YTSEJAM digest 2191

From: ytsejam@ax.com
Date: Thu Jan 16 1997 - 10:50:41 EST

  • Next message: ytsejam@ax.com: "YTSEJAM digest 2192"

                                YTSEJAM Digest 2191

    Today's Topics:

      1) Re: rules for women thing
     by "KorgX3" <ibanez@mailhost.cyberhighway.net>
      2) Re: 25 Rules for women..
     by Irene Raceu <majesty@voyager.net>
      3) UPDATE on the big sale of cards n' stuff
     by durnik <durnik@goodnet.com>
      4) RE: a temporary, one nite only DT line up..
     by trevorw@ms.kallback.com
      5) Cheers dude...
     by "Eddie J Cooper" <eddie@abacus.co.uk>
      6) DT Covers
     by edwilk@juno.com (Edward J Wilk)
      7) WOW! (NDTC, obviously) <G>
     by edwilk@juno.com (Edward J Wilk)
      8) Re: That Song Vince Heard...
     by edwilk@juno.com (Edward J Wilk)
      9) Bitching/Savatage patch/Chung's questions/conclusion
     by "Ollila Marko" <marko.ollila@metsaserla.fi>
     10) Future
     by Bernd Basmer <basmer@med-rz.uni-sb.de>
     11) Martin Taylor and Jokes
     by Graham Borland <graham@grelb.src.gla.ac.uk>
     12) RE:
     by "SchuBert" <H.M.Peeters@stud.tue.nl>
     13) The Jam
     by Lars Hellsten <larsh@ionsys.com>
     14) Tony MacAlpine
     by Kris Claerhout <104074.3015@CompuServe.COM>
     15) Steve Morse and DT Cover Band
     by Jonathan Case <jcase@ROSSBY.METR.ou.edu>
     16) Way to go Jazzmin! & DT Keyboard cover
     by Jonathan Case <jcase@ROSSBY.METR.ou.edu>
     17) Robert Fripp; King Crimson.
     by Syrinx <syrinx@dreamt.org>

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 19:39:47 +0000
    From: "KorgX3" <ibanez@mailhost.cyberhighway.net>
    To: "Rip, Cow Virtuoso" <ripzero@dreamt.org>, ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Re: rules for women thing
    Message-ID: <199701160250.TAA13718@cyberhighway.net>

    > i wasnt the one who posted this, but man, that one got some really blown
    > responses :) anyways, to women who would take offense to it- really, you
    > shouldnt, if you look at it, pretty much everything was directed at men's
    > habits and beings in reflection also, so its satirical to both genders. i
    > also dont think it was posted with malice, so try not to let it get you to
    > hard.

    No kiddin. The day someone files sexual harrassment over the ytsejam
    is the day I get back in my alien spacecraft and re-enact scenes from
    Independance Day... Notice if any girls posted something like that
    and a guy whined, we'd just get made fun of. Nobody cares about the
    guy's feelings... :( (Not that I really give a shit, but there is a
    guy I knew in college who was married and some chick ( I refrain to
    say fat, but I just did) kept advancing on him. He told her to get
    the hell out of his face, and she wouldn't stop. Nobody would take
    this as sexual harrassment though. He's an ex-ranger, too. I
    wouldn't be surprised if he killed her, I lost touch with him after
    college.)

    Anyway, fortune had it that I found a kewl CD while browsing for used
    Steve Vai CDs. I found one of those Veni Domine ones. These guys
    remind me so much of old Queensryche, it's not even funny. The
    singer is a dead ringer (to me anyway) for Geoff in the Warning, Rage
    for Order era. The music is alot the same, too. It reminds me of
    the QR album I never bought. This one's Fall Baylon Fall. I'm gonna
    dig around and hope I can find any others they have. Woo! Woo!

