.
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Sunday, January 15, 2006, 10:07 PM
Wiped the blackboard again!
From: stephen
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 10:10 AM
Need cheering up. Think i've got S.A.D. Wish Spring would come.......
From: vps
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 12:43 PM
Hi Stephen,
Head on down to http://thetriffids.com/audio.shtml and get yourself approx. 30 free MP3s of rare Triffids & Dave McComb. There's some very rare previously unpublished demos from the vaults of Graham Lee there. That should cheer you up!
From: vps
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 12:51 PM
it's hardly a consolation but it's dark, cold, windy and snowing in Helsinki. Mind you, those Bathers reissues and new album would come in handy to beat the winter blues.
From: David Holmes
Email: <dizzydetour@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 04:43 PM
Hello
Can you please try and get this email to Caluum McNair as we would like him to see our web site that we have put together as there is a page on it regarding his old band that he was in, in 1977.
http://www.detour-records.co.uk/bored_teenagers.htm
It would be great if he can fill us in with any details or any photos or news paper cuttings would be great.
Thanks for this
David Holmes
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 07:31 PM
Test for JJ
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 07:36 PM
Its been a long time since anyone reported problems posting to the guestbook but someone is once again having problems. I know there are people out there who had problems in the past so I wonder if any of you know how you fixed it? Or did it just start working? I know that British Telecom sometimes mess about with what is called "virtual" urls so if anyone has problems try entering the site using http://www.btinternet.com/~jimmysmith/ and see if its helps! Otherwise maybe its security settings? I dont use cookies or have anything dodgy so its safe to make this site trusted zone or whatever!
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2006, 08:53 PM
VPS are you.. like..Santa? Good work. Stephen I too live a full happy to ho-hum exsistence despite the similar seemingly doom and gloom playlists discussed previously...hell I'd even throw in Tindersticks. But lets face it Jan/Feb suck. Nothing happens. Anywhere. Ever. Jimmy your site is flawless and has never given me any grief, apart from the occasional false dawn. Right, I'm away to watch the kettle boil....
From: vps
Posted on: Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 08:06 AM
Lots of good stuff recommended on this site. There definitely seems to be similar vibe going on here as there is on the Triffids forum. Anyone here heard of the Devastations (orig. from Melbourne, currently of Berlin) that's been highly recommended on the triffids forum? Haven't heard them myself yet but apparently should appela to anyone into Nick Cave, Tindersticks, etc. I'm pretty new to Bathers myself, just discovered it last year but it's growing more and more on me + I've spread the good word up here in Santaland, and have managed to get a couple of new Finnish fans for the Bathers ... of course cd availability is a bit of an issue here.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, January 19, 2006, 10:00 AM
But you can get all the CDs from Jimmy so there's nae excuse......I used to like Tindersticks until i heard Vic Reeves Pub Singer.Same with Neil Young, sounds like Kermit The Frog ! Still love him tho' especially On The Beach and Zuma and American Stars n Bars and the much underrated Old Ways check it out. I love Country (he confessed) which is how i got into The Triffids via Once A Day.......
From: vps
Posted on: Thursday, January 19, 2006, 11:29 AM
Oh yes, Neil Young. One of my old favourites. Of the ones you mentioned I think I only have "American stars 'n bars". I always liked "Time fades away" a lot as well. Haven't listened to it in ages. Have to dig out the old vinyls once again. Been meaning to for a while & not just because of Neil Young.
As for the Bathers stuff, I'm pretty well-sorted personally, "Lagoon Blues" being the only one of the "official" stuff I'm missing. Thought to wait for the reissues but as there is no word of them might have to put some more effort into finding a copy. ´Bought couple of copies of "sunpowder" (1 for well-appreciated present) from (as it turned out) Chris just before xmas and it was a revelation. In my books, second only to KB.
-18 degrees celsius in Helsinki today, god I hate winter!
From: vps
Posted on: Thursday, January 19, 2006, 11:37 AM
BTW, in case some of you haven't noticed there's a treasury fo pretty interesting stuff available for viewing & listening pleasure on http://www.kcrw.com/show/mb "Morning becomes eclectic" show from a San Diego college radio KCRW. As the name says pretty eclectic wide-ranging stuff but most very interesting. Trashcans have couple of appearances there + Paul Buchanan's quite amazing acoustic set of Blue Nile material. But as I said, well worth checking out in any case.
From: drmjb
Email: <drmjb@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Thursday, January 19, 2006, 10:51 PM
'''Paul Buchanan's quite amazing acoustic set of Blue Nile material'''
Couldn't find this any links please
From: drmjb
Email: <drmjb@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Thursday, January 19, 2006, 10:52 PM
'''Paul Buchanan's quite amazing acoustic set of Blue Nile material'''
Couldn't find this any links please
From: vps
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2006, 08:56 AM
It appears no longer to be in the actual listings but can be found through the search function. Here's the link: http://www.kcrw.com/cgi-bin/db/kcrw.pl
From: vps
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2006, 09:00 AM
Sorry, wrong link. Here's the link straight to the Paul Buchanan performance: http://kcrw.com/smil/mb040930Paul_Buchanan.ram
From: amy wyper
Email: <amywyper@yahoo.com>
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2006, 11:09 AM
Can someone help me get in touch with Ken McHugh?
From: drmjb@hotmail.com
Email: <drmjb@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2006, 01:08 PM
Thanks
Below = link to list of live sessions ...........LOTS
http://soundseclectic.com/cgi-bin/db/kcrw.pl?tmplt_type=se_home
From: Barry
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2006, 05:56 PM
The Paul Buchanan stuff is absolutely outstanding. Thank you for the link!
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Friday, January 20, 2006, 08:29 PM
Amy I have passed your request to chris for forwarding to ken as I cant find his email. Your not "amy the singer" I met in Frankensteins last night are you? Went to see Horse last night. Sad to see so few people and a great gig considering I only knew 2 songs as I`d been away for so long. She still has the "voice" though and all the songs played were superb. However I found it really strange to be leavig the gig at 8mins past ten!!!! he he all the more drinking time I suppose as I didnt leave the city until after 3am as usual!
