Previous Comments Page - 2001

2001 January to June

Date: Sat Jun 30 12:20
howe (home):: yop....i just want to see it myself...i hear its about a dad shopping with his kids...is that true ?....in between stats on ESPN? ...the future is so weird up here in it.
Date: Fri Jun 29 00:22
Redfreek (longtimegone@thegreatwhitenorth.com ):: great, now i may have to stop channel surfing to try and catch this shiver commercial...actually i think it's really good for Howe. It's different for hugely popular/rich artists sell their art for a buck, but to see the music of Giant Sand, Nick Drake (Pink Moon for Volkswagen) or Big Star (That 70's Show) on tv is a wonderful thing. The huge exposure alone is worth it. After all...the whole point of being an artist is to 'connect' and reach as many people as possible while still being true to your art, not to languish away in obscurity on the fringes. Maybe if Van Gogh could of sold a few paintings he would of been a lot happier...
Date: Thu Jun 28 11:10
vivid (vivayazon@hotmail.com):: howe, it's vivid...found this by accident- shiver shiver*
Date: Thu Jun 28 04:24
Christian (Radio M94,5 Munich) (is.this.music@gmx.de):: dear howe, i just wanted to say it again: it was a real good performance, when you played together with PJ at the "colosseum" in munich/germany (march 2001). and i also enjoyed talking to you. i think the interview was definitely of interest for the listeners of M94,5! thanks again, christian sailer p.s.: i said hello to kathl (leo`s ex-girlfriend in regensburg/germany) and she was very happy about it.
Date: Tue Jun 26 08:58
john (humidsweaty&thirsty@fla.com):: Coke - yes that's what I was thinking. A song on a record that almost didn't get released except right here on this page, now is helping sell a drink that really doesn't even need any help ... I guess they just want to be associated. I haven't seen the commercial. Is the song sung by someone else?
Date: Tue Jun 26 05:42
sammy (pommelos):: Excuse me but I don't know how to use a computer very well ,so it wrote my message about 3 times.bye,Sammy.(very loud today)
Date: Tue Jun 26 05:39
pommelos (113 avenue des pivoines 93370 Montfermeil):: I'll never see it coming again.
Date: Tue Jun 26 05:39
pommelos (113 avenue des pivoines 93370 Montfermeil):: I'll never see it coming again.
Date: Tue Jun 26 05:38
pommelos (113 avenue des pivoines 93370 Montfermeil):: I'll never see it coming again.
Date: Tue Jun 26 05:34
pommelos (113 avenue des pivoines 93370 Montfermeil):: yeah!c'est casse couille,putain fait chier bordel de merde!personne ne veut voir mon site at: www.multimania.com/pommelos(my music on it, with some little pictures of mother nature)
Date: Tue Jun 26 01:40
JC Brochard (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):: Hello, It's funny reading about messages on this page being rejected by a robot because of bad language. I'm pretty sure the robot doesn't speak any "foreign" non-english language. Let's try it : merde, bordel, salopard !!!
Date: Mon Jun 25 23:06
howe (home):: and one more thing, literally for the record, that 'shiver' song was all the handy work of a one kevin salem....and his musician buds....a secret weapon waiting to happen.
Date: Mon Jun 25 23:04
howe (home):: just got in from the road work. and there were plenty of reasons out there to remain. thanks especially to the folks up in toronto on my first visit there finally....very fine folks. it was a great pleasure to get to hear cathryn irwin and dave gay every night on the bill...stunning conjure . thanks for the fun in cleveland and minneapolis and the grand time in chicago.....and again a great tumble to run into kristen hersh again there...fun to jam....girl can sing....possibly the most inspirational moment was to see her and entire family finding a way to make the road work by traveling in a motor home like that........very tempting. as for the coke commercial...ha ha ha choke. i have not seen it yet...or any of its numeration...but it was all set up by the fine folks at thrill jockey, and they can do no wrong in my book. there is a culture out there. and it seeps into the uninvited attention span more often then not....and the one thing i found some comfort in was the music they were actually begining to use in these blatant banners of interupted viewing....was music that doesn't insult or annoy....music, that as a part of all that's shouting at us out there, shows off where we stand as a popular culture...and in general....i have noticed a lot of great sounding car commercials. .....and none of it means endorsement, no one needs us for that, nor do we need them....but i get a kick out of the notion that they somehow want to "blend" in with something like 'shiver'. it is interesting to note when we were dropped 3 years ago from V2, whom i still like actually, that they thought the record sounded too indie....and yet, now, seems to have shifted hard rutter into popular culture. ,,,ha ha ha ouch. well...hope to see you all a little later on...one way or the other....thanks for all the checking in....----howe
Date: Mon Jun 25 15:18
BG (briang@pipecomm.com):: Hey there, I wanna say it was a real pleasure to hear "Shiver" in the background of that Coke commercial. Threw me off-guard -- it was during a Phillies game and I got so excited I jumped up from the couch and spilt my Guinness all over the floor while I was yelling for my wife to come downstairs. (of course it was over by the time she made it down -- then she threw me a towel...Do'h!) Not that I'm sure I'd want to hear Giant Sand on my local corporate-owned "alt-rock" station next to Creed and the other fourth-generation grunge slop, but if a song ever deserved widespread attention, it's "Shiver"...a beauty of a tune. So while it's liekly that very, very few who see that commercial will know what the song is, it's nice to know that chord progression will be ringing through some heads and generating a few hums from the uneducated... Chore Of Enchantment -- definitely among my top 3 albums from 2000. Hopefully it won't be another 12 years before the next one ... ;^D Smile, Brian End note -- I just got shot down by the site for using the other persuasion of the word "dam." I'll go to my room now, head hung low ... without dinner.
Date: Mon Jun 25 15:06
blackheart (pdx):: yahoo for emme! any teen listening to howe and lou reed is on the right track. good music makes all the difference.
Date: Mon Jun 25 15:05
blackheart (pdx):: yahoo for emme! any teen listening to howe and lou reed is on the right track. good music makes all the difference.
Date: Mon Jun 25 09:17
BD ((+)):: Sorry "One of these days", Also the show in Chicago opened in reverse order--the end at the beginning-- with a rendition of Wayfaring Stranger which was quite different than the Burl Ives version. Howe had the help of several extras and a Stephane Grapelli like fiddle solo (quite good) from a un-named player while he plunked on the piano. Typically with anything Howe, it (the show) keeps coming back with a bit more intensity and fondness. Can you dig it
Date: Mon Jun 25 00:44
Rob stanier (Robtstanier):: Just got back from a wonderful weeks holiday in beautiful North Wales here in the Uk. Good Food Good Beer Good Music(Sand, Gelb, M ward, etc)excellent weather. Spent most of the time watching my wifes wistline expanding with our first little one( due in November) Back at work tomorrow. Downer. See Ya.M ward album is super
Date: Sun Jun 24 05:29
sammy (pommelos@aol.com):: hi,I have found "ramp" here in Paris in a records store.It's really great as always with Giant Sand.Ihad one question: anyone knows where I could find the last song of the video "drunken Bees"(I have already found "good & gone" ,thanx Mitch),the song with the pedal steel which is beginning on a "A "chord? Oh I should buy all GS records...Bye ,Sammy. & go on "www.multimania.com/pommelos"
Date: Sat Jun 23 14:34
BD ((+)):: Howe in Chicago, Bandied brashness was his style with certain bit of Gypsy blood working it's way to the top. Hints of a new Giant Sand Disc in October, but as always it's the music. Howe requested that we all sit down on the concert floor. You could see most of us thinking about all the spilled beer and smashed cig butts, But god dang it we all sat down on the frickin floor for the last three numbers. Mostly new stuff but a fine unplugged redition of Shiver and in my eyes the ending number was the best. Blue Marble Girl; "did you ever have one of those days". It was a fine show indeed. Being a 40 something guy however I still pine for Howe to do a show with just him and his guitar and piano. THe sampling stuff is alright don't get me wrong. But it works better on disc. I mean the guys has hundreds of songs to chose from. And as all of us know it's the words that Howe writes that have changed our lives.
Date: Sat Jun 23 08:35
emme (lastgreatamericanwhale@hotmail.com):: HI--I'm not sure who reads this exactly but I saw that Howe signs on now and again so this is being written with hopes he will happen to read this. I just want to let you know your music has changed my life-and the way I see the world and music and everything. I'm sure this is not a new thing to hear but, being a sixteen year old in a sixteen year old sucky world, I am very very lucky to have heard it-it is like nothing else. it is comforting to know there are people like you out there making magic who actually have integrety. it is a relief. thankyou thankyou thankyou. You've been a savior:)love emily.
Date: Sat Jun 23 08:35
emme (lastgreatamericanwhale):: HI--I'm not sure who reads this exactly but I saw that Howe signs on now and again so this is being written with hopes he will happen to read this. I just want to let you know your music has changed my life-and the way I see the world and music and everything. I'm sure this is not a new thing to hear but, being a sixteen year old in a sixteen year old sucky world, I am very very lucky to have heard it-it is like nothing else. it is comforting to know there are people like you out there making magic who actually have integrety. it is a relief. thankyou thankyou thankyou. You've been a savior:)love emily.
Date: Sat Jun 23 02:45
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Giant Sand fans:M. Ward`s "End of amnesia" is a must! It`s a gliiterhouse.com release and i don`t know where to get it outside europe. Anyway, it`s big step from the last OW OM release "Duets for guitars #2". Especially "Color or water" and "So much water" won`t get out of my head. Hopefully, i will see him live again...on the next giant sand tour?
Date: Thu Jun 21 20:47
thePeng (* * *):: Man, I swear they are playing 'shiver' on a diet coke commercial I just saw. It's trippin me out.
Date: Thu Jun 21 14:51
Stephen M.H. Braitman (braitman@mindspring.com):: Anyone got any old/new/extra Giant Sand flyers/handbills/posters for trade or sale? I've got a few myself, but always looking for more. Let me know if we can deal. Thanks! --Stephen - braitman@mindspring.com
Date: Thu Jun 21 12:27
Zamp in the lamp (AZ):: Sell away Howe you deserve it. Ya got two kids and a billion dollars worth of music. We will support you.
Date: Thu Jun 21 10:55
MC (#$%(@)):: Yikes, sorry for the double posting. My trigger finger just went haywire. Anyway, Bardhod, the correct address is www.vinylrecords.co.uk. Also found www.all-vinyl.com and www.vinylfrontier.com. Lastly, I seem to recall seeing some Sand-related LPs made available on ebay (SAGE ADVICE I remember, and some earlier singles). I'd be curious to hear what you find out about "Slush". Mtich
Date: Thu Jun 21 10:48
M (funkpuppet):: Have absolutely no idea if "Slush" ever came out on vinyl. As for the other questions (not sure this helps, but you might want to try www.forevervinyl.com or www.vinylrecords.com.uk (might have this second web address wrong). Also, if you feel inclined call PDQ Records here in Tucson and ask them...they've got rows and rows of vinyl and a few Giant Sand things from time to time. Mitch
Date: Thu Jun 21 10:44
M (funkpuppet):: Have absolutely no idea if "Slush" ever came out on vinyl. As for the other questions (not sure this helps, but you might want to try www.forevervinyl.com or www.vinylrecords.com.uk (might have this second web address wrong). Also, if you feel inclined call PDQ Records here in Tucson and ask them...they've got rows and rows of vinyl and a few Giant Sand things from time to time. Mitch
Date: Thu Jun 21 09:40
jpr (yawn@dawn.tv):: of course it's a matter of perception. what isn't? and that's all I wanted to state: my perception of shivering brown brew. I'm out of this discussion.
Date: Thu Jun 21 03:29
Mooka (lumpa):: Fair enough, jpr, and I think everyone's keeping calm. Context issues aside, those perceptions you mention are yours and yours alone (in other words, we all deal with our perceptions differently). Yet I don't hear much grumbling about the fact that a lot of the music we treasure is usually sold, ordered, and/or bought through corporate guises (often marketed and packaged by them as well). All the same, I can let myself hear The Beatles' Revolution without allowing sports cars zoom through my mental landscape (or was it Nike tennis shoes?). For that matter, I can still gag at Maya Angelou's poetry and remain a left wing commie pinko. I guess it really is a case of individual perception. Mitch
Date: Thu Jun 21 02:17
bardhod (bard@datadok.no):: Vinyl questions: 1) Does anyone know where I can get "Glum" on vinyl? 2) Does anyone know where I can get "Ramp" on vinyl? 3) Does anyone know where I can get "Dreaded Brown Recluse" on vinyl? 4) Was the OP8 album ever released on vinyl? thanks a lot! brd.
Date: Thu Jun 21 01:52
jpr (poopsy@coke.co):: hey, calm down everybody. nobody's being cynical, at least I am not. and I don't care how much money is made and what it's used for in this context. my point is: the music I love loses something when it is USED to sell something else then itself. plus I don't want commercial imagery in my perception of a song. yeah, I know, happens all the time. but that doesn't make it any better.
Date: Wed Jun 20 16:29
blackheart (pdx):: ditto. moneys a good thing in the hands of good people,
Date: Wed Jun 20 16:24
archivist (archivist@giantsand.com):: amen to that
Date: Wed Jun 20 14:33
Mooka (lump@poodlewhack.com):: You know, no one cried foul when The Beatles were selling everything from pillows to matador boots back in the day. Nor do many consider signing to a major corporate label anything close to selling out, and I wonder why the difference? Frankly it's a bit of a strange coup to be on small independant labels and still get used on a Coke commerical. I'm not cynical about this. If such a move gives Howe a little financial levity, a little breathing room as it were, then why not? It shouldn't been seen as a massive endorsement for Coke, or, by default, an endorsement for corporate greed. On the other hand, perhaps that's a cup of Diet Coke sitting on the dashboard of Confluence, and, perhaps, Howe really does like Diet Coke. Actually, it doesn't matter either way. Moby uses his music in commericals, and the money goes to charities and causes he believes in. John Lennon wrote Power To The People but, as he admitted, kept every penny that song made for him. Those who are cynical about this "commerical" move should possibly ask themselves if they'd be willing to spend so many years putting out great art that doesn't sell in the millions and if they'd be willing to perform for years to sometimes rooms of only a handful of people. I have no idea how much Howe made for the use of his song, but if he did indeed make a lot and it allows him to produce more work (or it allows him to further his aims for Ow Om), then I'm grateful. Or, as Bob Geldof once said, there's nothing wrong with shaking hands with a devil to save your soul.
Date: Wed Jun 20 14:24
darren (kid_dakota@hotmail.com):: it sure is special to see how often you sign this here guestbook. can't tell you how much i like your music. i've never been to tucson, but if someday i go, i'm sure your tunes will be emanating from the landscape. sure wish i could see you @ the 400 bar this coming saturday, but i will be @ a weddding. hope you have a splendid time in mpls and please, come back again sometime.
Date: Wed Jun 20 02:33
jpr (pepsi@hollow.com):: Ain't playing for Pepsi Ain't playing for Coke Ain't playing for nobody Makes me feel like a joke (Old Mr. Young once sang. But then he is a zillionaire. And jamming with Dylan at the farmer's market.)
Date: Tue Jun 19 11:45
blackheart (pdx):: maybe someone mentioned this already......but i was crashed out on the couch last night and a diet coke(or was it pepsi?) commercial came on....and 'shiver' was the background music! wow! my mouth was wide open, ears twitching. blew me away to hear that on the tube. good for you guys!!
Date: Tue Jun 19 09:46
Stephen M.H. Braitman (braitman@mindspring.com):: Something that Howe could relate to, in terms of juggling career and parenting. Reason I didn't make the Wed. show at the Great American Music Hall: up since 5:30 am, "workin' on the day shift," home at 8 pm, gettin' my 7-year-old son to bed, checkin' the clock, time to go out and see Howe Gelb, oh dear oh dear, couldn't I just rest here on the couch a moment? a moment longer? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......... Sorry to miss it.
Date: Tue Jun 19 09:46
Stephen M.H. Braitman (braitman@mindspring.com):: Something that Howe could related to, in terms of juggling career and parenting. Reason I didn't make the Wed. show at the Great American Music Hall: up since 5:30 am, "workin' on the day shift," home at 8 pm, gettin' my 7-year-old son to bed, checkin' the clock, time to go out and see Howe Gelb, oh dear oh dear, couldn't I just rest here on the couch a moment? a moment longer? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......... Sorry to miss it.
Date: Mon Jun 18 16:17
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Ian, welcome back to Scotland, hope you brought your woolies Paul
Date: Sun Jun 17 15:32
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Me again, sorry about this, boring crap for you to read if you are not one of my leaves. My new address: The Old Schoolhouse, Drimmie, Bridge Of Cally, Perthshire, PH10 7JS SCOTLAND If you sent discs in the last day or so don't worry I still have the London address for a few weeks. That really is all this time. Yo
Date: Sun Jun 17 15:26
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: This is probably not the best place for this but due to e-mail and other problems it's about the only place I can reach. If you are one of my leaves for Sandman your discs are on the way, assuming you sent me blanks of course, or we reached some other deal. If you didn't send blanks yet you should because the new disc is great, but there will be a delay getting your cd out as I am moving house tomorrow and my cd burner will be in transit for a few days and no doubt my PC will be broken by the time the removal folks have finished with it.` If Mitch or Shaun are reading this you don't need to send blanks but I need your address's. Ok, thats it announcement over, by the time you read this I will be back home in Scotland after 11 years in London, which was just about long enough really. Yo
Date: Sat Jun 16 16:54
Mitch (Tucsonic):: Hi John: Well, sure, it'll be somewhat of a task to track it all down, but there's plenty here to help you along your way, just ask. And, honestly, the long search for a Holy Grail title sometimes makes the music all the more pleasing (ever scanned a desolate stretch of ground for something glimmering and rare?). If you haven't signed up for the Sandman series I urge ya to do so. Also, you might want to check www.half.com from time to time for used copies of out-print-discs. Furthermore, there's great titles availble here on giantsand.com. Anyway, happy hunting and collecting. Mitch
Date: Sat Jun 16 14:35
John Enevoldsen (johanene@yahoo.no):: I have just bought my first Giant Sand album,Selections Ca.1990-2000.The good news is,I love it(how can i have been left out all these years?)This is amazingly good stuff.The bad news is it will cost me a fortune to get hold of the other 20 or so albums,but I will love to hunt them down.And then there`s Howie stuff. !!!!!
Date: Fri Jun 15 17:22
paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Uncut has a top 50 Beatles songs, voted by various musos including Howe and Joey Burns. I'll post the relevent comments as soon as. Paul
Date: Thu Jun 14 20:44
Mitch (T----n):: Not sure if it's been mentioned, but the recent issue of UNCUT has a nice review of CONFLUENCE in it--and the CD that comes with the issue has "Available Space" on it. So there ya go.
Date: Thu Jun 14 17:52
paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Tommy, I downloaded the front cover with no problems. If you can't get the files I'll send them to you. Paul
Date: Thu Jun 14 13:04
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: There's a nice review of Howe's Confluence in The Stranger (on of Seattle's weekly papers). http://www.thestranger.com/2001-06-07/music2.html
Date: Thu Jun 14 03:52
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Hi, anybody else has problems to open the artwork for "The Atlantic Sessions"?
Date: Tue Jun 12 13:35
Mitch (Tucson):: Long live X indeed!!! Would have loved to have felt the snare's eXtreme tremble, but alas alas alas. And long live The Knitters too! Sounds like the cut northwestered went well, Howe. Wish I'd been there. Was there any of that thing called rain?
Date: Tue Jun 12 03:20
Daniel (daniel.p@virgin.net):: hello again, vain attempts to allocate myself on the globe have faillied so thank you. when next vist england chief? also .
Date: Mon Jun 11 21:29
howe (home):: the amount of shows left in me seems finite instead of the infinite days of yore...so for this reason i keep a sharp bead on the stranding pearls out there that cling now and again....and one of them this time out was dj bonebreak jumping up to thonk the lone snare (raymond had happened to set up prior to said stageings)....on "johnny hit and run pauline".....just got up in the middle of it and jammed ..... he happened to be on the bill that night playing vibes with "superstring" .......long live X.......
Date: Mon Jun 11 15:00
Paul Rittman (per3@home.com):: Howe put on a fine eclectic performance in Seattle on Thursday. Started with an accompaniment with Rainer on CD to celebrate 50th birthday. Went on to the "Rock Opera" and took requests (Shiver). Kind of developed into performance art with the reading of a book with Rainer CD playing in the background. Believe it was Lester Thoreau's Supply Side Economics. A devoted and full crowd was into it as we sat on the floor for an intimate performance. The show lasted about 1 1/2 Hr. and was worth staying up for. Hang in there Howe.
Date: Sun Jun 10 16:07
tom ((out yonder)):: i hope howe is doing mighty fine indeed and is looking good, looking through the glass. Does anyone know anything about the pianostuff ? Where can i order the cd ?
Date: Sun Jun 10 12:18
Guenter (guenter@uclink4.berkeley.edu):: I think the retirement quib at the Great American show was just tongue-in-cheek - no need to panic, not with Howe pounding out the CDs as he does right now. As for Thin White Rope, Guy Keyser has a new band called the Mummydogs, CD forthcoming on Frontier this fall.
Date: Sat Jun 9 14:00
Don't think so... (***@***.**):: Howe... Retirement - bad idea! US Giant Sand tour for fall 2001 - GREAT iDEA! We are waiting!!!
Date: Sat Jun 9 06:05
