2004  July to December

Date: Fri Dec 31 20:49
SeanT (Punk's Not Dead):

Happy New Year everyone , love Sean.

Date: Fri Dec 31 19:10
Alan (bouncing baby ):

boy... Shea Everett... 7lbs 15.25oz... 12/30/04... !!!

Date: Fri Dec 31 16:51
thin (scrolling indefinitum):

yip, now time ponder in its ponderings, been good readin nice best of lists, ta muchi, must add some of beethovens piano groovy stuff into that mix I think and some chet baker and sidney bechet blowing, aged but well aged. bigug to ya all.the thin thinkings and mussings of a new year beatniccc. sage venue look sweet.

Date: Fri Dec 31 10:56
Flynn (Thanks):

Thanks for the info, Lars.

Date: Fri Dec 31 06:13
Lars (Scrolling for Flynn):

Yeah, I guess that was a call for me, eh guys? ;-D ### As of yet Under Byen has not been released in the US. I think it was about to happen through The Orchard (.com) a year ago or so, but fell through. So in 2004 it's been released in several European countries outside Denmark. So yes, you'll have to go the import route. ;-) Plenty of people doing that these days to get Under Byen. You can find som shopping suggestions at these two: http://www.larsdideriksen.com/underbyen/discography.htm AND http://www.larsdideriksen.com/underbyen/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14 (check all three pages on the forum thread) ### I know of an Australian who recently got good and prompt service from the Danish shop www.cdskiven.dk (there's an information page in English on the site). www.theothermusic.com is a Danish shop with an English site. Got lots of cool stuff. At www.gemm.com there are also people selling Under Byen. ### If you would like to hear more right now the entire second album is streamed in high quality here: http://www.cuttingedge.be/downloads/underbyen_determig.html ### And live shows streamed (also Giant Sand and Calexico there): http://3voor12.vpro.nl/3voor12/groups/index.jsp?groups=16057467 (I would suggest the Eurosonic show - it's by far the best of the two). ### And if you're into downloading bit-torrents www.easytree.org would be a good place to visit. ;-) ### Right, that's all for now. I hope it was helpful. Happy hunting! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETS FROM ÅRHUS, SANDIES!!! / Lars

Date: Thu Dec 30 23:22
great movie (Garden State):

The best thing since (Amelie)You will see!

Date: Thu Dec 30 21:54
Flynn (Under Byen):

I checked out the Under Byen mp3s on their website and would like to hear more. Can't find any US stores/ websites selling their CDs, though. Does anybody know if they're available in the States or am I gonna have to go the import route? Oh, and Happy New Year, Sanditos!

Date: Thu Dec 30 14:13
t.g (Left actually #14 on Threadwaxing Space Live cd):

...just discovered this...

Date: Wed Dec 29 19:11
dj insight (Bill Janovitz - Lonesome Billy - '96):

very good to have this cd arrive today along w/ Low Max - Spitzbube. I know I'll be listening to these. Actually I already have. Howe is on both. A year after 1995's Giant Sand BBQ Broadcast...inbetween OP8 - Slush (1997). One uture upcomings go after this cd. Good and calm new year.

Date: Wed Dec 29 03:54
buxfix (join the sandman series but don't join now):

i can convince everyone to join the sandman series - it's so much fun to get in contact with other sandinistas but please do not subscribe for the very next days - i am working on a database to store all addresses - and geee it's a lot right now - will tell you, when everything works fine - and then gazelle join us... a happy new year to erveryone!

Date: Wed Dec 29 02:46
gazelle (gazelleiam@lycos.com):

heyyyyy everybody...a belated merry christmas to you all...how is tucson? how is denmark? how is howe? it has been raining in california, girl let me warn ya'...i want some more bootlegs. maybe i should join the tree. anyone want to convince me? i think there needs to be a tree for dummies or something. me pee brain no understand. does anyone here like to my space or friendster? it's a fun world (wide web). looking forward to new releases...mine is on the way

Date: Tue Dec 28 21:32
todd ('04 selections Wunderbar hofbrauhaus, AB. (Dec. 27/04)):

hey Alan...the new christams collection on Mint Records is very good. Calexico - Praskovia - '04...howe gelb - ogle '04...giant sand w/ Scout Niblett - remote...Sigmatropic - Haiku Ten - '04...AA Sound System - Stratochief - '04 - local Alberta - Los Monstros del Tucson Rock - That's what You Always Say - '04...Shuyler Jansen - Write your Will - '04 - Alberta local...Lampchop - Nothing adventurous Please - NoYoucmon - '04...10 second pause...Los Mocosos - Bandolera Era - American Us...Rich Hopkins & Luminarios - Soul Leecher (El Paso) - The Best and Worst - '04...fade out...Twin Fangs - mujer angel - Quelque Chose - '04...Unbunny - Water and the spanish Tongue (alt) - CWAS #16 - '04...Grandaddy - Nature Anthem - Below the radio - '04...Bebop Cortez - mustachio - the romantic panther commander - Alberta local - '04...Tom Waits - Real Gone - '04...Califone - trickbird - Heron King Blves - '04...Lampchop - being Tyler - Awcmon - '04...Jon Rauhouse's Steel Guitar Rodeo - Indian Love Call w/ Howe Gelb - '04...Jesse Sykes & the sweet hereafter - Troubled Soul - Oh my Girl - '04...Wendy McNeill - the sparrow - '04 - AB local...Richard Buckner - a chance counsel - dents & Shells - '04...Neko Case - Train from Kansas City - The Tigers have Spoken - '04...The Sadies - song of the Chief Musician - Favorite Colours - '04...Neko Case - if i'm gonna sink (I might As well go to the bottom) - Touch my Heart - A Tribute to Johnny Paycheck - '04...Jay Farrar - like a hurricane - Stone Steel & Bright Lights - '04

Date: Mon Dec 27 14:10
Alan (Lump of Coal or...):

Hey, a long time ago I got the X-mas collection "A Lump of Coal." It remains my favorite "rock"-ing Christmas collection... do any of you have other favorites/preferences? cold here... alan

Date: Mon Dec 27 09:03
Lars (gig?):

Giant Sand gig tonight at L'Estragon I am told?! Posted on a sign in front of the restaurant? 22.00 hours? And I'm far away on Zealand. What a bummer... :-( I hope you have fun, guys! (I have the feeling you will. Last time was a laugh). Greets! / Lars

Date: Mon Dec 27 07:42
Lars (Newz for ze Germanz...):

Just stumbled upon eight new soon-to-come live-dates for Under Byen in Germany and Austria (Köln, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, München, Wien, Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg) at this website: http://www.fkpscorpio.com/kuenstler.asp?nummer=107551 --- Thought that a least a few of you might find it interesting (and to you others: try checking them out... ;-) ). Best x-mas greets! / Lars

Date: Sun Dec 26 06:59
Jörg (Drunken Bees):

2004 is coming to an end now, and I wonder if the plans of releasing the 2004-anniversary-edition of the "Drunken Bees" - DVD (details at: http://amormusic.com/marianne/drunkenbees/db.html )are put to rest or if it's gonna come out next year? Anybody knows?

Date: Sat Dec 25 11:32
archivist (Al Perry at archive.org):

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.. Just posted for you - Al Perry on KXCI from August of 97. Recorded on KXCI's 'The Tucson Musician's Showcase' radio program (later replaced with 'Locals Only'). Featuring a bunch of unreleased tracks, demos, live cuts, and a few live in the KXCI studios. This will be the first of a buch of great stuff from Al Perry to get posted for download at archive.org! Enjoy! http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=20787

Date: Fri Dec 24 16:30
Todd (Don't turn away / Christmas eve):

Fun this week I got a copy of GIANT SANDWORMS don't turn away 7", Steve Wynn - Kerosene Man, Los Monstros del Tucson Rock and The Best and The Worst of - Rich Hopkins & Luminarios. Love the cover art (1986) don't turn away 7" of some artist named Hugh James - 1939. Anyways I'm operating the Alberta public radio broadcaster tonight being Christmas eve and then boxing day. I'm making it home for the Christmas Day. Glad about alot of things especially Howe Gelb/Giant Sand & Old Reliable. What a treat to hear the 7" Soloman's Ride - Goin' to New Mexico (on the eve). I've also got the 7" Con Lo Mejor del Momento Polena & Seashells - Friends of Dean Martin(ez). Nice warm sound on these vinyls. Merry X-mas to you around the globe. On the local Alberta west went to a lovely show last night from Edmonton it was Shuyler Jansen's Hobotron and from Calgary Chad Van Gaalen.

Date: Fri Dec 24 09:36
The Distance (is getting closer):

Merry Xmas to all the sander's

Date: Fri Dec 24 09:14
- (-):

This is the very very best of this year: Giant Sand is back...all over the map....on tour again! Thank you, Howe!!!!

Date: Fri Dec 24 05:12
jesus (Xtmas):

Felices Fiestas to everybody!!!

Date: Thu Dec 23 04:54
mike (sa-wa-ro):

sadly, after reading your 'best of the years', i realise i did'nt get any new albums this year........ apart from the sadies 'colours' and a couple more that were given to me on tour. the best one i did receive was a great compilation for the tea room by young shaun hendry.... which get's played a lot. the only stuff i've got (through ebay) are older albums i didn't get first time around.... and there's a long list of those to get. i think i'll stay in the past, pick a good year and just keep living that one over again ala groundhog.... there's very little new in this world... happy christmas all...... see you on tour

Date: Wed Dec 22 19:01
2004 glue (best of bacon):

Nothing Engine ' Silent Song' Noose for luke 'What wrong with the speaker'EP Colin Hartley '4 song accoustic demo' Louis gordon and john foxx i forget giant sand in london and for laughs the bands called woo 'party at sams place' oh yes and the stutterkicks 'eight almost half past' just to remainse. also enjoyed chips with more salt. baiting the eupropeanas from eurpoa sitting on trains and getting engaged / enradged looking forwar to mared life. See you all on the flip side? so so wrong.

Date: Wed Dec 22 16:53
J (new year, schmoo year):

Map, year of the monkey, still listener and most of the rest. banharts both and all else I can find. ian brown 'solarised' and 'music of the spheres' kris kristofferson, anything I have liked. trojan retrospectives (the label) under byen freebies do the biz... hayden, american music club. waiting with baited breath for the newish kevin kinney. dylan/band-basement tapes. As you probably can tell, I'm not enamoured of 'lists' and yearly awards and stuff cos it's all always in flux. whatever, have a nice cold season people

Date: Tue Dec 21 17:27
From: pollyharvey.co.uk (Not True...):

NME have quoted Polly as saying that Paris was her last concert ever...!!! This was a mis-quote, what Polly actually said, at the show, was 'This is OUR last show' referring to the current line up for the Uh Huh Her tour. It is believed Polly is about to take some time away from public view, let's just hope it's not too long... Thanks for all the concerned e-mails in the meantime.

Date: Tue Dec 21 13:45
Guni ('s favourites in 2004):

in no particular order - and yes, I'm aware that some of them had been published in 2003 but somehow they're still growing on me - Giant Sand "Is all over the map" * Howe Gelb "Year of the Monkey" * Whip "Atheist Lovesongs to God" * Timesbold "Eye Eye" * Willard Grant Conspiracy "Regard the End" * Woven Hand "Consider the Birds" * The Band of Blacky Ranchette "Still looking good to me" * Fink "Haiku Ambulanz" * Missouri "In Voodoo Rama" * FODM "Random Harvest".

Date: Tue Dec 21 11:35
Dk (DK):

PJ : http://www.nme.com/news/110873.htm

Date: Tue Dec 21 10:57
james s (pretty girl):

milkin' a cow. oh yeah.

Date: Tue Dec 21 10:56
DK (dk):

Have you heard the bad news, PJ is done doing live shows. ”This is the last show I’ll ever play!”, she proclaimed at a show in Paris!

Date: Tue Dec 21 10:51
gene (krupa):

merry christmas to you all, fellow sandies

Date: Tue Dec 21 04:24
Lars (Hey, it's not me!):

Haven't been buying much on eBay lately. Only a microphone (guess what that's gonna be used for ;-) ). No sand-cds or something similar. I rarely loose an auction there. I bid in the last second and never on an equal amount. And well, remember: cough up enough dough! Tally-ho, chaps! / Lars

Date: Tue Dec 21 02:31
sSeanT (kEVIN kINNEY):

J - It's worth the wait.....

Date: Mon Dec 20 23:15
phill (great music dvd):

Damon & Naomi on tour with Kurihara (SONG TO THE SIREN)Great for true music heads. And a very merry Christmas to all on the board, God bless and hold tight to every great minute.

Date: Mon Dec 20 22:56
john krajicek (krajicek@tamu.edu):

can anyone point me to some downloadable wilco shows (tweedywankiness aside)??

Date: Mon Dec 20 21:46
Flynn (Moot point):

Moot, have you heard any of the recordings of Wilco's recent tour? The addition of Nels Cline does wonders for the new material. His guitar is an excellent counterpoint to Tweedy's wankiness (which I like, but I see your point -- the new album is definitely a difficult birth). And if you haven't heard the latest incarnation of Giant Sand live, check out the Rubigen show at archive.org. Splendid! BTW, the Vermontress festival link was a random find after being directed to bradley's almanac for a recent Arcade Fire show download (their album, The Funeral, is one of the best I've heard this year, too).

Date: Mon Dec 20 21:18
Moot (Topping off):

2004 saw my return to Sandland. Bootleg #3 and 4 were new to me, and heartily enjoyed! "Map" and the Blacky disc received heavy spinnage. Grandaddy's 'Sumday' was new to me too, and I loved that as well. Actual '04 releases I liked the most were Drive By Truckers "The Dirty South", and Sonic Youth's "Sonic Nurse".(I liked the Wilco CD enough, but it came out the same time as SY's, and the inventiveness of SY's gtrs compared to Tweedy's wankiness, just soured me on the disc)

Date: Mon Dec 20 21:06
Moot ((Vermonstress)):

Flynn, big thanks for posting that Vermonstress link! I was @ that show, and it soured me on the band. I saw them @ TT's 8 mo. prior, very user-friendly set w/ Dando/Hatfield manning the stage.I talked the show up to a buddy and took him w/ us to Verminstress. Howe was pretty looped, thrashing the most violent sounds outta that acoustic. We wondered if they were "grunging out" cause it was a Sub-Pop sponsered deal. We were blaming it on the news that V. Williams, who was supposed to be on the bill, had just been diagnosed. Sorrows being drowned and what not. Anyway, very happy to hear the show after all this time. Not as sloppy as I had reckoned. Here's that link again: http://www.bradleysalmanac.com/songs/vermonstress.htm mp3s of Giant Sand live at Vermonstress (a SubPop Festival) at Club Metronome (Burlington, VT) October 10, 1992:

Date: Mon Dec 20 20:55
J (Sean T):

Thanks for reminding me about Kevin Kinney, bleedin' xmas post is standin' in the way of my listening pleasure

Date: Mon Dec 20 18:01
i keep loosing at ebay (lars go to bed):

what ever percentage your on LEAVE IT

Date: Mon Dec 20 10:47
graham (2004's top ten or so):

Giant Sand "All Over the Map", Friends of Dean Martinez "Random Harvest", Califone "Heron King Blues", Richard Buckner "Dents and Shells", Tom Waits "Real Gone", Drive By Truckers "The Dirty South", The Anomoanon "Joji", Tracker "Blankets", Will Johnson "Vultures Await", Grant Lee Phillips "Virgina Creeper", Cary Hudson "Cool Breeze", Chris Whitley "War Crime Blues".

Date: Mon Dec 20 06:59
Lars (best):

The best artists this year in my opinion were Bleubird, Deerhoof, Berg Sans Nipple and Bobby Birdman. Brilliant stuff! / L

Date: Mon Dec 20 06:57
Lars (competition):

Anyone not ready to pull out cash for some Under Byen, yet maybe being curious, could check out the competition at the fansite: www.larsdideriksen.com/underbyen - 3 copies of the debut album "Kyst" as well as merchandise is up for grabs. Merry x-mas from Aarhus, sandies! / Lars

Date: Sun Dec 19 19:47
geoff (oh yea):

the new steve earle and the creek dippers are good political fun

Date: Sun Dec 19 19:46
geoff (not really a top ten...):

but a few more to add to favorites from this year. i echo a lot of other people's mentions, but thought i'd add chuck prophet's age of miracles, jon dee graham's great battle, 1100 springs' bandwagon, bonnie prince billy's country album, the mountain goats' we shall all be healed, and the silos' when the telephone rings.

Date: Sun Dec 19 19:03
t.g (purchase picks):

...that's right...TOm Waits - ReaL GONe, and Alberta locally...shuyler jansen's hobotron

Date: Sun Dec 19 11:14
Alex (2004 picks):

Big ditto on William Shatner's HAS BEEN. I was amazed on how good it is, maybe because I was expecting it to be campy. The poem about finding his dead wife in the swimming pool is chilling. It reminds me of Peggy Lee at times, like "Is That All There Is" (another Giant Sand cover). Shat's verison of Pulp's "Common People" is really great, and I bet Jarvis approves.

Date: Sun Dec 19 05:30
Jörg (2004's best - appendix):

Oh, I forgot OGLE also came out this year. Surely one of the highlights, too. And I have to add two more killer records: Laura Veirs "Carbon Glacier" (dark, stark & moody plaintive songs, very unique sound. I forgot "Shadow Blues" in my songs-of-the year-list below) and Firewater's "The Man On The Burning Tightrope" (if you liked Tom Waits' Real Gone don't miss this one!)

Date: Sun Dec 19 01:11
dj insight (5 more 2004 picks & purchases):

howe gelb - OGLE SOME PIANO, Sigmatropic - Sixteen Haiku & Other Stories, Grandaddy - ARTIST'S CHOICE, Jay Farrar - STONE, STEEL & BRIGHT LIGHTS, Calexico - CONVICT POOL

Date: Sun Dec 19 00:38
todd (top 2004 picks and purchases):

Upside Down Home 2004 - The Year of the Monkey, Is All Over...the Map, NOYOUCMON, AWCOMON, HERON KING BLVES, dents and shells, THE TIGERS HAVe Spoken, FAVORITE COLORS - The Sadies, Scout Niblett - Uptown top Ranking...and Last Call Records re-issue 2004 The band of...Blacky Ranchette

Date: Sun Dec 19 00:22
conch (apparently tall in the saddle):

Uh...er...that was supposed to be Flaming Lips. Or Sparklelips...whichever.

Date: Sun Dec 19 00:20
conch (right):

Songwise...the Sparklehorse/Flaming Horse collaboration of Daniel Johnston's "Go".

Date: Sat Dec 18 20:52
conch (I'm serious):

William Shatner's "Has Been". If you haven't heard it yet...you should. In my top ten of 2004. I was oddly...oddly moved by it.

Date: Sat Dec 18 15:38
Jörg (nonendingranking04):

I'd like to throw in some of my favourite songs of the year: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds "There She Goes, My Beautiful World", You-know-who "Classico", Jolie Holland "Old Fashioned Morphine", Creekdippers "The End Of The Highway", Tom Waits "Hoist That Rag" & "Trampled Rose", M. Ward "Story Of An Artist"(D. Johnston-cover), The Libertines "What Katie Did", Will Oldham & Tweaker "The Color Of My Dreams, If I Had Dreams", Jon Langford "Hard Times", Devendra Banhart "Wake Up, Little Sparrow"

Date: Sat Dec 18 14:43
doug r ((top 04)):

so many good uns mentioned already --just to add more worthies. Eszter Balint "mud" is highly recommended ; Woven Hand "consider the birds" continues his excellent output :Jim White "drill a hole....." : Chris Whitley "war crime blues" : FODM "random harvest" : Chuck Prophet "age of miracles" in addition to GS, PJ, Tom Waits and Wilco.

Date: Sat Dec 18 09:12
frank c (Top 8 concerts):

(in Hamburg except otherwise indicated): Divine Comedy (Brussels and Hamburg); Die Sterne; Giant Sand; Lambchop (the first Hamburg gig); Heinz Strunk; Studio Braun; Nick Cave

Date: Sat Dec 18 08:34
tomma gailer (scrolling for faves in 2004):

1. Giant Sand – is all over the map 2. Tom Waits – Real Gone 3. Nick Cave – Abbatoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus 4. Lambchop- Aw c`mon/No you c`mon 5. Bonnie Prince Billy - sings greatest Palace Music 6. Peyroux Madeleine - Careless Love 7. Wilco – A Ghost Is Born 8. Elliott Smith – From a basement on a hill 9. Ron Sexsmith – Retriever 10. The Divine Comedy- Absent friends 11. Sam Phillips – A boot and a shoe 12. Kante – Zombi 13. Jack Johnson – On and on 14. Magnetic fields – I

Date: Sat Dec 18 08:25
Frank C (top 10 04):

GS - Is all over the map; Paul Weller - Studio 150; Feist - Let It Die; Morrissey - You Are The Quarry; Wilco - A Ghost Is Born; Lambchop - Awcmon/NoYouCmon; Divine Comedy - Absent Friends; Beastie Boys - To The 5 Boroughs; Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Sings Greatest Palace Music; Thomas Dybdahl - That Great October Sound And then some old stuff I discovered during the year which I love even more than the most new releases and they are, at least, new to me: Elton John - Madman across the water / Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy; Neil Young - Tonight´s The Night; Bryan Ferry - These Foolish Things / Another Time, Another Place; Roxy Music - The Early Years / Avalon; Rocket From The Tombs - The Day The Earth Met... Nice weekend everybody!

Date: Sat Dec 18 07:58
buxfix (songs and concerts):

some perfect songs of the year: GS: NYC of Time, Feist: Mushaboom, WGC: Soft Hand, Black Keys: the lengths, joanna newson: sprout and the bean, nicolai dunger: hunger, grandaddy: nature anthem, preston schoolof industry: get your crayons out! best concerts: giant sand in zurich, american music club: hamburg, KOC: hamburg and beulah also in hamburg - think thats it! have a nice weekend - bux

Date: Sat Dec 18 07:45
buxfix (best of 2004):

sittin over the review of the year md i say: feist, kings of convenience, giant sand, broken social scene, american music club (what a comeback), morrisey (what a comeback - hey), polly jean, kings of leon, joanna newson and gus black, devendra banhart

Date: Sat Dec 18 07:00
The Distance (gets closer):

Fav's this year, Giant Sand, Interpol, Silver Saddle, Rosie Thomas, Jesse Malin, Darren Plant, Mark Lanagan, Chilli's GH, Richmond Fontaine.

Date: Sat Dec 18 05:26
SeanT (LP's of the year...):

My faves this year : Social Distortion , Arcade Fire , Mark Lanegan , Giant Sand , Green Day , Kevin Kinney , The Beastie Boys , The Faces , The Zutons , Guided By Voices , Wilco , Tift Merritt , The Twilight Singers , Wreckless Eric .

Date: Fri Dec 17 23:19
conch (FROWN):

Crap, how could I forget SMILE!!!??? Yep yep yep, it's right up there.

Date: Fri Dec 17 19:55
hijo (ofkf):

How can you possibly forget Brian Wilson SMILE... But for sure THE MAP takes the firstQ

Date: Fri Dec 17 11:26
conch (faves of 2004):

Hmmmmmmmm...I'm really gonna need to sort through my CDs and figure out what struck me the most this year. But obviously "Is All Over The Map" is up there, as well as the two Lambchop discs. Hitchcock's "Spooky," (for the song Television alone), and Neko Case's live CD. Oh, while the concert dates from 1985, Pete Townshend's full length release of "The Deep End Live At The Brixton Academy" is really fantastic (available only through his web site). And I've been enjoying the Spongebob soundtrack quite a bit. I need to ponder through the stacks and get back on this one. Hey, where's Em gotten off to?

Date: Thu Dec 16 21:16
Flynn (best of 04):

still trying to hash my list out for my annual 'some of the best of this year' radio show next Thursday. Would be very interested in others' suggestions. Without question, 'Is All Over the Map' will be there. Califone's 'Heron King Blues' and My Morning Jacket's 'Acoustic Citsuoca,' too. Torn between Britney's pop opera and Devendra Banhart's two releases. Best live shows in ought-four? Wilco in Portland, Maine and Giant Sand in Cambridge, Mass. It's a tie.

Date: Thu Dec 16 18:42
hugh (LCC):

hmmm...the listener coffee companion out of stock.Glad I got mine just two weeks ago.Am thoroughly enjoying the videos.

Date: Thu Dec 16 14:55
Hanway Films (a new film by Terry Gilliam):

For those who might be interested: http://www.tidelandthemovie.com/

Date: Thu Dec 16 05:37
Richard (richiep@notforu.com):

Its that time of year and im going to list what i found to be the best albums of the year. For reasons none other than boredom and interest in other sandworms opinions. 1. Giant Sand - Is all over the Map. - You cant really argue with Howe when he returns with his head firmly in the sand, and the muted response to this album on this site is unfortunate. 2.Candidate - Under the skylon - Brilliant British indie folk or whatever label fits the bill best. 3. The Czars - Goodbye - Amazing return from an amazing band that is criminally ignored in the US 4.Owen - I do perceive - Late discovery but hear wrenching stuff from Owls/cap n jazz/joan of arc - drummer mike kinsella 5. Lambchop Awcom on/no you come on - Perhaps a liitle bit too clean and produced form one of my all time favourite bands, but this was still above and beyond most records that came out this year

Date: Wed Dec 15 19:18
paulK (Glasgow):

Prefer Glasgow although Edinburgh has its good points. Used to frequent it in the 70's mainly, cool record shops then. Tom, don't recall seeing Hot Tamales. Used to like the preservation Halls. A friend of mine, also called Tom, plays fiddle in some Edinburgh pubs

Date: Wed Dec 15 14:37
J (specifically):

http://www.shavedneck.com/Miscellani/pages/c05-GiantSandwormsCellar.htm

Date: Wed Dec 15 14:33
J (tucson hardcore flyers):

Natives may find this nostalgic, via metafilter http://www.shavedneck.com/ Dangloo, liked track 1...

Date: Wed Dec 15 12:33
Lars (cap):

What is "natural" colour? Skin colour? If so, English or Tucsonian? ;-) / L

Date: Wed Dec 15 11:26
Glue (For......?):

Fore how long did you die or just tease me tell me what is my time scale. I have a new job working with the naughtiest of santas elves. its lovley i get to be a calme voice in a world of mad !!! Catsuits not allowed. I am also devistated that nobody has bothered to insight me by being rude about my music? this is an open invitation to all you people who think i am a girl to stick the knife in the wife as it wernt. last chance www.stationforshrewsbury.co.uk/music.htm try it its not crack.

Date: Wed Dec 15 07:50
SeanT (Glue v Golf):

Enough is enough . Golf , I play golf not ever in the middle of a wedding .However I have noticed wedding parties in the clubhouse , don't worry you will be safe from the Pringle jumpered hordes. FORE !

Date: Wed Dec 15 04:27
tom (front desk):

Edinburgh.Paul did you ever drink in any of the Oyster bars or Whistle Binkies?You might have seen me playing there in the nineties.I played in 32-20 and Hot Tamales,both small blues combos.

Date: Tue Dec 14 21:11
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.cm):

Edinburgh or Glasgow, which do you prefer?

Date: Tue Dec 14 18:55
paulk (edinburgh):

Tom they are at the Queens Hall, check the Giant Sand homepage for details.

Date: Tue Dec 14 17:33
conch (archive/rainer):

Fantastic! Thank you!!!

Date: Tue Dec 14 11:21
archivist (Rainer added to Archive.org!):

Here is the first show.. As promised - 12-5-83 - http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=20514

Date: Tue Dec 14 10:37
glue (verifacation):

Sorry Thats my ill gal had a poerly quim . Oh stop me please

Date: Tue Dec 14 09:47
SeanT (gLUE):

Is Quim illegal now ?

Date: Tue Dec 14 08:36
tom (dont frisk):

Paul,where in Edinburgh?I used to live there.MMMMMMM...Rapido fish supper....

Date: Mon Dec 13 17:58
paulk (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):

Thanks to Christoph I've got the Haarlem disc to send to a few luckypeople who can then reoffer it. Mail me at the above address. AND.... GS in Edinburgh in February!!!!

Date: Mon Dec 13 14:49
J (OWOM):

Thanks a lot folks, got my year of the monkey, cap etc way before expected what with christmas n'all. Good work fellas! (and lasses)

Date: Mon Dec 13 14:12
OWOM (Listener Coffee Companion):

Sorry folks, we are out of stock of the LCC and it may be a while before we get them back.. So, the free cd offer is over and hopefully we will have a few more to see in the future. Also, we have taken down DH 02 which has finally sold out.

Date: Mon Dec 13 10:41
jy (christmas wish list):

I want a reissue of Storm on cd. It should be in a standard jewel case, and the liner notes should fold out to show the original cover art in big size. Bonus tracks not necessary, but maybe some new words of enlightenment of the procedings. I also want some tires for my new used $600 car. And some candy.

Date: Sat Dec 11 16:20
frank c (Dimebag):

What a sad and senseless death! I haven´t listened to his riffs since "vulgar display of power" (which I remember as one of the heaviest sounding and most powerful records ever). Maybe I should dig for Pantera in that hill of old tapes in the cellar...

Date: Sat Dec 11 12:23
glue (RIP DIMEBAG):

That man was god missed by me xxxxx

Date: Sat Dec 11 10:33
glue (weeding's and fun):

Whats going on! did you do this why is my wedding day on the same time as an emormouse golf fair? oh god i want to die why won't they leave me alne/ all these peop;le playing golf over my weeding day? what is golf / i hate it / why do all these furkers exists / is there anything eles that could push my already (see earilier comitmetment comments) realitionship over the edge peolle been laughing at me for being too nice / golf the bastards no rroms for family best man has to stay long way away / bastruds / i want to ssee golf become as illigal as quims. thats enough to angrty to even type even. NIGHTY

Date: Sat Dec 11 10:13
International Fantastical (Frank?):

A German who doesn't identify with his country or has national pride? That's probably a good thing. hahahahahahahaha. Just having a laugh. I'm smiling, and you should be to. :)

Date: Sat Dec 11 09:58
conch (europe/america biggle puss):

I think, perhaps, Europeans have an edge over us here in the U.S. in pointing out American export crap--i.e. fad diets, shallow taste, a suspect foreign policy--whereas most Americans are, for better or worse, blissfully ignorant of the more questionable aspects of European culture. Truth be known, much of what comes this way from across the Atlantic tends to be some of the better stuff created over the seas. We get the more artful films instead of the really bad ones, the more interesting TV shows--like The Office--instead of the horrible ones. In that regard, we're much more fortunate than our European counterparts, because we aren't swamped with every single thing created in your neck of the woods, both horrible and wonderful. So that tends to define the distinctions that are being made on both sides. However, as Europeans who are informed by so much American export, your comments are those of people who are being discriminating (discriminating in the best sense, that is)--but the sentiments don't always filter accurately, and that has much to do with our limited access to what is created over there. In other words, the regard is usually high over here because of the quality of European/U.K. material that finds its way into our homes, stereos, or big screens (as limited as it may be). So when the culture critiques come our way (which are justified), it sounds less like people who are sifting out the crap in favor of the good, but, rather, like a knee-jerk kind of judgement that has a reductionist aspect to it (and, I suspect, that might wrankle those who don't regard themselves or large chuncks of this country as being part of a homogenous whole). That said, if our cultural seed is pumping blindly about the globe, birthing both love children and vile mutants, a certain degree of import commentary should be welcome and useful. Anyway, I get my news from the BBC World Service, which is growing in popularity over here--so there's hope.

Date: Sat Dec 11 08:49
Frank C (The (international) diet conspiracy):

Ok, it´s discussable if one has to bring up issues which are not directly related to Giant Sand etc. But then: as Pitiful said this is an international board with many independent minds "all over the map" reading and writing, so why not discussing some international issues? Isn´t it quite remarkable that some of those supposed internationals feel offended when an absurdity like this low carb diet (which accidently happens in the States) is beeing discussed? In general: why is it anoying if a foreigner is curious about a certain dumb behaviour of a certain part of their people? Can´t understand why an American should feel insulted because it´s not directed against "the Americans" but against everyone everywhere who believes in crap like this. On the other side, maybe as a European (especially as a German for obvious reasons) I don´t have enough sense for patriotism, national pride, identifying with your country (...) to understand this. In this case: sorry. And: (international) Giant Sand is great, of course!

Date: Sat Dec 11 04:01
thin (a hollerin from thinland):

wellwell, all saints church, in february look like a good place to hang up coat, grin, open the ol' ear holes and say a thank ya very much monsieur gelb and cohorts. could be a new year for new ears.bigug

Date: Sat Dec 11 03:22
Leo (Down in the dirt):

Anyone up for a game of cornhole?

Date: Sat Dec 11 02:53
J (Pitiful and Greg):

Tell it like it is people. Cold Canada and Howe with a choir, whatever next? That's why the man has got such a hold on folks I guess! Snarkiness? That's a good addition to my vocabulary, thanks a lot.

Date: Fri Dec 10 23:17
International Dork (aka Pitiful):

Exactly...this is an international board...why people on this board want to stir up the international relations escapes me...nothing better to do ...kinda like me...but the "Giant Sand is more European than American" (or the other way around) bullsh*t...or the US is so wasteful crap... is just boring and gives me a sharp pain in my eye... so my post was just what I had on my mulletized redneck mind at the time ... no rehersal ...no proofing...it kind of dribbled out...kinda like Mr. Glue only not as good...it was meant to be vague... I guess...I think...I really did not ponder very long about it...I live in Tucson and was born in Oaxaca, Mexico... towns where you do need cars and you don't need cars...what does any of that have to do with Giant Sand?...Does Howe need a car? probably not here in the barrio...probably not in Denmark...Yeah Bush sucks... so do all leaders in Europe...W just has more military muscle....Hitler anyone?...Yeah Hummer's suck (gas)... so do Ferrari's ...Oil for food anyone?...low carb, low cal, low fat, low cholest....what the F*ck?...I am more interested in how Howe and his family are doing...anybody?... I am smiling just in case you wondered...ciao, aaaaaadios, later and goodluck with the relations.

Date: Fri Dec 10 20:58
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

There seems to be a lot of snarkiness on the board lately. Do I have to put all of you kids into timeout?

Date: Fri Dec 10 18:59
A Dumb American (Me Talk Pretty Someday):

Uh...er...what? Maybe I'm reading it all wrong, but I can't tell if that's an anti-Europe or anti-America slam. Hmmmmmmmmm...confusing. Well, I'll just cover both ends and say, "You international dork!" Just kidding, of course. But clue me in Pitiful, really, because I'm not following, although I get the overall neg. vibe, just can't navigate the direction of your jab. Uh...keep up the good work, though.

Date: Fri Dec 10 18:43
Pitiful (American):

Europe, Europe, Europe...We just want to be like you...We are just cowboys...riding our horses...in the desert...with dusty chaps...it is such a shame to we are not like you...Boo ****ing Hoo

Date: Fri Dec 10 07:41
Lars (Richard):

Be sure to click "Tours - Giant Sand" and not "Tours - Howe Gelb"....and scroll all the way down. And if still nothing happens click your refresh-button (but that should not be the case now). / Lars ... happy dane ;-)

Date: Fri Dec 10 05:45
hugh from paris (seant(canada)):

sean-this will probably reach you too late but if you have a chance on your last night for a drink stop by the Cameron House(408 Queen St. West)just a half block west of Spadina;look for the orange ants crawling up the side of the building.The Horseshoe(just east of spadina)on Queen St. West is good too-sometimes depending on the band playing that night.Howe played there about 3 years ago.Cheers!

Date: Fri Dec 10 05:21
peasoup ( - himself):

tour starting late january in scandinavia also bring GS to great britain, yes

Date: Fri Dec 10 04:43
Jörg (Richard):

All the dates are there......good news for everybody in Denmark, Italy, Austria and UK. (Stefan, I guess you finally will catch up on some more shows this time around - maybe even Italy ;-)?)

Date: Fri Dec 10 04:07
Richard (Richardperring@hotmail):

Hi guys, but unless my computers lying to me, which is a possibility then the tour page doesn't seem to shed any light bout these jan tour dates

Date: Thu Dec 9 18:49
J (moorwood mike):

Giz an easy to buy Rain Parade thing if ya have the power???

Date: Thu Dec 9 13:47
Thats (Thats):

Thats posted at www.rickygelb.com

Date: Thu Dec 9 13:47
Thats (Thats):

Thats posted at www.rickygelb.com

Date: Thu Dec 9 13:46
Ricky Gelb (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

The answer to my trivia question to win the 7 inch, first Giant Sandworm record, is posted on the comment page at www.ricktgelb.com Also, I think the future January GS tour dates are on.

Date: Thu Dec 9 13:45
Ricky Gelb (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

The answer to my trivia question to win the 7 inch, first Giant Sandworm record, is posted on the comment page at www.ricktgelb.com Also, I think the future January GS tour dates are on.

Date: Thu Dec 9 11:56
Lars (scrolling for Richard):

How about checking the Giant Sand tour page? ;-) / L

Date: Thu Dec 9 09:44
Richard (Richardperrins@hotmail.com):

European tour jan/feb 2005? Dates please. I hope to god that the boys come back to the UK because i was too wasted to remember the Bush Hall gig properly

Date: Thu Dec 9 05:10
tommy gailer (scrolling for hayseed dixie):

that`s maybe the funniest taping policy ever: http://www.hayseed-dixie.com/taping.html

Date: Wed Dec 8 23:15
lookin for Mike Sa-Wa-Ro (I need a answer!):

what does Howe call the bear and when did it first appear and howe. please give us the story about YO-MOMMA BEAR, thanks, Phill

Date: Wed Dec 8 19:05
J (Mike):

Well, I never wear non protective hats, or badges. But I do paypals. Testing the newborn sawaro store...

Date: Wed Dec 8 17:59
glue (i must ahve dropped off ):

Giant sand returning? the same week i am producing an opera? feel free to visit Shrewsbury to Watch The beggars Opera 18th century satire all welcome its the last thing of my old life.

Date: Wed Dec 8 17:36
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):

hi all..... have finally put up the first part of my web store, the giant sand bit at any rate, have some tour t-shirts (xxl only at present)but getting some more made for the next part of the european tour (january/february)... also some older t-shirts, and some caps, badges and cd's.... link is www.sa-wa-ro.com/GS-Store/gs-store.htm .... tucson and related will be next, followed by guitar/americana stuff.... payment is by paypal, or cheques (uk banks only) or even cash'll do...

Date: Wed Dec 8 16:02
Canada (CDs/Cassettes):

Because it's cheaper.

Date: Wed Dec 8 15:36
T.G. (Blaine):

That's a good question?...I'm puzzled? Why is it that cd's/ cassettes get printed or made in Canada? Man I shouldn't of typed anything about the Canadian dollar it just dropped again :( One good thing about being Canadian over being an American is that we have no problems if we want to go to Cuba.

Date: Wed Dec 8 11:54
Frank C (mild years):

Well, I guess "Uncle Sam" should admit himself to laugh at his relatives if there´s reason to laugh (as his neighbours from the other side of the lake do, too - well, at least, Lars does ;-)). This diet idea sounds quite funny (thoug I missed the beer and dope in it) so what ´s the problem? (I unintententionally started the diet 12 years ago by drinking buckets of coffee every day). And of course, I brought this topic up with a self reference: most good, bad and ridicolous ideas from the States swap over to our place with little or no delay (rocknroll, diet coke, aerobics...). So please don´t worry too much about Europe´s supposed arrogance.

Date: Wed Dec 8 11:02
Lars (Carbs á euro - US the greatest etc.):

The "no carb" thing has been here in Europe a little while. This week's there's a documentary on the dumbest tv-channel here (I hope they come to the right conclusion). Regular healthy people shouldn't do the diet. You WILL loose weight by doing it, apparently, but your colestorole skyrockets (and other things that should stay low)....so it doesn't make you healthier at all. Also says to drink lots of coffee, if I remember correctly. But yeah, someone will always try it, for sure. No matter how stupid it sounds. One thing's for certain: shortcuts NEVER work. It's the hard way if you wanna get healthier. I recently started doing aikido, which I find quite interesting. My body hasn't experience any serious exercise for years, so it's complaining. Still, I'm gonna keep at it. ### "America is the greatest country in the world" makes me wanna puke also. Well, whatever country is saying it! I just hear it more from Mr. Bush that anyone else....and he seems hell-bent on doing the opposite with your country. Hmmm, maybe time to give the ol' Jello Biafra "Martial Law" spoken word-thing a listen... "This country is now under martial law. All constitutional rights have been suspended. Shut up! Do not attempt to think or depression may occur. The number one enemy of progress is questions. Remain calm. Do not panic. Sports broadcast will proceed as scheduled. Shut up! Be happy! Obey all orders without question. The comfort you've demanded is now mandatory. At last: everything is done FOR you." He-he! What's the title of that track? "Message from our sponsor", I think. :-D ### Over here we're in the grasps of the bureaucracy called The European Union where no one knows what each other is doing (it's probably the same) and the politicians get fatter and fatter... Jeez, I'm getting blue now....time for "Plants And Rags" á la "Cover Magazine"? Uh, nice save, don't ya think, dudes? ;-) Greets! / Lars

Date: Wed Dec 8 09:26
james s (frank's wild years and uncle sammy):

No, Frank. It's not a hoax. It's hard to find a menu these days without the "low carb" section. On a side not, I saw a clever political poster a few months ago that said, "No carbs in 2004: no Cheney, no Ashcroft, no Rumsfield, no Bush." Don't think, though, that we americans are a homogeneous lot. There are many of us over here hoping that this fad dies off before too many of it's practitioners do. As for Europeans embracing mindless US imports, clearly it happens, but I don't imagine the Eurofolks are a homogeneous lot either. As for mindlessness, it knows no geographical boundaries. Just for fun, though, you Euros should try holding and eating a hamburger without bread, especially one with lots of "special sauce." As for high and mighty finger pointing, aka cultural arrogance, that seems to know no geographical boundaries either. If I hear the statement, "America is the greatest country in the world," one more time, I might just spontaneosly combust. For those of you that get irritated with posts that aren't giant sand related, let me just say, Giant Sand is cool. That's all from this quarter. Is it the weekend yet?

Date: Wed Dec 8 06:23
Uncle Sam (with a can of Spam):

Well, Europe, here's your chance to actually avoid the low-carb diet. So just say no for once, and spare yourself--and us--the annoyance of pointing high-and-mighty fingers when another dumb American craze is embraced by those who routinely lament mindless U.S. exports. Really, the two-faced nature of it all gets old.

Date: Wed Dec 8 06:05
Frank C (diet issue):

I know it´s not about Giant Sand but it´s worth wondering ... Read in the newspaper yesterday that there has been a serious "low carb" diet fasion in the US?! People eating as much fat and proteine as possible and no carbohydrates like potatos or pasta? Coke developped a "no carb" diet coke? MCDo selling burgers without the bread? Bill Clinton being surprised that he got sick after eating steaks without sidedishes all day? Cmon, tell me that was a hoax! Or will this diet flood hit old Europe next year?

Date: Wed Dec 8 00:37
Blaine (TG-DJ):

Question for ya - why do covers/insert for albs & cds get printed in Canada?

Date: Tue Dec 7 20:42
Todd Gray (whoops two entries):

...just flipped the cassette and the old tape has to be heard on a road trip. I'm giving the second The Love Songs cassette to a good friend.

Date: Tue Dec 7 20:31
Dj Insight (AB) (promo cassette 'The Love Songs' OR):

...@ my old friend's now and the cassette sounds good. John Convertino is not listed on related but plays on 'The Gradual Moment' by Old Reliable. Just beginning side two of Thelovesongs. The voice of Falling James....this would be his first appearance? then Swerve...pronounced CA-CA-VAS right? 1988 Homestead Records still printed in Canada. oh just ended the cassette. keep flippin'...

Date: Tue Dec 7 20:28
Dj Insight (AB) (promo cassette 'The Love Songs' OR):

...@ my old friend's now and the cassette sounds good. John Convertino is not listed on related but plays on 'The Gradual Moment' by Old Reliable. Just beginning side two of Thelovesongs. The voice of Falling James....this would be his first appearance? then Swerve...pronounced CA-CA-VAS right? 1988 Homestead Records still printed in Canada. oh just ended the cassette. keep flippin'...

Date: Tue Dec 7 19:23
todd ("how'd you get past the gates"):

...finally figured the coded message from the song 'Inner Flame'. Just got Inner Flame in the mail, ah good listen fer sure. I like how Howe and Rainer are on a bunch of tracks and also Howe's liner notes. I never seen this cd anywhere so I went after it on ebay...pretty good deal 9.20 American...don't forget the Canadian dollar is getting stronger. oh and I also got two copies of The Loves SOngs on Cassette!...Good deal @ musicweb.com...Minus 20 up here freezin' faces and few smiles. We adapt and play shinny...time to get my skates sharpened. Check out related records to find that my Old Reliable was included in Howe Gelb, Joey Burns and I think John Convertino. Good on Mr. Mike Brewer. New record by Old Reliable in the spring called 'The Burning Truth'. DJ Insight (AB)

Date: Tue Dec 7 18:41
J (Ricky):

Yeh mon,but dem cherry lip gloss fulla dat shat

Date: Tue Dec 7 15:44
r (m@r):

winners.....YES....there are......Kinda......Close enough. Last shots anyone????? By the way J, see things are looking up. You influenced a female to offer up the slow motion image of her licking her lips in aknowledgement. So lovely and tasty is lip gloss, so see through like a magnifiing glass of those pink delicate lips. ........ok then, back to the aspartame thing.

Date: Tue Dec 7 15:34
Ricky ("" " ):

I will really try to give the answer tonight after work/kids/!@#$%^&^/..... .. . put .... . . .. . .put ........put

Date: Tue Dec 7 15:34
job (ricky--no winner yet?):

if in a car checks her self out in the mirror--anywhere else, the nearest reflective surface (window, or whatevever) will do.

Date: Tue Dec 7 15:17
Ricky Gelb (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

Just came across an article that is located in a magazine from up in Hudson, New York : http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2004/11/backbone/earwhacks/ for you folks that like reading about my brother. I was actually was looking for a review of a documentary that I am working to get out to the media/public. It pertains to how deadly Aspartame is. Its a product many folks consume thinking its safe, such as diet coke and pepsi or jello. Its in 9,000 food products. If you know anyone that drinks diet soda you should check it out. www.soundandfury.tv (Its were I work)

Date: Tue Dec 7 11:25
Lars (USA-DK):

I remember when I was in New Jersey back in '95 or so. Stayed at a villa, but everytime one had to go somewhere it was by car. Going past villas and villas....until we found the freeway....which lead us to the mall. No shop around the corner from the house. Of course we got housing areas here too, but usually there's a supermarked within walking distance (10 minutes)...unless of course you like in the countryside. Right now, in the middle of Aarhus, I've got it made. Although, living in a way too expensive and small-ish one room apartment it's dead center. Shops, venues and work is within immediate reach. Very nice. But of course Aarhus is small. 250.000 inhabitants...so there you go. The second largest city in Denmark, ha-ha. Capital Copenhagen has got about 1 million...with the suburbs. Probably ridiculous figures in your ears. :-) The two cities are 3 1/2 hours apart by train. ### But I got everything I need here (I do come from a small town in the countryside where there were no nice cafés and cool music shops). Hmmmm, where am I going with all this? Nowhere...and fast. Just an amusing comparison to the US maybe? :-D Greets! / Lars

Date: Tue Dec 7 09:03
james s (lars):

i envy you, lars, for being able to do without driving, for living in an environment that was made for human habitation, with public transport that actually works, and then the walking factor. Where I am, it's all spread out, and ugly. Walking or cycling is a good way to get hurt. Not only do we not have any kind of workable public transport, we don't even have sidewalks, much less bike lanes. This country is built for cars, trucks, SUVs, and their manufacturers, and the oil and gas people. There are cities over here, of course, where one can get by without a car of their own, but the vast areas are vast and spread and roads everywhere, covered with Molluscs in their shells, with not a person on foot in sight... six miles to the next chain restaurant... oh boy. :(

Date: Tue Dec 7 05:20
SeanT (Canada):

Off to Toronto tomorrow , never been to Canada before. Any tips or ideas ? Only there 4 nights , I'm going to a wedding . I guess it will be freezing.

Date: Tue Dec 7 03:33
Lars (sulksulk):

No gas-whining from me. Not even a "gotta-get-a-car"-whine (everything here is within walking or cycling distance - otherwise it's the train). Hmmmm....what else....? Ah, yes....whiiiiiiiiiiine...Where's the gospel record?!?! ;-D Otherwise just looking forward to going home for christmas. Happy X-and-all! / Lars

Date: Tue Dec 7 02:34
hank (temples of gas):

You gotta stop i dont mean please / you gonna change or im a goina leave

Date: Mon Dec 6 19:51
ferump (lars):

Sure, Lars, we'll stop whining. But when are you gonna stop? :)

Date: Mon Dec 6 15:37
Lars (girlies ):

Jeez, we sure sound like a sad lot, y'all...getting mostly odd reactions. Hmmm....I'll spare you my musings on the matter. :-) Maybe I should start with getting a car and then take it from there? Easier to raise the roughly 23.000 of the current "low tide dollars" to buy a car than... ### (and you Americans, stop whining about your "high" gas prices!) ;-D / Lars

Date: Mon Dec 6 14:33
J (Nah):

Small town coastal UK. Sorry to spoil it. What's the word on the gospel album?

Date: Mon Dec 6 14:32
J (james):

Sure are. ((;-~

Date: Mon Dec 6 14:30
J (gazelle):

well you must have the speed, smell and desire as well. Dilemma. Wassup Ricky?

Date: Mon Dec 6 14:29
james s (#:-o):

the emoticons are evolving...

Date: Mon Dec 6 14:12
gazelle (j is right):

i agree with j. i mean, that's what i would do. only i might look off to the side after looking down at the ground and then brush back my hair and look back to see if he's still looking. maybe then i'd bite my lip and raise my eyebrows or something as a sign of recognition. this is all happening in downtown tucson right because that's how i'm picturing it. ;OP

Date: Sun Dec 5 17:13
archivist (one other note..):

This set from Rainer from 1983 will be made avaliable in the coming week (or so) at archive.org. I am very excited about this and you should be too! Thanks Patti.. visit raineroftucson.com & www.kxci.org/rainer

Date: Sun Dec 5 17:05
archivist (KXCI on Monday Night!):

As part of our 21st Anniversary celebration, KXCI will re-air something I put together for last year's anniversary. It is the material from KXCI's 1st broadcast & recorded on 12-5-83 featuring the entire set from Rainer & Das Combo (42 min) and individual tracks from a few other groups that played including The Giant Sandworms. This will be on 'Local's Only' on Monday night. The first hour of the show will be hosted by Al Perry and will be featuring the best local music of the last 21 years. That's Monday night - starting at 8 PM (Das Combos set at 9:15 or so...) on 91.3 FM KXCI - Tucson AZ (www.kxci.org)

Date: Sun Dec 5 15:04
ricky (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

sorry, never found the time yesterday and I am now back at Bentely's with my herd. I will post the answer today. Thanx

Date: Sun Dec 5 14:49
stefan (munich):

Coyne was one of my musical favorites in the early 1980's. Sad to learn he's gone.

