[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 #389 September 16, 2002 In this issue: * Roy Wood Think Tank Contest - Winners (incl. all entries) * Joe Doyle, here's what you've won... * Woody on the radio * Move UK airplay * Lost Wizzard tapes? * Roy Wood & the Wombles wallpaper * Roy Wood mentioned in Daily Express * Roy at the Robin 2 / Womble Wallpaper * Roy Wood's 1974 Letter To The Editor ============================================================== To POST TO THE LIST: Send an e-mail to: move-list@eskimo.com Move List Info & Archives: http://www.eskimo.com/~noanswer/movelist.html Join the ELO List: http://www.eskimo.com/~noanswer/showdown.html Other official websites: The Move: http://www.themoveonline.com Roy Wood: http://www.roywood.co.uk Face The Music (for all ELO & related news): http://www.ftmusic.com TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail to move-digest-request@eskimo.com with the word "unsubscribe" (no quotes) in the subject line ============================================================== Subject: Roy Wood Think Tank Contest - Winners Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:22:10 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins Running about a month behind with things...but at last it's time to announce the winners of the "Roy Wood Think Tank Contest." To refresh your memory: "In less than 200 words, please let the list know why it is vital that Roy release an album of new material before the end of 2003. No guidelines (you can be serious, witty, or you can beg - just no filth! It can be a poem, an essay, or a maximum of 10 "reason's why"), just let your creative juices flow. The best/funniest/most pathetic may win a prize, but don't hold your breath. How could you convince Roy that he absolutely, without question, must put out a new album? If he wouldn't fall over laughing, I may even pass on the winners' thoughts... :)" I think everyone must have thought this to be an effort in futility, as there were only 9 (9???) entries. ;) But they were good ones! I just renewed this list thru 2004 so there went my prize budget. But I think these will work... 1st Prize: 20th Century Guitar Magazine (April, 2002) w/Roy on the cover Runners-up: Photocopy of the 1994 Roy Wood Goldmine interview (if you already have this, let me know, and I'll send you a picture of my cat instead - ha!) I've gotten some good suggestions for future list contests, so if anyone has a prize they'd like to donate, drop me a line. About a year ago both the Move and ELO lists had a contest (no prizes) to come up with a name for Bev's new band. Of course he ruined our contest by abandoning the "band" idea and becoming a disc jockey instead. The nerve! But I'll dig up all the suggestions and post them. Back to the "Roy Wood Think Tank Contest." All 9 entries will be posted in a separate e-mail, with the winners announced at the top. For those who wondered, the entries were judged by Rob Caiger. (Entrant names were withheld during judging.) Thanks to everyone who entered, and congrats to the winners. By the way, ALL of the entries will be passed on to Roy. I think he might enjoy them. ********** Subject: Think Tank Winners (incl. all entries) Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:24:40 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins 1st Prize: Joe Doyle, Canada It would be strange, it would be wonderful, it would thrill my blood To listen to a new collection, from genius Mr Wood Forever it seems we await the good news Occasional snippets of brilliance, like the Big Girl's Blues Taunt us and tease us, with fresh new sound But off to New York at the Village Underground? Surely we won't have to journey again so far To once more hear that unique guitar And cello, saxophone, oboe and sitar Once more shine like the brilliant North Star Has it really been since 1985 That new music from Roy last brought me alive? The thrill of his music, chilling my bones I don't need no brown sugar or them Rolling Stones For so much talent to be left on the shelf Now come on Roy, be ashamed of yourself! Don't tease us so, I beg of you Roy Please do it again, let's all share the joy I must have new music from you ere I die If begging won't do - here's 10 reasons why!! Wizzard Brew Electric Light Orchestra Main Street Boulders Looking On Eddy & The Falcons Message From The Country Shazam Mustard Move Runner-up #1: Jan W. Schoones, The Netherlands My answer is a simple and straight one: it would be fair to the many people who cannot attend his gigs to listen to how he and his songs sound at the moment. From what I hear from the lucky people who have seen him play live, he is sounding at his best. For me, not only would it be fair, but also essential and just very lovely. Runner-up #2: Richard Messum, U.S. Werllll.... I