From: joejune yang
Email: <joejune_ycc@yhoo.com>
Posted on: Sunday, January 22, 2006, 02:28 PM
hi, i am come for malaysia, i am cocteau twins fans, one day i hv download a song "the dutch venus" featuring Liz, the song very nice,love the music love the mood, i dun know who u r, but i will try go to CD shop find ur CD.i though u r best singer in classic. have a nice day! ^___^
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Sunday, January 22, 2006, 10:46 PM
The CD featuring Liz Fraser that you are looking for is "Sunpowder" and I think you can still order this CD from sales@thebathers.co.uk
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Sunday, January 22, 2006, 10:48 PM
Oh and there is also a video of the band featuring Liz available in the VIDEO section......its the very last one at the bottom of the page and the only one that still works!
From: amy wyper
Email: <amywyper@yahoo.com>
Posted on: Monday, January 23, 2006, 02:58 PM
Thanks Jimmi - definatley not the singer you met:) Just an old uni mate of ken's and we lost touch.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Monday, January 30, 2006, 07:15 PM
Anyone else into that guy Richard Hawley ? I got his CD "Coles Corner" recently and it's a real grower , full of late night tales of lost love and rainy streets , just the kind of thing we Bathers fans revel in. Pretty good album , give it a try if you haven't heard him.
From: GM
Posted on: Monday, January 30, 2006, 11:08 PM
Not suprisingly, yes I have all of Richard Hawley's 3 albums and 1e.p./mini album. I picked up 'Lowedges' when it came out and raved about it. Another one of those albums that was played on a loop at home, in the car etc. I quickly bought the rest of his stuff, loved it too. Thing is auld Richard has a tendency to overegg the sentiments at times, which I think is a flaw. He has absolute classic tracks though in his collection. A great compilation tape. Note: Scott Walker produced the last Pulp album ['We love trees' (?)] on which Richard played. The great Scott heard Richard and told him to record his own stuff at once. Similar vocals. Coached! Fact!!
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Monday, January 30, 2006, 11:20 PM
Stevie you remind me of a friend of one of the cameramen I had working with me, who would enter the flat, and if the Bathers were playing he would say "oh no its that band again who do the songs about the wind and the rain". That was 12 years ago and ever since this guy has been known to our circle of friends as "The wind & the rain man" :o)
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Monday, January 30, 2006, 11:25 PM
I never made it to see John Cale at the weekend....has anyone caught him on tour? Jackie Leven is my next one at ABC in Feb if I make it.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, January 31, 2006, 04:39 PM
'coles corner' was one of my faves from last year...i'm a sucker for heartbreak. i visited hawley's messageboard and he is very affable with all the other members, answering any questions they may have, etc.anyway hawley's music has been my soundtrack this year
From: jomugu
Email: <jomugu@yahoo.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, January 31, 2006, 10:32 PM
i dey maga
From: Chris Ring
Email: <chrisring@tiscali.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, February 01, 2006, 12:24 AM
Hi, I saw your website and members' correspondence, and I thought you would like to know that I have just posted on Ebay the original Island Records transparencies for the artwork of the Fortuny album by Bloomsday. As well as the actual pictures used, there are other similar images that were rejected.
Best regards, Chris
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Friday, February 03, 2006, 07:04 PM
I apologise for being slightly smug but i really can't help myself after securing a pair of priceless tickets for Paul Buchanan live in Glasgow (May ).It's going to be absolutely soooperb and i only wish i had a Bathers one to look forward to as well.Since i was in early i had the chance of tickets for the other two nights but i think that it's unfair to other fans who'd miss out. So , just the Saturday for me..... Paul Buchanan , Saturday Night , Glasgow the only thing that could improve it is if it rains !
From: Jimmy
Email: <avmaster@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Friday, February 03, 2006, 07:09 PM
Is it solo or band? I heard he hadnt made up his mind...if its anything like that session. Where can I get tickets?
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 12:22 AM
I got my sat night tickets too! Going with one mate stevie so if u fancy a beer pre gig give me a shout nearer the time. We will probably go into the city in the afternoon get something to eat then to the boozer.
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 12:25 AM
Oh and its some rush...at 7pm I was being offered row b in the circle and at 11pm the only seats left were in the upper circle which only holds about 50 people. So thats a real fast sell out of that night.
From: GM
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 03:06 AM
Aye you two enjoy yourselves. Hope it does bloody rain. Not much chance of Mr. Buchanan visiting Belfast. Only played here once with the other two fellas and greated throughout with very polite and civilised applause. Found the whole experience very tedious, down to the venue and audience though; and I was completely sober. No afternoon boozing for me, eh lads?
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 12:02 PM
GM i know how much you love your music mate (and all good stuff too) so im sorry son , truly .
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 12:06 PM
Actually ,now that i think on, do you know what i said about only going to one night to give others a fair chance ? Well i seem to remember that Jimmy Smith doesn't even like The Blue Nile but he's taking up a seat that a true fan like GM could have......over to you Jimmy ?
From: arthur seaton
Email: <scobo67@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 04:50 PM
is the sweet deceit cd coming out and does anyone know where i can download ,buy ,borrow alan rankines ist cd with the mighty elephants walk in morning glory track ,best wishes
From: Jimmy
Email: <avmaster@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 06:51 PM
Stevie you are correct........if it was the Blue Nile then I probably would have no interest but when I heard that session and then saw it was him solo playing I couldnt resist. Last time I saw the nile was at the Kings Theatre and it was £6!!!!!! How times change! The scramble for tickets also makes me think that perhaps the latest BN album is good? Yes? No? Maybe?
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 07:05 PM
It's superb Jimmy . BN are like The Bathers in that all their work is of a very high standard tho' obviously fans all have their own faves. I can't help but feel that you can't have given their stuff enough of a chance because Hats is an all time classic which i put on a pedestal alongside Lagoon Blues/Sweet Deceit. I beg , nay , implore you to give that album and High (the latest) a fair go......
From: Jimmy
Email: <avmaster@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 09:24 PM
I liked Walk across and Tinsel from the 1st album and I liked Lets go out but everything else was mediocre and although I do like Easter Parade too. Now the Bathers have given me stuff like Honeysuckle, Idyll, Grascefruit, Holmwood, Carnival, Heemstra, Thrive, No risk, Faithless, Angel, Kelvingrove, If love could last, Trocco, Crombie, Delier, Pistol, Mem fever, etc etc etc man its just no contest at all he he Maybe Chris should do a solo acoustic tour!!!! Now that WOULD be something....especially if Jimmy Grant joined him......