Date: Sat Dec 4 19:19
paulk (another man done gone):

After old Peelie going I found out today that Kevin Coyne died on Thursday. Older UKers will remember him,maybe some others, sad sad news.

Date: Sat Dec 4 13:51
OK then, (from ricky trivia land) (Winner or r's):

I am jugaling my 3 yr old girl Piper, My twin boys 6 Y.O Gibran and Gabliel., and My oldest girl Frankie 7 goning on 33. You know. We are at Bentely's coffee house in Tucson. My wife is in bed with a hang over. Wouldn't you know it, She stayes up till 4 am whatching Real Sex (HBO) and Fear factor rerundes, drank 2 bottles of wine and I did not even get laid. The humanity. After the sedtives kick in with the kids, I will scroll down to review all asnwers and determine the winners.

Date: Sat Dec 4 06:01
glue (all this talk..):

........musta busted a junction in my head/ go out last night / my fine lady is away / this girl is talkin to mee on and on buys me a drink / i have a flaming sambuca lit and going in my mouth woo she does the same and sets fire to her self / i explain that i am / coming up to being a / maried man but still she persues all the time / riddling in my mind is the question why after all this talk and chunder would a woman full of splender and doused with wonder / arpoarch a hoax and turn in her charm / defiantly not to be on an arm/ she was wasted i felt the blame / i walked her home talking dhit to kkep her sane arrived at her house left her for dead / she past out over sofas don't know if she would have made it to bed / so being polite and a;lso to blam / though aparetnly an exboyfriend fulled more of this drink shame / i made her a fresh glass of water and squash and left her to rest on the place she bequothed. / the moral of this story is always stay in and dont drink like a yid / partcipate in boxing matches for tuppaware lids / hold true to yourself and keep the rest within reach / but probably most of all to any old dog theres tricks you canb teach. miss you xxx

Date: Fri Dec 3 17:46
Flynn (impress your friends):

http://www.ringtones.net.au/Detailed/91357.html

Date: Fri Dec 3 17:37
Leo (Down in the Dirt):

Has the cornhole craze hit Europe Yet?

Date: Fri Dec 3 16:56
Blaine (BOC minus umlat):

It doesn't get much perfecter than Reaper, esp in radio wasteland. The Red and the Black, anyone?

Date: Fri Dec 3 16:54
Blaine (Bo Diddley or the Yardbirds or somebody...):

...I was looking back to see if she was looking back to see if I was looking back at her.

Date: Fri Dec 3 14:06
Graham (reaper):

I've got a fever...and the only prescription is MORE COWBELL.

Date: Fri Dec 3 13:48
Flynn (Reaper):

Wilco closed their recent shows with "Don't Fear the Reaper," while playing in front of a backdrop image of George Bush giving his infamous one-finger salute.

Date: Fri Dec 3 12:49
J (james s):

Not gonna get that riff out of my head for a while now...

Date: Fri Dec 3 12:35
james s (unrelated last thoughts):

admit it... "Don't Fear the Reaper" is a cool song.

Date: Fri Dec 3 11:57
J (Last thoughts):

Glue is right, taken a smile and free a scold. Gimme the record!

Date: Fri Dec 3 11:28
ricky (..):

I will put an end to this today. Any last thoughts?

Date: Fri Dec 3 10:45
glue (Hello?):

have any of people ever looked at a woman looking at a woman looking at a man? cook books you have. it only works one way - if your taken you get a smile if your free you get a scold unless you are some kalvin kline model which and no offence to the giant sand fan steryo type here i doubt any of us are - i probably could have been a contender had i not been struck at speed buy the ugly bus as i fell from ugly tree where i was trying to gaze through the window of a lady but enough. This realy is weird and for me to say this is also very weird people look the world is a small fish bowl everybodies looking for a corner to slink off into and we can't that leaves us bouncing like bowling balls being thown buy a 3 years old bouncing down the runway opf life. if you relay on looks alone you are feeblke but if you manage it fair play your a better man/lady digging lady than me. I went to mingle with the Cheltenhamtypes this week and even played a gig. it was realy weird just before i began in front of a full house of 8 and a small dog a guy i used to know from school entered to the room / fate has always thown me such strange bones / complety flustered i held a D/G rythem going for 10 mins with me Monologueing / rantiung about life rafts and quincy / at the end a small boy / came over and asked me if i had rehursed said monolougionation i just gave him a stool and left. Well i enjoyed it./ ps judging by the lack off critial acclaim i am guessing that i did'nt relight any fires must trie harder. love ya all xxxxxx

Date: Fri Dec 3 08:00
tHom (I'm with J):

been following the thread with some amusement and waiting to see if anyone else would say it and I think J has nailed it. She first glances down at her feet/shoes/the ground just in front of her - always. The look back up or at the guy and the hair touching thing are optional extras and it varies. But that first instantaneous glance downward is obligatory amd may be just to check for any obstacles in the flight path ...

Date: Fri Dec 3 03:17
J (Ricky thread...):

Looks at her shoes, back at the driver, brushes imaginary hair from her face, looks at her shoes again. In my experience it could be in a strange town and the leading lady a person I do/don't find to be my 'type' Or it could be nearer home and go on occasionally for years. Eventually something has gotta give (In the latter scenario) That's when someone plucks up the courage to say hello.

Date: Thu Dec 2 23:06
john krajicek (krajicek@tamu.edu):

rolls her eyes with a little shake of her head

Date: Thu Dec 2 22:39
john krajicek (krajicek@tamu.edu):

she sucks in her stomach (hey, it ain't just us, boys)

Date: Thu Dec 2 20:24
james s (listening to old cassettes of Golden Earring):

that's freakin' great.

Date: Thu Dec 2 18:21
Paulk (Pretty women):

Checks to see if her fly is down.

Date: Thu Dec 2 16:49
karlos (hellooo laydeeezzz):

attractive women never catch my eye. it's like they've spied me from an adjacent post code and realised the peril of looking in my direction...such is my devastating handsomeness and heroic stature with blonde locks flowing in the wind, they would have to give up their mundane lives as stuntwomen or parachutists and join me on a hedonistic tour of the low countries, gargling with absinthe and listening to old cassettes of Golden Earring. Or maybe just no-one looks at one another and smiles any more. not in londinium anyways.

Date: Thu Dec 2 16:13
james s (could it):

be something as simple as a blush?

Date: Thu Dec 2 15:52
r (.):

no.....not so deep, its a reaction I doubt girls even realize they do until it was brought up and they thought back.....and may say.....oh yeah, i guess i do do that.

Date: Thu Dec 2 15:09
john krajicek (krajicek@tamu.edu):

she quickens her pace... escape mechanism... caused by some deep seated fear...

Date: Thu Dec 2 14:06
Gloria (Sticky Buns):

MMMMMMMM.....Glue, you sound like my type of man. Do you like fat chicks with ten cats and scars?

Date: Thu Dec 2 14:02
rg (" " "):

2 people are close. The last person "she", could you be more specific. I find it interesting, these conditioned behaviors that seem to be amongst large populations. ………. i.e. Females. Half the human population. I am angered by the rhetoric of government and their reckless regard for mankind. Wasted money and energy that serve the future poorly. Why is a yawn contagious? Now there's something worth understanding. Anyway, since my brother is occupied with such sad circumstances of life and beyond. At least I can offer up some brotherly entertainment.

Date: Thu Dec 2 13:18
Blaine (Glue Wins):

I agree, Glue takes the crust, I mean cake. But my sister is looking into that temporary restraining order.

Date: Thu Dec 2 12:10
Ricky (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

Let me be more specific. A Guy is driving; traffic is at a halt (stopped or very slow). The driver looks around since he is stopped. Notices a girl walking on the sidewalk in the near distance. The gets that built in sense and does a peripheral check. Makes eye contact, possibly quicker than a moment. Hasn't even gotten to the thought process of whether she finds the guy attractive or considers her own personal situation of availability or possibility. This is the point when girls walking down the street, taken by surprise, realizes she is being observed. What is the behavior that typically happens? That's the question. I will be back after I get to work. Please send me emails, so I can send you an email when the fun starts at the end on January. This happens 8 out of ten times, maybe 7 or nine. Off to work at www.soundandfuryproductions.com. And I would like some female imput, but not sure they would know the behavior more than the guy in the driving position.

Date: Thu Dec 2 12:07
conch (she...):

looks away, before looking back.

Date: Thu Dec 2 11:54
Ricky (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

Let me be more specific. A Guy is driving; traffic is at a halt (stopped or very slow). The driver looks around since he is stopped. Notices a girl walking on the sidewalk in the near distance. The gets that built in sense and does a peripheral check. Makes eye contact, possibly quicker than a moment. Hasn't even gotten to the thought process of whether she finds the guy attractive or considers her own personal situation of availability or possibility. This is the point when girls walking down the street, taken by surprise, realizes she is being observed. What is the behavior that typically happens? That's the question. I will be back after I get to work. Please send me emails, so I can send you an email when the fun starts at the end on January. This happens 8 out of ten times, maybe 7 or nine. Off to work at www.soundandfuryproductions.com. And I would like some female imput, but not sure they would know the behavior more than the guy in the driving position.

Date: Thu Dec 2 11:07
Jörg (Ricky's question):

No use trying anymore - I'm sure glue's answer is the correct one.

Date: Thu Dec 2 10:31
john krajicek (krajicek@tamu.edu):

Ricky's question. Her response completely depends on whether or not she's attracted to the guy. Yes, the response is inevitably a smile... but if she's not hot for the guy, that smile says it clearly (oh god, boys, don't we hate that smile that says "thanks for looking, pal, but it ain't gonna happen"). But oh luscious the wonders of that magic smile if she IS attracted... the tingles of anticipation. Ahhhhh... the nuances of body language are quite remarkable, are they not?

Date: Thu Dec 2 09:13
james s (new insights):

It's a good question, Ricky. Each guy will answer according to his own experiences. I envy the guys that get the smiles. It would be nice to have a females perspective on this... though the board seems to be entirely dominated by male posters these days. Come on girls, if you are out there lurking, jump in and win this record.

Date: Thu Dec 2 09:08
glue (Girls):

In my case a wave of relif passes through thier face as they realise that 'it wasn't all in their heads' and that ' no mom im not being stupid there is a man hiding in our garbage' and that that man is here, probably stood in some jelly waveing a crust old torn flag with a picture of Diana Prices of Whales on one side and doidi alfied smeared over the back . Then i run

Date: Thu Dec 2 06:45
tom (belgium):

she looks away for about ten seconds, then looks back to check that the looker is still looking.

Date: Thu Dec 2 03:17
tom (front desk):

Breaks into some moves from Electric Boogaloo,screaming'' Guys dig me!!! I am so HOT!!!!!!!''And then falls into a table.

Date: Wed Dec 1 22:14
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Or how about she wishes the guy unexpectedly looking at her was a stud like Ricky Gelb?

Date: Wed Dec 1 22:09
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Touches her hair?

Date: Wed Dec 1 21:08
Flynn (answer):

she smiles.

Date: Wed Dec 1 21:06
peter (nyc):

if alone, she stares back, and sometimes smiles, if she's with her friends, she tells them to check out if the looker's looking really looking

Date: Wed Dec 1 18:31
J (sand collector):

Looks at her shoes

Date: Wed Dec 1 15:01
gelbagain (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

Hell why not try to win one now, before the January event. Answer this: When a girl unexpectedly notices a guy is looking at her. Most of the time, what is the very first thing she does?

Date: Wed Dec 1 14:54
Gelb, Ricky (mail(at)rickygelb.com):

I have recieved several emails pertaining to the 6 white 7" Giant Sandworms records that will be given away in mid-january. www.mansiononthehill.biz is honoring Mike Brewer/ www.sa-wa-ro.com and my self during a week towards the end of January. The give-aways of the first Giant Sandworms record will be possible from all 3 websites. There may be a few xtra copies beyond the 6 given away, primaraly by listening to www.mansiononthehill.biz. I will be offering a couple on my site by answering a trivia question corectly. Who knows? BUT if you want information about when and how. send me an Email Or leave me a messege on the comments page at www.rickygelb.com Thanx BULKY LOW MAX

Date: Wed Dec 1 10:47
stefan (vermonstress):

hey flynn, thanks for the link. I asked this guy for a copy a while ago but he didn't respond.

Date: Wed Dec 1 09:58
james s (for J):

don't know if you ever got my email reply... got a message this morning telling me it hadn't been delivered but that it would continue to try???, so i'll use this forum (sorry others), thanks for the photo links, loved the mirrorproject shot.

Date: Wed Dec 1 08:54
Flynn (Giant Sand Oct 10, 1992):

mp3s of Giant Sand live at Vermonstress (a SubPop Festival) at Club Metronome (Burlington, VT) October 10, 1992: http://www.bradleysalmanac.com/songs/vermonstress.htm

Date: Wed Dec 1 03:00
phil (ghog22077@msn.com):

great concert to watch, http://www.woodsongs.com/showlist.asp #319 Tuck and Patti, but ya gotta check out Jason White. ya ya

Date: Tue Nov 30 19:16
J (trashed and rehashed):

Happened to me once in Harlesden, long story. Support was from I think Gods'Eye who had a datsun, nearly killed me in the car park... Once saw a scary bigger boy from school do the same on the front steps of guildford civic hall. He missed a goo Bauhaus set...

Date: Tue Nov 30 16:22
Squad (ohikes1@yahoo.com):

I went to see GS recently at SouthPaw in Brooklyn. I got trashed before hand and wound up with an unexpected and stomach churning spiritual experience in the bathroom for the entire set. I missed GS. GD!

Date: Tue Nov 30 11:53
james s (interesting VU find):

http://www.portlandmercury.com/current/feature3.html

Date: Tue Nov 30 00:09
atom (rubigen vine):

thanx to Tom, I can send a copy of the Oct 15 Rubigen show to someone in the usa who will keep the vine going. Contact me at atom-eyes(at)excite(dot)com

Date: Mon Nov 29 19:29
J (mid january):

Jeez Ricky, that's around the time of my birthday. james s u got mail...

Date: Mon Nov 29 15:31
werd (?):

hi

Date: Mon Nov 29 14:57
Lurch (!@#$%^&*):

Unreal, I have tried to find a copy of that white record Howe's brother is giving away for years. I plan on winning a copy so sorry to the rest of you GS fans.

Date: Mon Nov 29 14:55
Bulky Low Max (mail (at) rickygelb.com):

By the way, Billy Sedlmayr is alive. Recently there has been some talk that he died, but it is not true. I ran into Rich Hopkins yesterday at Bentleys coffee shop and he gave me a copy of a recent release of Rich and Billy called "The 50 percenters".

Date: Mon Nov 29 14:49
Bulky (mail (at) rickygelb.com):

Welcome all, The comment page on www.rickygelb.com is now working. Thanx to Mike Brewer the wizard. In mid-January www.sa-wa-ro.com, www.mansiononthehill.biz (Internet Radio Station) and www.rickygelb.com will be giving away 6 of the very first Giant Sandworms first record ever. It's a 7" white vinayl that collectors have paid hundreds for. If you would like more info on this, email Ricky Gelb at mail@rickygelb.com

Date: Mon Nov 29 14:10
james s (calexico movies):

for any interested at http://www.kdhx.org/programs/mystery.htm

Date: Sun Nov 28 21:20
todd (message to the people pg. 4):

to quote Marcus Garvey..."Try never to repeat yourself in any one discourse in saying the same thing over and over again except you are making new points, because repetition is tiresome and it annoys those who hear the repetition"...I qualify by saying 'looking forward' my fault...sorry bout that.

Date: Sun Nov 28 20:28
conch (Big Bad Love):

Very sad, indeed. He was a fine man & a fine writer.

Date: Sun Nov 28 18:23
james s (r.i.p.):

l a r r y b r o w n. sorry to space the words, but it won't let me post his name for some reason. heart attack. sad sad sad. i'd wager most sandfans would appreciate this mississippi writer's novels and stories.

Date: Sat Nov 27 05:44
buxfix (gig in january):

what a wonderful start of 2005 - giant sand in aarhus! travelling to danemark 50 euros, tickets for the show 16 euros, seeing giant sand again -PRICELESS! very happy to make the trip with oke and hoping to see some of the danes in real time!

Date: Sat Nov 27 01:56
John Krajicek (krajicek@tamu.edu):

I haven't heard yet from anyone here in the U.S. re. the Haarlem show vine... thanks to Christoph in Germany, I should have the CD in a week or so, and after I make a copy, I'd be happy to pass it on to the first taker. Just email me at the above address.

Date: Fri Nov 26 16:34
oke (Re weed - Giant Sand in Haarlem 2004 ):

Thanks to Martin from the Netherlands I can offer copies of the Giant-Sand-show in Haarlem (10-10-2004) to the first three in Europe who contact me (simons AT foni DOT net)and promise to re-weed. It's a good audience recording and I'll send it with artwork. Greetings from Flensburg, near the border to Denmark and only 180 kilometers away from Aarhus ;-) Oke

Date: Fri Nov 26 16:13
tommy gailer (scrolling for rodeohead):

very good, very funny too

Date: Fri Nov 26 15:15
J (Lars Rodeohead):

Had it already. Yes go get it, quality musicianship throughout. Go sandies, go

Date: Fri Nov 26 12:02
Lars (this and thisthat):

Aarhus is a slice of the Howe context too. ;-) We gots da right cobblestones, ha-ha! ### Anyone into both bluegrass and Radiohead. Download this one: http://www.hardnphirm.com/music/Rodeohead.mp3 --- Damn, it's funny!!! Best medley I've ever heard, I think. / Lars

Date: Fri Nov 26 10:04
wind swept (home grown home boy howe):

What can be better than Giant Sand in Århus on a saturday? How about Giant Sand in Tucson on a Saturday. Sorry, but it's all about context.

Date: Fri Nov 26 08:52
Lars (Jæj! :-D):

That's great news, Torben. Thanks! Tonight...at the same venue: Under Byen and Jomi Massage. It'll be a blast. For those liking early PJ Harvey Jomi Massage might be something, I dunno. -- www.jomimassage.dk -- Starring in the role as "the listener" this evening: LARS! Greets all around! / Lars

Date: Thu Nov 25 13:35
TDH ((Giant Sand Århus...YES)):

Taken from Voxhall's homepage.... ""GIANT SAND (US) Genre Billetnet E-billet Entré Koncertstart Alternativ Rock Køb billet Køb billet 120,- 29. Jan, kl. 21:00"" What can be better than Giant Sand in Århus on a saturday ?

Date: Thu Nov 25 04:33
stefan ((hi mike: never gonna leave)):

... will be with you soon. ;-) Vague? Us?

Date: Thu Nov 25 04:27
mike ((swiss not sa-wa-ro)):

Jörg, reg. Rubigen: they played "love knows no borders", "i did not" and "paradise" (the last two with lousy audience participation, including me :-( ). No "Never gonna leave", would love to hear that. cheers mike

Date: Thu Nov 25 04:14
stefan ((ah, and by the way, I'm living only 1 mile from the Hofbräuhaus...)):

... but many miles from the Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus which I'd much prefer on a Monday night (or any night, for that matter).

Date: Thu Nov 25 04:09
stefan (((very qualified reviewer))):

From a review of Calexico's World Drifts In DVD in songlines magazine (27): "When multi-instrumentalist Joey B. and drumer John C. took time out from Howe Gelb's Big Sand to create Calexico in 1997, they never expected their side project to take on its own life."

Date: Wed Nov 24 22:05
todd (Insight):

...regarding Kate's music. I would say it's sorta ah Northern Canadian style. She hails from Sudbury, Ontario. I like her songwriting, honest words and great articulation...but different from Neko. Turns out Kate Maki will be coming to western Canada in the new year so I've got another show to look forward to. Hope that helps...I'm not really into describing peoples music.

Date: Wed Nov 24 18:18
alberta al (hugh and todd):

Thanks for the info, and thanks for the offer Todd. I am in jasper myself. I haven't been to Edmonton since I saw Calexico at the sidetrack during the jazz fest in june. How would you describe Kate's musical style? Is she country ala Neko Case? I just picked up Neko Case's latest live cd. Also bought Cat Power you are free at the same time, it is getting played more often currently.

Date: Wed Nov 24 17:27
hugh (todd/kate maki):

seems you beat me to the punch but glad for the up to date info-thanks much

Date: Wed Nov 24 17:24
hugh (alberta al/re kate maki):

I saw Kate Maki open for Howe and Oh Susanah in Toronto last Dec.-Unfortunately missed half of her set as she wasn't listed on the bill -glad to be reminded that she very well might be worth checking out-about a month or two after that show did see a feature on her in a local paper.If I remember correctly she hails from Ottawa,Canada and has had her first album released-I think independantly but really can't remember the details.The journalist did praise the album quite highly though.

Date: Wed Nov 24 17:17
todd (kate maki crush +):

re: Kate Maki...over a recent e-mail she told me that she sings on the upcoming Howe/Giant Sand album...most likely the Gospel record. She just finished her second album and will be releasing it @ katemaki.com and @ her Canadian shows. I'm into her 'Confusion Unlimited' and also recommend her. Also it turns out that I'll be hosting a weekly dj night of local indie, Americana, 12" Reggae & other non-crap music. I wanted to call it 'One More Should do it' or 'Naturally Lonesone' Mondays from the first Blacky record but in a discussion w/ the mangers they wanted 12" Mondays. I'll jot down a playlist from a night and share em...Hey Al(berta)...drive down one monday and hang out. Here's more info...Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus 8120 - 101 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Date: Wed Nov 24 15:17
stefan (((Hunziken and Glennie))):

Hi Jörg, see Jim's post below: "Edited as per his (Howe's) request." ... And yes, Evelyn Glennie is the deaf percussionist. Strangely, I hadn't heard of her before. The film is a portrait of her a little in the style of "Step Across the Border" about Fred Frith (who's also featured).

Date: Wed Nov 24 15:00
Jörg (Rubingen setlist):

I just noticed that the recent Rubingen-show, which is available for download at archive.org, doesn't include any of the great new songs (Paradise, But I did not, Never gonna leave). Now I wonder if they were edited out because Howe didn't want to make them 'officially' available pre-release or if they didn't even were performed, maybe for the same reasons (because the show was filmed for TV)?..............Stefan: Evelyn Glennie - isn't she that (famous?) deaf percussionist? Think I saw her once perform with Björk (at some kind of 'Unplugged' show, if memory serves me well).

Date: Wed Nov 24 13:58
alberta al (kate maki):

I was reading an interview with Howe, he mentioned the name Kate Maki as someone he thought was worth a listen. Is anyone familiar with her?

Date: Wed Nov 24 11:34
stefan ((bmg, touch the sound)):

Hm, I've never thought that "Blue Marble Girl" was an image for planet Earth, but as Howe often said "this is a song about your home town" in various places wherever he played it, this might well be the case. ........... Something else: I saw the movie "Touch the sound" about Evelyn Glennie yesterday and can only recommend it most urgently. My sense of hearing was altered when I left the theater. Weird.

Date: Wed Nov 24 11:11
Alan (BMG/RCB):

Hi all, first of all... have I gone back and listened to blue marble girl before posting this? Well, no, but that's not going to stop me. It is perhaps my childhood in 1970s and my goal of being a professional environmentalist that lead me to always see the to see the picture of earth from space -- a blue marble, eh? -- whenever I hear the tune... just another girl, however iconic for the singer of the song, from/of the planet. As to red cap boy, that's about as iconic/generic an image of an american (male) kid as I can think of. I've always heard the song as grounded in the relations/tensions between these two iconic images and assumed that their iconic status means that each persons interpretation of their meaning is deeply personal/highly contingent as a result. Thinking WAY too much again, Alan

Date: Wed Nov 24 10:40
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

To the guy who was looking for a good name for a Giant Sand cover band, I suggest The Sandbaggers. There was a good British spy show from the 70s by that name as well. *** I feel a tad bemused for non-native English speakers who try to learn English from Giant Sand. Good luck, you'll need it. *** Speaking of Bible Black, King Crimson had an an interest album from the 70s entitled Starless and Bible Black. They also had a great song of that same name off the album "Red." Very 70s, very proggy.

Date: Wed Nov 24 09:46
Garry ssssonjes (Meet blue marble girl and 100's others tonight):

so i have recovered from the things that made me cross eyed. look what i found on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=53511&item=5340709112&rd=1 . Lars had better get his bid in soon. hey lars!!!!!! also if you want to hate me which most people here would do if it wasnt for there pesky indi race records lovething image tyres for wet thing that happens. so visit www.stationforshrewsbury.co.uk/music.htm and listen to track 1 tell me what you thank and i'll go away leaveing this suburbain outlet of in homoerotic viynal collection in pieces. thanks glue

Date: Wed Nov 24 08:48
Frank C (bmg etc.):

Thanks to all for sharing their thoughts on bmg (and translating some words my dictionary forgot)! My interpretation of the blue marble girl is that she and her red cap boy are fairy tale characters (remember the bmg intro on "confluence" spoken by saholi?). Maybe some guardian angels of your home town which welcome you everytime you return and walk through the well known streets of your childhood...

Date: Wed Nov 24 05:09
Jörg (poetry & vocabulary):

Nice topic you brought up, Frank. And great replys & additions by Mike & FLynn! I guess sometimes it's better not to know too much - until now I thought 'bible black' and 'black ice' to be poetic creations by Howe - didn't know the first one is a rather common expression and the latter has a rather profane meaning (which makes the resulting unwrapping a little less romantic). The famous Dylan quote springs to mind (from a mid-sixties press conference).Q: Can you tell us what your songs are about? A: Well, some are about 4 minutes, some about 5 minutes and one even about 11 minutes.

Date: Wed Nov 24 04:55
mike ([b.m.g.]):

.... and our take on "blue marble girl" is that as the song is about drugs (crystal meth), the blue marble relates to the veins on the pale skin, and the red cap boy is the dealer.......... ah whatever..

Date: Tue Nov 23 19:56
mike ([4 frank c]):

... "i often have no idea what Howe is singing about" .... yeah right, you, me and the rest of the world included...... but who cares!!... the words are great! i never really listened to lyrics much in the past, but with howe, they work on two levels (for me anyhow)...they're the notes of the throat.. as made by an instrument... but also they're a poem/story/lyric/song/whatever that have these wonderful words contained in them, and in such a fascinating order (but not always the correct order)...... and believe me, these things aren't at all obvious to english speaking people.......... which reminds me, do you guys remember that morecombe and wise sketch with andre previn, where eric's playing the piano (badly) and andre says he's playing the wrong notes, and eric replies "i'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order"......... anyway, "starless and bible black" is how dylan thomas descibes 'the night' in "under milk wood"... (wouldn't it of been great if dylan named his son thomas!... but i suppose he'd be tom zimmerman then...which wouldn't have been as much fun) ..so, now, don't take this literal... but don't take the lyrics literal..

Date: Tue Nov 23 16:30
J (Flynn):

Cheers, hesitated to say ghetto myself. But that's the way I perceived the lyrics years ago. Blue marble girl sounds like a woman known to whoever listens to the song to me. Subjective. All you German folks, Danish, wherever, your grasp of English is enough to keep you hooked and thar be the crux of the flux of what kept me hooked on Howes stuff since long ago. Drunk, obviously, It's Friday night for me...

Date: Tue Nov 23 16:04
phil (phil):

why dont you write down some of the lyrics and add them to some lyrics pages - only about then or so are to be find at the internet

Date: Tue Nov 23 15:48
hugh (frank c):

frank c-while i don't know what the lyrics to a lot of songs might mean it is usually certain phrases and the music itself that catch my ear .however i always took blue marble girl to mean this planet earth and the red cowboy to represent the planet mars.but i guess only howe knows for sure

Date: Tue Nov 23 15:45
Spam Scan (@@@@@):

If posting e-mail-adresses on this site (especially those of other people) please replace @ with AT and . with DOT to avoid (even more) spam hitting the mentioned mailboxes...Thanks!

Date: Tue Nov 23 14:48
Flynn (word play):

Barrio is a Spanish term for "district," but in coloquial Spanglish it usually refers to a Spanish speaking neighborhood, sometimes a ghetto. Bible black is a common description for a dark shade of black, since bibles were (are?) bound in black leather. By invoking the bible, it adds some severity, I think. Jeff Tweedy also uses the term in the Wilco tune 'I am Trying to Break Your Heart': 'I want to hold you in the bible-black predawn . . . ' Howe writes on more than one level, so even for folks whose first language is English, I think it can be tough to settle on one specific "meaning" for some word choices. It's one of the things I love about Giant Sand. He's constantly playing with word sounds and meanings and many times I've heard new meanings in a song I'd heard many times before.

Date: Tue Nov 23 12:50
frank c (bye bye, black ice ):

Dear Just Poetry Man, the info that no one else knows what a blue marble girl would be worth my question. it´s just that i want to know the meaning to such words and references which are obvious to native speakers. i remember some Giant Sand shows where Howe at some point asked the audience: "do you have any idea what this song means?". and then there´s this remarable lecture on "pontiac slipstream" during a show in london with matt ward, when Howe played the song from discman and explained the meaning to every line... so, interpretations from others (native speakers are not) are always welcome, not only on "bmg" and "bible black". by the way, the other day (after spinning the down home 04) i accidently discovered what "black ice" really means. i alway have been amazed by the picture of a black coloured field of ice on the Arizona roads - maybe from leaking oil tubes. then i was slightly disappointed that it´s only the common term for a slippery ice surface.

Date: Tue Nov 23 11:25
christoph (re:giant sand @ haarlem 10/10/04 vine (chrbeckmann@aol.com):

haven't got the cd yet, but I already got one taker:look for john-christopher-krajicek@neo.tamu.edu to keep the vine going in the us for the people from the old world: I got two more copies to send to the first two people to contact me (chrbeckmann@aol.com) with the promise to keep the weed going

Date: Tue Nov 23 11:08
J (barrio):

Ain't that the old mexican built part of town in Howe's neck of the woods?

Date: Tue Nov 23 10:36
just (poetry, man):

Dear Just Curious: Okay, it is true that there is such a thing as cultural reference and language idiom, etc., etc., but maybe you're being too analytical and/or too objective. Maybe no one else knows what a blue marble girl is any more than you do. The cultural backdrop you bring to such a poetic term may just have as many interesting spider webs of meaning as does anyone else's. If you really want to know what it is, man, explore what it might mean in your own world. But having said all that rot and rave, how about a girl with eyes like blue marbles?

Date: Tue Nov 23 10:35
Martin (rappard@dds.nl):

For those interested in Giant Sand shows - the show below will be sent out tomorrow (on CD-R) to the following people who will offer it back to the board, time permitting. Feel free to contact them in advance for a copy, but ONLY if you can make copies for others. finvarra@chariot.net.au chrbeckmann@aol.com simons@foni.net Infinite thanks to Stefan Roehrich for all his help (cables, guest list, a superb transfer job and so much more). Giant Sand - 2004-10-10, Roots Of Heaven Festival, Patronaat, Haarlem, AUD MID MST, 44, none 1. intro music / Napoli 2. Uneven Light Of Day 3. Trickle Down System 4. NYC Of Time 5. Neon Filler 6. The Inner Flame 7. Rainer - Life Is Fine (DVD) 8. Chore Of Enchantment 9. The Muss Of Paradise 10. Love Knows No Borders 11. Classico / band introduction Recording by Martin van Rappard (rappard@dds.nl) and transfer by Stefan Roehrich (stefanroehrich@t-online.de): front center stage (0.5 metre from Howe) - Marantz EM-8 - Sharp IM-DR420H and Pioneer MJ-D707 - optical cable - Hoontech DSP24 Value - WaveLab SE (track marking only) - CD-R, slight overload in 2 (2:28-2:40)

Date: Tue Nov 23 09:37
frank c (who´s that girl?):

As I mentioned sometime ago in a comment I often have no idea what Howe is singing about though I understand most words and of course notice and admire this special "Howe flow" of putting words together. Reading in the dictionary often doesn´t help (I couldn´t find words like "barrio" etc.). I guess this must be ridiculous for some but, for example, I really would like to know what/who a Blue Marble Girl is (and maybe the "red cap boy" as well) and what this has to do with Howe´s home town. And what is a "robe of the bible black"? Is a "bible black" the same as a black bible or.... Any help available? Just curious.

Date: Tue Nov 23 05:56
cover (band):

Call it Giant Glue and get it done with.

Date: Tue Nov 23 04:53
glue (giant cover hands):

some time ago i sujested supporting giant sand with a cover band and you people all lept on my throat like lions eat gloves!!! i am real eee taking your atitude personaly/ i would sujjest calling your band giant fan / and hope that the elite reclusisivtiy of the natured captivity held long enough to alow for a trasatlantic crossing. on other notes i see we are all setteling in nicely to flow, how dull. Sorry to hear of your recentl loss Ell Gleb's seems like life and death are puppets in the dark.

Date: Tue Nov 23 04:37
alberta al (herenorthere.net):

the sandstorm, cover magazine, the thinline men, warm storm,

Date: Tue Nov 23 03:40
Conch (cover band moniker):

Uh...how's about The Gelbsters. Or...why not...The Gelb Sisters. Or just Gelbicle. The Mountains of Love? Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Date: Tue Nov 23 02:53
Tommy Gailer (sandman scroller):

i even have sandman`s debut "Western Blood"...like it.

Date: Tue Nov 23 02:34
Lars (The Sandmen):

Well, as long as you don't play in Denmark... http://www.dr.dk/musik/rock/artikel/030918_sandmen_profil.asp ;-) / Lars

Date: Tue Nov 23 02:06
cover (name):

The Sandmen

Date: Tue Nov 23 01:07
Tim (cover band name):

The Cousins of Blacky Ranchette

Date: Tue Nov 23 00:15
John Krajicek (jkrajicek@cox-internet.com):

Here's one you fine folks might find amusing. After adding yet another Howe cover to my band's already Howe-laden repertoire, my wife suggested that we start a side project as (presumably) the world's first Howe tribute band. She suggested the name Tiny Sand... not bad, but I'm currently favoring the name WWHD. SO... I hereby solicit your suggestions for the name of said band idea. What think ye?

Date: Mon Nov 22 18:56
finn (hayden (again)):

Yep, skyscraper is also my favourite, great anytime but sunday morning coming down inparticular...

Date: Mon Nov 22 12:02
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

Any word on whether "Mope-A-Long" is going to be included in the latest incarnation of the game Hitman? Is this for real?!?

Date: Sun Nov 21 23:20
alberta al (mountain land.com):

Thanks for the info folks.

Date: Sun Nov 21 16:35
love songs (and other out-of-print sand CDs):

I seem to remember talk about plans to re-release these (in remastered form?) sometime soon - any updates on this front?

Date: Sun Nov 21 16:29
love songs (and other out-of-print sand CDs):

I seem to remember talk about plans to re-release these (in remastered form?) sometime soon - any updates on this front?

Date: Sun Nov 21 13:42
Søren (DK):

Go to http://www.musicweb.com/cgi-musicweb/cheap_cds_search.cgi?search_field=giant+sand - to find the love songs on cassette. Only three dollars Go to http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Giant%20Sand:1927009777 to buy the love songs cd - 14 dollars.

Date: Sun Nov 21 12:40
Jennifer L Lowe (jennl17@hotmail.com):

howe gelb, sands, and co.: howe, it was great meeting you in seattle at the tractor, and i was more than happy to give you the info re: radio station in my home state of montana (also f'n happy to know they've been playing gs!). at any rate, i'm so sorry to hear of the loss in your family. Please know my thoughts are with you and your loved ones. I had planned to leave for holland tomorrow (mon. the 22), but due to my own crappy health (you might remember the crutch), i cancelled. i'm wishing you all the best, and hope to cross paths again someday. oh - also, tallulah would fit in perfectly in missoula...trust me. best wishes, j. lowe

Date: Sat Nov 20 22:21
alberta al (stiff mountain breeze@jasper.ca):

Can anyone tell me if the love songs is available anymore? I just lost out on ebay, the seller would not ship to canada. I recently purchased all over the map, currently really liking the second version of classico.

Date: Sat Nov 20 18:36
Todd (Dallas & Travis Good):

...ok it was great show. I took 30 digital pictures. Got everyone from The Sadies to sign a show poster. Then after the show I talked w/ Travis, Dallas and Sean Dean (Bass)...too much r-wine...I should know better.

Date: Sat Nov 20 09:28
Flynn (Rubigen):

the Rubigen weed is now closed.

Date: Fri Nov 19 21:27
Todd (off the hear/see the sadies):

...I loved selecting inner flame and Junkpile. Naturally Lonesome and Classico reprise.

Date: Fri Nov 19 18:25
Lars (Hayden):

Started listening to Hayden back at the debut "Everything I Long For" in the mid-90s. That cd is for me today is still one of my favourite albums. Haven't heard the latest ones, as they are hard to come by over here. The debut is a must, though. And the "hidden tracks" hilarious, by the way. :-) / Lars

Date: Fri Nov 19 18:02
Flynn (Hayden):

I had a chance to host Hayden in-studio on my radio show a few months back and saw him live that night w/ a full band. I have to agree w/ J -- he's definitely worth checking out. Even better than 'Elk Lake Serenade,' I think, is his record 'Skyscraper National Park.' He has a nice live CD out too.

Date: Fri Nov 19 17:01
peter (howe's geartar):

at the nyc gig he played a pink telecaster modded with three pickups. also a gibson archtop style acoustic with thw f-holes. had another glitter guitar onstage that went unused.

Date: Fri Nov 19 16:48
J (SeanT takes credit for the video link):

Hope you got it to work mate... Blaine and james S and not only but also everyone else heard Elk lake serenade by Hayden? Top tunes, a find like M Ward, rare these days. Hope Howe, Sophie and family r bearing up. Mike what's the weather likely to be in yr neck of tha woods in late feb? (Traditionally I mean) mail me offsite for a booking probably. Cheers

Date: Fri Nov 19 08:19
Flynn (Rubigen):

The Rubigen Euro-weed is closed with copies heading to Scotland and Belgium. If you're in the US, I can do one more.

Date: Fri Nov 19 05:47
stefan ((archive.org etc.)):

I'm in the process of downloading the Hunziken show and offer a few copies for people without broadband connections. Drop me a line at: stefanmuc2001 at yahoo dot com. Thanks a lot, Jim (& Howe, of course), for making it available. And hey Jim, more shows from the recent European tour will be coming your way soon. ..... And now for something completely different (for the German sandos): there's a fantastic interview with James Last (!!!) in the November issue of the free Intro magazine. Really.

Date: Fri Nov 19 01:22
Jennifer Welch (blindredtitch@yahoo.com):

Loved the Howeloweeeen show in S.F. Thanks for another utterly different gelbian sound.... Jennifer

Date: Thu Nov 18 22:03
Flynn (again):

BTW, thanks Jim & Howe for getting such a recent show up at archive.org.

Date: Thu Nov 18 22:00
Flynn (Rubigen):

I can send copies of the Oct 15 Rubigen CDs to 2 folks. Contact me at wmpgfarm@yahoo.com

Date: Thu Nov 18 20:20
archivist (archive.org):

Perhaps folks with a fast connection can make copies for those stuck in the 90's - I mean those w/out broadband connections.. Blanks and postage..

Date: Thu Nov 18 18:32
PaulK (link for Tucson weekly article):

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid:62987

Date: Thu Nov 18 18:09
Blaine (gtrs/video?):

A guess in the new clip would be steel body National; Harmony/Silvertone f-hole acoustic and maybe a Dobro or a small body National electric. Ropes is prob H/S f-hole and maybe that's an old parlour Martin. Was the red Gretsch in there too? Nice old steel gtr also. If you ever get to Tucson spend an afternoon in the Chicago Store - tons of funky old gear.

Date: Thu Nov 18 16:30
Razz (sunbursting sun):

Does anybody here know which guitars Howe is playing? Branch and model? He's got this great looking semi-acoustic, it could be a gibson, but not I'm not certain.

Date: Thu Nov 18 16:28
Razz (rabupost@hotmail.com):

Does anybody here know which guitars Howe is playing? Branch and model? He's got this great looking semi-acoustic, it could be a gibson, but not I'm not certain.

Date: Thu Nov 18 12:27
shammy (mt):

Howe, our condolences, Sean & Melissa

Date: Thu Nov 18 10:53
Greg ((as Tom mentioned)):

Howe's made the BIG TIMES with a front page article in the Tucson Weekly. I imagine the cover of Rolling Stone can't be too far behind. http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Cover/index

Date: Thu Nov 18 10:48
Lars (Mike - download):

I think about a long afternoon or so, I dunno. Got 512/256 here. Which isn't the fastest thing around, but a sprinter compared to regular modems. / Lars

Date: Thu Nov 18 10:14
james s (thanks J):

those vidies are a treat.

Date: Thu Nov 18 09:36
Blaine (Mike):

DSL is PDQ -- it seems like a commercial site, but the vidoes stream pretty good.

Date: Thu Nov 18 08:26
tom (front desk):

Nice article on the Guvnor in this weeks Tucson Weekly.Check it out on their webpage.

Date: Thu Nov 18 03:46
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):

this archive.org thing...? (http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=19715) .... it'd take me over 60 hours to download this/these files, which isn't viable for me. now i know i live in the back of beyond, where no road (or broadband) goes.... but how's it for other folk? what sort of download times does it take for you.....?

Date: Thu Nov 18 01:37
Greg ((for Tom)):

Muchas Gracias!

Date: Wed Nov 17 23:30
Blaine (videos):

Wow

Date: Wed Nov 17 21:34
J (well out on yer ropes.):

Hope the folk I told can look at it. http://launch.yahoo.com/artist/default.asp?artistID=1010209 Once again.

Date: Wed Nov 17 07:30
tom ( greg):

i should be able to get some art over to bicas befoe sunday.

Date: Wed Nov 17 07:27
tom (front desk):

Howe and Sofie, sad to hear the news,big hugs to the both of you.

Date: Wed Nov 17 05:03
SeanT (Videos on launch):

Ok anyone know how to view these videos on a Mac ? http://launch.yahoo.com/artist/default.asp?artistID=1010209 It tells me to download Netscape 4.7 , but I use OSX and this version of Netscape does not work on OSX...

Date: Tue Nov 16 19:26
todd (Rainer cd's / selecting / viewing the Listener Coffee companion video portion):

...other than someone stealing another bike of mine my past 24 hours have been good. I just received two Rainer cd's from Patti K... great addition to my collection and good timing because I've got two fill-in radio shows to do this week. Last night I auditioned for a night selecting at a bar and they only had the turntables working so I utilized the songs 'Center of The Universe' (Gelb) and 'Polena' (Burns) on 7" vinyl. Other than that I went to my friends recording studio and viewed/heard the Listener's Coffee Companion. Cool editing by Amy Harrington...I think it would make a nice December holiday gift. My recording engineer/producer friend who has recorded Howe really like the companion...he was humming 'Lie There'. From Northern Alberta...sorry to here of your loss.

Date: Tue Nov 16 19:01
olis (liso):

you´re welcome bro!

Date: Tue Nov 16 18:59
Flynn (thanks):

thanks for the link to the 'remote' video.very cool. Howe, my sincerest condolences to you and yers. I hope the smiles you brought to me last week in Boston return to you a hundred-fold as you remember and celebrate the life of your mother in-law.

Date: Tue Nov 16 17:19
olis (liso):

yeah the remote video is quite hard to find onthe internet, though i found it http://launch.yahoo.com/artist/default.asp?artistID=1010209, including yer ropes. Go watch'em . All thoughts go to the Gelb family!

Date: Tue Nov 16 17:16
olis (liso):

yeah the remote video is quite hard to find onthe internet, though i found it http://launch.yahoo.com/artist/default.asp?artistID=1010209, including yer ropes. Go watch'em . All thoughts go to the Gelb family!

Date: Tue Nov 16 15:07
Greg Haldane ((for Tom Walbank)):

Tom, any chance that you could donate some bicycle-related art to the BICAS art auction this Sunday?

Date: Tue Nov 16 15:06
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Has the Drunken Bees DVD been released yet? If Marianne is on board - I have a great picture of Naim taken during the All Souls Procession this year that I can send you.

Date: Tue Nov 16 14:57
archivist (Remote video):

Shot by Bill Carter in the Gelb's backyard. I did the audio for it (though not credited). Hope to see it someday myself :)

Date: Tue Nov 16 11:43
SeanT (Richard):

Richard , the only video of Howe I seen is the Coffee companion thing , that MTV show is on far too late in the day. The only Rainer I have seen was on the big screen at Bush Hall . I'd love a GS / Howe DVD and a Rainer one would also go down very well , ....Patti ??

Date: Tue Nov 16 10:20
richard (richardperrins@hotmail.com):

Hi, thanks for all the Rainer info, i shall be paving my way into what shall undoubtedly will be a long new love affair shortly, probably with the live album that has been recommended. Also as point of interest i was watching on British digital TV a show called this is Americana and to my AMAZEMENT there were two Videos with our man Howe himself featuring. The first was a great and slightly dsiturbing video for Lie there from the listener, where Howe is watching TV. And then to my further joy they played an acoustic version of Remote with the new line up playing live but with John Parish on drums. The photos in the sleeve for 'Map' are obviously taken from the same day. The only Giant Sand video i have seen and have been aware of previously was yer ropes and i couldn't believe it when these songs came on TV. Was anyone else aware of these (am i just embarrasingly out of touch) and are there anymore? DVD DVD DVD DVD DVD?

Date: Tue Nov 16 09:38
lilly de haan (ljdehaan@dds.nl):

Dear Howe, Sorry to hear the sad news about your loss. I send my condolences to Sofie, you and your children. Take care and best wishes in this sad time. Lilly de Haan Amsterdam Netherlands

Date: Tue Nov 16 05:13
SeanT (Rainer):

I think if I was going to suggest a Rainer "starter" LP , I would go for the live one . It's a stunner , often to be heard drifting out of the cottage in Epping Forest on a Sunday morning .But I think once you hear that you'll be on the site buying the lot.

Date: Tue Nov 16 04:25
Lars (Zelda Panda zoundz - with a pinch of Lars):

I put up the first demo of fellow "sandie" Zelda Panda on my website (with permission of course). This time the sounds go out under the name of Marzipan Marzipan. The Hank Williams cover was recorded in Aarhus last year with the assistance of yours truly (on helpless guitar). The cello was added later. The Berliner panda also contributed to the Fandango, as you might remember. Knock yourself out with mp3 downloads on this address: http://www.larsdideriksen.com/personal/music/mp3-marzipan.htm --- I guess any comments are welcome. ;-D Best greets! / Lars - whose personal favourites so far are track 2 and 5.

Date: Mon Nov 15 19:23
J (moorwood):

I'll send u a pic of the gamh shirt eebay only other bidder. See your hospitality before the spring hopefully. Usual drunk post, just heard Ricky Gelb and Johnette N***politano sounds like an ice cream Italian style (SP) Someone's left alone. Now heading into Om Vinteren. Cheers Lars, and all the good folk who reside in the sandthang. House is haunted, but only by a ghost.

Date: Mon Nov 15 18:12
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):

you can, of course, get the rainer cd's here..... http://www.giantsand.com/rainer/rainer-page.htm

Date: Mon Nov 15 17:34
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

I just checked out the new Rainer page. There are still a few pages that aren't up yet or aren't compatable with my browser(Patti's page and the contact page). Still what a treasure! I did a feature on it on my web blog(http://mansiononthehill.biz) which will hopefully generate some traffic to the site. Thank you Patti!

Date: Mon Nov 15 16:54
archivist (NLT..):

So far...

Date: Mon Nov 15 16:53
archivist (NLT...):

There are two Nick Luca Trio sets avaliable at archive.org..

Date: Mon Nov 15 15:55
sean ((up here in the winter)):

A great show in Boston, very nice indeed, all my thoughts also go out to Howe and his family, I also discovered another Tucson family tree member in Nick Luca just the other day via a friend, Nick now has two albums out, One at Loose Records and another at In the sticks Records, Im really enjoying the jazz-i-ness of them both.

Date: Mon Nov 15 15:16
geoff (in austin):

please travel safely and add my condolences to the list here on the comments page.

Date: Mon Nov 15 14:31
peter (nyc):

raineroftucson.com is a true treasure, thanks pattti! and howe and family i am so sorry; my condolences and prayers to all of you and remember that she will never leave your hearts.

Date: Mon Nov 15 13:22
SeanT (Condolences):

and also my thoughts to Howe and his family , best wishes.

Date: Mon Nov 15 12:47
SeanT (Rainer):

which Rainer LP to buy ? All of them.......

Date: Mon Nov 15 08:22
Jörg (life is fine solo-version):

Have to correct myself: "Worried Spirits" includes an acoustic version of "Life Is Fine".

Date: Mon Nov 15 08:07
Jörg (Richard):

The song Rainer performed was "Life Is Fine". The unbelievable electric version of this song (my favourite Rainer track) can be found on "Barefoot Rock With...". Don't know if an acoustic version is available on an official release. Otherwise "Live at the Performance Center" would be a great start, as it captures the spirit you witnessed watching that Jools Holland performance pretty well. And "Alpaca Lips" is my favourite Rainer studio-album.........................And my condolences to the Gelb family, too. Sad news...

Date: Mon Nov 15 06:47
Richard (richardperrins@hotmail.com):

Firstly, condolences to the Gelb family in the wake of another sad loss. Secondly, i've decided that i need to buy my first Rainer album but i have no idea where to start. At Bush Hall there was an interlude where they played a Rainer performance on the BBC's later with Jools Holland and the song blew me away. It eclipsed everything that the Sand were doing on stage (which was fantastic). I can't remember the name of the song but i figured whatever album that was off would be a good start. So if anyone can recommend an album to start with and where to get it i would be most grateful. The most melancholic would probably suit me best. I've been on the new website and have seen that you can order the cd's from there. but i'm not sure if you can order to the UK.

Date: Sun Nov 14 23:25
Blaine (Home):

Howe - Sorry to hear the sad news of your loss, Blaine.

Date: Sun Nov 14 23:18
will (w31162r@suscom.net):

Peace be with you all.

