November 1996(B) Bloodlines mailing list archive
Nov 7-Nov 14, 1996
In this group of posts its angels, evocative lines, an introduction
and Pat Boone-REB
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Subj: Place names and buttons
Date: 96-11-07
From: ddunet@concentric.net (Michelle L Stevens)
Greg, I really liked the somewhat obscure JS references. I think that, if
y'all wanted, we could make custom buttons with whatever reference you'd
like, but that would make the price go up a bit.
I think it would be pretty fun walking around at intermission looking at
everyone's buttons.
Josie don't work sidewalks or the (halls?) of the Tenderloin
^^^^^^
bars
Michelle
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Subj: Re: No Subject
Date: 96-11-07
From: PeterB1103@aol.com
There's no end to the evocative lines. It's interesting that people have
started pulling them out of the air and writing them down--I think we're all
reminding ourselves of the depth, richness, and sheer number of statements
and ideas. They just roll off the tongue--
I see that you caught the back wheels; that's how all us stray dogs gonna die
Hang on dreams, you ain't seen it all
The eyes of sweet Virginia were headlights on the road
Across the hill from Placerville, the wind sure can feel free
If you want that flag to wave, 18 wheels'll roll
An angel on the road shoulder knows the way home
Lay me by cool water, there's fire in the wind
Saddle the wind and get up on his back
One time around, and they nail the top down
For me, whenever I think of any of these great lines, they are indelibly
linked to the melodies. The marriage of word and music is what's special to
me--and what I think helps to keeps so many Stewart songs so close to the
surface of the mind and heart. It's not just words and melody--it's also
pace. Gordon Lightfoot has the knack; so do Tom Russell, Greg Brown and Joe
Ely. How about the tension of "The Raven"? Every year my daughter
participates in a horse show at the Pomona fairgrounds, and "Back in Pomona"
is constantly running through my brain before, during and after the
show...and the song moves perfectly in rhythm of a trotting horse in harness.
But I can't explain John's power to set me down gently in Pomona, or
Cheyenne, or Marshall, or Placerville, or anywhere on the neon road, merely
by thinking about a place and associating it with a song. I guess that's
what "transcendence" is all about--I mean, "New York, New York" and "I Left
My Heart in San Francisco" do not have magical powers, but "Good Earth Rider"
and "Marshall Wind" somehow do.
Sorry about this inane rambling but it's fun talking about this stuff--and
I'm really impressed that at least two other people on this list know the
"Once upon a Time" album!
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Subj: Re: Angel lines. . .
Date: 96-11-07
From: GregDenis@aol.com
I'm blanking on "Angel on the Road Shoulder." What's that from? And then of
course there's "July, Judy, Angel Rain, I'm on the road again.." (the road
being another frequent refrain, along with wind and eagles).
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Subj: Re: My sordid story
Date: 96-11-07
From: paulkris@erinet.com (paul rybolt)
(snipped a repost of Scott's sordid tale- see Nov96(A) archive-REB)
Scott, you can always E-mail us when you feel like you need to talk. paul
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Subj: Buttons. . .
Date: 96-11-07
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
So when are we going to get moving on something definite on these buttons
here? Y'know?
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Subj: Song lines
Date: 96-11-07
From: GregDenis@aol.com
In a message dated 96-11-07 02:09:16 EST, Ptere B referred to that great line
< If you want that flag to wave, 18 wheels'll roll
I remember seeing John once years ago (Joey Harris - Chris Whelan era) at the
Palmino in Hollywood, when he explained that line. "It's easy to write a
song," he said. "I got that line about the flag from a TV commercial about
truckers."
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Subj: Re: No Subject
Date: 96-11-07
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
"The back of my hand started lookin' like a man's way back when I was only
ten"
"Comfort me with shining stars"
Peter wrote:
>For me, whenever I think of any of these great lines, they are indelibly
>linked to the melodies. The marriage of word and music is what's special
to
>me--and what I think helps to keeps so many Stewart songs so close to the
>surface of the mind and heart. It's not just words and melody--it's also
>pace.