don't think that we need a new Roy Wood album by the end of 2003, I think we need one right now. Today or tomorrow, if not before. Popular music needs a great big kick up the arse. Have you seen (or, worse, heard) the Top Ten lately? Insert finger into throat now. We need a new Roy Wood album because we need Roy Wood. Up to a point, popular music has always been about marketing -- The Move with their smashed televisions are certainly not innocent -- but has it ever been as blatant as it is now? Once upon a time, i believe, musicians became musicians because (a) they loved their music and (b) they had no choice. The commercial aspects (i.e. the loot and the groupies) were nice but secondary to the joy of playing. Now, it seems, they become "entertainers" solely in order to (a) make oodles of boodle and (b) shag Mariah Carey. And Roy has never, ever done anything that was untrue to himself, and that's what we need now, more than ever. I mean, honestly, cellos in a rock 'n' roll band? What an absurd notion! Rock bagpipes? Ridiculous! Who has that kind of courage anymore? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Manion, UK 'When Roy Comes Back To The Farm' 'It wasn't my idea to dance,' said Marie to the driver, 'Should have left it to the girl outside,' 'What girl?' said Roy, puzzled, and dropping down to zero, 'Her with the silver-black bikini who's round the bend,' 'What bend? This is a straight road were going down, You must be seeing things,' said Roy, (+Yeah, like that new album you promised!) 'Soon,' said Roy, 'I've got some great new songs,' 'Oh yeah, and when will that be? Forever or when the cows come home?' 'Good idea,' said Roy, 'I'll ask Alice and see if we can record it on her farm,' 'What about Rick Price?' Asked Marie, 'I don't care how much it costs,' snapped Roy,' my fans deserve the very BEST of Roy Wood,' (+Roy! Not another compilation - they want a NEW album, with new songs and new instruments like Jeff Lynne') 'Jeff Lynne? No, I will play a VIOLIN instead, and bagpipes and recorders and polish up my old slide guitar and sax,' 'It will be a double album released at Christmas called 'Going to a PARTY!!!!' ---------- David Burley, UK 1. We haven't had a new Roy Wood album since "Starting Up" and even then the final mix was not great. 2. We haven't had much new stuff AT ALL since Starting Up. Couple of singles? One "live" only (good though); one with the Wombles (not great). 3. Ok, Main Street came out and was very, very good but it was an old album. Very welcome though, don't get me wrong. 4. I STILL haven't heard the On The Road Again album! How about bringing that out before I die. 5. Lots of new/newish songs to record / release. 6. Come on! Even early 70's band Stackridge have brought out live and studio albums in recent years - and they never had the commercial success that Roy had. 7. There must be more Big Band or Army live tracks in the vaults somewhere. 8. Get on a "small" label. One that will push Roy. Alice Cooper is thoroughly enjoying being on Eagle Records - and selling albums - and touring very well thank you. Hey! aren't Eagle the mob who brought out the ELO CD's: "Live at Winterland", Live At Wembley", The BBC Sessions" and "Live At The BBC"? Hmmm... some connection there. Would they be interested in a Roy Wood album which includes a couple of tracks he recorded with Jeff Lynne some years ago? I think they would! 9. Henry Crun of The Goon Show said many times "You can't get the Wood, you know". Prove him wrong. 10. How about "please?" ---------- Dave Woodier, UK 'Coz we the fans deserve it!' ---------- John DeSilva, U.S. Top 10 reasons why Roy Wood simply must release a new album by the end of 2003: 10. Joe R is forming a new band called Los Autores Principales, who will do Woody covers "en el estilo Salsa". Roy could ride the ensuing "Woodymania" with a new album. 9. Dr. Bob Coulter WILL continue to deeply analyze the Roy Wood Songbook, so let's give him some new stuff to sink his teeth into! 8. If not, JD of San Jose, CA will go to Roy's house and sing "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" over and over and over again until Roy can't get it out of his head. 7. The Move list will agree to provide a Boadicea look-alike to join Woody "in the back of the tent" upon release of the album. 6. Charlie Wayne will let Woody co-host the next several BBC WM presenter gigs he gets! He'll even let Roy read the traffic reports ... 5. If no album, Joe Doyle will fulfill a life-long dream by fronting "Joe Doyle's Wizzard Experience", a multimedia extravaganza featuring Joe in multicoloured hair extensions, pebble shades, and floor-length triangles coat! 4. Greg Weatherby will send Roy all the old Move promotional materials (maybe not the Harold Wilson postcard) to give Woody ideas for the CD cover. 