From: Jimmy
Email: <avmaster@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, February 04, 2006, 09:30 PM
Oh yes and Stevie I HAVE heard HATS many times...minimum of 100 times! It wasnt so awful that I wouldnt play it so it was on all the time but it never grew in any way. And when I went to see them it was the exact same as the way Gerry describes it. Boring....really really boring. I think though that PB on his own might be somewhat "refreshing" and I bet the gigs will be good. I will of course check out their latest album before the gig!
From: wee stevie
Email: <varella42@yahoo.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, February 05, 2006, 12:31 AM
HI all. Paul Buchanan was on the Billy Sloan show last week and said hopefully the other 2 guys? would be diving in as well.I think owing to the fact that blue moons appear more frequently than PB Im going 1st and last.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Sunday, February 05, 2006, 04:02 AM
this is good news. maybe he'll decide to do a few dates in the states. as much as i like the blue nile, there's just no comparison between them and the bathers. out of all their albums, i happen to like the 'high' the most...oh, and a solo chris tour is always a good idea, i would even fly over to see it..
From: GM
Posted on: Sunday, February 05, 2006, 04:27 AM
Jimmy..bang on the money with the Bathers list. And yeah to solo acoustic gig by CGT. Hell I'd pay for the venue even, 'cept I've bills and stuff. Anybody got a back garden free? And by the by I have probably listened to 'Hats' more than any other album bar 'UPTD' and 'Sweet Deceit'; 'Tinseltown' will always be in my top ten tracks list...but live...the awe factor is missing. Too A to B to C I'm afraid.. & 'High' better than 'Peace..'& my cover's blown! Gerry it is then, GM was much easier to type too..
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Tuesday, February 07, 2006, 07:14 PM
Received a lovely parcel from Amazon yesterday :From Gardens Where We Feel Secure by Virginia Astley . Brilliant .
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, February 07, 2006, 11:37 PM
............. Who? Is this some kind of find the obscure artist challenge? ....Stumped!
From: Patrik
Email: <Patrik.Corrigan@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, February 08, 2006, 08:01 AM
Good call from Stephen. From Gardens.... is a majestic piece of work. Virginia was formerly part of an all girl trio known as the Ravishing Beauties.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Thursday, February 09, 2006, 04:05 PM
yeah, great album stephen. the best thing to throw on to celebrate the start of springtime.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, February 09, 2006, 07:18 PM
Mind you i'm also playing Ian Dury "New Boots And Panties"....from Virginias beautiful reveries to "Arseholes Bastards fucking Cunts and Pricks" in one easy move !
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, February 09, 2006, 07:27 PM
Can anyone tell me if his second album "Do It Yourself" is worth getting ?
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Sunday, February 12, 2006, 02:31 AM
since we're still hovering near the topic of the blue nile, has anyone heard the album called 'song' by it's immaterial? very reminscent of the blue nile in some ways with the songs moving quite slow and the instrumentation being quite minimal. i would definitely recommend it. whatever happened to them? i'd sure like to know.
From: GM
Posted on: Sunday, February 12, 2006, 06:52 PM
The albums you forget about eh?...Michael, 'Song' was the follow up to It's Immaterial's debut album 'Life's Hard And Then You Die' which had two unique tracks 'Ed's Funky Diner' and 'Driving Away From Home' both minor hits in the '80's. They had an odd ramshackle vaudeville quality, but I thought a cracking tune throughout at the time. 'Song' was their..ahem..mature follow up. Pleasant but nothing memorable. The tune muse had left by this stage. Nice in an odd way though. Strangely 'Hats' and 'Life's Hard..' were the very first two CDs i bought when upgrading to CD way back when.
From: GM
Posted on: Sunday, February 12, 2006, 07:17 PM
That was the end of them by the way as they only sold 2 copies of 'Song', clearly the one you bought and the one I bought..Walker fans..This months 'Mojo' says Scott is recording a new album for 4AD but rumoured to be recording sound of side of beef being hit with hammer...sigh... if this is true, if any of you know which plub he plays darts in, please go there and smack him in the face with his precious dart board. Has he actually heard 'Tilt'?
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Monday, February 13, 2006, 01:11 AM
i was just reading about s.walker's new album, which i believe is called 'the drift'. very big fan of his as i assume most of the people who visit here are as well. gm, i happen to find 'song' a very good listen, but i still cannot compare it to their previous album because i don't have it.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2006, 08:44 AM
Recommended Listening For St. Valentines Day :It can only be the magnificently heart-rending glory that is Songs Of Love Live by Mark Eitzel .A classic for all time.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Tuesday, February 14, 2006, 08:45 AM
Or "If You Knew " by Nina Simone
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2006, 06:41 AM
I was reading all your comments about Scott Walker with great interest and would like to give his music a try. Which of his albums would be a good starter? I listened to some sound samples yesterday and I think his music will have to grow on me, before I really like it ;-) (just my first impression) - but I'm willing to give it a try. Your recommendations are highly appreciated. Cheers, Peter (who is listening to Richard Hawleys "Cole's Corner" at the moment, which is IMHO superb).
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, February 16, 2006, 02:54 PM
Peter, the best way to start with Scott Walker for my money is a compliation called 'Boy Child - the best of 1967-1970'. This is the period when Scott was at his most prolific. The compilation centres around Scotts own compositions, but this is only a fraction of the story. Scott was a great interpreter of other peoples work, in particular Jaques Brel. The Brel numbers are awesome. 'Boy Child' was my starting point and it worked for me. It may take a while to 'click' at first, but if you like the 'Coles Corner' track itself, you should have no problem. DO NOT buy 'Climate of Hunter' or 'Tilt' or you will be put off. You are a lucky man discovering all these classics for the very first time, they are all like old friends to me now.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2006, 08:48 AM
There's also a cheap and easy to get hold of compilation called The Collection ( i got it in HMV for 4 quid) which has such delights as Joanna , If you go Away and Duchess on it.See my wee review on Amazon uk.. A good (cheap) starting point for the Scott neophyte.
