Ensberg... gone mental

[pravata]

0 for the Dodgers.  No hits in 12 at bats over 3 games.  Ensberg pretty much blamed himself for the Astros losing the World Series.  Obviously he hasn't gotten over it.

[Matt]

Obviously the White Sox pitching staff is dancing around in his head at every AB taunting his past failures and making him cry inside.  I can see a tear in his eye at every plate appearance.

[pravata]

Quote:
Obviously the White Sox pitching staff is dancing around in his head at every AB taunting his past failures and making him cry inside.  I can see a tear in his eye at every plate appearance.

He's says it isn't affecting him, that his wrist is completely healed, that he has learned to commit to one batting stance per at bat.  But, why listen to him.  He'll say anything to get us to like him.

[jb1219]

dont worry about morgan...he'll be OK.  

Quote:
0 for the Dodgers.  No hits in 12 at bats over 3 games.  Ensberg pretty much blamed himself for the Astros losing the World Series.  Obviously he hasn't gotten over it.

[Reuben]

Quote:
0 for the Dodgers.  No hits in 12 at bats over 3 games.  Ensberg pretty much blamed himself for the Astros losing the World Series.  Obviously he hasn't gotten over it.

It is  completely obvious. Don't worry, though...I think we can trade for...Garrett Atkins.
 The Link

[pravata]

Quote:

Quote:
0 for the Dodgers.  No hits in 12 at bats over 3 games.  Ensberg pretty much blamed himself for the Astros losing the World Series.  Obviously he hasn't gotten over it.

It is  completely obvious. Don't worry, though...I think we can trade for...Garrett Atkins.
 The Link

No post World Series trauma there.

[chuck]

Quote:
dont worry about morgan...he'll be OK.

This is awesome - I laughed out loud.

Reuben - a salty salute to you, sir.

[Reuben]

avatar's from google, but I went to a Bob show the other day...great time.

[chuck]

Quote:
avatar's from google, but I went to a Bob show the other day...great time.

I meant to ask you about that - I haven't seen him solo yet and honestly am not too wild about FACI, but I was never too thrilled with much post UTBUTS with an exception here and there (like ID and Half Smiles) although of course there are gems to be found everywhere. But my question is how is the live show now? Is the vibe more or less the same as it always was or is it more subdued? Are the solo shows as much fun?

[Fredia]

well you surely cant tell from his facial expressions he looks frightened as heck everytime he comes up to bad. someone , non baseaball fan . hard to believe but there are some, and wanted to know what was wrong with morgan e.as it showed his best deer in headlight took. he jacked one at the time.. the early runs seemed to be out or ensbergs normal start to the season anyhow but it was a thing of beauy while it lasted

[Reuben]

Quote:

Quote:
avatar's from google, but I went to a Bob show the other day...great time.

I meant to ask you about that - I haven't seen him solo yet and honestly am not too wild about FACI, but I was never too thrilled with much post UTBUTS with an exception here and there (like ID and Half Smiles) although of course there are gems to be found everywhere. But my question is how is the live show now? Is the vibe more or less the same as it always was or is it more subdued? Are the solo shows as much fun?

That I cannot say, as I never saw a GBV show - being a late comer to the music (I tried on the final tour but Boston sold out too quick). All I know is he had a good band, incl. a keyboard/guitar player, a bucket of booze that was freely sampled, and played for, I don't know, hour and a half, two hours. Two or three GBV songs in the set, then encore all GBV, closing with Don't Stop Now. I think FACE could've used some trimming, but he pretty much played only the best songs from it live. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, with the help of just a few beers.

[HudsonHawk]

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
avatar's from google, but I went to a Bob show the other day...great time.

I meant to ask you about that - I haven't seen him solo yet and honestly am not too wild about FACI, but I was never too thrilled with much post UTBUTS with an exception here and there (like ID and Half Smiles) although of course there are gems to be found everywhere. But my question is how is the live show now? Is the vibe more or less the same as it always was or is it more subdued? Are the solo shows as much fun?

