From: owner-rockford-files-digest@smoe.org (The Rockford Files) To: rockford-files-digest@smoe.org Subject: The Rockford Files V2 #316 Reply-To: rockford-files@smoe.org Sender: owner-rockford-files-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-rockford-files-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk The Rockford Files Friday, December 10 1999 Volume 02 : Number 316 Today's Fjordian Filings: -------------------------------------- right back at ya... pushing artists I'm down with Leigh. Wes! Boy Wonder! Re: right back at ya... Re: I'm down with Leigh. I'm going to the Show! and not to mention.... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 10:30:26 -0500 From: "Leigh 13" Subject: right back at ya... First off, much props to Aaron for his first post. I'll back him up on Muse and Elliott and Dandy Warhols (though I never really listen to them)...and yes, Stroke 9 is much more than the little black backpack. Also, the whole Pulp/anti-America thing is surely a bummer, as those guys put on one of the best live shows I have EVER been to. And I've seen quite a few. Their record 'Different Class' is simply genius. High-fives to Stacy and Courtney for plenty of interesting dialogue. If we ever make a film based on the Rockford Files (the list, not the show) I think we can get most of the text out of that last digest. It's chock full o' tasty insights! In response to Jodes' question, I'd have to say my national act plug would have to go to either Spacehog or Sponge. These are two bands who have both released more than one great record, scored coast-to-coast radio hits, appeared on numerous soundtracks and compilations, toured with major national acts, and yet still can't seem gain major popularity. Rumors persist that Sponge has broken up after their latest record 'New Pop Sunday' (one of my absolute faves this year) flopped following lackluster distribution on the unknown Beyond Records. Spacehog followed up their debut Resident Alien with the ambitious and thoroughly engrossing The Chinese Album in 1996. RA was wrongly deemed to be a one-hit record (anybody remember 'In The Meantime'? It's on the new Mitsubishi commercials now) and TCA never got the fair shot it deserved. Despite grabbing an opening slot on the REM tour after being hand-picked by Michael Stipe, Sire records is still slow in getting a release for their new record "This Is America." On the local scene (NJ), my money is all on Probe. What Weezer would have been if they put out the blue album in 1984, or what Devo would be like playing power pop today. Probe is a killer mix of new wave, power pop, and rock, and does it all with a live show featuring blue chemical jumpsuits, lighted hard hats, and holographic plastic pants. I can't say enough good things about these guys--I saw them play a show last night with Evelyn Forever (another great local band) and they just wowed the place to no end. Keep an eye on these guys! listen up at www.mp3.com/probe. From: "Erik Lyons" << One band I would be pushing right now is Guster. They are gunna be somebody someday. One more "HIT" and they go the way of bigger venues. >> Erik, I agree, but considering that Guster just sold out Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC (capacity 3500) for their Thanksgiving weekend show, I would say that they are well on their way. Ben Folds Five has played that venue twice and sold it out both times as well--though I think the last time around in October didn't sell out until the last minute. I think that's enough for me now. One more thing...for those of you into Gomez, they're coming back to the US in February and March. Catch them when they come to town! Later days, Leigh 13 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 11:03:27 -0500 From: Dan Cohen Subject: pushing artists If I had to select a national artist, ah, geez. That's tough. I would almost like to say Old 97's or perhaps the Asylum Street Spankers, but I don't think either of their music would lend itself to mass followings. And the Spankers are pretty much dead now anyhow. I almost have to second Erik on Guster. Great musicianship, engaging live show...they're getting