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2006, 10:41 AM
Hi GM! Many thanks to you for your kind recommendation. I’ve just ordered a copy and I’m really looking very forward to it. I’ve never regretted any recommendation made on this site, so I’m pretty sure that it will be the same with S. Walker this time. However I really love that kind of music, which needs a couple of listens before it attracts. Again many thanks!!! Peter
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Friday, February 17, 2006, 01:51 PM
Hi Stephen! Many thanks to you too for the recommendation. I really appreciate that :-). Cheers, Peter
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Saturday, February 18, 2006, 08:59 AM
Blue Nile singer Paul Buchanan has set up his first solo tour which will consist of 70% Blue Nile songs , the rest covers. Dates (excluding Glasgow which is sold out i believe) are :Manchester Bridgewater (May 21) Birmingham Symphony (22) Liverpool Philharmonic (23) Bristol Colston (24) Gateshead Sage (30) Brighton Dome ( June 1) and London Barbican (2) . Tickets 20 quid, have fun......
PS all lovers of late - night lullabies and mournful melodies (and i KNOW they frequent this site) could do worse than check out "Sorry I made You Cry " by The Czars which is those things and more.
From: Stephen
Posted on: Saturday, February 18, 2006, 12:26 PM
Also , you can get phone numbers for all the venues above on the Blue Nile's web-site.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, February 19, 2006, 10:31 AM
Actually , they're still advertising Pauls Glasgow gigs in todays Sunday Mail so it doesn't seem to be sold out after all...May 26 27 & 28 i believe Royal Concert Hall.
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Sunday, February 19, 2006, 11:54 PM
Adverts in the Mail would have been pre booked Stevie so it probably means nothing!
From: GM
Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2006, 02:04 PM
Stephen, The The's 'Hanky Panky' [dear god..please forgive me] put me off cover albums for life. What's the rest of the Czars stuff like? By the way everyone, are there ANY great albums being made anymore? I can't remember the last time I heard an album that made me want to tell everyone about it. Maybe it's just my age. I turn 36 this week and I think I've listened to too much music. To you older folks: is this normal?
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2006, 04:41 PM
GM wrote: “By the way everyone, are there ANY great albums being made anymore? I can't remember the last time I heard an album that made me want to tell everyone about it. Maybe it's just my age. I turn 36 this week and I think I've listened to too much music. To you older folks: is this normal?“
First of all – Happy Birthday to you GM. I do not know if this is normal but as I’m 40 years old I just feel the same as you. Apart from “The Bathers” I haven’t found any hidden treasure in the last couple of years. Maybe we are indulged by good music ;-), so it’s too hard to find the same quality again? However I keep an eye on this site – as I noticed some fine recommendations here, which may fulfil my high expectations. Scot Walker is my new hope ;-).
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Monday, February 20, 2006, 06:32 PM
The one album that has really stood out for me is UNKLE`s latest album! At the grand ole age of 46 I have also got into a whole lot of stuff which is a million miles from all the stuff you guys talk of.....Faithless,Underworld,Chemical Brothers, Tosca, DJ Format, Felix Da House Cat, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Cafe Del mar, Futureshock are the main players! :o) If you like a bit of soul/r&b check out jagged Edge`s album "HARD". Magic Numbers album is nice easy listening, Katherine Williams too. Lots of good stuff on the Moby albums too.I wonder how many bathers fans have checked out the work of BLACK (Colin Vearncombe)? A WEALTH of good stuff there!!! http://colinvearncombe.com/news/colin-on-rte-r1 for a listen........
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 12:11 AM
Jimmy, my musical tastes are fairly broad too. DJ Shadow is a legend..'Endtroducing' would be in my top ten, if such a list existed. FourTet equally so. And I am curious as to whether the Avalanches are plotting a return. Underworld, Orbital, Faithless, Massive et al. Spiritualised, Mercury Rev, Wilco for the other edge...BUT you may have scratched an itch with the Black mention. I haven't visited there since the '86 heyday. You might just have something there! Good work fella..
From: Munroe
Email: <munroe12345@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 01:40 PM
Hi Peter,
Yes, I too have found it more and more difficult to find that 'great' CD. I think it is an age/listened to too much music thing - you are right. But, unlike some others, I have headed down a different route of music, and I find I'm enjoying 'folk' music a little more. However, the new A-ha CD,'Analogue' has reminded me why I love music so much and I'm grateful to it.
From: Stephen
Posted on: Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 04:05 PM
Jimmy , i actually like some of the "stuff" you mention but more from the ambient angle so i dig Moby tracks like The Sun Is Always Setting and Summer but not really his faster or vocals tracks.Also GM , Four tets My Angel Rocks Back and Forth is possibly my most played track of the last few years , genius.Also please check out 74:14 by Global Communication its amazingly good.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 05:54 PM
i'm not sure what age has to do with anything but at the ripe age of 26, i continue to find new and exciting music all the time. of course, not all of it is current. at the same time, we are all spoiled since we know the delights of the bathers' music, and nothing could compare to that, or at the very least, the pure sincerity of the music. i've been listening to the apartments album 'fete foraine' lately and i view peter milton walsh as a kindred spririt to cgt..go have an ear.
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Thursday, February 23, 2006, 07:56 AM
@GM: I just wanted to inform you, that I received Scott Walkers CD „Boy Child “ and all I can say is, that it made my day yesterday :-)). I’m really overwhelmed by it’s sheer beauty and it is exactly, what I always was looking for. Thank you very, very much for that recommendation. After listening to the sound-samples I was a little bit sceptic – as they gave me the impression to listen to some Engelbert Humperdinck songs (sorry to those guys, who love this kind of music, but it’s all a matter of taste and this one is not mine – so no offence;-))). I will look out now for Scott I – IV. Again many thanks for the recommendation, that’s great stuff.
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, February 23, 2006, 04:55 PM
Peter, glad you are enjoying your album and that you 'got' it. The casual listener sometimes only hears the nickel and dime crooner, such as the one you mentioned; but as you will discover, there is more depth, soul and honesty here, than found with any Vegas deadweight.
From: GM
Posted on: Wednesday, March 01, 2006, 08:38 PM
Check out latest 'Q' at your newstand, p25 & their world exclusive [their words] interview with Scott Walker. New album in May, and it sounds worse than 'Tilt'...Clearly then: its over to you CGT. I shall never speak of that Engel bloke again!
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, March 02, 2006, 09:33 AM
Anyone heard anything about the new American Music Club and Shack albums ?
