in July and also aims to get her two Nancy and Lee albums back in print. "I own all the masters," she crows. "One piece of advice I give to anybody starting out is to make sure your masters revert to you-because they're all you got later on." Sundazed has reissued seven of Sinatra's albums, and she hopes to oversee the release of the remainder of her back catalog. "If nothing else, I want to show that there's much more to me than one song, being Frank's daughter, and a rebel chick," she says, acknowledging "the big three credits I get." (c)2002 VNU eMedia, Inc. End of Useless Information #371 ******************************* [This digest is the copyright of the Move "Useless Information" Mailing List. Re-publication or re-distribution of "Useless Information" content, in any form whatsoever, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent.]