Date: Sun Nov 14 22:21
todd (#3):

Is all Over...the Map is now #3 on cjsr.com music...selected Napoli and A Live Muss earlier this weekend.

Date: Sun Nov 14 20:19
phill (ghog22077@msn.com):

Howe, I send my condolences to Sophie and you and the kids, (travel fairly well) season cycle, The great thing is, the LOVE always stays.

Date: Sun Nov 14 18:41
PaulK (Condolences):

Howe,sorry to hear about your loss, hope you all manage the next few weeks.

Date: Sun Nov 14 17:17
J (check):

Rainer on Rainer and cry...

Date: Sun Nov 14 17:03
J (condoling):

Jette, though I never met 'er. Rainer no geetar player finer.

Date: Sun Nov 14 16:30
patti (k. ):

Hello to all of you. Just wanted to let you that after all these years (seven) Rainer now has his very own web site and it is very personal and filled with his magic and beauty. Check it out raineroftucson.com Jette will be missed so deeply.....she was a stunningly beautiful human being.

Date: Sun Nov 14 12:41
Lars (...):

Sad to hear that. My condolences too. You all I wish the best. / Lars

Date: Sun Nov 14 03:39
TDH (My sincere condolences):

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Date: Sat Nov 13 18:46
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):

i can confirm that the rest of the shows on the giant sand tour have been cancelled. apologies to all those who have purchased advance tickets, please contact the venues for refunds. it is hoped that these shows can be rescheduled at a later date. i'm sure all our thoughts and condolences go to sofie, howe and the children at this sad time.

Date: Sat Nov 13 17:31
dan seward (bunnybrain@hotmail.com):

EMERGENCY BULLETIN:The Hudson NY show that is scheduled for this evening has been Cancelled..Howes mother in law passed away suddenly overseas and all shows have been cancelled..If you need any more info call 518 822 8448..If you know anyones cell phone number who is traveling to the show please alert them.

Date: Sat Nov 13 16:43
Lars (archive.org...):

Awesome job on that recording, Jim! Thanks a lot! Really enjoying. Haven't seen any shows on this tour, so it was very welcome. :-) Best greets, sandies! / Lars

Date: Sat Nov 13 15:52
quick notes on a real gig for james et al (peter nyc):

awesome show at the mercury lounge last night. howe blew out his amp only one or two songs in. yer ropes made an early appearance. delivered the shiver with some kick ass pink telecaster on shiver and several other songs including an encore inner flame. (howe acknowledged at the start of the gig that it happened to be the anniversary of rainer's departure). prior to that, the handsomes joined the sands on a freaky johnny cash ring of fire jam. good times for all. now we know why harriet's happy.

Date: Sat Nov 13 11:32
james s (Buxfix):

As the show existed entirely in my "poor imagination," I wasn't able to record it. Sadly, technology has yet to provide the means for capturing that kind of thing. I do, however, own a copy of God Bless Tiny Tim, and was half seriously considered recording my own versions of all the songs on it. If I do, I'll get it touch.

Date: Sat Nov 13 04:39
buxfix (@ james s):

hello james, read your comment about Giant Sand @ Jim Dandy Truckstop in Bucksnort, Tennessee - that sounds great - do you know if that show was recorded? I am very interessted in that - please give me a sign if you know something positiv ;-) webmaster@buxfix.de - maybe you are interessted in a trade!

Date: Sat Nov 13 00:52
giant sandawich (OOOMEE):

COOL STORY Ogonna miss howe hew SAND DUNES, msnvideo/nbc news/the great sand dunes/ enjoy !

Date: Fri Nov 12 21:18
Archivist (Giant Sand 10-15-04 up at archive.org!!!):

Just posted.. Thanks to Howe for suggesting this be made avaliable. Edited as per his request. Excellent recording! Enjoy! http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=19715

Date: Fri Nov 12 17:48
J (didn't know 'bout a number two):

Let's call it 'Dang Fangs' Anyway, nice interview here http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2004/11/backbone/earwhacks/ Hello everyone...

Date: Fri Nov 12 14:42
gazelle (fandango #2):

any news on the development of fandango #2? i have been practicing yer ropes like mad...it is a hard song to do rhythm-wise, but i plan to record it for the next cover album. lemme' know who to send it to.

Date: Fri Nov 12 09:48
RBreault (rbreault@geo-centers.com):

Anybody have the set list for the show in Boston on the 10th?

Date: Fri Nov 12 05:31
tHom (wherever):

saw the nick cave show last night ... big sound; musical bloodshed and healing; the man certainly puts it over the plate. btw, james s, disregard the jokers and degraders; write on.

Date: Fri Nov 12 03:53
Jörg (hopes for giant sparks):

Still no Giant Sand / Hanndsome Family Superstar Session at recent gigs??? Not even a joint "Moons of Impulse"?

Date: Fri Nov 12 02:05
todd (western front continued):

..."retreat...war for war we feel the need for more...till we figure out all we want ta do is lay down still". -HG ...it goes something like that. nice little song...piano-voice. Remembrance - Veterans' Day over and out.

Date: Thu Nov 11 21:44
jy (i got me...):

the boss's daughter's car for the weekend, which means my lucky ass will be at the GS show in Hudson saturday night, and mellowing out at Jonathan Richman 19 hours later in VT. Envy me. HA!

Date: Thu Nov 11 21:44
treygoba (fistwhistlin'):

Tellin you guys...DO NOT miss Those Legendary Shack Shakers if they come to terrorize a venue near you. Translates to their albums too. Scares the bejesus out of the locals who think they're going to hear a Nashville machine rockaboogie band. Finally got my Listener back from one of my students...I'd only heard it a couple of times before today. Now I'm up to #12.

Date: Thu Nov 11 19:40
por vida escovedo as promised (buick mackane 4 door nyc maverick):

scroll down for 9/26 after cut and pasting this here follwing linky. graham parker too and lots more: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/iddiot_tree/

Date: Thu Nov 11 19:40
Flynn (Giant Sand/ Sparks merch):

last night in Boston, there was no Sand merch. The Handsome Family had only their commercially available releases and Rennie's book of stories, "Evil."

Date: Thu Nov 11 19:36
peter (nyc):

what is howe and/or the sparks family selling at the gigs?, if anything at all. hoping to score at least the monkey disk. kindly inform so as i can bring the proper fundage to the mercury lounge gig manana. mucho gracias. stay tuned for some alejandro good news :).

Date: Thu Nov 11 15:31
todd (western front - OW OM 10 ):

Upside Down Home 2002 HOWE - track 10. Western Front "Rapidly we load then shells fall to the feet and we advance Rapidly we reload"...Just got the Autumn edition of Comes with A Smile from the UK. Excellent interview and pictures of Howe. Ordered two Rainer cds from Patti K...The Farm and Live at the performance center. Hope to get em soon. Remembrance Day '04 (Canada, UK)

Date: Thu Nov 11 09:07
Flynn (Boston):

I woke up with grinnin' ears ringin' from last night's Boston show. wow Howe wow. den danes spark æsel! Fantastic!

Date: Thu Nov 11 04:54
buxfix (jam, jelly or marmelade):

hello hello - can make copies in the following formats: tape, MD or CD! but i want to give the americans the advantage to this cause the shipping from germany to the states are very high - but if nobody got these both albums - I could do it! so greets from hamburg - buxfix

Date: Wed Nov 10 21:42
marmelade (contact@themarmalade.com):

hello strangers many years ago in the 80s i came to love the early giant sand LPs "love songs" and "giant sandwich." i listened to songs like "barrio" and "searchlight" til my records were worn. then all of my records got stolen when i lived in oregon with some hippies who didn't believe in locks. now i believe these records are out of print. i would be so very grateful if anyone could help me get copies of either or both of these magical records, on any format; CD, vinyl, cassette, whatever. if anyone can help, please email me at contact@themarmalade.com. thanks very much, j marmelade

Date: Wed Nov 10 19:22
J (pisstake):

Lay off jimmy, he likes to snuggle apparently, and is a quality person. Sudden gslidedown thing

Date: Wed Nov 10 14:15
Blaine (spit-take):

Yes, we've had several requests ...but we are going to play anyway.

Date: Wed Nov 10 13:20
Graham (rimshot!):

thanks, folks, we'll be appearing here all week...

Date: Wed Nov 10 12:58
Blaine ((Chris)):

Maybe, but Graham's arms were really sore.

Date: Wed Nov 10 12:46
james s (ms):

mississippi has a lot of great town names.

Date: Wed Nov 10 12:42
Graham (all over the map):

Always been a fan of Chunky, Mississippi.

Date: Wed Nov 10 12:24
SeanT (What's He Building In There ?):

" In some place , called Mayor's Income Tennessee "

Date: Wed Nov 10 11:44
Greg (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Opinionating is good don't stop!

Date: Wed Nov 10 09:28
james s (greg, "gainsbarre", etc...):

Greg, there is a Bucksnort Tennessee. There is also a Stinking Creek. "Gainsbarre," sorry to bore you. Actually your flame came at the very moment I was thinking to myself that I should completely shut up for many years, just listen, and read, and learn, and later in life, if I still feel like writing or putting out opinions, then ok. Kept me awake all night just thinking about it. But enough about me. It's good that most all the real reports about the shows out there mention an impressive "Chemistry with the Danes." It looks like all the concern over the split with the Js was in vain. Have a fine Wednesday, all ye Sandsters.

Date: Tue Nov 9 23:55
Chris ((Double Door)):

Well I guess Graham trumps my drive down to the Chicago show from Grand Rapids. Wonderful show with Howe in very good spirits--much happier than at the solo show in Toronto a few years ago. Chemistry with the Danes obviously has him in a good place. Cool to hear Howe in a quintissential rock quartet (what, no conch?!). Interestingly though, the set, for all the good vibes presented Howe at his most topical and politicized (the new song "Love knows no borders" and "Uneven Light of Day" in particular, but much of the set really). Anyway, the heavens approved as I got quite a show from the Aurora Borealis on the drive home. Great night. Thanks Howe.

Date: Tue Nov 9 23:15
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

I feel like I should jump in a defend James' post, which I found both funny and educational (Bucksnort, TN who knew such a magical place existed). Or perhaps Gainsbarre is just making another joke that went way over my head.

Date: Tue Nov 9 18:26
thanks jimmy ((for your thoughts below)):

but your imagination is weak, particularly for someone in Tennessee. might be better to keep such thoughts in a journal until you graduate, or at least until writing improves. btw, it's sofia, so you can drop her name more properly in your other arenas. yours, etc. -gainsbarre

Date: Tue Nov 9 15:43
james s (Bucksnort show):

Saw Giant Sand last night at the Jim Dandy Truckstop in Bucksnort, Tennessee. It was an amazing show. They performed the entire "God Bless Tiny Tim" album, from beginning to end. Each member of the band played hand bells, and only hand bells. Howe sang in a beautiful falsetto. Chills down the spine, folks. Really. Especially when Sophia Coppola jumped up on the bar with Howe, and the two of them did "I've Got You Babe" acappella.

Date: Tue Nov 9 12:13
cowgirl (cowgirl@boatnerd.com):

wow- Graham, that sounds exactly like the Minneapolis show on the 6th.

Date: Tue Nov 9 09:46
Blaine (Allan):

Graham - thanks for the CHI report. I had a gig Sunday night and was tempted to barrel down to CHI after -- but as Giant Sand opened I would have missed them anyway. Bootleggers, you doin yr stuff?

Date: Tue Nov 9 08:15
Graham (.):

Made it to the Chicago show--flew up from Alabama--and it was awesome. Surprised that Giant Sand was in the opening slot before Handsome Family. Somewhat out-of-order setlist: Wayfaring Stranger, Trickle Down System, Loving Cup, NYC of Time, a new tune (due Sept. 05), Muss, Shiver, Uneven Light of Day, Flying Around the Sun, Remote, Classico, some Hey Jude refrains, etc. Might be forgetting one. Howe appeared from the crowd with guitar and headphone mic in his socks, slung on some just-purchased Montana boots. Songs kept fairly straightforward--punchy and tight, very driving electric sound. Looking forward to the southern leg of the tour next week. Oh, and Year of the Monkey's a hell of an album. Well done.

Date: Tue Nov 9 03:49
tom (well, its more of a counter really):

Mike, looks like I will be coming to Totnes summer 2005 for my mums birthday,I will definately get in touch and we can carve saguarros out of clotted cream,mmmmmmmmmmmmmclotted creammmmmmmmmmm

Date: Mon Nov 8 18:43
PaulK (Joshua Tree):

Kinda long but kinda interestin' http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2004/11/06/musicians_seek_mystique_of _joshua_tree/ Musicians seek mystique of Joshua Tree By Joan Anderman, Globe Staff | November 6, 2004 ROOM 8, JOSHUA TREE MOTEL, Calif. -- Every year hundreds of music fans from around the world make pilgrimages to this modest motel room with cinder-block walls and faded lace curtains. They don't come for the dcor. They're here to jam guitar picks into framed posters of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Bros., scrawl worshipful messages in the guestbook on the night table, and lovingly tend one another's ad hoc altars to the country-rock visionary Gram Parsons, who died here of a morphine and tequila overdose 31 years ago. Joshua Tree is a squeak of a town adjacent to the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park -- a desolate, breathtaking landscape covered in the giant, spiky yucca trees that give the place its name. It was Parsons's favorite spot on earth, and the mythology inspired by his affinity during his brief 26 years has only grown since his death -- the bizarre aftermath of which is memorialized in the film ''Grand Theft Parsons," which was recently released on DVD. Joshua Tree is a magnet not just for the Parsons faithful, but for a burgeoning community of artists drawn to a stark, and many claim mystical, setting whose lure is as elusive as it is powerful. The purity of the elements here heightens the senses, and a deep feeling of solitude saturates the terrain -- forming a potent backdrop for an eclectic music scene that's flourishing in and around this tiny outpost 145 miles east of Los Angeles in California's high Mojave Desert. ''It's a magical place," says Steve Earle, a onetime resident. ''It feels like the center of the universe," explains indie-rocker Kristin Hersh, who made the albums ''Sky Motel" and ''Strange Angels" in Joshua Tree. ''After a few months, your focus shifts from the news and the popular culture to the moon and the coyotes and the air. I can hear the air, the space, in the songs I've written there." Giant Sand frontman Howe Gelb, who left Joshua Tree for Tucson when his daughter reached school age, calls it Camelot. ''The wind blows constantly," he says. ''When the sun goes down on the mountains, the shadows get impossibly long. My brain is so cluttered. Out in the desert, you're in a place that's uncluttered. I dream of the day I'll end up there." The roster of locals now includes Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Brant Bjork of Fu Manchu, Americana power couple Victoria Williams and (former Jayhawk) Mark Olson, heavy-rock guru Chris Goss (Masters of Reality, Kyuss), surf-guitar king Dick Dale, jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson, Romeo Void singer Deborah Iyall, Eric Burdon of the Animals, and a host of young artists -- among them the neo-psychedelic buzz band Gram Rabbit. Joni Mitchell is looking for a place. Several recording studios have opened here in recent years, and the area is home to a handful of thriving clubs. Among the regulars at Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace, which features live music four nights a week, are members of Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, Michelle Shocked, Shelby Lynne, and Lucinda Willams, who's currently house hunting in Joshua Tree. The Beatnik Cafe is a haven for local talent, who form the core of annual events such as Gramfest and the Cosmic American Music Festival, tributes to Parsons, and Chuckwalla, Joshua Tree's grass-roots answer to the mega-watt Coachella festival down the hill in the low valley. Rancho de la Luna, a recording studio founded in 1993, embodies both the laid-back vibe and the high-tech needs of the desert music community. It's a converted ranch stuffed with compressors and processors, a cozy homestead where bedrooms double as tracking booths and flea-market art ornaments the state-of-the-art mixing board. Dogs and neighbors wander in and out at all hours. Clients as diverse as the producer Daniel Lanois, singer PJ Harvey, and the Japanese band Outrage have recently worked at the Rancho. ''People who experience music more as ritual than as spectacle converge here," says Dean Chamberlin, a founding member of the Motels and one of several partners who run Rancho de la Luna. ''It's got its own character, a strong flavor, which is completely what you don't want if you go to a $500-a-day studio in town that's as anonymous as possible to accommodate as many different clients as possible. We're a community with very different tastes but common values around music." The recent migrants to Joshua Tree reflect the independent spirit that marks a long line of artists drawn to the desert -- patron saint Parsons was preceded by the innovator Captain Beefheart, who spent the '60s concocting an unholy alliance of jazz, blues, classical music, and rock in the high desert with his Magic Band. Ever since, it's been a popular destination for musicians eager to elude the literal and figurative noise of the city. Gram Rabbit frontwoman Jesika Von Rabbit, who moved to Joshua Tree in 2000, echoes the ethos of her desert forebears when she talks about being transformed in Joshua Tree. ''The spirit of the Old West lives on out here," says Von Rabbit, whose band fuses space-rock, electro-pop, lounge, twang, and psychedelia on its just-released debut, ''Music to Start a Cult By." ''The energy is special and pure, and it inspires music that we think is unique and magical. This is where we belong." Of course there's a flip side to the growth of this austere and idyllic artist's enclave: specifically, the growth. The folks who migrated here because it was an escape from the action, the attitude, the hipster accoutrements of metropolitan life are ambivalent about the opening of two upscale cafes and the frequent appearance of film crews. KCRW, LA's coolest radio station, is sponsoring shows at Pappy and Harriet's. Real estate prices are rising. Designer homes are beginning to dot the landscape. ''It's coming," says Chris Goss, a rock music producer who moved to Joshua Tree four years ago. ''There's lots of land, it's cheap, it's beautiful, the weather's great, and it's Southern California. You can't expect to keep that a secret. But if we do it right, there's no reason Joshua Tree can't be the Taos of the Mojave Desert."

Date: Mon Nov 8 17:09
Alan (Chris, Blaine, others...):

Any news on the Chicago show... that I missed?

Date: Mon Nov 8 12:31
paging mr. walbank ((at the front desk)):

tom.... if i remember right, you were coming over to totnes this november... give me a shout and we'll meet up for drinks... mike (moorwood-cottage.co.uk)

Date: Sun Nov 7 17:57
J (No worries):

Ricky, thanks for the kung fu. Soon to turn monitor off and do the sandtorrent thing. Little j and even littler b are who knows where?

Date: Sun Nov 7 13:39
Bulky Low Max (www.rickygelb.com):

Sa-wa-ro Mike, Email me. I am not sure if my emails have gotten thruough to you in the past few days. One got bounced back, but appears to be te correct address. Also thanx J, for emailing me to inform me I was the artist of the week last week on www.mansiononthehill.biz (radio station).

Date: Sun Nov 7 11:58
J (torrent bits):

Get that while I rest and wake up to a new cd. how cool is that?

Date: Sat Nov 6 20:15
Bit torrent: 1992-01-28 (http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=13002):

http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=13002 01. Seldom Matters 02. Neon Filler 03. Loving Cup 04. Almost A Politician's Wife 05. Wonder 06. Welcome To My Drunken World 07. Wild Dog Waltz 08. Roof Is On Fire 09. Dead Air 10. Searchlight 11. Giant Surfsong 12. Uneven Light Of Day 13. Always Horses Coming 14. Down On Town/Love's No Answer

Date: Sat Nov 6 20:01
Bit torrent: 1992-01-28 (http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=13002):

http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=13002 01. Seldom Matters 02. Neon Filler 03. Loving Cup 04. Almost A Politician's Wife 05. Wonder 06. Welcome To My Drunken World 07. Wild Dog Waltz 08. Roof Is On Fire 09. Dead Air 10. Searchlight 11. Giant Surfsong 12. Uneven Light Of Day 13. Always Horses Coming 14. Down On Town/Love's No Answer

Date: Sat Nov 6 13:00
Frank C (Quite funny, Mr Moore...):

But I guess a link to the moore-website would have done it - without wasting this nice place by draging & dropping quoted words from another website.

Date: Fri Nov 5 21:10
shammy69@imt.net (giant sand):

....is all over the map in Montana. Thanks for stopping in Howe. Enjoyed the visit. Howe fishing? Make it to the hot springs? Next time lets book a show in Livingston or Bozeman. Didn't know Michael Moore is a Sand fan. Thanks for being a beacon on a dark week.

Date: Fri Nov 5 13:30
tommy gailer (dear american people):

couldn`t you have tryin`a bit harder to get rid of bush? now i have to bear another 4 years that michael moore...

Date: Fri Nov 5 10:44
17 Reasons Not To Slit Your Wrists (By Michael Moore):

Dear Friends, Ok, it sucks. Really sucks. But before you go and cash it all in, let's, in the words of Monty Python, “always look on the bright side of life!” There IS some good news from Tuesday's election. Here are 17 reasons not to slit your wrists: 1. It is against the law for George W. Bush to run for president again. 2. Bush's victory was the NARROWEST win for a sitting president since Woodrow Wilson in 1916. 3. The only age group in which the majority voted for Kerry was young adults (Kerry: 54%, Bush: 44%), proving once again that your parents are always wrong and you should never listen to them. 4. In spite of Bush's win, the majority of Americans still think the country is headed in the wrong direction (56%), think the war wasn't worth fighting (51%), and don’t approve of the job George W. Bush is doing (52%). (Note to foreigners: Don't try to figure this one out. It's an American thing, like Pop Tarts.) 5. The Republicans will not have a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority in the Senate. If the Democrats do their job, Bush won't be able to pack the Supreme Court with right-wing ideologues. Did I say "if the Democrats do their job?" Um, maybe better to scratch this one. 6. Michigan voted for Kerry! So did the entire Northeast, the birthplace of our democracy. So did 6 of the 8 Great Lakes States. And the whole West Coast! Plus Hawaii. Ok, that's a start. We've got most of the fresh water, all of Broadway, and Mt. St. Helens. We can dehydrate them or bury them in lava. And no more show tunes! 7. Once again we are reminded that the buckeye is a nut, and not just any old nut -- a poisonous nut. A great nation was felled by a poisonous nut. May Ohio State pay dearly this Saturday when it faces Michigan. 8. 88% of Bush's support came from white voters. In 50 years, America will no longer have a white majority. Hey, 50 years isn't such a long time! If you're ten years old and reading this, your golden years will be truly golden and you will be well cared for in your old age. 9. Gays, thanks to the ballot measures passed on Tuesday, cannot get married in 11 new states. Thank God. Just think of all those wedding gifts we won't have to buy now. 10. Five more African Americans were elected as members of Congress, including the return of Cynthia McKinney of Georgia. It's always good to have more blacks in there fighting for us and doing the job our candidates can't. 11. The CEO of Coors was defeated for Senate in Colorado. Drink up! 12. Admit it: We like the Bush twins and we don't want them to go away. 13. At the state legislative level, Democrats picked up a net of at least 3 chambers in Tuesday's elections. Of the 98 partisan-controlled state legislative chambers (house/assembly and senate), Democrats went into the 2004 elections in control of 44 chambers, Republicans controlled 53 chambers, and 1 chamber was tied. After Tuesday, Democrats now control 47 chambers, Republicans control 49 chambers, 1 chamber is tied and 1 chamber (Montana House) is still undecided. 14. Bush is now a lame duck president. He will have no greater moment than the one he's having this week. It's all downhill for him from here on out -- and, more significantly, he's just not going to want to do all the hard work that will be expected of him. It'll be like everyone's last month in 12th grade -- you've already made it, so it's party time! Perhaps he'll treat the next four years like a permanent Friday, spending even more time at the ranch or in Kennebunkport. And why shouldn't he? He's already proved his point, avenged his father and kicked our ass. 15. Should Bush decide to show up to work and take this country down a very dark road, it is also just as likely that either of the following two scenarios will happen: a) Now that he doesn't ever need to pander to the Christian conservatives again to get elected, someone may whisper in his ear that he should spend these last four years building "a legacy" so that history will render a kinder verdict on him and thus he will not push for too aggressive a right-wing agenda; or b) He will become so cocky and arrogant -- and thus, reckless -- that he will commit a blunder of such major proportions that even his own party will have to remove him from office. 16. There are nearly 300 million Americans -- 200 million of them of voting age. We only lost by three and a half million! That's not a landslide -- it means we're almost there. Imagine losing by 20 million. If you had 58 yards to go before you reached the goal line and then you barreled down 55 of those yards, would you stop on the three yard line, pick up the ball and go home crying -- especially when you get to start the next down on the three yard line? Of course not! Buck up! Have hope! More sports analogies are coming!!! 17. Finally and most importantly, over 55 million Americans voted for the candidate dubbed "The #1 Liberal in the Senate." That's more than the total number of voters who voted for either Reagan, Bush I, Clinton or Gore. Again, more people voted for Kerry than Reagan. If the media are looking for a trend it should be this -- that so many Americans were, for the first time since Kennedy, willing to vote for an out-and-out liberal. The country has always been filled with evangelicals -- that is not news. What IS news is that so many people have shifted toward a Massachusetts liberal. In fact, that's BIG news. Which means, don't expect the mainstream media, the ones who brought you the Iraq War, to ever report the real truth about November 2, 2004. In fact, it's better that they don't. We'll need the element of surprise in 2008. Feeling better? I hope so. As my friend Mort wrote me yesterday, "My Romanian grandfather used to say to me, 'Remember, Morton, this is such a wonderful country -- it doesn't even need a president!'" But it needs us. Rest up, I'll write you again tomorrow. Yours, Michael Moore

Date: Fri Nov 5 09:48
Gary Sonjee (Deplh Phjelps):

Moving house so will be away from you all looks like bad week for world with all the pour spelling I've seen. getting nostalgic this morning but in a nice warm way, time to press on.........see you all again some day

Date: Fri Nov 5 08:52
Graham (better off than to stay and face the nation):

My hopes also dashed this Tuesday, for new administration and for, as James mentioned, the century-late repeal of Jim Crowe verbage from our Alabama constitution, I travel north to a blue state, seeing Giant Sand in Chicago Sunday. Any one else in attendance? What about Atlanta the week following?

Date: Fri Nov 5 07:04
Glu Snifa m m m m m m m m mm m (http://www.stationforshrewsbury.co.uk/music.htm):

I have Judged ye You can Judge me......... No COMMAS ALOWD

Date: Thu Nov 4 21:51
Mitch (election):

Strange for me to see our once formidable democracy being shaped rather effortlessly into a formidable theocracy. I'll stick to my guns, though, when suggesting that Christ was a liberal, and I'm quite positive that 3,000,000 conservative-voting Christians can actually be wrong.

Date: Thu Nov 4 16:43
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

New Zealand does have a pretty generous immigration policy for educated labor (e.g., teachers, engineers, social workers, medical professionals, etc.). Also for those single Americans out there why not consider this option: http://www.marryanamerican.ca/pledge/

Date: Thu Nov 4 16:34
J (Available space):

The song, I meant...

Date: Thu Nov 4 16:33
J (Generally...):

Much more chilled reaction from me to the news. Still, not worth me voting in the Blair out one, as a lifelong (Since 18) Habit means my vote must be wasted. Can't vote for anyone other than my old faves so I won't. Available space going on to a mixtape for the car, Kristofferson and Dylan, Pixies and Cohen, Marley and Morrison. Tape of doom or hope? Life...

Date: Thu Nov 4 15:59
geoff (in a state of denial...aka texas):

for all those crushed...i'm with you. this is the freedom we're bringing to the world? right? thge freedom to ban civil rights, the freedom to desimate the environment, the freedom to wage continual war, but certainly not the freedom for a woman to choose. like james, my guys/gals all lost and to think about the reprocusions of this week is to become far more upset. not even the GS trucker hat could console the head this week. i've been looking real close at new zealand myself, i've never been, but right now the grass actually is greener way over on the other side of the fence.

Date: Thu Nov 4 13:40
james s (crushed):

Everyone and everything I voted for lost. Here in Alabama, the majority of voters even shut down an ammendment to remove the racist and jim crow language that's still in the state's constitution.

Date: Wed Nov 3 22:13
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Any Sand fans in New Zealand? I am fortunate enough to have dual citizenship and may make my escape.

Date: Wed Nov 3 22:11
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

I wish that I could forget about it but the thought of another four years is just too much.

Date: Wed Nov 3 19:29
PaulK (Chad Valley):

Fuggit, 4 more years of Bush, that map says it all. Sitting here in the UK it's so frustrating, probably worse for those in the USA as you thought your votes might work. The democrats have to get Hunter Thompson on the ticket next time.

Date: Wed Nov 3 18:19
Flynn (all over the electoral map):

Speechless in Maine, watching the U.S. of A. tilt even FURTHER right, waiting for the Massachusetts Sand gig next week. Speaking of maps: http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/%7Ecfisher/pics/new_map.jpg

Date: Wed Nov 3 17:36
kurt ((shawn)):

the portland show was truly excellent.......had all my oregon sand fans in the house....even from bend just for the show.....loved hearing the guitar howe style....thanks howe for doing what you do and helping us all get through an otherwise hard night. K

Date: Wed Nov 3 16:59
glue sniffer (stop it you ashamed nations hide from towers tides no more):

I here just to let you all know 3 things 1. forget geory bush whta about all that gay marragie banning? 2 dancing with tigers IS THE ONLY WAY TO STOP LUNG CANCER 3 i have a song on the internet and will when sober and operational post an address so my public can snigger giggle and lynch my efforts in the jeans gean sand dream zxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Date: Wed Nov 3 16:34
todd (top 30 report + upside):

...droppin' in again to inform that Is All over...the Map is #7 right now on cjsr.com charts way up here in northern Alberta. Went after the new Upside Down Home 'Year of the Monkey' and it took only few days to arrive here. Thanks OW OM...i've already selected it for airplay (Loving Cup w/ a bird).

Date: Wed Nov 3 15:44
Erik (ps.):

Hey Ow-Om store. any chance your going to get those giant sand trucker hats we saw Howe wearing in the pictures from europe? I was hoping to get one last night but there are none. for folks going out to see them on this tour they have great merch though. Vinyl and very cool looking t-shirts (no XXL though :( ......... I am very pleased with the new Down Home disc. Make sure to get one.

Date: Wed Nov 3 15:29
Erik (sand in portland):

surviving the election events of yesterday were a little easier with giant Sand in town last night. Peoples spirits were down when Howe took the stage and were lifted with his salute of "Here's to 2008!" Then with the opening of "Hey Jude" it made everyone feel a little better. thanks Howe for taking us to a better place. The band played inspired and I was glad to hear so many old songs I haven't heard in years. Nice touch when Howe became the "Trans Neil Young" with his wireless headset. Great set (loved hearing "Wonder,""Storm"), reconnected with some old friends..... Made this horrible night in US History just a bit more bearable. Thanks..... Here's to 2008!

Date: Wed Nov 3 15:28
archivist (... ):

I would like to note that Pima County (home of Tucson, AZ) clearly picked Kerry as the president. Maricopa county (Phoenix and surrounding areas) to the north did not.. :(

Date: Wed Nov 3 14:48
J (james s):

Time has taught me and you (I presume) To blame the pins and needles on the smoking and drinking, but blame the smoking and drinking on "The powers that be" Seems a fair trade to me...

Date: Wed Nov 3 11:34
Lars (yes..):

...all

Date: Wed Nov 3 11:03
Conch (livid):

Darker, much dumber days await us all. :( :( :(

Date: Wed Nov 3 10:24
Alan (g(j)):

no, it isn't... and... jeez, I can't even...

Date: Wed Nov 3 09:25
g (j):

well, thats just not good enough AmericA!

Date: Wed Nov 3 03:12
Conch (ergh & ugh):

Theo Van Gogh :(

Date: Wed Nov 3 02:44
Lars (hmmmm):

The Danish Folk Party is a bunch nutjobs being afraid of everyone with a different skin colour. And well, every white person too who thinks differently than them. Several times trying to go after people practising their freedom of speech. Sounds familiar? And they've found muslims really useful in scaring people these last few years. Annoys me very much. ### Man, I can't believe Bush seems to be winning. Doesn't most Americans remember what he's been doing these last four years - and who is behind him? (Cheney & Co). Yeah, he seems like a nice guy, but more is needed for a presidency....? Hm, this was not just a vote for America, but for the world. I'm afraid that the US narrows its vision even further now. Anyway....just dropped by Michael Moore's website. There people can write their experiences from the voting places. There is very much different things happening out there, it seems. Good and bad. Florida being the worst, funnily enough. Missing ballots, people not on the list and people pressing the Kerry button on the voting machines and the vote going to Bush. Repeatedly. Man, I'm glad I live in Denmark, I must admit. Everyone here gets a voting ballot automatically and we don't go by the "electoral college" system and the two-party system. Hmmmm....off to work now. Best of luck to ya'! / Lars

Date: Wed Nov 3 02:25
SeanT (Lars ):

" The Danish Folk Party" - What ? and their policies being , compulsary beards , jumpers and real ale ?

Date: Tue Nov 2 23:53
james s (yup, lars):

I gave Kerry a vote. Pins and needles as I smoke and drink through the night, hoping for regime change, for us, for the world. It's not looking good. Too early, though, to tell.

Date: Tue Nov 2 21:52
Blaine (Blame it on the Stones -- J & Voting):

If you can find it, the album Willie Nelson Sings Kris Kristofferson is a gem. Likewise if you can seek them out, KK's sidekick Billy Swan did some cool albums as well. After 2 weeks and a full today of canvassing to give the incumbent a change of address, I am about ready get into a car and drive across the desert with a Neil Young bootleg blasting - -too bad I am in Wisconsin. The Democratic process will do what it does best, bugs and all - might be a while though. Politics aside, best one I heard was "if you are for John Kerry you vote today. If you are voting for George Bush you vote tomorrow."

Date: Tue Nov 2 19:33
Conch (in California):

Well, not in a swing-state, but voted like hell earlier. Was heartened to be in a long line of mostly Chinese and young voters.

Date: Tue Nov 2 19:23
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Lars, I live in a very marginal swing state (Arizona) and I voted as did all of my friends. I don't know a single non-voter.

Date: Tue Nov 2 14:07
Lars (So...):

...did you vote, guys? Not asking for who, just if. Read about a lot of people not bothering to vote because they weren't living in a "swing state" and were part of the minority. Kinda "defeatist"? Here in Denmark we'll have to wait a year. Hopefully we'll get a new government here at that time. The current government only has the majority because the Danish Folk Party (racist pricks, if you ask me) supports them and therefore can push they own agendas all the time. Hmmmm....politics/politicians....even more annoying than computers...eh? / Lars

Date: Tue Nov 2 10:58
J (graham):

Thanks for the tip...

Date: Tue Nov 2 09:50
Graham (the pride of just the other side of nowhere):

Early Kristofferson is awesome. If you can track down a copy of Spooky Lady's Sideshow--from 1974, I believe--you will not be disappointed.

Date: Tue Nov 2 03:13
J (usual):

Listening to early Kris Kristofferson, as a pretty much 1st timer. Phew, just what I needed after a nightshift of loony manual labour. Roots of all the stuff I need growing in my ears now. Makes me long for simmering summer somewhere, cerveza, el sol et mi amigos. Or alternatively, a GranddaddyHowe album as mentioned below, a short merciful winter and happy endings for everyone.

Date: Mon Nov 1 16:27
Lars (For those of you...):

...who felt they missed out on something with the Sonisk Sandman here's the whole thing: http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=12324 --- And the added "bonus" is the Thrill Jockey gig in Copenhagen with a few songs together with Freakwater. Enjoy! / Lars

Date: Mon Nov 1 14:31
julie (julie_vanderwier@r1.fws.gov):

giant sand at the getty. what can you say. terrific venue and spot-on performance. the danes were great and howe was flying on the guitar. vocals nicely augmented from the front row...which was the source of much contagious enthusiasm. the only thing that could have made this a better show was if it could have gone on longer. i only wish i'd known that night that the casbah is now in canada!

Date: Mon Nov 1 13:58
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

Random comments and questions. 1) I heard that a Howe backed with Grandaddy recording is in the can and ready to roll. Anyone know the name of it and when it will be released? 2) I see that the Club Congress performance after Thanksgiving is dubbed a "Record Release" event is this just to celebrate GSIAOTM, YOTM or something else entirely. 3) "Hood" is still riding high on my listener's top rated list. Most of them are not GS fans (but are sure to come to love or hate them as I forcefeed a steady diet of Sand to my listeners). 4) Also, there is a nice comment about Giant Sand at the end of the Pitchfork's review of Jason's mixtape http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/g/grandaddy/below-the-radio.shtml

Date: Mon Nov 1 13:13
tommy gailer (scrolling for switzerland tv):

YES, in 2005!

Date: Mon Nov 1 10:10
tommy gailer (scrolling for switzerland tv):

just got the info per e-mail, that parts of the giant sand show from October 15 Rubigen Muhle Hunziken will be aired at February the 5th from SF1.

Date: Sun Oct 31 19:20
Eddie (Pictures at an Exhibition):

I don’t think that I have ever seen Giant Sand at a more surreal venue than Friday night at the Getty. I won’t go anywhere beyond that The Danes in the band are a great fit. I don’t know if they were tight due to time limitations or playing style, but there wasn’t a lot of improvisation other than playlist – none. Handsomes thought that they were coming back on but did’nt. That’s OK with me I was there for GS.

Date: Sun Oct 31 14:28
Lars (Urgent live-tip: Berg Sans Nipple in Europe (Germany now!)):

I cannot recommend the band Berg Sans Nipple enough. They're in Europe right now: 01.11 G - Berlin - Mudd Club ### 02.11 G - Dresden - Starclub ### 03.11 G - Munich - Harry Klein ### 04.11 G - Frankfurt Offenbach - Hafen 2 ### 05.11 CH - Luzern - Boa Bar ### 06.11 CH - Fribourg - Nouveau Monde ### 13.11 FRA - Paris - Point Ephemere (+Xiu Xiu + Cyann&Ben) ### 26.11 FRA - Dijon - Why Note festival (+CocoRosie) ### Go see! ### -- www.bergsansnipple.com (there's one mp3 there). ### And SeanT, I hope you enjoy the torrents. Great you like it. :-) / Lars

Date: Sun Oct 31 14:22
SeanT (Lars):

Lars , thanks for the torrents , good work son. SeanT

Date: Sun Oct 31 14:01
Lars (For those about to rock...):

A wee Sunday torrent: http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=12184 - Best greets, sandies! / Lars

Date: Sun Oct 31 12:25
Alex (goerkea@yahoo.com):

Now at www.i-yo.com Personal flyers by people in the know for people in the know. The code D732A832 gives a 33% discount on orders at i-yo.com – no matter who enters the code and how many times it’s entered. Something your friends might also want to know… Greetings from Barcelona, A!ex

Date: Sun Oct 31 11:46
E (ready to vote out the bushwacker):

Jorg, there was no collaboration at the San diego show, The Handsome Family had there own band w/pedal steel, drums. One strange thing is there was no piano/keys to be heard throughout, but that just allowed for more guitar which was just fine.

Date: Sun Oct 31 10:01
TDH (Tommy-Miike-asia ect):

Hi Tommy If "Shiri" is watchable I don't know yet. I haven't seen it yet. I read a review that was quiet good and a friend recomendeded it, so I do have some expextations that it's a good movie. It's supposed to be quiet a big production with a lot of action and a few good plots. I'll let you know when I get around to viewing it. Concerning Three extremes I just bought it on eBay 2 DVD version reg. 3. I'm really looking foreward to that one. On Miike I haven't seen all his other films yet. From what I can come up with he has made around 25 movies. Some of his other stuff must be extremely wierd if Audition is mainstream in comparison.

Date: Sun Oct 31 08:29
Conch (DVDasian):

I noticed the link to the THREE...EXTREMES DVD. For those interested, you can purchase Fruit Chan's feature-length version of DUMPLINGS as a different DVD altogether, whereas it's offered on the THREE EXTREMES disc as much edited short film (cut by about two thirds its original length).

Date: Sun Oct 31 08:24
Conch (Talkin' Miike):

Interesting to see Takashi Miike brought up here, yet it's somehow appropriate. One thing to keep in mind with Miike's films is that they run this huge gamut in Japan, from intentially straight-to-video films like the DEAD OR ALIVE series to more arthouse fodder like VISTOR Q. The other thing to remember is that the guy is prolific beyond comprehension, working on shoe-string budgets and turning out 4 or 5 films a year (perhaps more). So, in some regard, he is the Japanese film industry at the moment. As for the violence of his films, a lot of it is so over-the-top and tongue in cheek that it becomes laughable (in a good way), and yet his films can veer toward pure Manga/Anima extremes and then back toward curious, poetic moments. I would, however, say that I don't think AUDITION is the best place to start with him, as it is actually fairly mainstream when put alongside his other work. GOZU, VISTOR Q, the short film BOX, and his insane musical remake of Korea's THE QUIET FAMILY (his verison is called THE HAPPINESS OF THE KATAKURIS) might give a better overview. Still, his work is probably an aquired taste, but if you can get hooked it's well worth the ride.

Date: Sun Oct 31 07:39
tommy gailer (scrolling for torben d. hansen):

torben, do you think "shiri" is watchable? Take a look at that link, you might be interested: http://www.dvdasian.com/cgi-bin/dvdasian/18166.html

Date: Sun Oct 31 01:00
Jörg (thanks for the first reports....):

....I'm wondering if there was a GS / Handsome Family collaboration in some kind of form happening during the shows? Hope they didn't let this opportunity pass.....

Date: Sun Oct 31 01:29
E (of the northwoods):

Just got home from The Casbah here in San Diego, the show tonite/day was great fun, Howe was funny as all get up with his between song banter for sure ! Its great watching him play and watching the rest of the band stare at him just wondering? where in the hell he's goin next ! The Band sounded great, and played some cool instruments indeed , Howe busted out some sonic space attacks on the Boss analog delay pedal throughout and, spared no distortion. A most beutiful lady Marie Frank sang some sing with em' and well, it all ended to dang soon. I attempted to speak with the man afterwards but it seemed he had A line of folks ready to get an earful, and hell I clammed up wonderin what to say anyway! After all its the musico I am attatched to ! Howe keep on keepin on.

Date: Sat Oct 30 21:37
TDH (Lars & Asia):

Lars.. great that you mentioned Stereo Studio. I went there today and got Kang Je Gyu's "Shiri" (Korean spy movie). They had loads of great DVD's for 39.95 each or 3 for 100 dkk. I also got a Scorsese classic "Mean Street" with Robert De Niro & Harvey Keitel. About your point on Takashi Miike. You're right his movies are very twisted and explicitly violent. However in spite of that I find his movies to be of extremely high standard. I just viewed Audition yesterday and I must say yes it's twisted. It's got all the ingredients to make most people throw up. But if you look beyond the extremes of the movie it's got a lot of great qualities too. . The shoots & the whole setting in Audition is phenominal. I think he is a genious the way he (at a very slow pace) builds up his movie, let's you get to know the characters. The whole feel is very David Lynch like (especially the very surrealistic slipping between "dream" and "reality" parts) extremely creepy. There is actually no violence in most of the movie, but in the violent parts it's totally sick and sadistic. If you take Lynch he can be extremely violent too, think of Frank in Blue Velvet what a psycho kidnapping dad & son, chopping of an ear, raping ect. sick shit. Takashi Miike (& Lynch for that matter) dares what many don't. He let's a practically good guy take the heat. This guy is a good dad & everything. His only faulty part is the audition, which he knows is wrong and he does have some moral problem with, but goes along as he desperately wants to remarry. It's not like you ever feel he had it coming to him (which many film makers would make sure he had to justify him being messed up). No he just makes one or two unsmart decissions (the audition) and he falls in love with a girl who has somewhat built up a huge grudge on sick, pervertet and lying men... Anyway I would say it is defiantely a movie worth watching.

Date: Sat Oct 30 21:00
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

I don't know if any of you good folks are in contact with Ricky Gelb. But if you are, let him know that I made him (both solo and with Low Max)the featured artist of the week on my web radio station -- http://mansiononthehill.biz His stuff is really great, if you haven't checked it out. It is good to hear some other Gelb talent out there! Also, if there are any D.C. area Sandfolk out there, let me know and maybe we can get together before the Giant Sand/Handsome Family tour comes through to IOTA on 11/14. I'll buy the first round....

Date: Sat Oct 30 16:40
peri (pioneertown != getty ...):

.... but both were equally swell. The Pioneertown Palace serves smoked chicken and has bottles embedded in the adobe walls. The Getty auditorium is made of lots of white stone, has cushy theater seats and is dizzyingly tall. Great shows, both spaces--just a spiffier wardrobe for the Getty (and I must say all looked quite fine). Giant Sand may be reconstituted but it tastes fresh squeezed. And the Handsome Family were so lovely too. Sad to not be seeing them tonight!

Date: Sat Oct 30 01:10
Jörg (giant sparks):

Any reports from the first couple of shows w/ The Handsome Family?

Date: Fri Oct 29 20:06
Lars (torrent neat-o-rama...):

For those of you who haven't got the lil' Vic&Howe gem check out Easytree: http://www.easytree.org/torrents-details.php?id=11894 ... I out it up there. ### There's also a very nice Bonnie Prince Billy torrent called "2 Nites In Austin 2004" there at the moment, by the way. ### Enjoy! / Lars

Date: Fri Oct 29 17:17
Blaine (@work):

James - you remember the Clean? Kiwi pop at it's finest.

Date: Fri Oct 29 15:46
james s (yeah, I know, who cares, right? Still, I like it when others post things like...):

I'm enjoying this David Kilgour "Frozen Orange" record. Reminds me a bit, and sometimes a lot, of Yo La Tengo in their quieter more controlled pop moments. Nice songs. Where's our Jelly Baby?

Date: Fri Oct 29 15:12
james s (. . . . ):

luba

Date: Fri Oct 29 11:16
joebnannies (joenoderer@comcast.net):

As far as interesting combinations of songs that sound like they were somehow made to be paired up...CCR's 'Down on the Corner' and GnR's 'Welcome to the Jungle'. Play the former, and sing the latter, it works like a jiff.

Date: Thu Oct 28 17:29
J (blaine/james):

Ta for the matador tunes/mirrorproject. Playlist as we speak: Yo la tengo Little eyes. Map: Met up 4 too many drinks w'a good friend 2nite, surprised he was to see Giant Sand getting 5 stars in a UK broadsheet.

Date: Thu Oct 28 14:35
Blaine (Conspiracy Theory/Waits):

Alan & SeanT - yup, me too: 42. Just got the new Waits last night an played about halfway. So far is among the best I've heard in a while. Opinion: My take on him is that he portrays Tom Waits better than anyone else, especially since his visibility was raised by the movie appearances. Which I think points us back to Palace territory, so I'll stop there.

Date: Thu Oct 28 12:45
Alan (SeanT):

In the NY metro area, WFMU (of Backyard Barbecue Broadcast fame) served -- in combination with the discovery of the Pebbles collections of '60s punk and Robert Palmer's LP reviews in the New York Times -- to "peel" me away from early Genesis, King Crimson and the like. It strikes me sad, ironic, funny then that Blaine noted on Tuesday that the founder of Bomp! records -- the original label for the Pebbles collections -- just passed away as well. BTW: I, too, am 42 (tho that's soon to change).

Date: Thu Oct 28 10:14
SeanT (Peel):

I first started listening to Peel in the late 70's . Before then my music taste was whatever was on the radio or in the charts .I was taken to see The Clash on the Give Em Enough Rope tour and then bam , I was transported into a world were music meant something , collecting records became a lifelong passion and going to see gigs a weekly thing rather than a once a year big night out.Peel was a huge part of this discovery.The friend who took me to see Strummer et al , also suggested that I should check this DJ out on Radio 1 , as he plays all the good stuff.At that time Peel was the only person playing punk on the BBC.From then up until , last week !, Peel was listened to , taped and bands names written down and purchased the next day .Not only did his impeccable taste steer me in the direction of such things as The Legendary Stardust Cowboy,The Smiths and Extreme Noise Terror but his whole attitude had a huge impact on me.In the later years when I had thoughts that maybe I should be into what others are at my age , gardening or shopping for sensible things,I always thought of Peely at 65 and still as passionate as he was when in his teens. I've never done the garden or spent a weekend buying furnishings , last week I saw Mon-The Hot Snakes , Tues-Paul Westerberg , Thurs-Giant Sand and Friday-Marah .All that at 42 years young and really I wouldn't have been there if I hadn't listened to John Peel . Thanks John.

Date: Thu Oct 28 09:43
Alan (SeanT-Arsenal-Karbassiyoon):

Well, Sean, when I started playing in the early 70s (~10 years old) the game was utterly invisible in the US. The NASL then brought all those all-but-retired international stars to NY and LA, but it was an ugly game... and there was no domestic talent to speak of... on the other hand, our high school played a surprisingly high quality of ball given the short time of the game's presence and the staggeringly few coaches and referees who'd ever played the game themselves. At 16, I took the FIFA referee-training course and began to work my way up (in my early 20s) to inter-state games between 18-year olds. But, as I started to play the college game (at a level hardly higher than that of my high school -- and wth notably less fitness), the NASL folded and the national level of the sport faded to nothingness. I quit for a decade because I kept on being carded for knowing the rules (and not being able to keep my mouth shut in the face of referee and linesman idiocy). By the time I got back to it, in my early 30s, the referees weren't any better but the young players were and national development program was. The World Cup held here had helped, we got to see the Bulgarians play with beautiful fury and Cameroon play with glorious joy... what magnificence, even if Brazil won one of the ugliest final games ever played. I do see a notable future for football/soccer in the US and for US players internationally but it is going to be a process of fits and starts for at least another decade or two. Because of the size and diversity of the country, we have a staggeringly large talent pool to draw on but we are also really struggling to develop a style of our own. At the level of holding offensive and defensive shape, moving w/o the ball, and anticipatory team defense, we have a long way to go. Hopefully, the kind of training Karbassiyoon and others are getting in Europe will accelerate our development... and, similarly, the next time England has a lead on Portugal, Rooney won't break his foot and they'll stay offensive-minded through the second half rather than packing it in and handing momentum to the other team's offense. Now, more on John Peel from others who got to hear him formatively and regularly, rather folks like me who discovered his work through Dutch East India's wildly divergent and periodically magnificent Peel Sessions LPs/CDs in the late 80s and early 90s.

Date: Thu Oct 28 09:25
greg (scottsmit@telsra.com):

anyone check howes contribution on sigmatropic recordings i swear he gets better with a little ageweariness

Date: Thu Oct 28 06:41
Shaun H. (?):

anyone know if Howe actually recorded alongside Marc Ribot on the Richard Buckner LP back when? i think a melodic Gelb drawl over the top of Waits' Hoist That Rag, would give a good indicator as to a possible OP8 venture.