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, March 02, 2006, 03:14 PM
Looks like a May release for both those albums Stephen. Busy month by all accounts.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Thursday, March 02, 2006, 08:40 PM
didn't know you guys were shack fans as well. go to www.shacktheband.com to listen to some new tracks. very excited about their new album.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Friday, March 03, 2006, 07:07 PM
We'll give anyone who's brilliant but under - appreciated a fair hearing Micheal 'cos we Bathers fans know how it feels. Best Shack album isn't really a Shack album (!) but the Micheal Head and the Strands masterpiece from a while back , absolute genius.
Also , i played Lagoon Blues yesterday for the first time in ages - by Gracefruit my heart was pounding and i almost wept a tear of joy at how great it still is . Viva The Bathers !!!
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, March 07, 2006, 11:06 PM
Seen/heard the new Ask Jeeves advert? That's the sublime voice of Sam Beam and his 'Iron and Wine'. Ain't it purdy? You all should really check out 'Iron and Wine' whilst we're all waiting... Have I ever been wrong?
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 08, 2006, 06:50 PM
While we're all waiting ? I gave up "waiting" long ago GM - you'd be better off Waiting For Godot . . . .
From: vps
Posted on: Thursday, March 09, 2006, 08:35 AM
Ordered some Scott Walker (who I for some reason have always passed by previously) on the strength of recommendations on this & the triffids site and it's just plain marvelous stuff. Thanks for the recommendations guys!
and hey, good things come to those who wait ; )
From: vps
Posted on: Thursday, March 09, 2006, 08:41 AM
On the subject of Iron & Wine, what do you reckon GM, what would be a good album for a newcomer to Iron & Wine. I have The Sea & the Rhythm EP which is pretty good but not quite as encrossing as I expected.
From: Phil
Email: <philhogarth@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Thursday, March 09, 2006, 02:14 PM
I was wondering if anybody else here has listened to the new Miracle Mile album 'Glow'. Well worth checking out,if you haven't already done so.Shades of Paddy McAloon, Roddy Frame, Burt Bacharach.The album can be heard on their website at www.miraclemile.co.uk
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, March 09, 2006, 09:13 PM
VPS I would recommend 'Our Endless Numbered Days' as an Iron & Wine starting point; if not download 'Passing Afternoon' as a track to treasure. You do kind of need a certain set of circumstances for this music to really cast its spell..late summer evening in the garden, second glass of wine and that 'ain't life great' notion flirting with you.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Thursday, March 09, 2006, 11:05 PM
i like iron & wine, but after some time, i think it starts to wear a little thin. of course it's always pleasent music but just something about it....jose gonzalez is an interesting new artist in a similar vein to iron & wine, and i believe a song of his appears in an advert as well...the path of the folk artist these days...
From: vps
Posted on: Friday, March 10, 2006, 08:43 AM
Cheers GM! I'll check that one out. I liked the Sea and the Rhythm enough to want to explore further, just didn't quite know where to go from there. Maybe I really should wait for the late ...well, any summer evening. Then again life is generally good and wine is to be had even if it still freezing up here, so 2 out of 3 isn't bad I suppose, and buying new music is the one thing that keeps me going in these arctic conditions. That and the wine ... come to think of it Iron & Wine might just be the prescription for surviving North European winters.
From: derek gleghorn
Email: <derek-gleghorn@tiscali.co.uk>
Posted on: Friday, March 10, 2006, 09:18 PM
Heres me thinking this was a Bathers website.Least it was the last time i was here.
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, March 11, 2006, 07:01 PM
Derek someone commented on this by email but my feelings on it is that so long as it is genuine Bathers fans talking then they can talk about anything they like. If strangers were coming here and talking off topic then things would be different. IIt also keeps the site alive and while the Bathers output is zero its good to know that there are still people out there suffering, like us, from a bit of sundown and longing.
From: GM
Posted on: Saturday, March 11, 2006, 09:35 PM
Derek, I am genuinely interested in the musical journey Bather's fans have taken. I have been there ever since UPTD was released, when at the age of 17, I suddenly realised that music wasn't all about disposable little tunes. Not everybody likes the Bather's as I'm sure us who have forced their music onto others have discovered. So what makes us loyal lot 'get it'? Our musical listening experience helps chart some sort of thread to where we are now. The lack of new product and lack of input from the main man in this site, does lead to a lack of focus, but don't think for one minute the passion for all things 'Bathers' has dimmed.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, March 12, 2006, 09:57 AM
Read what Derek had to say and was about to get all fired up but.......well said GM ! !
From: Steve
Email: <vagu999@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Sunday, March 12, 2006, 11:45 AM
Are The Bathers planning any gigs in the near future?
Are the bands still together/performing?
Please forgive my ignorance.........
From: Steve
Email: <vagus999@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Sunday, March 12, 2006, 11:50 AM
By the way I LOVE the music and can't believe it has taken me so long to discover it. Always the 'Johnny Come-lately' .................. oh well. Great work!
From: derek gleghorn
Email: <derek-gleghorn@tiscali.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, March 12, 2006, 11:32 PM
Sorry folks.Didnt mean to "fire up" anybody.That wasnt my intention at all.I guess its just bloody frustration at the lack of any news.I too have been there since Unusual Places To Die(before that if you count Friends Again) and have travelled from my home in Newcastle(and by the way Shearer is STILL a legend) to Edinburgh and Glasgow on 7 occasions to see the band in concert.Guess i need to chill a bit. Best wishes everybody.
From: vps
Posted on: Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 08:45 AM
I suppose there is only so much you can say about greatness of The Bathers albums. It is great & encouraging to see (as a newcomer myself) that even without any publicity at all, the Bathers are still discovered by new people all the time. Life-affirming, I'd say.
On the subject of what else people are listening to, I bought Willard Grant Conspiracy's "Regard the end" over the weekend and it's great. Somewhere between the Triffids & Nick Cave, very accessible but clearly a grower too.
From: Stephen
Posted on: Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 09:41 AM
Right Derek , let me get this sorted - - first you moan that it's a Bathers site and there's too much other music then you mention bloody football ! Make up your mind .
From: derek gleghorn
Email: <derek-gleghorn@tiscali.co.uk>
Posted on: Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 10:18 AM
only a tinsy winsy little mention stephen.
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 08:11 PM
Since the 'Gleghorn Incident' of March 2006, I've been wondering..On occassion I would delve into the James Grant website just to see if any Bathers info slips in. Now Mr. Grant has his own section, where he sketches thoughts, lyrics and even rants at his fans. The fans have then their own forum, like we do, and generally take the lead from JG. It's all good fun. Now Jimmy, how's about blackmailing CGT with those photos you've got[!?], for him to contribute in similar style. Is he that busy? It might even prevent another 'Gleghorn Incident'...
