Bloodlines Mailing List archives June 16, 1997
from the John Stewart email list
bloodlines-digest Sunday, June 16, 1997 Volume 01 : Number 018
This is a reconstructed digest - the original was lost. The mailserver
was having trouble, mixing up dates, duplicating and triplicating messages,etc.
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Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: Steve <Loboaw@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Joel Selvin and Trashing Legends
Pjhayesofc@aol.com wrote:
>
> A few days ago, it was Authoritatively Diatribed:
> [Neil Young is . . . .] << Whining, sophmoric (sic), inconsequential
> [??!!!], *pseudointellectual* >>
>
> Are you *trying* to be ironic?
>
> I'm sorry, just what exactly is Neil "whining" about? You checked out much
> of his work in the past, oh, 25 years? Neil is justifiably revered as a
> generous man and singularly influential songwriter, performer, and innovator
> for two generations. If John can't be famous, at least we've got Neil.
>
> But thanks for setting us all straight.
>
> Thirty Neil Young CDs for sale. Cheap.
>
>
> PJH
Well, off hand I'd say, imho, Neil is whining about the success of
western civilization. But, let's slow this down a little.
Neil Young is undoubtedly generous-he's put in more time doing pro bono
work than 99% of the performers out there. No argument at all. And I
don't disagree that he has had tremendous influence. What I was talking
about was his style and manner of music (if it wasn't clear before, let
me make is so now). I wasn't talking about the man but his art and was
trying to do so with tongue in cheek.
I'm not a music reviewer, I am not in a position of influence in the
media, I don't select the CDs that a music store will carry, I'm just
one person with an opinion about the work of some artists. That's all.
Oh, yes, it is true that that opinion is different from yours and
AngelBravo's and others on the work of at least some artists. Is that OK
with you all?
If anyone found it offensive, I apologize. I appreciate that most foks
on this list probably like the work of the artists I nominated for the
"worst" list. Different strokes for different folks. I am more than
willing to listen to different opinions, especially the reasons for
those opinions. Doesn't mean I'll change my mind necessarily, but I
think it likely that I'll hear something that may enable me to
appreciate something I didn't before (as in the recent discussion of N.
Diamond's use of the chair metaphor-some interesting interpretations of
that metaphor were offered that, frankly, I had never thought of [I
found the reference to Diamond's Jewish background particularly
interesting] and, while I still think it is a poor use of metaphor I do
appreciate the possible "layers" of meaning he intended.
So I'm not trying to get anyone to sell off their collection of any
artist's CDs (or vinyl), not passing judgment on anyone whose likes in
music are different than my own, just participating in what was clearly
(at least, clearly to me) intended as a tongue in cheek discussion
started by someone.
Take care.
----------------------------------------------------
From: ClackClack@aol.com
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
Subject: Re: worst songs - Joel Selvin
Angelbravo and gang-
Joel Selvin has his own share of critics who trash the critic, so he gets a
bit of just deserts. However, there is a very respected Bay Area music critic
who has written favorably about JS in the past and that is Phil Elwood. I
think a Phil Elwood outweighs Joel Selvin just about anyday.
Ron
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997
From: "Nicholas E. D'Amato" <damato.4@osu.edu>
Subject: Re: John's Popularity
Robert,
Fortunately I had family and friends who did know of John Stewart.
Believe it or not, there are people out there who do know who he is
even if they don't own a lot of his albums. For example, When I travel
I will occasionally play snippets from one of his 'truckin' songs from the
70s on the CB, (three hints, the first two don't count :). While most
people are annoyed by it, in the last 10 years probably a dozen truckers
(usually older) have recognized the song.
Also, when you think of gigantic commercial bands, a large proportion of those
bands hold very little lasting merit and/or integrity. Maybe a handful of
albums in a few short years and they're history.
The music scene is becoming fragmented right now. You don't have giant
bands coming to town every month selling out 3 nights in a row at 20,000
seats a night anymore. Even the top bands are traveling in groups of 2,3 for
tours. (That was
one reason I started that folkapalooza thread that seems to have bombed).