That I cannot say, as I never saw a GBV show - being a late comer to the music (I tried on the final tour but Boston sold out too quick). All I know is he had a good band, incl. a keyboard/guitar player, a bucket of booze that was freely sampled, and played for, I don't know, hour and a half, two hours. Two or three GBV songs in the set, then encore all GBV, closing with Don't Stop Now. I think FACE could've used some trimming, but he pretty much played only the best songs from it live. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, with the help of just a few beers.

Who the fuck is Bob, GBV and FACE?

[chuck]

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
avatar's from google, but I went to a Bob show the other day...great time.

I meant to ask you about that - I haven't seen him solo yet and honestly am not too wild about FACI, but I was never too thrilled with much post UTBUTS with an exception here and there (like ID and Half Smiles) although of course there are gems to be found everywhere. But my question is how is the live show now? Is the vibe more or less the same as it always was or is it more subdued? Are the solo shows as much fun?

That I cannot say, as I never saw a GBV show - being a late comer to the music (I tried on the final tour but Boston sold out too quick). All I know is he had a good band, incl. a keyboard/guitar player, a bucket of booze that was freely sampled, and played for, I don't know, hour and a half, two hours. Two or three GBV songs in the set, then encore all GBV, closing with Don't Stop Now. I think FACE could've used some trimming, but he pretty much played only the best songs from it live. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, with the help of just a few beers.

Cool, thanks. I saw GBV a bunch, classic lineup all the way to the very end. I'm up for Bob doing new things and will definitely see his new band when I can, but I'd sort of like to know what I'm in for.

Believe it or not I saw GBV once completely sober (me, not them). I was surprised to learn that the experience was nearly as enjoyable as in any other state.

[Reuben]

sorry, not trying to be coy- Bob is Robert Pollard, better known from the now-defunct band Guided By Voices. If you like The Who at all, you'd probably like 'em. FACE is his new solo record, From A Compound Eye. Chuck also referenced GBV albums  Under the Bushes, Under the Stars  and  Isloation Drills and  Half-Smiles of the Decomposed .

[Ty in Tampa]

That Bob is one alcohol-consuming mo-fo.

[strosrays]

Quote:
That Bob is one alcohol-consuming mo-fo.

I'd heard that.  Someone I know said the GBV concerts reminded him of The Replacements on stage, or maybe Alex Chilton.  Damn, that's big time boozer territory.

I don't know the band all that well, but the lines from one of their songs (Hot Freaks?) are permanently lodged in instant recall, for some reason.

...I met a non-dairy creamer
Explicitly laid out like a fruitcake
With a wet spot
Bigger than a great lake
Took me to the new church
And baptized me with salt
She told me, liquor
I am a new man

Hell, yeah.

[Ryan in Houston]

Quote:

Quote:
That Bob is one alcohol-consuming mo-fo.

I'd heard that.  Someone I know said the GBV concerts reminded him of The Replacements on stage, or maybe Alex Chilton.  Damn, that's big time boozer territory.

I don't know the band all that well, but the lines from one of their songs (Hot Freaks?) are permanently lodged in instant recall, for some reason.

...I met a non-dairy creamer
Explicitly laid out like a fruitcake
With a wet spot
Bigger than a great lake
Took me to the new church
And baptized me with salt
She told me, liquor
I am a new man

Hell, yeah.

what's more amazing? Someone not knowing who GBV is?  or how a thread about Morgan's O-fer against the dodgers can turn into a Guided By Voices thread, complete with lyrics?

[Tralfaz]

"I'm not here to drink all the beer in the fridge
(oh, la la la)
In the room (oh)
In the house
In the place (oh, la la la)
That we both (oh)
So love"

Don't believe a word he say's.

[Ty in Tampa]

or maybe Alex Chilton.

I saw Alex Chilton at the Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans about 5 years ago. Just him, his guitar and some of the most obscure R&B you could dig up. Not at all what I expected (Big Star fan) but delightful nonetheless.

[chuck]

HH, I'd burn a sample CD for you but I'm sort of afraid to. If any newcomer decides they like GBV (and people are usually not on the fence about them), god help you. You'd need to buy 20 full-lengths just to feel like you'd made any sort of dent in the canon what with the GBV records, solo stuff, innumberable side projects, etc., never mind the EPs and 45s and so on. It is a slippery slope and there is no turning back.