    KorgX3 NOT The "Other" Ibanez (anymore)
          ibanez@cyberhighway.net
    "Well, I try to write music that Indiana Jones would listen to."
                                                  --David Arkenstone

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 03:29:18 -0500 (EST)
    From: Irene Raceu <majesty@voyager.net>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Re: 25 Rules for women..
    Message-ID: <199701160829.DAA21623@vixa.voyager.net>

    Ok, here's yet another post about the 25 Rules For Women...

    Well, while I know that list was intended as a joke and all, it did hurt to
    a degree. While some of the stuff was funny like "No you can't have the
    remote control" there were some that were a tad bit offensive.

    I know these are put out there as jokes, but they can get pretty demeaning.
    To me, it is an insult if someone hints that women are only good for
    cooking, cleaning, etc. That really is what some of that joke me feel like.

    Please don't say I'm bitching here... I've seen that posted on the jam that
    the women are bitching (I guess if a woman speaks up she's bitching. Go
    figure). I'm just saying how I felt about that post. Personally, I'm not
    holding a grudge against Vince, who posted the list... I really feel he did
    it for humor, and he did appologise (which I feel was very good of him even
    though he'd originally intended it only for a joke), but I'm more offended
    by the posts that went off on the women who posted about it. Here's the
    example that really pissed me off:

    >>Have a beer, smoke a stogie, just don't bitch about somethiing as simple
    >>and silly as a list like that.

    Chris, first of all, like I said a woman speaking her mind is NOT bitching.
    And second of all, while some may have found that joke humorous (in general,
    I did) some did get offended and they have every right to speak up about it!
    While it may be simple and silly to you, some got offended. Vince had the
    decency to appologise about it, and I wouldn't have posted this if it hadn't
    been for that comment of yours!

    I'm also not going to post anything demeaning towards men... I feel there's
    no need, I believe in equality. Even that top 50 against men I feel was
    unnecessary and all and I honestly hope no guys were offended.

    My point is that this jam is being read by many people, men AND women.
    There are different nationalities, races, etc. And everyone thinks
    differently. So when you post something you may offend someone. And that
    person has every right as a human being to defend him/herself. And not to
    be told they're bitching, whining, etc.

    I'm not gonna go on about this anymore, I've said what I feel. The only
    reason I'm sending this to the jam, and not to Chris himself, is because
    there were other instances in the past where disagreements such as this
    occurred. I really hope it won't anymore. I'm not ripping on the jam, I
    really love this place. It's just that I was hurt by those comments and
    felt I needed to speak up. Any comments, please send to me in private mail
    since I do hope this thread is coming to an end. Thanks, and take care all.

    Irene

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 02:58:45 -0700 (MST)
    From: durnik <durnik@goodnet.com>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: UPDATE on the big sale of cards n' stuff
    Message-ID: <199701160958.CAA10230@goodguy.goodnet.com>

    Opps, make that CDs 'n stuff. I'm looking at the word "CARD" on my desk
    and... well... osmosis of the brain, ya know. :)

    Subconscious has been sold.
    Acoustic Dreams, current top bid is $100 by Wade Gaboriault from
     alt.music.bootlegs

    NEW ITEMS!!!
    Absolute MINT condition, barely even opened, watched ONCE (I'm not
    kidding!), take your pick...

    Mike Portnoy's Progressive Drum Concepts VHS $60
            1 hour, English with Japanese subtitles. C-shell case, really nice
    John Myung's Progressive Bass Concepts VHS $60
            1 hour, English with Japanese subtitles. C-shell case, really nice

    Also, still left from before:
    Antiquities
    Inside The Storm x2
    Cygnus

    - Mike Bahr/durnik@goodnet.com- An independent Equinox representative

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 02:13:26 -0800
    From: trevorw@ms.kallback.com
    Subject: RE: a temporary, one nite only DT line up..
    Message-ID: <199701161013.CAA00147@ms.kallback.com>

    >drums: animal

    The Muppet Animal? That would be too cool.
    trev
     ----------

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 10:51:34 0
    From: "Eddie J Cooper" <eddie@abacus.co.uk>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Cheers dude...
    Message-ID: <9701161051.AA15932@sphinx>

    On 15 Jan 97, Vinnie wrote about "Metallica-sell-out":

    > Ed was just kidding dude! He's a huge Metallica fan. Just look at
    > how he wrote that one more time.