Torben Hansen (tdh@hansen.mail.dk):: I'll try again...About 10 years ago (1992) a major disaster happened...Thin White Rope called it quits....at the time and short after I thought this can't go on...it did...I actually haven't heard anything from these guys apart from Guy Kyser singing "Little J.J." on a live tape a friend sent me.....anyway if Howe was to call it quits this would really be a disaster (like the one in 1992)...Keep Rocking Howe...
Date: Fri Jun 8 16:32
Jim Kotsonas (schlaff@pacbell.net):: Just wanted to add a bit to Jeffrey's comments, as he seemed to sum up the evening pretty well. First off, the show was woefully underattended. Though it made for a nice, intimate evening, it's just not right that more folk weren't there. I dunno, I take these things personally I guess. Howe came out and commented on how everything was running early, and with Miles Davis playing on his portable cd player, opened the show by conversing with the crowd. Kind of an informal chat. Eventually, that segued into mentioning the Dylan song, which Howe then played. Sort of. Then the "rock opera", which contained bits of Neil Young's "Out on the Weekend" and X "Johnny Hit and Run Pauline" among others. And as rambling and seemingly unstructured as the evening appeared, at the close of the set, he went back into the Dylan song, and that was the end of things. That was a cool touch, and reminded me of those Grateful Dead shows where during the second set they'd start to play a song and then proceed to go off into whereever, only to eventually come back to the original starting point. One of the highlights was "Shiver", which is just one of the most beautiful songs ever. It's kinda neat that as he started to play the song, folks in the crowd reacted-seemed to throw Howe off a bit, but in a good way. Didn't get one of the cd's though, as they were gone by the time I made it up to the guitar case. Mailorder here I come. And lastly, I certainly hope that the man is flying to these gigs, as some of the drives (like Seattle to LA and then back to Vancouver) are darn near impossible. Everyone enjoy the shows, and be safe.
Date: Fri Jun 8 10:12
the dragoons (blackblack22@aol.com):: Hey, you all know that music is in this guys bones and that he'll never quit playing Retirement, what does that mean? Retirement from what? Perhaps Mr. Gelb has has other intruiging callings that need exploration...
Date: Thu Jun 7 17:48
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: Retire? Howe, say it ain't so!!!! It would make me d.a.m.nedably sad. Certain people, like his Howeness, have music in their bones. It's dangerous business bottling that type of music up because it might explode causing serious injury to both musician and fan. So I will sleep well tonight knowing that even if Howe tries to retire (or retries to tire), the jingling jangling music in his bones will find a vent and continue to inspire.
Date: Thu Jun 7 08:55
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Being very infantile I just had to try submitting a comment with the 'D'word in it, sure enough the board would not accept the comment as it contained words likely to cause offence. I am Astonished(In London).
Date: Thu Jun 7 08:15
jeffrey (imjm68@pacbell.net):: Howe and M.Ward played separately and together last night at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. And I had the pleasure to witness it from the front row. Mr. Ward was the the first of many surprises of the evening. For God's sake, pick up this man's work. His love for John Fahey is evident in his playing, and he does the man no injustice. Plus, this guy can sing. Stellar. And way too short. After another local band set, Howe came out to meander on his long day, which if I understood his comments, began with getting his daughter off to summer school at the crack of dawn, and was ending with this show. He then performed a semi-improvised half-remembered version of Bob Dylan's Shooting Star (from the Mercy LP) . Which was somehow fresh from it's lack of the original. Howe then told us that he had just �put the latest Giant Sand album to bed� this last Friday. And that it would be a covers album. Then in the interest of reducing the amount of "songs in the ozone layer," he would perform a "rock opera" covering others that would be lengthier than yr average song. He also felt that this brought a sort of circular closure to his career at the onset of his "retirement or semi-retirement,� in that his early days were spent trying to join cover bands who wouldn't take him because of his "tin ear." This is all a paraphrase, but Howe seemed to indicate that he was, at least thinking about, closing up the shop. I don't know if you are serious, Howe, but I've been listening to anything that you do that I can find since 1988. Yr music has been a near-constant soundtrack for 14 years. If you are quitting, I'm real sad, because your music has always taken me to the best places. I don't know about anybody else, but I think your music and words have never been better than what you've released in the last 2-3 years or so. So I hope you re-think this. If you were serious. Which you may not have been. Ok, enough about this. The Show. Howe played grand piano, guitar and pedals, harp, and cd player (often all at once) for the next half hour covering many that I recognized but couldn't place. He ended the opera with a piano version of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man". He often mixed Miles Davis' Kind of Blue solos into the collage, which he was pleased with, saying that he felt that "Miles was in the house." This was all pretty unique and beautiful. And if you haven't noticed, he is just a monster (a skilled one) at the grand piano. Howe then called for Matt Ward to return to the stage, and they played "Shiver" and "Blue-Marble Girl" and I think a Matt song I didn't know. Then for the last number Al Perry joined the boys on-stage (as he did at Calexico's show in town earlier this week). They played Rainer's "The Inner Flame." This was all just wonderful. So enjoyable. And it leaves you just wanting more. Howe has never headlined here before that I knew of. If Howe's coming to your town, see him while you can. I've never posted anything anywhere before, hope this is comprehensible. I don't know if you are all aware of this but the word d-a-m-n cannot be posted to this website. Which is silly.
Date: Wed Jun 6 08:21
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Got "Atlantic Sessions" Sandman Release 4 today and it`s blasting me away. Sound is so fine, and the guys play so good and vary the styles! If there is a music-nobel-price, Howe, John, Joey, Mike Brewer and Jim Blackwood are my first choice! You guys are priceless. My branches and leaves: just write me and tell me which sandman-releases you like to have (besides "Atlantic Sessions" off course).
Date: Wed Jun 6 04:50
Mitch (Tucson):: A fine song indeed, that "Leather". Don't have the lyrics down, but I suspect you could get them after a few intent listenings. "Cracklin' Water" is another great track, both the OP8 version and Howe's version with Rosie Flores.
Date: Wed Jun 6 04:00
Mathieu (schoenahl@evhr.net):: Does anyone have the lyrics of "leather" on the op8 album?I really love this song and i'll be happy to know what howe exactly sings in it.Thanks a lot for some help. Mathieu
Date: Tue Jun 5 10:14
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: Tio, that's a great Victoria Williams story. Every time that I've seen her she takes a little time after her show to visit with the crowd. Like you I'm usually star struck! She seems like a genuinely nice person and strangely powerful performer.
Date: Mon Jun 4 18:08
t�o (en belgica):: 'i like your t-shirt.. i like you too' ..the T said 'goods and services' and the one saying the words was victoria williams. the guy wearing it said nothing at all. i suppose he must've smiled. a few hours ago in brussels.. i say 'go see vic'.. yep
Date: Mon Jun 4 17:48
t�o (en belgica):: 'i like your t-shirt.. i like you too' ..the T said 'goods and services' and the one saying the words was victoria williams. the guy wearing it said nothing at all. i suppose he must've smiled. a few hours ago in brussels.. i say 'go see vic'.. yep
Date: Sun Jun 3 14:54
mike (mike@giantsand.com):: Bob - If you liked that one, the new ones even better..... Garston Lodge, Heckfield.... in two weeks time.
Date: Sun Jun 3 14:25
Peter (rkikushima@yahoo.com):: Hi: I was wondering if Jesus Ruiz could please email me again, as I accidentally delated your address. Otherwise, I'm also very excited about the new Sandman disc. Peter
Date: Sun Jun 3 14:04
archive (archive@giantsand.com):: Great to see we have the Sandman announced!! One from the archive for you folks!!
Date: Sun Jun 3 13:34
BD ((+)):: Thanks Mike. I am one of those types who prefer snail mail to email. Love your address. Wardens Bungalow, Beautiful.
Date: Sat Jun 2 01:48
mike (mike@giantsand.com):: BD - if you're Bob Dow then I've snail mailed you - and Gary knows about you. I'd wait a week or two before contacting Gary - CD's only went in the post this week.
Date: Fri Jun 1 14:31
BD ((+)):: I saw my name as a leaf under Gary Eneberg of MN. Was wondering if I should wait to here from him as I to am salivating at the prospect of anything from GS. Looking forward to the show at Schuba's 22 of June, Howe.
Date: Fri Jun 1 04:30
Dave Scott (Dave@saguaro.demon.co.uk):: Paul, I saw Victoria Williams and Mark Olson on Wednesday in Bristol. They played a brilliant two hour set - you won't be disappointed!
Date: Thu May 31 16:46
Greg H (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: Marla, I wish that I had been cool enough to listen to Rainer when I was in high school! Paul, enjoy Victoria Williams, she will blow you away!
Date: Thu May 31 16:18
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Can I just say thanks to my sandman branch and organiser who were on the ball immediately. My post was not a criticism of any of the sandmen and I reiterate my anticipation of number 4. The live stuff has been great but to hear some studio music has me salivating. Paul p.s. I might finally see Victoria Williams on Saturday, more anticipation.
Date: Thu May 31 11:08
marla (mucktub_@hotmail.com):: I listened to the live Rainer album while studying for the SATs. I swear it added at least 40 points to my math score. no joke.
Date: Thu May 31 00:16
Mitch (singing wind again):: I'm with Paul in my eager anticipation of the latest Sandman installment, as the wait now seems quite worth it. Also, wanted to type some of my continuing amazement at Rainer's Live at the Performance Center CD; if you're reading this and you haven't had the transcendent (sp-?) opportunity to hear this show--then please do yourself a favor and get a copy (hell, get two and pass one on to someone else). The whole thing is a highlight, and the wonderful addition of the rather obscure George Harrison/Tom Petty-penned "Cheer Down" (originally sung by Hari himself during the closing credits of Lethal Weapon 2) is just one of the twenty joys Rainer brings home on that evening. I really can't say enough--it's a lovely, perfect piece of art.
Date: Wed May 30 13:58
Paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Re: The Sandman Series. My copy of Juxtaposition has gaps between the tracks. Can anyone do a good copy for me without the gaps? I've got some stuff to trade. Let me know. Muchos gracias, as we say in Glasgow. Paul p.s. excited to hear about the proposed Sandmen #4
Date: Wed May 30 04:00
john goodger (johnnybarcelona@aol.com):: thanks howe; "chore" has accompanied me on my daily drive across sussex for the last six months and never fails to recharge me in 1984, living in rome, my friend diane came home and said "i've just met this really wierd man when i went into termini (main train station) bar..he pulled out this clock, stuck it on the bar and said "i just want 5 minutes of your time"...and went on to say his name was thomas pynchon.. have you ever heard of him?". she hadn't, but i said i had.
Date: Tue May 29 09:12
Nick (polecat800@hotmail.com):: Just browsing through the usual sludge on the internet...stumbled upon this little blurt on pitchforkmedia.com, one of those "indie" supersites... "Though it's been rumored that Calexico have finally split with longtime Giant Sand collaborator Howe Gelb, it doesn't mean that the band have been focusing their attention entirely on Calexico." Seems to me like an oversimplification, maybe...
Date: Sun May 27 13:54
sammy (Montfermeil (Frensse)):: Hey thank You Mitch,it's the first time that someone answered me on this message board...thanks and happy birthday( if I have understood).Yesterday,the 26 it was mine, I am 20 forever.And today I bought an old kick drum to play it while I am playing guitar .I wish I'll be able to do it,cause I don't have any drummer. All the best to everyone here there where,Sammy.(my music at www.multimania.com/pommelos)
Date: Sun May 27 13:07
archivist (archive@giantsand.com):: Yah, the show on Friday was very nice! Matt Ward, then Howe + Matt... Howe did a solo set and then was joined by Tucson's "Libre de Graza" for a set of latin jazz w/ Howe on the piano (as has been happening at the Grill). No set breaks between band arrangements. Small friendly crowd.. Matt was great! So nice to see him in Tucson.. Howe has been mixing the next Giant Sand album.. Sounded great (what I heard) at Wavelab.
Date: Sat May 26 18:22
Mitch (curly fries):: Thanks for the rundown, Howe! And thanks too for the b-day wishes for lil' crumpled guy. Hopefully I'll make it over to Calexico tonight, if I can keep my road-shot and sleep-lacking eyes propped open. Mitch
Date: Sat May 26 13:38
shane (swkvt@hotmail.com):: i finally got straumosfall (no thanks to howe) thanks jen & robin WOO HOO, it's great!!!!!!!!
Date: Sat May 26 13:31
howe ( ('_')):: mitch, about last night, 'rundown' is the key word. mat was fab. and happy birthday to the new weee one.
Date: Sat May 26 06:01
Mitch (grumpus):: Hi, Sammy!!! You can find "Good & Gone" on the BACKYARD BBQ CD as part of the World Standing Still medley. Also, my favorite version is on GOODS & SERVICES, where it clocks in at a healthy 5:26. Hope that helps. Lastly, can someone tell me what splendor was birthed last night at Solar Culture. Due to circumstances beyond my control, i.e. the arrival of a nephew, I was up in Phoenix until the wee hours of the a.m. pacing the floor with my kid brother--so a rundown would be appreciated. Mitch
Date: Sat May 26 01:43
sammy (pommelos@aol.com):: Does anyone knows where I can find the GS song "GOOD AND GONE"(I don't know if it is the real title )? I heared the song in the movie "Drunken Bees" by Marianne and I was immediately enchanted.So if you can help me...Thanks,Sammy.(excuse me for my english,I am french...)
Date: Sat May 26 01:12
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: Re the 4-29-01 Solar Culture show: Is there anyone in Tucson who recorded this fabulous show off FM radio and would like to trade?
Date: Fri May 25 11:46
tom (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):: I see that Howe's touring with Catherine Irwin in June. Now that should be a gig not to be missed. I saw Freakwater (Catherine's band) supporting Calexico and Lambchop in London last May. They were excellent, despite being restricted to a bottom-of-the-bill 30 minute set.
Date: Fri May 25 09:54
archivist (archive@giantsand.com):: Check out the review of the 4-29-01 Solar Culture show: http://www.magnetmagazine.com/live/lgiantsand.html
Date: Fri May 25 08:49
Paco (mismo@morris.as):: Un saludo desde Espa�a a todos los que compartismos el mismo gusto por las creaciones de Howe. Maravilloso�� El a�o pasado en Octubre actuo en el Festival Serie B, en Calahorra (Logro�o - Espa�a) y tuve el placer de estar alli y disfrutar a tope. Para cuando un nuevo concierto en Espa�a? Seria maravilloso que actuaras en valencia (Spain). Hasta pronto
Date: Thu May 24 14:49
sammy (pommelos):: one of my songs on "www.multimania.com/pommelos".( real player) It would be pretty if someone could... Thanks,Sammy.
Date: Thu May 24 03:09
Peter (panofpans@yahoo.com):: Hi, thanks everyone for the help and comments. It's appreciated. Had no idea that "Corridor of Love" on Bootleg One was the same as "Corduroy Door". Thanks again everyone.
Date: Wed May 23 11:20
KK (in Phoenix):: Peter - I have found most of the items you have listed at PDQ records in Tucson. You will have to check there quite often but I have picked up most of the Compilations W/ Sandsongs there. It takes some digging but well worth it.
Date: Wed May 23 06:20
mike gerfin (michael.gerfin@vwi.unibe.ch):: Peter, if you have the Bootlegs Series Vol I you have "Corduroy Door" since the "Corridor" on Bootleg Series 1 is "Corduroy Door", i.e not the same as "Corridor" on P&S and Selections ca 1990-2000, which in turn is also known as "World Stands Still" which you can find on BBQ. Is anybody not confused yet? Cheers, Mike in for once sunny Switzerland
Date: Wed May 23 06:19
mike gerfin (michael.gerfin@vwi.unibe.ch):: Peter, if you have the Bootlegs Series Vol I you have "Corduroy Door" since the "Corridor" on Bootleg Series 1 is "Corduroy Door", i.e not the same as "Corridor" on P&S and Selections ca 1990-2000, which in turn is also known as "World Stands Still" which you can find on BBQ. Is anybody not confused yet? Cheers, Mike in for once sunny Switzerland
Date: Wed May 23 05:50
Peter (panofpans@yahoo.com):: Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me fill some gaps in my GS collection. A lot of what I need is on compilation CDs, most out-of-print now, and I can't ever get them on ebay 'cuz I'm always outbid (being a student/artist keeps my pockets pretty empty). Here's what I'm trying to track down: "Who Do You Love" from PLAY NEW ROSE FOR ME; "Foxy Lady" from IF 6 WAS 9; "Route 66" from HOWL; "Corduroy Door" from LOVE IS MY ONLY CRIME-PART 2; "Blow The Man Down" and Calexico's "Flying Trapeze" from RUDY'S ROCKIN' KIDDIE CARAVAN; "Lester Lampshade" from LOOSE (unless it's the same version on BACKYARD BBQ, then I got it already); and "Christmas Everyday". Also, while I'm at it, I've been dying to get my hands on both of the first two Blacky Ranchette recordings. All right, I know I'm asking a lot here, but I can make good with oodles of blank CD-Rs and a heaping amount of goodwill. I'm in Arizona too, so maybe some other Sand fans around or nearby can get in touch. I really appreciate it. Peter
Date: Wed May 23 01:45
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Brian, klick your Micro to/on the shield of a cap, and try to focus steadily the artist. For the mini-disc: get a small lamp and hang it around your neck, so you have a light to see your display. Don`t put the level too high, better lower, `cause it`s digital and you can pull up the volume by dubbing/transferring to cdr.
Date: Wed May 23 01:08
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Brian, experience tells me that you are going to have problems recording Howe using a mic/minidisc. I tried to record Howe's most recent show in London but getting the sound levels sorted was a nightmare. There were a lot of very quiet moments interrupted by loud blasts from Howe's walkman, attempting to adjust the levels in a darkened room while drinking beer proved too great a challenge for me. I wish you luck.
Date: Tue May 22 22:10
Brian Struve (struve0069@yahoo.com):: I am going to be heading to the Howe Gelb show at Berbati's in Portland, Or. on Sunday, June 10th. I would enjoy taping the show on minidisc and I was wondering if anybody has encountered any problems in the past taping the shows. It would be wonderful to grab a feed from the soundboard, but I would be just as happy taping with a mic. If anybody can offer any help it would be most appreciated. Thanks Brian
Date: Tue May 22 18:01
mayor (vervoorttom@hotmail.com):: 'Moon Palace' by Paul Auster, 'Walden' , by H.D. Thoreau. Slip of the tongue.
Date: Tue May 22 15:38
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Re Pynchon, I checked at pynchonfiles.com and the liner notes he's done are for a Spike Jones collection and for a band called Lotion, album, Nobody's Fool. Never heard of them, anyone who has? However, he has also done blurbs for Tom Robbins whom I like (Another Roadside attraction is great) and for Richard Farina's Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me. A great book and a great man. Apparently Pynchon knew him from way back. This I did not know. Paul
Date: Tue May 22 11:44
Mitch (sweatin' to the moldies):: Don't much buy the Pynchon list myself (though some mighty fine songs exist therein). All the same, he has written a few liner notes in the past for bands he has liked--or at least one band (can't recall the name). And he's blurbed a few books here and there--so perhaps I shouldn't be the least bit cynical. Indeed 'Mason and Dixon' is a good long read.
Date: Tue May 22 11:38
HansenJ (kirknet@fmvl.com):: Yes I understand the Giant Sand has some quite literary fans who like it so much like us.
Date: Tue May 22 10:56
tom (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):: I wondered who 'old Joe Pena' was. He also contributes to the sonic hurricane 'Slide Away' on 'Confluence'. The Pynchon faves list: I find it difficult to believe that the great, mad, stoned, famously reclusive writer would let his Top 10 get into the public domain. Though if he did, it would be somehow fitting that he'd have a Giant Sand track there. I also think that many Giant Sand fans who haven't encountered him would really enjoy Pynchon: try 'Mason and Dixon' for starters.
Date: Tue May 22 00:34
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: "Last night I got wasted / So I could end the day. / Old Joe Pe�a and I sat there well basted / Till the blur bar faded away." From "Way To End The Day".
Date: Mon May 21 22:50
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Jim Blackwood: in the cold wintertime i asked you about Greyhound Soul. Thanks for pointing me to that fantastic live-band, that finished his live-tour now and i could see these guys in Langenau (Pfleghofsaal). Never seen a band, playin in front of 80-100 people (and we germans are not too overenthusiastic visitors) for about 3 (three) hours! What an energy on stage, what a great voice Pena has and the drummer (Winston Watson) was priceless (Jon Con is stil my Nr. 1 ;-)). Go to their website:http://www.greyhoundsoul.com/ and check their tour-schedule. Shouldn`t be missed....sorry for that non Giant Sand related stuff, but Howe will forgive me...
Date: Mon May 21 10:39
archivist (archive@giantsand.com):: Don't forget that this Friday night May 25 at Solar Culture - Howe Gelb and Matt Ward will perform (alone + together)... Check it out - only $5 at the door.. I assume showtime is at 10 PM. The Calexico crew will be there on Saturday night.. Adios!@
Date: Mon May 21 08:50
A Dream of a Rain of Petals (petalraindream@disinfo.net):: Just got back to the board, thank you for the expedient answer to my query. I feel ashamed at my ignorance but I live in Wisconsin and they put something in the water here. Anti-Prom, way cool! Free milk, I can help with that! Anyway, may the boddhisattva of compassion hand you a napkin when you have a milk mustache. Namaste, petalraindream.
Date: Mon May 21 07:01
Mitch (Toosin):: The Grill is good, it's true--so good, especially those tatter tots. I suppose at this point I'll just go eat a turkey sandwich there and stare at the empty piano while I eat.
Date: Mon May 21 01:07
sammy (pommelos):: Bonjour HOWE. I live in France and I have nothing to say...Yesterday,I received "Drunken Bees" ,I saw it 4 times cause here in Paris it rains all the time.Could you go to my netpage? It's about me and music. www.multimania.com/pommelos . Thank you for all & Bonne nuit.