I had a "popular music" professor once who pointed out how Chuck Berry 's
lyrics hit the beat on every beat just perfectly. John Stewart's lyrics are
similarly linked to the rhythm of the song--no sloppy spots where you feel
that something is missing. To write a line that works with the melody and
the beat, and for that line to evoke such imagery, and for it also to make
sense and flow effortlessly is an amazing achievement. But even more
amazing is the consistency with which he does it.
>I'm really impressed that at least two other people on this list know the
>"Once upon a Time" album!
I bought this from a used record dealer about a year ago. Took me a while
to place the line, but it finally clicked.
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Subj: Re: Angel lines. . .
Date: 96-11-07
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
At 07:01 PM 11/5/96 -0500, you wrote:
>Some of my favorite Stewart songs use angels in the lyrics, almost always I
>would say, as metaphors for Transcendence, the Divine Mystery, God, whatever
>you want to call it. A few songs that come to mind: "Songs of All the
>Angels," "Wings of St. Michael," "Angel on the Road Shoulder," "Shadows of
>the Angels' Wings," and, of course, "Interview With an Angel." I wonder
>about, maybe, delightful layers of meaning in "Angel Delgadillo." Hm. . .
>
>Mitch Finley
>
Actually, Angel Delgadillo is a real person, a real Seligman, Arizona
barber, who still plys is trade on the Neon Road. I understand he's cut
John's hair.
Kit Newton
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Subj: Re: Angel lines. . .
Date: 96-11-08
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
I know, but is the reference to MORE than the actual person??? : )
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Subj: Re: Angel lines. . .
Date: 96-11-07
From: delausa@mailbox.syr.edu (Del Lausa)
Along those lines, one of the most powerful images in John's music for me
is the "wingless angel." The tension between the material reality and the
transcendent aspiration captures (for me) the very essence of what it is to
be human.
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Subj: Re: Angel lines. . .
Date: 96-11-08
From: MFinleyCS@aol.com
Yes! Good insight.
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Subj: Angel lines. . .
Date: 96-11-07
From: ddunet@concentric.net (Michelle L Stevens)
Del wrote:
>Along those lines, one of the most powerful images in John's music for me
>is the "wingless angel." The tension between the material reality and the
>transcendent aspiration captures (for me) the very essence of what it is to
>be human.
After FINALLY getting the "Wingless Angel" CD, I was inspired to go rent
"Wings of Desire" a German art film. It was weird and wonderful and quite
moving. Anyone else out there seen this movie?
Michelle Stevens,
Bloodlines Mailing List Manager (bloodlines @world.std.com) and
John Stewart Site Webistress (http://www.concentric.net/~ddunet/)
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Subj: Intro from new member
Date: 96-11-08
From: rcaplow@decisive.com (Randi Caplow)
Many thanks to Michelle Stevens for the warm welcome and the mail of past
intro's. I usually don't intro myself on a list, I just lurk awhile, then
post, but since it seems to be a tradition, and Michelle has requested I do
so, here it is.
My name is Randi Joy, I've been a friend and fan of John Stewart's for many
years. Starting back when I was a wee baby, I was raised on all kinds of folk
artists, Kingston Trio being among them, along with Pete Seeger, PP&M,
Limelighters, Weavers, and so on. My mother bought John's solo albums when I
was in adolescence, and as a teenager I was mesmorized by such songs as Odin,
Spirit of the Water, Monterey, Wingless Angels, Midnight Wind, (the whole
dream babies album) and many more. I taped the records and brought them to
college with me, and John was a familiar, soothing voice that helped me
through a lot of troubled times.
When I grew up and became a guitarist in a band, he became one of the top
members of my list of inspirations in songwriting and following my own muse.