    Thanks for your comment to the jam... I must remember to include the
    word "sarcasm" next time for those dick-weeds that can't tell... I
    was gonna reply to him personally but couldn't be bothered... he's
    obviously not evolved far enough... ;)

    Catch yer tomorrow on the IRC, our normal time(s)...

    Laterz
    Eddie };-)~

    - Everyone should be a non-conformist.
    - Caffeine/Marlboro: not found. Operator halted...
    - "The two most common things in the universe are hydrogen and
    stupidity."

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 06:16:35 EST
    From: edwilk@juno.com (Edward J Wilk)
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: DT Covers
    Message-ID: <19970116.061659.10134.0.EdWilk@juno.com>

    Well, here's my opinion..

    Vocals- Guy from Shadow Gallery (my CD is being borrowed at the moment)
    Guitar- Steve Vai
    Bass- Eddie Rockenfield
    Keys- Kevin Moore (Hehe)
    Drums- Tough one.. Neil Peart

            Like it or not, those are my picks. :)

            Ytse-Ed

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 06:16:35 EST
    From: edwilk@juno.com (Edward J Wilk)
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: WOW! (NDTC, obviously) <G>
    Message-ID: <19970116.061659.10134.1.EdWilk@juno.com>

    Woah.

            Is it just me, or is just about everyone here been WAY too
    uptight for the past two months? :) I think it's kinda funny. This is
    what happens when DT doesn't put out an EP or album in a while! (If
    anyone from the band is reading this, take it as a big hint. :) C'mon,
    throw us a bone!) So... guys and gals alike, please calm down.
    :)

            Ytse-Ed,

    As eagerly awaiting new DT as anyone, just not getting uptight. :)

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 06:29:57 EST
    From: edwilk@juno.com (Edward J Wilk)
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Re: That Song Vince Heard...
    Message-ID: <19970116.063107.10134.3.EdWilk@juno.com>

    In regards to the song Vince asked for...

    > "An Angel with a broken wing..."
    >"Wind caressed your cheek"
    >"Stars wrapped in your hair"
    >"Why did you kiss the world goodbye?"

    > If anyone knows who this is and what CD it's on, please e-mail
    me
    >ASAP and let me know. I want this song. If it's blatantly obvious who
    it
    >is, please don't jump down my throat, okay? Thanks. :)

            AWESOME song. Really, really well done song. It's called "Edie
    (Ciao Baby) and it's by The Cult. You can get it on... Sonic Temple, I
    believe the CD's called. It's their most popular one, I guess. Have
    fun. :)

            Ed

    ------------------------------

    Date: 16 Jan 97 09:38:38 +0200
    From: "Ollila Marko" <marko.ollila@metsaserla.fi>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Bitching/Savatage patch/Chung's questions/conclusion
    Message-ID: <9701160938.aa38@tppalv2.metsaserla.fi>

    Greetings ye 'jamanoids...

    First off, Dream Theater is making a new album. They do not want anyone
    to spread copies of the "Fix for '96" tapes around. Show some respect.
    Now that the bitching department is done with, here's some answers to
    coupla questions recently asked...

    Steen Jepsen asked about the patch that supposedly came with 'Tage's
    "From the Gutter to the Stege" cd. It's a regular textile patch with
    Savatage logo on it, ready to be sown on any of your favorite rock'n'roll
    garments.

    Chung Ng wondered about some bands he saw in DreamDisc catalog, like...

    >Kamelot (Crimson Glory/Queensryche type)

    This is actually a great band. Their vocalist bears an uncanny sonic
    resemblance to Midnight of Crimson Glory. I'd scratch that "Queensryche
    type", because Kamelot's material is generally a lot faster than that of
    Queensryche. There is actually some influences from the German melodic speed
    metal bands like Helloween, Gamma Ray, Chroming Rose, Heaven's Gate and the
    like. I haven't heard their latest cd "Dominion", but I've been told it is at
    least as good as "Eternity", which is one of the better things I heard last
    year. I think they operate on Noise records.