I started seeing Alex Chilton in the mid-80's (after he'd quit drinking) so I don't know what a drunken AC show is like. But I saw the Mats plenty in their heyday, and although the alcohol consumption level between the Mats and GBV onstage is comparable, the overall vibe is very different. With the Mats it always seemed like an angry, spurned sort of drunk, very us vs them. With GBV it was much more of a 'Isn't rock and roll great? where'd I put my beer? dunno better get another one' sort of drunk.

For the curious, good old chuck's Bob Pollard Top Five:

1. Alien Lanes
2. Under the Bushes Under the Stars
3. Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department
4. Bee Thousand
5. Isolation Drills

HOOOOOOOOOOOT FFFREAKS! HOT FREAKS!

[chuck]

Quote:
or maybe Alex Chilton.

I saw Alex Chilton at the Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans about 5 years ago. Just him, his guitar and some of the most obscure R&B you could dig up. Not at all what I expected (Big Star fan) but delightful nonetheless.

Most folk don't realize this but he is a fucking bad ass guitar player. But no, do not go to an AC show expecting to hear Big Star. In fact, I wouldn't necessarily recommend going to one of the occasional Big Star reunion shows expecting to hear Big Star.

[Ty in Tampa]

An online example of the vast tenacles of Bob.

The Link

[chuck]

Quote:
An online example of the vast tenacles of Bob.

The Link

I love how everything is thoroughly cross-referenced. I have found this site invaluable for, emm, refreshing my memory with respect to setlists.

[matadorph]

GBV? Alex Chilton? The 'Mats?

Woah, this is one thread detour I fully endorse...

np: MMJ's At Dawn.

[Ty in Tampa]

I didn't really expect Big Star but with the venue and fact it was during JazzFest, I expected....bigger.

Amazingly enough, he did do 'In The Street' solo, acoustic.

[chuck]

Quote:
I didn't really expect Big Star but with the venue and fact it was during JazzFest, I expected....bigger.

Amazingly enough, he did do 'In The Street' solo, acoustic.

That's the one Big Star song that I have seen him play solo with any regularity. It's probably not a coincidence that it was a Chris Bell song.

[Ty in Tampa]

Funny you say that. I thought it was too but I was just reading an article that says that although Bell sang it, it's a Chilton song.

The Link

[chuck]

Quote:
Funny you say that. I thought it was too but I was just reading an article that says that although Bell sang it, it's a Chilton song.

The Link

Wow, amazing, thanks. I guess if Stringfellow didn't know who the hell had written it I shouldn't feel so bad.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Quote:

Quote:
I didn't really expect Big Star but with the venue and fact it was during JazzFest, I expected....bigger.

Amazingly enough, he did do 'In The Street' solo, acoustic.

That's the one Big Star song that I have seen him play solo with any regularity. It's probably not a coincidence that it was a Chris Bell song.

I've seen him do 'September Gurls' several times. But that was before that 70's show, maybe he replaced it with 'In the Street' since then.

[Tralfaz]

Quote:

1. Alien Lanes
2. Under the Bushes Under the Stars
3. Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department
4. Bee Thousand
5. Isolation Drills

HOOOOOOOOOOOT FFFREAKS! HOT FREAKS!

Bee Thousand is No. 2 my friend.

[das]

Very Bagwellian...

[Ty in Tampa]

'...and Alex Chilton's usually a tad vague on the subject.'

My favorite line from the piece.

[Texifornia]

I'm almost certain that Morgan Ensberg is guided by voices....so it all works out.

[chuck]

Sphinx: I don't think I've ever seen him do September Gurls solo. I know I've seen it during one of their Big Star reunion shows. Those are disappointing for any number of reasons, not least of which is that Alex often does not sing his own songs. Contrarian that he is I have not seen him play In the Street since the show came out.