I stumbed across an ad when I lived in Sacramento in the early 80s that he
was playing Palms Playhouse in Davis. I couldn't believe it was THE John
Stewart. I went to that show, met and befriended him and have gone to every
bay area appearance since that I was able to (i've missed quite a few,
unfortunately).
I have to say John's songs and kind words have lifted me through many, many
tough times, trials and tribulations in my life, as well as similarly
touching the lives of my family and several friends. John, Buffy and Dave are
some of the kindest, warmest and most inspirational, talented people in the
business.
I'm very pleased to have found this list and to be part of it. I'm also
looking forward to his December concerts in our area. I think my favorite
place to see him is Sweetwaters in Mill Valley. Thanks for having me on
board.
PS, john if you're lurking, hello and i miss you!
--randi joy.
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Subj: new web page
Date: 96-11-09
From: ClackClack@aol.com
Hi Bloodliners,
A few days ago I let the AOL board know I had put up a new John Stewart/folk
music web page. I neglected to pass the word on to the Bloodlines list.This
is a work in progress. I've been playing with it off and on for months, never
thinking it was "presentable" yet. I finally realized that I would never be
satisfied - I'll always be messing with it. I've put up a photo gallery of
John pix from 1978 to 1996, and I'm storing the Bloodlines archives there
which you can retrieve. Also some nice song lyrics from Rough Sketches and a
lot of links for folk music resources, artists tour schedules, San Francisco
area clubs. I'll be adding stuff from time to time. So, if you want to take a
look, aim your browser to:
<http://members.gnn.com/rebeffa/rebeffa1.htm>
Hope you enjoy. Ron "ClackClack" Beffa Vallejo, California
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Subj: Oh Boy---A group project
Date: 96-11-09
From: sfairbanks@juno.com (Scott Fairbanks)
Okay, from what I can tell since I subscribed to this list it
has been going on for about ten weeks, and people are starting to open
up, but we need something to get us all working together. We need a
common goal, we need a reason d'etre, we need---Hell, we need to help me
out with a problem.
So, here's the story. I just recently saw JS perform live for
the first time at a
little club in New York state, (Please refer to the critically acclaimed
My Sordid Story--Two thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert.) In his
introduction to July You're a Woman, he said that he once got a phone
call from Pat Boone who wanted to record July, but felt there was one
line that he didn't feel fit his image and wanted permission to change
it. It seems Pat didn't think the public would accept him singing, Let
me pull on over to the side of the road and show you what I mean, so he
wanted to change it to, Let me pull on over to the side of the road and
show you I'm not mean. (By the by, what the hell does that mean?)
Well after the show I joked with my friends Steve and Sue that I
would love to hear Pat's version of that song, and that's when it
happened. Sue looked at me with the look that said, Tsk- tsk, poor
Scott, he's so naive. She proceeded to tell me that Pat Boone never
recorded July You're a Woman, it was just some little concert prattle to
lead into the song.
Over the years I've learned never to argue with Sue, even when I
know that she's wrong. I just wait patiently until I can prove I'm
right by giving her some undeniable evidence. And that's where you all
come in.
I need the answer to three questions.
1. Did Pat Boone ever record July You're a Woman.
2. What album is it on.
3. How can I get that album. (I just know that Susan would
love to find it under her Christmas tree.)
Now this shouldn't be too difficult if we all work together. I
suggest that you start with your parents or grandparents, who were
probably big fans of Mr. White Bucks, and if that fails don't overlook
your own children. I mean if the Monkees and Tony Bennet are retro,
maybe Pat is and we don't even know it.
You have plenty of time for this, Christmas is about 45 days
away, but let's not wait until the last minute.
So JS mailing list subscribers, that is your mission if you
choose to accept it. As always should you or any other list members be
caught in a record store asking about Pat Boone I will deny any
knowledge of your actions. Good Luck
Scott
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Subj: Re: Oh Boy---A group project
Date: 96-11-09
From: Netennis@aol.com
Here is quickest answer ever to a question! Pat Boone did record July on an
album called Departure. (Tetragammon Records #T118) He indeed does change
the lyrics just as John suggested. Incidently, the album also contains Never
Goin' Back. I don't think it has been issued on CD (and don't think it will
be!) Hop this was of some help!