Date: Sun May 20 15:51
howe (home):: grill is good. congos, coronet, contra bass, 'coustic guitar, convertino drums and crumple piano....no voice needed......sept for a cameo by pieta brown. grill is good.
Date: Sun May 20 12:56
Mitch (this swamp cooler is dying by degrees):: Not sure if this has been mentioned already, so I apologize if it has--but the most recent issue of Uncut Magazine has very good reviews of Giant Sand and Rainer's most recent offerings, and the free CD that comes with it features tracks from both as well. Lastly and sadly, I missed Howe and John at The Grill last night. Planned on taking a nap around 8pm last night before going downtown, ended up sleeping until 4am (my mother's visiting, so I guess I needed the rest--but ergh! all the same). I'm sure I missed much.
Date: Sat May 19 16:16
mike (*.*):: Hey Rob - let me add my congratulations as well..... thanks for sharing
Date: Sat May 19 15:06
ERIK (harvieux@hotmail):: Howe glad to see youre coming to the midwest.looking forward to the show at 400bar.Will You be going it alone or with cathy irwin or both?either way im sure youll shine just fine.As well ill be slipping you a copy of the forthcoming HARVIERUX EP.
Date: Sat May 19 13:20
Mitch (Tucson):: Hi, just got back from the Anti-prom at Catalina High School. Short set by Howe and John, though quite perfect for the setting. Mostly instrumentals to accompany the skater kids zooming around the gym (one kid's skateboard broke quietly in half), mostly teenage boys and a few teachers about. Anyway, nice appropriate version of Johnny Hit & Run Pauline, as well as, um, an Iron Man jam kinda thing at the end which served as a good soundtrack to the clomping and rolling of wheels.
Date: Sat May 19 13:13
Mitch (Tucson):: Congrats, Rob!
Date: Sat May 19 12:39
Rob Stanier (Robtstanier@aol.com):: Just a quick one from the UK. My wife and I have just found out that were expecting our first child in November this year and Im just so chuffed Ive got to tell everyone. Many thanks also to Howe for the further glories that are Confluence and Downhome. As long as I have ears your noodlings will always have a home and you can be sure our kid will be raised on Sand. Chee
Date: Sat May 19 01:43
Scooter (-------)------():: I second that, Shawn. JUXTAPOSITION is great!
Date: Fri May 18 23:49
Mitch (Tucson):: Welcome, Shawn. To answer your questions, it'd probably help for you to join the Sandman tree and then see about obtaining copies of the Sandman discs through those involved--lots great people here and plenty to get ya started on what yer ears require. As for Juxtaposition, it's a really fine and wonderfully considered collection of well executed randomness, and, in a way, a good starting point (features Giant Sand, Howe, OP8). The sources vary from soundboard recordings to audience, but overall the sound is quite nice (you can find out more about the songs and sources by clicking around on the Sandman series link, if you haven't already). I'd say the performances of "Searchlight" and "Cold" are enough to justify Juxtaposition in your collection. Mitch
Date: Fri May 18 23:40
Shawn (moonscape_2002@yahoo.com):: Hi, this is my first posting here. I'm starting to learn about this thing called Giant Sand and am really interested in learning more about the music. I'm also interested in the Sandman series, so could someone give me a review about Juxtaposition. Also, I have to join the Sandman series to get it, right?
Date: Fri May 18 20:53
Mitch (Tucksen):: Always liked The Kinks' live version of Milk Cow Blues too. The Cramps do a really nice version of it too--at least I think it's The Cramps. Man, I'm glad we weren't offered fudge!
Date: Fri May 18 20:51
Scooter (!:-/):: Not to forget the Milk Cow Blues (Scotty Moore's version), or Milk Me by Nirvana...oh, wait, that's not quite right.
Date: Fri May 18 18:02
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Scratch Ummagumma and insert Atom Heart Mother (I'm not even a Floyd fan, gave up when Dark Side came out. Too commercial, too smoooooooth, but 13-14 yrs age. I did dig the Floyd (man).
Date: Fri May 18 17:58
Paul kerr (P.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Well, Ummagumma had a cow on the cover. otherwise, Dr. Feelgood did Milk and Alcohol ( a great song, if you haven't heard it, check it out, now!
Date: Fri May 18 05:53
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Anyone else got any udder suggestions?.......
Date: Fri May 18 03:59
mike (mike@giantsand.com):: ...........or even 'Ernie'!!!
Date: Fri May 18 01:34
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: I suppose it is too late to suggest a cover version of 'Milk' by Garbage on the upcoming G Sand release....
Date: Thu May 17 21:11
Mitch (Tucson-a-tron):: Hey, Jim, and thanks for the input. "Sunday ride" sure sounds like what's being sung in there. Regardless, "ride" is almost certainly spokeified. Mitch
Date: Thu May 17 20:35
Jim "archivist-dude" (archivist@giantsand.com):: Mitch and All: the mystery segment from the KCRW show from 6-10-94 is possibly called "Sunday Ride" or "Details of Demise" --- I'll have Howe listen to the CD and see if he remembers the name.. Been actually looking for that tape (the one Howe played on the Walkman) - perhaps I'll find it in one of these here boxes..
Date: Thu May 17 17:51
Mitch ((Tucson)):: Thanks for checking, Paul. I guess we're kinda forming a consensus here on the mystery song. Maybe Howe could just give us a random name and that'd put an end to the whole thing, otherwise I'd be loathe to take the responsibility myself. Ah, nothing quite like a big bubbly glass of milk while the cassette boxes are melting on the dashboard. Mitch
Date: Thu May 17 16:48
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Mitch, I listened to the tape and I don't recognise the song either. No setlist on the live page either. If Howe doesn't know it, perhaps you could give it a name and see if it sticks. Oh, and after 10 days of sun, today it rained. Paul
Date: Thu May 17 11:37
sammy (pommelos@aol.com):: oh ,I am stupid: www.multimania.com/pommelos
Date: Thu May 17 11:35
Sammy (pommelos@aol.com):: Hi,my name is Sammy ,I am french and I did a webpage about "Tornado",my music ,in very very bad english. I would like you to go on this page .Give me your opinion and your advices ,it would be a great pleasure.Goodnight.Good night Howe.
Date: Thu May 17 11:24
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Wow, free milk!! I might just have to fly over from the UK for some of that.
Date: Thu May 17 11:23
marla (mucktub_@hotmail.com):: Howe, maybe I can hide inside a hollow amp and you can smuggle me inside. Do any other teenagers around the country find it this hard to see rock stars in action?
Date: Thu May 17 09:13
howe (^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^~^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^):: i have no idea song wise....and free milk for everybody, with or without ice
Date: Thu May 17 00:02
Mitch (Tucson):: Hmmmmmm...perhaps "Neon Filler" then. I'll go back and listen intently again to both and see if I can't make some kind of connection. Whatever it is...it moves along just fine. And I'm pretty sure you're correct, Mike, that it's from the Walkman thingy. Mitch again.
Date: Wed May 16 23:00
marla (mucktub_@hotmail.com):: Tommy- I saw Howe will be in Seattle, but the Croc Cafe is 21 and over. Thanks for your help though. I was going to go to the Portland date, but they banned my kind from that show too. Is it because the club makes more money from booze? I promise I'll buy a glass of milk if they let me in.
Date: Wed May 16 22:14
howe (home):: "neon filler" ...maybe?
Date: Wed May 16 21:40
Mitch (Tucson):: Thanks so much, Mike!!! I really really appreciate it. First time I heard it I vaguely associated it with Ride Sally Ride--repeated listenings further confounded me, which isn't really such a bad thing. Anyway, now I can give some sort of equally incorrect and vague name without feeling I'm missing something. Thanks again for the help, Mitch
Date: Wed May 16 17:24
mike (mike@giantsand.com):: Mitch - that track? call it what you will..... first & only time I've heard it. Seems to be recorded earlier and played on walkman!
Date: Wed May 16 08:40
Geoff (in Austin):: Playing an anti-prom is very cool. It's shows like that that make me proud to say I listen to you. If that high school weren't roughly 1000 miles away, I'd likely crash the anti-prom with a skateboard of my own.
Date: Wed May 16 02:38
howe (++++++++++++++[{}]++++++++++++++):: and earlier that day, around 11:30 am, the catalina high school parking lot by the pool. guitar and drums, we will provide, for the anti prom for the skater kids there. come....howe again
Date: Wed May 16 02:36
howe (===========(o)============):: the grill this saturday. around 11 pm. piano and drums. maybe a conga or two. summer time crystal blue persuasion........howe
Date: Wed May 16 00:25
Mitch (Tucson):: Pynchon, huh? Well, not too sure I'd put my money on that one. Still, very nice list of very very good songs--beats the hell out of J.D. Salinger's list, which had four Backstreet Boys songs in it, and one song by someone named Foppy Poof ("Try The Cheeder, Now Try The Fish"--remixed by Sonic Head Mass 9). Anyway, can someone out in Sandland help me. I've been trying to find the name of the second song performed by Giant Sand during the Corridor medley, broadcast live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, June 10, 1994. The songs are as follows: Corridor Medley (World Stands Still/?/I Wish You Love), followed by Lester Lampshade, Get To Leave, Left, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. I emailed the archivist a while back but never a heard a peep, so I'm hoping the larger forum might be of help. Thanks, Mitch
Date: Tue May 15 18:03
face (nonebelievesit):: he's american, isn't he. no bad taste, anyway. books might help. hey, howe gelb, john convertino, joe burns, thanks for this so very good company you are even this one-way you are in my life.
Date: Tue May 15 16:07
Faux Pause (schnarp doodle dee):: Evidently Thomas "I'm Proudest Of My Liner Notes" Pynchon has been sending friends his alphabetical list of his favorite songs of 2000, and they are as follows: "American Skin" (Bruce Springsteen); "Crystal Frontier" (Calexico); "Don't Panic" (Coldplay)"; "Dusted" (Giant Sand); Furnace Room Lullabye (Neko Case); "He's Simple, He's Dumb, He's The Pilot" (Grandaddy); "I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now" (Emmylou Harris); Idioteque (Radiohead); Lonelier Than This (Steve Earle); Mr. Wilson (The Jayhawks); One (Johnny Cash); Out Of Its Misery (Michael Penn); Secret Of The Sea (Wilco & Billy Bragg); The Sound Of Fear (The Eels); Up With People (Lambchop); We're Not Right (David Gray); You Can Have It All (Yo La Tango). Not much to quibble over, eh?
Date: Tue May 15 15:14
kriszta (hella@disinfo.net):: yes, "lester lampshade" on :backyard barbecue broadcast: that is. fine record. great intro for "lean" on it. one of my faves
Date: Tue May 15 14:42
Jan (jpr@jprprod.de):: I guess that was lester lampshade. a version is on BBQ.
Date: Tue May 15 10:50
A Dream of a Rain of Petals (petalraindream@disinfo.net):: On the scale of quarks versus infinite space, anyone ever once associated with the various incarnations of the cosmic force of goodwill labeled Giant Sand will stand out among the enlightened beings of the universe. Ive seen Giant Sand a couple of times, the first at the Hotel Congress in Tucson way back in 93 or something. Absolutely blew my head open. Gelb sang a song with the line 'Lenny was a Lampshade' or something of that manner. Ive never been able to find a recording of that song anywhere, but I have always carried it in my heart. I live in Wisconsin now and pray to the Boddhisattva of Compassion that Giant Sand will come and play in Madison some time in my lifetime. If not, I guess a trip to Chicago or even back to Tucson will be worth it. Keep on Truckin' fellas Namaste
Date: Tue May 15 10:18
teenager in S.F. (School):: Marla- My mayor hates teenagers? Howe it sounds like a great song title.
Date: Tue May 15 05:59
Olli (heinzelm@gmx.de):: Thank you for great music !!!
Date: Mon May 14 22:44
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Marla, as far as i heard Howe is playin`: Thu, Jun 7th Seattle, Crocodile Cafe but i don`t know if it`s confirmed.
Date: Mon May 14 19:03
marla (mucktub_@hotmail.com):: I saw Howe in London in April, and now I'm a big fan. I'm from Seattle, and I guess I won't get to see him again for another couple of years since people rarely do all-ages shows, and I'm an under-ager. Our mayor hates teenagers. I can't wait to see him again even though it'll be a while. :)
Date: Mon May 14 10:59
brian (brian.clifton@talk21.com):: Thanks to Spoink & Cranky, I got my CD's thank Christ!! Sorry for annoying the bollocks off you guys. They were worth waiting for
Date: Mon May 14 06:02
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: got this from a friend: I have about 500 files in my Napster catalog, various types of music but mostly indie rock, and it just boggles my mind the Giant Sand's "Astonished in Memphis" accounts for like 10% of people's downloads from me. No other song even comes close, out of pavement and gbv and other popular acts. This just freaks me out every time. Is this song, or this band, just a much greater part of the world's collective consciousness than I thought?? Someone please explain. These guys don't sell many records, do they?
Date: Fri May 11 18:33
Job (jld301@psu.edu):: Hey Howe Anyone here have a solution (short of 180 grains of lead) for garbage eating bears? Wouldn't mind so much, but they're pretty brazen and refuse to clean up after themselves.Anyway blue berries will be in soon and they should go away--might even join 'em for lunch.
Date: Wed May 9 19:38
Jen Verde ((the book grrrl)):: Belated but no less heartfelt thanks to you howe and giant sand and and and...the plethora of folks for the solar culture show...the hot dry and the music were truly an antidote. Vicarious hero? maybe mentor would have been a better word. But your music moves much.
Date: Wed May 9 17:20
Jason (sherrett@nothingbutnet.net):: Following on the heels of the Calexico tour -- Howe Gelb @ Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday, June 6 $12. Anyone got the rest of the confirmed tour date
Date: Wed May 9 11:29
tio (en belgica):: other side of the atlantic waters. sun was delivered same time as confluence and my sis' first baby. nice evening.. suave.. gonna watch me some folks now..
Date: Wed May 9 10:35
howe (++++++++++++['_']+++++++++++++):: summer has set in . the slo mo manana attitude is in full flux. visiters are less frequent. there's rumors of a tour or two. euro festivals for calexico. solo runs for meself. the northwest, the northeast, midwest later in june. the guitar begs the question ...but the piano requests residency. tiny dust devils kick up, searching for a cicada soundtrack, which won't happen until at least 110. just sitting here and wondering. what is up exactly ??? finishing up the next giant sand record for an october release. strange little record this time. just some cover songs that have collected themselves. as light as "chore" was heavy. mmmmmmm....no clouds again today. but the sky is scarred with a perculiar blue....one that still remembers the myth of rain....which will have to be enough.
Date: Fri May 4 11:54
---yea--- (--@--):: From Current Tucson Weekly: PJ PARTY: The few hundred or so folks who packed Solar Culture for the KXCI benefit last week got what they paid for and then some, even at fifteen bucks a pop. (Howe Gelb quipped at one point, "Instead of sending in your donation to KXCI, you're just walking it in. It's much more convenient. But the music's free.") Billed as featuring "Howe Gelb and Giant Sand, Calexico, the return of Al Perry and the Cattle, plus special guests," the guest was special, indeed. Special enough that the event was held on a Sunday primarily to accommodate her schedule. Gelb's recent European tourmate, P.J. Harvey just happened to be opening for U2 in Phoenix the previous night, and had a day off since the next date with U2 wasn't until Monday night in Minneapolis. So while the rest of her band endured a two-day bus ride halfway across the country, Harvey decided to come south and play in the desert, visit Howe, play a few songs at this benefit show, and fly out on Monday to meet up with her band. Smart for her, lucky for us. Her performances were delicious icing on the proverbial cake, which was pretty dam* moist and tasty anyway. It was one of those all-too-rare occasions where you can't help but feel the true sense of history and cohesiveness and mutual respect that exists in our local music scene. Maybe it was Al Perry's return. Maybe it was because Howe played with both Paula Jean Brown and Polly Jean Harvey. Maybe it was all the Rainer covers performed. Whatever it was, no one who was there will soon forget it. And thanks to KXCI, who broadcast the event in its five-hour entirety, you could hear it even if you got shut out of a ticket. Which reminds me, if anyone out there taped it, I know a particular music writer who'd love to get his paws on a copy.
Date: Fri May 4 06:23
Coydog (mombi@online.no):: From the darkest woods of Norway, please accept our gift, "Death Valley Waltz" at: http://www.freetrax.com/artists/c/coydog/ Love Coydog
Date: Thu May 3 16:10
Rob Stanier (Robtstanier@aol.com):: Many thanks to OW OM who do indeed deliver the goods. Just received Down Home havent heard it yet but it looks like a gem. Blessings to Spoink & Cranky. All the best from the U
Date: Thu May 3 15:23
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Greg, go to www.giantsand.com and look for the link to the Sandman series. You can sign up for any future releases. Paul
Date: Thu May 3 08:44
greg (topaliang653@hotmail.com):: Don't know who did it, .....someone from sussex, but humble thanks for sending the sounds like Hendrix offering......is it still possible to get previous series sounds?? Mike B., you have met me, I am not stupid, but totally disorganised and off kilter with most other people on this fine planet....is the sandman series a hard concept? who do I write to etc? Someone was kind and that makes me feel good b y e
Date: Wed May 2 06:42
fred ocazaki (fo@blip.org.uk):: Just to let you know that OW OM do indeed deliver the goods. I have just got M Wards fantastic Duet for Guitars #2. He sound like a cross between Vic Chesnutt and Marilyn Monroe. Fantastic (Not half dead half crippled). Dig the dinky cardboard CD covers.
Date: Tue May 1 15:24
Hydraulic Jack (jboeger@holeworld.com):: Still haven't had the good fortune of seeing Giant Sand or Howe live, but after becoming thoroughly addicted to the album releases I joined the Sand Man... I like the live stuff best! Can't wait to hear more audience releases. (Acres of Weird and Juxtaposition are outstanding.) Peas to all.
Date: Tue May 1 15:21
Hydraulic Jack (jboeger@holeworld.com):: Still haven't had the good fortune of seeing Giant Sand or Howe live, but after becoming thoroughly addicted to the album releases I joined the Sand Man... I like the live stuff best! Can't wait to hear more audience releases. (Acres of Weird and Juxtaposition are outstanding.) Peas to all.
Date: Tue May 1 14:16
don franciscos sister (###$$$$):: traveled from portland or for the show sunday night....would have done it on my hands and knees if need be. an event like none other. thanks all.
Date: Tue May 1 13:54
Allister McAllen (mcallen@hotmail.com):: Not off the top of my head, but I've got a pretty good idea where you can get a f**k off.
Date: Tue May 1 11:36
Phil (stevefalko@yahoo.com):: Howe, Do you plan on doing any shows on the East Coast any time soon . Especially in Philly. Do you still have family in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton Pennyslvania area?
Date: Tue May 1 11:35
Phil (stevefalko@yahoo.com):: Howe, Do you plan on doing any shows on the East Coast any time soon . Especially in Philly. Do you still have family in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton Pennyslvania area?
Date: Tue May 1 11:33
Phil (stevefalko@yahoo.com):: Howe, Do you plan on doing any shows on the East Coast any time soon . Especially in Philly. Do you still have family in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton Pennyslvania area?
Date: Tue May 1 11:27
Mitch (fpunk@yahoo.com):: Maybe everyone remained seated in protest of the guy that kept gesticulating his arms above his head and whistling and whooping during quiet moments of the Calexico set. Or maybe everyone was all full and cozy and somewhat nappy after eating that tasty KXCI food. Or perhaps the collective unconscious dictated all must remain seated until Al Perry took the stage. It was curious, but I actually liked it. Mitch
Date: Tue May 1 11:15
pete (phoenix):: The Solar Culture show was amazing but I am just astounded by the lack of Sand support by Tucson locals. The show started (Calexico) with a full house and by the time Giant Sand set started the place was less than half full. I just do not understand how Tucson can not support this guy...Well I guess I know why he tours mostly in Europe. Good thing he loves the town he lives in! Hey! Tucson this guy HOWE is a treasure. Please someone tell me why Calexico fans think they need to sit down during the set...Is that some kind for European thing? Help me, I do not understand...Hey move a little to the music...It's not like it was a "This Mortal Coil" show. Jim B. thanks for organizing this great event...It's to bad most did not stay around for the best part...but that's ok as it gave me a better view of the genius. Jim B will the show be posted somewhere?
Date: Tue May 1 10:56
JB (archive@giantsand.com):: Yah, that last song of the night was Rainer's "Losin Ground"~!!
Date: Tue May 1 10:05
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (archive@giantsand.com):: Wow! What Can I Say?!?!?!??!??!????? One of the best nights of music I have ever attended - no doubt!! 7-8 PM - Pre show (played an interview I recorded with Howe at his house - great stuff (played piano, Rainer's dobro, etc).. Live interviews with Al Perry and Joey Burns... 8-9 PM - Show starts - Calexico plays a full hour! 9:30-10:15 PM - Howe's set.. 1. St.Conformity (Howe solo).. 2. The Pilgrim - Chapter 33 3. Explore You (w/ Neil Harry on Pedal Steel and in the last 3rd w/ Tom Larkins on Drums). 4. Train Singer Song (w/ NH, TL, and Paula Jean Brown) 5. Plants and Rags - Howe + PJ Harvey duo!!!! - featuring some of my radio static samples!! 10:40-11:45 PM - Al Perry and the Cattle (Al, Dave, Neil Harry, Tom Larkins, and Joey Burns (on electric guitar). Wow - What Can I say????!?!? Al was great!! 12:20-1:45 AM - Giant Sand!!!!!!! Howe with Joey and John (Joey mainly on ele guitar), Nick Luka on Keys+Vibes, Paula Jean Brown on bass (for 2 or 3 songs), and PJ Harvey on Johnny Hit and Run Pauline and lead vocal on another song (the last one they played... The show ended on an explosive note as John had been playing his drums with a pair of maracas - one of which exploded and they ended the set and song on that note with a cloud of dust in the air).. When I listen to this one, I'll get you a set list!! It was actually stunning - I am still recovering.. Thanks for supporting KXCI - nice to see you all!!!
Date: Mon Apr 30 15:40
paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Jealous of those in Tucson. There's some of the band's recent London gig on a stream at www.wembleytv.com , starts with a great version of stuck, my favourite Howe song. Anyone got a recording of this show or know how to record streaming files on to a hard disc? And Howe, when are you going to be on Jools Hollands Later? Mmmmmmmmm, later, perhaps. Paul
Date: Mon Apr 30 14:37
patti (pkeating@hotmail.com):: Mike has updated the Rainer link and has added some new c'd's including the new live one. Check it out, it looks great. Your a gem Mike, thank you. Hey, they lifted the roof off the Solar Culture last night and I swear one of those trains came in that room! I loved the Rainerness of it all. Patti
Date: Mon Apr 30 13:26
Mitch (fpunk@yahoo.com):: Ditto on Greg's comments. Great show, great to see P.J. Harvey--a beautiful night in Tucson, both inside and outside. Lots of highlights, far too many to relate here--but I gotta say I was a bit amused by the woman standing in front of me, who pointed at P.J. Harvey loitering at the edge of the stage before being invited on. "I think that's P.J. Harvey," she told her male companion. "No it's not," he replied. "P.J. Harvey is much taller." Ha! Lastly, if you read this Patti it was really nice for Peter and I to meet ya. Mitch still in Tucson.
Date: Mon Apr 30 12:38
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: Solar Culture/KXCI Show.....WOW!!!!! Everyone was in rare form. It was great to see Sandpeople past, present and future (?) on stage. PJ Harvey and Howe/Giant Sand played together as if they had been doing so for years. PJ Harvey is the consummate performer, her power and charisma astound. And she was incredibly indulgent of our small town's star struck fans (including me). She is very gracious. Undoubtedly the best Giant Sand/Howe Gelb show I have ever seen and heard. Hope that there will be an official/unofficial bootleg of the show. Jim Blackwood?
Date: Sat Apr 28 18:40
Mitch (fpunk@yahoo.com):: Okay, that is weird, Howe. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...maybe the ghost of Lillian Gish might waft onstage tomorrow night for a duet of "Leaning"? Regardless, I'm greatly looking forward to seeing Big Al's return, along with everyone else (think Miss Neko Case mentioned she'd be about, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for "Favorite" to reach the high beams). As for Mr. Perry, really miss seeing him behind the counter there at Congress, or ambling through The Grill--it's the little things, I suppose. The only problem is that I'll be at Solar Culture so I won't be at home taping the show--such is lif'. Mitch in Tucson again.
Date: Sat Apr 28 16:50
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (archive@giantsand.com):: Don't forget to listen in this Sunday night starting at 7 PM (MST) to KXCI's live broadcast from Solar Culture of the sold out show featuring Howe +Giant Sand, Calexico, and Al Perry and the Cattle... Whew! http://www.kxci.org/webradio.html
Date: Sat Apr 28 15:51
howe (dreamville, vortexas):: weird. i just rented NIGHT OF THE HUNTER last night.....?
Date: Sat Apr 28 15:41
mike brewer (mike@giantsand.com):: HUGE APOLOGIES to those waiting for orders through the OW OM Store - due to some confusion in mail forwarding, e-mail orders since March 24 have not been received yet - we've just realised what's been going on and will be dealing with them a.s.a.p. So - to repeat - our profuse apologies to all who have ordered.
Date: Sat Apr 28 13:56
Frank (frank@orthanc.de):: Hi folks, those of you looking for Stromausfall, it is now for sale at ebay.com, item #1427162176. I'm not in any way affiliated with the seller, just noticed it today, as I still had an automated search running. But I already got my copy. Frank
Date: Sat Apr 28 08:55
Matt (poitras80@hotmail.com):: The OWOM store may take a little while to get back to you, but the wait is well worth it. I emailed a credit card order, and the whole process took about 1 month. Remember we are not dealing with Amazon.com, this is an independent, artist run label. With all the other touring/writing/whatever going on i can understand why stuff isn't shipped out the next day. Patience is the key.
Date: Sat Apr 28 08:16
brian (brian.clifton@talk21.com):: Paul I've also been having problems getting through to the OW OM shop about a CD order ,I don't know if emails are getting through.
Date: Sat Apr 28 05:05
Paul-Johan Rem�y (remoyp@student.hivolda.no):: Hello folks! I wonder if anybody knows about OWOM recordings! I order some giant sand cds one month ago, but havent heard a word. Is there anybody who knows about them? pj-norway I love the music of Giant Sand, Calexico, Friends of Dean Martinez, ABBC, Rainer and what must be their inspiration Duane Eddy.
Date: Fri Apr 27 20:42
Mitch (fpunk@yahoo.com):: Ah, now that the toasty-ness is beginning its gauzey wrap around Tucson (thank god the swamp cooler is at last running), I've been reaching back to earlier Sand recordings. Listened to STORM yesterday and it actually started raining--hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm--anyway, was so so nice to enjoy "Was Is A Big Word" again, as it always makes me think of that beautiful creepy underwater scene in NIGHT OF THE HUNTER--that billowing long hair waving down below with the fishes. Just thought I'd...share. Mitch in Tucson
Date: Fri Apr 27 17:08
Emanuele (EJCACC@aol.com):: Ivars, I would think it is the 1997 release of the "Volume 1, Official Bootleg Series" CD. Manny
Date: Fri Apr 27 12:40
Ivars (finvarra@chariot.net.au):: CD Now lists a GIANT SAND title "Build Your Own Night It's Easy". Only info is that it is a UK import and is filed under the genre of heavy metal. Anyone out there knows about this CD ?
Date: Fri Apr 27 11:52
jason (woodsman@disinfo.net):: There is a real video of Yer ropes @ http://www.launch.com/musicvideos/view/not_start/1,,166039~1057,00.html Enjoy!
Date: Fri Apr 27 11:49
Tom (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):: Wrong email address on that last message!
Date: Fri Apr 27 11:48
Tom (tom.alban@aol.com):: Than ks everyone for the suggestions. Can anyone suggest where I might find Glum and the other deleted stuff?
Date: Fri Apr 27 11:23
luka ry (@#$%^&*)()()()(**)()())()(&^%):: onjmjnmhhhhb mytttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
Date: Fri Apr 27 06:40
Emanuele (EJCACC@aol.com):: While on the subject of recommendable Giant Sand albums... and taking into account what has been responded to...two very good earlier works come to mind..."The Love Songs" and "Swerve". Ears! Manny
Date: Fri Apr 27 06:36
c austin (shortatthefront@hotmail.com):: any chance the and / calexico are gonna get back out to eastern canada...c'mon ... we need some of that strum and twang.
Date: Fri Apr 27 00:37
Jimbo (bignameguy@netscape.net):: The first time I even heard of Giant Sand was on a CBC broadcast of SXSW, playing Yer Ropes. Then i bought the band of rocky blanchette (totally incredible music) Glum, then i bought chore of enchantment, and i will buy more stuff very soon. I don't think it is stretching things to call Howe Gelb a genious. Just listen to how beautiful, and as importantly, how varied, his music his, then think where else you get this kind of feeling, well, not too many places. I love Giant Sand so much, and dumb stupid people don't get them, which is fine with me.
Date: Thu Apr 26 17:04
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Tom, I would suggest Hisser or Slush but really you are going to have to get them all now that you have the bug. And while you are at it you should join the Sandman tree and get even more cool stuff.
Date: Thu Apr 26 15:29
don francisco's sister (******):: tom - glum ....find it ... then buy everything else as fast as you can get your hands on it.
Date: Thu Apr 26 13:40
Rob stanier (Robtstanier@aol.com):: Tom. Try and get hold of Dreaded Brown Recluse it is amazing. its a little hard to fine but well worth the search. All the best. Long live the music
Date: Thu Apr 26 13:10
Tom (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):: Confluence is insidiously wonderful. The songs creep up on you one after another. It's great to be listening to music from where "there's still space available here" when I'm driving down cramped roads where there isn't. That little laser must have tracked miles across the plastic spirals of Chore (my introduction to Giant Sand) and Confluence. Someone like to suggest which GS record I should get next? And another question: this comments page seems to have civilised people on it. Any of you know of anywhere else on the Web where I can have an intelligent discussion about music without people SHOUTING? And please Howe, come back to the UK soon!
Date: Wed Apr 25 00:37
Mike Gerfin (michael.gerfin@vwi.unibe.ch):: There's a review of Confluence in today's New York Observer, at http://www.nyobserver.com/pages/music.asp. Thanks for Confluence, Howe (and all the other splatters). Mike
Date: Tue Apr 24 13:31
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Well I had better go and dig out my book of quotations, in a pedantic manner of course. You are probably correct I think.
Date: Mon Apr 23 13:23
tom (tom.alban@eudoramail.com):: I think the Zappa quote is actually " People who can't write,_ interviewing people who can't talk_, for people who can't read." Sorry to be pedantic, it's the English disease.
Date: Fri Apr 20 12:36
brian clifton (brian.clifton@talk21.com):: What is going on with the OW OM store? I have been emailing them about a CD order , would anyone like to bother emailng me?????
Date: Wed Apr 18 16:37
paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Shiver(ing) Paul
Date: Wed Apr 18 16:36
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Hey, Howe and Greg, maybe you two should sit down and write together. Here in Scotland it snowed today, maybe you two can nail down that elusive "desert rock" sound I yearn and ache for. And Tommy, yeah, Rolling Stone? Uncut and mojo are far more relevent today, I last bought a copy of RS around 1974 and I don't think I've missed much. Paul
Date: Wed Apr 18 14:10
howe (~~~~~~~~~~~~)-----------{__________/+):: sticking skin from sizzle feet onto asphalt. tapes droop and drip off dash like dali canvas. the loud snapping of concious behavior.
Date: Wed Apr 18 13:33
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: The ghosts of summers past are haunting me. You that do not live here or around here cannot understand. Heat that you can see in shimmering vaporous waves. Heat that you can hear in the rattling song of the cicadas and the midday stillness. Heat that you can smell in the scent of the ancient creosotes, brittlebrush and sage. And of course heat that you can feel in the prickling of your skin as you leave the cooled comfort of the inside for the brutal outdoors. Hug the slivery shadows of shade as you walk. Take advantage of the relative cool of the morning and the night. Be wary of the hot steering wheel and seat of a car left in the noon sun. Remember to stop at the Raspada stand on the way home. Be nice to your families, neighbors and pets. Drink plenty of water. Revel in the emptiness of town now that many of the old folks and students have left for the summer. All that remains are the crazies and the heat, a volatile combination to say the least. Yes, as the temperatures creep up into the 90s I�m remembering summers past, and I�m scared and thrilled. See you at Solar Culture on the 29th.
Date: Wed Apr 18 12:47
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):: I wouldn�t worry too much about RS. The US version hasn�t been relevant for at least 20 years. I read it sometimes on airplane trips because it doesn�t require much concentration and I can get lost in the pictures of beautiful people and beautiful consumables. I�m amazed that RS has basically transformed itself into a fashion and commercial pop culture rag. It has strayed pretty far from its roots. Fortunately, the same thing cannot be said about Giant Sand.
Date: Wed Apr 18 09:42
JC Brochard (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):: Those who've seenthe film may remember that a certain Rolling Stone review of a Giant sand album played a non-negligible part in Marianne Dissard's "Drunken bees" documentary. I think the "Drunken bees" expression came from this very review. By the way, the whole dialogue of the film has been available somewhere on my site, in English and in French, for some years now : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux (choose then the GS section). JC
Date: Wed Apr 18 08:00
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: I believe that Frank Zappa's often quoted observation about music journalism 'People who can't write, writing about people who can't play, for people who can't read' was directed at Rolling Stone. I think he just about summed it up.
Date: Tue Apr 17 22:35
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Paul, scroll down to "Wed Feb 21 10:24" and read my threat. These pricks seems not to like Howe anyway.
Date: Tue Apr 17 17:56
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: What is it with Rolling stone magazine and Howe. Idling away tonight and looking for reviews on Confluence I did a search on Howe's name. One of the sites returned was supposedly a selection of photos of Howe from Rolling stone. Go to the site and there is one photo. Moreovever, it states that due to one votes (sic) it is the most popular photo. I say we should get Hunter thompson in to rip these guys lungs out, turn them into hamburger, stretch Mr. Wenner until he's as tall as a human being and then let the good doctor of journalism force them (at gunpoint) to chill out and listen to the sandmen. In peace, Paul
Date: Mon Apr 16 17:32
Jim Blackwood (archive@giantsand.com):: Looks like John Parish will join Howe at the KXCI studios tonight from 6 to 7 PM MST for Local's Only... Check it out! We will talk about the upcoming KXCI benefit show and recent happenings.. Listen live by going to http://www.kxci.org/webradio.html
Date: Mon Apr 16 11:41
Hao Oui (haoui333@verizon.net):: Joey Ramone
Date: Sun Apr 15 09:01
harvieux (harviuex@hotmail.com ):: DISREGARD MY EARLIER COMMENT SEEMS THE CASBAH SHOW WAS LAST YEAR .I NEW IT WAS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE.GAZELLE GAZELLE.
Date: Fri Apr 13 11:23
Jim Blackwood (archive@giantsand.com):: PS - Howe will join me on KXCI's Local's Only Program - Monday night, April 16 from 6 to 7 PM MST (I'm guest hosting the show).. Playing recent live material, plus other treats including including tracks from the new Confluence release. Perhaps a live in-studio song too.. We will talk about the upcoming KXCI benefit show as well.. Listen live by going to http://www.kxci.org/webradio.html
Date: Thu Apr 12 15:46
CHRIS (old97@hotmail.com):: i just found the Band Of Blacky Ranchette...awesome... also trying to figure out the sounds on the Pedal Steel song, what is the oompah from? ok that out of the way when is there gonna be an Austintexas show?
Date: Wed Apr 11 09:51
howe (--------------------O-----------------------):: hello. thanks again for all those who managed to find their way to the shows. the road is over for the moment and the collecting of oneself has begun back here in tucson. pieces arriving everyday. it has been a grand privledge to be able to slip in and out of the odd shadow here on the planet and applicate the sonics on such occasions. sometimes there is not enough time to extend between the moments of point A and point B, but the vibe has been that of a certain sweet spin regardless of eye to eye or toe to toe. hope all is as well with you and yours. yours, hoopla howe.
Date: Tue Apr 10 16:27
chrisztine (@newcity.com):: upside down is home thx,c
Date: Tue Apr 10 08:08
The Buumerang (wrenchpieter@hotmail.com):: What is Giant Sand? Where does this name come from? It sounds so funny to me and I just am curious what it all means. Maybe someone can explain to me the meaning to me. I like the website. It's very clear and functional. I'll return, I'll return. You can expect me when you least expect it. Watch out for the Buumerang. It always comes back. Never underestimate the force of the Buumerang. I'll be back.
Date: Tue Apr 10 07:58
Wally "Don Kid" Willems (muddafutcha@hotmail.com):: Hi Howe and the rest of the family, Is there a new tour planned for the end of this year in europe? I wish to god that you will be coming my way (Holland that is). I wish to god. I saw you as the support of PJ Harvey in K�ln (you know) and we were blown away by your stage presence. I think the audience really digged your show and you stole everybodies heart when little Luka entered the stage. What a voice. He is the next generation Gelb and we hope to hear from him. All I wanted to say was that I really adore the way you treat music and your approach to songwriting is special in many ways. Love and chuckles. Hope to hear from ya soon. Love, Wally PS Confluence is great, I can't get it out of my CD player. It seems to be stuck in there. Please can you send me another copy, so that I can infect my friends and family with the very contagious Gelb syndrome-virus. If there exists an antidote, please don't tell me. I'm enjoying this disease.
Date: Tue Apr 10 07:31
surgeon and lawyer (surgeonandlawyer@hotmail.com):: all i am thinking of is antique wooden tables from holland,
Date: Tue Apr 10 03:34
daniel parker (daniel.p@virgin.net):: just come back from camber sands week end in england saw calexico lambchop tortoise yo la tengo and television but no howe pitty realy they all nodded at you
Date: Mon Apr 9 05:23
japiet (kloot@hotmail.com):: ik vind jullie muziek heel mooi en goed
Date: Sat Apr 7 12:30
Simon (xgiantrust@yahoo.co.uk):: Preston, Manchester, Liverpool, Please Howie, pay us a visit.
Date: Sat Apr 7 10:16
ERIK L. (HARVIEUX@HOTMAIL.COM ):: JUST GOT CONFLUENCE ITS A CLASSIC.THANKS HOWE.BUT COULD YOU TOUR THE US A BIT MORE.GOT SOME BOOTLEGGING LINED UP FOR GIANT SAND AT THE CASBAH SD CA.IF THATS OK? GAZELLE GAZELLE.
Date: Fri Apr 6 14:59
Paul Kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Just got Confluence. Once again I am bowled over by how good Howe is. Loved the incarnation of the Blue Marble Girl and Pontiac is brilliant! The disc is as smooth as a Bailley Jarvis Nicoll. Paul
Date: Fri Apr 6 03:05
greg (topaliang653@thegrid.org.uk):: This months uncut magazine (depeche mode on the cover) has a 2 page Howe/Sand article by Victoria Segal....is very good. Also Yer Ropes is on the free cd!!! Bonus!
Date: Thu Apr 5 17:08
kf (pdx):: with a band like giant sand...and a man like howe gelb....its never about better...its about different.
Date: Thu Apr 5 09:24
sam (hsamson@gmx.de):: i think that confluence is not as good as hisser.but still a few great moments when howe makes the in-betweens hearable and turns them into dim light.
Date: Wed Apr 4 07:39
Blaine Schultz (bschultz@foleylaw.com):: Thanks for the music Howe. Just got Confluence and it's way better than getting the flu. This one, along with the pair of Chores, keeps Howe/Giant Sand's streak alive and strong. All 3 sound like the vines of one, big great song. Whoever was lucky enough to see/hear Howe cover On the Weekend, sounds like you won the lottery on that night. Blaine
Date: Wed Apr 4 03:40
rashers (corms@interactsi.ie):: Indeed, beautiful gig last night @ whelan's, listen-ing to down home now, great stuff...
Date: Wed Apr 4 02:52
Klaus (kharvey@gofree.indigo.ie):: Another brilliant rambling shambling gig full of warmth, wit and weird intimacy from Howe at Whelan's Dublin. The bag of toys were missed slightly. Roll on the Autumn Giant Sand gig. Klaus
Date: Tue Apr 3 19:40
john (?!):: Ginger in WY- my e-mails get returned, maybe you'll see this. The Sand discs arrived safe and sound great. My son thought the cereal box packaging was funny and clever. thanks, John in FL
Date: Tue Apr 3 14:15
colin (thegraces@ntlworld.com):: a self-correction (before anyone else notices)- Howe's Neil Young cover was Out on the Weekend (and not on the beach)... blame the foot in mouth (sic)
Date: Tue Apr 3 14:12
colin grace (thegraces@ntlworld.com):: just to say Howe played an excellent live set at London 'Spitz' club last Sunday- he seemed a bit uncomfortable with the poor air-conditioning (we all did) and the stand-up crowd ("I'd prefer you all to be sitting down!"), but the songs, anecdotes and impromptu noodlings were great (fine version of Neil Young's 'On the Beach'- has he recorded this?). This was my first live experience of Howe, but will be there when he returns to UK... come back soon! Colin Grace, Hertford UK
Date: Tue Apr 3 09:24
Indy (roadtracks@lycos.de):: Hi guys, the german Americana mag "Roadtracks #5" is out now! featuering an Howe gelb tour diary, and more interviews with Steve wynn, hazeldine and more... If you interested, mail us... Adios, Frank
Date: Tue Apr 3 09:00
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: I thought that "wonder" was the 7"-radio-edit-version...;-)
Date: Tue Apr 3 00:47
Mike (mike@giantsand.com):: 'Selections'is mainly an introduction to Giant Sand for those not in the know - we've all got 'Ramp' (I hope) so we know the particular wonder about 'Wonder', so just think of the big smiles when those "new" get 'Ramp' and find they've got an extra 2 minutes of 'Wonder'. Concerning the 'Burning Desire' edit.... Howe wanted Lucinda there on the album but wasn't too happy with the bass noodling on the original cut (give it a good listen and you'll hear)- hence the edit. Any more questions......?
Date: Mon Apr 2 17:24
Guenter (guenter@uclink4.berkeley.edu):: Check this out - Howe and some of the usual suspects (grandaddy!) on a Various Artist's concept album. Got the news on the Thin White Rope mailing list. Haven't heard the item yet, but sounds intriguing. Any comment from people more in the know then I am? Check it out at http://www.offrecords.com
Date: Mon Apr 2 17:16
Stephen M.H. Braitman (braitman@mindspring.com):: Anyone got any comments about the edited fade-out ending to "Wonder" on the new comp CD? Seems to me to be a grievous mistake.
Date: Mon Apr 2 02:47
greg (topaliang653@thegrid.org.uk):: Well, the Spitz was a cracker, Chat and sound and the bonus of a supporting M(att) Ward. Satchmo covers, a smidgen of Stuck, and the wonderous Hatch. Nice to meet lots of wonderful howe/sand fans last night. UK readers of the Sunday Times will have seen an excellent review yesterday (Confluence). Today I am tired, slept in my car, in my school car park (yawn).
Date: Sun Apr 1 07:16
chrisztine (@newcity.com):: delighted. the girl's eyes grew round. thanks, Howe, for this bit. and thank you for bringing Down Home. John Parish & co rounded off the evening with fine tunes. grown. after all.
Date: Fri Mar 30 02:09
Shaun H. (shaun.hendry@zomba.co.uk):: Hi - just a quick word for those headed to the Spitz at the weekend, Howe was in fine fettle last night throughout his short set @ Dingwalls, looking like a (younger) more wilder Buddy Ebson, he played 'all the hits' at the audience(s) request, before his confluence spilled over into the next set, and John Parrish's Big Band started w/ a tune that i can only presume is entitled 'Astonished (in Camden)', excellent in its own way however. best moment for me though was a young lady (yeah she was pretty, but that ain't the point), and noticing her face turn from an initial look of bewilderment to pure, pure joy. i'm guessing that's been happening a heck of a lot this year. p.s. i've only got a quick burst on this thing before i have to get round to attending in some capacity to Britney Spears' back catalogue, so anyone who's got the time could they please locate some WWW's for 16 Horsepower + John Parrish and point out that the music they were listening to between sets was Rainer 'Live At The Performance Center'.
