[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 #476 May 30, 2003 In this issue: * Song Of The Week (week of 5/26): "Sunshine Help Me" * It was 30 years ago today * The Move at 'Let it Rock' Exhibition in Brum * "Super Active Wizzo" (cont.) * Roy Wood photo in "The Weir And The Wonderful" * Gastank * ELO 2 feedback * Tell us the news about yourself... ============================================================== 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: Song Of The Week: "Sunshine Help Me" Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 11:32:31 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins Song Of The Week: May 26, 2003 "Sunshine Help Me" Something Else from The Move Possible discussion topics: Vocals Lyrics Instrumentation Arrangement/Production Strong or weak points *********************** "Sunshine Help Me" (G. Wright) Hold me tight, the time is right Crazy dreams and mind-blowing schemes will get you Yeah People talking bad to her Sitting on the block without any love Somewhere It's time to let your mind play again It's your heart, just let mind play again CHORUS: Sunshine help me Sunshine help me Help me take the strain away Sunshine help me Sunshine help me Help me take the strain away Is it true that I been wrong about the things You always thought were innocent People always going round putting me down, baby It's time to let your mind play again It's your heart, just let your mind take it CHORUS (repeat) CHORUS (repeat) ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Sunshine Help Me" Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 18:53:01 -0700 From: "Tyler C.Sherman" Definitely the highlight of the "Something Else" live project. It is one of Roy's finest excursions as a rock guitar soloist. Very cool that we now have available to us the complete version with extended solo. Roy is one of the few guitarists who knows how to use a wah-wah pedal properly, though he uses it as a tone shift more than to get a wah effect on this particular track. The whole band just cooks on this track. It blows the original Spooky Tooth version away by a country mile. Can't wait for the next official live Move recording, "Live At The Fillmore", to come out. When, oh, when, Rob? Wizzards, Tyler ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Sunshine Help Me" Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 18:53:36 -0700 From: "stephen mulcahy" i love this version, especially the longer one on the box set. i also love the original, the early spooky tooth was a great band! any spooky fans out there? ********** Subject: Re: Song Of The Week: "Sunshine Help Me" Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 18:53:47 -0700 From: John DeSilva With all due respect to Spooky Tooth and Gary Wright (who coincidentally I met last year - a very nice guy), the Move's version simply blows the original away. From the opening guitar intro, through an excellent vocal from Charlie Wayne, to the absolutely stellar Woody guitar solo and Ace Kefford bass work (maybe Ace's best recorded bass), to the final outro with the sublime harmony vocals - this is the best cover that the Move ever did by far. It really transcends the "cover" appellation - they make this song their own. The unedited guitar solo version is interesting in that it takes a couple of bars for Woody to get it going, but once he does - look out!!! (also check out his tribute to Hendrix with the "Strangers In The Night" riff). Excellent wah-wah guitar in there as well. And I can't say enough about Ace's bass playing - he gets up front with a crunching riff during the guitar solo that takes the song to a higher level - and then does the droning raga backing for Woody so he can play some 'sitar' riffs. Instrumentally this is one of the strongest tracks the Move ever recorded - vocally Carl outdoes himself yet again with a powerful, soulful vocal. 35 years on it makes you want to hear 'em live again, doesn't it? ;-D JD San Jose, CA ********** Subject: It was 30 years ago today Date: Fri, 30 May 2003 03:38:50 -0700 From: George Mackenzie Does everyone remember what was NO 1 30 YEARS AGO TODAY? It was of course it was SEE MY BABY JIVE. It's a pity E.M.I didn't consider re-issuing it. I wonder if Roy has any plans for the 30th anniversary of "Christmas everyday", later in the year? Maybe record a new version perhaps? Anyway happy birthday See My Baby Jive. ********** Subject: The Move at 'Let it Rock' Exhibition in Brum Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 12:27:23 -0700 From: "val burgess" (No ELO stuff though!!) At the "Let It Rock" Exhibition of photographs from the "Golden Age of Rock'n'Roll" there is one exhibit of the Move. The photo is a limited edition silver gelatin print hand printed from original negative. exhibit no. 17 ref no. JC9885. The Move at BBC show Top of the Pops. It shows (full height) (left to right) Bev, Trevor, Chris, Carl (they have put Carl Wayne in the catalogue!!!) and Roy. It's a lovely photo and was taken 8th Sep 1967 12 x 16 inches. Photographer John Miniham, Evening Standard. Available with or without a frame. The price already framed is £222.08 (inc VAT) from Symphony Hall (Let it Rock), Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA. Exhibition ends Saturday 31st May. For unframed availability Tel 0207 376 4525 or email - anthony.gammell@Getty-images.com The exhibition is being held in associated with Saga radio. website - http://www.necgroup.co.uk/whatson/displayEvent.htm?id=2419 There are some great photo's