there, for sure; their show in DC was very well-attended and they've been getting some radio airplay as well lately. But I think the world would be a much better place if Guster was wildly popular and selling out Giants Stadium or something. I would be quite content, that's for sure. Locally, well, there isn't much. I don't exactly live in the center of a maelstrom of burgeoning talent, that's for sure. I'd have to say Johny Vegas (http://www.johnyvegas.com), one hell of a rock band from Syracuse. CDnow compares them to the Smiths, Metallica, Joy Division, and Throwing Muses, and if that doesn't tell you how genre-defying they are, nothing else will. Great live show, a very active underground following in the Northeast, and they're always called one of those bands that's poised to break out and be really successful. I concur with Leigh on Spacehog and Sponge, both bands that have gotten written off either as one-hit wonders (although everyone seems to forget Mungo City) or worthless modern rock tripe, respectively. Horrible assessments, to be sure; each band has the capability of delivering some really good stuff. Barbi, go to hell :) There's a meet 'n' greet before the Guster show tonight, but I don't know how many people are going to show up. Rochester scares me sometimes; seeing BFF there in October, I didn't expect much of a turnout, but they _easily_ sold out the big freaky gym where they played. The line was longer than any I've ever seen for a show, period. But then again, seeing J,LC and Guster two weeks ago, the pre-show line was quite small (in Washington DC, no less), and half of the people were Jump fans. So one never knows. - -Dan ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 11:07:06 EST From: Eriklyons1@aol.com Subject: I'm down with Leigh. I also enjoyed the snappy literature in the last digest. Just to clarify differences in geography: I have a different perspective of Guster's popularity. In my region, they could only muster about 300-400 people in St. Louis a month ago. Muster for Guster! Now, Chicago may be another story. I guess I was trying to speak to the widespread popularity of the 3 threesome. I know they are quite the bomb-diggity out east... Speaking of Rockford Files and the big time, I am still waiting for someone to make it to the big show from the list. I thought Sandi and Ginger were well on their way after appearing in the B & S video. Then I thought Sandi might become related to someone Big related to the list. But she has dropped off the radar. So right now, my $$$ is on Courtney. Unless Sinforosa catches a break and makes Casey's radio show! OR Rick Dee's...whatever. Also, along the lines of reaching for the stars... Of course Courtney, being in LA and working around so many famous people, is probably choke full of these... but, I would be interested in a thread centering on degrees of separation between you (the Rockford Filer) and anyone cool or famous (not your mom). I would start it off, but I don't think I have anybody to tell a story about. I will think about it. The only cool person around these parts is Abraham Lincoln, and he is dead. Although, all you people are pretty cool, and that is good by me. - -Erik ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 09:44:02 PST From: "Elisabeth Donnelly" Subject: Wes! Boy Wonder! Six degrees of Separation: Between Me! and Wes Anderson 1) My sister 2) Her friend who produced Dog Park 3) with Luke Wilson 4) who is down with WES ANDERSON! 1) My friend 2) her sister who is friends with... 3) WES ANDERSON! This information excites me every day. I would love to be that guy's pa...or just be his friend. Yeah. I could go into the local band/national band thing, ah well, hell, I will. Boston local bands that rock-The Shelia Divine, The Gravel Pit, and Boy Wonder Focus on: Boy Wonder-shiny happy 60s pop with cute girly vocals by Paula Kelley, catchy arrangements, and they're fab! They should be huge. If you can get Wonder Wear on CherryDisc records (now defunct) do so. Or look for them on Yahoo, and listen via their web site. I bet Stacy would like them! ~Elisabeth ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 14:02:04 -0700 From: Stacy Lynn Subject: Re: right back at ya... >High-fives to Stacy and Courtney for plenty of interesting dialogue. If we >ever make a film based on the Rockford Files (the list, not the show) I think >we can get most of the text out of that last digest. It's chock full o' tasty >insights! Mmmm. thank you, Leigh! >Spacehog followed up their debut Resident Alien with the ambitious and >thoroughly engrossing The Chinese Album in 1996. RA was wrongly deemed to be I LOVED The Chinese Album. Still love it, in fact. and yes, Sponge is good as well. And Leigh, I will always remember the day you discovered Probe. =-) "Stacy, check this out! They are so cool! And they are from practically my town!!!" And yes, Probe is very good, I can vouch for that. Unfortunately, you'll have to take my word that Hector on Stilts is brilliant as they have no album yet. Soon, soon. Its 2 guys, 2 guitars, and their voices are soooo amazing. Their songs, so...engrossing. Toe tapping. Beautiful. Funny. All combined, or all separate. Their guitar playing is amazing. Very talented. I can't wait for the album. Soon, soon. But I still don't know about any national acts to plug. There are so many great ones. I couldn't just pick one and not feel bad. >Erik, I agree, but considering that Guster just sold out Hammerstein Ballroom >in NYC (capacity 3500) for their Thanksgiving weekend show, I would say that Like 3 people here know about Guster, and I am one of them. stacy I don't want to stay in love. -Hefner "Hymn for the Cigarettes" *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Stacy Flatt 520.621.1111 stacyf@u.arizona.edu Assistant Director Eat to the Beat Concerts @ the U of Arizona http://www.u.arizona.edu/~stacyf Powerpop DJ Extraordinaire! Listen live mon 8-10pm MST http://kamp.arizona.edu/audio/live.ram *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 14:08:51 -0700 From: Stacy Lynn Subject: Re: I'm down with Leigh. At 11:07 AM 12/09/1999 EST, Eriklyons1@aol.com wrote: >I also enjoyed the snappy literature in the last digest. thank you. RF and the bigtime... elaborate. You mean, who on the RF will make it to the big time first? >I would be interested in a thread centering on degrees of separation between you (the Rockford Filer) and anyone cool or famous (not your mom). hmm. I can do one with Ben Folds Five and even make it bentent! When in Chapel Hill, I stayed with Ginger (who is no longer on the list, BTW) and Sandi, who's roomate is Joe Caparo. He is very nice, btw, we had lots of fun and watched some funny movies including "Strange Fruit"... Anyway, we all know what a small step it is from Joe to Rob, Ben, Darren. I can do more, I believe, I just don't want to think now. Anyway, lots of them are people that most people on this list wouldn't know about anyway. But I do believe in the 6 degrees of separation rule. stacy I don't want to stay in love. -Hefner "Hymn for the Cigarettes" *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Stacy Flatt 520.621.1111 stacyf@u.arizona.edu Assistant Director Eat to the Beat Concerts @ the U of Arizona http://www.u.arizona.edu/~stacyf Powerpop DJ Extraordinaire! Listen live mon 8-10pm MST http://kamp.arizona.edu/audio/live.ram *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 13:23:25 -0800 (PST) From: Courtney Knopf Subject: I'm going to the Show! >Speaking of Rockford Files and the big time, I am >still waiting for someone to make it to the big show >from the list. I thought Sandi and Ginger were well on >So right now, my $$$ is on Courtney. woohoo! will I be the first fjord to hit the big time? well... only time will tell. though i certainly hope so. i am the most conveniently located for instant fame;) so now we do my six degrees. bear with me. 1.)My boss Mark Goodman, former MTV VJ. 2.)Any number of 80's bands, not to mention J.J. Jackson 1.)My friend Andrew 2.)His friend Rachel 3.)Her dad Charles Fleischer (voice of Roger Rabbit) - -OR- 1.)My friend Andrew 2.)His friend Greg Siff (who hosts 'Z Games' on the Disney Channel) 3.)Selma Blair (the dumb girl in Cruel Intentions) 4.)EVERYONE ON THE WB 1.)Everyone I work with at Ideal Records 2.)John King & Mike Simpson (AKA the Dust Brothers) 3.)Beck 4.)Beth Orton, Stephen Malkmus, Johnny Marr 5.)from Beth I get to William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers (WHO USED TO BE KNOWN AS THE DUST BOTHERS), Stephen Malkmus gets me to SPACE GHOST, and JOhnny Marr gets me to the Smiths and Morrissey. 