    >Leviathan (prog metallers)

    Prog metallers? Well, that's a really informative descpription, innit?
    Leviathan is very good as well, tons of tempo changes, a vocalist that
    hardly annoys anyone and there's even some "balls'n'chunk. Their pretty
    recent CD "Riddles, Questions, Poetry and Outrage" that came on Century
    Media is well worth checking out. Century Media's "Legends of Metal-a
    Tribute to Judas Priest" volume 2 also has a song by Leviathan (When the
    Night Comes Down), but IMO it's a sub-par performance from this band. I
    understand they've gone through some radical personnel changes through the
    years.

    >Mayadome (Dream Theater/Fates Warning type)
    >Pavlov's Dogs (Queensryche type)

    Never heard of either of 'em. Would someone else like to help?

    >Psycho Drama (ala Crimson Glory/Queenryche)

    Firstly, there's no "h" in the word "Psyco" in the band's name.
    Someone musta brainfarted in DreamDisc. :) Here I would scratch that
    "Crimson Glory" part from the description. At least I hear no
    similarities. Their song structures aren't as strong as 'ryche's,
    but there's something about them that makes one think of Queensryche
    at once when you hear them. I have their album "The Illusion" and at
    first I didn't think much of it but it has sorta grown on me. Psyco
    Drama are on Massacre Records and they have a new cd on the works
    called "Bend". If some of you would like to have any supplemental
    information about the band or their whereabouts, you can contact their
    vocalist Corey Brown (who's a real nice, down-to-earth type of guy) at
    PsycoDrama@aol.com.

    >D.I.M. (Dream Theater type)

    Who? Well, I'd shoo away from them because of that description, usually
    all the bands that are being compared to DT cause major disappointments
    when I order their releases. The music store evaluators should face the
    inevitable fact we all already know, there is only one Dream Theater. :)
    Granted, these descriptions make some cds somewhat too alluring...

    >Heir Apparent (ala old Queensryche)

    Once upon a time, about when Queensryche started gaining name in the mid
    '80s, Heir Apparent was supposed to be the next big thing in "thinking
    man's metal" (yes, that's what it was called those days). It's been too long
    since I've heard anything by them, so I won't make any sort of evaluation.

    >Time Machine (Dream Theater/Queensryche type)

    Never heard of 'em either, but the description may cause too high hopes...
    Someone else wanna enlighten us on this?

    I have a few bands I'd like to know more about as well. Can anyone give
    a shot at describing or evaluating

    Ada Vada?
    Zeitgeist?
    Clockhammer?
    Sanvoisen?
    Landmarq?
    Galleon?
    Tempo Tantrum?

    The humor-impaired should stay off the internet, they may meet funny
    people in there. This may lead to controversy. Also the people with low
    tolerance towards other people's opinions should stay off the net. There
    may be situations when they cannot avoid actually communicating with
    someone. Persons with humorous tendencies should keep their mouths shut,
    there's always someone around who takes everything you say personally.
    And finally, the ones who didn't detect any sarcasm in this paragraph,
    read it again.

    _Mape_

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 13:45:52 +0100
    From: Bernd Basmer <basmer@med-rz.uni-sb.de>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Future
    Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19970116124552.006dab40@krzsun.med-rz.uni-sb.de>

    Hi!

    Bafu wrote:
    >> Hope for the future: Superior !!!
    >So I guess our outlook has gone from "but there may not be one" to
    >"Superior!!!"
    Wouldn't this be cool? :)

    Bye.

    Bernd.

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 12:58:31 +0000 (GMT)
    From: Graham Borland <graham@grelb.src.gla.ac.uk>
    To: Multiple recipients of list <ytsejam@ax.com>
    Subject: Martin Taylor and Jokes
    Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.3.93.970116124559.21028A-100000@grelb.src.gla.ac.uk>

    Bafu wrote:
    > A guitarist by the name of Martin Taylor
    > was playing a piece from his album "Artistry." Anyone heard of this
    > fellow?