So, remember, quality is better than quantity. (In My Opnion)
At 08:06 PM 6/15/97, you wrote:
>Dear Bloodliners,
>
> I was thinking about something that annoys me a bit. For the past
>20 or 30 years John Stewart has been a "Huh, whose he?" on the lips of
>almost every record store owner I've encounter. Likewise the music scene.
>I was amazed(joyfully I should say)to find a large collection of his CD's
>at a store called Dor-Ri-Me in Santa Cruz, CAlif. But this was a very
>rare esxperience. I asked the guy why he had so many of John's stuff and
>he said "Cause Stewart deserves to be heard!" I told him I definatly
>agreed!
> Now I do understand the idea of not going "camercial". The
>selling of ones talents, and yes soul; for the almighty buck is cheep. I
>think everything that John has written and recorded has been done so out
>of his love of music. His love of real life and the fans who love him(ME
>ENCLUDED!) but I think it's sad that almost noone knows John Stewart.
----------------------------------------------------
Subj: Re: Return to Arizona...Update
Date: 97-06-15 05:01:48 EDT
From: RGodwin495@aol.com
In a message dated 97-06-12 02:06:49 EDT, you write:
<< Are you SURE about those times?
also, Andersons has always been doors at 6, show at 7pm...,. >>
Monsoon's in Flagstaff was a classic...as close to a house concert as might
ever happen.
Rustic bar........front door always open... trains going by, whistles
always blowing....Route 66 just 40 feet away from center stage...and here's
John singing about the blue dream road. Report later today. Earl has
the set list.
Just want to be sure everyone going to Anderson's Fifth Estate in Scottsdale
on Sunday (*this* Sunday) has the correct times:
DOORS OPEN AT 7:00 PM SHOW STARTS AT 8:00 PM
Tickets via Dillards box office....or at the door...NO
reserved seating.
And in light of the great review John got in Thursday's Arizona Republic's
(morning statewide paper) "PopMusic Highlights" - he was the lead story,
complete with the headline "'70s Folk Hero Plays Scottsdale Club" - anyone
planning on going: either phone order your tickets or plan to be there as
early as you can. Tickets should still be available at the door.
See everyone Sunday...bringing the 'li'l angel' (daughter)!...Nancy, am
buying your tickets for you this morning....
.....Rick
p.s. have no idea how my earlier post about both venues got posted
again...sorry about using up the bandwidth...blame it on the list server!
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Subj: Re: Comunication on this list
Date: 97-06-17 05:58:48 EDT
From: ClackClack@aol.com
Well.....
Steve (lobo) gets to join that select group of Bloodliners who have been
publicly dissed by the man. Welcome to the club. There's free nachos on the
counter.
I agree and disagree on Steve's take on this medium of exchange.. the
internet, Bloodlines, mailing lists, message boards, etc. I happen to think
it is a way to open communication tremendously. But like anything it has its
dangers. God forbid we need to stick smiley faces or tongue in cheek smileys
on all our posts. When Lobo posted his worst list I cracked up. Here was a
guy, just for fun, throwing out some icons. He did not deserve to be rabbit
punched.
If I may be so bold, I remember a certain duo with the initials CW and JS who
used to do an outrageous parody of Neil Young and Bob Dylan selling out and
becoming Vegas lounge lizards. CW's crooning ala Neil Young doing "Moon
River" ranks up there as one of the most hysterical things I have ever heard.
I don't recall anyone hollering then about disparaging idols.
And although I also believe that Sting's ego may be bigger than all of ours
combined, I also agree that he is one great artist and song stylist. Sure not
everything works, but I agree that "Every Breath You Take" is one of the best
songs ever done.
So folks, lose the mustache and try and be a little more nice. We're all in
this together.
Ron
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Subj: A Night of a Thousand Trains. . .and 29 Loyal Friends. (plus the SetList)
Date: 97-06-17 08:19:03 EDT
From: RGodwin495@aol.com
If I can break through the bandwidth of Music Exchange and Worst Songs long
enough,
here goes a retrospect of Monsoon's last Thursday evening in Flagstaff.
I'll restate my previously posted summary, for emphasis. . .Monsoon's in
Flagstaff was a classic...as close to a house concert as we fortunate few
might ever experience.