Date: Thu Oct 28 06:25
karl (the peel deal):

I don't think it's too extreme to say that Peely made me who I am today, and has directly shaped many of my life experiences. I wouldn't have achieved the modest successes in my life without his inspiration. More on this later - a Giant Sand message-board giveaway is looming. As for his show, I particularly enjoyed it when he moved to his studio in his home in Suffolk - the love he had for his family shone through in every link. And live sessions at Peel Acres were transformed to homely jams where unwitting musical stars were asked to perform in the refreshingly human presence of the Peel family. Personally I remember Louden Wainwright III playing there - magical stuff, with the family singing along, and some heartwarming Peel ineptitude at the knobs and buttons, as was his trademark. Ultimately, the guy was unafraid to be uncool, and as a result became the coolest man in the world. A lesson for us all. Thanks for the memories, John.

Date: Thu Oct 28 04:52
SeanT (alan - Arsenal):

Alan , see we had an American score the winner for us last night , is this the first ? in 2000 John Peel's Vinyl LP collection = 28,000 !! This does not include his CD's , 7" or tapes.It should be donated to the national archives.

Date: Thu Oct 28 03:03
Si (Jorg):

Jorg. I agree with what you say. Real Gone is a great record. I think the point I was trying to make is that I don't really agree with Waits' supply and demand theory. It certainly doesn't seem to have affected demand for Dylan tickets playing every six months. Last week I saw GS on the Thursday and The Waterboys on the Friday. It was the fifth time I'd seen The Waterboys in and around London in the last couple of years, yet Friday was still full. Sure, there is a saturation point, but if you put on a show that is good, people will go. Both Howe Gelb and Mike Scott frequently post on their websites, chat to fans before and after shows, etc. and basically don't treat the people that buy their records with the contempt that Waits does. I know Waits has this image fixation and likes to keep a lot of things unsaid. But if you keep a very low profile, have no website to speak of and talk in riddles in interviews, then play one concert in England in 17 years, your records NEED to be bloody good!

Date: Wed Oct 27 23:57
alan (well... its not John Peel but...):

the St Louis Cardinals just folded up their tent and handed the Baseball "World Series" to the historically jinxed Boston Red Sox... I've been a Cardinal fan since I was three years old in 1964... is it worse than Arsenal's loss, heck I don't know, but, well, you know. Howe, you have any fandom in your random?

Date: Wed Oct 27 17:27
J (''home'' Peeled):

23 years ago or thereabouts I found myself in a classic position. Bedclothes over my head, tucked under my forehead so as no to to let light escape. Had a small blue plastic radio that played Peel on radio 1, ten 'til midnight or so. Shocked when I saw 'Glastonbury Festival' On tv, but that's another story. ''Look what's been done John'' The Man Is a Legend, and was 20 mins local in my locale. Not that I knew him, but I felt I did. I vaguely remember Ca****co doing a session at Peel Acres and wishing I could go. It's near the woods where I walk...

Date: Wed Oct 27 15:23
tom belgium (john):

I got to know John Peel through a friend who frenetically taped all his shows from the BBC World Service on cable radio. Without Peel my musical range of interest would have been totally different and much more shallow. May he rest in peace.

Date: Wed Oct 27 15:19
Jörg (Si - Tom Waits tickets trouble):

T.W. has recently stated in several interviews that he don't like to tour (likes to stay home), so that's the reason there are only a few dates. Why there are three Berlin/Amsterdam dates but only one UK show might be due to booking agency arrangements, don't know.........The ticket prices are absurd, as are the prices for a lot of other 'big names' (especially in the US) nowadays. Contrary to the record business the concert business is booming. It seems there are a lot of people willing to pay prices baring any realistic dimension...........As for Tom Waits, I'm one of them this year... I did not go to any of his 1999-shows because of the high ticket prices. But regretted it afterwards after hearing the great recordings.... Recently a friend accidently stumbled over the info that tickets for Berlin will go on sale the next morning. So that's why we got tix for one show. Now that word about the tour has spread all shows are sold out of course. I understand how you feel about this - I would feel the same if I would have missed the pre-sale.......But now I'm looking forward to see the man (for the first time - and I'm afraid the last time, too). His music means a lot to me. Mind-opening experience. And he's a funny guy and hell-of-a-performer and entertainer. And "Real Gone" surely is one of THE records of this year.

Date: Wed Oct 27 14:16
tommy gailer (scrolling for j. peel):

sad, sad .... here`s a link to a german interview w/ J.Peel:http://www.zeit.de/2004/36/John_Peel

Date: Wed Oct 27 12:03
james s (the late great daniel johnston):

lots of interesting folk playing on the new johnston tribute record, "discovered covered," including m ward, tom waits, beck, bright eyes, "sparklehorse w/the flaming lips," vic chestnut, deathcab for cutie, etcetera... info here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002MH3KQ/qid=1098892955/sr=2-2/ref=pd_ka_b_2_2/002-6102457-0911256

Date: Wed Oct 27 08:29
tHom (peel):

The number of comments on this page alone speaks volumes about the man and his work. Anyone who liked good music and was around the UK at any time over the last 40 years owes him thanks for simply being there and communicating - and making it possible for others to do the same. He did that better than anyone. He cannot be replaced. YNWA.

Date: Wed Oct 27 05:30
tom (front desk):

Teenage kicks all through the night!R.I.P. John Peel.A very important champion to countless generations of music fans.And a Liverpool fan,you ll never walk alone.

Date: Wed Oct 27 03:06
gREG (G@g.com):

rOCKY eRICKSON

Date: Tue Oct 26 23:19
james s (I must be there):

atlanta,

Date: Tue Oct 26 23:10
Graham (lusty alabama):

James S--I trust you will be in Atlanta for the Giant Sand show at the Echo on November 16? Hot damn. From Tuscaloosa maybe a 3 hour drive? Anybody else from the deep south see the tour dates?

Date: Tue Oct 26 20:01
PaulK (John peel):

Well, what can you say. I grew up in the seventies listening to him and he remained an important part of ALL musical culture thereafter. I'll miss him

Date: Tue Oct 26 19:12
mike (john ravenscroft 1940-2005):

i can honestly say that my life would not be as colourful and as interesting if it wasn't for john peel. i owe my love of music to him....... i'd heard pop before, the stones, who, kinks etc. before him, but listening to the 'perfumed garden' on radio london in '66 & '67.... opened my mind to 'adventurous' and 'dangerous' sounds (my parents hated beefheart.... thank god)... i'll never forget hearing him play the misunderstood's 'children of the sun' and being so amazed at the noise (still am!!), even through a small portable radio hidden under the blankets... and then on radio one with 'top gear' on sundays... all these wonderfully weird sounding bands that just made you shake your head with incredulity at the whole idea ... eating sunday lunch to the soundtrack of beefheart's 'kandy korn' followed by 'expecting to fly' and then 'defecting grey' by the pretty things... through the years to punk, to ... hmmm what did happen in the eighties?.... to grunge.. to whatever came next, always new and vibrant music. ok, i wasn't so taken with some of what he later played, but at least i had an opportunity to hear it. the world and music will be a much duller place without him.... god rest his soul.... cheers john, i loved you.

Date: Tue Oct 26 18:52
gluae (sad sad sorrys):

Felt a real loss today / never realy listend to the music show like an apostle but tried to keep in the same field? looking toward the future seems to be slighlty harder now. I used to lie in bed before a satuday work and listen to the man give it his all on radio 4 / its strawnge to think its gone / not too poetic. See you all on the smile side

Date: Tue Oct 26 17:46
Blaine (PEEL):

He was major. A Fan who was also a DJ -- what a strange idea. Also RIP Greg Shaw, whose Bomp! magazine and record label gave us light at the end of the 70s wasteland tunnel. He know punk was coming (again).

Date: Tue Oct 26 15:04
Si (Peel and Waits):

Very sad about Peel, I grew up listening to him and although I didn't everything he played there are a lot of records in my collection that wouldn't be there if it wasn't for him. I probably wouldn't have even got into Giant Sand. On a slightly different note, I'm interested to know what everyone on here thinks of Tom Waits and his rather short tour. I like his music, and would have particularly liked to have seen him play with Marc Ribot in London. But after spending quite a long morning continuously hitting redial in vein, I gave up on getting tickets. Now, this may seem like sour grapes, but when I found out it was £65 a ticket and seeing how much they are now going for on ebay, etc. it has left a rather nasty taste in my mouth. In addition to this the huge amount of advertising Waits' record company put into a date they know would sell out instantly to create a buzz around the man/his myth/his image/his legend also left a nasty taste. His excuse for playing one date in London is that he's lazy/hates hotels/thinks demand should outstrip supply, all of which I think are rather pathetic. I would rather go and see Howe play 6 times and pocket the spare fiver anyday!

Date: Tue Oct 26 13:58
the distance (RIP peel):

the man was a legend, rock on up there peel.

Date: Tue Oct 26 12:23
Conch (Peel):

:(

Date: Tue Oct 26 11:55
stefan ((peel)):

I always missed not being able to listen to peel down here in bavaria (at least before the internet came along). Years ago I had to tune in to Austrian radio where he had a broadcast once a month. I always admired him for the sheer diversity of music he listened to and presented, and for his presentation style. One of the legendary figures for me.

Date: Tue Oct 26 11:40
Lars (Peel):

Yeah, I just heard. A sad day indeed. He went way, way too early. :-( Hopefully more DJs around this world will live up to his legacy. I know that Denmark surely needs it. Rest in peace, Mr. Peel. / L

Date: Tue Oct 26 11:24
SeanT (R.I.P John Peel):

Very sad day for all music fans.The man will be missed.

Date: Tue Oct 26 09:57
james s (zimmerman):

enjoying the new "chronicles 1" book from dylan. the style and tone remind me a bit of raymond chandler.

Date: Tue Oct 26 02:44
Simon (Bush Hall ):

Really enjoyed Bush Hall. Is Scout Niblett really from Nottingham? Doesn't sound like anyone I've ever known from Nottingham. Nice review in today's Indy: http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/reviews/story.jsp?story=575999

Date: Tue Oct 26 01:47
Lars (torrent + asia):

Yeah, I was thinking of putting some Howestuff up on Easytree. But I figured the Copenhagen gig was not as good sound quality as the new bootlegs being made right now in Germany. But maybe the entire Musikcaféen gig that was used on the "Sonisk Postkort" sandman? Or the Vic Chesnutt & Howe gig? I put up a CocoRosie-gig yesterday (that one from Munich in Juni....hm, did I get that one from René or Stefan perhaps?). ### Those asian dvd recommendations from Torben seem to be on sale as part of a campaign at Stereo Studio here in Aarhus (and probably also elsewhere). Only 40 and 50 DKK. Got the most of them. But saw the trailer for "Itchi The Killer" and found out it was a Takashi Miike-film or whatever his name is. To twisted and explicitly violent for me. Don't wanna see "Audition" either. And he also made one of those in the Monster-tripple box, I see. Eeks! / Lars

Date: Mon Oct 25 23:35
Happy (in Space):

Lars - I am a eztree downfreeloader and noticed that you had an Under Byen torrent posted...Howe about some of your other interesting Howe stuff? I used to be STG junkie but they have had so many problems as of late...EZtree just gave me Rollins plays Black Flag show (Memphis 3 Benefit )...reminded me of seeing Black Flag at the Cellar in bottom of the University of AZ Memorial Student Union...I believe I saw the Giant Sandworms play there or maybe it was Giant Sand by then?

Date: Mon Oct 25 21:46
tommy gailer (scrolling for TDH):

Torben, take a look at that link, you might be interested: http://www.dvdasian.com/cgi-bin/dvdasian/18166.html

Date: Mon Oct 25 16:07
archivist.. (Old Brickhouse = 10/27/04 Wed Night):

Yes, the show is happening on Wed night at the OldBrickhouse.. Verified directly from Howe.

Date: Mon Oct 25 12:35
Lars (torrents):

Anyone here using www.easytree.org? I don't see much Howeness there. / Lars

Date: Mon Oct 25 01:23
phlounderer (?):

will it be a rumble or a ramble

Date: Mon Oct 25 01:15
phlounder (602):

i can niether confirm or denie as to gs whereabouts wed 27tn , but i did see a big poster at zia records promting the ol brickhouse show. with rum tenor & handsome family band. so i would figur that it is a goe. i also found a belated internet anouncsment for a cosmic american musical festival at the joshua tree frontierland, just to find that it happened alreaddy at the beginning of the mounth. i was woundering if anybodies here attended this festival? if so how was it ? i only wish i has known ofit earlier. maybe next year...........

Date: Sun Oct 24 16:47
Al Bob (garatt@frontiernet.net):

In checkin out up comin gigs in the MPLS area I noticed Giant Sand is considered to be a local band, least it is on the 400Bar site. Look forward to welcoming you home in November.

Date: Sun Oct 24 12:28
thin (bush hall):

well just arrived back from the heat and smoke of bush hall. sorta testin my memory of thurs eve. twas indeedy very warm, intro-includes backdrop of film and sound footage of marx brothers to open, me think, the piano sketch did sound mightily howelike in its tinkerings, didn’t know he was a fan. then band sauntered on and slipped into nice sorta gentle swampy instrumental, gradually builcing together. audience choosing to stand in quiet admiration instead of all sitting on floor which happened at last sand gig couple of years back in newcasle, eveyone very appreciative and polite. nice stage composition, howe left, snakeskin thumbed electricbass right, mandolin just right and drum centre, must say loved the drummer, great touch-real gem, couple of times lund and pedersen grinning slightly and smoochily doing a ‘zztop meets the shadows’ nodding guitar dance, almost david lynch. some of anders mandolin/howe guitar instumental bursts a real treat(friend of mine thought it a bit velvets but to my ear more television/verlaine), sounded sonicly sweet-howe grinning/grimacing but liking it, me think. evening full of nice contrasts-few howe piano instrumental doodlings/breaks with rest of band looking on and sometimes joining in, they always glancing at howe trying to chance an inkling of where he might be wandering. caught howe once given young lundsnakeskin bass a sorta curt left arm to chop to stop the song at the correct point, young lund enjoying himself too much-it the only time in the gig that howe looked a little like mr old loureed himself directing wayward musicians. songs like ‘leather’ and ‘napoli’ sounded to me like they were recorded from the same time period-no disjointedness and worked perfect live. howe also mentioning that some new songs would be from a new lp circa 2006 (….yep 2006, he now pulling our leg me think). 'remote' souned wonderful, young niblet screaming her little head off with lotsa howe encouragement. ms frank doing vocals on a cool version of 'warm storm' ( i think…head bit fuzzy by then) howe said they do it specially for her. what else…cool bit of drumming from guest monsieur parish on 'nyc of time'. couple of rainer breaks , one bbc jools holland ‘later’ snippet, the other a drifting, car driving close-up of I think rainer to the sound of 'calexico audition' whilst band took break, again things a bit fuzzy, wild weekend but truly sweet. big thanks to the band. cool.plenty of other good things but me not a great gigreviewer so I keep it short. hope it make sense.

Date: Sun Oct 24 02:06
todd (northern Canadian chart position):

Is All Over...the Map is currently #14 on Oct. 19th/04 chart on cjsr.com

Date: Sat Oct 23 23:58
pepe (in Fenix):

Can someone confirm GS opening the US tour at the Old Brickyard in downtown Phoenix

Date: Sat Oct 23 15:17
Gary Sonjjee (Pictures from london):

http://www.stationforshrewsbury.co.uk/shoes/ to all the people who didn't belive my shoes theis cringe and hide. you puppies. realy proud of the one where everyone is made of chedar cheese. love some feedback (pref in Cm)

Date: Fri Oct 22 20:34
Paulk (Bushpics):

Nice pictures. Howe's looking good, reports from this tour seem good, hopefully recordings were made, a possible Sandman issue or bootleg series release?

Date: Fri Oct 22 19:22
Glue (Idiot smirks):

To behold and enjoy / trained as we all are now / the dance was unstable / breakages are to be paid / What a night? i smiled like a child at the stars / what stars / i am embarresed top write if only for a second / the retaliation of it all / can only aford some faults / trying not to write as one with a burning pocket / but as one within the one thats without the all / even a fridge must stand naked / Joy was paid and delivered / Trickle down system made me want to paddle like a poodle /in a noodle? / i resign / made it home today / long rounded trip / not free yet of all of the glitches we associate with sanding / i still belive one day i will sing you all some song / in tounges not yet known / am i trying to be to clever / nice to see us all / cant write for frisky / whisky / holding back judge and judy / make panckaes from us all / i always enjoy the view -- before i fall

Date: Fri Oct 22 15:57
Alan (with thick stubby fingers) (barbs, me!):

Nice pictures... others, take a look at the (enlarged) bottom center shot... man, those hands are huge ('splains the foundation of the piana and geetar work in an altogether new way...)

Date: Fri Oct 22 15:05
tom (front desk):

Happy Birthday Maestro,happy birthday to ya.

Date: Fri Oct 22 14:23
barbs (its me):

pictures of bush hall gig on my buddy's website, www.jameswilde.co.uk/photography still lookin' good to me howe.

Date: Fri Oct 22 12:03
finn (yep remote too...!):

Marie frank also and as already noted Rainer on later! (w' Jools Holland)The good vibes and energy all pervading left me with a big smile, and sharp dresser Howe had some sartorial competition from that snakeskin suit mr. lund was sporting! Oh and finally all the goodies for sale were too much to resist, now I've got Chore and Map on vinyl, have incentive to invest in one of those olde worlde spinners and dust off old records... Cheers to all, finn.

Date: Fri Oct 22 10:45
Jörg (bush hall):

Scout Niblett: was she just opening or also appearing during the GS-set (Remote?)?

Date: Fri Oct 22 10:39
Alan (bush hallers):

jealous, me.

Date: Fri Oct 22 06:44
the distance (nice):

bush hall gig was great, i was most suprised by the choice and elegance of the version of "leather" it was a heart breaker. a rocker howe in his older years.

Date: Fri Oct 22 06:31
karl (bush bash):

So we were herded into this rococo sweat-box, like knights of the realm having an audience with the King. Instead we got the Queen – a surprise (for me anyway) appearance from Scout Niblett – a one-woman Long Stem Rant. Magical. And then some rocking out from Howe and the gang. Less of the tinkling tinker that we’re used to. Although what went on at the piano is anyone’s idea – there was no room for it on the stage so it was on the floor, in full view of about 12 people at the front. Basically I’m a fan in the worst way – Howe could have come out and conducted a troup of chimps banging pots and pans together and I would have proclaimed it as a masterpiece. But it was a treat by any standards to get the high-octane renditions of Trickle Down System and Loving Cup and all the rest. Nice also to learn that Comedy Genius Stewart Lee is a sand-fan also. I saw his stand up act in Hoxton a few years ago and it was truly the funniest most original thing I’d ever clapped my ears on. A bit like his hair at the time. Anyway I was too polite and/or shy to say hello to either Stewart or Howe, although the opportunity was there – I had to content myself with basking quietly nearby, which will keep me going until next time. Nice to meet Mike the Merch-master and Mrs Mike though. Oh and hello Dan, hello Steve – hope it was a tenner well spent. Bon voyage, Sand-people – thanks for stopping by.

Date: Fri Oct 22 06:23
Seant (Mike Merchman):

Mike , in my excitement at seeing the vinyl version of All Over The Map and watching you pour beer all over the stall , I neglected to purchase t-shirts and baseballs caps etc.Will these be available ? Glue - saw you in deep converstaion with Mr Lee , left you till later , then you were invisible . Next time. Glue The Opera ? Howe , the band have developed ! stlll love that slide mandolin. Where's the red Gretsch....? Not retired I hope .Did enjoy Britney's headphone attachments.... Jeez it was hot in there , great show as normal , loved the Rainer footage , never seen him play or knew how pronounce his surname .

Date: Fri Oct 22 02:55
Tommy Gailer (scroling for anders):

OOOOOOOOOOps...hopefully Anders will forgive me! Lars, in german i say "Namen sind für mich wie Schall und Rauch"...sorry can`t translate that ;-)

Date: Thu Oct 21 18:54
temist broog (pssst):

...............dias de los MUERTES..................

Date: Thu Oct 21 14:12
Lars (interesting...):

So Tommy, who's that new Lars character in the band? And what happened to Anders? ;-) / L

Date: Thu Oct 21 14:05
hugh (gs in canada?):

1.any plans yet for Giant Sand to show up in Canada(specifically Toronto)on this current tour. 2.how about an official bootleg of live Howe Gelb being made available through OwOm. 3.still enchanted by 'fool'

Date: Thu Oct 21 13:57
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for the last shows):

I am pretty late, but many thanks to that marvelllous band called Giant Sand. What a luck that these guys found each other, i really enjoyed every minute of the performance of Lars, Peter, Thoger and Howe in Munich and Geislingen. Thanks for your kindness onstage and offstage, and cheers to Mike and Steve.

Date: Thu Oct 21 10:32
karl (aka ticket boy - now with 2 new friends...):

...but I still need one more for Bush Hall gig tonight. I'm leaving the computer now, but thanks to the wonders of mobile technology I'll be able to pick up emails right up until 7.30pm. Address is, as before karl(..at..)sinfield(..dot..)org - if you want to accost me outside the gig, I loook a bit like this: http://www.sinfield.org/china/pages/43a.htm (look away now, children) and I'll probably be wearing a black fleece hat with "ex" on the front. Just to reiterate, ticket is available at face value, ten English Pounds - I'm even eating the £1.50 booking fee. I'm meeting one lucky beneficiary of my lacklustre so-called-friends in a pub (to be specified) before the gig, so if you want to be included in a pre-Sand snifter, email your number to the address above, and I'll inform you via the magic of the TXT when I know where we are. Cheers all.

Date: Thu Oct 21 09:49
Blaine (not in Yankee Stadium):

Anyone else see the Calexico review that compares 'em to Steely Dan?!?!? Does that make Howe - Skunk Baxter or Wm Burroughs?

Date: Thu Oct 21 03:21
gary snuftyop (Gary is God):

Calling all people of some interest - i will be in a pub today - keep em peeled

Date: Wed Oct 20 22:51
greg h (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

I'm thinking about taking the MP3 player plunge. Do I want an iPod?

Date: Wed Oct 20 15:02
oopaloosa (.......~~~~~~~!!!!!!!~~~~~~~.......):

i wounder if they have johnny cash weddings in vegas?

Date: Wed Oct 20 14:57
jason (karl):

wow i wish i could buy those tickets from you. but i will get a chance to see the sandworms soon enough!? nice webpage. i hope the new conglomeration has had a chance to navgate red right hand, my currant favorite giant sand(nick cave) song.oh yeah

Date: Wed Oct 20 10:14
karl (another ticket avilable - aka "I have no friends"):

Me again...Now it seems I have two spare tickets, available at face value (a tenner) of course, for tomorrow (Thursday) at Bush Hall. Pass it on. Contact me on karl(..at..)sinfield(..dot..)org as per usual, and I'll give you my number and arrange to meet you outside the venue.

Date: Wed Oct 20 09:33
James S (Blaine):

that's funny, i was just thinking about patti smith's "hey joe" this morning, and then i check in here on the board and find your message concerning the status of said recording. no problemo, bro. i can't believe THAT wasn't included on Land, must be some legal "intellectual property" rights hassle involved, property is theft, especially when one piece of art is tranformed into something completely other, as PS is so wonderful at doing. I saw something written about a new Calexico DVD, which contains some kind of band history supposely... anybody see this? any Op8, Friends of Dean Martinez, or Giant Sand stuff in there?

Date: Wed Oct 20 08:45
buxfix (Hhhmmmm aaaaaahhhhh, I think I’ll have…):

Giant Sand at el Lokal was terrific, never had such a concert for a long time (and I had a few…) it was perfect from the beginning (with non-function dvd) till the end (saying good-bye to howe and mike) and so much overwhelming things in-between: Howe walking upstairs and standing next to me, while still playing guitar, anders playing rainers “rudy”, rotating microphones, crazy groupie-girls and Howe ready for (not for love, babes) rock. Spent a lot for the trip from Hamburg to Zurich but it was worth every cent. Also while having a funny time at soundcheck and nice chats with Peter, Anders, Thoger and the Sound-Anders, Ueli and Mike – again and again! You are wonderful people at a wonderful Monday. Thanx for that and everything you did and gave to me…

Date: Wed Oct 20 06:53
Lars (shiny):

He-he, Howe'll spot a mirrorball any time... :-D Hm, did any of these great gigs (that I've missed out on) get recorded? (well, shows in Germany must have been...). ;-) / L

Date: Tue Oct 19 21:15
ticket tout (drenched in stout):

going tickets? meeting drink. all sounds sweel

Date: Tue Oct 19 17:30
the distance ((getting closer)):

hey guys, i cant wait for the bush hall gig in london on thurs, see you all there, or there abouts, until then, then.....

Date: Tue Oct 19 16:54
Roger Salem (Zurich show) (deegish@yahoo.com):

The Zürich El Lokal show will undoubtedly go down in Giant Sand Anthology as one of the finest of this tour. They were simply great: good spirited, playing very tightly and packed with an energy which lit the place on fire. The audience participation gave rise to some hilarious moments of verbal exchange: No, Howe is not a f*ckin’ cowboy! Yes, he does wear great shirts. I have known Howe to be a great musician but he surprised me as being also a fine philosopher speaking words of wisdom. He said some thought provoking things, like reminding us not to be obsessed by the next pay check to come as if this preoccupation was at the centre of humanity: ‘we are just a blue ball spinning in space’! The show was also special in relation to the venue. It’s quite original in design for those of you who have not been there. You’ll find a dinosaur-sized plastic human skeleton hanging from the ceiling and a beautiful Moroccan chandelier which Howe confused as a gyrating disco mirror ball! The stage is tiny and this allowed for a very close-up view of the band where you didn’t have to shout yourself hoarse for a request and you can almost grab one of Anders’ beers sitting at the foot of the stage. Thanks Howe for playing ‘Leather’! This song means much to me: ‘Only take the love that you can handle’. I sure know where you’re coming from, believe me. Thank you very much Anders, the sound-man for allowing me to hang out on top of the balcony which served as the mix board. You’re a master of sound and make me regret not having done your profession! Grazie mille Giant Sand for one of the best live evenings in a long time….. Best wishes to Angelika and Rainer. Nice seeing you guys again. And Oli and Dominique thanks for coming down I’m glad you also loved the show. Ciao to Ueli, another great sound engineer! Have fun in Geneva Howe and band, my hometown. I would love to be there tonight and share the fun again. A presto in Italia next February! Roger from Lugano

Date: Tue Oct 19 12:37
howe (springs to mind):

thanks mike...oh hey.....your sitting right next to me here ....cheers mate, h

Date: Tue Oct 19 09:45
sa-wa-ro-mi-ke (..... in geneva):

karl.... i had to disband the discussion mail (for the present) `cause there were too many virusi floating about.... and the comments board pretty much covers everything anyway..... and it was a great show at el lokal last night, pretty packed and toastie .... thanks victor for the food and drinks afterwards, a fine time was had by all (excpt my head this morning)... but the hot springs and the bitter wind blew dem ol' cobwebs away.... great idea howe.

Date: Tue Oct 19 09:28
stefan ((munich)):

I was far at the back near the soundboard at the munich show and didn't catch everything that was going on on stage, but it was a straight rocking show as well; so straight that someone even called "where's the CD player?".

Date: Tue Oct 19 08:49
mike ((not sawaro)):

Another great great show last night in Zurich. The club was packed, Howe was in LOUD guitar mood, and it rocked! Highlights aplenty, "Yer Ropes", "Hood", "Leather", "Classico" ... Cheers Mike

Date: Tue Oct 19 08:21
karl (via www.sinfield.org):

Spare ticket now gone. While I was typing that, someone else dropped out due to work commitments - so I have another spare. I'll be going on my tod at this rate. Email me at karl (..at..) sinfield (..dot..) org as before. Mrs Sawaro - we shall meet as I'll undoubtedly unload my wallet in your direction. Like Richard I'd like to meet other sand fans (as I am the only one I know - I sense the people I bought tickets for were humouring me somewhat..). Unfortunately I have all the organisational skills of a sack of crabs, otherwise I would suggest a UK sand fan convention, or something equally trainspotter-ish. Oh for the unselfconscious vitality of youth...

Date: Tue Oct 19 06:33
Richard (richardperrins@hotmail.com):

Myself and a couple of fellow sandheads will be maiking our way to Bush Hall on Thursday and would love to meet other fans. We have been to the last two giant sand shows in the UK, as far as im aware. The Barbican and Hackney Ocean. Both great gigs but i think thursdays will top them both. And how come Calexijoke get a dvd of their kinda bland barbican gig and the triumphant beyond nashville gig doesn't. I think their should definetely be a Giant Sand DVD, even if it is for the diehards through the Ow Om store

Date: Tue Oct 19 03:34
mrs sawaro ((webmaster)):

well mike (current tour merch man) and i will be there selling all the giant sand goodies on thurs at bush hall. look forward to sharing dreams of living in a adobe hut out in the desert....see you all there...sarah

Date: Mon Oct 18 18:54
paulk (discussion list):

karl, that email group has been defunct for a while, I occasionally get messages from it but they are usually viruses. Hope you enjoy the London gig, be sure to report on it. Patti Smith still rules

Date: Mon Oct 18 17:17
karl (contact me via www.sinfield.org):

Frank C / Jorg - I was referring to the email discussion list, as referred to on the giantsand.com Communication page. Maybe I'm missing something...Anyways - it seems I have a spare ticket (avialable at face value - a tenner) for Thursday at Bush Hall, if anyone's interested. I'll be there at 7.30pm to pick up the tickets. Contact me via my webpage www.sinfield.org (go to the contact page) or email me at karl (..at..) sinfield (..dot..) org.

Date: Mon Oct 18 15:02
Jörg (discussing) (Wayfaring Stranger):

Karl, I always thought THIS is the discussion list.......Anyway - some thoughts came to my mind today about Mojo picking 'Wayfaring Stranger' for the Cash-cover-CD, ignoring "I'm leaving now" from the same record or "What On Earth" from the Comes With A Smile - compilation - which would have been real J. Cash covers. I'm full of respect for Johnny Cash, but I always thought it to be kinda brazen (is this the right word?) by J.C. and his son to take credit as "arranged and adapted by..." for their recording of "Wayfaring Stranger" on American III, as the arrangement and the lyrics they use are pretty much the standard ones most people use(d) who recorded this song (real unique re-arrangements would be the versions by Tim Buckley or David Eugene Edwards, for example - even Howe's version is kinda un-traditional & fresh. But that's what traditionals are for - reshaping, remodeling, breathing new life into them. But they should 'belong' to no-one). I wonder why this is regarded a Johnny Cash song ever since he released it on said record......anyway, nothing too important, just sprang to my mind today......

Date: Mon Oct 18 13:36
Frank C (discussion list? where?? why???):

___.*||*.___

Date: Mon Oct 18 11:00
karl (via www.sinfield.org):

Is anyone using the discussion list? I signed up last week but nary a tumbleweed has tumbled by since. On to business: who's going to Shepherd's Bush on Thursday? Is there a good watering hole within ultra-short staggering distance of the venue? I'd be up for exchanging awkward platitudes and dreams of living in adobe huts with fellow UK fans. I'm loving the album, by the way. About five listens in, and Classico has stuck. Very sneaky to put the reprise on (a common technique of Howe's I've noticed) - as it takes half the listens to take hold.

Date: Mon Oct 18 05:49
michael (kopo1@sol.dk):

Yeah a danish show is needed. !

Date: Mon Oct 18 04:14
Jörg (MojoPaul / ShakerFinn):

Thanks for the Mojo info, Paul - hmmm, I was hoping for some exclusive new recording by GS....but gonna pick it up anyway ####### And finn: Great that you mention David Johansen's "Shaker" - album!! I think it's a much underrated (well, if not even completely overlooked) and unrivalled masterpiece in it's genre, a great step forward from their debut. Great production and choice of songs. The rhythm and guitar riff of 'Deep Blue Sea' is unbelievable - if you're listening to it and still sitting down, you must be dead! The versions of Gillian Welchs 'My Morphine' and Mississippi John Hurts 'Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me' are just breathtaking and 'Death Letter', 'High Sheriff', 'Last Kind Words'.....have to stop typing and put in the stereo...highly recommended!!

Date: Sun Oct 17 23:09
Blaine (PaulK):

Yes indeed on the Patti Smith early demos. Lo-Fi dub at its finest -- waaay before it ever turned hip. (Still owe James Hey Joe/Piss Factory -- still not set up gear-wise, sorry .) Anyone heard a group called Mono? Heard a long instrumental tune on the radio yesterday that recalled early AND ambient Brian Eno in the same song. Like a ride on a big ocean. Album title mentioned Flag?? Sounded very interesting.

Date: Sun Oct 17 18:42
yoyo (stinky):

i dont know for certain, but i saw somewhere that giant sand is playing in phoenix. i saw that they are playing at the old brickhouse downtown the next block south of madison. i saw calexico play there once . also calexico is playing the marquee the 20th w/ wilco, but i'm looking forward to see the sand. i saw this lineup when they played at solarculture a while back and i thought it was one the best shows i've seen. also , igot a tickit for brian wilson on holloween and that should be prety crazy.

Date: Sun Oct 17 18:27
paulK (mojocash):

The sand song is Wayfaring Stranger from the covers album. The disc is good overall with several songs specially recorded for the project, one of the best "free" Cds in recent times. Currently grooving to Patti Smith's best of comp, Land, which I picked up today in HMV reduced from £19 to £8. Great stuf, the second disc of rarities, demos and live stuff is tremendous.

Date: Sun Oct 17 14:48
finn (mmm i just love the smell...):

of those thrill jockey cd covers! hmmm... just back from hol's and visited Napoli, cycled up mt. Vesuvio then back to Roma via Sperlonga (knackered). Looking forward to the gig at Bush hall (which is kinda small) Talking of said venue the Hayden show was a gas, ol 'sad man' Hayden has a quirky sense of humor, sound familiar? In addition Matt Ward was to play there also but was taken ill! any news? Finally has anyone heard David Johansen's (and the harry smiths) Shaker album? it's great and a really good Chesky recording to boot! Por vida is on the spinner at the mo...

Date: Sun Oct 17 06:08
Jörg (Mojo Cash):

The November issue of MOJO comes with a CD of Johnny Cash covers, including one by Giant Sand! Don't know which song though, as it is not available in Germany yet...............................................Giant Sand DVD: I still hope 'Drunken Bees' (incl. extras) will be released this year..............................................BTW: any more reports from recent shows?

Date: Sun Oct 17 05:33
the distance (yeeeee):

Giant sand dvd would be awesome, make it happen guys.

Date: Sun Oct 17 04:28
TDH (Europe):

Howe ... Nov. 12 you're in New York ... well that's almost back in Europe with only a tiny pond between us ... so aren't there any DK dates on the way ?

Date: Sun Oct 17 04:23
TDH (Giant Sand dvd, please):

Definately yes & double please................................

Date: Sat Oct 16 20:36
sinky (in fenix):

Can someone please tell me if the Phoenix show is on? If not I will make my way cross the state line to the town of pioneers. It could get dusty on the way

Date: Sat Oct 16 09:49
Frank C (Giant Sand dvd, please!):

"Merch Master" Mike, it would be a great and necessary pleasure to see a gs live dvd released via owom or thrill jockey! calexico´s "world drifts in" dvd needs parental guidance and company...

Date: Sat Oct 16 09:16
mike (still amazed):

Fantasic show yesterday in Rubigen (Mühle Hunizken, which is an old mill transformed into a music club, three floors, very nice, Howe loved it as well, wants to show it to his kids). Luzern apparently was an off-night, but they sure got it together in Rubigen. Some of the highlights were Rainer's "The Farm", the two versions of "Remote" (country as opener, punk as closer), "Flying around the sun", "Warm Storm", ... The whole show was filmed by Swiss TV, wonder what makes it into the broadcast. Howe played a trick with the film crew: while the band was on stage, he started to play from the second floor amd the film crew had no idea where he was. He had a huge smile on his face, and his mood got better and better during the show. He sufferd from the heat, though, due to the TV lights. Hope to get the TV show on DVD. Cheers Mike PS Took my son with me (14), and he loved it as well. He stood directly in front of the stage, proudly wearing his new Giant Sand cap.

Date: Sat Oct 16 08:36
TDH (Park Chan-wook):

Hi Tommy. I saw the Tartan Asia Exstreme R0 version. It's available at play.com for only GBP 7.99 including world wide shipping. This version has original Korean soundtrack with English subtitles. I managed to get another early Chan-wook film "Joint Security Area" as R2 on Worldwide Cinema/Criterion.dk. This one has original Korean soundtrack with Danish, Swedish, Norweigan, Finnish and English subtitles. Haven't seen this one yet, but I'm looking foreward to it a lot. By the way if you are ok with English subtitles instead of German subtitles you can get some really good bargains at CD WOW Hong Kong. I bought Bong Joon-ho's "Memories Of Murder" and Hideo Nakata's (Ringu) "Dark Water" they only cost me DKK 121,- = around 17 EURO for BOTH including shipping. They are both R3 with original Asian soundtracks and with English and Chineese subtitles. "Dark Water" should come in a US remake for what it's worth. It's a pity for all US film freaks that the rights for a lot of great foreign movies are being bought up by the major US film companys and held back and remade.

Date: Sat Oct 16 06:37
tommy gailer (scolling for TDH):

sww, means "see"

Date: Sat Oct 16 06:36
tommy gailer (scrolling for wook park):

TDH, i would love to sww "Sympathy f. Mr. V", but i think it`s not available in our area-code Nr.2. Which version did you see: code free, code 3? Here`s a link to Wook Park`s work, including the new movie "three monsters" (contains 3 movies, one from wook park.)http://www.asiandb.com/browse/people_detail.pfm?code=188

Date: Sat Oct 16 05:44
TDH (asia once again):

Lars, Tommy & other movie freaks...I saw Park Chan Wook's "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" yesterday. Extremely GREAT picture. It's the first in his Vengeance triology (Oldboy is second). Great story, great acting and off course as you would expect from a movie about vengeance extremely violent. I think this movie is even as good as "Oldboy". The "plot" is not as surprising as in Oldboy, but like in Oldboy there are more "layers". This movie like Oldboy & Ichi the Killer has what I think makes Asian movies stand out compared to most of the mainstream stuff squirting out of Hollywood. They are in a way raw and edgy which makes them come across very authentic. They are kind of honest/pure with no beating around the bush. The raw display of violence (violence is raw no matter how or why), the stripped down naked display of peoples mental state (you can almost feel the joy, pain, sadness, despair ect. of the actors). The whole atmosphere/feel of these movies is breattaking. You guys should definately check out "Sympathy for Mr. Vengaence" soon. Another two great movie I'd like to recomend (also Asian) are Kim Ki-Duk's "The Isle" and "Bad Guy". Two great movies with a lot of despair, pain and suffering (and in Bad Guy also violence) and in both movies there's love and longing...check 'em out

Date: Fri Oct 15 22:12
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

I just wanted to mention that if you have not checked out the Naim Amor Soundtracks Volume II CD in the Ow Om store, you are really missing out. I have had a couple of tracks rotating on my radio station for the last couple of months and I finally decided I needed to spring for the whole thing. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I got the whole CD in the mail today, started spinning the CD and I had a huge smile on my face the whole time. If you ever wondered what would happen if someone decided to setup an early '60s cocktail lounge in Sandland, here is your answer. BTW I just made it my "Featured Album Of The Week" on my radio station at http://mansiononthehill.biz

Date: Fri Oct 15 18:58
glue sniffer (Thungs I love......):

...not breaking the surface for air but trying to come back slowly to avoid the bends- my break from this all has been a self imposed exile of junk food drink and wastefull pornography. Haveing learnt every cocivable? postion for a woman man / woman man man / woman horse man / woman hover man car exahust (bad week) i feel ready to return. It was infact the work of one robbie williams that popped me back from the sloched / reclined position. I missed Vic Chesnutt on monday and am angry with my self - there was no need to pass up such a chance - hope i come round again - so making enormouse effort to come to london and tune in to the howe happening hysteria. Who else is playing? I move soon to live in a new town Cheltenham so I may be more apeasble on the sonic map? Fingers crossed / ; going to watch Reid Paley and the evens soon also. just thought Id surface as things getting a little slow and sentimental. still cant beat the meat to lars's's drum yet.

Date: Fri Oct 15 18:51
todd (from the boathouse 4 ):

here's a review from Harp magazine (words on music)...Giant Sand 'Is All Over...the Map' / Gauged by it's past output, Howe Gelb's Giant Sand has been relatively quiet in this new century. 2000's Chore of Enchantment was followed two years later by Cover Magazine (as suggested by title, it's a set of non-original material). Then there've also been a handful of releases on their own label drawn from the band's vast archives and live recordings. The first half of the title of this new offering could be a reference to their closing up shop, but then after a few beats a punch line trips it up. And therein lies the allure of this ensemble, easy answers aren't forthcoming. In fact, the whole notion of questions with answers is best set aside, as Giant Sand rewards those who step across the border into their land where fractured desert visions mix easily with Scandinavian dreamscapes. As has been Gelb's way, it's recorded partially in Europe and partially at their home base of Tucson, Arizona. Assorted guests appear and disappear (vic Chesnutt, Scout Niblett), fitting into the flow like members of the party rather than visting dignitaries. - David Greenberger harpmagazine.com

Date: Fri Oct 15 14:26
Alan (moot pop matters):

"a curious testament to hopefulness at the brink of annihilation"... nice. Now is that on the brink of annihilating hopefulness or is it personal annihilation sublimated to hope, full, and ness? derriding my deridianism... rrrrrrr

Date: Fri Oct 15 08:54
buxfix (i m leaving on a jet plane...):

i know some who have cocorosie sbd-recs. i think their funny for one or two songs but in the end the get on my nerves... i got the UB Indra rec. with gaps - something went wrong that night with the recorder, but a lot of songs are without mistakes! busy at the moment cause i am heading to zurich for giant sand at el lokal - yiiippieeeeh - that will be fun, rockin with the swiss cowboys! fondue forks for everybody...

Date: Fri Oct 15 07:38
Lars (For the Germans: CocoRosie - please help):

Devendra Banhart and CocoRosie played in Aarhus last night. Great show. Got me thinking: which one of you nice German sandies was it who had the soundboard recording of CocoRosie? (I already have the audience recording from somewhere). We never got around to trading that one. I have forgotten which one of you had it. Sorry. Hm, and I seem to remember someone recording an Under Byen gig at Indra in Hamburg too...? Hope to hear from ya'! Besten grüsse! / Lars (larsdideriksen@yahoo.dk)

Date: Fri Oct 15 04:25
Roger Salem (deegish@yahoo.com):

Many thanks to Giant sand for a great evening last night in Luzern! It was nice to meet the wonderful Danes and Thalia Zadek band and I would also like to thank Anders (for plugging in) and Steve and Mike for their hospitality. ...and Howe..you're going to have to tell me where that thermal springs spa is...my rhumatism is also catching up with me! See you all again soon. Roger

Date: Thu Oct 14 22:59
Moot (wighat65@aol.com):

Pop Matters reveiw. Out of lurkerdom for this: Despite the title of this album, desert denizen Howe Gelb's musical collective has remained remarkably consistent over the years, sounding pretty much the same no matter who his core band members are (for a long time his rhythm section was Joey Burns and John Convertino, who spun off to form Calexico, on this album it's John Parish and Thøger Lund) or who his celebrity guests are (in the past, he's worked with Juliana Hatfield, P. J. Harvey, Victoria Williams, and Neko Case). And he still indulgently (regrettably?) lets his daughters sing occasionally, on three tracks here, including a tossed-off cover of "Anarchy in the UK". It could be I'm succumbing to the geographical fallacy, wherein a band's music is interpreted primarily as a function of their place of origin (in this case, Tucson, Arizona) with all the readymade cliches that go along with it, but Gelb himself often seems preoccupied with place, with the problems associated with achieving roots. His songs, too, amble along like drifting tumbleweed, at once unpredictable and inevitable, employing a loose, near hollow structure that's reminiscent of a melancholy desolation, a world-weary, existential loneliness familiar to anyone who's been under a big sky in a remote, barren landscape in the American West. This despite many songs having a European dateline -- "Napoli", "Hood (View from a Heidelberg Hotel)". (Perhaps this is why the band is "all over the map.) Gelb's voice, recorded close like he's croaking quietly in your ear, offers a counterpoint to the spaciousness, suggesting the way your thoughts can loom large even as the landscape dwarfs you. It remains a distinctive drawl, ruthlessly turning all vowels into diphthongs, making every your a yer, and making here and while two-syllable words. It's a Willie Nelsonish idiosyncrasy that never distracts you from his lyrics, but immediately stamps any Giant Sand song instantly recognizable. And it remains remarkably supple, it's equally effective conveying a deadpan irony, as on "Classico" or the mutated talking-blues number "Muss", or a forlorn languor, as on "Remote" or "Hood". On lines like "The maids at this hotel mostly can't pronounce its name" he summons both moods at once. Like all good singers, he can repeat an innocuous lyric like "I'm in love with a fool of a girl", (from "Fool") and bring out unexpected shades of meaning with each utterance. The instrumentation on All Over the Map, cut free from any technology that would date it, effectively captures the same moods: The upright bass, the brushes for drumsticks, and Anders Pederson's forlorn lap-steel work evoke spaces wide-open yet intimate at the same time. The instrumental fragments "Ploy" and "Rag" refracts a snatch of lost Americana, and on "Drab" and "Les Forçats Innocents", the band sounds like they're making cantina music for the most somber, subdued bar imaginable. Gelb mostly sticks to acoustic guitar and piano, but occasionally he cranks up the distortion for some incisive, punishing leads. "Flying Around the Sun at Remarkable Speed" has a deserted-junkyard ambiance, abetted by Gelb's razor-wire electric-guitar work and gusty squalls of feedback. But unlike earlier efforts, this album never detours into patience-trying exercises in noise, never dallies in self-indulgent improvisation; it's as though Gelb has realized that he no longer needs to plunge into the abyss of chaos to make listeners aware of its perpetual presence. You always can sense it, not too far off, during these shambling tracks, with the careening, lurching momentum and the various references to terrorism, New York City, anarchism, and paranoia. But the chaos never swallows the music, making the album a curious testament to hopefulness at the brink of annihilation.

Date: Thu Oct 14 10:21
dan bunny (bunnybrain@hotmail.com):

just wanted to let any new yorkers know that gs will be upstate on nov 13th at our TSL space at 434 Columbia Hudson NY..its super acoustics,cozy,great coffee and treats and on the amtrak line..If you need any info call me directly and I will try and help..thxx.dan seward/john doe books and records/hudson ny..1 518 828 4738

Date: Thu Oct 14 07:58
Jörg (great new GS pix):

here are some great photos from a recent gig: http://www.rwin.nl/pics2.html (thanks to Dr. R (;-)) for the link!

Date: Thu Oct 14 05:44
Seant ("there's only one destination in the final taxi" Wreckless Eric):

Saw Wreckless play that song on Saturday in Hastings , in fine fettle he was.

Date: Thu Oct 14 04:17
tHom (off the text):

Alan, I was being more (or less) literal than you thought. I still incline to language being older than dinosaurs. On the other string, Christopher Reeve has surely gone to the great theatre in the sky. As for Derrida ... hell, isn't that what Purgatory was invented for?

Date: Wed Oct 13 16:48
conch (james s, blaine, paulk):

...knockin' on heaven's door

Date: Wed Oct 13 16:13
Lars (visualities...):

Stumbled upon a page by great local Århus-photographer Martin Damn Kristensen. Didn't know he had done some GS-photos. Here they are: http://www.martindamkristensen.dk/arkiv/sider/GiantSand.html --- Some nice shots from restaurant L'Estragon there (yes, the place not wider than what can be seen on the bottom picture!). :-D By the way, he also did some great pix of Under Byen: http://www.martindamkristensen.dk/arkiv/sider/UnderByen.html ### Just came back from the cinema - from "Maria Full Of Grace". Great flick! ### Greets! / Lars

Date: Wed Oct 13 15:32
Blaine (muerte):

"there's only one destination in the final taxi" Wreckless Eric

Date: Wed Oct 13 15:06
sandemonium (luquilook@yahoo.es):

Hello,i'm a giant fan of giant sand from Spain.i need the lyric of 'Elevator music'.My english is not very good.i was searching for this lyric on internet with negative results.could you help me,please???Thank you.

Date: Wed Oct 13 14:52
james s (blaine, paul k):

pushing up the daisies

Date: Wed Oct 13 14:39
Blaine ((PaulK)):

...checked out

Date: Wed Oct 13 13:04
Alan (tHom):

well, I guess, that's probably 40,000 years give or take a few... on the other hand, sadly, I don't think that a few thousand years here or there's gonna help with Jabba

Date: Wed Oct 13 10:23
tHom (off the map apparently):

Alan, I never realised that "language is only 40,000 years old". Guess that explains why I always had trouble understanding Jabba the Hut.

Date: Wed Oct 13 04:55
buxfix (agaim - but then i am quiet):

found out that the stadtrevue and the jungleworld article are one and the same... sorry!

Date: Wed Oct 13 04:49
buxfix (and another interview/article):

found this one in the kölner stadtrevue http://www.stadtrevue.de/index_archiv.php3?tid=690&sstring=Giant%20Sand&ausg=09/04 it is in german so non-germans have fun with a babel-fish translation...

Date: Wed Oct 13 04:39
buxfix (Giant Sand in Altona (former danish property)):

Now able to say something about the fabrik show - yeah it was great alltough i missed the little sideeffects (Cd-player interludes, pianopieces or audience background singing canons) but the whole evening was so familiar - meeting the sand family (jörg, frank, ralf, oke etc. and seeing mike the merch-master again). And what an honor to get backstage - even when I was very restrained to talk to howe while he was havin his dinner, hope he did not think that i was respectless cause I dont want to disturb him while chewing... Was a little exhausted yesterday cause Rainer, Angelika and Dr. R. (he wonders how this name comes up) stayed at my place and I had a lot of talking till half past three and then I was so excited from the show and everything else that I could not find sleep till early morning. The Year of The Monkey is very fine - great upside down home... ...and howe (for the gospel cd-tour) hire a choir, there are a lot in germany, too! ;-) ...and for all the people coming to the following shows - buy badgets! Lovely idea of showing to where your heart belongs ;-)

Date: Tue Oct 12 18:49
PaulK (Blaine):

Popped his clogs, Kicked the bucket, bit the bullet, passed onto the other side, met his maker, passed over, went gently into the night,shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile.