    Yes. He is a (famous?) jazz guitarist. I have one of his guitar picks,
    because he's a friend of my uncle. If you want his autograph (my uncle's,
    I mean) then just let me know.

    As for this sexist joke thang . . . of course we should all be able
    to laugh at ourselves. Apparently, people tell jokes about me all
    the time, and I'm sure I would find them very funny if I ever found
    out what they actually are.

    Graham B.
                   _______________________________________________
                  | o o |
                  | Graham Borland |::
                  | graham@grelb.src.gla.ac.uk |::
                  | http://grelb.src.gla.ac.uk:8000/~graham |::
                  |_______________________________________________|::
                    :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 13:49:04 +0100 (MET)
    From: "SchuBert" <H.M.Peeters@stud.tue.nl>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: RE:
    Message-ID: <49746.s432342@popserver.tue.nl>

    > If you had to pick five musicians from any style of music to
    > perform a concert of Dream Theater covers, who would they be? Here are
    > mine...
    >
    Vocals - James LaBrie
    Guitars - John Petrucci
    Bass - John Myung
    Drums - Mike Portnoy
    Keyboards - Me!
       WW
      /__\ Groeten!
     | oo |
    (|_()_|) +-------------------------+
      \__/ | H.M.Peeters@stud.tue.nl |
     /|\/|\ +-------------------------+
    ||||||||
      Bert

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 08:11:05 -0500
    From: Lars Hellsten <larsh@ionsys.com>
    To: skooc@earthlink.net
    Cc: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: The Jam
    Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970115192205.0069b1a8@ionsys.com>

    >>I agree with Ben. The list has really gone downhill lately.
    ..
    >Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out! If you don't have
    >something to contribute other than whining that the Jam sucks then I guess
    >it's time to move on. Maybe you should try Martyr's mailing list.

    And you sir (I remember your name from some of the threads in the past) are
    one of the closed minded pricks that have come on the list and ruined it.
    It was once a paradise, but now it's more of a wasteland filled with the
    same old drivel any other mailing list or newsgroup has.

    I contributed a lot more than what most people have been contributing
    lately (including yourself), and that's a different point of view. There
    was once a time on the Jam when people could post their observations
    without being flamed, and agree to disagree. It was great to see the
    different points of view that were out there.

    This belongs in private mail probably, but for the record, I've had several
    people respond who agree with me, but it seems the only people who disagree
    with me posted their replies to the list. And I don't feel I made myself
    clear. I'm not criticising the people on this list as a whole, I'm making
    a simple observation that the content has deteriorated... most of the same
    great people I've met over the list the last few years are still here, but
    the list is dull as hell right now.

    Besides, how long have you been on the list? I find it interesting that
    you decided to flame me for simply making an observation. I mean, this is
    what I've seen from my POV. It's not even an opinion, it's a fact (I find
    things more boring now than before). So if you don't like it, tough! The
    only reason I posted it publicly was to let it be known that Ben wasn't the
    only one who feels the way he does...

    And besides, you have a nerve to criticize me for not contributing. When I
    posted regularly on this list a while ago I contributed a lot more than the
    flames and drivel that come out of your keyboard.

    Anyway, I'm babbling... I'll shut up now.

    Lars,
    Toronto

    ------------------------------

    Date: 16 Jan 97 09:49:46 EST
    From: Kris Claerhout <104074.3015@CompuServe.COM>
    To: List Dream Theater <ytsejam@ax.com>
    Subject: Tony MacAlpine
    Message-ID: <970116144945_104074.3015_IHM60-1@CompuServe.COM>

    Tony is a good friend of mine and I worked with him. He will be touring Holland
    again in March. All interested guitarplayers should mail me and I will forward
    him all your mail. Tony lives in Hollywood right now.