Monsoon's is a very old bar with a back room - plain and simple! What it has
going is history. . . location. . .and trains
Yes, it sits right on the north side of Route 66, with the Santa Fe tracks
just on the other side of the street (highway). The building's roots go back
to the late 1890s - and has been a watering hole of various repute for many
years. But it's current owner - Jake - has his, and the bar's, act together.
Before the show, I had a chance to stand at the front bar, and with a
Moosehead in tow, gaze out thru the open front door to the highway. . .and
the railroad tracks. It can get a little surreal, almost a bit spooky,
imagining all the people...in all their vehicles...and all the trains...of
generations past that have traveled by ...Steinbeck's Dust Bowl Okies' .
.World War II troop trains...Gulf War equipment on flatbeds...truckers and
vacationers...
The back room is a barren space with room for about twenty tables and a sound
board - and the "stage" is just a raised platform. . .looking over the
audience, thru the long bar room to the street and tracks just beyond.
Attendance?? House concert size - 29, not including John! No need to
discuss here what happened, but other years have seen the place SRO. Next
June - more promotion.
Trains, and their whistles, were everywhere in the high mountain air.
Flagstaff is supposed to average one train every 15 minutes or so, but
between 9pm and 11:30 it *seemed* to have doubled!
Personally, I loved that background music. The roar of the diesels and the
shrill of the whistles overlaying the lyrics and guitar just seemed to
validate (wrong descriptor, I know - but it works for me) the reason for the
evening.
29 or 2900, you know John's style. 110% every song. And what a setting.
One man, with one guitar. In a back room of a hundred-year old bar. . .
. . . singing about the Neon Road just 40 feet away.
As John mentioned early on - " Route 66 and Trains here in Flagstaff. Life
is good."
One little story - a microcosm of the evening
Towards the far end of the show, John really gets in to "Fast
Freight"...perhaps a call sign for the night...and all twentynine of us get
pumped...feet tappin', heads noddin' to the cadence. . .
. . .and just as he starts the final stanza, what do you know but the Santa
Fe comes roarin' by - westbound - and the *very instant* he begins "Hear
that whistle blow" the diesel sounds her whistle!!! The room goes crazy -
there could''ve been 2900 in there at that moment! - John can't believe
it...
and shouts out ". . .that must be Dave Guard up to his ole
shananigans!!".
JOHN: Thanks a million for the music, including the 6 new songs and the 6
medleys... and all the new memories of those magical moments ...from 29 of
your many loyal friends...especially the six of us in the 'front row',
including Earl and Carmen, Nancy, and Helen............... Rick
SET LIST
Special thanks to Helen, a young English lady of 28, from Leeds, and a true
JS fan from across the Atlantic, who flew non-stop London to Phoenix just to
catch the Flagstaff and Scottsdale shows, for compiling *very* complete
lists.
Johnny Flamingo
The River
NEW train song ("I'm on a track of lies, ridin' on a train of
dreams...(approx.))
Medley: Bloodlines/Freeway Pleasures/Because of a Dancer
Dogs in the Bed - NEW (some great lines...)
Medley: Wingless Angels/Survivors/7 Angels
Neon Road
Meteor Man - NEW ..really funny lines...about his close personal friend and
premier
artist - Fritz Scholder - buying a meteor "older than Mother Earth" at
Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale (AZ) "and walkin' out with a meteor in his
hand"
Medley: Midnight Wind/ Waltz of the Crazy Moon - NEW -
Viscious Wind - NEW (sub-title: "Tailfin and Diego") An extension of
the "Rocket Roy" thread - takes place in New Mexico - cold, numb fingers
"refugees of a viscious wind" -
Strange Rivers
Irresistible Targets
Black Sky Shining
Ticket to the Stars
Dreamers on the Rise
Renegade Rising - NEW - strong beat - you'll love it
July
Kansas Rain
Daydream Believer
Medley: Ghost of the Super Chief/Pirates. . .
Children of the Morning
Medley: Spinning of the World/song w/"calling me back again" - why can't I
remember it?!/Runaway Fool of Love
Fast Freight - see above comments - made the evening even more of a
classic
Shadows of the Angel's Wings
Medly: Santyanno/Coal Tatoo (is this a warmup to Santa Cruz??)
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End of bloodlines-digest V1 #18
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