[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 #457 March 24, 2003 In this issue: * Song Of The Week (week of 3/17): "The Carlsberg Special" * ELO 2 update * Whose song is it? * First Lights revisited * ELO 2 Sound Files (cont.) * What Roy Wants/Doesn't Want (cont.) * ACE Kefford Stand 45 on eBay * Of rivers and Armies * What We Want From and For Roy * What luck * All this and WW2 ============================================================== 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 TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail to move-digest-request@eskimo.com with the word "unsubscribe" (no quotes) in the subject line ============================================================== Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "The Carlsberg Special" Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 13:50:11 -0800 From: John DeSilva This is by far my favorite Wizzard 'B'-side - in fact it's one of my top 5 Wizzard faves. Has to be the most amazing harpsichord playing in recorded history (wonder if any of those 17th century baroque guys ever tried to play that fast in a moment of dementia!), and the entire track thumps along relentlessly until the long final fading note. After hearing all the jazzy b-sides, and "Main Street", I really wish Wizzard had been able to continue in this jazzy vein. It would have been an interesting juxtaposition to the punk/new wave sound that was coming up at precisely the time they broke up. "The Carlsberg Special" is the best of all the instrumental tracks they ever did in my opinion. JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "The Carlsberg Special" Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 13:49:51 -0800 From: "Andrew Footman" >I am such a spazz. I was gonna ring up the number at half past five >in the am Texas Time (so what's that, 11:30am GMT?) and ask if this >was The Carlsberg Special and did they still demolish pianos. Alas Kevin the prank was done years ago. The band put Bill Hunt's old phone number on the credits. You can guess what happened. He said he did not mind to much. He enjoyed talking to the fans. ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "The Carlsberg Special" Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 14:09:35 -0000 From: Richard Messum Finally got one of the cats off the lid of the turntable for long enough to re-acquaint myself with the song ... From the opening (speeded-up, as others have also wondered?) Bach-influenced harpsichord, to the final fading hummm, this may have been written by Bill Hunt but it has Roy Wood's fingerprints all over it. That chugging saxophone, that ridiculous (in the nicest possible sense) electric sitar bit, and the reed arrangement straight out of "Battle of Marston Moor." Love the fact that every member of the group has his opportunity to solo. Great tune. ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "The Carlsberg Special" Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 11:03:39 -0800 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" This one still gives me chills all these years later. It's just too good. It is a prime example of what Wizzard were capable of in their original incarnation and I wish they had done more stuff with the energy this fabulous "B" side has. I've always had the feeling that Wizzard was a band that promised more than it actually delivered. If they had put out an entire album of material with the explosive energy of this track, it would have blown everything else away in 1972. It remains one of my all time favorite Wizzard tracks. Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: ELO 2 update Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 19:25:17 -0800 From: Lynn Hoskins A quick ELO 2 update from Rob... He's received a large shipment of "ELO 2" CD's. Autographing will happen on Monday and Tuesday, and CD's will be mailed out on Wednesday the 26th. Anyone who orders "ELO 2" from today forward will be mailed their order AFTER the March 31 release date. Please note that due to the gigantic number of FTM subscriber orders (and the shocked look on the faces of the ex-ELO band members who have just been told how many sleeves they are expected to sign!) orders for autographed copies that came in after the Feb 28 deadline may have to wait for a second signing. ********** Subject: Whose song is it? Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 10:34:12 -0800 From: Gmcorie i was looking at some old Move video's live on color me pop's [69] came to a song i never heard before. Trevor sang lead. the name might be i like the christian life [not sure about the name] can anyone tell me anything about it. who wrote it, was it ever recorded and what Lp might it be on. was it the first christian rock & roll song? louisiana george ********** Subject: Re: Whose song is it? Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 11:08:54 -0800 From: John DeSilva George: The Move were doing a cover of a song by one of their favorite bands, the Byrds. The Byrds were covering the Louvin Brothers, who I believe were the original performers of "The Christian Life". You can find the Byrds version on their album "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" (many believe this is the first "country-rock" LP - recorded in 1968, it's definitely one of the first). The Move have a version of it on the "BBC Sessions" CD (is that still in print?). JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: Re: Whose song is it? Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 11:09:02 -0800 From: Richard Messum Hi, George: The song was, indeed, entitled " Christian Life" and it appears on The Move's "The BBC Sessions" CD. It was written by those country music stalwarts The Louvin Brothers, but it was also recorded by The Byrds (on their "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" album) and we all know of the Byrds influence on The Move. As for its being the first Christian rock 'n' roll song ... i doubt that very much, but i'll leave the answer up to those with more knowledge than i. ********** Subject: Re: Whose song is it? Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 19:25:06 -0800 From: kakman1 The Louvin Bros. are a proto-C&W/bluegrass/hillbilly duo that had some novelty hits in the U.K. but were pretty successful in the States. I may be wrong but I think they either hailed from Tennessee or Northern Louisiana. Kevin Kunreuther Dallas TX ********** Subject: First Lights revisited Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 11:11:21 -0800 From: Lynn Hoskins Just to let you know, "Electric Light Orchestra" (EMI UK and Europe) is due for release April 7. It's CD 1 of the First Light set, under a new catalogue number. Rob has negotiated a discounted price from EMI and it will be available from the FTM Shop shortly. Also, if anyone missed out on the original "Electric Light Orchestra" - First Light Limited Enhanced Edition 2CD, would you please drop me an e-mail? There's hope! Coming soon... ********** Subject: Re: ELO 2 Sound Files Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 13:49:18 -0800 From: "Hoskins, Phil G" >Any comments on the sounds files on the ELO 2 site? Lynn, Following your note regarding initial comments on ELO2, I guess that the one that stands out for me immediately is the Carl Wayne track 'Your World'. From the short soundbite, the Jeff Lynne signatures and influences with respect to the lead guitar work and bridge appear to be similar to those that have appeared more recently on Zoom and the new tracks on Flashback. As it stands I would not place this track as 1973 vintage at all. Looking forward to hearing the whole song!! I have also refrained from listening to ELO2 in the earlier formats in recent months in readiness for the remaster and it is refreshing to hear the other tracks again. Role on end of March!! ********** Subject: Re: What Roy Wants/Doesn't Want Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 16:56:59 -0800 From: Joe Ramsey Richard Messum wrote: > All you need is love. Nicely said, Richard. ********** Subject: Re: What Roy Wants/Doesn't Want Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 10:52:57 -0800 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" Lynn Hoskins wrote: >But most of all, I want Roy to record something that he is proud >of, >something that makes up for all the botched producing at the >hands of >others, and all the industry injustices. Even if it's >only one song - >just so long as he does it his way. Amen, Lynn! As much as we all want Roy to either give us new music or re-form the Move, he doesn't HAVE to. He could just fade to black, do the occasional Christmas appearance and probably live modestly well off writer's royalties trickling in. However, there would always be the feeling of "unfinished business". It would be a shame to have that silly "wombles" thing be his "coda". The man still has great music in him & I hope he finds a reason, for HIMSELF, to get off his duff and let it out for us to hear, by whatever ways & means suit him.. But if he doesn't...so be it. There is a rich legacy of his music extant for us to enjoy, and all the more with Rob dutifully seeing to it that his catalog is properly handled. Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: ACE Kefford Stand 45 on eBay Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 10:33:16 -0800 From: "Robert Lawrence" Hi all, This is not an advert. Checked eBay just before heading to Airport. I saw the Ace single on there for a starting bid of 15 pounds and a reserve. I have it on a boot and will gladly pay for the Ace cd if and when it's released. So I'm skipping this. It has been up for 4 days with 3 left. Just thought you'd like to know. As for the Woody bashing I shall just say he's a highly talented man and one would hope he continued. But I have met many artists who have little regard for the past and want to get on with their lives. I have also met those who make their living from the past. Roy is paralysed in the Limbo between the two camps. He is so reticent that I fear a "Storyteller" or unplugged type of gig or tour would never happen. On the road for a week. I look forward to catching up when I get back. Wave Your Flag ********** Subject: Of rivers and Armies Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 11:47:57 -0800 From: "Greg Weatherby" Robert Lawrence wrote: >As for the Woody bashing I shall just say he's a highly talented man >and one would hope he continued. But I have met many artists who have >little regard for the past and want to get on with their lives. I have >also met those who make their living from the past. Roy is paralysed >in the Limbo between the two camps. He is so reticent that I fear a >"Storyteller" or unplugged type of gig or tour would never happen. You have hit the proverbial nail on the head. Paralysed. What is so strange to me is that he gives lip service to not living in the past, but what does the Army play? Old Move and Wizzard songs. And then he introduces songs that he has been doing for years as new ones? Like "Boadicea" (sp?). Strange. Methinks he is living by the river in Egypt. You know the one. Denial. ********** Subject: What We Want From and For Roy Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 19:48:49 -0800 From: "Stephen Simpson" Kenny in beautiful downtown Rocky Point, New York, obviously loves Roy Wood's music and feels very passionate about it. In that, he fits right in with the rest of us here. But, I cannot endorse the harsh personal statements that he makes about Roy simply because Roy's public music release and performance schedule doesn't conform