    Kris

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 09:14:17 -0600 (CST)
    From: Jonathan Case <jcase@ROSSBY.METR.ou.edu>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Steve Morse and DT Cover Band
    Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.90.970116085840.26809A-100000@rossby>

    Hey all:

    I'd just like to comment on the recent post by Neil (I think) with
    regards to Steve Morse. The ONLY CDs that I know of that I DO NOT have
    by Steve Morse is the High Tension Wires and several of the earlier Dixie
    Dregs. Is the HTW only guitar, or does he have a supporting band? I may
    buy it anyhow, even if he doesn't have any other band members (I'm a
    drummer). When I sampled HTW, I thought it was quite slow and not
    representative of Steve Morse's true style, but I may be wrong......

    Ranking in order of best to "not-so-best" (I cannot say worst because he
    doesn't do anything bad) the CDs that I have by Steve Morse Band include:

    1) Southern Steel (1991) - His best overall work I think
    2) StressFest (1996 - EVERYONE should own a copy who likes
    superior hard rock guitar, bass, and drums)
    3) Coast to Coast (1992) - more "jazzy" rock., esp. last half of CD
    4) The introduction (1984) - Rod Morgenstein of the Dixie Dregs on drums
    5) Structural Damage (1995)

    Also, I have some Dixie Dregs (DT fans should really like this 70s band):
    including:
    1) Bring 'Em Back Alive (1992?)
    2) Full Circle (1994)
    3) What If (1977 or 8?) - Slower but more progressive.
    4) Night of the Living Dregs (1978-9?) - Excellent!
    5) Divided We Stand (I think that's the greatest hits collection)

    Anyhow, check any of the above out. Those who love instrumental
    progressive, virtuoso rock will be quite pleased!!
    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    Now DT content: (well, sort of)
    --------------
    Here's my cover band:
    1) Geoff Tate (vocals)
    2) Nuno Bettencourt (guitars) - I bet Steve Vai, Satriani, or Steve Morse
    could handle it, too, but Nuno seems most precise to me
    3) Dave LaRue (bass) - from Steve Morse Band
    4) Keyboards - (I'll get back on this one - don't know of too many
    keyboardists)
    5) Mike Mangini - drums.

    That's it for now!

    Jon

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 09:22:31 -0600 (CST)
    From: Jonathan Case <jcase@ROSSBY.METR.ou.edu>
    To: ytsejam@ax.com
    Subject: Way to go Jazzmin! & DT Keyboard cover
    Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.90.970116091938.26809C-100000@rossby>

    Jazzmin,

    I'm glad to see your post regarding "progressive" rock music and DT.
    Anyway, at least progress is being made somewhere in the music catalogs...

    ------------------------------------------------

    DT cover band again:
    --------------------
    Hey, after reading some comments, I see no reason why Kevin Moore can't
    be the keyboardist to cover (*his own*) DT parts.....

    I still miss him, but I hope I'm proved wrong after the next release.
    I want to be blown away by Derek!

    Jon

    ------------------------------

    Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 10:32:00 -0500 (EST)
    From: Syrinx <syrinx@dreamt.org>
    To: Yitz-say-jam <ytsejam@ax.com>
    Subject: Robert Fripp; King Crimson.
    Message-ID: <Pine.BSD.3.91.970116103002.8124A-100000@astro.ocis.temple.edu>

    Hiya, kids.

            This was on "Elephant Talk," which is the King Crimson/Robert
    Fripp internet mailing list....and yes, this is from rober.

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Date: 13 Jan 97 05:16:45 EST
    Subject: From Robert Fripp

    Monday, 13th. January 1997.

    Dear Team,

    1. Harvey Keitel and Kevin Spacey should play Fripp in "King Crimson: The
    Movie", in alternating scenes. Who cares if anyone's confused?

    2. Stop arguing about Fripp's attitude towards you, etc., and acknowledge
    he's the greatest guitarist in the world.

    3. Would ET readers be kind enough to consider, and respond, to these
    questions:

    i) What is the nature of the relationship between the audience / enthusiast
    / fan and the musician?

    ii) What are the rights of the audience / enthusiast / fan?

    iii) What are the responsibilities and obligations of the audience /
    enthusiast / fan?

    iv) What do you personally, as an audient / enthusiast / fan expect of your
    artists?

    v) What do you personally, as a KC-RF audient / enthusiast / fan expect of
    Robert Fripp?