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 08:14 PM
...and another thing. James Grant still pops up on 'Bathers' albums. How come Chris never appears on James Grant albums?
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 09:23 AM
Simple , by appearing on a Bathers album James elevates himself to a higher lyrical , musical and emotional plane . Why should Chris lower himself ?
I'd agree though that Chris' workrate and lack of concern over his fans/legacy/career(!) is worrying. He doesn't seem to give a .... damn.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 09:30 AM
It's fair to say that Bathers releases don't make much money or sell to many people but i always thought that Chris didn't care about any of that , he was in it because as an Artist he had no choice - what was in him had to come out. Maybe he could tell us why that no longer applies.Maybe we could do like Marillion did and all chip in for a new album (towards recording costs) . See this months The Word magazine for a feature on artists who keep their careers on track by interacting and communicating with their fans , interesting stuff.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 09:36 AM
Chris, if you've grown tired of it all and can't get into it anymore and it all takes up too much time , effort and money and it wears you down - we'll understand and we won't hold it against you. We love you and your music and we'd get over it and treasure what we have had. But it would be nice to know either way . . . .
From: Munroe
Email: <munroe12345@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 08:44 PM
Stephen says: 'Simple , by appearing on a Bathers album James elevates himself to a higher lyrical , musical and emotional plane . Why should Chris lower himself ?'
Hmm, a flame if I've ever heard one (I trust/hope it was tounge in cheek)... James Grant is every bit as talented as CT. They are, to me, musical equals. I think you are quite wrong... and it's also an insult to anyone (such as myself) who found out about The Bathers through a James Grant connection.
From: Munroe
Email: <munroe12345@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 08:45 PM
Oh, I missed out my name on the above James Grant supporting post!
From: ZEBEDEE
Email: <magicroundabout@bbc.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 11:42 PM
Then Zebedee appeared and suddenly as if by magic....time for bed!
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, March 16, 2006, 11:19 AM
Don't give up just yet Stephen. The offical word I have is 'frustrating' and that an album is in the pipeline, somewhere. Whether the delay is a publishing problem or creative problem, I am unsure. As far as the 'Marillion-fix', I would certainly be enthused if it was benefical to all involved. However, media anaylists and current trends suggest that 'downloads' is the way forward; record shops and labels to wilt away. Perhaps Chris could explore this avenue. We would certainly purchase his doodles, as well as fully realised pieces I would have thought. Let's call a CGT and JG truce, that was played out in the 80's by the lads themselves people!
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, March 16, 2006, 11:24 AM
Anaylist..it's a new word.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, March 16, 2006, 10:52 PM
I'd like to point out for the record that i AM a James Grant fan , his last album was really good and Dogs In The Traffic by Love And Money is a record that i've loved for years and consider a lost classic. Still think Chris is better though . . (he said huffily)
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, March 16, 2006, 10:55 PM
PS i'm currently adoring "B sides, Rarities and Sad Slow Waltzes" by Cowboy Junkies. Really beautiful music and better than a lot of their "real" albums.
From: smoelle
Email: <smoelle@selskabet.org>
Posted on: Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 02:18 AM
Somehow I'm not surprised that fellow Bathers fans would have a taste for beauteous things like Richard Hawley, The Blue Nile, Czars and especially the godlike genius himself, Scott Walker. Allow me to throw in David Sylvian's gorgeous Nine Horses album, Snow Bourne Sorrow. Those honeyed vocals..... anyway, reason I wrote was the remarks from earlier this year about reissues. Are those really planned or are they just a dream? I only came around when Kelvingrove Baby was released, and I'm dying to know and love Lagoon Blues and the other early ones...
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 07:03 PM
Until such time as there ARE re-issues any back catalogue cds can be ordered from me as high quality clones. See the OTHER CDS section!
From: smoelle
Posted on: Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 12:33 AM
Sounds like a great offer! I was confused 'cos I couldn't find Lagoon Blues in the cd clone list, but I'll definitely be using that offer if (when!) my patience finally runs out...
A new album, that'd really be something, though...
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 03:20 PM
You are correct its not there and I can`t be bothered adding it. But to clarify for so many that have asked the question YES it is available too!
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 07:13 PM
Smoelle , take it from me , Lagoon Blues is one of the finest , most beautiful albums ever recorded (it's in my Top 3 alongside Astral Weeks and Hats if that helps you) and you shouldn't hang around , order it now , life's too short , you don't want to be in a tragic accident having never heard that work of heartfelt , poetic genius :) Trust me.
From: smoelle
Posted on: Friday, March 24, 2006, 02:38 PM
Jimmy; wonderful offer, thanks! Come payday I'll get around it! Stevie; That IS a recommendation :-) What, by the way, is it that turns the Scots into such masters of melancholic beauty? Hats is one example, and how about Paul Quinn's Will I Ever Be Inside of You?...
From: Stephen
Posted on: Friday, March 24, 2006, 03:56 PM
It's the rain that does it , the perpetual rain . Makes you sit at the window , gazing out , dreaming........
From: Stephen
Posted on: Friday, March 24, 2006, 04:04 PM
Having said that , we've always done a nice line in upbeat , sunny pop from Orange Juice and Aztec Camera up to TFC , Cosmic Rough Riders and the superb Pearlfishers. I once met their mainman Davey Scott at the Tron (there to check out new , brief , labelmates The Bathers.) Nice bloke , check out his bands class album The Strange Underworld Of The Tall Poppies, a great Summers day listen......Come to think of it , that was the night i met Chris too and bought a Kelvingrove Baby T - Shirt that ive never wore ( its too rare and precious) Happy Memories. . . oh and he also signed my copies of Lagoon Blues and Sweet Deceit , priceless. You won't find them on bloody e-bay anytime soon.