Tralfaz: My list was VERY difficult to make. Talk to me next week and you might see Do the Collapse or Lexo and the Leapers up there. Sunfish Holy Breakfast. I am still totally electrified when I push PLay and hear 'Sitting out on your house, watching hardcore UFOs.' And then you get Buzzards and Dreadful Crows next?... Yeah, 4th might not be right. Third?

Ty: Alex is fucking out there. Have you ever met him? He's cool and not raving, but he is most definitely askew. For example if he were to see me tomorrow he would immediately know me and my card. What's that, your card? Well! Alex got a holt of a book at some point and it turns out that each day of the year represents a card in the standard deck. (Of course each card corresponds with several calendar days.) Me? I'm a six of hearts. (Hearts are invariably niiiice peeeeeolple.) So, yeah, when you meet him be prepared to answer with you birthday. June fourth? Three of clubs! (Or whatever.) Talk to him about obscure soul acts from the 60's and you'll never shut him up. Talk to him about the Box Tops or Big Star and he'll disappear.

His band, Ron Easley and Richard Dworkin, are no joke. As far as I know he never plays with his band outside of NYC anymore, and he only plays there when he's there taking a couple of hours to record a new album. Anyone who likes 60's and 70's soul music should not waste a chance to see these guys. There can't be too many left.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Quote:
Sphinx: I don't think I've ever seen him do September Gurls solo. I know I've seen it during one of their Big Star reunion shows. /quote]

Chuck: about 20 years ago, High Priest was out, he was at Mississippi Nights in St. Louis. Another time a year or two later in Memphis with Tav Falco at the Antenna Club, which everyone said was special.

[Tralfaz]

Two of the best shows I've ever scene are GBV, original line-up at The Austin Opera House in 1995 and The Big Star re-union at The Austin Music Hall a couple of years ago.  Chilton actually gave a fuck, it was awsome.  Great thread hi-jack.

[Reuben]

 

Quote:
Great thread hi-jack.

Indeed, and I guess I'll have to check out some Alex Chilton/Big Star now, and maybe the Mats. Any recommendations on where to start?

took me to pie-land,
said I'm a thigh man
I will be eternally hateful
Hot freaks!

[chuck]

Quote:

Quote:
Great thread hi-jack.

Indeed, and I guess I'll have to check out some Alex Chilton/Big Star now, and maybe the Mats. Any recommendations on where to start?

Why, yes, I do. Big Star: there is a two records on one CD package of their first two releases, #1 Record and Radio City. I truly feel sorry for people who are not familiar with these two records. You need to stop what you're doing and go get this now. Their third record is definitely more out there, but real aficionados tend to like it more than the first two. I can't say that I like it more than the first two, but I do love it. It carries several names but is mostly referred to as Sister Lovers. At the same time as they re-released Sister Lovers Rykodisk also released a live performance from a 1970's radio show. It's just called Live and is not to be confused with another live release of a show from the mid-90's. In my view these three releases are essential. You can always stray into the modern Big Star releases. I'm not wild on them myself, but they're OK. The Alex Chilton solo stuff is a real can of worms. A lot of it is rough R&B, weird, off the wall, with anyone else it might qualify as parody but with Alex you know he's serious. I like a lot of it, the more recent the better in my opinion. I can't say that any of it is essential, but I'd recommend Cliches on which Alex interprets standards on an acoustic guitar.

The Replacements. Hoo boy. You really can't go wrong with anything after and including Let It Be. But I think the essentials are Tim, Pleased to Meet Me and All Shook Down. A lot of the Westerberg stuff is pretty essential also, as are some of Tommy's releases. You should be able to find the Bash and Pop CD for a dollar somewhere. That is a damn good way to spend a dollar.

[matadorph]

Guys guys....check out the new Neil Young record. It's outstanding.

The Link

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Quote:
Guys guys....check out the new Neil Young record. It's outstanding.

The Link

While were at it, talkin' about rock contrarians and such. Any Kinks fans out there? Ray Davies new album is really fuckin' good. His first ever solo album. Twenty-one years in the making... sorta. No filler, all great tracks.

[Ty in Tampa]

As Big Star goes, what chuck offered is all they offered. However, they influenced bands from REM to the Replacements to the Posies to Teenage Fanclub to Wilco to...