Date: Tue Oct 12 16:35
Frank C (Hamburg show * year of the monkey * another interview):

I also attended the Hamburg show yesterday and had the pleasure to meet´n´greet some members of the sandmen family ("t-shirt master" mike, jörg, robert, ... and rene, of course!). Nice evening, good sound most of the time, and some very nice versions of "muss", "trickle down system" (one of my favorites, too!), "bible black" etc. Maybe too perfect for some. The Danes concentrated very hard to follow Howe´s thoughts´n´chords ...and did a very good job. Hope they´ll become a real band someday and will be able to improvise and "surf" through the GS songbook more than now. But they´re on a good way. The video of the "Xanado" musical with "flying round the sun" was a lot of fun and fitted perfectly to the beat - seems like a continuation / variation of Howe´s accidental cd-player action - only with moving pictures this time! *** Bought the new "Down Home", of course. Can´t say if I like it, yet. Alternate versions of "remote", "Thank you dreaded black ice" (!), "loving cup", "muss", ... well: maybe more of a record for the inner circle, not another hidden masterpiece (like Rock Opera years). ... But I definitly want to hear more of those distorted guitar sounds which are displayed on the last track! ... And "jam ache; ahhh!" sure puts a smile on my face (and is an open invitation to smoke some "pot of gold"!) - an outtake of the drum´n´bass sessions Howe spoke about earlier on this page? ***** Another interview with HG on GS, CX and other familiy affairs: http://www.jungle-world.com/seiten/2004/38/3966.php ... (German knowledge required). *****

Date: Tue Oct 12 16:13
conch (sanchez):

No rhythm sticks needed. Just wait a few months...or a year...and I'm willing to bet you'll be feeling a whole lot more inclined regarding "Map." Let us know if it happens. In any case, I think the expectations are always high with a favorite band or songwriter, and I'm sure some people who loved "Glum" were a bit disappointed by "Chore" in comparison--and then, over time, "Chore" grew more defined in their heads and, lo and behold, they found themselves disappointed that "Listener" wasn't as good to them as "Chore", etc. etc. As for me, I never let a first listen dictate my overall opinion, as sometimes it takes a while for the twists/turns/subtleties to sink in. I remember my sister telling me how much she couldn't stand The Beatles' white album when it first came out, because, to her mind, it wasn't nearly on par with Sgt. Pepper's. Thirty-six years later, the White Album is her all-time favorite record. Still, I think Kiss's "Love Gun" is much weaker than "Destroyer." But oh well...

Date: Tue Oct 12 15:44
salamander sanchez (ant sand):

hi! just got my copy of "is all over the map" and had a quick listen just now. I wonder where the strong songwriting´s gone? Except for "classico" (which is a classic, great g.s song) I hear tracks filled with cool sounds and production but not with the greatest melodies. Sort of blasé. I hate to complain, but as I have been buying giant sand records for entire adult life I feel I have a right to have an opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love the experiments and the experimental side of mr gelb, I really do and that´s an important ingredient of what makes giant sand such a great band. And the loose feeling which makes you feel that every song is being improvised at the moment is sort of unique! So maybe it's just me...I was hoping for killer tracks with the best melodies, like "'yer ropes", "glum", "left", "wonder", "center of the universe", "corridor", "Raw", "shiver", "loving cup" etc etc I really look forward to that gospel record, 'cause It sounds like a marriage made in heaven. Ok, hit me now. With your rhythm sticks.

Date: Tue Oct 12 11:46
Lars (He-he):

This little flick got me laughing. That kinda "it's funny because it's true" laugh....which in the case of Mr. Bush is not really funny when it comes down to it. But the editing here is superb. Try downloading it: http://home.earthlink.net/~houval/gopconstrm.mov --- Greets! / Lars

Date: Tue Oct 12 09:52
Blaine (Neo Post - Modern):

...popped his clogs???

Date: Tue Oct 12 08:59
Alan (Conch):

Jeez, Chalmers looks and sounds awful -- a fundamental theory of consciousness... oh my. My favorite research in this area comes from the folks who recently found that human beings haven't changed, biologically, in 80,000 years but that language is only 40,000 years old, suggesting that what we are is social learners and that we change individually, consciously, and socially as an indeterminate result of the wildly uneven patterns of social interaction and institutionally-embedded learning. There is no fundament outside of the relation between individuals, social learning and dynamic institutions. My PhD in Soc is from Santa Cruz... where, as part of the grad student union, my compatriots in Sociology and History and I attempted to represent a real constituency of graduate students while a number of pomo History of Consciousness and Literature grad students (unfortunately leading the union at the time) sought to represent or constitute themselves as on strike... we got BLASTED by the administration, can you imagine? What I was saying about post-modernism is not that it ignored the critiques of cultural conservatives and scientific realists but the post-modernists were addressing wholly other issues and methods than the conservatives and realists thought. Sure some ridiculous and absolutist claims were made by post-modernists but this simply reflects rather than undermines the practices of conservatives and realists. Most importantly, post-modernism's critics have conflated it's method of literary/cultural criticism with post-structuralism's focus on the history, material consequences, and political discourse of difference. The combined point of the two post-isms is that language matters and no single research program or way of knowing completely describes any form of social or environmental problem, much less directly translating into social or environmental policy... and there is nothing at all new about either position. The conclusion is that it is important to pay attention to what people say, ourselves included, and to increase public participation in science and democracy in policy... sounds pretty good to me. Not speaking for Howe, I see a great deal of attention in his music to words, cooperation, collaboration and social connection... and the outcome connects with me so I don't have to appreciate it only on an intellectual plane, which is good given my silly profession... where (as you can tell from this comment) I think too much as it is.

Date: Tue Oct 12 08:20
tommy gailer (scrolling for jörg):

sounds great....can`t wait to see Giant Sand in Geislingen and Munich!

Date: Tue Oct 12 04:53
Jörg (Fabrik....vague memories):

The show in Hamburg yesterday was terrific!! Special surprise guest Marie Frank singing on a couple of songs, especially great was one of the best ever "Warm Storm"s I ever heard! There were guitar amp problems in the end which resulted in Howe delivering a tender acoustic version of "Remote" (as opposed to the HARD rockin' version I witnessed last week in Düsseldorf). Highlight again was the combination of a Rainer film + a live version of "Inner Flame" followed by a moving film of Rainer performing "Life is fine", the band returning with a fine, moody version of "Chore of enchantment".....And of course "Trickle Down System", one of my all time GS-songs ever! Glad to see it's return in the repertoire. All in all the shows are VERY straight (for Giant Sand, that is) and mostly rocking. A couple of old numbers mixed with Map-Songs, songs from the forthcoming Gospel-album and a fantastic new song called "Never gonna leave" or "Vegas" or "Vague? Us?"......

Date: Tue Oct 12 03:42
mike (in switzerland):

Apparantly Swiss television is going to film the show in Rubigen next Friday (expecetd to be broadcast in early November). cheers Mike

Date: Tue Oct 12 01:07
conch (alan & tlk):

Alan, you wrote: "constructivism's most strident critics (none of whom understood what was happening) but largely derived from internal development, trajectories and contradictions." Just curious, but were you suggesting this was an insular movement and, as a result, that is why the "strident critics" didn't understand what was happening? And did you graduate from UC Santa Cruz yourself? Did you run your fingers through David Chalmer's mane of hair before he move to, well, Tucson? Really, just curious, nothing more. Sorry, no fries, but we've got tatter tots.

Date: Tue Oct 12 01:01
TLK (Oh...):

and can I get some fries with that, too.

Date: Tue Oct 12 01:00
TLK (Alan):

Uh...okay, sure.

Date: Mon Oct 11 22:51
Alan (TLK):

For me, postmodernism's bucket was kicked in 1993 when the new cohort of graduate students in UC Santa Cruz's History of Consciousness Department proved more interested in social movements than social texts... the remnants of postmodernism resemble what used to be called ideology critique, a far more materialist and useful practice... the beauty of all of this from my perspective is that it had nothing to do with the reactionary cultural and scientific politics of postmodernism's and constructivism's most strident critics (none of whom understood what was happening) but largely derived from internal development, trajectories and contradictions... or so it seems from here. The real question, of course, is how to characterize the present given neoliberal restructuring, neoconservative culture and the increasing devolution of political economic governance around the globe in undemocratic and non-participatory directions... yours, the resident sociologist.

Date: Mon Oct 11 20:51
TLK (Derrida):

Now if Post-Modernism in general would just kick the bucket. Yeah, I know, probably a very Post-Modern thing to say.

Date: Mon Oct 11 18:28
paulK (More Reaper):

Just read that Jacques Levy, cowriter of Dylan and McGuinn has also popped his clogs. Off to ride that Chestnut Mare.

Date: Mon Oct 11 18:15
PaulK (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):

Bad week for the Grim Reaper visiting, just heard that Bruce Palmer of Buffalo Springfield had a fatal heart attack.

Date: Mon Oct 11 10:13
conch (blah):

Derrida is deconstructing, at last.

Date: Mon Oct 11 09:52
Alan (oops):

_IF_ typically...

Date: Mon Oct 11 09:51
Alan (James S):

here here! The NYTimes story was actually pretty good, though (I guess not too surprisingly) it didn't clarify the goal or intent of deconstruction worth a darn... and utterly, it typically, failed to mention "Spectres of Marx"...

Date: Mon Oct 11 09:21
james s (blue monday):

Derrida and Superman in the course of 72 hours. Sad.

Date: Mon Oct 11 06:35
Martin (rappard@dds.nl):

Taped last nights (10/10/04) show in Haarlem, crisp audience recording. Expect a vine on STG soon - if you'd like to be notified when it's up, drop me a line at rappard (at) dds (dot) nl.

Date: Mon Oct 11 05:30
thin (lars):

nice readin...ta..howe and his september release dates. i only wish he were jokin

Date: Mon Oct 11 03:44
Lars (reading matter):

Don't know it this has been linked to, but here's an interview: http://www.junkmedia.org/?i=1257 Greets! / Lars

Date: Sun Oct 10 21:11
Eddie (Analog):

Thanks for the info.

Date: Sun Oct 10 16:08
edit (of below):

you will need another PIECE OF SOFTWARE to decompress the files.

Date: Sun Oct 10 16:07
hey eddie (copy vs download):

The downloadable versions have "lossless" compression, so they are the same quality as the burn and mail versions (maybe better due to the lack of digital errors introduced in the copy-chain). You will need another to decompress the files, so there's a little more work involved.

Date: Sun Oct 10 12:00
Eddie (Left Coast):

What is the difference in sound quality of the burn and ship of the tree and a download? I thought that you got a better sound from the tree than you would from a download all other things being equal, but I'm an old guy from the analog age

Date: Sat Oct 9 23:36
Alan (tree, free, free tree, tree eerf):

lars, it's not you, I don't think the issue has ever been addressed. My sense of the tree was that the key was the egalitarian nature of the trading... that 2 blanks were traded in exchange for each CDR. I have certainly gifted a number of Sandmen to folks outside the tree because I enage in lots of different kinds of variously remunerated exchanges and gifting is not an infrequent one. Also, without remembering for sure, it seemed to me that a number of folks spent a good bit of time selecting particular songs from particular places at particular times to be included in some of the Sandmen. These "actively" produced entities seem to me quite different than relatively "passive" recordings of individual or pairs of shows. There has been notable variability among the Sandmen in this regard but I've always felt most appreciative of the ones where folks did work for the rest of us particularly committed "aficionados." Think of the wonder that is Fandango... for which the xylem (or was that phloem) of the tree has been found to be clogged at many points. I guess it comes down to what we see the root cause of the series to be, it is stuff by (a few of) us for (the rest of) us, then maybe things like archive.com aren't the way to go at least (say) untila year after Sandman circulation. If it is primarily a means of spreading the good word of GS/HG and less selectivity-of-best-versions-from-diverse-shows becomes the rule, then download sites would seem to be a more efficient way to proceed than the much scarred and unrooted tree. (BTW: One thing I've missed very recently is the kind of Giant Sand related song lists -- by theme, by mood, by contingent juxtaposition -- that were floated for a while...)

Date: Sat Oct 9 10:42
Lars (this and that live):

Just thought I read somewhere that the sandman series was only for the tree and it (for whatever reason?) would be frowned a bit upon if someone was spreading them further. Don't know why. Maybe I just read things wrong at some point....sorry. Personally I'm all for free trading of live recordings (preferably with the artist's blessing, of course). And yes, STG is most certainly a neat place. Too bad it was down for so long. Unfortunately I don't know how to make a torrent. Could do some Howe-stuff for sure. :-) Got a few good gigs from around here (Aarhus). :-D ### Has anyone been recording some of the recently mentioned European shows? Well, stupid question, isn't it? Every soundboard in Germany has been hooked and every venue mic'ed, right? ;-) No Danish gigs this time around, so I'm curious to hear some of these gigs. Especially with Peter onboard. He wasn't there for the Copenhagen gig where Parish did the drumming. And I have the feeling that Peter knows the songs a bit better, actually. Best greets! / Lars (www.larsdideriksen.com)

Date: Sat Oct 9 07:29
thin (plummeting):

http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2388 http://www.adequacy.net/review.php?reviewid=4694 couple nice revs

Date: Sat Oct 9 06:07
hüskerdü (STG):

I'm the one who seeded Pedalless on STG, and never really thought it would be an issue. It's a great way to turn new people on to Howe/GS, and a way for people to get it who missed the tree. I've literally downloaded hundreds of gigs of great shows from STG and Easy Tree over the past year, and once in a while feel the need to give something back. If someone could seed #7 & #8 at some time in the future it would be greatly appreciated. For some reason, the tree fragmented at that point and those volumes never got distributed to my neck of the woods.

Date: Sat Oct 9 02:40
J (plummet in translation):

Thanks a plummet. fantastic.

Date: Fri Oct 8 14:45
Archivist (Sandman):

The Sandman is certainly a good vehicle for turning on new folks to Howe/Giant Sand. This is why I am trying to get most of them up permanantly on archive.org. Plus, if folks missed some of the original Sandman releases it gives 'everyone' who wants to check them out the opportunity to do so. This ain't no private club, ya know.. I am sure that as new Sandman disks are put together, folks signed up for the tree itself will always have the first opportunity to get copies and hear the cd(s).

Date: Fri Oct 8 14:15
Lars (STG):

Just discovered the torrent today? I found the thread today and wrote in it. Thought the "sandmen" were not to be traded outside the tree? Speaking of STG...we're a couple of people currently putting some Under Byen gigs up at STG. Already one up there. A few more will pop up in the next few days. This is the current thread: http://www.sharingthegroove.org/msgboard/showthread.php?t=78395 ---Greets! / Lars

Date: Fri Oct 8 13:36
Archivist (Pedalless - avaliable at STG):

Good news.. At least for a little while, someone is offering up Pedalless on Sharing The Groove (BT download). I'm still working on getting up some of the other Sandman disks on Archive.org. Here is the link to Pedalless... - http://www.sharingthegroove.org/msgboard/showthread.php?t=86004

Date: Fri Oct 8 12:43
james s (thin):

I really love what these web tranlation services do to the language.

Date: Fri Oct 8 09:38
Lars (www.larsdideriksen.com):

Have we got ourselves a babelfish here below?! / L

Date: Fri Oct 8 05:06
thin (mr archivist):

when i just posted below review,the 'page set up and owner utilities' popped up and gave me the option of changing settings-unusable words etcetc and other props. is this normal?

Date: Fri Oct 8 05:02
thin (a dog ear dodgy translation of said berlin gig below):

Howe and his danish team. she locations equal Songs in series hers news album before. " degrees NYC Of Time Flying Around. Remote " and Cracklin´ wade ", the yes not real new am. by secondly Song ails natural the marvelousness Vokaleinsatz of Mary frank , does the positives Gesamtbild but no one breaking off. chunk breather , one joker incidental to me desires himself at the top of one's voice " ballad Of Cable Hogue ". then ambulates it back to the beginning the nineties , " trick invalid system " becomes aufgeführt. memories in the of other issue becomes one witness of Howes chippy state of health. constant beaks he in a napkin , he muslin now and then sneeze. one attentive Roadie brings a scotch whisky. cheers to the audience , scale to the band. Howe am but in best mood , told a lot of among the Songs. then announces he a Song from news album on the , in the Oct. 2005 appears. the audience laughs , he answers No joker ". the climax the interactive becomes at a Song achieves , the a Gospelchor contains. there he the not bring along could , muslin the audience accommodate. he gives the insets before , severs the audience similar a canon in two halves. " flaunt , flaunt " is valid it on the correct locations the band entgegenzusingen. smelled becomes furthermore decent , one little miss self the quiet factors , the so masterly about on " choirs Of Enchantment dargeboten become. and during self over it reflection , attunes the band Shiver " at. wonderful sung , a steinerweichende Steelguitar casual cynic momentary to beings mutant. now white one why one here is my , why one the Howe so may. unfortunately tin self not more to the extras roofs over one's head , the last regional in the province casual not on himself lookouts. Fazit: one shapelier evening , entertaining , cracking , affecting , to the Wiederkommen compelling. Thanks A plummet Howe!!

Date: Thu Oct 7 13:45
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for Berlin-Gig-Review):

Here a link to a very well written review from Sebastian Frank about Giant Sand`s Berlin gig from Wednsday. Sorry, it`s only available in german: http://www.rollingstone.de/board/index.php?showtopic=12971

Date: Thu Oct 7 13:40
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for Berlin-Gig-Review):

Here a link to a very well written review from Sebastian Frank about Giant Sand`s Berlin gig from Wednsday. Sorry, it`s only available in german: http://www.rollingstone.de/board/index.php?showtopic=12971

Date: Thu Oct 7 06:15
sammy (the pommelos thing):

hey howe, wanna recorda somethingmusic with you/// really like the way you 're always playing on a knife to cut// the melodies $ Great GIANT SAND record $ bonsoir. sammy from paris

Date: Thu Oct 7 05:53
thin (got):

hackles

Date: Thu Oct 7 04:30
thanks... (...for coming all the way down...):

berlin gig: place is overcrowded, howe comes on stage, almost elegant suit, tie, borderline red cap, borderline cold, nice blue hanky (will be a major player). band - all the new faces. snake leather on bass, jeans on 2nd guitar and slide. drummer looks sooo young. classico, ny of times (they ROCK now, gone are the jazzy interludes, almost), some other rockers i don´t know (new lp stuff also? haven´t got a copy yet). crackling water (here, john and joey are missed for the first time; gone are some subtleties (sp??)), some new songs (promoting the album thats coming out oct. 2005), muss of paradise, trickle down system (beautiful!), neon filler (yes!), lots of new stuff again, mostly rockers . requests? sure, many. none are played... looks like the band didn´t dig too deep in the backcatalog yet. things will grow, for sure, and what´s missing in virtuosity as for now is made up for by energy. piano gathers dust in the corner, most of the times. no walkman interludes. shiver (slower), bmg with a bridge from and to falling in love with you that leaves the band scratching their collective heads. some more that just escape my brain. 2 hours total. and lets not forget thalia zedek (zadek?) before that.

Date: Thu Oct 7 04:17
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Date: Wed Oct 6 20:58
todd (dance hall at louse point):

...so John Parish isn't on tour w/ Giant Sand?...Got a used copy of John Parish & Polly Jean Harvey 'dance hall at louse point' and it's a keeper. Oh that new Scout Niblett ep 'Uptown Top Ranking' is ltd. edition.

Date: Wed Oct 6 10:06
lilly de haan (ljdehaan@dds.nl):

Hey Roger, Giant Sand members (at this moment): Howe Gelb - guitars, piano and singin Anders Pedersen - lapsteel, electric slide mandolin and guitar Thoger T. Land - upright and electrical bass Peter Dombernowsky - percussion and national guitar They are very good, i know that John en Joey are too busy with Calexico (i've heard) and they aren't members of Giant Sand anymore. best wishes, Lilly

Date: Wed Oct 6 09:52
mike (....somewhere in berlin):

7 shows in and it could not be better.... band playing tighter than ever (the band would of course be anders, thor and peter) howe playing real well and enjoying every minute... venues have been good, with ghent particularly outstanding.... in all ways.. over 400 people.... need more cd´s.. btw... if anyone has `bought a duff ´map´ cd from me, then we can exchange them after i get back to the uk...

Date: Wed Oct 6 09:16
roger salem (deegish@yahoo.com):

Anyone know if this year's Giant Sand Euro tour is with the usual suspects i.e. Convertino and Burns? Or, are there other band memebers as subsitutes? Hope not! Anyone joining me from Lugano to see the Boa show in Luzern? Hope Jelle will be there so I can plug in my DAT. Cheers Roger

Date: Wed Oct 6 05:06
thin (musin):

so ol howester done 5 nights by now, i guess a few streeeeetched strings and scr-at*che"d cds i imagine,any news of how things going in the land of the live sand sound, me curious and curiouser

Date: Tue Oct 5 20:39
mp (giant sand outfit ideas...):

maybe? http://www.heysuburbia.com/cgi-bin/m4/headline/03_04_02_22_50

Date: Tue Oct 5 17:46
Lars (sorry...):

...not six minutes. More. I edited the songs out of my recorded version. Hey, Howe is mentioned there by the way. :-D / Lars

Date: Tue Oct 5 17:38
Lars (Phill's Danish lesson):

"It's me keeping the trees together." You can find the translated lyrics to their songs at the website I made: http://www.larsdideriksen.com/underbyen/lyrics.htm --- and Henriette explains that particular song (in English!) in this Belgian broadcast radio interview streamed here: http://www.radio1.be/radio1_master/programmas/cuc/r1_cuc_luister_u/index.html --- She starts talking about it about six minutes into the interview. I hope it was helpful. :-) ### So you've bought the album? Or is it just mp3s? Best greets! / Lars

Date: Tue Oct 5 17:25
phill (in home pa):

larz could you please explain what she is saying in Det er mig der holder traeerne sammen

Date: Tue Oct 5 14:35
? ('):

.

Date: Mon Oct 4 14:34
. (,):

?

Date: Mon Oct 4 10:55
Lars (Lightning Bolt):

...by the way, the band is touring Europe a lot right now. They play Hamburg tonight and go on to Berlin and Munich...and Austria, Italy, Switzerland etc. Tour schedule at www.loadrecords.com/tour.html --- uhm, well, just a recommendation. :-) Greets! / Lars

Date: Sun Oct 3 19:58
Lars (wow!ness...):

Anyone here know an American band called Lightning Bolt? Just back from an amazing gig here in Aarhus. Flabbergastered.... 8-O ... Heard that Sonic Youth liked them so much that they wanted to support them live. These guys are just drums and bass. But boy, do they rock.... www.laserbeast.com + www.loadrecords.com ### Greets! / Lars (www.larsdideriksen.com)

Date: Sun Oct 3 17:45
J (Cave,Banhart):

Loads of good stuff out there, Map on my 'phones tonight.

Date: Sun Oct 3 13:31
thin (re|:richard):

here here my fine chap.spot on. Bush hall a callin

Date: Sun Oct 3 11:52
stefan ((european shows ...)):

... seem to rock, according to the first report I've heard. My first show (and probably last show this year) will be Munich, still two weeks off.

Date: Sun Oct 3 08:16
Lars (Korean movies):

I must also say: "Hey, go see Oldboy!" Saw it a few weeks ago and it's brilliant. The octopus scene is still glued to my mind. Also saw the horror flick "A Tale of Two Sisters" the same night. Also Korean. A bit like if David Lynch made "The Shining" on a low budget. Doesn't make much sense....until 10 minutes after the movie, when the mind shuffles the puzzle into place. :-) I wrote a bit about the two in my blog: http://diddie.blogspot.com --- Sandgreets! / Lars

Date: Sun Oct 3 03:48
TDH (Tommy-oldboy):

Not to get back in the whole movie talk.. I saw Oldboy and yes Tommy it's a great movie. The octopussy eat gives sushi a whole new perspective. I must say I'm getting a bit turned on to all those Asian movies out there and it has made me order the whole Ringu triology. Like you I'd like to get hold of P.C. wook's earlier movies. A little recomondation for you "Thriller - a cruel picture" Old Swedish movie re-released on DVD in it's full. It's a very good movie about a young girl being abused and misused and getting her revenge. I have to warn you though there are some extremely pornographic scenes(and I mean pornographic) and there is drug abuse, rape, prostitution, ect. Originally released the movie was cut by some 20 minuttes. It's a 70's movie which does show (cars, clothes, bad special effect ect.).

Date: Sat Oct 2 15:46
Archivist (Any reports?):

Any reports on the shows in Europe? Everybody hopefully is getting out to a few shows..

Date: Sat Oct 2 08:49
Richard (R.J.Perrins@city.ac.uk):

Just wanted to have my say on the new album. I think it is an absolute masterpiece. It seems like a tribute to the entire history of Giant Sand with all the different sounds made being encompassed into one fantastic album. After Chore came out i wondered if there was any need for a new Sand album as it seemed like the perfect end to a thrillingly imperfect story. And judging by the dissapointing Cover Magazine it's a good thing that those Calexico boys have got on their horse at lat. Because the new Sand album is buzzing with freshness and enthusiasm and it is a constant source off amazement to me how consistent Brilliant Howe Gelb has always been. Chore marked a new opportunity for Giant Sand to get back into the Sand again and Howe is on top form. I love Muss as it reminds me of the croaky Howe that has captured my imagination so many times. And the news that there are more Giant Sand albums in the pipeline is the greatest thing to happen since Giant Sand happened in the first place. I'll be at Bush Hall hoping to have my world turned upside down.

Date: Sat Oct 2 07:37
galileo (aljoschenka@web.de):

hi there from good-ole-germany. what do you think about the lyrics of "classico"? i like this song very, very much... "they say..." who [or what]- do u think - he(?) means? btw: giant sand in berlin next week.. bye

Date: Sat Oct 2 07:35
galileo (aljoschenka@web.de):

hi there from good-ole-germany. what do you think about the lyrics of "classico"? i like this song very, very much... "they say..." who [or what]- do u think - he(?) means? btw: giant sand in berlin next week.. bye

Date: Sat Oct 2 02:20
Jörg (Phill):

I wouldn't have to think twice about driving 5 hrs to see Giant Sand AND The Handsome Family ;-)

Date: Sat Oct 2 02:18
phill (searchin for hatch mole atchee):

pa show?

Date: Sat Oct 2 02:14
phill (in a pa home):

Yea this a message to Howe, You have got to play Philadelphia!!!!!!!!!! Come on dUDE.other wise we gotta drive to NYC, 5 hrs. Tinn angel is always a good spot, that sh_t with andrew bird was so great.and Im always ready with the OLE jaw Harp.

Date: Fri Oct 1 18:33
J (Steve Earle):

Revolution, politics aside, the song 'I thought you should know' Is gold, 'Classico'

Date: Fri Oct 1 13:55
geoff (err):

or maybe it's one minute. i don't fully understand the clock units i guess.

Date: Fri Oct 1 13:54
geoff (mp):

wow...by one second, and the comments were strikingly similar...that collective conciousness working overtime. my glitterhouse order seems at a snails pace too.

Date: Fri Oct 1 11:48
DDOT (Uptown Top Ranking / from the boathouse 3):

...picked up the new ep from Scout Niblett. 3 songs including a cover of Althea & Donna's classic Uptown Top Ranking. No pop no style. Secretly Canadian.

Date: Thu Sep 30 20:14
mp (dang!):

Geoff, you beat me! *mumble mumble* *shuffle* . I'm outta here.

Date: Thu Sep 30 20:12
mp (hey drambuie):

Political Manifest is fun. The songs are catchy, but they are real heavy handed political songs. No subtlety what-so-ever. If you're into the creekdippers, it's a must. If you like good protest songs (or hate bush), ditto. If you're looking for poetic political ideas with deep meaning, maybe you should look elsewhere. the packaging is effin fantastic, tho. and you can now buy it through the http://www.creekdippers.com/merch.htm web site. and their Mystic Theatre cd is awesome as well. only available overseas right now. (i ordered it, blacky ranchette, and the new Mike Hurley from glitterhouse 11 days ago. Still no arrival. They didn't take this long last time. dang it.)

Date: Thu Sep 30 20:11
geoff (political creek dippin'):

it's great. the end of the highway rumsfeld is a classic. political songs that specifically identify the source of their woes, not just allude to general problems are a hoot. you can get it from their website or miles of music i believe. i am still waiting for magestic theatre to arrive from glitterhouse, but i hear it is nice as well.

Date: Thu Sep 30 18:45
drambuie (foot):

anyone hear the creekdipper's political manifesto? i have had been unable to find much info about it. i only heard of it via a blurb in a uk magazine. i find it kind of ironic that it is more dificult to find overseas than it is to find here...

Date: Thu Sep 30 15:44
Mikus (hey hey@ hey):

Hello to the german staff... (Uwe, stephan....) and see you tomorrow ... Anyware in Belgium...

Date: Thu Sep 30 11:29
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for nick cave):

His new "double" album "The Lyre of orpheus/Abattoir Blues" is fantastic...just listening to "there she goes my beautiful girl" w/ the gospel choir...`now "Nature boy": f****** great!!!!

Date: Thu Sep 30 10:28
Blaine (Howe/Buck):

Anyone else notice a few tunes on Map sound a bit like Richard Buckner? Is it out of the realm of possibility for a Howe/Richard Buckner duo tour? I can almost imagine Howe's raised-eyebrow comments when Buckner gets too grave. Maybe they could try an old Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis gag or two.

Date: Thu Sep 30 10:00
james s (DDOT et all):

Richard Buckner's "Devotion + Doubt" is excellent, great low mood, lyrics, and playing (by Joey & John) throughout.

Date: Thu Sep 30 06:31
stefan ((vic's back catalog)):

Most of Vic's back catalog was re-released by Blue Rose here in Germany with bonus tracks.

Date: Wed Sep 29 22:17
Alan (ddot):

Hey, in terms of Vic's back catalog you can't go wrong with Little, West of Rome, Drunk, Is the Actor Happy or About to Choke... but if I were giving advice I'd suggest West of Rome, Is the Actor Happy?, Drunk, Little, and About to Choke in that order. I don't have Silver Lake and/but didn't get quite the same rush from Left to His Own Devices and The Salesman... However, when I saw him open for Wilco at Calvin College in 99(?), much of that material was the basis of his excellent show... boy-oh-boy were those Wilco-ites and Grand Rapidsians confused by Vic, though almost all were won over half way thru his set.

Date: Wed Sep 29 19:26
ddot (Richard Buckner / The Sadies / Vic Chesnutt ):

Went after a couple of Buckner records (Since / Richard Buckner live on Overcoat records)...looking forward to his new one 'Dents & Shells' on Merge to be released in a couple weeks. Turns out he moved away from my home base (Edmonton, AB) and relocated to Austin now I found out he's living in NYC. Other than that I also picked up the new record by The Sadies...it's definitely better than their last (I thought it was poorly produced)...The Sadies got Nick Luca to record & Craig Shumacher to mix a few tracks so that's good 'eh. I usually like to by cd's used...last week after hearing Vic Chesnutt on a classico reprise I went searching for some of his music...purchased The Salesman and Bernadete and also Merriment. Lot's of time to listen during the week...I only work Friday, Sat. & Sunday on a riverboat

Date: Wed Sep 29 11:49
Truth blagging (and the G Minor / Major chord):

I forgot untill i just de flaked my flacs how much the chord played at the begining of almost the politicans wife makes me wet. thats what this is all about / thats enough for me for a while. thought id share that only because i dont get the same desperation from newer songs i am stuck. sorry i cant help it. I know i shouls enjoy th e more mature sounds but i like the young wrong love that can only happen between brothers and uncles or some snopw bound plow. sorry to waste your time

Date: Wed Sep 29 09:48
more (of ):

a nod

Date: Wed Sep 29 09:28
yank (what is):

a sod?

Date: Wed Sep 29 09:20
keeping (it ):

up....

Date: Wed Sep 29 06:45
Seant (Dan The Man):

Dan I'm not sure about one of my friends going yet , if I were you I'd get yourself a ticket to be sure . Sods law dictates that once you have done that I will then have a spare . Keep it up....

Date: Wed Sep 29 01:36
Jörg (kxci locals only):

Thanks for the info, Mark! Sounds like a killer show...:-)

Date: Tue Sep 28 22:16
todd (featured on/in store front in northern Canadian city):

...finally picked up Sweet Heart Fever (S.N.) and noticed that the new album by Giant Sand is featured on the inside window display @ Blackbyrd Myoozik www.blackbyrd.ca look for Is all over...the Map; on their page.

Date: Tue Sep 28 15:30
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

RE: KXCI show -- I don't have the track list in front of me, but Howe played several songs from the "Gospel" album which will be released in 2005, as well as a great new song that he has slated for 2006 Giant Sand album. Howe is really into planning ahead nowadays. Other songs, off the top of my head,... "Classico," "Explore You," "Neon Filler," "All Done In" and "Tower Of Song." I made a copy from the low-bandwidth KXCI internet feed, hopefully this stuff gets put on the Archives site soon. If the right folks gave their permission, I could schedule a rebroadcast of this show on Mansion On The Hill.

Date: Tue Sep 28 14:54
BG (@home):

Just saw the tour dates and noticed a "more dates to follow" notice at the tail end...please tell me there will be a Philadelphia date added along the way! All Over The Map...GREAT album...been listening non-stop since purchasing the CD early last week...has that "earthy" GS feel I know and love.

Date: Tue Sep 28 12:41
daniel Pompus (danthephotographer@hotmail.com):

pleasure is melting like chocolate - - Daniel ps did i get a ticket?

Date: Tue Sep 28 06:20
Jörg (kxci):

what songs were performed? any new ones?

Date: Tue Sep 28 01:24
Blaine (Thank You KXC-EyE):

...that gospel album sounds to be a real treat.

Date: Tue Sep 28 01:10
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

KXCI played a great interview with Howe Gelb tonight which ran nearly 70 minutes. Most of it was made up of live performance, but Howe was relaxed and told some good stories. Sweet stuff. When Howe decides to teach his class I am moving back out to Tucson to take it.

Date: Mon Sep 27 15:03
james s (no reply):

it's visible here in musty alabama too.

Date: Mon Sep 27 13:06
DH 2004 (Top of OWOM Store Page!):

It is visible here in AZ..

Date: Mon Sep 27 08:30
giantrust (Thanks Lars, but still no Monkey):

Lars..thanks for the tip, sadly no luck,

Date: Mon Sep 27 08:09
Lars (Have you tried...):

...refreshing the page? I know, stupid question, but it's there when I go to the page. / Lars

Date: Mon Sep 27 05:37
giantrust (anyone seen the monkey?):

is it just me, Year of the Monkeys nowhere to be seen when I access the owom store, nice picture on the main page though.

Date: Mon Sep 27 01:02
Todd (name correction):

r in Dombernowsky.

Date: Sun Sep 26 22:08
Achivist (Vienna - May 10, 89 (1/2 of Sandman 'Make It Sound Like Hendrix'):

Now avaliable at - http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=18388

Date: Sun Sep 26 19:49
james s (coffee & cigarettes):

finally saw the new JJ movie this weekend, out now on dvd. it's worth a viewing or twelve. map is growing in me. hope the weekend was a good one for you, yes, YOU!

Date: Sun Sep 26 13:07
Lars (oh la la):

Thanks a lot for the monkey list. Looks great! :-D Just clicked away at the Ow Om Store and is now in anticipation mode. ### Also still waiting for the new Black Keys album. Anyone heard the whole thing yet? I've only been digging these snippets... http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?style=music&pid=6762529&cart=206933782 (and the mp3 on the official site) ... and they sound gooood. :-D ### Hey, are anyone of ye Germans in Berlin? Big Danish show at Popkomm on the 30th of September with Tiger Tunes, Powersolo, Figurines and Under Byen. Must be a nice day, I suspect. Hm...Powersolo being the only "old school" sandfans among those bands....funny blokes them... -- www.powersolo.dk ### Greets! / Lars

Date: Sun Sep 26 01:56
gazelle (nyc of time):

this is my favorite new song. it is so rockin', and it says it all. makes me look forward to my upcoming trip to the cmj music marathon in the 'city of dreams.' also, i had the pleasure of watching amor play last month in modesto, and they are killer. i'm looking forward to the new album. gave soundtracks a brief listen and was impressed by the jazzy feel but must say i am a bigger fan of naim's lyrical ability. tucson keeps producing more and more hot talents. thank you.

Date: Sat Sep 25 23:01
todd (from the boat house (2)):

Uncut magazine made a mistake. It's Parish, Dombemowsky, Thoger T. Lund and Pedersen.

Date: Sat Sep 25 20:18
hugh (map):

I'd say Scout Niblet has joined the ranks of great howe/giant sand backing vocalists.So of course I love remote.Also fool is another favourite as it suits almost but not quite my personal life at the moment.The whole album is very good but I prefer to listen to the flow of tracks 1-10.And everytime I hear Vic open the vocals on classico reprise I want to dig out glum and listen to Pappy's song.Kudos to Bill Carter for the great back cover photo.And last-as much as I may put down my sleepy home town I was still pleased to see London 'on the map'

Date: Sat Sep 25 19:24
todd (reunited? from the boat house):

...thisisfrom Uncut "While is colleagues were on were on sabbatical, Gelb busied himself with a series of excellent solo albums. But now they are reunited on a track that displays their eclectic approach to dazzling effect? I'm not sure where they got this. Americana 2004.

Date: Sat Sep 25 13:02
OWOM DH 2004 ('Year of the Monkey' Tracklisting):

1: the shallows 2: a quiet remote 3: till you love someone 4: loving cup with a.bird 5: meanderthal 6: scratch & dent 7: drawl 8: sum of us 9: the in between 10: inside an hour 11: dangle 12: aiming to aspire 13: unwrapping you 14: anti-this 15: jam ache; ahhh! 16: tower of song 17: a live muss 18: gargoyle rocks in argyle socks --- tracks 4, 16 + 17 = live, the rest studio/home recordings...

Date: Sat Sep 25 12:24
Lars (hotdiggity!):

Cool! So the monkey's gotta tracklist? ;-) / L

Date: Sat Sep 25 11:22
Spoink and Cranky.. (OWOM Store):

New Upside Down Home 2004 (Year of The Monkey) is avaliable at the OWOM store!

Date: Sat Sep 25 08:56
Frank C (Willie Nelson style):

I don´t know Carla´s version of RHS yet. Did she cover the whole album?? Wow. The problem with Nelson is that he did a lot of great stuff but also a lot of not-so-great or even terrible recordings, especially duets. So it´s likely that he appears on a very old fashioned blues or even alternative country album and then records a duet with Julio Iglesias or he publishes a "new country" album for the mainstream country/pop charts (e.g. "The Great Divide")... So you should always listen to some songs before buying. I read that Willie had some financial problems due to big tax bills so I guess he just takes every opportunity to earn money. Another nice and overlooked record from 2001 is WN & The Offenders: "Tales Out od Luck/Me and the drummer" which has some decent rerecordings of his early hits like "let my mind wander", "home motel" and "i´m so ashamed", recorded live in the studio by a reunited lineup of Nelson's '60s Nashville band. It has a terrible "death valley wall paper" cover art, though. AMG say it´s "one of his best collections of tunes ever, reminiscent of the western-flavored tunes featured on his Red Headed Stranger and Tougher Than Leather releases."

Date: Sat Sep 25 08:43
Mario (.):

Looking forward to listen to Howe next month at the Bush Hall, I'm sure it's going to be a great show, Scout Niblett is opening. I wonder if Burns and Convertino will be around..

Date: Sat Sep 25 08:30
buxfix (hi robert):

"year of the monkey" - great! they know.... and me too now!

Date: Sat Sep 25 07:42
info (cwas):

The new issue of Comes With A Smile magazine is now ready for pre-orders. It has an interview with Howe along with American Music Club, Jim White, Royal City and more. Unreleased tracks from whom appear on the covermount CD. Visit: http://cwas.hinah.com/currentissue/

Date: Sat Sep 25 05:59
Jörg (nelson jennings):

Frank and conch: thanks a lot for your outlaw infos! It's not that never heard these two, just didn't really get into their stuff (although it was Willie Nelson's guitar playing - and his use of a nylon-string-guitar - which really impressed me). I'm discovering "Red Headed Stranger" through Carla Bozulich's version of the album right now (what do you two think of this one?) Pretty strange & freaky sometimes, but includes some very touching duets with Willie. It seems Willie Nelson is guesting very often on other people's records, because recently I read a comment that if they printed bumper stickers "Honk if Willie Nelson sings on your record" the noise on Austin's and Nashville's streets would be horrible...

Date: Sat Sep 25 03:53
mike (sa-wa-ro):

best wait before trying to buy 'monkey'.. jim has to set up the code with ccnow.... needed to get it up before i went on tour...... and yes, the caps/t-shirts/badges will be available through the store after the tour.

Date: Sat Sep 25 00:54
Blaine (SergioLeone):

Was this a spaghetti-addled mirage? Last night during Once Upon a Time in the West they cut to a commercial just before Ch Bronson's flashback and then guns down Hanoi Jane's Dad -- and the fade in music from the commercial was M. Ward?

Date: Fri Sep 24 22:32
geoff (year of the mun-ki):

hey i saw year of the monkey is on the owom store page, though the link to buy it doesn't seem to work yet. great cover. anyway, are the caps with the logo going to be available through the webstore too?

Date: Fri Sep 24 19:28
Conch (Frank C-Jorg):

Well, just had to throw in my two cents on Willie Nelson. The RED-HEADED STRANGER LP is just about perfect to me, sort of the SGT. PEPPER'S of country music to my mind. Waylon's HONKY TONK HEROES LP is another great one from that period, and, like RED-HEADED, has a somewhat concept feel to it. The whole yin/yang merging of The Pistols and Waylon/Willie on the new Giant Sand CD makes a world of sense to me--especially considering the scenic routes and threads that have woven themselves throughout Mr. Gelb's songs. Even Blacky saw fit to cover Jennings' "Trouble Man" a while back. And, of course, Waylon, Willie, and Johnny Cash probably had/have a lot more in common with punk music/attitude than, let's say, Pink or Green Day or Avril L could ever hope to muster. Strange to think that both Waylon & Cash were heroin-addicated roommates, stealing each other's stuff in their little Nashville pad in order to buy a fix--doing so many years before Sid & Nancy were holed up in that similiar dead-end pursuit. In any case, Waylon passed on somewhere outside of Phoenix, just up the road from Tucson. He was originally from Littlefield, Texas, somewhere between Clovis, New Mexico and Lubbock. Clovis being where Buddy Holly recorded a good number of his best songs at Norman Petty's little studio--and Lubbock being, well, where Buddy Holly grew. But that's a whole other story. So Waylon, Buddy, and Johnny are gone, but Clovis and Lubbock still remain. Go figure.

Date: Fri Sep 24 18:04
Eddie (Left Coast):

Just got my reservation confirmed for "The Getty". Hope that I won't be underdressed.

Date: Fri Sep 24 17:25
Lars (back in the blues):

Just ordered the new Black Keys album "Rubber Factory" online. Had a listen at www.cduniverse.com . Sounded cool. And they even found the acoustic guitar this time around. Neat. Cheap at www.cdwow.com by the way. Only £8.99 and free shipping. I usually check that place for cds and dvds. Even though it's mainstream they do keep a bunch of good stuff sometimes - until they run out. Can't wait to boooogie down/up/out/whatever once the disc arrives. :-D / Lars

Date: Fri Sep 24 16:38
Frank C (full nelson):

Jörg, you should consider driving to the next gas station and buying something like a "100 Country greatest" 3-cd-box set. It´s really worth the 5 €. ...Another reason for buying is to understand why Howe call´s his lead guitar on "Shiver" "Willie Nelson style". There´s a good chance you really like some of those tunes. And if unexpected guests enter your house you can drop the box under the porch or behind your wall of Giant Sand, Dylan and Waits records. My affection for old school country really started that way. ...Then I can recommend Nelson´s "Across The Borderline" from 1993.A nice well-(but not over-)produced record with lovely (not-too-country) songs including covers of Paul Simon, Dylan, Lyle Lovett etc. Something comparable to Cash/Rubin´s "American" recordings, especially "Unchained" - but without the hype.

Date: Fri Sep 24 15:51
Fish Karma (towen1@mindspring.com):

I am shocked to find out that Al Perry and I are different people. For the past twenty years, apparently, I've been laboring under a serious delusion. No wonder his stage clothes don't fit me. Damn it! Now what am I supposed to do?

Date: Fri Sep 24 15:01
Blaine (Mike):

blaine117622@yahoo.com or bschultz@foley.com

Date: Fri Sep 24 14:22
Jörg (answering myself.....):

.....(well, google did it): "Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys", so that's why the Tolstoi-coda is referred to as a W.Jennings quote in the article posted below. Seems that this was a hit for W.J. and/or W. Nelson. Didn't know that.

Date: Fri Sep 24 13:15
james s (south):

got any dates yet for the southern U.S.? why is that i almost expect the gelbster to be near my neck of the woods, finally, during the week I'm off to France (nov 20 - 28)? the gods laugh. then again, i should fight against such pessimism.

Date: Fri Sep 24 12:10
Graham (awaiting on you all):

Anybody else think the little guitar licks about a minute into NYC of Time sound like "My Sweet Lord"? Howe should consider incorporating it into the song, like Cisco Kid was into Yer Ropes. Or better yet, use "He's So Fine" and play it from that angle.

Date: Fri Sep 24 10:26
mike (sa-wa-ro):

blaine..... had my email to you rejected.... what's your email?

Date: Fri Sep 24 09:15
james s (? for Howe or other knowledgables):

I've been sitting at this machine reading through old old posts in the comments archives (fun to do) and came across this from Howe, "i'm sitting here at a cyber cafe in bondi beach, sydney, australia. if i'm really here, then it must be the future. playing some piano on a country record here." Just curious... what record would that be? Available still, elsewhere?

Date: Fri Sep 24 08:46
Yes it is (Yes it is):

yes it is /

Date: Fri Sep 24 05:37
buxfix (jetzt geht's looooos):

Next week the shows begin - giant sand is on the road again. well, and then there will be the new 'upside down home' be sold? does any information exists about that one? gospel-choirs or drum-without-bass on it? do you want to keep a secret, mike, or are you also not invited? It's like christmas eve - don't know what you get and starting to wondering if you have been good or bad... and what santa will bring!

Date: Fri Sep 24 04:44
thin (piccie):

excuse me for diverting from topic of sounds-but ventured to cinema last night-'last life in the universe'-one of the most amazing things i seen. i guess that a recomendation.

Date: Fri Sep 24 04:16
Jörg (Tolstoi Anarchy):

That "Mama, don't let your babies....."-coda is a Waylon Jennings- quote????? And Stefan: the interview is the one on www.laut.de

Date: Fri Sep 24 02:22
stefan (((and an electric with the amp turned up WAY past 11))):

In a German interview somewhere (I don’t find it right now), Howe said that the effect device started to go crazy when he played that solo and he hurried to record that sound and later tried to have the device dis-repaired so that it would reproduce that sound but nobody would do it.

Date: Thu Sep 23 23:40
phill (home):

Reviews All Music Guide It's been four years since the last album from Giant Sand (Cover Magazine doesn't really count), and Howe Gelb is still making albums to please himself. Which is as it should be, since no one makes records that sound quite like this: a shambolic, atmospheric mixture of hushed tones, deadly distortion, tender poetics, and rock & roll. There are some new members in the Giant Sand family, but they sound just as versatile and fit as the too-busy members of Calexico, Joey Burns and John Covertino. The songs are great, featuring Gelb's often near-whispered vocals, pretty resonant piano, acoustic guitars, and some of the most crushing distortion ever recorded (which is likely to appear and disappear almost anywhere). Take the lovely "Classico," where the guitar solo is traded off between an acoustic nylon-string guitar and an electric with the amp turned up WAY past 11, or the multitude of hairy guitars in "NYC of Time" that disappear, giving way to a very nice piano segment. Gelb's voice gets the distorto treatment on "Remote," and "Drab" has some fine buzzing prepared piano. But it's not all about distortion (which really comes and goes); there's an acoustic element to every track and most of these songs would work as purely acoustic pieces. "Rag" is just a piano rag with drums, and "Les Forçats Innocents" is not only sung in French, but has a tasty mandolin accompaniment. And only Howe Gelb would have the good sense to include a Sex Pistols/Waylon Jennings medley. Almost 20 years on, and Howe Gelb and his Giant Sand compatriots have made concessions to no one, and if you're a fan, that's a very good thing. Sean Westergaard

Date: Thu Sep 23 21:51
Greg (G@G.com):

Glue is that you?

Date: Thu Sep 23 14:27
todd (radio selections):

Been on campus radio the past three days and featured 3 cuts from Is all over...the map. I selected nyc of time, remote and flying around the sun at remarkable speed. www.cjsr.com - I used my own copy as Thrill Jockey hasn't sent out a promo to the station. So It was good timing to do some fill-in shows.

Date: Thu Sep 23 10:55
corrections (please read):

line two of last statement shouls read thin line man is my favourte record as a hole not just the dylan bash. ho ho hpo

Date: Thu Sep 23 10:54
whats going on (did i get a ticket?):

hello confused woke from alcohl induced coma lasting 3 months. Bourht thin line man on lp and love it / my personal favourite / watchtower is so soulfull and purpusful it makes me jump like tigers through hoops / hello / cant remeber the last time i worte on this bored sobber. its a strange view from hear.

Date: Thu Sep 23 10:20
J (Sean):

Me too! Yes, good chance

Date: Thu Sep 23 10:14
james s (thin,j, MC):

Hi back, J. Thin, i don't doubt ya, brother. I'm sure future spinnings of Map will open new doors of perception. Not to look all the pretty gift horses in the mouth, but the Howe/Blacky/Sand disks (official and otherwise) have been hitting me with such frequency that I haven't had time leisure or focus to get to deeply into any of them. Hey Mitch. You got the sole "thank tank" credit. Cool. Well, you and "you."

Date: Thu Sep 23 09:56
Blaine (J):

Si'

Date: Thu Sep 23 06:19
In no dressing room (little lyrics):

been laying low and I guess it goes to show that no matter where you pick your raisins there´ll always come a guy who says "hey,we´re cousins" I guess I'll stay low for a while last time I was up I ran for a mile Home. Is that where the flock is? or is it where your cock is? The sound can be so innevitable when you´re up all night and it's all city lights... Lay Low. That way I know.