Date: Fri Mar 30 00:17
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: Hi, I picked up Confluence two days ago here from my local record store, and it has kept spinning in my player since then. The funny thing is, I�ve heard live versions of some of the songs before, and with all the lyrical luggage printed out now, I�ve seen that I�ve always misheard some of it. One of the funniest examples: On �St. Conformity�, Howe sings �.... well adorned with accessory like the BACK HAND of Bennie the booker�. I've always thought it�s BACK END (and wondered about how that back end might be adorned with accessory).
Date: Thu Mar 29 15:20
Wing Nut ((*/\)):: I know Hisser is about a death and the dealing with it and about it. But each moment that passes is a death. So why not have a what the French call "a little death". completion of the whole unit. Anyways "Confluence" is the better of the two for this type of thing.
Date: Thu Mar 29 14:40
Wing Nut ((*/\*)):: Haven't seen anything from that greg haldane guy. He's more fanatical than Tommy Gailer and my real self. Undercover you never know when the feds are watching. By the way you all. I found a new avenue for the music of Howe. Get naked with your significant other and put on either Hisser or better yet Confluence. You won't believe the experience. Gauranteed to bring you and your partner to new heights of arousal and completion of that old time mathematical equation, "the whole unit". Peace and Love (*/\*).
Date: Thu Mar 29 11:13
daniel parker (ddaniel.p@virgin.net):: so i miss sixteen horsepower as well life is a word that i need to grow up with i need a gig please getting desperate will respond in stalin style
Date: Wed Mar 28 17:14
Giant Archivist (archive@giantsand.com):: "summer" at least in AZ
Date: Wed Mar 28 17:13
Giant Archivist (archive@giantsand.com):: Yah, summer is here and the time is right....
Date: Wed Mar 28 15:01
BD ((+)):: Confluence is good. I have only listened to the disc about 15 times since Friday and with anything "HOWE" it just keeps getting better. The next listening stop should move it a notch closer to tremendous. Lets see some US dates now for either GS or HOWE alone naturally. You guys have spent enough time overseas. I know it's romantic and everything in Europe, but we love you all here in the real world. The good old capitalistic USA. Ugly Americans are we and a dose of your vibe is what should be next on your agenda after running with the kids and sqeezing the wife of course. Waiting patiently here in Chicago.
Date: Wed Mar 28 09:37
Geoff (@swervepictures.com):: It's a great album. Worth being late to work for....but then most things in life are aren't they? PS--Howe, nice use of shoe-as-cup-holder artwork. It has solved a dilemna in Mel's car.
Date: Wed Mar 28 01:02
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Well done Thrill Jockey, I ordered Confluence from the USA website last Thursday and it arrived in the UK this morning, why can't all mail order from the USA be as fast as this? Of course I am going to be late for work now as I will have to listen to it before I leave.
Date: Tue Mar 27 20:09
phil zisook (pz123@aol.com):: Picked up Confluence today. Wowe!
Date: Mon Mar 26 15:53
erwin (erwin.verstappen@chello.be):: check out the club lek links. i guess this is what it's all about. a box of wonder.
Date: Mon Mar 26 12:35
Giant Archivist... (...):: The Club Lek program was from 2/28/01
Date: Mon Mar 26 12:34
Jim "Giant Archivist" (archive@giantsand.com):: Check out the performance of Giant Sand on VPRO's Club Lek program: http://www.vpro.nl/3voor12/smil/programs/startprogram.sram?2534202+312227=4+3108880+3455991+3478529 and a real video shot of Shiver (w/ guest Luka Gelb): http://www.vpro.nl/rmstreams.db?3480049
Date: Mon Mar 26 09:49
Tom (tom.barrance@eudoramail.com):: Oh dear. I subscribed to the mailing list, but it didn't tell me about Giant Sand's European gigs, nor that Howe is playing in Bristol, forty miles away, tonight. Any likelihood of another visit by the band this year? Chore is undoubtedly the best record I got last year by a long way. Best wishes Tom
Date: Sat Mar 24 16:33
Tim (timm@interlog.com):: Hey there, Been listening to Confluence every day since I got it. Its fabulous. I was kinda expecting a sequel to Hisser but its not, much brighter sound and feel to it. Hell, 'Pontiac Slipstream' is downright funky. All in all its pure gold. Go get. now. How cool is it that Neko's recorded with our heroes? Cant frikkin' wait to hear that. Ciao, Tim
Date: Fri Mar 23 12:39
BD ((+)):: I picked up Confluence here in Chicago at the Borders. I have not even opened it.I am taking it to my buddy's house for bowl and beers and then our listening pleasure before the Illini and Jayhawks college B-Ball game. . Also a review in the No Depression magazine of Confluence comparing Howe to Shakespeare. Now thats something.
Date: Thu Mar 22 23:09
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: To Confluence: i know that the german soundhouse-mailorder has it yet (but i am not informed about a website), and i heard that glitterhouse.com should get it til end of the week, so stay tuned on glitterhouse.com
Date: Thu Mar 22 15:37
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: I have not seen Confluence in any good, or bad, shops in London and according to Amazon the European release date is April 2nd which is, of course, the day after Howe's London show. Personally I will take a chance on getting it from Thrill Jockey and pray that it arrives before next weekend. I also wonder what is going on with the show on 28th at Dingwalls, I tried to buy a ticket and was informed that 16 Horsepower or whoever are headlining, if J Parrish is also turning up is Howe part of his band or is he opening for the other 2 acts? Why is everything so complicated. Finally if any of the leaves from my branch of the Sandman tree are going to be at Spitz on sunday perhaps you could make yourselves known and I will buy you a pepsi. Ian
Date: Thu Mar 22 14:00
mike (mike@giantsand.com):: "Confluence" is out now on Thrill Jockey - you can order it at their web site @ www.thrilljockey.com - it's also available in all good record stores across the US and (probably) Europe.... but not from the Ow Om Store.
Date: Thu Mar 22 13:08
Guenter (guenter@uclink4.berkeley.edu):: Hey y'all, almost peed my pants when I learned on this list of neat little tidbits that Howe did record with Neko Case - everybody go buy "Furnace Room Lullaby" and be seduced by her spunk & sometime sirensong sadness. Made me as chipper as the news of Howe & his GS rhythm section parting ways made me glum. Howe, will John & Joey still be around to quench my OP8 habbit? How about Neko as a sidekick for the next OP8 project? Or Christina Rosenvinge? Or Chan Marshall? I say everybody vote for their OP8 dream line-up...I'd be tickled to hear other people's preposterous ideas :-) Cheers, Guenter
Date: Thu Mar 22 02:45
Bjorn Hammershaug (freejazz@start.no):: So, where and when is Confluence or am I confused with the dates?
Date: Wed Mar 21 11:21
daniel parker (daniel.p@virgin.net):: still no news about my suport slot keep working it. as lefty willbury once said im running round with nothing more than time on my hands
Date: Tue Mar 20 02:31
StephN (Stephen.newark@btinternet.com):: Howe, My girlfriend really likes that heavy riff on Elevator Music; any chance of you dusting it down for the Spitz gig ? You always do say "any requests". I'm looking forward to a fine evening on the 1st.Cheers. StephN.
Date: Tue Mar 20 01:20
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: Hi everybody, and especially those of you in Germany - in the Feb/Mar/Apr edition of music magazine "superstar", Howe tells the story of his friendship with Rainer. It's a very good and touching piece, I think. (I don't know about the availability of the magazine outside of Germany; maybe you could ask this guy from the magazine's subscription/mailorder service: harald.heusner@germanynet.de)
Date: Mon Mar 19 09:38
Tor Olav Lien (toollien@online.no):: Hi there! I just felt like writing a couple of words in connection with my first ever experience of Giant Sand. My niece, who is a huge PJ Harvey fan, asked me to go with her to the show at Rockefeller in Oslo,Norway. I did , and there for the first time ever did I hear Giant Sand. I must say that it was one of the most pleasant surprises I can recall. You guys rock! No one could ask for a better support act. And next time you come to this part of the world Howe, we`ll all show up to see you guys again. Thank you!
Date: Sun Mar 18 09:31
Adrian Pannett (underthesurface@hotmail.com):: Hey there folks... The brand new issue of my fanzine Under The Surface is now available... Issue #5 includes a massive interview with Howe. A seven page sprawling discussion on all the solo records, Giant Sand past/present and loads more besides. How to buy? Scribble out a cheque for �1.50 (inc.p&p) payable to 'A.Pannett' and post it to: Adrian Pannett, Under The Surface, 27 Kipling Court, Greenford Avenue, Hanwell, London W7 1LZ. There will also be copies in Rough Trade shops in London and at the Howe show at the Spitz in London. Any problems or queries e-mail me. Trust me people you�ll want read this.
Date: Sat Mar 17 12:11
Rob Stanier (Robtstanier@aol.com):: Have just done the pre-order for Howes new album Confluence(I work for a record retailer in England). Cant wait. Oh Happy Day.!
Date: Sat Mar 17 07:07
stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: Somehow, "Upside Down Home 2000" keeps spinning in my player, and I like it more and more. My current favorites are "Actual Desert, Rose" and "Tender Trap", as well as "Cpt. Copenhagen", but more for its ingenious title and the way it fits in between the music. Anyone here familiar with the compilation CD's on the Touch label from Britain? The music is completely different, but with its mixture, Upside ... somehow reminds me of them. If these are the outtakes, then I'm really looking forward to Confluence (which should be coming soon, now that it's March?).
Date: Thu Mar 15 13:57
daniel (daniel.p@virgin.net):: so this is the deal i think need to occupy my mind live in small town cant get out cant get in if you understand offering supporting role for uk shows as i am up to task problem to small to shout to full to calm and would compliment your attire shy but can i play with you when you visit england. end
Date: Thu Mar 15 05:47
daniel parker (daniel.p@virgin.net):: be my guthrine let me sing yo a song if your arm aint sore maybee you could play along then i could just watch and maybee learn not shure of its direction i let the arrow delliver my message maybee itll hit probably wont even shadow in your brim thankyou for listening daniel
Date: Wed Mar 14 09:45
howe (somehowe):: i know i know....it sucked about barcelona ...and madrid and lisbon....but we could not deviate from the polly train when it derailed...these things are set up with severe logistics....and the polly shows surrounding the barcelona show allowed us to be able to afford to do that show......see? we had to head back up to brussels and drop the bus off....there we attempted to fly in to barcelona the next day to try and make the show...we were happy to spend all the money we would have made on breaking even from the flights and backline....but at the very last moment we were informed that the barcelona airport was locked in fog and many flights were delayed or cancelled....our friend from madrid called to say he could not even get into barcelona from there because of it;. so thats when we had to give up on the whole idea. i think we were sadder then you about missing those shows......but maybe seville in the summer+++++++++howe
Date: Wed Mar 14 09:45
howe (somehowe):: i know i know....it sucked about barcelona ...and madrid and lisbon....but we could not deviate from the polly train when it derailed...these things are set up with severe logistics....and the polly shows surrounding the barcelona show allowed us to be able to afford to do that show......see? we had to head back up to brussels and drop the bus off....there we attempted to fly in to barcelona the next day to try and make the show...we were happy to spend all the money we would have made on breaking even from the flights and backline....but at the very last moment we were informed that the barcelona airport was locked in fog and many flights were delayed or cancelled....our friend from madrid called to say he could not even get into barcelona from there because of it;. so thats when we had to give up on the whole idea. i think we were sadder then you about missing those shows......but maybe seville in the summer+++++++++howe
Date: Wed Mar 14 08:38
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (archive@giantsand.com):: Yes, it sounds like it was Neko.. She also recently sang on that song at Wavelab in sessions for the upcoming GS album...
Date: Wed Mar 14 05:38
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: Hi Robert, yes it was. I was there, too (I mean, at the Munich show last Friday), and they announced her as Neko Case. The song was Wayfaring Stranger. Cheers, Stefan
Date: Wed Mar 14 04:12
Fisherman71 (inmytree71@hotmail.com):: Q: Was that really Neko Case (the american Country/Folk singer) who sang a duet with Howe at the concert in Munich ? I don�t belive it... Can anyone verify this ? bye, Robert
Date: Wed Mar 14 03:22
JC BROCHARD (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):: I guess Stav is of the modest kind, seeing as he obviously didn't mention that he is the author of most the GS-related stuff published in Comes with a smile... JC
Date: Wed Mar 14 03:01
Stav Sherez (STAV@sherez.freeserve.co.uk):: Re: Comes With A Smile. The Calexico interview has absconded. If anyone has any information as to its whereabouts, its hiding places, then please forward - there is a reward invloved. Great version of Wolfy, Howe. The website link mentioned is currently on a holding page but anyone wishing more info about the mag/CD should contact Matt at cwasmatt@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Tue Mar 13 13:12
sammy (pommelos@hotmail.com):: Hi Nuno and Jesus.I understand your sadness.As you can see in my last message I missed GS' show in Paris but it was my fault:I hadn't bought any ticket for PJ show(I didn't know that Giant Sand was opening for it!)But last week,a show I was waiting for a long time was cancelled( Evan Dando in Paris).So I understand but I am sure Howe will come sooner in Barcelona!!!!!
Date: Tue Mar 13 09:59
JC BROCHARD (jc.brochard@wanadoo.fr):: Talking of "Wolfy", there's a demonstration verson of this song, credited to Howe, on the 20-track CD that comes with the latest issue of UK magazine "Comes with a smile" (#7, march 2001, http://www.cwas.co.uk). In the magzine, Upside down home 2000, Selections and Matt Ward's album are reviewed. There's even Howe's top 10 records for 2000, but I couldn't find any mention oof Calexico, even though they're mentioned on the cover ! JC (http://perso.wanadoo.fr/vivonzeureux)
Date: Tue Mar 13 09:12
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (archive@giantsand.com):: Hey, the new CD "Selections Circa 1990-2000" has hit number 1 on the KXCI Top 30 CD's of last week.. Pretty cool, and imagine how well recieved it would be here in the states if it was avaliable to all.... Check it out - http://www.kxci.org/top30.htm
Date: Tue Mar 13 08:21
Nuno (nunoantonio@yahoo.co.uk):: The massive sadness has descended upon the city of Lisbon... Giant Sand (and Polly...) will not be playing after all! - expectations were high, especially after the wonderful Calexico gig. Oh, and I did phone in sick again... Could that be the punishment? Please try to fit Portugal in your next schedule, Howe, it would be greatly appreciated, honestly!... all the best!
Date: Tue Mar 13 02:08
jesus ruiz (jruizb@nexo.es):: Hi. Not again! I live in that insignifincant little village in the Mediterranean: Barcelona. It's 9 (nine) years now since we can't see Giand Sand. Yesterday we were supposed to see them , at last! But gess what: once there, in front of the local, it started raining. And not only that, but...the concert was cancelled. Now, there, waiting for the rain to stop, I started wondering: wouldn't it be possible to announce the cancellation a little before? Only to avoid people the bother to go there go for nothing. Monday, rain, cancelled concert. Last year it happened the same: a concert was announced, but cancelled -this time we knew with time-. And one last question: I would have loved to see PJHarvey, but she was not supposed to come to Barcelona anyway (of course). The program was Giand Sand alone. So: why didn't Giand Sand gave the concert? Come one, they were around...Will we wait 9 more years? Will the 2010 concert be cancelled at last minute? Needless to say that today it's a warm sunny day. Kind regards. Thanks anyway for your music, which I will keep on listening (on the CD, of course).
Date: Mon Mar 12 10:24
Sammy (the guards are not sympathic):: Hello Howe,unfortunately I have missed Giant Sand's show in Paris where the guards threw me away from the Olympia. Then, I have waited to see you, in the cold night of Paris, and I didn't see you at all... It sucks!!! But I'll come to Tucson. The guards will be far away and the warm storm will be better than the cold wind of Paris. Thank you for all. Bonsoir, Sammy.(forgive me for my english)
Date: Mon Mar 12 09:20
howe (intheworld):: hi then. the polly tour has officially ended. it has been the pleasurest of severe pleasures. it was fun to try and stay in the ring for 45 minutes like that in front of thousands of polly people. part of the splendor was to finally have the chance to hang and jam with grandaddy buddies jim and aaron. their tumble reminded my stumble how much fun it can be. and thanks to the ladies from 'candie prune' for making it all sweeter and displaying all the hidden melodies. to ol' john and joe for being able to kick things off right for the 3 london shows before heading out to calexico land. and thanks especially to the sonic volley of polly herself. such a fine wonderment and delight. polly caught the flu bug that was going around her band and crew. it was amazing how she tried to overcome it during the munich show. it was a stunner. but the next night in milan was to be the last of tour for europe. she was feeling way worse. anyway, we all had a fine run and splendid company with her and her fine band and crew. thanks again to john parish for ever ushering in such sonic splice. and most importantly for them to have delivered their 'inner flame' track for rainer's tribute record way back when it mattered more then we all could ever know. that record filled rainer with the power of such luminous delight during his final time here. well. done. for now, howe
Date: Mon Mar 12 07:42
John Mannion (John@RoisinDubh.net):: Why do you not mention Howie's show at Roisin Dubh in Galway Ireland on monday 2nd april on the touring page.
Date: Mon Mar 12 07:41
John Mannion (John@RoisinDubh.net):: Why do you not mention Howie's show at Roisin Dubh in Galway on monday 2nd april on the touring page.
Date: Mon Mar 12 03:46
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Yeah, a kind of "Wolfy-Shuffle"...could be the next dance-style-thing for the next summer...like "Maccarena" or so...
Date: Sun Mar 11 23:35
Stefan (StefanRoehrich@t-online.de):: Hi StePH, as far as I remember, that groovy song was a version of Wolfy.
Date: Sun Mar 11 12:40
stePH (galamike@gmx.net):: Hi, I attendet the Munich concert last friday. Not knowing what to expect the concert was a wonderful birthday present for me. It was a real great evening. Humour does belong into music! cheers, steph PS: where can I find the groovy song you played when the two girls entered the stage?
Date: Sun Mar 11 08:34
Daniel Parker (Daniel.p@virgin.net):: strange to have missed so much recently kinda always happens when yo are coming to town hope to make it bye
Date: Sun Mar 11 04:44
carsten (mail@carstenwohlfeld.de):: hi! for anybody who can read german: you may want to check out a review of the recent m�nster show here: http://www.gaesteliste.de/konzerte/0103/giantsand_20010308.html the same site will also feature an interview with howe as of april 23rd. you may also want to search the archive for a lot more on howe/giant sand/calexico cheers, carsten
Date: Sun Mar 11 04:18
STIG (sighphi@mymonstermail.com):: Trumpet Player needed to join �Stig of the Dump�. London based. Gigs this summer. Sighphi@mymonstermail.com
Date: Sun Mar 11 03:42
Luca Fogliati (nickcave@inwind.it):: Yesterday night i could finally see Giant Sand show that i was waiting for 1 year.The band is great even tought the 2 Calexico were not onstage.But this guy from Grandaddy was playing guitar plus 2 amazing women Howe has been great,he really is my idea of a musician he was playing even 3 instruments simoltaneously and he really has great feeling and attitude onstage I apologize with him for those stupid folks ho were screaming but you know we are Italy ,3rd world for rock music Anyway Sands are really what A BAND should be and i enjoyed much more theyr show than PJ Harvey's one and i was so happy to see that i wasn't the only one that went there basically for GS and not really for the other part of the show But like Howe sayed in the end..."It has been a pl......it has been....it's already been" Best of Luck
Date: Sun Mar 11 03:18
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Well, finally i could make it to the Munich Giant Sand/P.J. Harvey gig and the Giant Sand gig started with Howe solo, then w/ aaron burtch (drums) then w/ jim fairchild (guitar) and the two french souls Saholy & Laureline: After a few songs Howe did an obviously warm welcome for Joey Burns. During that over 50 minutes set, Joeys wife and (for the last song) (wayfaring stranger) Nico Case joined Howe for that beauty of a duett. That evening showed some more vocal possibilities (Howe!) and was great like all the others i saw 2001/2000. Thanks you guys/gals for your kindness off- and onstage.
Date: Sat Mar 10 14:14
Peter Chang (panofpans@yahoo.com):: Hi, I was wondering if Howe's Upside Down Home CD-R is still available? If not, would anyone be interested in trading a CD copy for a few blank CD-Rs? I'm in Tucson, so maybe someone in town can help out. Thanks, Peter
Date: Fri Mar 9 04:50
Chip Donahue (ChipAshley@aol.com):: Any news to how or when we can order the Best of Circa 1990-2000 disc? I amy wearing my new t-shirt proudly, but I bet the disc is simply divine. Also...Confluence is coming soon. Magnet was aglow with Giant Sand info this month!
Date: Thu Mar 8 12:16
Dansky (london-q17@nasuwt.net):: Hi Howe..Enjoyed your gig at Shepherd bush (UK( and am looking forward to seeing you again at that cool venue...spitz...in London. You may be interested to know that on the afternoon of April 1 there is a spanish film festival at the rio cinema in Dalston (not too far from spitz) showing a couple of new spanish films at 1400 and 1600. If you're interested I'll give you more detail. see you at spitz...cheers.. Dansky
Date: Tue Mar 6 12:25
shpider (shpider@zdnetonebox.com):: Any info on whether Giant Sand or Calexico are playing the Kilkenny Roots Festival, Ireland this year
Date: Mon Mar 5 18:28
phil (pz123@aol.com):: Hi folks. Just joined the new millenium & got a cd burner. If anyone has any live sand to trade, please drop me a line. Also looking for live Silos.
Date: Mon Mar 5 13:42