I concur with chuck on the Replacements recommendations though I am not as fond of All Shook Down and solo PW. My recomend is start at Pleased To Meet Me and work back.

[Gizzmonic]

Yeah, I love the Kinks...you ever listen Of Montreal?  They are a modern group that sounds like they've been sleeping in Ray Davies' closet.  Not sure if I like or hate them for being such blatant rip-off artists...

Quote:

Quote:
Guys guys....check out the new Neil Young record. It's outstanding.

The Link

While were at it, talkin' about rock contrarians and such. Any Kinks fans out there? Ray Davies new album is really fuckin' good. His first ever solo album. Twenty-one years in the making... sorta. No filler, all great tracks.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Quote:
As Big Star goes, what chuck offered is all they offered. However, they influenced bands from REM to the Replacements to the Posies to Teenage Fanclub to Wilco to...

I concur with chuck on the Replacements recommendations though I am not as fond of All Shook Down and solo PW. My recomend is start at Pleased To Meet Me and work back.

All shook Down was basically Paul's first solo album disguised as a Replacements album. I love the rawness of 'Let it Be.'

[chuck]

Quote:
Yeah, I love the Kinks...you ever listen Of Montreal?  They are a modern group that sounds like they've been sleeping in Ray Davies' closet.  Not sure if I like or hate them for being such blatant rip-off artists...

Check out the Lilys, particularly Better Can't Make Your Life Better. Lots of nods to Ray Davies but you never feel like you're listening to outright thievery. There are some really spectacular songs on that record.

Ty, I LOVE All Shook Down, but I certainly don't begrudge everyone in the Let It Be / Tim / PTMM camp. Those are band records in a way that ASD is not.

[Holly]

Quote:
what's more amazing? Someone not knowing who GBV is?  or how a thread about Morgan's O-fer against the dodgers can turn into a Guided By Voices thread, complete with lyrics?

The latter doesn't surprise me. Just mention barrio and we'll be discussing cheese soon enough. The former... well... so far the only band names mentioned which is recognize are The Kinks and The Who. Music is not as universal as any given fan would like to think it is. :/

[Reuben]

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Great thread hi-jack.

Indeed, and I guess I'll have to check out some Alex Chilton/Big Star now, and maybe the Mats. Any recommendations on where to start?

Why, yes, I do. Big Star: there is a two records on one CD package of their first two releases, #1 Record and Radio City. I truly feel sorry for people who are not familiar with these two records. You need to stop what you're doing and go get this now. Their third record is definitely more out there, but real aficionados tend to like it more than the first two. I can't say that I like it more than the first two, but I do love it. It carries several names but is mostly referred to as Sister Lovers. At the same time as they re-released Sister Lovers Rykodisk also released a live performance from a 1970's radio show. It's just called Live and is not to be confused with another live release of a show from the mid-90's. In my view these three releases are essential. You can always stray into the modern Big Star releases. I'm not wild on them myself, but they're OK. The Alex Chilton solo stuff is a real can of worms. A lot of it is rough R&B, weird, off the wall, with anyone else it might qualify as parody but with Alex you know he's serious. I like a lot of it, the more recent the better in my opinion. I can't say that any of it is essential, but I'd recommend Cliches on which Alex interprets standards on an acoustic guitar.

The Replacements. Hoo boy. You really can't go wrong with anything after and including Let It Be. But I think the essentials are Tim, Pleased to Meet Me and All Shook Down. A lot of the Westerberg stuff is pretty essential also, as are some of Tommy's releases. You should be able to find the Bash and Pop CD for a dollar somewhere. That is a damn good way to spend a dollar.

Thanks, man. I will investigate with all due haste. (The Replacements are one of those bands that I've always liked what I've heard, just never got around to acquiring some).

As for your desire to have an idea what to expect before seeing Bob "solo", I guess you could say, he's almost 50, and he's not pretending like he's still 30, but he's not exactly gone adult contemporary either. He's still Bob Pollard.

[Tralfaz]

Westerberg and Stinson will both be on the Jim Rome radio show Thursday to debut a new(!?) song recorded for Replacements retrospective record.