Date: Thu Sep 23 05:50
thin (James S chore trace):

I listened to ‘map’ a lot this week (far too much spare time on hand at the mo) and it funni how it seem to change with more turnings on the table. I initially found it difficult to pin a mood to, whereas now it seems coherent with a beatific fragility to it. Your words-‘feels low and somewhat sad’ does seem to apply itself-notably ‘classico’ and ‘nyc’ unfurl around the post terror culture?- ‘anarchistic bolshevistic cowboy company’ reads very different to me today (I wanna destroy passer by) and it sits here perfect. ‘hood’ and ‘napoli’ both drip longing. ‘rag’, ‘drab’, ‘ploy’ all tender littl ditties. That be the trace of chore that I get, a record underpinned with a feel that hangs together with a lovely disparity. It strikes me very much a contemporary GS effort. Also the production sounds a bit chore to me, the space, sound of voicebox, so careful. This record has shuffled me and its hand is truly good.

Date: Thu Sep 23 05:33
Seant (J Strom):

J , is there a chance of a Strom ? I'm scrolling looking for a clue ...

Date: Thu Sep 23 03:44
J (strom):

incidentally, Sean T might want to get in touch.

Date: Thu Sep 23 03:42
J (Blaine/Jane/ james.s):

Blaine:Just about to go to bed after a night shift and yr disc clacks onto my mat. You are the Matador? Jane: Do you still look here? james.s: Hi. Can't get my head around all sorts of things right now, but 'Classico' Is a perfect opener. Jesus Ruiz, I am on the case. PaulK, Old style new for a trade?

Date: Thu Sep 23 03:08
stefan ((KXCI)):

Just noticed that it is possible to order the "Locals Only"/"Live from Studio 2A" CDs directly from KXCI at http://www.kxci.org/ Unfortunately there are not a lot of details, and Vol. 1 which includes a weird exclusive version of Howe's Bored Lil' Devil seems to be sold out.

Date: Thu Sep 23 02:54
Jörg (KXCI Locals Only):

This sounds great! Hope someone is recording it for us on the other side of the pond trying to catch some sleep ;-)

Date: Thu Sep 23 00:42
me (me@me.com):

i think mr. dan stuart has given up the muse/ec for a while. his former howdy pardner in crime s-hombre chris cacavas though is still making some of the best records nobody has ever heard, and why is that? why ain't people listening to them? he's the best of the best and that's the that of the that.

Date: Thu Sep 23 00:40
me (me@me.com):

i think mr. dan stuart has given up the muse/ec for a while. his former howdy pardner in crime s-hombre chris cacavas though is still making some of the best records nobody has ever heard, and why is that? why ain't people listening to them? he's the best of the best and that's the that of the that.

Date: Thu Sep 23 00:39
me (me@me.com):

i think mr. dan stuart has given up the muse/ec for a while. his former howdy pardner in crime s-hombre chris cacavas though is still making some of the best records nobody has ever heard, and why is that? why ain't people listening to them? he's the best of the best and that's the that of the that.

Date: Thu Sep 23 00:37
me (me@me.com):

i think mr. dan stuart has given up the muse/ec for a while. his former howdy pardner in crime s-hombre chris cacavas though is still making some of the best records nobody has ever heard, and why is that? why ain't people listening to them? he's the best of the best and that's the that of the that.

Date: Thu Sep 23 00:37
me (me@me.com):

i think mr. dan stuart has given up the muse/ec for a while. his former howdy pardner in crime s-hombre chris cacavas though is still making some of the best records nobody has ever heard, and why is that? why ain't people listening to them? he's the best of the best and that's the that of the that.

Date: Thu Sep 23 00:37
me (me@me.com):

i think mr. dan stuart has given up the muse/ec for a while. his former howdy pardner in crime s-hombre chris cacavas though is still making some of the best records nobody has ever heard, and why is that? why ain't people listening to them? he's the best of the best and that's the that of the that.

Date: Wed Sep 22 19:46
Locals Only (localsonly (at) kxci.org):

Since y'all are the web-savvy Howe fans, I thought ya might like to know that Howe Gelb will appear on Locals Only on KXCI (www.kxci.org) on Monday, September 27th. The show starts at 8pm Tucson time, and the live tunes and interview with Howe begin at 9. I realize this is prob'ly the middle of the night for most European folk, so set your alarm clocks. As an added bonus, the interviewer is another Tucson musical treasure, Cathy Rivers. (www.cathyrivers.com)

Date: Wed Sep 22 19:11
PaulK (Fish, Al and Rich):

Mike, thanks for the info. i followed some of the links and found out that you are now handling Mr. Hopkins Euro stuff. That Tucson album looks mighty inviting. Re map, I agree that I don't find the Chore comparison too easily. The album is a grower and I really like Hood. Just found out that Jason Ringengerg is playing in a really small venue here in a few weeks, looks like a must attend.

Date: Wed Sep 22 17:51
james s (blaine):

I luv gropin' the mope. always have. hell, i even liked the smiths.

Date: Wed Sep 22 16:53
Blaine ((eye-Yi-Yi of Lady of Fatima we adore you)):

James - not even a patina of sadness? No mope to grope?

Date: Wed Sep 22 15:28
buxfix (james s):

your words are my words - hope that sounds better...

Date: Wed Sep 22 15:26
buxfix (i smoke a lot):

your right frank - quit quittin' and smoke again - but the spliffy thing is meant more metaphorical - i am not weed smoking for ... hours, days, weeks! Meant that there are music that makes you high or that gives you a futher step into spheres while being high... think I better stop here! @james s - that's what i mean also ;-)

Date: Wed Sep 22 13:21
Frank C (Buxfix - purge n stoned):

"...and a little spliffy "!!? Thought you quit smoking 2 weeks ago?! Or is that smokefree time all over, too? :-)

Date: Wed Sep 22 12:55
james s (I own the board today):

Giant Sand IS All Over The Map is most welcome. I'm in the midst of my second listen as I type. On first listen, I wuz a'smokin' and a'drankin' and messing about and nothing stuck except the realization that there was distortion on them thar songs, some of them, and that Scout Niblett was doing some good squalking at the end of the third song, and that Howe was singing in french on a tune... Now on second listen, I must say I don't see the Chore connection some of you have made... I don't hear a trace of Chore here... Chore feels low and somewhat sad, even when slightly silly ("somewhat sad when slightly silly" would make a good mantra at soundcheck, to get the vocal mic right). With GS, I usually detect a sad tint applied to records that, for the most part, sound like a batch of fun. Chore sounds to me like a fun spin was put on a record that sounds like a batch of sadness. This one, Map, feels very different to me, closer to the more recent Howe (ect) records, official and unofficial, than to any other GS record. I look forward to the time when, having heard this record enough times to put grooves in my brain, I can swim into the songs that I always seem to find under the sounds in a GS record. I like Indiosa's singing on "anarchistic bolshev...." Really, I do.

Date: Wed Sep 22 12:37
thin (unwell versed englishspeaker):

many thanks stefan, i well and truly humbled, fine words

Date: Wed Sep 22 10:35
james s (working at the science library):

just had to share this... the scientific journal "Physics Reports", vol 399:1, sept 2004, has the following article title on the cover: The Astrophysics of Cool White Dwarfs." Kind of falls into the Lucinda "too cool to be forgotten" catagory. When I see things like that, I always think of them in terms of possible band names or album titles.

Date: Wed Sep 22 10:15
james s (for Scroller):

it was/is Careless Love (the new one)

Date: Wed Sep 22 06:52
stefan ((drop the clock?)):

"Upon the union, they drop their cloth. / And it lay untended for fly and moth. / Scent and juices fill the eyes and mouth." One of my all-time favorite lines. And one of my all-time favorite Blacky/Giant Sand songs. Is it immediately obvious for English native speakers what this song is about (or at least the central portion of it)? For me as a native speaker of German it wasn't. I only got it because of "and there's love ... or some form of." At least that was the key.

Date: Wed Sep 22 06:00
thin (the overall map):

funni all this talk of slouch and purge, i never got round to listenin to this up ta now.(excuse me meanderin to this whilst the 'map' is point of concern. i just listened to some snippets and ordered as it sounds curious a slender meandering lowfi hisser i sense.one of the things stumbled uon is an interview albeit about 10 years old (http://www.stewartlee.co.uk/writing/writing_gi1996.html), but it thro some interestin musings up-calling giant sand a teenage punky daughter made me think of anarchist bolshevitic cowboy company. one of the things that i been wondering is that normally upon cd release i can quite easily find interviews throwing up background info/musings around the music/musing anecdote and other such trivia-but with the 'map', all i can find are mostly just cd reviews and star ratings. Anyone find/throw me any other articles, it be much appreciated. and whilst i at it Re: drab-and upon the union they dropped there clock, it lay unattended for a flying moth (are my rationalisings tick or cross)

Date: Wed Sep 22 05:03
buxfix (@ jörg):

patsy sings - howe plays guitar & and I think patsy should rather sleep then sing songs bout birds, trees & dogs...

Date: Wed Sep 22 01:04
Jörg (buxfix):

What are the "midnight sessions"??

Date: Tue Sep 21 19:12
buxfix (not finished now...):

...and while having these old ones in my player and ears - the midnight sessions with patsy are hard stuff but so very fine versions on it from "water fuels the fire" and "change of heart" (6 minutes ;-)) - howe is the greatest so I am not dissapointed with his work now - as I said think it has to deal with my expectations. does anyone know a song maybe called "then you go" besides of howe? wonderful ...and "pourge & slouch" - have a cool beer and a little spliffy while playing swamp thing & blue lit road (6 minutes...) At the time i am very fond of the black keys - the lengths is available in the net for free and it's fantastic - another new discovering is devendra banhart "be kind" also for free download... there is so much excellent music far away from the charts - we are very rich to get this all

Date: Tue Sep 21 18:59
buxfix (It's all over):

so folks, it's hard for me to say, but i can't get along with "...the map" think it has to do with my high expectations on a new GIANT Album. But it sounds like the listener to me (what is not bad) but i thought that I'll get a new band to hear - and after some reviews from people, who said there is a little bit of center in it - i thought more rock (maybe that's the reason why love NYC and have to smile at track 14. Thing one bad influence for a sandhead like me is that i know so much songs already. So I am very excited to read all the comments about purge and slouch - it leaves me totaly confused after the first time listening - but after two, three more spinns it was so great and it'll always be - it was so good that there was so totaly different to the center & maybe I thought after the listener maybe there will be something different again - something weird or so. In the last day I listened very often to the european hisser and the fantastic version of satellite - I missed those guitars a song 10 minutes - yaeh that's for me the minimum length of giant sand song (if somebody has an over 7 minutes version of chore please let me know - I will give shit load of CDs for it...) Listen to the last two minutes of that satellite-version - it rocks so much (and no john or joey there) I wish there will be something like that - someday! @Alan: got your message and will hold my feet still now ;-)

Date: Tue Sep 21 18:58
PaulK (Retronuevo):

Hi Blaine, the album is available at a very cheap price from Glitterhouse, check out http://www.glitterhouse.com/index.asp?lang=e&mode=artinfo&submode=&id=5478&searchfor=&searchmode=0&pos=&wk=&rnd=0%2C4936945&s1=&s2=&incs=false

Date: Tue Sep 21 18:21
tommy gailer (scrolling for frank & al perry):

true dat

Date: Tue Sep 21 14:05
Frank C (retro reply):

Just to give another view to it: I own "Retronuevo" as well (and also a live recording from Al Perry and the Cattle from 2001) and I can´t find anything really special in his music. It´s nice and easy to like it due to it´s rythms and those ironic lyrics but it´s only upright conventional (blues n surf n...) rock n roll to my ears - nothing less nothing more. No experiments, no noise, no new waves, no new discoveries after the 5th or 100th spin. But that shouldn´t mean it´s bad or boring. Just that it´s not comparable to Giant Sandland in any way (though it maybe comes from the deserts of AZ...)

Date: Tue Sep 21 11:02
Alan (Blaine):

Grazi

Date: Tue Sep 21 10:50
Blaine (Pt II):

Does getting albums reviewed in back-to-back issues of Rolling Stone qualify for a merit badge? --that sleight of hand is worth an extra star at least. Try to find Slouch on 2lp vinyl, indulgence should not be edited.

Date: Tue Sep 21 10:45
Blaine ((all slouch, no purge)):

Spun the new Map a few times and if Howe needs a voucher, I'll vouch. A few welcomed moments when the appropriate firecracker was lit under the band's butt - nice to have the rock-action back in traction. The songs are way up there, the whole piece recalls Chore/Opera but more like an evolution, if that ain't too vague. Great story/lyrics, esp on the Uncle. You can read stuff into the tunes if you want or just tune in and let it flow. The very title is truth in advertising - a lot of cool stuff, but not eclectic for eclectic's sake. And if you are one of them who used to buy records based on the cover, this baby is for you. And "the band" - well they really sound like a band. Already melting together w/Howe. Other stuff: *Alan - nice concise history, that's as good a GS template as I've seen anywhere. *Mansion on the Hill book is worth reading for how rock as business sprouted past puberty and left us to pay the piper (no longer at the gates of dawn). PLenty of shady characters (villains at times) and you learn how they fudged the economics to get folksingers playing sheds. Some cool insights how Neil Young and his crew stirred the mix and played the game. *If I am not mistaken, the esteemed Fred Mills appears on the Sandman tribute alb with some ruminations on his Tucson/GS years. *Paul K - any trade for a copy of Retro? Saw Al Perry and Dan Stuart in Austin one time and they did "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" in yr tank. Any word on new music for Mr. Stuart? Used to have a cd by a AZ crew called Gila Bend which got lost in the shuffle - was AL Perry on board? *Lastly, Jack Waterson's solo alb is really funky and lofi. Fans of Skip Spence might dig it. Thanks for the space, Blaine.

Date: Tue Sep 21 10:28
tommy gailer (scrolling for stromausfall):

thanks, Thomas, now i could copy my copy, but the original still ìsn`t runnin on my homeplayer. The surface looks fine, just like new but my audio-player won`t like to read it...let`s try it in the car player.

Date: Tue Sep 21 08:54
stefan ((dreamville)):

ah, blackout dreamville, one of my favorite versions.

Date: Tue Sep 21 08:40
Jörg (Spüli):

Thomas, thanks a lot for the tip! Tried my luck on the "Stromausfall" disc, and it seems to be an improvement - still looks 'cloudy', but is playing OK now ("Dreamville" playing right now and no jumps yet!).

Date: Tue Sep 21 08:37
Seant (Strom repeat):

There's an echo . Any Sanders meeting up for a beer at The London show ? Got the London Calling re-issue yesterday , the footage of Guy Stevens in the studio has to seen , the man was crazy . Liked his Liam Brady scarf ...

Date: Tue Sep 21 08:34
SeanT (sTROm):

Stromausfall is the missing piece in GS collection , 2000 only ? Not long now till Bush Hall....

Date: Tue Sep 21 08:31
SeanT (sTROm):

Stromausfall is the missing piece in GS collection , 2000 only ? Not long now till Bush Hall....

Date: Tue Sep 21 05:33
Thomas (Jörg - Return to sender Cds):

Hi Jörg, I had the same problems with Stromausfall and some other Return To Sender Cds. I contacted the people at Normal Records about that. They told me they already knew the problem. Its because of the glue they used back then. They told me to wash the disc with a little warm (not hot) water use a little "Spüli" and a soft sponge. That worked out fine - I saved nearly all of my Return to sender CDs - only The Schramms one couldnt be saved.

Date: Tue Sep 21 04:42
mike ({lost & found office}):

al and fish are two different people.... fish karma is terry owen, who now resides in el paso, he still runs rich hopkins u.s. site www.sanjacintorecords.com and has supplied the artwork for richs' new album 'los monstros del tucson rock' (buy it at www.sanjacinto.eu.com). i met al when in tucson 'round fish's ex-wife angelas house. he was teaching her eldest son link wray tunes on the guitar - we later all had high tea with mike davis, from the mc5, who showed us his tattoos. if i remember, al was very much into surfing (waves not ether) and was spending most of his time on the coast. al and fish will be in tucson on october 2..... this from rich's site - OCT. 2...LOS MONSTROS DEL TUCSON ROCK CD PARTY at VAUDEVILLE....TUCSON, ARIZONA. Some of the players will be: FISH KARMA, AL PERRY, JOHN VENET, JIM HOWELL, GREG GOODE, E.E.MENDOZA, RICH HOPKINS, ERIN WHITFIELD, JESUS ACEDO and REBECCA BLEICH....and more!.............. fred mills is now associate editor of magnet magazine (http://www.magnetmagazine.com/) and lives in wadesboro, north carolina.

Date: Tue Sep 21 03:12
Jörg (Al Perry):

I remember a show with Al Perry & the Cattle plus Two Lane Blacktop (Jack Waterson's band, ex-GOR) in a small club in Ulm, around the time of the release of the marvellous "Happy Accident"-compilation (still my Al Perry favourite). I was standing in front of the stage and enjoying a great show. Al Perry was first and delivered a fantastic set. Jack Waterson was next and midway during his set started talking to me between the songs. After a while I turned around to check if everybody noticed that the singer is talking to ME - and had to discover I was the only audience member left. Sad but true.

Date: Mon Sep 20 23:23
geoff (posting alittle more than usual):

got busted up on my bicycle this week so spending a little more time online...and this is as good a place as any to stop by during the recovery...on the al perry thread, he is on the two fish kharma albums from some years back (I hear there is a new one of those out, but i can't confirm its existence or mr. perry's presence on it), but al perry also shows up on the two gila bend records, the retronuevo with dan stuart, and of course his solo stuff--the new of which i will look for-- and if any of you are out at the record stores, i rather like the new chuck prophet, the new silos, and the new jon dee graham...all sort of sandy in their own ways...though maybe not as all over the map...which is of course a gem. oh yeah, i'm still waiting for vic and mark's mystic theatre to make its way from glitterhouse...but i hear good things about that one too.

Date: Mon Sep 20 21:40
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

Al Perry is definitely a legend in my mind. I remember seeing him at the Airport Lounge in 1997 with tons of former Sandmen and the guy blew my mind. I remember Fred Mills relating how at Lollapalooza in Phoenix, Pavement put out an "all call" for Al to come to stage during their set. Al wasn't in the audience though. Speaking of which, does anyone know where Fred is these days?

Date: Mon Sep 20 19:40
Flynn (Al Perry):

You might remember him from "Al Perry and the Cattle." I did some surfing to find the new CD info and came up w/ these links: http://www.tucsonunderground.com/legends/alperry/ and http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid:59854 Can't find an online seller, though another article states it's on Perry's own Addled Records label and it's called "Always a Pleasure."

Date: Mon Sep 20 18:53
J (Hello Paul):

...

Date: Mon Sep 20 18:52
J (usual, same old song Morning Blue):

V.Interested in Monsieur Perry, 'Retronuevo' is on my want list. Map is on my bedtime headphones. 'Classico' Still makes me cry. Dan Stuart still makes me cry after all these years too... Bring on the Gospel

Date: Mon Sep 20 18:40
PaulK (Al Perry):

I've got a really nice Perry album with Dan Stuart called Retronuevo. I think that he's also the man behind a really strange character called Fish Karma who had a fine funny and scatological album out some years ago. (Correct me if I'm wrong on this). Must check out this new album Howe mentioned,title, label anyone? .....All Over has been with me for a week and gets finer and finer, all of the reviews i've seen have been good. Must be time soon for a BBC special on the band.

Date: Sun Sep 19 21:54
George and Gracie (TV Land):

Howe, are you going to play a gig in Tucson Thanksgiving weekend? Planning my time off for the holidays.

Date: Sun Sep 19 21:30
howe (hoarsing around):

yeah...i figured out that the stars have to be handed out by the boss and not the writer. the review was wondefully accurate, but it was like they already knew they would praise "glum" so it was best to let the ax fall on po po "purgey...". and i love that 'swamp thing' thing. thta was done with al perry. do you all know him ? he had started out the same time i did here in tucson with a ban called the hecklers...which craig schumacher was in too ...who runs 'wavelab' studio now. anyhow you all should check out al perry. call him at the hotel congress ...he works there behind the desk on occasion. and he just finally released a new record. his congs are the kind that can stick a few decades. er...as for the crumpled vocals during the time of p$s and glum, i stand guilty. i don't know what got in to me....but i suspect some kind of reverse psychology about being signed to a big label and daring myself to muck up the splendor. i sound like an old man sitting on a porch just thinking about how things were when he was much younger. which is actually what i have always suspected is really going on here anyway. i am just living my life in some hazey fast forward slip stream being swallowed up by my older self who is about to die up in th efuture, but first is baring witness to his whole life passing before him. well ok then. here we are so far. wait till you hear the gospel choir: sweet and simple. -h

Date: Sun Sep 19 19:13
ali (ali@soulsaver.de):

god can save us. www.thepromise.de

Date: Sun Sep 19 17:50
Frank C (Ahh!):

Maybe "verse-chorus-verse" ?! That would make sense...

Date: Sun Sep 19 17:49
Frank C (what is a "v-c-v songwriting"???):

I think my dictionary won´t help. Thx!

Date: Sun Sep 19 14:00
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

I took a break last night from "...Map" as well to listen to "Purge and Slouch." My thinking on it has evolved a bit in the 10 years since I wrote the review. If anything, I like the album more. It is not only one of my favorite Giant Sand albums, it is one of my favorite albums of the 90s. P&S explores a place that is at the same time familiar and alien, it resonates with me in a unique way that I have never found anywhere else. It is its own universe of sound and it opened up my eyes to the possibilities of music... a great album didn't have to be 12 songs and 42 minutes with super concise v-c-v songwriting (though there is no shame in such a thing, it just isn't the only game in town). I would give the album five stars today... OK, I am a tad weird. As for the Rolling Stone review, allegedly the review department have a small sign in their office with the words "Three stars means never having to say your sorry." At least a 1 1/2 star review shows some kind of reaction rather than an unending stream of said three star reviews(the stars are assigned by the editor independently of the writer btw). I think the extra stars went to Neil Young in that issue anyway. Ironically, that album, "Sleeps With Angels" would be another one of my nominees for "favorite albums of the 90s."

Date: Sun Sep 19 13:43
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

Howe, thanks for the compliment on the station! I can't imagine any higher praise. I may use your quote on my webpage at some point. I have had an interest in broadcasting since I worked at my high school radio station. I never really have done much serious with that interest until I started up the internet radio station in May. When I lived in Tucson, I listened to KXCI all the time -- even if the dj played a genre I didn't like there was a real diversity and love of the music there. Since moving to Washington D.C., other than the Pacifica jazz/talk station, the place is a radio wasteland. I still listen (and actually became a member) of KXCI over the Internet, the problem is that the 24 bit streaming format is a bit hard on the ears (I should talk to the KXCI folks about maybe a separate stream at a higher bit rate for members, a paid membership could also make that stream exempt from DMCA regulations.) Anyway, I really got into Internet radio to fill the void to the point I decided to start my own station. I am working to diversify the content of the station... including artist interviews and the like. But the reaction to the station has been great and I have been having a blast doing it. -- As for the name, I liked it because how it resonated with the Goodman book as well as the Neil Young song of the same name... "There's a mansion on the hill/Psychedelic music fills the air/Peace and love live there still/In that mansion on the hill." BTW I highly recommend the Goodman book, it is an interesting snapshot of a critical time in the development of the commerce of rock.

Date: Sun Sep 19 11:48
Jörg (still purging, still slouching.../....Stromausfall decline):

P&S is still on the stereo (giving "Map" a break) & I'm beginning to LOVE the record! Little surprises in life (maybe some day I will even understand what's so great about the Grateful Dead)(but I hope not, haha)............Alan you put it so perfect: "more concerned with creation than definition" - exactly! It took me a while, too, to get it that GS is not your average alternative (or what was it called back then?) band...............................Stromausfall: I was wondering if the abrupt ending is a flaw because sometime ago I discovered the "Stromausfall" disc is slowly put to rest by 'CD - rot' (the silver downside is getting more and more cloudy, the disc doesn't play correctly anymore - but I was still able to make a CDr copy a while ago). Apparently this seems to be the case with some more 'Return To Sender' releases from the mid-nineties (I got the same problem with Penelope Houston, Epic Soundtracks and Louis Tillet RTS-CDs, seems they were manufactured with inferiour material). A friend told me that "Stromausfall"-CDs are sold for lots of Euros via ebay, even if the seller tells the truth about the condition of the CD! - Frank, is your copy already contaminated, too? Anyway, with the prospect of self-destruction of all "Stromausfall"-copys..... - Howe, wouldn't this be a fine candidate for a future Bootleg Series (re-)release? Maybe there are still some outtakes from the sessions you could add?

Date: Sun Sep 19 10:08
Alan (P&S):

Purge and Slouch now makes a great deal more sense... like Jorge, it kinda knocked me off kilter. I'd loved The Love Songs, been really surprised by (but adored the noisiness of) Long Stem Rant and then learned of the back catalog stuff from Giant Sandwich (which blew me away). Then came Swerve with great moments (given where I was at the time musically) but _four_ variants of swerving... hmmm, and then Ramp with all those new and different collaborations... hmmmm, and then Center, a mixture of everything that came before. At this point, as noted by Jorge, with it being hard to learn much about what was up with the band -- and wondering about their dropping off of the SF show -- I was really at a loss as to what might come of the band. Then came Glum and Backyard Barbecue Broadcast and everything seemed clear again... those two records, in the context of the previous five, told me that Howe and the band were experimentalists, were more concerned with creation than definition, that it would all came together for me sometimes and wouldn't at others and that I should just let it happen either way. Then, I caught the Rainer buzz out of the tribute CD and got Goods and Services in late 1997 before connecting, through this site, to the Sandman Series -- it's nice to have your conceptions of things confirmed -- and to feel connected to more songs than not. OP8 and Chore did it again. I've yet to get back to Purge recently, but I think (maybe) I will. ***Buxfix, my office has been torn up for remodeling and my burner software has been fighting me in my temporary space since the move in early June, deepest apologies for the delay. I just got a CD copy shareware that appears at this point to have solved my problems...***

Date: Sun Sep 19 09:42
Frank C (sharing a blackout with Jörg / all the voices):

Jörg, I also wondered if my copy of "stromausfall" has a flaw in the end. But I guess that´s just how it was meant. "Seldom matters" ends without ending. Your interpretation of the record title makes sense. Never have thought about it this way. / On Purge And Slouch: I thought for a long time that this is Howe´s worst record with his most rusty voice so far. But then some time ago it got better and better in my ears. And now I think it´s a really cool piece of chilled music. But the European version sucks, cause it lacks some of the best tracks... / By the way, I always wondered if Howe changes his voice sound intentionally. After the more or less clean singing till the beginning of the 90ies there´s this croaking on P&S and BBQ and then in the end of the 90ies "he´s talking like Lou now" in a way. I think the new album features one of Howes best vocal performances yet; his singing on "Classico" is really really beautiful.

Date: Sun Sep 19 06:32
tommy gailer (scrolling for james s & purge & slouch):

James, which one you get: Dreamland or Careless Love? ~~~~~~ To Purge & Slouch: i can easily say that i like Glum better than P & S, and i know exactly why: the songs on p & s sounds like "homemade sessions" & the harmonies are more "bluesy". One of the main reason`s why i adore Howe`s music so much, is `cause i love the harmonies he`s using in his songs. Never heard from any other musician yet. That`s why i can`t get enough of "All over the map". Mike/Howe, please be so kind and safe us south-germans a load of the Tour-CD and Caps, will you?

Date: Sun Sep 19 03:59
Jörg (ehem,...):

...me again, sorry for purging and slouching so much space here, but one more question: I always thought "Stromausfall / Black Out" was titled so because the last track ends / breaks down suddenly mid-song (stromausfall for the recording equipment)....if this is not so, does this mean it's a flaw on my copy?

Date: Sun Sep 19 03:40
Jörg (Matt?):

...I meant MARK's review of course, sorry......

Date: Sun Sep 19 03:38
Jörg (metal machine music):

Funny that the Purge & Slouch-topic is coming up now.......Because back then this album and a show in Stuttgart (I mentioned that experience here recently, and Purge & Slouch was the "new album" for that tour) cooled my Giant Sand enthusiasm down for a while (both - the album and the show - going pretty much nowhere).....Those days were way before the internet, and information about GS was not too easy to find, an occasional interview in Bucket Of Brains or some other fanzine and the record reviews in music papers, that was it. So it was only recently that I read in an old interview on the sa-wa-ro-site how this record came about and what was the idea behind it. With that in mind I began to like the record more & more (it's a shame that "Corridor" is missing on the version I have - heard the studio version on "Selections" for the first time), and after reading Matt's review yesterday its on the turntable again. "Swamp" is my favourite one right now. Back then the record was a shock, beeing released after the very focussed "Center Of The Universe" it seemed like it's either a document of a very serious burn-out-syndrome or some I-don't-really-care-gesture to the industry & the listeners. In retrospect (with "Glum" and all the other fine pieces following) I see it now as a brave and funny chapter in the ever-changing Giant Sand Story.

Date: Sun Sep 19 01:41
howe (moistened):

dear mark johnson. your radio station is bliss. how long have you been at it ? did you take the name from the book ? i have been meaning to read that one. i liked your review of purge and slouch. thanks. its fun that you happened upon us with that as your welcome mat. when we went in to do that record, it was after we had already been signed to the bigger label that would deliver "glum". but the old little label wasn't sure if we still owed them one more record or not. (i knew we didn't but i liked them and figured this would be a grand time to attempt my 'metal machine music' record. so...thus begat purge and slouch. i had talked my friend harvey into setting up some recording gear in his house out in the desert. i started to deploy my metal machine music but got kinda bored a few minutes in to it ...and so shifted to plan b ....which was to try and come up with an entire record of made up songs there on the spot. the hard thing about doing that is that in between the days you are in the studio, new songs might come and land in the night and then you have to try and not hear them until you get back up to the studio. "elevator music" was one of those. "blue lit rope" on the other is still a mystery to me. but anyway, we finished that record in a few days.....actually got a second record out of the session that ended up on a german limited thing called "return to sender" entitles straumausfall'....which means "black out" ...since it was an all acoustic collection......no electricity you see......and then exactly one week later after all that we were in new orleans begining what would become "glum". sometime later rolling stone reviewed "purge and slouch" and gave it a 1 and half star rating. i was confused with that and yet totally agreed with the actual wording of the review....but hyst didn't understand why they was such a shortage of stars that day. the very next issue gave "glum" a 3 1/2 star rating. whatever. anyhow the important thing is that it rained here today. a drenching with such sweet stenching. -h

Date: Sun Sep 19 00:16
Marviol (Just get "Zippo Songs" too ):

Congrats to Howe and current co for a stunning piece of work in "Is All Over". So looking forward to the Double Door show. Yeow, Henriette is a spooky aural doppelganger for Bjork. Keep working on the French Howe. She is a demanding maitre, non? Anyway, was in NYC the weekend before the RNC and heard Phil Kline's "Zippo Songs" live at Joe's Pub. The record, on Canteloupe Music, which has been nominated for the Shortlist Prize (and something tells me it probably wasn't Norah Jone's pick and that it won't win either)is a setting of texts taken from inscriptions on cigarette lighters of Vietnam vets. Just get it (Other Music.com has it). History is, sadly and of course, repeating itself and this is an incredibly timely and important piece of work. There are also some settings of quotes from our own dear Donald Rumsfeld--the subtitle of the record is "airs of war and lunacy"--so you get where the lunacy comes in. Sorry to bring you all down with talk of politics, but am truly scared about a second W term. The consolation is that, as it is said, "Life is short, Art is long" and Howe, you've done it yet again with the new record. Thanks.

Date: Sat Sep 18 17:55
J (Purge and slouch, sadly kissed and badly missed, Alone again.):

Got a cassette, shyly bidding on *b*y for a disc. 'Blue lit rope' Was the one that always did it for me, having camped in a town (Village) called Hope a few times. (Peak district national park, UK) Also 'Elevator music'

Date: Sat Sep 18 17:14
james s (thanks Tommy Scroller):

for the mention of madeleine peyroux, who I'd never heard of. After listening to snippets on Amazon, I now have that new record coming in the same package with All Over the... Map. O' happy day, come.

Date: Sat Sep 18 13:50
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

I might also note that babelfish German to English translation reads rather like Howe's posts here. ;) Also, is there going to be a Giant Sand tour?

Date: Sat Sep 18 13:48
http://mansiononthehill.biz (Mark Johnson) (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

Thanks for the article! I did a Babelfish translation on it and I was actually able to make something of it. I have already listened to the new album three times this morning. Great stuff. As for Purge and Slouch, it was my first prolonged listening to the band... in fact I wrote a review of it available here... http://groups.google.com/groups?q=%22Mark+Johnson%22+%22Giant+Sand%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=CsEsqB.7t6%40dcs.ed.ac.uk&rnum=1

Date: Sat Sep 18 11:22
Jörg (band question):

sonicspacealien may bump into a language problem after entering the mentioned link........but basically Howe said that playing w/ the Danes felt like when he began to play with John & Joey. And it is a band project, because the new musicians are inspired & inspiring, fun to hang around with & available........ So it may turn into a steady thing - but then again you never know (I said that ;-) )

Date: Sat Sep 18 08:24
tommy gailer (scrolling for purge & slouch):

funny, "pourge & slouch" is the only album in the sand universe, that i don`t get along with...some songs i like, but i can`t really fall in love with the rest.+++++ for the band question, just use the link from Jörg:http://www.gaesteliste.de/texte/druck.html?id=414948fa1072206&_nr=836

Date: Sat Sep 18 03:23
"the only Giant Sand album to knock me out on first listening (was Purge and Slouch "):

!!???!!!???!!!!!!....that is freaky!

Date: Sat Sep 18 01:56
http://mansiononthehill.biz (sonicspacealien@yahoo.com):

I just wanted to let the kind folks here know that Howe Gelb/Giant Sand is the featured artist of the week on my internet radio station, Mansion On The Hill, http://mansiononthehill.biz I have put the new album into heavy rotation and pulled out select moments from the Official Bootlegs, past Giant Sand albums, Howe Gelb solo ventures as well as the side-excursions. If that is not enough, there are a lot of friends of sand being played as well... Vic Chesnutt, Lambchop, Grandaddy, Calexico, etc. etc. As for the new album, the only Giant Sand album to knock me out on first listening was Purge and Slouch of all things. But I already love "Map" and look to explore it more over the coming years. My favorite tracks on first listen are "Classico" and "Hood." Plus I thought the new version of "Muss" was very sweet. It will take a long time for me to get used to the new backing folk. Sometimes, I was expecting a certain type of drum part and noticed it wasn't there. However, the spirit of Sand inhabits this new beast, but it is clearly its own unique thing as well. Is this a semi-permanent lineup or is Giant Sand becoming more of a collective?

Date: Fri Sep 17 18:31
gazelle (how(e)zabout):

you coming to the central valley du cali? there's an old theater, wear your wife-beater. neko played there, calexico splayed there. yer always welcome, it's always down home...just a thought =~_*=

Date: Fri Sep 17 15:25
Tommy Gailer (scrolling all over the net):

finally, after about 6 spins, i am pretty sure that "All over..." is one of the most impressing collage of music nowadays. I don`t remember that since 99 (chore) a album hit me that way. To pick out special songs is hard, every day i can explore new sounds and details in nearly every piece. Jörg put out the words so well about it, although i must confess that "flying around the sun..." was one of my fave since the first spin. Hats off for the production! Hats off for Giant Sand!.............b.t.w. inbetween i ordered me the Jesse Sykes at cd-wow. Piece.

Date: Fri Sep 17 14:40
Anon (Off the map):

Listened to it / was slightly gutted that there was no 14 minuet feed back loop with children crying in spanish / but then i have specalist tastes these days / hope all is well / what are your travel plans / i think a table football competion is in order / Getting back to the chamber / i having a band one day you can here and judge / not that this holds the weight that i once through so shrewd / chillis

Date: Fri Sep 17 12:54
howe (airport lounge):

i remember being stuck in that old munchen airport for about 4 hours ....filled with fresh jet lag....me and convertino attempting to nap on very uncomfortable wooden benches they had there...waiting for an eventual tour bus to fetch us. and then happy to hear they built a new airport so we never had to go there again. until the next time we landed at the shiny new airport, and was driven to the gig, which was being held at the old airport. as for the remix life, some love to extend their income with...i say get it right the first time. -howe

Date: Fri Sep 17 05:46
tommy gailer (scrolling for waltz):

Stefan, i would refer to the upcoming Calexico remix of "Wild Dog Waltz"..................................just kiddin.

Date: Fri Sep 17 02:10
stefan (((mariachi waltzes))):

Oh. I stand ashamed. Maybe I can make up for it by relating that I bought "Heartland" some ten years ago in a flea market held on the tarmac of Munich's old airport from someone who obviously had no idea what he had there for about 8 Deutschmarks. One of my great record collecting moments, probably.

Date: Fri Sep 17 01:38
geoff (when you come south...):

...that is if texas is south...bring the giant baseball caps...we get a lot of sun down here and could use one.

Date: Thu Sep 16 19:46
The Big L (says...):

The Dude abides.

Date: Thu Sep 16 19:10
howe (fleece free):

hey jorg. thanks for the sweet review. did you really say classico is a classic o pener ????? ...brilliant word speak my friend. and stefan for giant sand mariachi waltzes please refer back to the band of blacky ranchette's second record 'heartland' and play the waltz "badlands" with mariachi fiddler bridget keating. ok then. very much looking forward to heading out and see you all....trying to add as many southern dates as possible. hope you hurricane folks are maintain. giant love -h

Date: Thu Sep 16 17:55
todd (first Blacky / is all over...the map):

just checkin' in...just got the first Blacky reissue on Last Call Records distributed by Distribution Fusion in Canada and of course Thrill 142 is all over...the map. Enjoying both and appreciate the nod to Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg in the map portion of Is all over...the map. '84 to '04.

Date: Thu Sep 16 17:29
stefan (((sling blade))):

But I was cheating (just did a google search).

Date: Thu Sep 16 16:10
Graham (who can name the movie? ):

"The dots are where I say they are. Melody and tune--that's your trade. You're a tunesmith."

Date: Thu Sep 16 15:37
stefan (((pitchfork review II))):

And that reviewer apparently doesn't get the title: is all over ... the map. The dots are important.

Date: Thu Sep 16 15:35
stefan ((pitchfork review)):

Here's the link: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/g/giant-sand/is-all-over-the-map.shtml The one thing I can't remember ever hearing in Giant Sand is mariachi waltzes???

Date: Thu Sep 16 09:23
Broken Ladder (I I I / I I I I):

R.I.P. Johnny Ramone

Date: Thu Sep 16 08:48
graham (.):

Excellent review at pitchfork today.

Date: Thu Sep 16 04:13
Jörg (new interview in German):

http://www.gaesteliste.de/texte/druck.html?id=414948fa1072206&_nr=836

Date: Wed Sep 15 16:06
oops (haven't):

done that before... I'll shut up NOW.

Date: Wed Sep 15 15:59
finn (excuse the):

last comment... think i'll stick to readin'

Date: Wed Sep 15 15:59
finn (excuse the):

last comment... think i'll stick to readin'

Date: Wed Sep 15 15:53
finn (excuse the):

last comment... think i'll stick to readin'

Date: Wed Sep 15 15:49
t (listen):

to nw gs

Date: Wed Sep 15 10:00
Blaine (@work):

Got handed some Beachwood Sparks and played a few in a row last night while driving. Very cool the way things melt together. Reminded me of psych-era Byrds, BuffSpringfield and Souled American. Can't figure out if the pedal steeler doesn't know rules or just don't care. Anyone out there familiar w/them? Seem like a good bunch for Howe to keep in mind for next Blacky projectile.

Date: Wed Sep 15 02:29
Heir Weeder (Randy Toaster):

No, this is silly... ### Anyways, I'm gonna remove the GS live files one of these days. The service provider is complaining about me using too much space. So be quick if you want them. / Lars

Date: Tue Sep 14 22:22
Bare Breeder (Wiley Coaster) (G@g.com):

!?!

Date: Tue Sep 14 16:25
Rare Reader (Daily Poster) ( ):

I have nothing to say. Just wanted to use this moniker. -James S

Date: Tue Sep 14 08:52
daily reader (rare poster):

gotta say i'm loving the new sand. congrats howe et al. seems a nice progression from the listener, in particular (which i loved). the start of the record is as strong as any howe related record i have.... and, like many of you, i have quite a few.... if hood, as it seems, is about the calexico boys it is a fitting finale - a wrenchingly beautiful song. as always, 5 stars!

Date: Tue Sep 14 08:11
Jörg (This is no advert, feel free to buy or steal the mentioned product anywhere you want):

mp, the vinyl-version of MAP is a single LP, and it has a more beautiful cover compared to the CD (the map is built in the front cover). And the CD has no extras, so.......

Date: Tue Sep 14 07:52
mike ([giantsand.com advertising manager]):

..i think i'm going to have to start charging for all these adverts.

Date: Tue Sep 14 07:28
JudeOne (jude@rhythmonline.co.uk):

Buy Giant Sand and loads more alternative music from http://www.rhythmonline.co.uk, the independent label music specialists, with one of the largest lists on the www. Definitely worth a look! Cheers, Jude x

Date: Tue Sep 14 06:32
yes (it ):

is...

Date: Tue Sep 14 06:30
is (it):

working?

Date: Tue Sep 14 04:04
Jörg ((North-American) Map Is All Over Me):

It's good to go into a record store & a new Giant Sand is displayed in the window & prominently featured inside! First thoughts after the first few spins: It's a great one (surprise ;-))! I got to admit I was a little bit disappointed after the pre-listenings of "NYC" and "Flying around the sun..." (the production seemed kinda artsyfartsy 'alternative' to me), but I gotta say in context they work very fine. And with "Classico" the record starts on such a warm, deep tone - classic opener and GREAT! song. And the sad and somber "Classico Reprise": the most touching tune I've heard in a while (complete with great Leonard Cohen 'lalalala'-ending!). "Remote" is a killer. What a killer. And "Hood" a storytelling masterpiece with unhidden real background (hope this puts an end to all those Giant Sand/Calexico-interview questions). Other early favourites are "Napoli", "Rag" and of course the Tolstoi Pistols thing (It's a long way since "Patsy does Dylan"!)! The only song that makes no sense to me right now is the re-modeling of "Cracklin' Water" - as much as I love this song and as fine as the version with Marie Frank is - I think the feel of this version is quite similar to the OP8 one. So it would have been a fine inclusion on a DownHome-compilation, but for me feels kind of out of place among all this new and exciting stuff. Like a sudden shift back in time for a couple of minutes and then "Rag" takes you back to 2004....(maybe this was the intention - connecting the new personel to the past? Connecting the past to the new personel?). But that's nitpickin' - it's great to have a new phase Giant Sand in such a great form. Can't wait for the concerts!

Date: Tue Sep 14 02:59
tommy gailer (scrollin`for torben):

If "Your mother too" is "Y tu mamá también" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245574/) i must confess that i nearly felt asleep while watching it. Can`t tell you exactly why i didin`t like it, but i remember that i was annoyed the character of the two young boys. Maybe it was the translation. Everybody else i know, loves that one. ### For "Short Cuts": on amazon.de i can only see the german soundtrack, what`s curious, `cause most of the dvd`s here have at least an english soundtrack too....enough about movies, i have to figure out where i can get "all over the map" here soon, without buying in the net.

Date: Tue Sep 14 02:47
Lars (Copenhagen...):

Hey, fellow sandies! Just thought I would throw a couple of the live-thingies from the Howe&Parish-gig online for a little while (I'll remove them again soon). Go here for at handful of mp3s: http://www.larsdideriksen.com/diverse/mp3s.htm I suspect the whole recording is making the rounds among the German sandfans. And I sent Howe a copy too. So Mr. Blackwood will have it soon, I guess. Best greets! / Lars (http://diddie.blogspot.com ### www.larsdideriksen.com)

Date: Tue Sep 14 01:16
Blaine (Paul of Thee Forsaken):

Was that really him? Thought I was dreaming.

Date: Mon Sep 13 19:01
PaulK (Giant Sand is all over...............my hifi):

Well it's not every day a new Sand disc falls into my lap so joy to enter the record store and find it in all it's glory (nestled next to the first Blacky album, dear readers). Two spins in and too early to pass judgement, car cd player for the first five songs, home and two listens in, ooh, French lyrics, Vic Chesnutt on the Classico reprise. So far so good. And golly, a Michael Hurley post! MP has good taste. Hurley has some music on the TV programe "Deadwood", due to air here next week and getting great previews. Happy Sandday everyone.

Date: Mon Sep 13 16:50
TDH ((Oldboy...Tommy)):

Well Tommy I bought Oldboy on eBay, so now I'm looking very much foreward to recieving and viewing it. City Of God is great. I have it on DVD. I got it brand new for only 100 Danish kroner = about 13-14 Euros. City Of God also has that great back & forth in time. On my wants list of movies to see right now is another South American movie called Your Mother Too. About two young teenagers on a roadtrip with an older woman, should be quiet good from what I hear. Another one on my list of movies to see in the near future is Irreversible. (I'm waiting on that too right now - bought it on eBay for unbelievable 2 bucks + 5 bucks shipping) Talking cheap DVD's. There's a lot of them out there right now. These last few months I have been filling out holes in my DVD collection. I bought some great Jim Jarmusch movies (Down By Law, Night On Earth, Mystery Train) practically got them thrown after me. Likewise I got some old Werner Herzog movies on DVD for under 10 Euros each. I was really pleased to get Kasper Häuser on DVD, because I could never find this on DVD earlier. Tommy have you seen Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas ? If not check it out. Great laugh. You won't believe the amount of drugs Johnny Depp & Benicio Del Toro consume in that movie & the effect it has on them. By the way Tommy do you know if the German release of Altman's Short Cuts has an English soundtrack or only the German dubbed soundtrack. This movie is practically unavailable and has been forever. I just recently discovered that there is a Spanish and a German release of it out there.

Date: Mon Sep 13 16:32
Frank C (lyrics issue):

Forgot to wonder where the lyrics are. So now: Where are the lyrics? Not in the booklet. Maybe on giantsand.com in a while? And, by the way, where in the world is "Heidelburg"??? ;-)

Date: Mon Sep 13 16:27
mp (all over the map...):

is out tommorow. my store just got in the new releases.... here goes.

Date: Mon Sep 13 15:45
james s (http://homepage.mac.com/njenson/movies/lovedocs.html):

follow above link to see and hear Bush demonstrating his remarkable way with words. Funny as hell, and sad too. I ordered my Map yesterday, but it's still not released in the states. Gotta wait until the 18th... or is it the 20th?

Date: Mon Sep 13 14:39
mp (...ut...):

Feldman is on it? Hooray! Don't forget he's done a bunch of stuff w/ PJ Harvey (that's him in the background of the Uh Huh Her cover, i believe) and the Residents. I've only heard the NYC of time mp3, and all the samples at iTunes. The ear drums are all tightened and tuned for the whole experience. Will the lp be a single or double?

Date: Mon Sep 13 12:06
Frank C (map issue):

Okay everybody: no more promo talk now! Sand Land is open to all, even the uncool. I have only listened to 5 tracks so far but it´s great and will probably even get better. By the way, I miss Europe on the "all over" map! ... Or did I buy the American version by accident? Extra nice surprise that Frank Black /David Thomas keyboarder Eric Feldman has joined the crew. Big yippie to Howe and his people!

Date: Mon Sep 13 10:27
buxfix (f*** adds):

I am a smoker too, but this cigarette add is to blame - stop smoking for a minute to show the tobacco industry how powerful we could be! Stop advertisings here - besides it is good music ;-)

Date: Mon Sep 13 10:22
buxfix (indiosa on the map):

Got the new one - in Hamburg at Michelle for only 14,90 Euro! Don't be able at the time to say anything - i don't see the relationship between the map and center - what a lot of friends do - best song till now 'nyc of time' ...and it's fun to hear indiosa again - cool singing - yesterday I heard the birds, tree and dog songs (he howe, they will return to you soon!!!) and now this one - very big development - how old is she now! After making a gosple album I suggest a punk album with indiosa - a way to show all the actual "THE" Bands how"e cool punk could be.

Date: Mon Sep 13 01:47
galastore (galasale@lycos.com):

Marlboro $13.95/ Camel $13.95/ West $12.95/ KENT $16.95 with delivery ! www.galastore.com

Date: Sun Sep 12 23:46
tommy gailer (scrolling for torben):

torben, i try to see oldboy a second time in the cinema...i am still moved.Kil Bil 1 & 2 was a treat, but oldboy is goin`more deep in my opinion...it`s more naturalistic/realistic.#### 21 gramm is one of the movies i have on my must see list (as is "eternal sunshine..." and "Shaun of dead").####Torben, if you haven`t seen "City of god" yet, go and get this one, inbetween it`s pretty cheap on DVD.

Date: Sun Sep 12 20:45
mp (free michael hurley mp3):

recorded last year, an outtake from the new album "Down In Dublin". For those interested head on over to: http://www.bluenavigator.net/broadcastsnock.html

Date: Sun Sep 12 19:12
TDH ((Oldboy...Tommy)):

More for you guys that don't mind (or actually like) a lot of violence in your movies try Ichi the killer. Not the best movie I've seen, however technically it's a great movie and the violent scenes are quiet impressive (well made). It's Asian & Extremely violent. Just as violent but in my opinion better. Tarantino's Kill Bill vol. 1&2. The other day I knocked both of them of in one evening on DVD (sound at high level). Quiet impressive. Seeing Daryl Hannah get her eye plucked out & stepped on brought back nostalgic memories of Lucio Fulci's splinter in the eye scene in Zombie(not to compare the mentioned movies). A movie I'd really like to recomend (if ya' all haven't already seen it) is Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu's 21 grams (not much violence here compared to his Amores Perros). Great movie. I think the way he zaps back & forth in time and gets his characters connected to each other is great and he couldn't have chose better actors than Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro ect. This film displays a lot of individual pain and torment.. Well Tommy I'll take your opinion on Oldboy under consideration. I saw it on eBay for only $5.95 (buy it now price)and was not sure whether to buy or not. I will give it a try now. THanx TDH

Date: Sat Sep 11 21:52
tommy g (too fast typing):

i meant she will give Norah Jones a run...

Date: Sat Sep 11 21:51
tommmy gailer (scrolling for madeleine peyroux):

Had to wait about 8 years to get the new album of madeleine peyroux. after listening to the sound-snippets on her website (http://www.madeleinepeyroux.com) i am sure she will give noryh kones a run for her money. especially her version of elliot smith`s "between the bars"...her first "dreamlnad" you can get pretty cheap on ebay.

Date: Sat Sep 11 17:28
Blaine (signed, L Cohen):

James - Songs of Love and Hate is a desert island disc. Spare production and lyrics as deep as Townes, but more barely under the skin drama. And judging from yr own stuff that I heard you'd like. Track down his book Beautiful Loser if you can.