neil (ncameron@accesscomm.ca):: Just heard a rumour that Neko Case spent the past two weeks in Arizona enjoying the Sand and even crossing over the border into Calexico territory. Hope the boys weren't fighting over her! Can't wait to hear the results...how about Ms Case doing the vocals for OP8 version:II perhaps? Neil
Date: Mon Mar 5 12:53
Mitch Cullin (fpunk@yahoo.com):: Hi, this is Mitch in Tucson. Not sure if this is the right forum in which to beg, but couldn't find a better place to do it. In a nutshell or two, I'm trying to track down a copy of STROMAUSFALL, and have had a miserable time doing so. So if anyone here knows where I could obtain it, I'd be much the happy person. Otherwise, I'll continue moaning the fact that I'm not seeing the guys with P.J. Harvey. A-boo...a-whooooooo...! Mitch
Date: Mon Mar 5 11:57
Bj�rn HammersSand (freejazz@start.no):: Oslo---- Couldn�t get in.... Lucky you
Date: Mon Mar 5 03:14
Linca (jennifermelfi9@yahoo.com):: I just saw you opening for PJ Harvey in Oslo yesterday. You guys were AMAZING! I got really into it, and I just loved the bluesy rock you played. Going to have to try and get a couple of your CDs now. Thank you for a wonderful performance!
Date: Sun Mar 4 05:35
Tim Ricketts (tim.ricketts@btinternet.com):: Howe Just seen that you are playing in Portsmouth,UK on 27 March in support of John Parish. Can you tell us anything about these gigs? Thanks- enjoyed seeing Giant Sand last year at The Talk Of The Town in London Tim
Date: Fri Mar 2 17:01
Frank (arctic@pool.informatik.rwth-aachen.de):: as expected it was too short. The cologne gig. I liked the new background singer. Goes by the name of Luca, I believe. I was a bit disappointed not to see Down Home 2000 for sale, and fortunately I already got a T-Shirt. That price was outrageous. But I guess that wasn't your idea, Howe. And now I'm getting greedy and am waiting for a full show. Never mind that I've seen a lot last autumn. Bye, Frank
Date: Thu Mar 1 05:51
olivier (olomobile@club-internet.fr):: I had really good time in Paris with you all, wish u all the best for the tour and future.As i told you i keep an eye on you, and maybe see you in Marseille. We didn't had a lot of time to talk about music and life in this amazing schedule, but you did it with an attention and patience really nice. sincerely O
Date: Thu Mar 1 02:13
Alex (alex@kindamuzik.net):: Just thanking you, Howe, for your gracious time and wholly honest answers in what turned out to be an interesting little chat in an Amsterdam internet cafe. I hope the gig went well for you guys, also the radio show, and the best of luck for the rest of the gigs. Thanks again, Alex www.kindamuzik.net
Date: Thu Mar 1 01:14
sabine (s_abine@hotmail.com):: so there i was: Brussel, 25 february, came to see PJ Harvey, unprepared, as i often am, i stood there wondering if there was going to be a supporting act, and then there were the Giant Sands... i felt (and do feel) like i just met new and valuable friends, like i was given an unexpected and warm gift that night, and now i ve bought my first CD, and the meeting goes on.. thanks a lot, Giant Sand, your music fills me with love. Sabine
Date: Mon Feb 26 08:23
erwin (erwin.verstappen@chello.be):: sunday feb. 25th. 8 pm. brussels. 'ancienne belgique' packed. glad to be facing the stage. enter howe gelb. i'm sure a smile appeared on my face. jim & aaron took place. don't know exactly how long they were on stage, but it was too short. can't help falling in love, dusted, yer ropes, shiver, a beautiful blue marble girl with the girls from france, and some more. a little insecure maybe doing the thing with other players, but having fun for sure. when it's beautiful it's beautiful. what can one say but keep going. above all, keep going. thank you all.
Date: Sun Feb 25 05:39
tom vervoort (vervoorttom@hotmail.com):: i really liked the state of the union adress. Little feedback, keeps it honest that way.Have a great show in Brussels Howe.
Date: Sat Feb 24 11:59
BD ((+)):: Yeah that would be a great addition to this site, guit-tabs to some Howe tunes and various sand songs. It's great to be caught in GS swirl again. Got to thinking the white collar world was the place to be. It's like cancer man, found the only way to go was into wildness. So balm me with more sage advice Howe. And if you ever get waylaid at OHARE airport give me a call.
Date: Sat Feb 24 09:24
spackle23 (spackle23@hotmail.com):: hey all, i seem to be in a nasty flux these days, and im convincing myself that learnin' some howe/sand ditties could stir things up a bit. if anyone knows how to get some chords to any of the songs..days could be sweeter. (the simpler the better..im no licensed geetar man, but i can amuse myself) thanks.
Date: Fri Feb 23 09:59
patti k. (bla bla bla):: nice "state of the union" letter Howe!!!!! It boggles the mind to think of all the years that have passed....I love John and Joe and I just hope that they remember the source from which they came. I'm sure they do. Its just stange to turn on the radio and hear Giant Sand then come to realize that Howe isnt there!Its my protective nature to be so, so protective. All the very best to the whole tribe. We miss your guts and hope Luka is having fun on the bus.Sofie too.Love Patti
Date: Fri Feb 23 06:33
howe (giantsand@giantsand.com):: day one: jim and aaron from grandaddy meet me at the airport in chicago. we then land in brussels to attempt rehearsals for a day or two before the first show. the girls from france, saholy and laureline (guitar and bass) meet up with us all there. patricia davia is helping out setting us all up here. cat has me sneezing. snow and sunshine in the land that claims they invented surrealism.....which then mixes well with jet lag. here we go.
Date: Thu Feb 22 10:43
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (Selections Circa 1990-2000):: It will also be Featured Album of the Week - all next week on my radio show "Your Morning Brew" on KXCI 91.3 FM here in Tucson.. At exactly 8:15 AM MST each morning... Listen on the web at http://www.kxci.org/webradio.html
Date: Thu Feb 22 08:31
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (Selections Circa 1990-2000):: For you folks interested, the new disk will be avliable via mailorder through OW-UM records... Not sure when, but keep an eye out here at giantsand.com for details...
Date: Thu Feb 22 06:07
Rob Stanier (Robtstanier@aol.com):: Howe, If you do fancy coming to Birmingham England check out this UK site WWW.BHAMSONGFEST.CO.UK. The festival runs twice a year, the next is round July, August time.All the best.
Date: Thu Feb 22 04:53
chip donahue (ChipAshley@aol.com):: How's a poor US boy supposed to go about purchasing the Circa disc? Giant Sand ** 2 stars for the new Giant Sand t-shirt. The navy blue is beautiful. I've never been so proud to wear clothes. Howe Gelb ****+ 4 stars plus for the down home disc. I am amazed Sir.
Date: Wed Feb 21 12:11
Jim "GIant Archivist" Blackwood (....??PP?/.......):: Howe and family: Have a great tour! Look forward to your return home to Tucson and Solar Culture in April (big KXCI benefit via the Sand family)....@! Thanks...
Date: Wed Feb 21 11:33
Rob Stanier (Robtstanier@aol.com):: Howe, Many thanks for the glory that is Chore. Hows about coming to Birmingham England sometime. Couldnt make it to the supports with PJ Harvey. Plenty of devotees out here in the Midlands to make it worth your while. Many thanks again for keepin on keepin on. Rob Stanier, Stourbridge, West Midlan
Date: Wed Feb 21 10:24
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Funny Story about �Hisser". In the Februar-Issue of the german Rolling Stone, Bernd Gockel wrote a critic about �Hisser" in a kind of insulting way, which i had to atone (he didn`t went into one of the songs and attacked Howe in a more personal way). I wrote back in a simular jargon and sent a copy to Glitterhouse Records. Rembert from Glitterhouse Records answered me, that my letter could have moved somethin`, `cause the R.S. requested, to put one of the songs of �Hisser" on the R.S.-Release �New Voices". To be honest, i doubted that they would do that, although i know that the R.S. Authors have different opinions about the same record, that`s just natural. Well, the March Issue of R.S. approached and they put �Catapult" on the �New Voices" CD. How Rembert said: �Power to the people!" I don`t write that to push me to the first row, but i think nobody deserves insulting critics, not Howe, not anybody else. So if you are angry, write to the author and send a copy to the record-label which should support the musician.
Date: Tue Feb 20 13:38
jkotsonas (schlaff@pacbell.net):: Hey all, Was wondering if anyone could provide me with some helpful info. I'm trying to find out pertinent info for a Howe show that was bestowed upon me. I believe it was at the "Aarhaus", possibly in Denmark on 6/1/00. Anyone know for sure, and anyone have setlist info? Thanks in advance for any and all help! If preferable, offlist is fine. -jim
Date: Tue Feb 20 03:05
Phil McCormack (philip.mccormack@dit.ie):: Hi All ! Hi Howe ! Fellow saints and deviant scholars here on the Emerald Isle are all looking forward to the return of our Kilkenny Roots Festival early May. Our very own John Cleere I'm sure has all already sorted. Playing all of his cards close to his chest I've still no idea who'll be joining us. Last year Ciara and I had a ball. Some of the nicest people we've ever known we met at Kilkenny 2000. It's become a very important festival for a lot of folks as really it's the only opportunity we self-confessed muso-types get here to witness real prolonged celebration. - (I'm not talking Riverdance) - Anyways.... what do you think? Will you be joining us? If so, come as you are. We're all friends here. Slan. Phil.
Date: Mon Feb 19 15:53
Paul kerr (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):: Re: State of the Union Address Well said Howe. A very eloquent statement on the current sand/calexico situation. we all (i'm sure) wish John and Joey success wherever and whoever they are with. I'm also sure that we will all stick with you whoever helps to create the Giant Sand sonic world with you as its heart and soul. Paul
Date: Mon Feb 19 08:39
erwin (erwin.verstappen@chello.be):: points in the past make you pivot. allow a beautiful circle to form. now and again you gotta change foot, though. turn other circles. sometimes relying on an undertow unknown. ride the mystery train. (t)old stories make new stories make more. keeps us all going. thank you for keeping us mobile. cheers.
Date: Mon Feb 19 08:27
erwin (erwin.verstappen@chello.be):: points in the past make you pivot. allow a beautiful circle to form. now and again you gotta change foot, though. turn other circles. sometimes relying on an undertow unknown. ride the mystery train. (t)old stories make new stories make more. keeps us all going. thank you for keeping us mobile. cheers.
Date: Sun Feb 18 13:01
sammy (pommelos):: Howe...Paris love you...
Date: Sun Feb 18 12:08
sammy (pommelos@aol.com):: Dear Howe(Bonsoir to everyone).My name is Sammy and I love Music.But HOWE,I will not be able to go to your show in Paris cause I have no ticket for it...Please ,help me or I will break the room's door to see your show ...THANK YOU. all the best, Sammy.
Date: Sun Feb 18 09:27
howe (state of the union address):: it has been a long time since i asked john if he would care to see the world giant sand style. back in 1988 i think ....or mabe 89. joe came along a couple years later and really made it known he wanted in and, in turn, was welcomed in our nightly throng of sonic hide and seek. it was good to settle for this equation as being the last time i needed to mess with the line up. and i very much enjoyed the company. it has lasted a good long while...a decade, more or less. and i am sure there will be tons of the unforseen out beyond the bend that will permeate the bond on occasion....but this tour begining on the 25th will mark the first time in all that time that giant sand will begin to morph somewhat again after a lovely long run of non such. joining up for the first 9 shows opening for dear polly will be aaron burtch (drums) and jim fairchild (guitar/bass) ...both good buds from 'grandaddy'. this will be a treat for us all and i am looking forward to having some fun and staying in the ring for the 12 rounds during our alotted 45 minute opening set time. also along for the thrill will be the darlin' ladies that have graced our last 2 tours out that way, saholy and laureline from 'candy prune', france. meanwhile, john is out this time with calexico, and he and joe will join up as soon as their tour is over, which should be in munich and/or milan, then the 'grandaddy' boys will head home to chill before their big upcoming tour this summer...and john and joe will finish the last 5 shows with us. the calexico thing has turned into its own creature, one that i can relate to only from its history, otherwise seemingly too much like show business for me, which is probably why i have enjoyed the level we were at as giant sand all these years (never certain or caring if getting bigger was ever an option). a relative comfort zone of just enough folks coming to the shows to facilitate the conjure and spark....so i am happy for them to have such a new sonic life and to carry on from the camp that we have all enjoyed for so many years. it is a seldom matter that bands find the way to exist this long and still remain fresh and uncrusted by the taint of the business or crushed by the bitter residue of their own dreams turning toxic. and it was great to kick off this tour in london a few days ago only with john and joe. the coincidence factor has always been high in this camp, and it was more fine luck that these late added english shows fell in moments before the calexico tour begining the next night in hamburg. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: so this is life way up here in the future. not so bad at all. kind of wonderful. i am here to thank you all for all the time of your lives spent with us having the time of our lives. and therein lies the matter.
Date: Sun Feb 18 06:24
erwin (erwin.verstappen@chello.be):: from 'confluence' (upcoming release)
Date: Sat Feb 17 16:46
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Where is she from ? or Which Cd is the track from?
Date: Sat Feb 17 04:25
s lee (slee@b.com):: Where is Blue Marble Girl from? Anyone?
Date: Fri Feb 16 16:01
p. john donnie (info@biomedesigns.com):: Giant Sand and or Calexico. Please come to Southern California some day soon. Orange County (don't laugh) needs you!
Date: Fri Feb 16 15:30
howe ( *('...')* ):: that is exactly correct
Date: Fri Feb 16 10:16
anonandon ((:)):: "Wayfaring Stranger" is a traditional folk ballad written around 1800. There are very fine recordings out there by Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, Ralph Stanley, jazz vocalist Helen Merrill and many many others. As it relates to Giant Sand... Rainer performed it throuout his career, including it in live sets while with the Sandworms and Das Combo.
Date: Fri Feb 16 10:15
anonandon ((:)):: "Wayfaring Stranger" is a traditional folk ballad written around 1800. There are very fine recordings out there by Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, Ralph Stanley, jazz vocalist Helen Merrill and many many others. As it relates to Giant Sand... Rainer performed it throuout his career, including it in live sets while with the Sandworms and Das Combo.
Date: Fri Feb 16 07:56
Adrian (underthesurface@hotmail.com):: Jim's so very right about the Giant Sand compilation. The rarities are a real reward for fans. Inner Flame with Rainer is astonishing, as is Corridor and Remain Distorted. Sublime.
Date: Fri Feb 16 06:41
fairmaam (*!*):: hanging by a thread...well out on europe-a...glad to hear all is going well, with the tour....that's a powerful double bill. una pregunta: can any of you musical mavens out there share some background on the song "wayfaring stranger"? it has wrapped me in arms of solace and discovery with vishnu like holiness from the throats of sand and cash...(by the way, johnny's new album is a beauty to behold) giant jim, any thoughts? (and did you like the little girl taking the alligator for a joyride?) :0)
Date: Thu Feb 15 11:42
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (blackwood@kxci.org):: Just finished listening to the completed cd "Selections Circa 1990-2000" and am truly astonished with how great it turned out... After the many-many-many hours of work, a true masterpiece has been created.. A great way to open someone's ears to Giant Sand.. The last song "Change is Now" was found in the archive on reel and with the addition of radio static in the sonic explosion in the middle of the song - sends shivers up my spine... literally.. I think all will enjoy this one... So enjoy.....
Date: Wed Feb 14 19:37
Tom (vervoorttom@hotmail.com):: how well do you know Brussels , Howe ? rehearsing with Jim and Aaron somewhere i suppose, and then after..The PJ concert was sold out before i knew it was on , so no Giantgrandsand for me. Just remember this bar : Le Coq. Hope to have a drink there, or hope to be served.
Date: Wed Feb 14 16:14
howe ( {'o'} ):: hi again..in chicago catching a flight home.drizzle here too.made itthrough the 3 nights in london.......it was a fine bathing of polly tones and we had a pretty great time opening and wanging the dang doodle..early the next mornig the boys were off to begin the calexico thing in hamburg.and me off to tucson and then back out with some jim and aaron from grandaddy to begin the rest of the polly tour in europe..........wishing rainer was here, but in a fine mood....and yep.....much thanks to john parish for his catalystic converterisms of it all ..................polly was very kind indeed.....astonished, howe
Date: Wed Feb 14 13:26
Mike (and Sarah) (mike@sa-wa-ro.freeserve.co.uk):: The three Shepherds Bush shows were each different - Sunday's was a sleepy subdued show, as they'd only just got off the plane that afternoon - Monday was Giant Sand at their live best with the audience receptive to Howe's charms - and Tuesday's was an edgier, looser affair. Never easy opening for acts such as PJ, when the audience are only waiting for the main event, but (at least on two nights)they carried the audience along with them and were received really well. I didn't get to the Sunday show (Howe warned me off)but the setlist for Monday and Tuesday are as follows.... Monday: Shiver - Stuck - Johnny Hit And Run Pauline - Milkshake Girl - Instrumental (no title as yet but a bosa nova(ish)tune Howe refers to as the Calexico Audition)- Leather (inspired choice by Joey) - Inner Flame.......... Tuesday: Stuck - Instrumental - Wayfaring Stranger (probably on the new GS album) - Instrumental (Calexico Audition) - Blue Marble Girl (as Adrian says Glum style - big guitar, with Goldfrapp nod) - Johnny Hit And Run Pauline - Shiver - Loving Cup (of course). Thanks to John, Joey, Jelle, Steve and Tom and Mark from Loose .. and of course Howe for making an old man happy.
Date: Wed Feb 14 10:42
Adrian (underthesurface@hotmail.com):: By some miracle I blagged it into see Giant Sand with PJ Harvey for the third night at Shepherds Bush. It was so great to see the trio of Howe, John and Joe on stage for the first time. It was a fun loose set with Howe bouncing his piano off John's wonderful animated drumming in a couple of jazz instrumentals. Elsewhere there was a brilliant rendition of 'Stuck,' a Glum-flavoured version of 'Blue Marble Girl,' a jaunty 'Loving Cup,' a rough shake of 'Shiver' and cover of 'Wayfaring Stranger' (recently done by Johnny Cash). Come back again soon Howe, John and Joe - we need more!
Date: Wed Feb 14 06:11
Joanne (jomurray1@hotmail.com):: Hello there! I went to the PJ Harvey gig at the Sheperds Bush Empire on Monday night, and I thought you guys were fantastic!!
Date: Tue Feb 13 02:54
Morgan (ledocfolam@yahoo.fr):: Hi Howe! It's Morgan, do you remember me? I was one of the two guys who interviewed you for a radio show at Fr�quence Mutine in Brest.We talked together with Marc (in fact you and Marc were talking and I,I was listening, having a look at the girl who done the cooking :-) during your last concert in Rennes. It was a great show, a very nice night and the interview was cool. :-) Do you enjoy your gifts? The 9th symphony and Marc's own record "Black Sand"? Marc would like to write you a letter but he hasn't got the time to do it because of his job. So I send you an e-mail. Black Sand has recorded new songs during the winter + a Lou Reed's cover "Perfect day". A friend of Marc will do the mixing soon.I'll try to send you all of these new tracks in mp3 files if you want. I hope that they will manage to get few dates in spring. But I'm not sure of that. Wait and see... I have made another version of Marc's song "People are just pretendin'" with my little hands and my computer but I did not use Pro tools or Cubase! Too complicated for me :-) I saw that you'll come in Paris soon with PJ Harvey. But the shows is already sold out! Pity... I coudn't come and see you. It will have to be some other time :-) Maybe during your next tour in France with Giant Sand... Oh, by the way, a very happy new year for you and your friends and your family. Bye bye. Morgan P.S Sorry about my english, I don't speak as well as Marc does. :-)
Date: Mon Feb 12 14:50
Michelle and Honor (in the Bristol rain):: oh Howe and John and Joey we're so sad we won't get to see you, our babysitter arrangements fell through and so we're stuck down here in the Wet West waiting for the return of John Parish. It would've been strange to see Giant Sand and PJ Harvey without him. He's kind of the missing link. Suitably hairy for that role too. Give my love to Polly and the band, and wet sticky kisses from H
Date: Mon Feb 12 06:32
howe ( ['-~] ):: thanks mike ...and jim ...for getting this thing back up and runnin'. i am sitting here in the london rain, never sure how this really happens. we opened for polly last night at the shepards bush empire. a nice murmer of soft chatter white noise added to the jet lag lull as we attempted to smear the perimeter with sonic slippage. nice doing it with john and joe. and good to see all the friends in the polly camp that we met through john parish way back when. she was fine... her band sounding like a single gigantic blues guitar. the strange part was recording with john parish in tucson for a few days, then driving him to the airport there, then back home to pack, and driving back to the airport to wake up here in london rain.....i think that was yesterday. tonight we will get another shot at opening for the polly rythems....tried to write a song or two and get myself back up to some form other for tonight sshow...and then again tomorrow we'll rearrange the furniture i suppose...on stage....mmmmmmm ok ...gotta go...xfm radio thing at the moment...keeps us out of the rain a bit. cheers,-howe
Date: Sun Feb 11 21:44
Nuno (nunoantonio@yahoo.co.uk):: It's about time, Giant Sand in Lisbon! Good on you, guys. Will have to phone in sick again...
Date: Sun Feb 11 12:28
Bjorn Hammershaug (freejazz@start.no):: Nothing to say really, just had to add my name on the new list. Everythings great: Lots of new sandreleases, upcoming show in Oslo, spring ahead... take care,all.
Date: Sun Feb 11 09:50
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (.........@.........):: Hey! Welcome back all!! Hope you had a nice vacation..
Date: Sun Feb 11 00:27
Mike Brewer (mike@sa-wa-ro.freeserve.co.uk):: OK - so the comments page now works. Most other things are back to normal.... great - all up to you now.