to Kenny's wishes. I felt that the esteemed Plastic Ono and our own wise Lynn gave brilliant answers to Kenny's rant. May I suggest, Kenny, that you step sloooowly away from the keyboard for a few moments and go outside and enjoy the lovely environs of your beautiful downtown. Breath in some fresh air, perhaps. And then ponder the source of all that lovely, brilliant Roy Wood music--carefully consider how much joy that music has brought to you and to so many others over the past 35 or so years. As you do, perhaps you'll realize that the "product" comes from a person...namely Roy Wood. I've never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Wood or of seeing him live in concert. I would love to do so, of course. But I like to believe that in enjoying art, one becomes at least somewhat acquainted with the soul of the artist. So, I can say that I very much care about Roy Wood as a person. If he never played, wrote, or sang another note, his contribution to popular music and modern culture would already be considered titanic. At this point in the game, I care a lot more about Roy Wood the person than I do Roy Wood "the product." So, pardon me if I'm not so quick to blast him or write him off. Seems to me the man still has a tremendous amount of brilliance, creativity, and artistry left in him. And, I suppose, it's between Roy and God as to when, where, and how Roy chooses to use that art. If Roy Wood decides that for the rest of his life, he would like to sit in his garden and sing to God and the birds and the flowers, that is his business, and I'm sure it would be lovely. Folks, we've got to get over the notion that we own these artists or that they "owe" us anything. Every song is a gift. Wanting more is not a crime. But to demean an artist for not giving more--or "enough" is not only harsh, but it certainly lessens the likelihood that the artist will ever create anything for YOUR enjoyment again. Would I love to see Roy record and perform more often publicly? Of course. Would I love to see him collaborate with Jeff Lynne? Absolutely--the "You and Me" song remains one of the most hoped for releases in my book. Would I love to see him work with Bev, Carl, Ace, Trevor, or anyone else in The Move family? Who wouldn't?!?!? Even if Roy didn't collaborate with the other Move members, I'd love to see them do something together...so long as they don't call it The Move. Roy--the person and the music--is deeply loved in these quarters and in many other places. So, I respectfully ask, don't trash him here. I suspect that by the end of 2003, fans of The Move, ELO, Idle Race, Jeff Lynne, Wizzard, AND Roy Wood are going to be a giddy lot. Stephen in Bama ********** Subject: Re: What We Want From and For Roy Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 15:35:28 -0800 From: "cuselton" Stephen Simpson wrote: > And then ponder the source of all that lovely, brilliant Roy Wood > music--carefully consider how much joy that music has brought to you > and to so many others over the past 35 or so years. As you do, > perhaps you'll realize that the "product" comes from a > person...namely Roy Wood. A most exceptional post. You expressed what I wanted to say, but couldn't find the words to say. Thanks for saying it so much better than I could have! ********** Subject: Re: What We Want From and For Roy Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 15:35:37 -0800 From: "David Woodier" I have mentioned previously that I will ALWAYS support Roy, but he doesn't always do something that I would like. I pay good money to buy the music and lots of other memorabilia and to go to gigs, even taking time off work at my expense. I didn't go to Bilston last time and I'm glad I didn't, but I have had many a great night there. I've met him 4 or 5 times and he is a thoroughly nice chap but... Where I get that "bloody hell, Roy" feeling is when -he says there is a live CD coming out shortly (which he did) and then he says it again at every gig for the next 5 years. -he writes a new song Spektacular and says the band will be playing it along with a new Salsa set, that was two years ago -It will be released as an MDO single so ageist Radio 1 will play it, again about two years ago. Surely it's not asking for much for Roy to follow up with his 'promises'? or to just keep the north and south firmly shut to ensure expectations are not set? I agree Roy doesn't owe us anything, he should want to give us something on top of the 40 years (next year) of music we already have. Surely we 'deserve' a little bit? I would really love Roy to just let us know what he wants to do, musically/commercially now and in the future and with all his many splendid recordings and then do it! His career is full of nearly's - the song Celine Dion's empire wanted him to write, what if he had and it was a big hit? Paul Weller wanting to cover Beautiful Daughter, if Roy would tell him the chords. Being inspired by the Novello to go home and write some new songs, I guess they may turn up on a Box set one day - Rob? Nobody always agrees with the way things are done, we need to air our thoughts constructively without detriment but can expect loyalty to be recognised in some shape or form and I think we have been fortunate that Rob, Lynn & Gill have for many times let Roy know what the feeling is like out here. Long may Roy gig, long may we have the opportunity to be presented with a true representation of his archive, long may Roy continue to write and long may it be until we have a new release!!! Only joking on that last bit LOVE YA WOODY!!!! ********** Subject: What luck Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2003 23:06:07 -0800 From: Gmcorie I just had to tell someone, and who better than my friends of the list. Just got a Beatles tribute album songs by Lennon-McCartney by rock&pops biggest stars. 