From: ja cqui graham simmons
Email: <jacquirum.hotmail.com>
Posted on: Saturday, March 25, 2006, 02:25 AM
hi live in sunny bermuda now and married, i heard your sunpowder cd in 2000 from a restaraunt in aberdeen scotland , well track 6 is ?faceless or faithless unsure because don`t have cd cover anyway i purchased a faceless painting in scotland when i was home, need to usecall 441 238 7747 bda
From: jacqui graham simmons
Email: <jacquirum@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Saturday, March 25, 2006, 02:31 AM
hi sent you a message here this space is small
i cann`t receive emails if ur address is not on my list
i`m the girl who bought the faceless painting ??
if not faithless i married a bermudian guy
i`m from aberdeen love ur music
leave a message please 441 238 7747
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, March 28, 2006, 04:42 AM
Sunpowder, the cd you refer to, can still be purchased by emailing sales@thebathers.co.uk. Thay way you get a cover and will know the names of the songs. Or you could always refer to the lyrics section of this site but I shouldn`t really tell you that under the circumstances. This is a PUBLIC guestbook so any messages you send are read by everyone! If you want the messages removed please email me. I am the webmaster by the way NOT Chris Thomson!!! You may want to sell that painting on ebay! :o) To be fair though Chris has changed that word to faceless, fameless and fateless when singing it live!
From: The Kelvingrove baby itself **
Email: <somewhere@overtherainbow.com>
Posted on: Thursday, March 30, 2006, 05:19 AM
Is not an absence for those who love, The most certain, The most effective, The deepest-rooted, The least destructible of presences ?
From: Stephen
Posted on: Thursday, March 30, 2006, 10:22 AM
I second that emotion
From: Stephen
Posted on: Thursday, March 30, 2006, 11:16 AM
Just discovered that someone is selling a brand new , unplayed copy of Sweet Deceit on Amazon.co.uk for the measly sum of £12.It's on vinyl i should add along with the fact that even if you can't play the thing it would be worth it because it's a work of art. To gaze with joy at those beautiful paper labels and lyric sheet.....worth a lot more than twelve measly quid so someone buy. PS seller is a MR .CGThomson.... Get on the case Jimmy !
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, March 30, 2006, 06:26 PM
Far as I know you can get it, the vinyl version, from CGT for a tenner from the sales site. I could be wrong. And what's all this about CGT's paintings? Now call me dumb but there's an untapped market right there. CGT original painting on the wall?? How much mate... and who shall I make the check out to?
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, April 01, 2006, 04:23 AM
I believe you are correct GM and its one of ther nice things about this site that such info only gets to the people inted.
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Saturday, April 01, 2006, 08:32 PM
intended
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Wednesday, April 12, 2006, 07:59 PM
Stevie......its raining, the wind is howling and its bitter bitter cold. Is this the "spring" you wished for at the top of the page? :o)
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Friday, April 14, 2006, 09:36 AM
Hope Springs Eternal , Jimmy. We Bathers fans understand that if nothing else......
From: GM
Posted on: Friday, April 14, 2006, 01:31 PM
'cept we could all be old and deaf by the time anything new appears... "Sometimes it snows in April." Prince wrote that, and it does often on these shores. And as for this nugget: "She comes back to tell me she's gone. As if I didn't know that, as if I didn't know my own bed." Paul Simon wrote that in 1986. When I found that out I was shocked!! A little 'easter egg' for this sites trivia fans.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, April 16, 2006, 10:08 AM
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, April 16, 2006, 10:18 AM
Come on GM ! Where have you been all your life !
I've posted a few of CGT's "talent borrows , genius steals " moments on here over the years - one which springs to mind being "tall and flowering in Dutch sailors eyes " a lyric from Fermina Fair which is nicked from F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby. Also , in Huntly in Love we have "Sinatra sings over Riddle strings" from a track (exact one escapes me for now) on Van Morrisons Hard Nose The Highway. I'm sure there are many , many more , from songs , books , films , you name it. Fun finding them out though. Can you picture my face when (as a massive Smiths fan) i saw the film Sleuth (from the 70s) and heard those immortal words ... a jumped up pantry boy who never knew his place.
From: GM
Posted on: Monday, April 17, 2006, 02:53 AM
Stephen I agree that there are a wealth of references to be sought out. I knew about the Paul Simon thing years ago, just thought I would throw it out there for the newbies. Thing is, I used to love that lyric, loved belting it out when the track played, as it struck a chord at a particular time. When I found out I was amazed.. .is all. And at the time Sweet Deceit was out I was reading 'Lanark' and I saw a lot of similar themes that tied the two together...one of them being plagiarism.
From: GM
Posted on: Monday, April 17, 2006, 09:28 PM
...I don't mean plagiarism in the crude sense, I mean as an art form to inspire. For those who don't know 'Lanark' is an '80's novel by Alasdair Gray and is supposed to be one of the great scottish novels. Being a Northern Irish lad I am not qualified to qualify that claim.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 03:11 PM
i'd always wondered who alasdair gray was after cgt's note in the sleevenotes to 'pandemonia'...something about being "soaked in whiskey and the elegant prose of alasdair gray". thanks for the info. has anyone been reading about s.walker's "the drift"? a side of ham used as percussion?? i'm very interested to say the least
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 08:43 PM
What about chris`s cat playing piano on Pandemonia? Did anyone spot that?
From: GM
Posted on: Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 10:15 PM
Now we're getting somewhere...who's next?
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 07:15 PM
Who's Next ? Aaaaarghhh !!!! Worst album i've ever heard ......
From: GM
Posted on: Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 10:51 PM
Stephen. I knew it. As soon as I typed it.... groan...Jimmy I had great difficulty locating this site tonight. Something wrong?
From: Jimmy
Email: <avmaster@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 11:03 PM
Sometimes even the mighty BT can go down but I havent had any problem here. Another thing that can happen is that the virtual url`s sometimes dont work so if you cannot enter the site with www.jimmysmith.btinternet.co.uk then use www.btinternet.com/~jimmysmith I cant rememer which of those 2 is redirected from www.thebathers.com so if one dont work use the other to come here direct bypassing the "welcome" splash screen. Hope this helps!
From: Stephen
Posted on: Thursday, April 20, 2006, 06:37 PM
I apologise profusely GM for being so predictable.....
While i'm here i may as well mention that Roddy Frame has a new one out on May 1 "Western Skies" , should be good if his last effort is anything to go by. Intelligent , articulate guitar music , What's not to love ?
From: GM
Posted on: Thursday, April 20, 2006, 10:48 PM
Weird.Weird.Weird. I was on my endless i-pod update from my record collection and I dragged out 'Surf'. Which I had forgotten about. Downloaded it and listened to it in a quiet corner. My lord I had forgotten just how good it is, in fact it sounded BETTER than I remember. This was like this Monday and I didn't even know he had a new album coming out! You're not my doppelganger by any chance? Arthur C Clarke could start a new series [that's one for the auld lads amongst us].