Date: Wed Jan 17 08:03
lisa (lfairman@tisny.com):: thanks to john, joe, and howe for the giant catharsis on saturday; it's amazing the magic music can make...watchin you 3 play in the sand. love to all the good hearts in tucson; next time we meet will be under more joyous circumstance. thanks for the stretch of circle. peace.

Date: Tue Jan 16 15:31
s.traxmfg (*#!):: Guided By Voices, Stephen Malkmus, Ann Magnuson Slated For Concept Album Jan 15, 2001, 1:10 pm PT From the track listing, Colonel Jeffrey Pumpernickel looks like an indie rock version of Now That's What I Call Music. But the album -- which features new songs from Guided by Voices, Pavement's Stephen Malkmus, the Minus 5, the Sebadoh spin-off Sentridoh, and Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, among others -- is actually more like a concept album a la Pink Floyd's The Wall. The brainchild of Chris Slusarenko, who's played in such bands as Sprinkler and Svelt, Colonel Jeffrey Pumpernickel: A Concept Album features 16 songs based on chapters of a story Slusarenko wrote for the project. He then broke the narrative into 16 parts, which he then gave to his buddies, asking them to write songs about their sections of the tale.

Date: Fri Jan 12 12:09
Aschaar(-) (Aschaar33@yahoo.com):: Hi Folks, you should check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/one_world_city_slang.shtml And you can listen to a BBC recording of Kurt Wagner (Lambchop), Howe and the Calexicans playing Kurts and Calexico stuff together. It is amazing. Have f