there I have to say, none if which I had ever seen before. We were on our way to see Ravi and Anoushka who were pretty terrific too. ********** Subject: Re: The Move at 'Let it Rock' Exhibition in Brum Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 23:45:55 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins Following up on Val's post, here's a nice review of the exhibition that mentions The Move at the end... Let It Rock! By David Freak, What's On Birmingham Post/Evening Mail Featuring a collection of world famous rock stars renowned for their on and off stage excesses, it's perhaps surprising to see little evidence of their debauched antics in Let It Rock, a series of largely documentary black and white photographs dating back to the early sixties. But that's not to say that there aren't any surprises in store as rock'n'roll pioneer Bill Hayley - whose mere appearance in the movie Rock Around The Clock was enough to spur the youth of the day to smash up their local flea-pits - reveals his Comets line-up included that distinctly un-rock'n'roll instrument, the accordion! Meanwhile a baby-faced Cliff is snapped hanging up his socks to dry in the kitchen of his Blackpool home back in 1963 and 20 years later Freddie Mercury - recently granted the honour of Most Outrageous Star Ever by Q magazine - is having his 'tasche groomed. Within this exhibition of forty-plus photographs, culled from the Getty Images Collection, are some cracking shots and great anecdotes: John Lennon in a hotel room just after making a formal apology for claiming the Beatles where "more popular than Jesus" in 1966; the portrait of Jimi Hendrix and the nude model spread from Electric Ladyland; the outrageous Kiss arriving at London airport for their first ever European tour in 1976; and Led Zeppelin at the 1970 Bath Festival. "A very windy day," recalled photographer Laurie Asprey of the Zep's appearance in Shepton Mallet. "For some reason Jimmy Page came on dressed like Farmer Giles and played the guitar with a bow. Very strange." Other pictures focus on Stooges frontman Iggy Pop minus his bulge, Marc Bolan glammed up but evidently "at home", Tom Jones spinning his favourite platters, Van Morrison with just the one chin, Frank Zappa rehearsing, Bowie in cabaret gear, Elvis in the army having a snooze, Sege Gainsbourg and muse Jane Birkin, Fab Four manager Brian Epstein backstage with his boys, and Brum Beat stalwarts The Move, looking like cast members from a amateur panto production of Aladdin with bearded Roy Wood as the villain! Let It Rock! Until Saturday 31 May 2003 Broad Street Gallery Level 4, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Copyright © 2003 Birmingham Post and Mail Ltd. ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 23:36:13 -0700 From: Richard Messum Bob Hughes wrote: >I know long tracks were fashionable back then- but something's actually >supposed to happen- not just repeating the same riff over and over again.) Is this true, though? If you've ever listened to any of the post-modernist composers like Steve Reich or Philip Glass, the repetition is THE point: it's what draws you in, the same thing over and over, but with very subtle, barely-noticeable changes in every bar. You are *forced* to listen. Besides, if it's a good riff, i don't mind listening over and over! ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 13:36:30 -0700 From: "cuselton" I have only one more word to add to the whole "repeatable riff" thing: Bolero The same basic riff going on and on for approx. 10 minutes. The only difference being more variations in instrumentation being added over each pass through the riff. Deceptively simple, yet effective and mesmerising. Repetition can be used to good effect - And yes, I'm one of those who just loves "Super Active Wizzo". ;-) Can't wait till it comes out on CD. thanks! cu tornado alley, ok -- only MEGA tornado alley this month! I've had to run away from a couple of them this month already. ********** Subject: Re: "Super Active Wizzo" Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 18:33:15 -0400 From: Bob Hughes >The same basic riff going on and on for approx. 10 minutes. The only >difference being more variations in instrumentation being added over >each pass through the riff. Deceptively simple, yet effective and >mesmerising. Yeah, I wish Roy had done that on Super Active Wizzo. ********** Subject: Roy Wood photo in "The Weir And The Wonderful" Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 13:50:24 -0700 From: Lynn Hoskins There's a new book out called "The Weir and the Wonderful" - A classic collection of Aston Villa images and anecdotes. The photographer is Terry Weir, who shot pictures of Aston Villa for 23 years. In a review that appeared in the 17 April Evening Mail, Roy's name is mentioned: "His (Weir's) atmospheric shot of the famous 'A V' floodlights glaring across a dark Aston skyline is a classic. He snapped star-struck young fans, quirky behind-the-scenes shots and celebs like Erika Roe and Roy Wood who passed through Villa's orbit." I checked with the publisher and Roy's picture is on page 210 - he's standing with former Stadium Manager, Ted Small. In case anyone would like to have a look... ********** Subject: Gastank Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 15:30:27 -0700 From: "Mike Holden" This program is sounding rather like one that used to air on British TV many years ago. Recollections are hazy, as it was quite a while ago. I'm sure I was still living with my parents, so that