Gordon Kent
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Subj: Re: Oh Boy---A group project
Date: 96-11-10
From: cnewton@fyi.net (Christopher Newton)
I don't know if Pat Boone ever actually recorded "July, Your're a Woman,"
but I do know he performed it. Back in the deep, dark and mysterious
recesses of my memory, I remember seeing him sing it on television....with
the "censored" lyrics. God am I getting old.
Kit Newton
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Subj: Re: Oh Boy---A group project
Date: 96-11-10
From: sfairbanks@juno.com (Scott Fairbanks)
Dang, now that's what I call service, next time I'll try something
harder. Since the album it's on may not be around any more does anyone
know if July is on his greatest hits album. (I notice that album is
available from the BMG music club.
Scott
P.S. My late suggestion for an obscure lyric to put on a button:
Mother, I'm afraid.
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Subj: Re: Bio
Date: 96-11-10
From: DMotley@aol.com
Hi, I'm DMotley from Crestline, Ca. and here, finally, is my Bio:
I first saw John at Chapman College in Orange, Ca. in , I believe, 1969
during the Bloodlines tour. There is a picture of John with Henry Diltz
playing banjo & harmonica in my college yearbook. Actually, I saw John
earlier when the Trio did their farewell concert at Melodyland Theater in
Anaheim.
While I was an announcer on the campus radio station (where I met my wife
incidently) I played tunes from Calif. Bloodlines regularly. It's too bad
John probably never got royalties since it was college radio, but he did get
a lot of exposure.
Just out of college I started my own record store. It soon expanded to
a small chain of record stores. One day a cop from Orange came in to buy
some of John's albums. (I used to sell lots of John's albums because I
played them in the store) I don't remember th cop's name, but he told me
that he used to be a roadie with John's band. He also told me that John
wrote the song "Cops" (Phoenix Concerts) after going on a late night cruise
in this guy's patrol car. I've often wondered if that story was true.
The next fifteen years was spent owning and operating several retail
stores and producing radio commercials for my business,and for other
businesses as well.
Now-a-days I'm an Alternative Ed. (continuation school) teacher/principal
designee. I have been known to use John's songs as a prompt for a writing
assignment. My students are particularly fond of Armstrong, Daydream
Believer, and I Remember America. I get requests for Mac Brasel's farm all
the time!
I'm pleased to see John getting a whole new generation of fans. I've
been taking my two boys to John's concerts for about fifteen years. My
oldest son, a devoted "Deadhead" (just like dad) now brings his "Deadhead"
friends to the concerts at Mc Cabes. (It's all folk music you know). My
youngest son, who plays drums in a heavy metal band, was heard beating along
to Midnight Wind just the other day.
I would find it extremely difficult to name a favorite album or song. I
must say, however, that I mostly listen to the new stuff like the
Retrospective, and Bandera. I listen to Rough Sketches everyday in the car.
It's one of my favorite sing alongs.
I agree with John's recent statement that his voice is better now than at
any other time in his career. It is raw, in a mellow sort of way, and full
of emotion. I would go so far as to say he sounds kind of "funky" (can you
say "funky" here?)
As you probably know, I have been spearheading an effort to get John on
Austin City Limits, and to get Mac Brasel's farm played on Art Bell's radio
show. I guess what I really want is vindication for nearly 30 years of
steadfast devotion to this artist.
Well, now you know something about me, so let's hear about you.
"Keep it flyin' "
D.Motley
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Subj: Re: Oh Boy---A group project
Date: 96-11-10
From: insman@citynet.net (Ron Fleshman)
Yes Pat did record "July" on an album for Tetragrammaton Records in the
seventies. It was called "Departure" and also had "Never Goin' Back" on
it. It was probably Pat's best ever album because a lot of great
songwriters are featured on the album: John D. Loudermilk, Biff rose,
Fred Neil, and our own "John C. Steewart (as the liner notes call him)."