Date: Thu Jan 11 09:01
howe ( ['~']):: some of the shows will be without whoever won't be there, whereas some of the shows will be way too full with whoever can be. time is short. divide and conquer..? or divided we fall ...? should be entertaining either way. i know i am entertained already at the sheer notion. groan

Date: Thu Jan 11 07:30
Guni (-):: Klones � I see. So that's how they managed the tour stress last year! And I thought it was the jet-lag that made them super creative!

Date: Thu Jan 11 02:59
Markus (markus@morkel.de):: Hamburg, Cologne, Munich...say isn�t Berlin a big enough city. So I guess we have to head for Hamburg to see PJ and Howe and all the rest (and maybe they get along well together and...well, just think about an OP8 and PJ album or the like...) MM

Date: Thu Jan 11 01:17
christine (am absprung):: great idea to klone all the good ones!

Date: Wed Jan 10 16:27
Aschaar (((-))):: They have klones made to tour at the same time.

Date: Wed Jan 10 15:04
mike (mike@sa-wa-ro.freeserve.co.uk):: ahhh - now there's the rub.

Date: Wed Jan 10 13:52
Guni ((-)):: If Giant Sand is going to be opening PJ Harvey's concerts in Europe, who's gonna do the Calexico shows that are announced for the same time?

Date: Wed Jan 10 07:54
mike brewer (mike@sa-wa-ro.freeserve.co.uk):: The Giant Sand shows are ONLY on PJ's european dates (not the UK either) - and I think Paris has already sold out. Check Polly's site - www.pjharvey.net/homeflash.html for more details on ticket sales. I will be putting more links on the tour page later today.

Date: Wed Jan 10 07:09
lisa again (?):: ok, before i go nuts booking flights, is there any chance this show will take place in the US?

Date: Wed Jan 10 06:54
lisa (!):: oh dear god...what a way to start the day.... two of my favorites together on one stage...sigh...looks like I'm headed to Brussels...

Date: Wed Jan 10 00:48
jan (jpr@jprprod.de):: PJ and Sand - great news (I bought my PJ tickets some weeks ago). I wonder whether the rest of the PJ-audience will also appreciate this combination... any opinions on this out here?

Date: Wed Jan 10 00:16
Ian Gillan (GILLANIAN@aol.com):: Does that include PJ's UK dates? I don't see them on the list.

Date: Tue Jan 9 16:37
mike brewer (mike@sa-wa-ro.freeserve.co.uk):: Howe's just let me know that Giant Sand will be supporting PJ Harvey on her European tour at the end of February - go to the Giant Sand tours page for more details.

Date: Tue Jan 9 10:15
Patti K. (pkeating@hotmail.com):: Hey, the new Rainer "LIVE" c'd is finally available...if you want it go to glitterhouse.com Its amazing. Its a concert that he played 6 months befor he died and the best live perfomance I can remember. Oh and Greyhound Soul is a great band from here. (Tucson) Patti

Date: Tue Jan 9 07:17
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (blackwood@kxci.org):: Yes Greyhound Soul is another Tucson band.. Check out http://greyhoundsoul.com/ .. The lead singer Joey Pena and lead guitarist Jason DeCorse, both played in Howe's band "TON" - great stuff, but I believe is only in the archive as of yet..

Date: Tue Jan 9 03:22
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Hi ya all! Anybody knows a band called "Greyhound Soul"? They will be on stage here in Langenau Germany in May and the promoter describes them as "Guitarrock direct from the american desert. For all fans of Rich Hopkins or Giant Sand".

Date: Mon Jan 8 15:11
kurtf (s.trax mfg):: its called a digital delay pedal i believe....lots of different kinds and varied options.

Date: Mon Jan 8 06:39
Tommy Gailer (tgailer@yahoo.de):: Today i got "Down Home 2000"! Great Stuff by the first listen; bad luck for the rest of my cd`s, `cause "Down Home 2000" will occupy my cd-player for the next while...

Date: Mon Jan 8 05:43
sal paradise (salvatoreparadise@hotmail.com):: queeeesttttioon :-) to all the giant sand fans who are guitar players too.. whats the name of the effect pedal with which you can copy your own guitar sound while playing and let it repeat it all the time? i think howe uses it too.. please email me or post it here.. thanks, sal

Date: Wed Jan 3 17:10
howe (+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++):: well....happy new year............i am hoping everyone out there can have the year of their life...until the next year of their life of course. ....

Date: Wed Jan 3 12:45
trey harrison (tharrison@eldoradoschools.org):: My New Year Revolution for 2000 was to see G.S., as I've been a fan since '88, but never witnessed them. My wife and I missed them in Tuscon by one day this summer. This New Year's was bittersweet. I'd tickets to see G.S. and company @ the Empty Bottle. We were going to fly from Wichita etc., but buying a new home took precedence. No solace was found in Kansas, despite our best attempts--we spent the evening listening to G.S. cd's and drinking wine. Like giving a starving dog a rubber bone. Someone PLEEEEEEEZE post us a review of the show, so I can further wallow in my spirit ditch.

Date: Tue Jan 2 20:48
Jim "Giant Archivist" Blackwood (blackwood@kxci.org):: Happy New Year!! New shows coming up in AZ - Jan 12 at Nita's in Tempe and Jan 13 at Solar Culture - Giant Sand opening for Tracker. If in Tucson next Monday (8th) better be at 7 Black Cats..... Also, looking for copies of the New Years show for the archive - e-mail me directly!!

Date: Mon Jan 1 19:51
phil zisook (pz123@aol.com):: Repeat Tim K's comments re the Empty Bottle show. "You... astonished us"!!! The Blue Marble Earth was the highlight for us too. The backing vocals/horns were out of this world. A great Astonished opened the show with Howe on keyboards. We had to leave early though. How late did the show go

Date: Mon Jan 1 10:09
Ricardo Lez�n (rlezon@euskalnet.net):: Happy new year a todos los que, como yo, disfrutamos con el talento de Howe and company. Un trago de Jack a vuestra salud. Corridoooooor. Que grande�. From Spain with love.

Date: Mon Jan 1 09:53
Tim K. (nuevoanos@smileytate.com):: Swell doings at the Empty Bottle last nite with Howe and a cast of thousands in a Calexico/Giant Sand love-fest. Good vibes, good guests. Personal high point was the power-trio backing vox by Neko Case(sp?),Janet Bean and Sally Timms on an in-spired "Blue Marble Earth." Horns and pedal steel and stand-up bass all filled out the big sound nicely. Howe did some fine Pinata whacking at midnite & closed out with a very cool "Inner Flame".Never imagined a few years ago that Chicago would get a chance to be Tuscon north. Thanks guys.

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