6.)William Orbit gets me to Madonna. the end. - -OR- 1.)Everyone at Ideal 2.)Everyone next door at Mammoth 3.)Squirrel Nut Zippers 1.)My friend Erik made a film starring.... 2.)The Brewer Twins (i.e. the dumb blond boys from the Old Navy Performance Fleece commercials "It's a Book!") 3.)Tia & Tamera, George & Weezie Jefferson - -OR- 1.)My friend Erik works for... 2.)Neal Moritz (produced I Know what you did last summer, Cruel Intentions, Urban Legend) 3.)EVERY PERSON ON THE WB NETWORK 1.)My friend Tick who works at Grand Royal 2.)The Beastie Boys, Bis, Dan the Automator, Luscious Jackson, Ben Lee, etc. 3.)The B-Boys get me to Spike Jonze, Automator to simply EVERYONE, Luscious Jackson to Cibo Matto and Jon Spencer and Ben Lee to Claire Danes 1.)Tony at Dreamworks 2.)Elliott Smith, Tim Wheeler from Ash, Rufus Wainwright 3.)Elliott gets me to Lou Barlow & Gus Van Sant, Tim gets me to BLUR, the Rentals, Weezer and god knows who else, and Rufus gets me to Melissa Auf Der Maur, Van Dyke Parks, Lenny Waronker 4.)Van Dyke parks gets me to the Beach Boys, Lenny Waronker gets to me anyone who used to be on the Warner Bros. roster including R.E.M., not to mention his daughter Anna who was in that dog. and his son Joey who drummed for Beck and currently drums for R.E.M. 5.)Which brings us to the Haden Family. Rachel and Petra Haden were in that dog. and then Josh Haden is in the band Spain, and their father is Charlie Haden. also in that dog. was Tony Maxwell, who is currently in a Nike commercial directed by Spike Jonze. Tony Maxwell also has a day job as David Fincher's assistant. Fincher directed Seven & Fight Club. 6.)at the top tier you've got Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Gwynnie and god knows who else. holy crap, i need a flow chart. any time the Waronker/Haden lineage is discussed, a flow chart is of much help. oh my head hurts. because i forgot that with the dust brothers i could have gone straight to david fincher since they did the Fight Club soundtrack, and then I could have hopped from Beck to Joey Waronker and ohhh... i can't wrap my mind around this anymore. ~Courtney The Sultraness of Swing "I'll just label it 'What was I thinking?!'" "That's funny because I was just about to go across the hall and write that on Chandler!" _____________________________________________________________ Add web search or discussion boards to your home page today! - ----------------- http://www.everyone.net ------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 13:38:36 -0800 (PST) From: Courtney Knopf Subject: and not to mention.... i left off the BEST one! 1.) Trevor & Brian at Ideal both used to work at Sire Records with... 2.)Seymmour Stein. and we know where that takes us, right? 3.)BELLE & SEBASTIAN and just for the Elisabeths (Donnelly and Geier) 1.)My friend Andrew 2.)His friend Rachel 3.)Jason Schwartzman 4.)Wes Anderson 1.)Mr. Bailey, my high school journalism teacher 2.)Matt Greoning 3.)Conan O'Brien 4.)Lorne Michaels 5.)the entire casts of SNL and KITH 6.)Everyone from Mr. Show, Newsradio, Andy Prieboy's White Trash Wins Lotto ooh, and how about a RF specific one? 1.)My friend Nadia who lives in Boston 2.)Elisabeth Donnelly Nadia also knows (is roomates with?) someone who i think used to be on this list. jason, KNULPREK or something. but this is dangerous. once we start playing 6 Degrees of Nadia Lachance and Courtney Knopf, we've got big trouble (right here in river city), as the girl knows everyone. ~Courtney The Sultraness of Swing "But I love *my* Skechers." "That's because you don't have a Prada backpack." _____________________________________________________________ Add web search or discussion boards to your home page today! - ----------------- http://www.everyone.net ------------------ ------------------------------ End of The Rockford Files V2 #316 *********************************