    Since 1969 I have received reviews, articles, interviews, commentaries, and
    letters from fans and enthusiasts numbering in the thousands. Since it
    began, I have scanned and read Discipline / Elephant Talk. For several
    years I have undertaken this as part of my personal discipline. As part of
    a discipline, the question is always: how can I use this to help me serve
    my aim?

    No other musicians of my acquaintance or knowing read as widely as myself
    the commentaries and chit-chat concerning them. My hunch is because, in
    various ways and for various reasons, the musicians often get hurt,
    sometimes injured, and even damaged. To put it another way, most public
    commentary has negative "side" (in the country use of the word) to it. To
    put it differently, the net benefit is negligible. And to get to net
    benefit, you have to read it all. I don't see how anyone would want to read
    it all for fun.

    My personal approach is to either read everything or nothing. In between
    can be harmful. If you read nothing, it doesn't reach you. If you do read
    it all (pretty well) probably the net balance (in a love / hate, nice guy /
    creep way) simply balances.

    Whenever someone gets really nasty or personal, it doesn't touch me.
    Firstly, because it has nothing to do with me: the commentator is
    commenting on themselves. Secondly, it's like walking through a farmyard:
    if you step into a cow pat, it's not particularly informative, or
    instructive (other than telling you to wake up and look where you're
    walking) but, because you wear Wellington boots, it doesn't touch you
    either. Although it may make a nasty smell. And then you wash your boots.

    Occasionally I receive a letter, or see one in ET, that gladdens my heart:
    someone has actually seen how it works! Clean feedback is a joy, a reward,
    a friend. It is impersonal.

    Where the elephantosities touch upon the relationship between musicians and
    enthusiasts, fans and followers, my responses have moved between
    bemusement, amazement, laughter, anger and sheer disbelief that mature and
    reasonable people might come to their expressed opinions and judgements,
    often with some heat, on the basis of a clearly developed sense of what
    they expect of the artists they patronise; umbrage when these expectations
    are not met; with clearly implied assumptions on the part of what the
    artist's position is / should / might / can only be, and certainly is
    despite anything, in any case, anyway, because I've bought my ticket with
    hard-earned pay and that gives me rights.

    So, what rights? What obligations? What expectations? What assumptions?

    4. Very little in my life is arbitrary.

    In all the comments on "Fripp's 'tude" I don't recall anyone commenting
    that my onstage and offstage behaviour might simply be practical, and in
    some way serving my aim. Also, that this is itself part of an ongoing
    exploration and learning curve for me of how I do what I do.

    This is an alternative approach to "Fripp's a jerk, so who cares?" or
    Fripp's a genius, so how can we know?" lines of enquiry.

    If any commentator did burble and banter about that one, the first question
    is probably "What is Fripp's aim?" before moving to how this eccentric /
    standoffish / egotistical / rude / kind / brilliant Englishman's behaviour
    might serve that aim.

    5. Actually, I am very grateful for the level of public support which has
    enabled me to remain a musician, or at least a guitarist, for 38 years. My
    own feelings towards this public are intimate, yet utterly impersonal. And
    sometimes personal.

            Sincerely,

            Robert Fripp.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    "..666 is no longer alone.
     he's getting out the marrow in your backbone,
     and the seven trumpets blowing sweet rock and roll
     gonna blow right down inside your soul.
     pythagoras with the looking-glass, reflect the full moon.
     in blood, he's writing the lyrics to a brand new tune.."
     * * * * * * * * * *
     mike ostrich e-mail: syrinx@dreamt.org / syrinx@mindspring.com
                            world wide web: http://www.mindspring.com/~syrinx

    (c) 1997 Happy Fun Ball, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ------------------------------

    End of YTSEJAM Digest 2191
    **************************



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