Date: Sat Sep 11 00:34
Eddie (BooBoo's):

Found and bought the LOVE SONGS on CD today. I love that feeling of finding surprises like that in mom and pop record stores.

Date: Fri Sep 10 19:29
J (Len):

I've seen the future baby, and it's murder. context

Date: Fri Sep 10 18:34
derek (how dee):

hey anyone going to calexico tonight here in cleveland that happens to see this, come on and say hi...tall guy with long dark hair...i'll be wearing a blacky ranchette shirt...hope to meet someone...peace

Date: Fri Sep 10 17:37
peter (waiting for the miracle):

the 2cd essential leonard cohen compilation is rather decent. this is part of those columbia greatest hits compilations that include the clash, janis joplin, kristofferson, 3cd springsteen.

Date: Fri Sep 10 15:12
Jörg (L. Cohen):

You won't get Leonard without the Ladies singing...... Of the "late" albums I think "Various Positions" and "I'm Your Man" are really great. I don't like the other two (Future and New Songs) because of the uninspired production (one overdone and the other plastic). "Live In Concert" has it's moments, but there's also a lot of classic rock & Stratocaster solos on there.....but surprisingly in a couple of weeks a new one will be released (Dear Heather)!!

Date: Fri Sep 10 13:52
conch (Leonard for James):

You might try COHEN LIVE, as it strips away a lot of the glossy production but features a good mix of newer/older material. Still has the background singers though.

Date: Fri Sep 10 10:56
james s (help with Cohen):

any leonard cohen fans out there in sandland wanna tell me what your favorite record of his is? I like the early stuff, but want something with the lyrical style and DEEP voice of the "later" records, but without the silly disco prodution and backing voices. Sometimes that production creates a good feel for the song (like on the songs "I'm Your Man" and "Everybody Knows"), but it mostly just makes me feel ill.

Date: Fri Sep 10 08:32
Shaun (not Shawn, or Sean) H. (Tommy G. ):

it's all the same i believe, i was always told that my name was simply Irish for John, although last time i looked at my passport the place of birth said Sidcup. by the way, i wasn't suggesting it was a silhouette of J.B., but that's the standard one you get if you also put up Howe, John or my best mate Mark Braby!

Date: Fri Sep 10 07:54
tommy gailer (scrolling for wilco):

for the germans here: der erste Satz dieses Kommentars bringt mich irgendwie zum Schmunzeln:http://www.laut.de/wortlaut/artists/w/wilco/

Date: Fri Sep 10 07:51
tommy gailer (scrolling for conch and shawn):

Conch, i would love to get to see the previous movies of park chan-wook, just have my doubts if i can see them here on DVD. But i`ll try to find `em.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Shawn, yeah that looks like the silouette of Joey...i doubt that Collateral is the typical blockbuster, Mann`s movies are kinda dark and cold...i also came across the news about a new movie called "Shaun of the dead", a british zombie comedy. Is "Shaun" the english version of the american "Shawn", or is it just a different name?

Date: Fri Sep 10 05:19
smucker (smuckera@hotmail.com):

Check out this review from the Times (UK) Album of the week GIANT SAND Is All Over the Map Thrill Jockey THRILL142 The Arizona collective Giant Sand have been acclaimed for more than two decades, but the sheer number of records they and their leader, Howe Gelb, have spawned is daunting. Where should one join the Sandwagon, with dozens of albums that variously encompass spiky drums and guitar improvisations, sublime roots rock, psychedelic lounge music and Gelb’s recent forays into jazzy piano extrapolations? Maybe the former Sandmen who split to form the Tex-Mex experimentalists Calexico did the right thing, taking just one shard of the band’s sound away and nurturing it into an identity. Thankfully, Giant Sand Is All Over the Map, like 2000’s Chore of Enchantment, is perfect for the uninitiated. Classico is a seductive, fuzzy blues downer, Remote revisits Giant Sand’s country-grunge years and Cracklin’ Water is a deceptively urgent soft-shoe shuffle. Hood transposes Lost in Translation’s approximation of the performer’s rootless isolation to a Heidelberg hotel, and three playful instrumentals remind us that Giant Sand’s waywardness is all part of the package. The whole album is suffused by an as-live feel and enriched by Gelb’s unique way of twisting the language. Giant Sand may be all over the map: but this new album gives strangers a compass. Four stars

Date: Fri Sep 10 04:48
thin ( MAP):

spent yesdy giving map a good spin. sounds great in one long sittin, outdoors,about 48 mins i think, reminds of a sorta unsungglum, sgt. pepper rock n roll record. i leave it at that.wont spoil your fun.

Date: Fri Sep 10 04:38
Her (name):

is Rio???

Date: Fri Sep 10 04:00
Jörg (Comes with a smile):

As reported over at the CX-group: the upcoming edition of "Comes with a smile" will include a CD w/ a new, unreleased Giant Sand song! Here's what the ed. wrote: "the Giant Sand track is a new song called Capitulation Blues that incorporates a typically Howe-esque collage of new album snippets in the second half. and it works! mag will be available mid-October, including great 3,500 word Howe interview."

Date: Thu Sep 9 18:58
paulk (joey burns):

Hi Shaun, nice observation about the silouette, it could be him. Reminded me that Calexico are in the new Cruise movie, anyone seen it? Don't normally bother with blockbusters until my kids get them on hire. According to my local record store All over the map is out on Monday, can hardly wait.

Date: Thu Sep 9 18:55
banjo boy (oh yeah well let me tell you.....):

Not only in my country is the grape worshiped like the guitar . but distotion with flange is a sexual act

Date: Thu Sep 9 18:17
J (hey banjo boy):

just say whether you are AWP.J or refrain. Special K is for suckers

Date: Thu Sep 9 18:11
george (gformby@cleaningwindows.com):

i heard that the definition of a gentleman is one who can play a banjo but deigns not to.

Date: Thu Sep 9 17:25
Greg H. (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Yum - Cheese crisp. How can something so simple be so good?

Date: Thu Sep 9 17:16
todd (Big Fish ):

...searching around for Giant Sand related material I came across the Sweet Relief V.W. Benefit cd (only 7.50 CAD) and just wanted to drop in again and place a positive post/comment for the music of G.S. Anyways I like the Big Fish song...

Date: Thu Sep 9 16:55
banjo boy (J and this special k day):

backstage is not a place its a state of mind - or a one way exit to being ejected?

Date: Thu Sep 9 16:16
J (Banjo):

Got to be you backstage?

Date: Thu Sep 9 15:57
Shaun H. (IMDB.COM):

Tommy G. ~ i use the above site a lot in my job, and you'll notice that if they don't have a picture of the actor/director etc. they use a standard silhouette, but if you search under Joey Burns you should find it a quite uncanny likeness.

Date: Thu Sep 9 15:09
banjo boy (banjo boys dad is a god):

hello i have a banjo and i like giant sand . why do all the songs have about a and the in them. long time listener fiorst time caller - what instrument does it play when in cars and the enjine is going hum hum yerer? also another burning captive is this a good arena to place a meet for a woman? likeing you all - dreaming of only one - see you in the picture captured private bin man camera jobby - ha that said jobby = the plum stone pirate

Date: Thu Sep 9 13:38
Conch (Tommy/Korea):

Tommy, you might try tracking down the other two films in Park's Revenge trilogy, as they're quite good as well. Although "Oldboy" sort of sums up the whole thing. "Sympathy for Mr. Vengence", his film before "Oldboy", is quite good too. Someone called him the thinking-man's John Woo, but that seems a bit too easy to me.

Date: Thu Sep 9 12:10
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for conch):

i must confess that i am not so familiar with the korean movies, but if one goes to the imdb link in my post below, one can scroll down to the user comments, and some guys have lists of recomendations of these kind of asian movies...very interesting! To "oldboy": i am still so moved `cause of that film. Maybe i am able to watch it soon...but i would like to take a buddy with me, just to find out if other people like it, like i do.

Date: Thu Sep 9 11:55
Conch (oldboy):

I'm with you, Tommy. I thought it was a great film, and the violence was so...uh...dance-like that it didn't bother me much, except the teeth part. Korea has become quite the hotbed of interesting filmmakers, no?

Date: Thu Sep 9 10:18
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for oldboy):

for you european boardmembers: if you have not problems w/ some violent in a movie, don`t miss Chan-Wook Park`s "Oldboy" ... maybe one of the best movies i saw in my whole life:http://imdb.com/title/tt0364569/...........it`s maybe not shown in the big theaters, but nevertheless it`s worth every penny to watch it on big screen. The story is pretty good and it keeps it`s tension during all the 120 minutes and nearly ends with a very touching twist. It`s not too stylish, and tries to be as realistic as it can. Go!

Date: Wed Sep 8 18:01
J (nothing to add but...):

I'd like to hear? a big celebration of a very weird day for J j and b on Thursday the 9th. Anyone who knows me please take part, and be immortalised as a part of my project. (working title: way beyond imminent)

Date: Wed Sep 8 17:49
Lars (Faun Fables):

Just back from a small gig with Faun Fables at "Howe-hang-out" Café Mozart here in Aarhus. It was bloody brilliant. Anyone here know her? She's out on Drag City (thanks to a certain Mr. Oldham, I hear). Somewhat "hoarser" live than on record, I can now hear from my just-bought cd...but in that really cool way. Great performer too. Has some slight Jim Morrison-like theatrics in her voice, I think, while not being The Doors of course. Cabaret-ish acoustic stuff. She'll play some gigs in Switzerland these next few days and will then play Cambridge, Frome (Somerset) and Winchester in the UK on the 15th, 18th and 19th, I see. She also played at Café Mozart yesterday. Two spur of the moment gigs not on the schedule. Good crowd. :-D ### Best greets! / Lars

Date: Wed Sep 8 17:20
Alan (Stefan):

red giant sand??? hmmmmmmmm

Date: Wed Sep 8 16:52
stefan ((gone square)):

I think that’s why we „documentarians“ are trying to tape as many giant sand/howe shows as possible - just to capture moments like this, or songs never again played the way they were played on a particular night (which happens all the time, of course). At least that’s my motivation. The moment is gone, but it’s still possible to re-experience the uniqueness and greatness of that particular moment. At some point, everything will be gone anyway. At the latest, when the sun becomes a red giant or something.

Date: Wed Sep 8 16:20
Alan (Howe):

Well, square or no, I'm generally pretty darned happy just to get to hear some of the wonderment meant (at times) for others, then and there, when I'm over here... thanks for recording contingencies and accidents (accigencies, contingidents? incense and peppermints?)

Date: Wed Sep 8 15:57
howe (side o rice too):

and yeah. square was one of those songs that got written then and there. i took a line rainer had blurted "put er there, you're one of the squares" and ran with it. things like that happen in the studio...and it gets captured. when it happens like this live, well... it is usually only for the folks there on that given day. then gone.

Date: Wed Sep 8 15:53
howe (cheese crisped):

awwwww ...i adore jesse sykes. that lush blush hush of a voice with her periphreal young emmy lou sillouette. did a few shows in seattle with jesse and phil over the last couple years, and it was pure pleasure. plus i am taken with tucker martine's production touch...and had been hoping to get me up there to have some time, which there just seems to be too little of around this clump o clutter.

Date: Wed Sep 8 15:17
Frank C (grammar issue):

...After 2nd reading I guess I should have put the "never" behind the "can"...

Date: Wed Sep 8 15:15
Frank C (gender issue):

Awcmon Stefan, these days you never can be sure... (.)(.)

Date: Wed Sep 8 14:54
spivpiddler (gris-gris):

Saw the band gris-gris last night-pretty good show.lot of influences can be heard from velvets,yo la tengo,laughing hyenas,standells-but still over all pretty unique to my old ears-I mention them because as I listened to the show I thought they and giant sand would make a pretty cool double bill

Date: Wed Sep 8 14:05
stefan ((jesse)):

Hey Frank, the he is a she ;-)

Date: Wed Sep 8 12:42
Frank C (Sandango):

Tommy, I think you´re right. Sounds almost like he sampled OP8 and sang another melody over it. Maybe Sykes initially recorded it for "Fandango" and then Farf told him that "Sand" was written by Lee :-)...

Date: Wed Sep 8 10:09
stefan ((ralf review)):

I sent Ralf BDK a few live shows two years ago, maybe that helped. If this continues, the German venues will be packed in October, I guess. Still looking for a taper in Halle, Germany, by the way.

Date: Wed Sep 8 08:59
Oke (map review):

There's a detailed review of Giant Sand's "It's all over the map" in the German Jazz-Magazine "Jazzthetik", Sept. 2004 - a extremly positive review (4 and a half stars of 5). Ralf Bei der Kellen (funny name, even for Germans): "A great record of a man, who is going to be the John Zorn of country."

Date: Tue Sep 7 19:45
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for royalties):

Well, i didn`t mean to be too mean...the melodies are not the same, but the sound and production is a dead ringer of "Sand" isn`t it? And `cause it`s the "sound" i would like to give the money to Howe...

Date: Tue Sep 7 17:27
Rob Morris ( ):

FWIW, if anyone on the Canadian branch of the Sandman tree is wondering what's up, I'm back in action after going awol for over a year. Long story short, anything that I have that you don't will be in the mail by the end of September. Obviously I'll have to get in touch via email with people, but thought a msg like this one might serve as a stop-gap. Mike, I'm *really* sorry about having left a part of the tree in the lurch; will email you later tonight with a suggestion as to who might best replace me on the tree.

Date: Tue Sep 7 14:34
farf (sand rip-off):

The royalties might need to go to Lee Hazlewood instead.

Date: Tue Sep 7 14:33
harry (harry@x-quiz.de):

http://www.online-translator.de.gg http://www.witzige-geburtstagskarten.de http://www.textuebersetzung-online.de.gg http://www.abnehmen-leicht-gemacht-l.de http://www.online-uebersetzer.de.gg http://www.geburtstagsgedicht-liebesgedicht.de http://www.uebersetzen-online.de.gg http://www.uebersetzungsmaschine.de.gg

Date: Tue Sep 7 14:25
um...er...uh...well... (uh...):

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Date: Tue Sep 7 14:18
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for royals):

i meant royalties...sorry!

Date: Tue Sep 7 14:17
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for sand):

That Jesse Sykes "The Dreaming of dead" mp3 is a copletely ripp off of OP8`s "Sand"...Howe did you get any royals yet...unbelievable! http://music.barsuk.com/JesseSykes_TheDreamingDead.mp3

Date: Tue Sep 7 07:50
james s (thanks lars):

lookin' into it.

Date: Tue Sep 7 04:14
Mike Gerfin (??????????????):

Couldn't believe my eyes this morning - there is a brief and positive ("rich in meager beauty") review of "the map" in the free commuter paper "20 Minutes" (which in the same issue claims to be the paper with the largest number of readers in Switzerland; well, it's free). Given that this paper is strictly mainstream I wonder how come? Looking forward to the Swiss gigs...Mike

Date: Tue Sep 7 04:03
Lars (scrolling for James):

Hm, that Eliet-mp3 won't play. Weird. Downloaded one of the Tracy'es and it seems fine. Tried download the Eliet twice. No dice. :-( / Lars

Date: Mon Sep 6 18:09
geoff (merch):

fun list of merch...so do the caps go on sale through the site sometime or do we have to wait for a US tour to cover our heads?

Date: Mon Sep 6 18:01
archivist.. (square..):

Well, I was not there.. so I am not 100% positive.. It certainly does not turn up anywhere else (in recorded form)..

Date: Mon Sep 6 15:07
Jörg (Square - created on the spot!?!):

WOW!

Date: Mon Sep 6 14:31
james s (where's my editor):

the spelling of that poet's name is Eliet Brookes. Sorry. Gone.

Date: Mon Sep 6 14:29
james s (double spam plus a little music appreciation and anticipation):

I put a link to a little movie I made, nothing special really, up at my journal page http:// www.jamesscarbrough.com/journal . Also, new track in Room 208 by poet Eliot Brooks, helped out, if I'm not mistaken, by our Aimless Blade friends. http:// www.jamesscarbrough.com/room208 . I was turned on to Califone a couple of years ago by a friend from Chicago, and I've been getting my hands on all official (and a couple of non-official) recordings they've done since. I've owned King Heron Blues for several months now, but have only this morning put in the CD player for a spin. This record is f- ing amazing, beautiful, best thing by them yet... please do check it out. I'm excited about the birth of Map into the world of uncools like myself who have to wait for the official release. Judging from what I've read here and elsewhere, i tremble with anticipation. Don't lose hope, J.

Date: Mon Sep 6 13:47
Tim (Re: Square):

I love this song too. When I first heard it I was sure it was a cover song, because it was so instantly familiar. To think it was kept hidden for all these years before getting released makes me wonder what other treasures are hidden in the archives. Release them all I say!!!!!!!

Date: Mon Sep 6 10:51
archivist (Square, etc..):

Square is just one of many songs that were created (mostly on the spot) and performed only once.. The archives are full of them; demos, unused studio tracks, and live improvs.. Numerous recording of Howe and Rainer fall under this category. The best will certainly find there way out to you folks in the coming years....

Date: Mon Sep 6 09:19
Lars ([]):

Yeah, "Square", what a brilliant song. Suddenly felt like starting a record label and calling it '2 Real 4 Wide Appeal' (but the digits seemed too cheasy), ha-ha! ;-D It felt to me like an old song I didn't know from the back catalogue (which I don't know my way around yet). Thought it was. But that's not the case, you say? ### Howe, the Danish merchandise is on its way! :-D I hope you enjoy the recordings once you get them. Greets! / Lars

Date: Mon Sep 6 06:10
Jörg (Another nerdy specialist question):

Recently I fell in love with "Square", the final track on "Still lookin' good...". Trying to find out where it comes from ("Recorded: Austin, Texas"), I checked sa-wa-ro, where I discovered it has already been released on a SXSW-compilation in 1997 and is co-authored by Rainer. But none of the SXSW-setlists on the Live-Listings-site includes the song (neither 1997 nor 1994). Actually NO setlists includes this fine song. Can it be that it was performed only one time? If so, at which show? And what happened to this great song? I think with a little more live-development it could have turned into a major Giant Sand hit. Maybe even ended up in diet pepsi commercial.....Who knows anything about it? Jim? Mike? Howe, do you remember?

Date: Mon Sep 6 05:27
J (despairing@nohope...con):

Ian G, I would say that you are pretty damn cool, done me a couple of stranger favours anyroad...

Date: Sun Sep 5 14:46
IanG (78):

I ain't cooler than anyone, I guess I just got lucky with my copy of 'Map'It's not a promo(at least it does not say promo on it anywhere) I bought it for £10 from an online store based in London. Saw PJ in Glasgow last night, excellent stuff.

Date: Sun Sep 5 11:51
Greg Haldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

.....GOSSIP EDITION......Howe and John last night at Solar Culture - YUM! Cute little Victoria Williams in the crowd (she plays tonight at Hotel Congress). And the very manly Tom Walbank also in attendance. And was that Ned Sutton (I think that was his name) from the infamous Blacky/Mudd Buggs days? Also Joe Pena looking oh so chic.

Date: Sun Sep 5 06:13
Jörg (merch):

Sounds like a nice & perfect collection! "little bear embroidered on brushed cotton - caps": hope they fit on xtra-large eggheads, too ;-). I think as long as "Infiltration" is available it should be included, too. Beeing a LIVE recording it is the kind of souvenir a lot of people are looking after a concert. (I'm thinking about picking up a copy myself - for irrational collector's reasons, because I "only" own the Mucchio-version...)

Date: Sun Sep 5 05:56
Lars (merch):

Caps and badges. Nice! Too bad the tour doesn't swing by Denmark. Any way to get hold any of that stuff otherwise? / Lars

Date: Sun Sep 5 02:51
mike (merch-man):

guys, just getting the merchandise organised for the (european) tour. so far we have.....cd's:- new down home - all over the map - still looking good to me - the listener - ogle | lp's/albums:- all over the map - still looking good to me | t-shirts:- new all over shirt | caps:- giant sand logo embroidered on brushed cotton + big ugly trucker types (no offence to you big ugly trucker types out there) - little bear embroidered on brushed cotton | badges:- little bear enameled | ok? so what else? any other cd's.... coffee companion? too many spare parts? infiltration? listener t-shirts?

Date: Sun Sep 5 00:45
Eddie (Left Coast):

Enjoying the Flesh Eaters new one Miss Muerte. "I've got a date with Miss Muerte". Singer/writer Chris D. starred in a movie called Border Radio back in the 80's.Alot of cross pollinization with Tucson bands and musicians.

Date: Sat Sep 4 18:13
GS (Early retirment homes):

Are gone in a smoluder like a view back accross the shoulder taking time to constuct the older. Like saviours rebourne as they move the boulder, colder, folder and greese. what you up too folks I need some chat time have i missed gigs its getting dull and even lars has given up on you? be warned this speels goat not this goet thats a pre born athiest poet -show it aniother song starts................

Date: Sat Sep 4 13:17
interview (the guardian):

fine reading indeed... oh, there's a mark eitzel interview on the same section http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/fridayreview/story/0,12102,1295650,00.html

Date: Sat Sep 4 08:15
Tommy Gailer (scrolling for radio):

since i have a fast connection and flatrate i love to listen to internetradio and highly recommend following adress: http://www.woxy.com/

Date: Sat Sep 4 05:35
Jörg (cool/uncool):

MAP will also be released on good ol' vinyl - I think the coolest;-) way is to get the black plastic (of course after 3 days of pre-release-sleeping-bag-existence in front of the record store)(but please not Saturn. Saturn is Satan. Don't support thos f***ers).....

Date: Sat Sep 4 04:13
buxfix ((sometimes it's better to wait)):

hello frank & tommy, i am also an uncool, unknown - but that's okay for me, cause i want the right feeling of spend the night in front of the record shop - days before release. and then be the first who get it from the depot without pricelabels so far. that's cooler than get copies or promos from the postman... what do you think, frank - wanna join me for that action for the new American Music Club and Giant Sand... by the way: at saturn the 100TDK-CDRs cost 25 Eurobucks and there's a very short but funny interview with howe in the new intro-magazine.

Date: Fri Sep 3 17:15
J (cool?!?):

Got my copy through a trade as an unexpected bonus, only had time for two listens. Still don't feel any cooler than anyone else. In fact feel small and alone most of the time lately despite being a 6'3'' stevedore. Huge thanks to Paul K for stuff and also to the wise Ricky Gelb, who is a rock, it seems.

Date: Fri Sep 3 15:22
((üÜüüüü))) (all over the map):

Giant Sand is always true and beautiful...thank you Howe and everyone involved!! and fun too.... how about playing a gig in vienna??

Date: Fri Sep 3 13:32
james s (uncool):

no promos or advances for me, frank. sadly.

Date: Fri Sep 3 13:31
OWOM (DH 04):

Hey there, the new Down Home 2004 will be avaliable during the upcoming GS tours and will be avaliable at the OWOM store here on Giantsand.com as soon as we get them..

Date: Fri Sep 3 12:57
Tommy G ((uncool-scroller)):

Hi Frank, i haven`t got it too but i`ll be writing soon...finally got my dsl connection and now i am superfast...thank you Stefan, for your package :-)

Date: Fri Sep 3 12:35
Frank C (What the...):

Anybody out there who is as uncool as me and doesn´t have the new not-yet-published (!) Giant Sand??? If yes please sign in for the out crowd (and vice versa)...

Date: Fri Sep 3 08:11
søren Denmark (s_gerlev@hotmail.com):

Let me get this straight - is the DownHome 04 only available on GS's forthcoming tour? And anyone who knows where to buy the old down homes?

Date: Fri Sep 3 07:12
Lars (map):

Got myself a promo of "Map". He-he, rocking stuff! Really enjoying "Remote". And the pistols-thing is great, ha-ha. ### Eh, Mr. Blackwood Archivist, sir... ;-) ...Howe will be getting some cds soon: the Copenhagen gig with Parish - and the Aarhus gig with Vic Chesnutt. Then you guys can sort that out yourselves, okay? :-D Good "Remote" on the Copenhagen recording too. Best greets! / Lars

Date: Thu Sep 2 06:42
Ian G ((9)):

Oh Dear, I seem to be repeating myself. Sorry

Date: Thu Sep 2 06:40
IanG ((8)):

What a perfect surprise to start the day, a copy of 'Is All Over The Map' just dropped through my letterbox! All work has been abandoned for the day, the kids are locked in the TV room with a telletubbies video.

Date: Thu Sep 2 06:27
IanG ((8)):

What a perfect surprise to start the day, a copy of 'Is All Over The Map' just dropped through my letterbox! All work has been abandoned for the day, the kids are locked in the TV room with a telletubbies video.

Date: Thu Sep 2 05:51
^^^^**^^^^^**^^^^^**^^^^^**^^^^^**^^^^^**^^^^^**^^^^^** (thin):

Ian G....just checked my letterbox.......no joy

Date: Thu Sep 2 05:47
(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO)(OO) (thin):

yep, know that the 'map' is out sharpish. I suss that. But can anyone throw any sunlight on any other definite releases around this time. Remember musings about gospel stuff coming out and new down home but are these happening or ethering. If ya could tell me, that be good.

Date: Thu Sep 2 05:38
IanG ((8)):

What a perfect surprise to start the day, a copy of 'Is All Over The Map' just dropped through my letterbox! All work has been abandoned for the day, the kids are locked in the TV room with a telletubbies video.

Date: Thu Sep 2 02:19
~!@#$%^&* (bathroom reading material):

Tucson Weekly Print Friendly: http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Music/Content?oid=60097 PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2004: Soundbites By STEPHEN SEIGEL POR VIDA The dire situations in which people sometimes find themselves always seem to inspire compassion in those who care about them, and the musical community in Tucson is certainly no exception to that rule. When circumstances warrant--which seems to happen all too frequently--local musicians set any semblance of ego they may have aside to selflessly come to the aid of their fellow artists. This, sadly, is another story to add to that bittersweet history. Longtime locals likely remember Ricky Gelb as the creative force behind late-'80s/early-'90s band Low Max. Shortly after disbanding the group, Gelb relocated to Los Angeles, where he took a job with the Musicians' Assistance Project (MAP). (Following the death of Kurt Cobain, record labels came under fire from the media--most notably in a front page article in USA Today--for the lack of intervention into the substance-abuse problems of their artists. In attempt to save face, the Recording Industry Association of America funded MAP, an outreach program, to deal with these problems.) In addition to the satisfaction of helping his fellow musicians get their lives back on course, Gelb also walked away from the experience with a yacht-load of interesting stories about famous musicians and an idea: to create an online resource center that could deal with similar problems nationwide. Not long after the idea struck him, Gelb fortuitously met the founder of video game giant Sega, who was also a venture capitalist. With the intention of eventually taking the Web site public, the investor gave Gelb funding to begin the project. For two years, Gelb and his co-workers toiled away in a swanky Studio City high-rise, creating a comprehensive database to get the project to the point where it could become profitable, and they took home sizeable paychecks in the process. But once the bottom dropped out of the dot.com market, the investor pulled the plug on the company overnight, leaving his employees to fend for themselves in a less-than-friendly economy. Around the same time, Gelb's wife, with whom he shares four children, left him. Shortly after moving himself and his family back to Tucson, Gelb's financial situation was so bad that he found himself living in his van for the next year. Thankfully, there's a happy ending to this story: Eventually, Gelb pulled himself out of the muck and scored a job with a nonprofit, educating kids in schools about the voting process. He's also recently begun writing songs again. The icing on the cake: Gelb reunited with his family and reports that things these days with his wife and kids are "better than ever." We can only hope, at this point, that local musician Mike Hyde enjoys a similar turnaround. Around the same time Gelb was playing in Low Max, his friend Hyde was a member of Earl's Family Bombers. He would later go on to play with The Wholesome Brothers and the Studdrifters. On a recent early morning visit to a Circle K, Gelb ran into Hyde, and he could tell right away from his appearance that something was drastically wrong. Hyde explained to Gelb that he was suffering from liver failure which had become so severe that his kidneys were now being affected, and he had been placed on a donor list for a liver transplant. His situation had become bad enough that, for the last eight months, he hadn't been able to work. Additionally, he was going to have to move from his longtime residence--a guest house behind Naked Prey's Van Christian's house--because it was being sold. With only a $170 check and food stamps coming in each month (he's currently waiting to begin receiving Social Security), Hyde's situation couldn't get much worse. But, with his experience in similar matters both professionally and personally (not to mention his awfully big heart), Gelb was the perfect person to hear Hyde's story, and he decided to take action. He helped Hyde find a temporary place to live and has run numerous errands for him, but that still left Hyde's financial situation wanting. So, Gelb decided to turn to local musicians to do what they do best, in the form of a fund-raising show to benefit Hyde. This weekend, Gelb's brother, Howe Gelb, will reunite with his former drummer in Giant Sand, John Convertino, to headline the benefit concert. Also on the bill are Tim Wiedenkeller and Gila Bend, and all of the musicians are generously donating their time and energy to help out their friend. (It should also be noted that Steven Eye is donating the use of his Solar Culture Gallery for the event.) We here at Soundbites sincerely wish Mike the best in his fight, and urge you, our readers, in the strongest terms to show your support by attending the show. The Benefit for Mike Hyde is open to all ages, and begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Solar Culture Gallery, 31 E. Toole Ave. Admission is a $5 donation. For more information, call 884-0874.

Date: Wed Sep 1 17:34
J (Paul K):

Thanks mate, re: Cacavas, wrong song, misquoted. I always loved that album.

Date: Wed Sep 1 12:48
buxfix (monkey's gone to heaven):

aaah yeah, very far below... i like scrolling the world down, down , down

Date: Wed Sep 1 09:34
Jörg (buxfix):

thanks for the link! I guess (& hope) the CD in question is 'upside down home 2004...year of the monkey', which Howe mentions below.

Date: Wed Sep 1 05:20
buxfix ((new tour - cd)):

There is also a german interview with howe in the web: http://www.laut.de/vorlaut/interviews/2004/08/13/09861/index.htm howe said that a new cd is ready and will be sold at the tour... ;-) does anybody know something about that one? another upside down home or official bootleg - would be very great to get infos... i'm so excited to hear all the new stuff... @conch - can also give you buxfix-artwork for the archives trioligy if you want. if you are interessted mail me webmaster@buxfix.de the covers aren't not at my website - i am too busy at the moment and therefor so less at the commentsboard

Date: Tue Aug 31 17:24
J (mike):

The sands of time are definitely moving, I think I just got a grain in my eye

Date: Tue Aug 31 16:51
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):

hmmmmm - seem to have lost the time.....

Date: Mon Aug 30 21:21
Flynn (WFMU - RNC Remix):

Great radio being webcasted by the mighty WFMU this week: http://www.wfmu.org/rnc/

Date: Mon Aug 30 19:34
J (Hey UK):

Bank holiday is over and I still don't have to go to work for 3 days, plenty time to think and listen. Reflect and sleep, if only the latter were possible. Hello little j, I'm pretty sure you'll see this at some point. I Love You Two. Playlist- The Basement Tapes,Dylan and The Band -Map, Giant Sand- Neil Young unplugged- The Zeutons, first listen at a mate's place, nice, Devendra Banhart and Matt Ward downloaded streams-Even better than the real thing.

Date: Sun Aug 29 04:01
archivist.. (archive.org):

Yes - it is a true internet library archive.. Quite amazing. The files will remain indefinitely (or until we ask them to pull em..). Expect it to be a great resource for music lovers (and lovers of film, books, websites, etc).

Date: Sun Aug 29 02:23
conch (thanks, Jim):

Archive.org has proved a godsend, so many thanks to wonderous Jim B. for utilizing its possibilities. Might prove to be a quasi-new approach to settling the current Sandman series quandries--just weed 'em out via Archive.org, with--just a suggestion--the artwork posted on the Giant Sand web page. One things I've wondered--does Archive.org allow for such files to kept indefinately on their site? If so, that's mighty fine.

Date: Sat Aug 28 20:06
archivist (new old one.. just posted):

http://www.archive.org/audio/etree-details-db.php?id=17594

Date: Sat Aug 28 04:23
Jörg (info for all German sandinistas):

There's a small Q&A piece w/ Howe and a map review in the new issue of 'Intro' (free-)magazine.

Date: Fri Aug 27 22:58
dave (sandpapers):

merch...ez does it.

Date: Fri Aug 27 18:25
Todd (Naim Amor Soundtracks Volume II / Howe Home The Listener T-shirt / coffee companion):

just got the goodies today being friday Aug 27/04...listening to Soundtracks Vol. II as i type this...almost moved...feeling pretty good...looking forward to the new Giant Sand record. I like "the Unedited and more conventional mix" of Blood Orange and the improved sound quality of the mastered Live Beat...I'll have to wait a bit to watch and listen to the Video Portion the same with Soundtracks Vol. II.

Date: Fri Aug 27 14:22
spivpiddler (just checkin in):

Any word on Canadian tour dates for Giant Sand?Am liking Flying Around the Sun better and better but haven't been able to hear nyc time through Thrill Jockey though-when I click on it a blank page comes up then nothing...Oh well only a couple more weeks and I'll have the whole album.Picked up the new Sadies album yesterday-pretty good-3 or 4 songs recorded at Wavelab and Joe Burns guests on cello.Merch,merch?I still go for t-shirts if the graphics are cool but discreet.Prefer black over white.Keychain/bottle openers were mentioned-liking that idea too.

Date: Fri Aug 27 12:16
conch (pointed in the right direction):

Many thanks, Jorg. It's much appreciated.

Date: Fri Aug 27 04:43
Jörg (conch):

there's artwork for the set in the 'Photos' section over at the CX group http://login.yahoo.com/config/login?.intl=us&.src=ygrp&.done=http://groups.yahoo.com%2Fgroup%2Fcasadecalexico%2F (if not yet: you have to sign up first to get in....)

Date: Fri Aug 27 01:28
conch (er...uh...HELP!):

Say, I was wondering if anyone in this here esteemed board could point/send me some artwork for the wonderful "From The Archives" 3-CD set. It exists, right? Or am I getting confused. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Date: Thu Aug 26 11:43
stefan ((the map)):

I had a chance to listen to „The Map“, thanks to Manfred in Münster ;-) And it’s already growing on me though I couldn’t make friends with „NYC of time“ and „Remote“ at first (I liked the previous versions better). But: For me, this whole disc is already essential and indispensable just because „Hood (view from a Heidelburg hotel)“ is on it. Cranberry juice on the mirror under the door. I wonder if this is a true story.

Date: Thu Aug 26 08:09
james s (www.jamesscarbrough.com/murakami):

thanks, Oke, I can't wait to get my hands on it. How about a new, really good t-shirt, howe? One that you would be proud to where. you do the art work.

Date: Thu Aug 26 03:44
apologies (apologise):

Apache

Date: Thu Aug 26 03:41
thin (sell em like hot cakes):

merch eh? mmmm hows about a 'Howes Desert Island disc' and postcard pack.

Date: Thu Aug 26 02:54
Oke (murakami and kafka) (simons@foni.net):

James, the new murakami novel "Kafka am Strand" (Kafka on the shore) is really great, with all the contents we expect from murakami: mysterious women and mysterious places, good food, good music (Kafka is listening to Prince) and cats (now talking to an old man). a murakami-biography by Jay Rubin will be published in germany in a few days.

Date: Thu Aug 26 02:46
Mikus (all over the world):

Howe, would you bring come copies of the "coffie companion" and the new " Down Home 2004" in your suitcase during the tour in Belgium and Europe ???

Date: Thu Aug 26 00:28
geoff (merch and mun-ki):

Howe, i prefer to think of it as the "year of the Mun-Ki"...which is hopefully and finally back in the works. And a baseball cap, so long as it wasn't of the all cloth-shallow-headed variety would probably be a great piece of merch. or a patch so any old ball cap could be above metioned baseball cap.

Date: Wed Aug 25 22:03
Phill (ghog22077@msn.com):

regarding merchandise, I would be happy to hand craft a Giant Sand picture frame I made for my brother Will as a gift. E-mail me and I will send you a sample Pic. the jar of sand is also a great idea. Thanks Phill

Date: Wed Aug 25 16:33
J (giant sand):

solutions in a bottle that contains no alcohol, preservatives or artificial colourings. Seriously tho, the nice fitted t shirt thing is the best idea for me apart from fridge magnets. Anyone read 'dirt music' by Tim Winton yet? Good good book.

Date: Wed Aug 25 15:16
peter (nyc):

giant sand hot (bbq) sauce. or better yet, bottled water, e.g. giant sand desert water. more profitable than oil and let howe design the label. market it with shiver and deliver.

Date: Wed Aug 25 13:12
me (again):

howe about giant sand pants, or a giant ****

Date: Wed Aug 25 11:40
james s (speaking of giant sand...):

any of you Germans read the new Haruki Murakami book yet? "Kafka on the Shore" is the english title, but it's not available in english yet. It is now available in german.

Date: Wed Aug 25 10:27
Dr. Mysterio (merch):

Giant Sand genetically modified hairless kittens.

Date: Wed Aug 25 10:01
james s (merch):

Giant Sand golf balls.

Date: Wed Aug 25 09:37
Lars (merch):

An Aarhus cobblestone!!! He-he. Not sure everyone would applaud that idea around here. :-D / L

Date: Wed Aug 25 08:24
antonio (italia, italia):

merchandise? what about some giant sand's sand? inside a little glass box, like the one they use for honey in the restaurant's buffet. inexpensive, and meaningful. canned like it was some good'ole homemade mustard. but it has to be real desert sand. not from the rimini beach near here... or maybe you can make some skeletor like the mexican ones, even if it is maybe too classico (or claxico, or clcxo...) dunno.... ciao a tutti.

Date: Wed Aug 25 00:59
peri (merch):

i'd totally hang a Giant Sand porch thermometer™ next to my swinging bench out front. and i'd stick Giant Sand post-its© everywhere. and i'm always a big fan of keychain bottlecap openers...preferably the old metal ones shaped like a big mouth.

Date: Tue Aug 24 23:19
Bulky (mail@rickygelb.com):

Saturday September 04, 2004 Benefit for Mike Hyde of Earls Family Bombers & The Wholesome Brothers with Howe Gelb , John Convertino, Tim Wiedenkeller, Gila Bend @ Solar Culture Gallery, Tucson, AZ

Date: Tue Aug 24 19:29
ideas? (...):

Howe about a book of poetry and art from howe?

Date: Tue Aug 24 15:34
job (merch):

GS fishing spoons. And a GS paltter to serve the catch on.

Date: Tue Aug 24 10:16
stefan ((italia, italia)):

Hi Antonio - I think I'll take you up on your word for the next strade blu ;-) I miss Italia anyway, haven't been there for two years. Post the time & date & place well in advance so that I can book a flight or a car (a car will do, I guess, or maybe a bus)! .... Something else: any tapers from Switzerland on this board? We still need documentarians for Lucern, Geneva ... ("we" as in Dr. R. and me).

Date: Tue Aug 24 10:15
conch (say...):

Thanks for the update and the invite to all here, Antonio. Sounds like it'd be a hoot and a blast!

Date: Tue Aug 24 09:54
antonio (italia, italia):

ciao a tutti and a special ciao to the gigantic howe... we just had the gelb family here in town for a great week end in modigliana (the mo-town) between our friendly hills, for our little "strade blu" festival featuring also the parish family. we booked a show but then we had a total, overwhelming, wonderful human experience. we're going to have picture of the week end soon on line in www.stradeblu.net the line up was: howe and john on the first night, with a little help in the end from my band (sea of cortez, which also opened), and then john's italian band featuring hugo race the second night, with random appearances by howe. the solo howe played the second night on "tombstone blues", an encore was the wildest, punkest, jazziest thing ever happened in our little town. also: spending time hangin' around with howe and sophie was a great time. thanks again, maestro. and hope to have howe again around here asap, and also all the people in the board as guests for our little festival, next year. it's a promise: if you fly here, we're gonna find a place to stay for everybody!!! hugs. antonio.

Date: Tue Aug 24 09:21
scooter (retoocs):

Big foam Giant Sand cowboy hats?

Date: Tue Aug 24 09:13
james s (merch):

the drive-by truckers, when i last saw them some time back, were selling d-bt panties and halter-tops. doesn't quite seem fitting for gs. how about giant sand combs, or maybe a toothbrush, or giant sand vitamins.

Date: Tue Aug 24 07:38
tom (front desk):

Hot Wheels Giant Sand airstream trailers.Odelay.

Date: Tue Aug 24 07:20
TDH (merch ideas):

How about 1/4's of H&G Sour Mash and blow up dolls with a Giant Sand tattoo on their breast to go along with the whiskey. Na' that would work better for Mojo Nixon (would have to be a blow up sheep) or Dash...

Date: Tue Aug 24 07:12
TDH (t):

Just downloaded the 7 black cats show. Great and thanx. Had a bit of a hard time getting it onto a disc for my stereo, but after downloading Frac frontend it worked perfect (I'm no tech. wizard). I also downloaded Calexico China Theater 2003...absolutely awesome... & Nick Luca Trio Solar Culture...Great stuff Jim and Thanx for uploading it all. Maybe if I figure out how to encode stuff and upload I could upload some shows ??? would that be ok Howe ??

Date: Tue Aug 24 04:31
smucker (none@nomail.com):

When i went to the Barbican to see my first GS show (as good a place as any to start) i was really excited about getting my hands on some merchandise. I ended up buying one of those strange t-shirts that had the cover of Selections circa 1990-2000 on the front but with chore of enchantment written on it. i liked the t-shirt but it was so badly made and way too long. So it had to be relegated to nightime use. My friend managed to get an OP8 shirt which was cool. I also persuaded the guy behind the counter to give me the only giant sand poster they had, (it wasn't actually for sale) which was for the selections album. So more posters and better fitting t-shirts. Also a DVD is what we all really want.

Date: Tue Aug 24 01:21
peri (pioneertown 'n' pj):

Any word on the Pioneertown show with el Handsome Family? It's still listed as "unconfirmed" at HF's website and not mentioned at all at Thrill Jockey.... Me and some other Albucracky folks are all excited about the drive into the depths of the desert...hope there'll be a show so we have a real excuse to go! Just got back from Santa Cruz, with PJ Harvey as the exquisite excuse. As if we even needed the sun, sand and surf (which was fabulous) after that amazing show! Howe, I finally got my PJ fix. The sting of Marseille is just a shimmer now. :-)

Date: Mon Aug 23 21:25
dave (merchandise mart):

Sometimes known as "remembrance items", merch in the form of Down Home cds is most noble. DH 2000 remains a favorite...The Grateful Dead Almanac pushes all manner of remembrance, but no new music since 1977, as far as I can tell..Keep on rollin Howe...That said, the Blacky t-shirt that the missus left in the dryer too long could use replacing...Its been relegated to "night shirt" status..looks better on her anyway...I could use a new one though...Beer huggies are nice...By the way, found a vinyl version of Blacky at Record Breakers in Hoffman Estates, IL two weeks ago...Excellent...I'm seeing reviews of the new GS in various publications...When is it out?

Date: Mon Aug 23 21:02
OWOM (posters..):

I think there are some posters lying around in the land of owom.... Plus another piece of new (old) vinyl will soon be avaliable in the owom store.. we will also have the new (All Over The Map) cd in the coming weeks as well...

Date: Mon Aug 23 20:59
conch (merch ideas (collect 'em all).):

three words uttered twice: bobble head dolls, bobble head dolls! Oh, and maybe one of those beer batting caps, you know with holders for two beers on eiter side and sipping tubes that stretch down to the mouth, could be emblazoned with a Giant Sand logo. Oh, and stickers are cool too.

Date: Mon Aug 23 20:44
Gazzoline Saturated (Genomes):

Prehaps a giant sand prefered x or y chromasox=ze and giant sandiast could enter the snads fertility treatemnet center. Catering for all ther family. I am getting married as much as that can count so I want a offical wedding cake? open offer before my lady finds out?

Date: Mon Aug 23 19:48
Flynn (merch):

Baseball caps get a vote from me. And XXL t-shirts are appreciated by those of us who shop the husky department. And posters. I like posters. Merch for me walls!

Date: Mon Aug 23 18:27
howe (home spun):

good good merch ideas......mike .....can we do em all ??? ...jelly beans might be good too....we could put the lil guy on each and every one, ,and since no one really eats em ....they will set around a nice long time. meantime i mutter, i am just finishing up the next 'upside down home 2004...year of the monkey'. it might sound better then any of em. maybe even all of em. even the ones that aren't yet. so the future is sounding fuzzy and

Date: Mon Aug 23 18:24
PaulK (Dancin' with Mr. D):

Archivist wrote "with Howe Gelb & John Convertino (2 piece Giant Sand),". Well, hope that makes it to tape somewhere. Nice to see that the Howe/Calexico axis continues to bump into each other. And after a crash course in Flac I downloaded the Black Cat gig, again mucho thanks to everyone involved in putting this together. Howe, still space to put a Scottish gig in place on the European jaunt? Other news, apparently the Neil Young song Rockin in the free World is being rereleased on the back of Michael Moore's film, a possible anti Bush anthem in the lead up to those darned elections over there?

Date: Mon Aug 23 18:18
Archivist (I concur...):

Yes, I though of this one too.. Album covers calendar.. Should be plenty of them to work with!!!

Date: Mon Aug 23 17:39
Blaine (Rellenos):

Anyone catch the opening ceremonies of the Olympiad? I'm told the Mexican wrestling team marched(merched)in the arena wearing their masks. How about kids' tennis shoes marketed as cup holders? Commemorativo playing cards of all the GS players from over the years might be cool. Maybe a baseball shirt with he glum guy? Somebody ought to do a Pete Frame style GS tree.

Date: Mon Aug 23 17:11
Lars (merch + copenhagen rec):

Hm, yeah, baseball caps might get me to finally wear some kinda headgear! (What was that double cap deal you were sporting at some point, Howe? It wasn't THAT cold in Aarhus, was it?) :-D He-he, merchandise....got me thinking of the tongue-in-cheek merch Under Byen did a few years back: slim-fit whitebeater t-shirts, wrist sweat bands and tiny panties. And some other fun stuff, I can't remember. All with logos. Wasn't massproduced, I think. But some merch stand it was! The soapbox car from the album cover was also on display there. :-D ANYWAY.... what I would really like was small badges! They're cool...if they're small. And you can wear them just the way you like. They've got my vote! :-D ### Hey, Howe, did you get my e-mail? If you want me to sent that Copenhagen recording to ya' please send a "Yay!" to Århus. ;-) Greeties sandies! / Lars (larsdideriksen@yahoo.dk)

Date: Mon Aug 23 16:59
Graham (merch):

When last I saw Bonnie Prince Billy, he was selling official BPB overalls, just like the matching ones the band members were wearing. I'd certainly enjoy a new Official Bootleg Series record as well.

Date: Mon Aug 23 16:41
stefan ((merch)):

Just boring old baseball caps, please (or is that what you mean by hats?) And a new official bootleg volume maybe? BTW, I think Tommy still has a bottle of that Giant Sand barbecue spice.

Date: Mon Aug 23 16:27
J (go with the):

fridge magnets, little b loves them

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:31
gazelle (calendar merch):

i was thinking it'd be cool to have a band calendar. maybe a different album cover for each month in chronological order. just an idear =~_*=

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:16
Alan (merch):

see-through ski masks

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:16
Alan (o merch):

temporary tatoos

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:15
Alan (ow merch):

boxer shorts w/ a sandman face pattern

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:13
Alan (how merch):

corny: unbalanced hourglass

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:10
Alan (Howe, merch):

refrigerator magnets...

Date: Mon Aug 23 15:07
Alan (PJ and Blaine):

Hey, back from California... Berkeley, Davis, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz (me, I like the first and last the most, though Davis's awesomely walkable though gustatorally a little limited [beyond the Farmer's Market and a great back alley Thai place]). While in Santa Cruz (w/o money or time to attend shows at The Catalyst), we learned that PJ Harvey was playing Friday and Patti Smith on Saturday... jeez, more missed opportunities.) In any event, there we were out to dinner at Costa Brava on Friday -- early, in an attempt to accomodate our 2-year old -- when PJ, band and (I think) promoter sit down behind Aiden (2-year old). Pretty cool, she/they went otherwise unrecognized as far as I can tell but at least they avoided meeting flying spoons, black beans and brown rice. Our chile rellenos were excellent, even if the strong taste of the chiles themselves somewhat overwhelmed the glorious combination of diverse stuff in w/ the cheese in the middle. No Patti sitings on Saturday... In re: Blaine. Bon mots aplenty over the years (previous favorite being the formulation that weighed the relative duration of post-show tiredness with the life-long celebration of a special evening w/ a great band): my new favorite is this recent description of a GS show: "The rules were so far out the window at times Deadheads in the audience were yelling "you can't do that"."

Date: Mon Aug 23 14:48
howe (home fried):

hiya mike. and no. i cannot remember "dead air" ...can you hum it here just to jog? also....any ideas to what kind of merch anyone out there prefers ??? hats and shirts can do, but what would you really like to have made up i wonder ? and jørg ...(oh...wrong o) ....i remember studtgart from the old days. it was the absolute worst club we ever had to play back then. wasn't it set up like a gigantic underground pipe .....with horrible acoustics and always way too cold and damp? and did you know you can see right through those ski caps when worn like so ? an attempted trend missed out on i fear. imagine all the people living for today, with ski masks pulled way down over their heads. a fuzzy outlook and

Date: Mon Aug 23 13:29
archivist.. (...Sept 4th - 2 piece GS show....):

Saturday September 04, 2004 - Benefit for Mike Hyde of Earls Family Bombers & The Wholesome Brothers - with Howe Gelb & John Convertino (2 piece Giant Sand), Tim Wiedenkeller, Gila Bend @ Solar Culture Gallery

Date: Mon Aug 23 10:49
graham (Giant Sand US tour dates posted @ thrill jockey):

US tour with Handsome Family Fri October 29 Los Angeles Getty Museum Sat October 30 San Diego Casbah Sun October 31 San Francisco Great American Music Hall Tue November 2 Portland Berbati's Pan Wed November 3 Seattle Tractor Tavern Sat November 6 Minneapolis Fineline Music Café Sun November 7 Chicago Double Door Thu November 11 Brooklyn Southpaw Fri November 12 New York Mercury Lounge

Date: Mon Aug 23 04:21
buxfix (can wait till september 14th):

good morning little sandkids. found this one: http://www.thrilljockey.com/press/docs/thrill142.jpg looks very like old days or like an unofficial black album... heard two tracks till now 'flying around the sun...' on the latest uncut sampler and the 'NYC of time' on the thrill jockey web-site. NYC is very cool - Flying reminds me more at the latest blacky-stuff. Thought it would sound more like the early ninties stuff - but it's not bad at all ;-) ...got only problems with the drums!!!