3. The Plastic Ono Birdcage band will agree to open for Roy on the album-supporting tour (or not - Woody's choice!) 2. Rob Caiger will put the kibosh on the newly unearthed "Dusty Springfield Forever" Roy solo track from '69, before it makes it's way to Kazaa or (horrors) e-Bay. 1. Lynn said so!!!!! ... And now for something completely different: a more original personal plea - If the Village Underground NY shows of earlier this year are any indication (and I believe that they are), Roy Wood is as vital and vibrant as ever as a musician, songwriter, and arranger. The music scene is in a current state of doldrums not just because of the economy, but more importantly because of the narrow demographic the big labels insist on pandering toward. Roy, there's a substantial fan base made up of committed, knowledgeable music fans (including a large number of professional musicians) who want - no, who NEED you to put out an album (how 'bout a 2 CD set?!) of new material. The good news is that you don't need to be stuck with a major label as your good friend Jeff Lynne is - you can market this new album through the Internet, touring, and the fan base. Please do it - it'll do us all a world of good. ---------- James A. Gardner, U.S. There was a time in the early 1970's when I was confused, discouraged, going through all the things teens have to endure to become adults. Most times, music was the only thing that pulled me through. And I wasn't hearing much that inspired me enough to try to work it out and play it myself. Then a record store owner introduced me to Split Ends. I was thunder-struck ... that album didn't leave my turntable for, literally, months. My guitar or bass only left my hands long enough for me to flip the album over, so I could play along with the other side. Again. Did the Move's music save my life? No ... it just made it a whole lot better. Now, I've got a son about the age I was then. And he's going through the same growing pains I did; he's got a lot of the same sensibilities I do. He's a better musician than I ever was, and he truly appreciates good music. He's appropriated my copy of Great Move, and that's great. But I'd like him to have that same experience I did so many years ago, of hearing new Roy Wood music for himself, of having that same jaw-dropping awe at the marvelous innovation the man's capable of. Ok, it's selfish ... but, man, would I love my kid to hear some new Roy Wood music. ---------- George Mackenzie, Scotland Why I think Roy Wood should a new album before the end of 2003? Here's 10 good reasons. 1. Why wait until 2003, why not end of 2002? We all know that Roy has great songs on the shelve waiting to be released. 2. If Roy released an album he would certainly end one of rock musics great mysterys, as in the what ever happened to? 3. An album should be released as a thank-you jester to all his fans who have followed him all over Britain (and overseas) over the past 10 years or so. 4. He is such a genius that the music industry is missing him so much. 5. Roy should give us fans a sample of what the album might sound like, by releasing a single (such as "Spectakular) but make only available through the fan club. 6. If Roy released a new album he would definitely get a special on Top Of The Pops 2, as we know Steve Wright is a fan. 7. 15 years is to long to wait a new album. 8. Roy should release a new album as my C.D player is refusing to play any more old Woody songs? 9. OK "Main Street" was a "new" album in a sense but it wasn't new songs, so a proper new album would fill up the Roy Wood section in HMV. 10. Roy should release a new album because I want him to. ********** Subject: Joe Doyle, here's what you've won... Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 03:24:03 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins (I've been watching too many game shows on TV.) A couple days ago I announced the winners of our recent "Roy Wood Think Tank Contest," and informed 1st prize winner Joe Doyle what he had won: >1st Prize: 20th Century Guitar Magazine (April, 2002) w/Roy on the cover Rob has just informed me of the following: "The first prize winner will also receive an Abbey Road CD acetate of the remastered Message From The Country album. But not quite yet, maybe a week before it's released!" That'll teach everybody not to enter list contests... ;) ********** Subject: Re: Joe Doyle, here's what you've won... Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 03:44:42 -0700 From: "Joe Doyle" Lynn Hoskins wrote: >"The first prize winner will also receive an Abbey Road CD acetate of the >remastered Message From The Country album. But not quite yet, maybe a week >before it's released!" Oh my (he said, getting up off the floor), what can I say? Rob - would you like me to have your baby? :) What great news - a million thanks to you both, in eager anticipation. ********** Subject: Woody on the radio Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 12:31:01 -0700 From: "George Mackenzie" I recently choose Boulders as my favourite album of all time to be played on a daily feature on my local radio station, Moray Firth Radio. A track from Boulders was chosen each day of the week from Monday to Friday. If any one would like to hear the feature then they can send me a email and you can send me a tape of the feature. many thanks George Mackenzie ********** Subject: Move UK airplay Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 17:54:57 -0700 From: "chris roberts" Lynne asked: >For our UK list members... do The Move get played fairly often on the >radio? Or do you mostly hear post-Move Roy Wood tracks? Well it's pretty much as you might have guessed - of the Move numbers Fire brigade probably gets the most airplay, on 'oldies shows' mostly but every now and then the 'most listened to' national station BBC Radio 2 gives it a spin too. We are about to have a Firemans strike over here (if the media are to be believed) - so 'topically' we might here it more frequently soon! Apart from Fire brigade, Flowers in the Rain and Blackberry Way are the only other number given an occasional airing. Early ELO is never heard and their later more popular stuff seems out of fashion these days too. Wizzard's See My Baby Jive can be heard very occasionally (probably due to length as much as anything else - and I never heard the ending on the radio as it was always faded of talked over by the DJ even first time round!). The 'Christmas one' is played often every year and its not restricted to the radio either - TV can't leave it alone and shops run it along with other seasonal standards as 'piped music' for 'mood shopping'. ********** Subject: Re: Move UK airplay Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 11:47:57 -0700 From: marmil (Marc) I would have thought that "Blackberry Way" would have gotten the most airplay in the UK, as it was their only #1 single. ********** Subject: Lost Wizzard tapes? Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 12:31:59 -0700 From: "Hoskins, Phil G" Hi Lynn, Not sure if you had heard but I read on the BBC Ceefax teletext system last night that some lost 'Glam' video tapes have been found by the BBC from 1974 footage of 'Top of the Pops'. These include Wizzard as well. Apparently formal archives for TOTP footage was not made until the late 1970's. May be exposed on future TOTP2 programmes. With kind regards PHIL ********** Subject: Roy Wood & the Wombles wallpaper Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 04:25:14 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins This is one of those accidental things I happened to stumble across. (I know a lot of people on this list really hate the Roy Wood & the Wombles Christmas song, so hurry and delete this post or cover your eyes or leave the room or something...) If you go here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp/features/wallpaper/index5.shtml you'll find Top Of The Pops wallpaper, including Roy Wood and The Wombles. It comes in three screen sizes: 640x800, 800x600, 1024x800. Just in case you're interested! ********** Subject: Re: Roy Wood & the Wombles wallpaper Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 11:47:31 -0700 From: John DeSilva Lynn Hoskins wrote: >(I know a lot of people on this list really hate the Roy Wood & the >Wombles Christmas song, so hurry and delete this post or cover your >eyes or leave the room or something...) Lynn: I downloaded it, thank you very much. Hey, it's Roy on TOTP! So what if he's singing with a furry possum -looking dude with a violin!!!! For those who "hate" I Wish It Could Be A Wombling Merry Christmas Everyday", try the remixed version (take a deep breath ... ) "I Wish It Could Be A Wombling Merry Christmas Every Day ('Fat Boy Furry' Crucial Dub Groovy Acid Dance Burrow Garage Mix)". It rocks, mon ... JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: Roy Wood mentioned in Daily Express Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 01:45:58 -0700 From: "Jim Hoban" Hi all, Thought Woody fans would enjoy this snippet from Mitchell Symons column in todays (Friday 13th September) issue of Daily Express. 