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Friday, April 21, 2006, 03:06 PM
Pity you're not making it over for Paul Buchanan mate , we could enjoy a drink or two.
From: GM
Posted on: Saturday, April 22, 2006, 03:08 PM
I am sure there will other occasions, Stephen. Shamefully I have yet to experience a real time Bathers gig...Time will tell. Jimmy, everything regular again. I kept getting all sorts of non-compliant messages.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Sunday, April 23, 2006, 10:06 AM
Would you bloody believe it ?! A week after getting tickets for Shack (one of my favourite bands) i discover that the legendary Dan Penn is playing in Glasgow the same damn night .I've waited years to see him but Shack are superb live. SHIT !
I can't compete with Jimmy GM but i've been lucky enough to see The Bathers on 5 occasions (Mitchell Theatre , Tron , The Garage , Old Fruitmarket and Cottier) plus i was at a Bloomsday one at Strathclyde Uni. They were never less than superb but the Mitchell Theatre one was a real classic , one of my all - time favourite concerts (and i've seen a fair few)
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 08:13 AM
Hi to you all! Having recently purchased a copy of “Demos, Outtakes, Radio” from The Bathers from the “other CD section” on this site and felt heavily in love with a song called “Dealing in Silver” ;-). I was wondering, why this one never has been released on a regular CD - it’s so wonderful.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 02:27 PM
hey peter. 'dealing in silver' is originally a Friends Again tune that was released as a b-side for a single I can't remember. you could probably find it on the recently rissued album "Trapped and Unwrapped". great tune, and alot different than the one you're referring to
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 04:41 PM
Surely it's a Bowie pastiche !
From:
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 05:05 PM
Michael........Dealing in Silver on Demos 1 is NOT the FA song at all. Its completely different and I totally agree that it should have been released. My only complaint is that ts too short. When I first heard it I raved about it to CGT as I did with Hellespont which was a Sunpowder outtake. He listened that time and changed only one word in the song. I also love the original lyrics to "Take me back to the brooklands" which also appears on Demos Volume 1. There is about 11 tracks on Demos 1 which have never been released.
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 05:07 PM
Above post by me. Forgot to add my name/email.
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 09:25 PM
Good call Jimmy. Three of my all - time Bathers classics are on there ( and on A Beautiful Poison - The Bathers Collection volume one , my self compiled "best of") namely For A Lush , Jun Fee From Pitlochry and Panama Flares , magic. Volume two of The Bathers Collection is called The Fragrance Remains by the way. Anyone else made up their own Bathers "best of" 's ?
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006, 09:28 PM
Having said that - what about tracks like Crystal Days and African Violet - urgh ! Pish !
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 12:50 AM
Now I cant remember....is that the version with the female singer (a gf of James Grant at the time) ? I LOVED THAT!!!!!! For others not familiar.....Crystal Days was the demo which ended up as Pistol Crazed on the sweet deceit album and was acoustic. I just loved the guitar sound on the acoustic version.
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 08:50 AM
Hi to you all! Many thanks to you (as always) for all the replies on „Dealing in Silver“. However I should purchase the “Friends Again” CD one day as well, even if the version on it is different to that on the Demo’s CD. Speaking of Jimmy’s superb “Others CD-section”: which of those are must-haves in your opinion? I guess all, but I want to get the best first ;-). I think the Lagoon Blues and Sweet Deceit – Demos are those to get first? At the moment I’m suffering from withdrawal symptoms due to the lack of new “The Bathers” CD-releases ;-).
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 04:22 PM
Peter the Demos Vol 5 is my own personal favourite. I wasnt 100% enthralled with Pandemonia but on Demos 5 I love all the acoustic versions of the songs and the other various arrangements.
From: michael
Email: <micvee@hotmail.com>
Posted on: Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 09:24 PM
i would probably agree with jimmy about vol. 5, although in the end, all of them are quite special. the sunflower sessions is probably the one i listen to the least just because it so closely resembles the actual release.
From: Peter
Email: <debian@inode.at>
Posted on: Thursday, April 27, 2006, 11:57 AM
Hi Jimmy & Michael!
Many thanks to both of you for the recommendations. I will place an order very soon ;-).
Cheers, Peter
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Thursday, April 27, 2006, 07:13 PM
Peter , i would like to mention that Volume 5 of the Demos IS superb and probably worth getting for the three excellent cover versions on there namely Send In The Clowns , Wild Is The Wind (you'd swear Chris wrote that himself when you hear it !) and Too Good To Be True (which is really Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You ). Love them all... indeed it's so good that Jimmy gets all excited and pens some very effusive sleevenotes !
From: Jimmy
Email: <jimmysmith@btinternet.com>
Posted on: Thursday, April 27, 2006, 08:07 PM
You are spot on about that cringeworthy comment I put on the sleevenotes. He he "I got all fuelled up" while doing that cd and was almost as over pontified as Chris often is he he.
From: GM
Posted on: Friday, April 28, 2006, 04:29 PM
I've been ill; glad to see everyone else is in fine spirits. The demos are generally excellant, more organic and life-affirming than the dreadful 'Desire Regained' re-recorded miscalculation. Any plans for 'Sweet Deceit 2' if, as reported merely a re-recording, should be viewed with a wary glance - it has been 16yrs. We have all changed significantly in that timeframe. And the covers, whilst sparkling in parts, portrays a worrying MOR bent, which may outline CGT's true musical influences. Saccharin. [I still have a fever! OK!]
From: Stephen
Email: <stevie@bfcrescent.freeserve.co.uk>
Posted on: Saturday, April 29, 2006, 07:27 PM
I too have a fever . . . a memory fever. I keep casting my mind back to when the Bathers released beautiful records and played live on a regular basis. Alas , those days are long gone. Heavenly while they lasted though........
From: wee stevie
Email: <varella42@yahoo.co.uk>
Posted on: Saturday, May 06, 2006, 03:33 PM
Hi All, Has anyone recommended the new Church album,i don't think i've seen the band mentioned very much.I would say they occupy similar ground to the Bathers,have been waiting for years to see them,and now their playing London at the same time as Blue Nile.AAAaarghh!!!! : (