Date: Mon Aug 23 03:54
Jörg (Dead Air):

So it's a Howe original? Glorious indeed. Gives blues rock a good name again ....

Date: Sun Aug 22 19:25
mike ([sa-wa-ro-ho-ho-ho]):

there's a studio recording of 'dead air' .... from the 'ramp' sessions - a really glorious blues. howe - can you remember it yet?

Date: Sun Aug 22 18:56
Leo ((Frank)):

Thanks for the info.I'll struggle through this thing.

Date: Sun Aug 22 10:30
Frank C (How to download the 7 Black Cats Show):

Leo, some hints for the download: Go to http://www.archive.org/audio/etree.php, search for "Giant Sand", click on "Download the show" (it´s 307 MB, so I you better have a fast connection). That file is zipped (means compressed). Afer unzipping it with an "unzipper" programm (windows usually has it, or you get it somewhere as freeware)you have those "flac" files. To listen or burn them on cdr you have to convert them to wav.-files with "FLAC frontend" (http://members.home.nl/w.speek/flac.htm). By the way: thanks for the nice show, Jim!

Date: Sun Aug 22 09:46
Jörg (another map review):

http://www.planbmag.com/albums/archives/00000088.php

Date: Sun Aug 22 09:44
J (conch):

point taken...

Date: Sun Aug 22 07:57
conch (angst in the uk):

J, perhaps you should re-cast your thoughts on the Pistols cover, and view it as a kind of passing of the flame or baton, especially since it's Patsy singing it and doing so at a time when she was first absorbing the Pistol's music and old school punk with new ears--doing so long after 1977, and without the cynism of those late-ish 30-something or above folks whose torn jeans now belong to the dustbins of history.

Date: Sun Aug 22 01:47
J (map. classico):

self situation put me in floods of tears during that first track. The whole thing is a grower. Don't like the sex pistols pastiche, I was (almost) involved in the uk punk thing, and it just spoils the album for me, but that's just me. Don't s'pose any La lateish 30 somethings or above want to hear an english band doing germs or X stuff, it kinda takes the mystique out or something. Anyroad, big thanks to Ricky, we'll have to continue our communication at some point, you are a star.

Date: Sat Aug 21 23:26
Leo (Lost in FLAC):

Mike, Can you give me a brief outline,like a one and a two and a three to download and play the Black Cats gig ? I have'nt felt this dumb since downloading Japanese porno. Thanks.

Date: Sat Aug 21 08:23
TDH (happy boy):

What can I say... "It's a masterpiece Senior Gelb". Just had my first listen through "Is all over the map" and I must say Great stuff (My good buddy Finn graciously passed me a promo copy)... A few highlights after the first run "Classico" (not to mention the reprise feat. good ol' Vic Chesnutt), "Remote" (I just love guitar), "Cracklin' Water" (This song is just SOOO GOOD one of my faves on OP8), "Muss", "Fool", "Hood" and and and.... Some of the tracks on iaotm does bring earlier Sand stuff into mind and I must say Howe's twangytwithysonic guitar zappings & a mix of reg&distorted vocals really do the trick for me and I dig the style mixes here....."Long Stem Rant" is still my no. 1 GS album, but this one is definately GOOD STUFF....Like ABBA I'll say "Thank you for the music".......

Date: Fri Aug 20 20:59
Happy bournth day (Gluse Sunffering):

24 years older / Whats left of me aches in a dull apricaition / to the next twenty four may many a plot be snagged. Any Ieaks for honey moons? I fancy beoynace on saturn?

Date: Fri Aug 20 17:09
Flynn (Thanks):

Another Giant Sand show is available for download on archive.org It's Jan 8 2001 at 7 Black Cats in Tucson. Performing as Phil or Buster's Blatant Blues Band (Howe, Burns, Convertino)! Excellent. The other show available on the site is highly recommended for those of you pining for the early 90s Sand -- Jan 30, 1991 @ Mad Dog Studios in Venice Beach, CA. Tremendous. Thanks, Jim B and Howe, et al for making these available!

Date: Fri Aug 20 06:37
Jörg (speaking of early 90s shows....):

....I often wondered if the then often performed blues-rockish (but nonetheless great ;-)) song "Long Gone" (or "Dead Air"?) is an unreleased GS-song or a cover version (Rainer?). Anybody happens to know?

Date: Fri Aug 20 05:26
Jörg (Deadheads getting lost on Mullholland Drive):

The early 90s shows were wild & special indeed, my first one beeing the fall 1990 show in Munich, too. All those travelling medicine shows featuring Victoria, Pappy, Psycho Sisters, Rainer, Chris Cacavas, Juliana Hatfield, Evan Dando, Low Max, Vic Chesnutt.......wow! Kind of special side-of-the-road nineties music history itself. The duo and trio shows beeing hard rocking, wild ones with Howe (& later Joey too) jumping all over the stage. The Pappy/Victoria-shows beeing playful, improvised & jazzy. The 1993 Center-tour beeing some kind of big, definitive alternative rock show, with straight, rocking versions of all the Center songs. The following year came a big Giant-let-down for me, an as-worse-as-can-be-show in Stuttgart, an uninspired, indifferent Howe (with woolen cap pulled over the eyes) mumbled some words, doodled some guitar and just as John&Joey tried to kick in, stopped the mumbling&doodling and-so-on, seemed kind of arrogant to me back then. After the show I unwisely vowed to NEVER go to a Giant show again... that's why I missed the great 1995-tour w/FriendsOfDeanMartin (that's the way it goes) ..................................But, smucker: Besides the early nineties-shows beeing wild & kicking (for me object-of-desire for a GiantTimeTravel would be the October 1986-show at Vera, Groningen) I think the Giant Sand outfit you had the pleasure to watch at Ocean Hackney in 2002 (Howe/John/Joey/Candy Prune/Susan Voelz/Noah Thomas) was the best ever - incomparable, pure perfection in it's very own way...........................And - in a couple of weeks a new Giant-Sand-In-Concert-chapter will be opened! Most promising, with slide mandolin and all :-)

Date: Thu Aug 19 20:29
J (live and kicking):

First one I think would have been Howe and John at the Borderline, march '90. I remember a mad (introduced by howe) Chap dancing onstage in the 1st sand t-shirt I had ever seen. (Think that was the guy that was on the header of the main page for a bit, Steve?* Same sort of set as 'Make it sound like Hendrix' Unbelieveable that 2 people could summon up that sound. Then november at the mean fiddler, harlesden, london in november and fruit child large at the borderline in summer the following year. I don't get to gigs that are not cheap and local to me much these days, but am definitely considering a trip to daneland next summer to see the main man do his thing all these years later in a proper place, with hindsight. Anyway, all chez J is properly broken, and I am very sad. Thanks to PK for my desert island most appropriate disc. x

Date: Thu Aug 19 18:24
stefan ((exacerbation)):

A reviewer throwing his arms up in exacerbation is usually a pretty good sign, I think. Makes me curious at least. ................ My first show was Munich 1990 in the Nachtwerk, with Pappy Allen and Victoria Williams. I was a little puzzled, but still hooked, not least by the warm atmosphere of the whole thing (interrupted by some idiot throwing his cup of beer at Victoria). Second show I saw was 1992 in Munich's Theaterfabrik, and this was really rocking and blew me away from the start. Unbelievable. And I loved it that they finished the show with the stage lights off and the house lights on. I managed to find a tape of that show but unfortunately the sound quality is very bad. A pity. But there are some 1992 shows around, for the astronauts.

Date: Thu Aug 19 15:06
Blaine (History):

Excuse me while I exacerbate, most people don't realize there is a band called Mott the Giant who pick one of the old set lists and play it note for note, recreating a "lifelike simulation" of GS circa whenever. Wait, I got that wrong. After hearing a bunch of the records, but never seeing them live oweing to life up in Wisconsin (no suitable venues/fanbase), I finally caught them a few years running in Austin TX right around Center of the Universe. If some of them shows are on tape please send 'em up with the next bunch of astronauts. Mindbendingly great - guests galore. The rules were so far out the window at times Deadheads in the audience were yelling "you can't do that". Then again there are the gigs/moments when stuff breaks down (gear/ideas/wrong page). But even then you can't say moan you weren't warned. As everyone senses, another peak came from the Chore albums. I took a pal who is a big music fan, but a GS fence-sitter to the CHI show and he was impressed enough to grin afterwards "it reminded me of the movie Mullholland Drive." As James can vouch, Howe solo is the only guy who'll put his boots up on the pno to play gtr.

Date: Thu Aug 19 13:37
TDH (t):

smucker...I went to many of the 90's Sand shows here in Denmark. Some tours I went to see them twice & even three times the same tour in 1993 (back then Giant Sand would tour once a year here in Denmark and sometimes twice a year). I first caught on to Giant Sand in 1990. My first Sand live experience was at Rytmeposten in Odense feb. 1990. My big bro' persuaded me to drive the 100+ kilometers to Odense to visit him and go see Giant Sand. I didn't know them at the time, but what the hell the booze itself would be worth the trip. That evening "I saw the light" and got hooked on the sand drug. I was totally drunk. Giant Sand ROCKED (trio guit, bass & drum). It was great. I had never heard anything like Howe & the boys. The next day when I was able to get out of bed I went straight down to Jan (the good man) Van Rock (shit I miss Van Rock. It was replaced by a shop selling vegetables) and got "Long Stem Rant" (one of the most important ROCK albums EVER made). That same year 1990 (in the fall of 1990) Giant Sand were back. This time Pappy Allen and Victoria Williams came along. WOW that was great and Howe played some very different and somewhat jazzy versions of his songs compared to feb. 1990 (jazzy Unfinished love, somewhat semi acoustic Thin Line Man ect.) GREAT....Anyway since the it's been quiet a few great Gelb/Sand live expreiences and Howe has never sounded just "as usual". My last Howe live experience was in Flensburg last year. Great evening. ANYWAY I'm still hoping for some DK shows on this upcoming tour otherwise Hamburg will be the closest this time around (ouch...not so good on a weekday....)....

Date: Thu Aug 19 13:31
james s (reviews all over the map):

there's a review in the new No Depression. It's mixed, pointing out what the reviewer considered high and low points, and the reviewer is explicitly on the side of structure and some degree of order in the universe, and Howe at least seems to prefer giant sands that shift, loose, a bit of chaos, so... Still, it was an overall positive review, and because the reviewer briefly explained why he liked what he liked, and what caused him to, at times, "throw up [his] arms in exacerbation," I can get a feel for what to expect and I very much look forward to hearing it. Like Smucker, I was brought into the land of sand by Chore. I've only managed to see Howe once live and in person, solo acoustic, opening for Parish. Sigh.

Date: Thu Aug 19 06:46
smucker (none@nomail.com):

Smuckering again Since i just posted that previous pot i've spent a bit of time looking at the tour history and the setlists(thank you whoever made the effort to do that) and i just can't belive how many Giant Sand songs there are that i would love to hear live. There are so mnay songs that i've forgotten about from all sorts of albums and i found myself humming out the tune to each one. My favourite song is probably yer ropes and i havent heard that and then i saw songs that werw played like 'shards of time' 'love like a train' 'off famp man' 'wonder' 'pathfinder' 'loretta and the insect world' 'milkshake girl' 'stuck' 'frontage road' and the list just goes on and on. and then when you start lookinga t later dates all the sogs form the chore era start appearing and i start thinking god theres another whole batch of songs that i would also love to hear. Howe has been so prolific and has so mnay classic i think he should play 5 hour sets. But thats one of the great things about a howe show because you could potentially here anything from his back catalogue and not be dissapointed

Date: Thu Aug 19 06:21
smucker (none@nomail.com):

Isn't it about time we started talking about Is all Over the Map. I wasn't even expecting a new Sand album let alone a return to Center of the Universe days. And the fact that there is a gospel follow up is almost too much to handle. I'm planning on going to Bush Hall in October and hope to get my head blown off by Howe's guitar. I was at the last Giant Sand show in the UK at the Hammersmith Ocean (i think that's where it was) and i had to run back to catch the train during the Beat goes on. Highlight of that show was probably Well dusted for the millenium. Being a relatively late comer into the sand world (1st discovered them with Chore) i feel gutted that i will probably never get to hear some of my favourite sand songs from the earlier albums live. I'm a HUGE fan of center of the Universe and have looked at the set lists on this site from 1993, and man i would of killed to be at those shows. I can imagine they ROCKED. Were any of you guys at any of this early 90's shows? if so i'd love to hear your thoughts on those nights. Don't get me wrong seeing Sand live now is awesome but i'm really intrigued to hear what 20 years of previosu shows were like. So like i say i'd be really interested to hear other peoples Giant Sand live experiences. One of my favourite memories was at the Barbican when Howe began dressed in a suit and ended up in a Grandaddy T-shirt, all with the ominous presence of the Hisser lady watching on.And Convertino's drumming blew me away as well. Any way the new edition of Mojo has a review of Is all over the map and is very positive. 4 out of five they gave it. Personally can't wait. First review that i've read so far and have been listening to the song on the uncut CD.That Cd is excellent.

Date: Wed Aug 18 19:26
PaulK (p.kerr@ntlworld.com):

J, send me your email address and I'll send your desert island disc

Date: Wed Aug 18 12:47
J (Blaine):

Thanks Blaine, but that's a 30 second sample. I was looking for a freebie!

Date: Wed Aug 18 00:13
Blaine (J - try this):

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=60: ---- or search the allmusicguide site. Long live the Grape and Skippy!

Date: Tue Aug 17 18:56
Todd (new meds and music):

...just wanted to tell you they gave me something for this depression. I'm doing my best and treated myself to Canadian Amp by Neko Case and also Black Heart 12" by Calexico...where there's remixes, additional production and Reworkings by Jazzanova, Jorg Follert, Roberto A. Mendoza, GoTan Project and Thomas Leboeg and Florian Zimmer...looking forward to these when I set up my turntable...I very much miss having access to my vinyl.

Date: Tue Aug 17 17:31
J (Spinningsville):

Anyone possibly furnish me with an mp3 of my current desert island disc- 'I am not willing' by Moby Grape? I am in need of that...

Date: Tue Aug 17 16:53
james s (...):

Oui. Speaking (of) French, I'm thinking lately that, if marooned on a desert island with only ONE song to play, over and over again, these days, I'll like to pick "Bonnie and Clyde" by Serge Gainsbourg and Bridget Bardot. Maybe I need to up my meds. Anyone suppose that was really Tom Waits dropping into the list?

Date: Tue Aug 17 16:40
J (spunworld):

Hi james, long time no parlez...

Date: Tue Aug 17 09:06
james s (just saying):

hello.

Date: Tue Aug 17 07:56
Tom (front desk):

Welcome back Mr.G.I shall come a callin after my day time snoozin.3.00 okay?You re spared soccer for at least a month,still too toasty.The racketball court at the YMCA is the coolest reverb chamber in Christendom,sneak a disc recorder and an acoustic in and make a racket and have a ball.

Date: Mon Aug 16 18:31
PaulK (Por Vida):

The UK paper the Observer reviewed Por Vida on Sunday and (in the print edition) stated that he died last year! The online version corrects this although without reference to the snafu http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/reviews/story/0,13875,1280202,00.html

Date: Mon Aug 16 18:16
J (still):

Spun, but trying to be still. CDR of 'Heartland' Is and isn't helping. Got the vinyl, dues paid. Trying not to feel like a monster, know that I am not one. Ricky, get back.

Date: Mon Aug 16 16:38
reggie (Por Vida She Tower's Above ):

...note on credits...Recorded and mixed in Ottawa by Drave Draves at Little Bullhorn Studio there in Jan 2004 when it was -43 Edited by Nick Luca at Wavelab in Tucson where it was +43...Hi Giant Sand/Howe Gelb listeners. Got back my Druken Bees vhs tape...

Date: Mon Aug 16 16:31
howe (home):

tom. leave your desk post and permiate your old perimeter for a visit. i think i can even attempt soccer now. and thanks for the oddly lovely weather here. a treat ! -howe

Date: Mon Aug 16 16:29
dj (ddot) gray (Por Vida / she towers above / way it goes):

...got Por Vida...so it's interesting to hear a Howe Gelb track w/ canadian Jim Bryson...'She Tower's Above' is song #12 on cd1...also #9 on cd2 M. Ward w/ Vic Chesnutt & Howe Gelb 'Way it Goes'. check handsomefamily.com for tour dates...click on shows...The Handsome Family touring w/ Giant Sand...'She Towers Above' also include Polly Harvey and a Jeremy Gara. 'Way it Goes' also includes Nick Luca and Craig Schumaker.

Date: Mon Aug 16 13:23
peter (bbq bradley):

norms near astor here in nyc has the bbq official cd (think its on koch label). also try discorama here in nyc. don't know if they have websites.

Date: Mon Aug 16 05:16
Tom (front desk):

Thanks for asking.How do you like Totnes?Totnes vs.ourhoose,let us rumble.Lars ,lets take it to the playground!

Date: Mon Aug 16 05:12
Tom (front desk):

Mike, I think people in Totnes only remember me as a stoner bartender who drew cartoons of all the locals.I was playing harmonica then,the whole bands and music deal only started when I moved to Scotland,and the present gitar playing incarnation when I moved to Tucson.Next move being the boy band of course.

Date: Mon Aug 16 04:20
mike (...............):

........ there should of course be a 'please' at the end of my last comment

Date: Sun Aug 15 18:14
J (whirlwind):

I am spun in one

Date: Sun Aug 15 18:06
mike ([sa-wa-ro]):

hey tom (frontdesk@congress.com) went to two music shops in totnes.... neither had heard of you!!! what's the deal there then?.............stefan, that's great - will mail tomorrow.........everyone else - go to www.sanjacinto.eu.com and buy rich hopkins 'best of' cd

Date: Sun Aug 15 17:26
greg (Re: glue):

Wonder how his honeymoon is going?

Date: Sun Aug 15 17:25
greg (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Complete BBQ radio sessions? Does such a beast exist? I'd like a copy of that. Backyard BBQ is available for download from emusic.com; although, I still can't bring myself to buy into the whole music downloading concept.

Date: Sat Aug 14 19:39
PaulK (BBQ):

Bradley, are you looking for the official CD or the complete radio sessions BBQ set?

Date: Sat Aug 14 05:26
Lars (wow! :-O):

Went to a gig with American band Deerhoof here in Aarhus last night. One of the best shows I've seen this year. Punk/post-rock/freejazz/"oriental" vocals/energy-like-nothing-else. Drummer was awesome. Absolutely brilliant all the way through! Bought three cds, my god. :-D And they're cool too. Anyone here know them? http://deerhoof.killrockstars.com -- plenty of mp3s there. Greets! / Lars

Date: Fri Aug 13 13:11
Bradley (sound4mind@msn.com):

Jus' tryin' to find that "bbq"session album by Giant sand any ideas? Help...

Date: Thu Aug 12 20:04
Franz (Ricky L):

Glue E. 's in love, innit ?

Date: Thu Aug 12 14:58
Lars (cph):

Sent you a mail as you asked, Howe. Did it reach you? I wasn't a 100% certain about the address. Greets! / Lars

Date: Thu Aug 12 14:49
stefan ((mike)):

get IN touch (of course).

Date: Thu Aug 12 14:48
stefan ((mike)):

:::::::anyone willing to take on the responsibility of re-organising the tree again? i've still plenty of shows..... just need someone who can burn the cd's for the organisors and distribute... anyone up for the task.... stefan? .....:::::::::: hey mike, yes, i'd be willing to to it. I was away for a few days and didn't see your post. get it touch! cheers from munich, stefan

Date: Thu Aug 12 05:15
Tom (front desk):

Wow,is that really you?I am finished stomping in the dust and dreaming about my neighbour ,what should i do now?And can i do that naked as well?

Date: Thu Aug 12 01:51
Tom Waits (the real me):

Can everybody just shut up about me. Go stomp in the dust or dream about your nieghbor naked or something. Hey Howe. Love Tom

Date: Wed Aug 11 15:50
tom (Jörg):

Thanks

Date: Wed Aug 11 14:49
Jörg (benelux waits):

Tom, keep an eye on this site: http://www.anti.com/news.php

Date: Wed Aug 11 14:07
tom belgium (waits for waits):

If anyone on the board would find any info on where and when mr Waits will play in Belgium, could you please let me know ?? I saw his show in Paris in 2000 and it was overwhelming. Looking forward to see Giant Sand in Gent later this year too, by the way, don't think I'm defecting...

Date: Wed Aug 11 09:12
Graham (pulled on trouble's braids.):

Listen to Tracker. Drop everything and order their records Polk and Ames. See Howe's excellent endorsement, listen for the same reason you play Confluence and Glum and Spoke. This is fierce stuff. Anybody else heard this? Am I the last to know?

Date: Wed Aug 11 08:01
FLYNN (for Greg):

Never been to grad school, but I've been to Oklahoma. So it probably wasn't me. We Flynns are everywhere.

Date: Tue Aug 10 20:54
Gibran and Gabriel (Cousins@bloodline.poop):

Hello LUKA Cant wait for you to get home so we can play. Gabe and Gibran says: cant waite for you to come to my B-day party, we will be six on Sept. 2nd. Its only a hundred and four today so its really not that hot. And Hello Luka again. I love you forever for the rest of the day. G&G Gelb

Date: Tue Aug 10 05:46
Jörg (TW tours):

Lars, since reinventing himself in 1983 with "Swordfishtrombones" Tom Waits toured only 3 times (1985, 1987 and 1999 plus a few dates in 2000 and some single appearances through the years, mostly benefit shows)! Besides beeing an extraordinary singer, songwriter & musical free-mind he's also one helluva performer & entertainer! So if you like his work and can afford the ticket price (Berlin beeing extra-expensive because of the theater where it takes place, other shows should be not-as-expensive, at least it was like that the last time around) go see him or you'll regret it later when you're digging deeper into his stuff.....

Date: Tue Aug 10 05:05
Mr. correctthyself (desk):

Tour c.d.s ?To c.d.s.,listen to .

Date: Tue Aug 10 05:01
tom (front desk):

Hears music is a cool store,number one you can listen to tour c.d.s before hand,not a big rock section,but loads ofjazz, world,blues etc and the guys who work there are bigger music geeks than you are,no,really.Also Rainbow music is a block away ,and a philly cheese steak place ,mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Date: Mon Aug 9 23:30
(T)odd (Milk and Scissors / because it feel good / The Other Women):

if yer ever up in Edmonton Ab, Canada...go after cd's/lp's @ Blackbyrd (Myoozik) / Sound Connection / Listen / I got a good Canadian price of about twenty-one dollars today for The Handsome Family & Kelly Hogan. The Corn Sisters...was a used copy and it was autographed...I only got hockey cards signed. Didn't take my Handsome Family cd's to get signed...I got them to sign my program. So what's Hear's Music like in Tucson, AZ...I wonder if I'll ever make it back to AZ I went to Phoenix as a kid...Had to return to the cd/lp store for 1996 Carrot Top -The Handsome Family- 'Milk & Scissors'. Enough for now.

Date: Mon Aug 9 18:35
Lars (how often?):

Hm, links gibberish. Well, for example: I was listening to live music for altogether 11 days in May. 10 in April. About the same in June. 8 in February (two of those days actually being two separate gigs in one evening. I sometimes do if I can manage). How often do you guys go to live shows? I'm down with a sad case of addiction, methinks... / Lars

Date: Mon Aug 9 18:31
Lars (tomtom):

Well, the Europeans get Tom's theatre stuff, but he's not playing IN them! He buggers off back to the states once he's given the music to the director and cast, I suspect. "Woyzeck" WAS nice, though. But I would rather see the man himself. About going to Berlin, that would double the price or more. And Euro is a bit more than dollars, by the way, if I remember correctly. 6.50 to 7.50 Danish Krones respectively or so. And in regards to me saving money on Tom NOT being here....hm, no, sorry, it goes to just about every other musician in the world dropping by here instead. ;-D Just check how far there is between the dates on this one: http://www.larsdideriksen.com/personal/music/concertlist.htm --- he-he-he... :-D Greets! / Lars

Date: Mon Aug 9 18:08
(T)odd (Through The Trees):

...oh I guess I've worked hard this summer to have all this music around me so today I picked up a new copy of the 1997 Carrot Top Release 'Though The Trees' which includes Jeff Tweedy on backup and guitar. It's great...falling deeper into The Handsome Family. Sanders...wishin' ya all well.

Date: Mon Aug 9 17:28
peter (lars):

seems to me that ol' Tom has been performing/working more in Europe than in the US, for instance the Black Rider and Blood Money and all that theatrical stuff. I'd say pay the $70; think of all the money you saved by not being able to see him regularly.

Date: Mon Aug 9 14:58
Lars (TW):

Was thinking.....does Waits play many liveshow in America now that he frequents Europe so rarely? / Lars

Date: Mon Aug 9 14:00
Todd (the chore of enchantment):

...talked w/ B & R Sparks this past weekend and they told me they will be touring this fall w/ Howe/Giant Sand...USA Dates. Sporting a new Handsome Family Octopus T-shirt...some of the songs they sang that I reconized were Whitehaven, The Sad Milkmen, So Much Wine and I think they did 'When That Helicopter Comes' Cute Couple...I like 'em alot...sad the festival is over. Now I want to get ahold of The Handsome Family 'Through the Trees'.

Date: Mon Aug 9 05:13
tom (giant desk):

Hello everybody,saw Tom Waits in 99 in Oakland used some of my rent money ,had to run six blocks back to my flat to get it,but well worth it.Its Tom Waits fer christs sake.Howe Gelb, report to Puebloville your time is up.

Date: Mon Aug 9 02:33
galastore (galasale@lycos.com):

Marlboro $13.95/ Camel $13.95/ West $12.95/ KENT $16.95 with delivery ! www.galastore.com

Date: Mon Aug 9 00:24
Greg (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Went to the Pray for Rain website. Seems like an interesting group. But I literally meant pray for rain because for the first time in my memory it appears that the monsoon is failing in Tucson. Lots of cloudy days but those damn drops never seem to make it to the ground.

Date: Sun Aug 8 17:11
Lars (canadian hummer):

Hayden? Okay, I was wondering if he ever got over the Atlantic. Was it something about him having a fear of flying or something? "Everything I Long For" is still one of my all time favourites. Brilliant album. / Lars

Date: Sun Aug 8 04:56
finn (hayden...):

is also playing at bush hall(london)... Tom Waits!!! love to get hold of tickets to that...

Date: Sun Aug 8 03:23
mc (surfing somehow without the net in the home unit):

Pray For Rain, great band with an intersting background and inclined toward self-imposed obscurity, although you can find snatches on the soundtracks of Alex Cox films. Doing what Calexico was doing before Calexico was doing it, but aided without credit by a guy named Strummer. Lastly, Lars, I somehow remember you bemoaning not seeing the unedited version of Yimou's Hero, so follow this link and you'll find a place to buy the whole she-bang: http://store.fivestarlaser.com/cgi-bin/ecommerce/scan/st=db/sp=displaydvd/ac=yes/sf=0/se=10593.html?id=VAw46gek

Date: Sun Aug 8 02:38
phill (james s):

great cover

Date: Sun Aug 8 02:33
greG (...@....):

Pray for rain.

Date: Sun Aug 8 02:32
GreGh (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Marianne, can't wait for the Drunken Bees DVD. When I was not living in Tucson it made me terribly homesick. Still does even though I am here now. Did anyone else catch Tom Walbanks art show at the Hotel Congress? In addition to being a fine musician he's also a great artists.

Date: Sun Aug 8 02:29
phill (YO HOWE):

Was rickey gelb who you think about racing a mair in that 60s caddy and resistal hat in D_VILLE

Date: Sun Aug 8 00:06
Marianne Suffragette (www.tucsonsuffragettes.com):

ehy gH, do you know how hard it is to find virgins in downtown Tucson !? Tom also did our tattos on the Suffragettes photos. And he is the most believable of the Virgins we interviewed. Go figure... ! (smirk, tommy) On the DVD of Drunken Bees issue.... well, whatever is out there is fine with me ' cause with all the Suffragettes thing going, might be a couple of months before I proudly officially terminally announce the official release of said DVD. I got a bunch of ntsc vhs, though, if anyone is interested. But they won't have all the extra bonus en plus never-seen-before footage I'm gonna add on to said dvd. strike on.

Date: Sat Aug 7 15:53
Bulky (J?):

Hello back J. Who are you? Send me an email at r@rickygelb.com

Date: Sat Aug 7 14:42
gH (gm...@hot....com):

Marianne and Tom.....Went to the Tucson Suffragete site and I feel that is's a great and important project. I especially liked the videos. Is it true that none of those people have voted? I find that shocking. Nice cameo by Tom in the video.

Date: Sat Aug 7 14:36
GregHaldane (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Tom Waits - Closing Time, Down by Law, tons of beautiful music. I urge you to pay the ticket price to see the man. I was too stupid to pay the $70 or so to see him in Seattle a few years ago and have regretted it evey since.

Date: Sat Aug 7 14:33
Lars (Ouch!):

My goodness, between 70 and 100 Euro!!! :-O Well, if it was in Denmark I would have tried to get a ticket. / Lars

Date: Sat Aug 7 10:35
Jörg (TW - ticket prices):

You wouldn't believe it. Hope my wife doesn't find out ;-)....

Date: Sat Aug 7 08:52
Lars (TW):

I guess it would be next to impossible to get tickets for a Tom Waits-show? I would love to see him live. But chances for getting a ticket seem so damn small, that I have almost given up beforehand. Besides it would involve some travelling. What are the ticket prices, by the way? He should play Copenhagen! He made the "Woyzeck" play there. Time for a live show! :-D / Lars

Date: Sat Aug 7 02:32
Jörg (some more Tom Waits Tour info):

Sorry for wasting GiantCommentsSpace again w/ non-related info, but I just read that the Berlin dates of the Waits tour are the only European ones announced yet, more dates in the UK and Benelux-countries will be announced soon! This fall is like heaven to me, with Giant Sand, Tom Waits and Nick Cave touring and new albums by Giant Sand, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Elliott Smith & Nick Cave within a couple of weeks (& a fine Daniel Johnston tribute coming, too!)!!! Can't believe it.....

Date: Sat Aug 7 01:31
Jörg (Tom Waits Tour!!!!):

I know there are a few Sandinistas who also love Tom's stuff - he will "tour" (rather some 3night stands again) the US and Europe this fall!!!! I don't have a link to a complete tour list, but he plays Berlin Nov. 15-17. Like 1999 the shows will sell out very quickly, despite tix beeing very expensive again....

Date: Fri Aug 6 20:13
J (uk):

Will be free, on account of an irretrievable damage thing. Sold out at that particular hall? Also hello R.Gelb

Date: Fri Aug 6 18:05
Bulky (mail@rickygelb.com):

Howe I found a lost Rainer recording on quarter inch tape from 1996. Check your Email. Bro

Date: Fri Aug 6 15:35
Archivist (Rainer's Favorite Movie):

Wasn't it Sunset Boulevard??

Date: Fri Aug 6 15:34
Archivist (or this one..):

http://flac.sourceforge.net/

Date: Fri Aug 6 14:04
SeanT (DP):

SEAN TRACEY, you have purchased the following: 3 X Giant Sand at Bush Hall GENERAL ADMISSION Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 PM Yes , October's end...

Date: Fri Aug 6 13:40
SeanT (dp):

Of course I will , be as sober or as drunk as it suits . i think I still have your Mobile number or did I hand it over to MI5.... np - Wreckless Eric - Bungalow Hi

Date: Fri Aug 6 13:15
Archivist (FLAC Files):

Here is the info on FLAC (it is really just a compression format much like zip that is used to compress wav files). http://wiki.etree.org/index.php?page=FlacFrontend

Date: Fri Aug 6 11:22
dp (for sean):

can you buy me a ticket again old chum, as i have no strings to hold me up. Will be sober this time ( good intention blessed with A liers face)

Date: Fri Aug 6 10:25
Greg ((For Mr. Archivist)):

Dear Mr. Archivist Sir, which media player do we use to play the 'flac' files that you posted?

Date: Fri Aug 6 06:48
mike (sa-wa-ro-oh-no):

well, i have to put my hand up and say that most of what prisoner 56712 says is down to my lack of time due to my life change (i now inhabit a poor over-worked hoteliers body). i've been pretty poor of late in doing anything with the sandman series - a bit dissolute in the various complaints about missing organisors/branches/leaves etc, poor recordings etc. i did have plans of updating it, getting cd's printed, proper artwork and the such....... but now need to get the damn thing back on the road again......... so hows about someone out there?? anyone willing to take on the responsibility of re-organising the tree again? i've still plenty of shows..... just need someone who can burn the cd's for the organisors and distribute... anyone up for the task.... stefan? tommy? james?

Date: Fri Aug 6 04:42
thin (J):

Ta J,..’shape of a woman, temptation of egg’=paen to the womb..yip,can go with. I had ‘egg’ down as somesorta confuscian philosopher..should know better…still long ago when I was a nipper, one of the first records I bought was ‘orgasm addict’ by ‘the buzzcocks’….took the sleeve to my mother “what does this mean”……oh dear oh dear oh dear

Date: Thu Aug 5 20:56
Todd Gray (The Handsome Family will be on my stage):

...Brett and Rennie Sparks will be doing a session/workshop on the stage I volunteer at the Edmonton Folk Festival this Saturday. Absolutely love 'In the Air' and 'Singing Bones'...anyone view the music video for 'Amelia Earhart vs. The Dancing Bear' on In the Air cd. The festival is 25 years old this year and for something to do you can check www.edmontonfolkfest.org...Oh Howe they thanked you in a listing of performers in our weekly See Magazine for last summers performance @ University of Alberta Powerplant...that was so much fun. All this talk about Drunken Bees...I lent mine to a sweet woman who loves Giant Sand but it's been months since I've seen it...i wonder if i'll get it back. Probally...

Date: Thu Aug 5 19:19
SeanT (J said -):

It can be like a home from home at times. yes J it can be . So lets leave it in the jumble style it is . As a member of Postal Blowfish - the Guided By Voices web thingy , I'd like to introduce the np at the end of our Sand postings . np = now playing . Can start a far bit of music swapping type stuff etc and always interesting to see what we are all grooving to. SeanT np - Strychnine - The Fall ( Sonics cover Peel session )

Date: Thu Aug 5 17:51
J ('Got an uncle - I've never met'):

I am seeping into the map. I'm glad that the concensus is to leave this board alone. It can be like a home from home at times. I remember once mentioning taking little b for her 1st zoo visit and sparking a posting frenzy headed by (I think) An Australian scientist type person. Anyway, it was cool, even if I felt a little guilt on the captives part. Go categorise that. Must mention again the superb book by Tim Winton - 'Dirt Music' Can't reccommend it highly enough.

Date: Thu Aug 5 17:45
J (thin):

'scent of a woman, temptation of egg' Surely got to be a paean to the fruit of the womb, waiting to be 'seeded'

Date: Thu Aug 5 17:38
phill (Jorg Lars):

Yes it is a dvd burned from vhs. Great quality.

Date: Thu Aug 5 16:31
Jörg (bees and no end......):

.......well, I guess Phill transfered the original VHS-video to DVDrecordable - right, Phill?

Date: Thu Aug 5 16:19
Lars (Drunken Bees):

In the works? How come Phill is already watching it on dvd then?! :-) / Lars

Date: Thu Aug 5 14:58
Jörg (Drunken Bees again - 10th anniversary this time........):

........wow, this sounds great!! Can't wait :-)

Date: Thu Aug 5 14:12
just (in):

its two-son or two-suns in the high of the summer heat. it clams me though

Date: Thu Aug 5 13:39
Marianne (marianne@amormusic.com):

Hey Greg, I feel just the same as you do about LowYCool. D'y know it's got a snippet of Amor on first ever concert (nogales, mexico), before teh official move from paris to tuxon. + DVD of Drunken Bees is indeed in the works.... 10th anniversary edition !

Date: Thu Aug 5 08:53
thin (small question):

'temptation of egg', it been puzzlin me for a while and i cannot fathom...help please

Date: Thu Aug 5 07:23
thin (stuff):

yip, a grey cloudy mornn be it, eyes a slight bleary and a touch reddened. I have to also just say I kinda like the tricklin and musings thrown up on this page, don’t use other commenty pages so I canna really comment, but I find it keeps head up to date with a variety of things, things amusing and humour touched other times pure fact and I like the uneveness. I came to sand late circa 2001, an amigo of mine passed me a cassette with ‘chore’ on, I can still remember listening to that tape as I waited next to a bus stop and I thought ‘this is the most perfect thing I ever heard’, can still remember thinkin it (and still think it). got hold of most gelbi stuff since then and must say prefer the later years…..although I don’t listen to ‘cover’ hardly, seems to be something hard about it. find it great that that gelbman get better as years progress unlike the majority of musos…a couple of exceptions being reeds ‘new york’ and smogs ‘supper’ which I think is true genius work. listenin to the ‘opera years’ stuff, I am amazed at how those songs got honed and pressed onto ‘chore’, the way the instrument sounds and arrgts get tweaked maintaining heaps of spark eaking out all that aint reqd. it still blows me away (don’t call me cliché man). also with korfee companion, great to hear and also good to know that the versions that appear on the finished ‘listener’ cd seem to be the rightones to fit with the kilter of the rest of the tracks….liked on the video where gelb says he thinks ‘listener’ is a ‘good’ record, master of undrrrrstatment indeedy. good also to see a flickerin sun torched tucson ( I couldn’t understand why a couple of canadian hitchers I picked up a while ago couldn’t understand me saying tucson…..appeared that I pronounce it ‘tucksornn’ in nothern whiteenglish speak….that now remedied) those outdoor shots and also some of the intimate studio glimpses give a real insight the latter recordings, a bbc documentary required me think…could they market howe as a sorta beefheartian beethoven? also noticed that ‘monks’ ‘undergound’ makes a great listening sequel to ‘oggle’, I think ‘undergrounds’ cover photi looks a bit like howes piano room on confluence (or is it chore?? must check). same sorta eclectic goofiness. on a slight mind curve ive noticed that miss harveys name crops up here quite a bit of late…I got hold of uh huh her and am sad to say I find it too evvy, cant get into the instrument sounds (still sounds albinied to me) and find the songs a bit hard…Im always hopin pjh will produce an instrumental set of recorded stuff that have no guitar on it (I guess that my perverse way of trying to get the artiste to try a change of tack) sorry miss harvey, that only my interpretation. also hear that murakami has new novel in the production house, I thought I mention this because I find him the literary equivalent of gelbness. anyways back to the kitchen to find my cd player atopped with downhome2002, hisser, chore, lull, opera years and rainer instrumentals. find that with back door ajar, very cold beers next to, bird calls drifting through window, stove on is prettymuch my heaven, sorta perfecto. ta.

Date: Thu Aug 5 06:49
Lars (scrolling for tad esquire + collaborator chitchat + uncut):

I see what you mean, and I would welcome any Calexico talk (although recently it seems the discussions have been about whether they were a sensitive subject or not). :-) I would probably not start much Calexico talk here myself, because I felt they paled significantly in comparison when I discovered Howe and now they seem less interesting to me. Their "Travelall" tour-cd is still one of my favourites, though. I prefer that one to any other Calexico-release, but hey, that's me. ;-) ### Besides...not much Burns & Convertino left in the new Sand stuff, is there? I'm still not knowledgable about the full sand-backcatalogue so I can be nostalgic about "the good ol' days" like many of you. Only been listening to Howestuff since 2002. - Listened to "Sonisk Postkort" the other day. Fun to hear the shows from back then again. That's me being nostalgic maybe, ha-ha. And I still wouldn't think it would be inappropiate to include a little chit-chat about the more recent Howe collaborators. There are SO many on the full list now, that we can keep talking of nothing else from here 'till christmas. :-) Maybe soon we can talk a bit about the new Ow Ommers Mishi Mishi Mau....whenever that album is coming out (I'm still waiting quite excited - Marie Laurette Friis is such a brilliant singer. Great band(s)). ### There's some Jim White on that Uncut cd, I see. Besides the Giant Sand song I actually found The National, Iron & Wine, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter (I didn't fall for the Sykes solo acoustic stuff I've heard) and Ben Weaver quite interesting. Greets! / Lars

Date: Wed Aug 4 21:18
grEg haLdaNe (For Flynn):

Flynn on this board do I know you from graduate school? Could there be more than one Flynn?

Date: Wed Aug 4 21:07
greG (`~*~`):

And Mrs. Glue-to-be, your man is without peer.

Date: Wed Aug 4 20:55
gREg (+~+):

I don't think that we should limit the topics of discussion on this board. It's quite interesting to hear about the interests of others. I’ve certainly read some books, seen some films and listened to some music that I would not have unless I saw them recommended on this board. And as I mentioned earlier, the comments here seem to ebb and flow as do their specific relationship to Giant Sand. One destructive thing that I’ve observed on other boards (and to a much lesser extent on this board) is the difficulty of conveying the true meaning of a comment without hearing the inflection in the voice or seeing a facial expression. As a result, comments made in jest or as an aside can take on whole new meanings or emphasis. As Sandinistas we need to understand that we share much in common, particularly our love of all things sand. So let’s put aside our differences, understand the causes that bind, and kick some Somoza butt!

Date: Wed Aug 4 20:27
Greg H (~@~):

Glue she must be quite the lady. Congratulations.

Date: Wed Aug 4 20:19
Greg (g):

Anon is the glue that holds us together.

Date: Wed Aug 4 20:11
ANOn (On behalf of those................):

The new is true Gluey is getting marred to his ladey mourn the loss of the good soul. Swerve is nice i am good. Smile like a barrbbeeeeuqe ALrs cand ance again.

Date: Wed Aug 4 19:53
gazelle (woops!):

i meant the know for the flow, or something like that, anyway, has anyone heard of jim white? speaking of m. ward, his guitar playing is on white's new album, drill a hole in that substrate and tell me what you see, and aimee mann does singing on the wonderful first track. definitely worth a listen...

Date: Wed Aug 4 19:48
gazelle (sacrifice the flow for the know):

yo sand-turkeys! get your heads out of the sand, this board is cool! i hate those message boards that have all those loopholes, like what's your address and date of birth? i like to be able to ramble on about rumbles, and i enjoy the crazies too. just goes to show we're all human. fandango #2, here i come! i claim "yer ropes." it's a hard song to play somehow. jumping in with the singing at just the right time can be tricky. hats off to a complicated underestimated songwriter!

Date: Wed Aug 4 18:48
tad esquire, the third (i c):

Complaining and defensiveness go hand and hand. Still, going by that kind of logic, Lars...it seems then we should actually be devoting a lot more time talking about Calexico Burns & Convertino's contributions than Under Byen's. Don't get me wrong, however, I don't mind the Under Byen comments, but I haven't actually heard much of their music outside of Howe's recordings.

Date: Wed Aug 4 18:47
J (Tom):

MMMmmmmm MMmm bang bang stompa shucka bang boom. All that with an ole geetar and an attitude to put the playstation generation in fear of the boogieman. John Lee Hooker gets my vote also. Got the map, comments when digested. (Arrived today, probably be on my headphones when I wake up)

Date: Wed Aug 4 16:33
Lars (by the way...):

...a short note regarding Under Byen. Are the ones complaining about them being mentioned here once in a while unaware that the band is on at least four Howe-releases of late (including the Sandman)? Besides The Listener where talking both Down Home 2002 and the coffee companien here. ### Plenty of talk about the dear Polly too here. I don't mind it at all. Hm, then maybe another question: What's Matt Ward up to these days? And are there any more Howe-releases between Map and that gospel thing? Oh yeah...remembering now...the band & Howe talked (at L'Estragon) about some new Down Home stuff coming out soon too. Getting quite excited about that all too far away September by now. Weee! ;-D / Lars

Date: Wed Aug 4 16:26
Lars (Drunken Bees):

Hey, Phill, is that out on dvd official or is it some "dodgy stuff"? :-D Would love to see it some day, but ntsc vhs don't rumble well with European vcrs... / Lars

Date: Wed Aug 4 11:34
greg (g):

Make that ...once I start I can't stop watching.

Date: Wed Aug 4 10:15
GregH (gmhaldane@hotmail.com):

Bill Monroe..."Body and Soul" a gorgeous song. What about Marrianne's "Low y Cool?" I am very conflicted by the documentary but once I stop watching I can't stop.

Date: Wed Aug 4 05:30
tom (front desk):

Miss Dissard who fillumed Drunken Bees is doing much good work at the moment here ,trying to persuade first time voters to actually get off there arses and do it.Check out www.tucsonsuffragettes.com .Hats off lady,good job. On another note I encourage all first time listeners to go out and buy some John Lee Hooker albums.My name is Tom Walbank and I would endorse this candidate for president,if he wasnt dead.Vote with yours ears.

Date: Wed Aug 4 04:51
tom (front desk):

Howe that zither tune is stuck in my head now.Bill Monroe is as you say ,speed metal, but so are those crazy zither players.I saw Taraf de Haidouks play here in Tucson [gypsy band,highly recomended] and they tore it up.Me and the missus were broke so we snuck in like good little mock gypsies.Cue irate Romany brethren chastising me for political incorrectness.Knackers.Gadjo punk.

Date: Wed Aug 4 04:02
jesus ruiz (The Band Of Blacky Ranchette (Reissue)):

the first album (1985) is on sale (Last Call Records)at:http://store.milesofmusic.com/prodinfo.asp?number=30323

Date: Wed Aug 4 02:49
Jörg (atlantic session & drunken bees):

Paul & Phill - thanks a lot for the infos! (will mail you soon about that DVD, Phill ;-)).

Date: Wed Aug 4 00:04
Phill (Jorg):

have you not seen it . we fans were also supposed to get a Bill Carter documentory on Howe, WERE IS THAT!! any answer for us Sandies in the DUNE,Howe Howe?

Date: Tue Aug 3 23:59
phill (ghog22077@msn.com):

jorg, ive owned three copies of Drunken Bees on vhs But now I have a sweet copy on DVD!!!!!!!!! I can send it straight out in the A.M

Date: Tue Aug 3 19:47
Lars (sandglee):

Thanks for commenting on your sonic whereabouts this evening, Howe. That was a most excellent gig (my facial muscles are sore from smiling, ha-ha. Fun!). Hm, I guess that's what's called an "intimate" gig in the Great Guide To Rock'n'roll....when the audience can help the performer move the mic stand around with their feet and...if I had dared....I could tap the beat on the back of Thøger's upright bass. :-D I sure hope that we don't have to wait a full year for that "gospel record". Those songs where absolutely brilliant. Hooks aplenty that....baited....the.....ears?!...mind?! And great new flea market toys you've found there (what's that headset thing...US Air Force meets Madonna?). :-D Worked great! I've been telling myself to go to that market for ages, but have never gotten around to it. Gotta go now, if stuff like that is sold there. Or have you vacuumed the place of all the weird goodies now? :-D All the best! I hope you enjoy the book (...'s cd) ;-) / Lars

Date: Tue Aug 3 19:19
PaulK (Atlantic sessions):

Jorg, my copy has distortion also. must check the new download mentioned to see if it's there also.

Date: Tue Aug 3 18:40
J (Here):

meaning where I am, not the board. Couch slouch correlation being sorely missed.

Date: Tue Aug 3 18:39
J (Board):

Don't change the board! Enough changes going on around here these days already. Good marieing gloo.

Date: Tue Aug 3 14:31
an (ps one more tyhme):

Getting maried xx

Date: Tue Aug 3 14:30
ANon - ou - mouse ? (English as a forigen bodied launch pad):

well well well my little chumbs how is it that we are here again i have just returned again once more form a holiday quite unlike anyother. paris and the tower and the tramps and the wee and the people and those cars just whats going on. my french ( as seen so excuisitly on this board) is not as bad but boy did i feel inadiquet with those linguistque lonquisteene eaters. Evertime i managed to get so far in conversation they would shoot me down be going real fast .... Just so that i couldnt understand somtimes they would just repete one word/ world over and over into nothing ness. Then in some pig english they would refute my questioning ways? why cant you get drunk in paris they take so long and look horggied if your waitng at the bar with money. (the last what could be classed aas xenoabiica remark is aimed at goodlooking french men working in the service industry anbd top be hoinest i cant balme them for doing it,.) Aslo going to paris was more like heading off to univeristy campus all those fruitin yankie doodle pad shandies wonmdering around off mommi and daddies visa cards saying. well you know have you ever seen the film planet of the apes? yes it changed my life! me too. What is going on America Your fellow country men are running amok in europe there needs to be a culling. and the french have got it right before. A cull based not on creed religion sexuality or shape but in fact one based on being able to see your self and Laugh. A Cull of the Dull. I was for a soft centred noughart moment waiting to visit the top oft the tour effile its crazed and somwhat wrong light show emabrising the french and myself whilst the usofa goes do you know how many rivetes there are. JUst clam it bake boy boy this is over. I need my faith restoring they up set me more than anyone can pushy over confident bright clean little peices of construction know all whos understanding of waiting and sharing is so pour that even rats selling the plauge would leave theoir infested courpses rotting. Please Stop sending them over. Leave us misreable euros in peice.reading just isnt about understanding anyway, look at the shapes and see where they let you go?

Date: Tue Aug 3 12:28
apr (our amniocentesis):

results just came back... good good genes and no extraneous proteins! Who's next (for us)? Speaking of proteins, I'm reading Richard Powers' Gold Bug Variations... fun, any thoughts? DNA, Goldberg, variations, love? Reminds me of the first two chapters of Hofstadter's Godel, Escher, Bach (that I've read three times without ever getting further into the book...)

Date: Tue Aug 3 12:19
howe (couch slouch):

hey tom.... just witnessed ol orsen welles last night... watching THE THIRD MAN ...which was rainer's favorite movie (....right patti ???) and the zither music of its soundtrack is sounding more incredulous then ever, which was what rainer kept trying to get me to pay attention to....he was so tickled by it....and now as i age i can understand it's deliciousness....like wine ....not gallo wine ...orsen's. and LARS .....it looks like we as giant sand are going to go back down to l'estragon cafe tonight about 10:00 and just play for an hour or so.....so ....well....just so so. and what else...? welp, ok then. let's rumble - but man, it is unbelievable how many pregnant women walk the streetz in our neighborhood. it is a huge breeding ground up here. and the beer is twice as cheap as down below too. a couch slouch correlation perhaps -h

Date: Tue Aug 3 11:01
tom (desk):

Which ones?Watch out !Here come the aliens!Rosebud aliens on sleds?

Date: Tue Aug 3 10:29
Blaine (wine desk):

Tom - you drank it before it's time. Heed the word of Orson We