'Slade boyz becum new men of letters' 'Back in the days when we were stomping along to Coz I Luv You, Skweeeze Me Pleeeze Me and Cum On Feel The Noize, we would never have imagined that the band that made a fetish of mangling our Mother Tongue would end up getting honorary degrees. But that is what happened this week when Slade was honoured by Wolverhampton University. Wel dun, ladz. And while we're on the subject of Seventies rockers, who'd have thought that Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson would end up a commercial airline pilot? Now I wouldn't be at all surprised to discover that Roy Wood is now a heart surgeon, Gilbert O'Sullivan a funeral director and that Ozzy Osbourne - remember him? - is now a household name in the States with a TV series dedicated to his every waking moment. Nah, that one sounds too far-fetched.' (c) Express Newspapers 2002 Jim Hoban, Carlisle, Cumbria, U.K. ********** Subject: Re: Roy Wood mentioned in Daily Express Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2002 12:32:14 -0700 From: "Tom De Val" In connection with Slade's honoury degree, I actually received my music degree at the same ceremony. It was highly comical because this other guy was also getting the same award (for promoting ethnic music in the West Midlands or something) just before Noddy and the gang, and his speech went on and on and on. Everyone was waiting for Slade and there mumours of laughter when the guy said "and finally". Noddy's speech was actually quite controlled: "...great honour to bestow...", ".., last 35 years..." etc. Then suddenly at the end he put his mouth right to the microphone and screamed "KEEP ON ROCKING!!!" to raptous applause. On a personal egotistic note, I wrote the ceremonial fanfare for which Slade and the dignatries had to stand to attention. A kind of wharped honour for myself. How long before Woody gets a Honoury degree? ********** Subject: Roy at the Robin 2 / Womble Wallpaper Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2002 16:23:14 -0700 From: "Sandie Blickem" Just got back from a super duper gig at the Robin - Roy and the band were all in fine fettle and were most appreciated by all who attended. We had great fun. Heard Big Girls' Blues for the first time - superb example of Roy's unsurpassed ability to compose - complete with Beethovenesque key changes! Terrific! He really ought to try for a number one! I am convinced he could do it! Came home to find that my daughter had replaced my unobtrusive British railway station wallpaper with a horrendous Hacker(?) pic! Imagine then my joy to immediately replace it with Roy and Orinoco(?) Thank you so much for that!!!! ********** Subject: Roy Wood's 1974 Letter To The Editor Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 01:32:12 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins When Alan Heath folded his King Of The Universe fanzine, he was kind enough to send me a few things he thought the Move and ELO lists would enjoy. (Thanks for passing this on to me, Alan. I'd almost forgotten about it!) It's too bad Roy doesn't write Letters To The Editor anymore...he does have a way with words, don't you think? ---- MELODY MAKER - 1974 EXCITING ELO After reading MM's review on the Electric Light Orchestra at Drury Lane Theatre. I can honestly say I've never read such a load of self indulgent cocky reporter's s--- in all my life. I took some time off from recording to go to the concert and feel that I can probably look at it with more of an objective view than anyone else, having once played with this band. When they are quoted as being a "singles band" obviously you haven't heard the "Eldorado" album which, in my eyes, could be the most exciting work since "Sgt Pepper." And to say also that they are pretentious, with no spirit of adventure, makes me feel that this bloke must have gone to the wrong theatre. The criticism of the string section was grossly unfair. It seemed to enlarge on the fact that they were "whirling celli over their heads" (which incidentally they only did towards the end of the show), rather than explaining that they are actually fine musicians. The unbelievable violin solo by Mik Kaminski, wasn't once mentioned. He ended up playing "Orange Blossom Special" at 100 miles per hour, while leaping round the stage on one leg like a raving loony. Well that's entertainment, folks. And how about telling everybody what nice songs Jeff Lynne is writing now, and how well he, and new bass player Kelly, sang them? Oh yes - Richard Tandy's name was once mentioned, but you forgot to tell everybody that he was actually playing intricate chorus and orchestral parts simultaneously, which for want of another word, could only be described as absolutely breathtaking. What a shame the reviewer has bad ears. It was the best show I'd seen by any group for ages, with plenty of excitement and good humour. Reporters beware - don't wait until they become the biggest band in the land, and write nice things about them just because it's the "IN" thing to do. Clean yer bloody ears out and listen to "Eldorado." ROY WOOD End of Useless Information #389 ******************************* [This digest is the copyright of the Move "Useless Information" Mailing List. 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