would place it in the early eighties. One of the musicians was Tony Ashton, and I have a vague feeling that Rick Wakeman may have been involved as well. It was a similar format, with a house band of top musicians, plus two or three guests, who would have a bit of a chat, and then join the house band for a song or two. The only guest I can recall was Rick Parfitt (from Status Quo). Just had a brief look at Rick Wakeman's web site (www.rickwakeman.com), and it briefly mentions "1982 - Records the TV series Gastank with Tony Ashton for Channel 4", which backs up my vague memories of it! Other google searches suggest it may have aired in 1983. And here's a quote from a Yes site http://nfte.org/back-issues/0216 which also mentions it: "In England, in the early 80's, Rick & a guy called Tony Ashton made a short lived TV series for Channel 4, called "GASTANK", which was a type of program where they both performed with invited guests each week, to a small live audience I vaguely remember Rick playing with Andy Fairweather-Low, his old mates the Strawbs, Steve Harley and Godley & Cream. It was also the only time I've seen what Chas. Cronk looks like. But what I definitely remember is the track he performed with Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), which was stunning. (Incidentally, Godley & Cream suggested the track "Midnight Hour " but only after Kevin Godley insisted they put a bit of reggae in the middle of it !!) I can't remember who else appeared in the series, but there are some gems out there !!!" At that time, my musical tastes hadn't broadened to the levels of today, but I remember watching it regularly, and really enjoying the music on it. I would love to see it again now. ********** Subject: Re: Gastank Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 12:12:07 -0700 From: Jon Hinchliffe On Fri, 9 May 2003 15:30:27 -0700, "Mike Holden" wrote: >I can't remember who else appeared in the series, but there are some gems >out there !!!" Yes it was a good series I too remember watching it and Woody was going to be invited back on the 2nd series which sadly never happened. Typical. I can give you details of the 6 programs if you are interested. I know Rick Wakeman has tried on and off for years to get it released. I believe the Tony Ashton side has also attempted this. Sadly there has been no joy with the company owning it though. It was released on Laserdisc in Japan some years back and there is where a lot of the copies of it that are about seem to come from. I have never managed to track down anything but forth or fifth generation copies. ********** Subject: Re: Gastank Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 01:01:07 -0700 From: "Mike Holden" Jon Hinchliffe said: >I can give you details of the 6 programs if you are interested. Yes I would be interested. As I said, I probably didn't know who a lot of the guests were (or indeed Rick and Tony) at the time, but am probably fairly familiar with a lot of them nowadays. >I know Rick Wakeman has tried on and off for years to get it released. I >believe the Tony Ashton side has also attempted this. Sadly there has >been no joy with the company owning it though. Maybe we can get Mr. Caiger on the case!!! >It was released on Laserdisc in Japan some years back and there is where >a lot of the copies of it that are about seem to come from. I have never >managed to track down anything but forth or fifth generation copies. Which ones do you have copies of, and what kind of quality are they? I presume VHS PAL UK format? ********** Subject: Re: Gastank Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 10:50:58 -0700 From: roy cooke Is the show John is talking about Gastank? where Rick had a resident band and guest band mambers, Roy did Californian man and Down to zero and had a chat in between about the good (or bad contractually) days. this was during his helicopters era when he had his sifting candy floss hair (those who saw the ott sketch featureinf the rockers and comedian will get that) Roy ********** Subject: ELO 2 feedback Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 16:20:39 -0700 From: Spikesblues Well, i am quite tardy in making this post, but here goes anyways. Even though i missed the initial order deadline, i received my ELO2 First Light very quickly, it was on April 8th. So, here's a late, but most sincere and hearty, "Thanks!" and "Yikes! Great Job!" to Rob and Peter, once again. And of course, to Lynn, since i agree very much with Joe's recent observation that were it not for this (and the ELO) list(s), that many Roy-related fruits we've enjoyed in recent years (the "Main Street" release, the now extensive reissue campaign Rob is involved in, and certainly Roy and the Army's journey to NYC, etc.) may have never occurred otherwise. I won't spent too much time echoing the feelings of others here about this package, which is about all i can do. The sound on the album itself is so revelatory and astounding, from one who has worn out the groves on more than one copy of the lp through the years, it was like truly hearing it for the first time. The bonus material is fantastic, most of which i've never heard (except for the tracks that were on the "Early Years" EMI 2cd from the 90's), and of course the Carl Wayne tracks are a fantasy of any Move fanatic brought to life (as far as he and Jeff collaborating). And the package, in all respects, is as good as it gets. Pretty much the same reaction i had to the First Light 2cd issue of the first ELO lp. We are so fortunate to have someone like Rob at the helm of the reissues, both technologically and aesthetically putting the effort and care forward that can only come from someone who truly and deeply loves the music as much as any other fan. May the slings and arrows from dupes like that Cohen jerk, who seem mired in their own misery and malcontentedness, and determined to pass it along to others, just bounce off of Rob and fall to the ground, as they should. I'm sure Rob knows how much respect and gratitude he has from the rest of us. I mostly lurk these days, but thanks to all fellow fans who post here, i really enjoy reading through the digests. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from Rob's list of future releases, whenever he feels it's ready for a proper release, and not a moment sooner. I used to post here as "gonzoharp", but it's been quite a while, so quickly, since most of you don't know me: Rick Boston, MA 46 yrs old 1st exposure: "Hello Susie" on the U.S. A&M sampler album "Friends" 1st Move lp: Shazam (bought in 1971 or so), followed by ELO first lp, Message From the Country lp, Looking On lp, ELOII lp, Boulders lp, Split Ends lp, Eddy and the Falcons, Mustard, etc. into the 80's Favorite lp: Shazam, very closely edging Message From the Country ********** Subject: Re: Tell us the news about yourself... Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 02:20:43 -0700 From: "Andrew Footman" >Your name, age, location, occupation? Andrew Footman, age 41. Occupation - Warehouse operative. >How long have you been a Move and/or Roy Wood fan? Been a fan since 73. >What was your first Move related experience? Go back to the 60's, radio was always on i remember them all bar Night Of Fear. Did not have a clue who they were then! >Tell us about your top 5 favorite Move related tracks. I Can Here The Grass Grow, Omnibus, The Last Thing On My Mind, Brontosaurus, It Was'nt My Idea To Dance er can i change my mind! Could include at least 20! >What's your favorite Move related album, and why? Shazam, it has the best guitar playing on a rock album ever. >What topics would you like to see discussed on this list? The list topics are fine, very few fans of the Move appear to be fools. >If you've seen the Move or any member of the Move in concert, tell us >about that show. Seen ELO twice oftb amazing and with Roy at brumbeat. Elo were ok then Woody was fantastic. Seen Woody 6 or 7 times. First time with Helicopters that was great. He plays by numbers now same set needs to update set. >Tell us about an amusing or interesting situation that has happened >as a result of you being a Move/Roy Wood fan. Giving him a copy of my lp remaster of Shazam. I said "Hello Mister Wood i have got something for you". I will never forget the look on his face. lol. >Who are some of your other favorite artists/bands? Doors, Who, Baby Chaos, Sex Pistols, John Mayall, Jeff Healy Band, Procol Harum, J Hendrix, Beatles, Moby Grape, Buddy Holly and loads of others. >Which Move related song do you wish one of your favorite bands >would cover? Wild Tiger Woman - Puddle Of Mudd >What is the one burning question that you have never had answered >in relation to Move/Roy Wood history or music? Where is the master tape and multi tracks to Shazam you bloody Cube Record Fools. >Are you having trouble finding any Move related music on CD? No i have loads but the sound quality is not great with the Move Stuff. Some Wizzard and later Roy Wood stuff sounds poor on CD too! Looking forward to Rob's. ********** Subject: Re: Tell us the news about yourself... Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 02:50:03 -0700 From: "Bob Say" >Your name, age, location, occupation. Bob Say, 52, Los Angeles, Record Store Owner >How long have you been a Move and/or Roy Wood fan? Since 1971 >What was your first Move related experience? While mopping floors and listening to the radio, hearing 'Feel To Good' >Tell us about your top 5 favorite Move related tracks. Fire Brigade, Yellow Rainbow, Hello Susie, Brontosaurus, Feel To Good >What's your favorite Move related album, and why? Shazam...Consistently great all the way thru. I like every song. Love the bits in between >What topics would you like to see discussed on this list? anything. >If you've seen the Move or any member of the Move in concert, tell us >about that show. Never saw the Move, but saw Wizzard and ELO every time they played LA >Tell us about an amusing or interesting situation that has happened >as a result of you being a Move/Roy Wood fan. Went to see the band 'Renaissance' at the Roxy. Roy Wood was there hanging out; got to meet him tho I foolishly forgot to ask for an autograph. >Who are some of your other favorite artists/bands? Too numerous to mention but; Kinks, Cheap Trick, Hawkwind, Floyd, Patto, Jayhawks, Radiohead, Caravan + 1000 more. >Which Move related song do you wish one of your favorite bands >would cover? Well Cheap Trick already did Brontosaurus.... >What is the one burning question that you have never had answered >in relation to Move/Roy Wood history or music? None that 'burn' but it's hard to imagine that there are no alternative versions of any of their songs in the vault. Also anyone ever notice that the 2nd side of the original British pressing of Shazam always skips. I've played at least 10 copies on several diff turntables and it always skips. >Are you having trouble finding any Move related music on CD? No End of Useless Information #476 ******************************* [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.]