1976 from the film 20th Century Records. the album is All this and World War 2. with original booklet, "ATAWW2" T shirt order blank insert and also print ad for the album from the 1/77 crawdaddy mag. now for the good part... Yesterday by Jeff Lynne [ELO] Hey Jude-She Leaving Home by Roy Wood [Wizzard, ELO] that's the way it's listed, can't wait until it get's here. just had to tell someone. louisiana george ********** Subject: Re: What luck Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 01:16:01 -0800 From: "Robert Fitzpatrick" I Have that album and can tell you Roy Wood Does "Lovely Rita" & "Polythene pam" and Jeff Lynne does With a little help from my friends/Nowhere man" ********** Subject: Re: What luck Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:35:46 -0800 From: kakman1 I don't know how old you are L.G., but I remember when I first got that album at Kmart back in 1978, it was a closeout at Xmas time for $2.99! For me, even then, that was a bargain for a great double LP of some of the most interesting Beatles covers done up to that point. (never saw the movie. Completely missed it.) Nice booklet enclosed with photos, artwork and lyrics. And it had Jeff Lynne (doing "With A Little Help From My Friends/Nowhere Man" as call and response gospel with symphony orchestra) and Roy Wood (sounding as close as he ever got to emulating Jeff's version of ELO c.1977)! Amidst the laughable turkeys, one got some absolute classics (Elton John Band, "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds; Tina Turner, "Come Together") and some really weird stuff and noble failures, but I do know the artists were trying to work within the context or vision of the creators of the film, so I won't hold it against them. ;0) Kevin Kunreuther Dallas TX ********** Subject: Sucker's luck Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 10:37:16 -0800 (PST) From: Plastic Ono Dream oh boy, lucky you! "all this & world war 2"! check out "i am the walrus" by leo sayer & "a day in the life" by frankie valli! ouch! will we ever hear from this guy again after he plays the album? has anyone actually seen the film? it closed after 1 week in buffalo new york the year it came out. an idea worse than even "xanadu"? ********** Subject: Re: Sucker's luck Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 16:55:42 -0800 From: John DeSilva Plastic Ono Dream wrote: >check out "i am the walrus" by leo sayer & "a day in the life" by >frankie valli! ouch! How the hell didn't these two songs end up on one of the "Golden Throats" compilations?! ;-D (BTW if you've never checked out "Golden Throats" you don't know what you're missing - just think William Shatner doing "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", and Tennessee Ernie Ford doing "Let It Be"!). As usual my good friend Plastic Ono Dream has gotten to the crux of the matter - but I do like Woody's covers of "Polythene Pam" and "Lovely Rita". JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: Re: What luck Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 17:59:23 -0800 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" I'm not sure it's luck, George. It's just there. Dreadful album, dreadful film. Roy's contributions are among the best of the tracks but most of it is pretty bad. I included the two Roy cuts on the CD I sent you. They are good but short and not up to his usual par. Good for the collectability, though. BTW, another oddity you may want to look for is an album called "Arrested", that features covers of Police songs done by other artists. Roy does "Message In A Bottle". Again, it's OK but Roy just sings while others play. Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: All this and WW2 Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 16:56:24 -0800 From: Richard Messum I bought the album when it was released, primarily on the strength of, besides Roy Wood's name, the Peter Gabriel and Rod Stewart contributions ("Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Get Back," respectively). I was and remain a huge fan of both of these men -- yes, even Rod. (Stop laughing in the back, there.) But, sorry George, i don't think the album has much to recommend it, and some of it is truly awful; it's an over-orchestrated mess, basically, and (i'm not afraid to name names, me) the arranger & orchestrator was Wil Malone. (Who?) I doubt if the artists had very much input. Never saw the film. Did anyone? ********** Subject: Re: All this and WW2 Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 17:59:31 -0800 From: "vellini" If it was ever cut loose it must have been in very limited release. I don't recall ever seeing it pop up anywhere. I do still have the album however. Horrible dreck but interesting packaging (the boxed set with large booklet). Must be worth something. I've never seen it on ebay though. ********** Subject: Re: All this and WW2 Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 17:59:59 -0800 From: "Greg Weatherby" Richard Messum wrote: >But, sorry George, i don't think the album has much to recommend it, >and some of it is truly awful; it's an over-orchestrated mess, >basically, and (i'm not afraid to name names, me) the arranger & >orchestrator was Wil Malone. (Who?) I doubt if the artists had very >much input. Wil Malone has had a long career in the music industry. He had his own group, the Orange Bicycle, (who made the sublime "Laura's Garden", along with quite a few others) back in the 60s, and recently did the orchestration for "Bittersweet Symphony", by the Verve, with many many many stops along the way. I agree this album is horrible, though. End of Useless Information #457 ******************************* [This digest is the copyright of the Move "Useless Information" Mailing List. 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