Even with censored lyrics <gg>,
Ron
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Subj: Re: Oh Boy---A group project
Date: 96-11-12
From: PeterB1103@aol.com
Oh God -- Pat Boone recorded "July"? Is it also true that Steve Lawrence and
Eydie Gorme recorded "Wolves in the Kitchen"?
(but changed "I think we oughta pants 'em" to "although they all are
handsome"?)
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Subj: Re: Bio
Date: 96-11-12 01:12:56 EST
From: PeterB1103@aol.com
Dear DMotley--It's been a weird evening, and reading your posting has made it
weirder. Like you, I listen to "Rough Sketches" frequently in my car.
Tonight, I pulled up to the local Longs drug store, turned off "Rough
Sketches", walked into the store, and I heard John singing "Midnight Wind"
over the piped-in music system. (Unlike my prior posting about Steve and
Eydie, this one happens to be true.) If a drug store is playing "Midnight
Wind" on a Monday night in the San Fernando Valley, maybe there are some good
things happening along the time-space continuum.
I first heard John perform at UCLA in about 1969. (There's a picture of him
with guitar in my 1971 Bruin yearbook.) Unlike some of the members of this
list, I was hooked from the very beginning--picked up "Signals through the
Glass" and "California Bloodlines", then each new album as it was released,
up through "Rough Sketches" and the other '96 releases. I found the hunger
insatiable--found myself rooting through the bins in a used record shop in
Notting Hill, London, looking for "Forgotten Songs of Long Ago." Did pick up
a European "Lonesome Picker", and later on all the Bear Family CD's after
CD's came on the scene. Sat 20 feet from Jesse Unruh to watch John perform
at the Palomino in North Hollywood. My six-year-old sings "Ain't no way, you
know, of telling who's a bad rat." What can I say?
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Subj: Young Man From Boston
Date: 96-11-14
From: ClackClack@aol.com
Bloodliners:
I sent this post off the other day but I never saw it come back so am
reposting. Sorry if this is a dupe for anyone.
I pulled this off the folk music newsgroup some time back meaning to post
it here. Does anyone have a memory of this interesting sounding show or have
you seen it? Here it is:
Here is a really obscure request. Back in the 60's, after John
Kennedy's assassination, there was a documentary filmed for tv called
Young Man From Boston. It was produced by KABC-TV in Los Angeles. The
soundtrack was written by John Stewart and performed by the Kingston
Trio. And the music was beautiful. I have tried for years and years to
find a copy of this documentary. Up until recently, I didn't even know
who had produced it. A visit to the Kennedy Museum in Boston found
that they have a copy, but wouldn't make a copy of it without
permission from KABC-TV. A call to KABC found they didn't know what I
was talking about, and they claimed not to have an archive of old
shows. I would desperately love to find a copy. Is there anyone at all
out there who can help me? Thanks so much in advance.
Unfortunately a "burp" on my computer or the server deleted the message on
me so I don't even know who posted it there, but I had saved the clip as a
bit of info. Anyways, anyone know of this?
Ron Beffa, Vallejo, California
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Subj: Ron's Web site
Date: 96-11-14
From: GregDenis@aol.com
Just got my first look at Ron Beffa's new Web site. I highly recommend it to
everyone. It's got some great photos Ron has taken of John over the years,
including some of Chris Whelan, etc. that really bring back memories. Point
your browser at:
http://members.gnn.com/rebeffa/rebeffa1.htm
Nice job, Ron! Also, I'm very curious about this Kennedy documentary. I've
never heard of it before, nor caught a hint of any music of that sort. Could
it be songs the documentary used songs from "A Time to Think," which was
being recorded the month of the assassination? ("Song for a Friend," etc.).
-- Greg Dennis
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end of archive Nov96(B)
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