From: owner-alloy-digest@smoe.org (alloy-digest) To: alloy-digest@smoe.org Subject: alloy-digest V12 #142 Reply-To: alloy@smoe.org Sender: owner-alloy-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-alloy-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk X-To-Unsubscribe: Send mail to "alloy-digest-request@smoe.org" X-To-Unsubscribe: with "unsubscribe" as the body. alloy-digest Saturday, September 22 2007 Volume 12 : Number 142 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: Alloy: Getting ready! ["Brian Price" ] Alloy: Re:Getting Ready ["Denise and Michael Luckey" ] Alloy: Off to the Birchmere tonight [Merujo ] Re: Alloy: Getting ready! [Patrick McMillan ] Alloy: also off to the Birchmere tonight [Stephen Dick ] Alloy: Whoops--Merujo *did* give a review!! ["J. Kara Laidlaw" Subject: Re: Alloy: Getting ready! There is actually a website making that pokes fun at all drummers. It is www.drumjokes.com. There are actually some great ones. Here is a quick sample: How do you tell if the stage is level? The drummer is drooling from both sides of his mouth.  How can you tell a drummer's at the door? The knocking speeds up.  What's the last thing a drummer says in a band? "Hey guys, why don't we try one of my songs?  How can you tell when a drummer's at the door? He doesn't know when to come in Cheers. Brian >From: John McJunkin >Reply-To: alloy@smoe.org >To: alloy@smoe.org >Subject: Re: Alloy: Getting ready! >Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:12:14 -0700 > > >NICE! > > >On Sep 20, 2007, at 3:33 PM, Patrick McMillan wrote: > >> >>But wait, there's more. >>http://www.drumjokes.com/ >>On Sep 20, 2007, at 2:08 PM, John McJunkin wrote: >> >>> >>>YOWZA! Or how 'bout this one . . . >>> >>>Q: What do you call a drummer with no girlfriend? >>>A: Homeless! >>> >>>And if Clif Brigden (or any other drummer) is lurking--I can say >>>these things because I'm known to sit down behind the kit myself! >>> >>>jm >>> >>> >>>On Sep 20, 2007, at 11:28 AM, Patrick McMillan wrote: >>> >>>> >>>>Definition of a rock band: >>>>3 musicians and a drummer >>>> >>>>On Sep 20, 2007, at 11:02 AM, Brian Price wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>>Crackers: As I drummer I take a large offense to that. Just wait >>>>>until I get ahold of you. Wait, I guess I can't do that right now >>>>>as I had something come up. But maybe I can get there on Sunday at >>>>>1. Wonderful, I guess I'm busy then too! Damned >>>>>stereoptypes!!!! :) >>>>> >>>>>Best of luck with the gig!! >>>>> >>>>>Brian >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>>From: Ghastly >>>>>>Reply-To: alloy@smoe.org >>>>>>To: alloy@smoe.org >>>>>>Subject: Alloy: Getting ready! >>>>>>Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:34:45 -0400 >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>For those able to make the Toronto show this upcoming Tuesday I'll >>>>>>be providing a special treat sure to delight and amuse you during >>>>>>our opening set. >>>>>> >>>>>>Unfortunately due to drummer issues (why are drummers always the >>>>>>most unreliable of musicians, no wonder they invented drum >>>>>>machines) we will be unable to perform the Montreal show with >>>>>>Thomas which is a real bummer for me let me tell you. >>>>>> >>>>>>I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl in anticipation of this gig. >>>>>> >>>>>>Crackers >>>>> >>>>>_________________________________________________________________ >>>>>Its the Windows Live Hotmail. you love  on your phone! http:// >>>>>www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobilehotmail/default.mspx? >>>>>WT.mc_ID=MobileHMTagline2 >>>> >>>>Patrick McMillan >>>> >>>>Toxey/McMillan Design Associates >>>>218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 >>>>4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 >>>>925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) >>>>fax 206-339-3394 >>>>http://www.tmdaexhibits.com >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>Conservation Tip: Learn to do more without your car. Bicycle or walk >>>>to work, school, & the market. >> >>Patrick McMillan >> >>Toxey/McMillan Design Associates >>218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 >>4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 >>925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) >>fax 206-339-3394 >>http://www.tmdaexhibits.com >> >> >> >> >> >> >>Conservation Tip: If every home in California replaced 4 incandescent >>bulbs with compact fluorescents, 7 powerplants could be dismantled. _________________________________________________________________ Gear up for Halo. 3 with free downloads and an exclusive offer. http://gethalo3gear.com?ocid=SeptemberWLHalo3_MSNHMTxt_1 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:51:59 -0400 From: "Denise and Michael Luckey" Subject: Alloy: Re:Getting Ready Aw crud! There goes my opportunity to meet Crackers! Is there any chance that you will be in attendance at the Montreal show as a spectator? What a bummer! Mike - ---- Original Message ----- > Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:34:45 -0400 > From: Ghastly > Subject: Alloy: Getting ready! > > For those able to make the Toronto show this upcoming Tuesday I'll be > providing a special treat sure to delight and amuse you during our > opening set. > > Unfortunately due to drummer issues (why are drummers always the most > unreliable of musicians, no wonder they invented drum machines) we will > be unable to perform the Montreal show with Thomas which is a real > bummer for me let me tell you. > > I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl in anticipation of this gig. > > Crackers > > ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:54:30 -0400 From: Merujo Subject: Alloy: Off to the Birchmere tonight Looking forward to tonight's gig in Alexandria. This will be special, as it'll be the last Dolby concert I'll be seeing, I imagine, until a new recording hovers on the horizon. I can't wait to hear what cool things are cooked up in the green recording hut (which I've been thinking of as "the rhythm shack" in my head) and on the boat. After hearing how eSession works in the podcast interview, I think it's a pretty cool way to work long distance! So, my friends and I will really revel in the music this evening. Again, I wish you all could be there. Wouldn't it be fun to have all of Alloy in one place for a Dolby gig sometime? Maybe it's something we can aim for down the line when there's a new tour and new music to celebrate. :) It's been, over the months of touring, a real pleasure to finally get to meet some of you -- folks who have been friends for so very long. And we have Thomas to thank for that. And I'm looking forward to the UK reviews. :) Any of you guys going to the ICA/Sputnik gig? Trying to not be a little sad, Melissa - -- "We all have ability. The difference is how we use it." -- Stevie Wonder ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:24:32 -0500 From: Patrick McMillan Subject: Re: Alloy: Getting ready! Me drummer too, btw. On Sep 20, 2007, at 7:12 PM, John McJunkin wrote: > > NICE! > > > On Sep 20, 2007, at 3:33 PM, Patrick McMillan wrote: > >> >> But wait, there's more. >> http://www.drumjokes.com/ >> On Sep 20, 2007, at 2:08 PM, John McJunkin wrote: >> >>> >>> YOWZA! Or how 'bout this one . . . >>> >>> Q: What do you call a drummer with no girlfriend? >>> A: Homeless! >>> >>> And if Clif Brigden (or any other drummer) is lurking--I can say >>> these things because I'm known to sit down behind the kit myself! >>> >>> jm >>> >>> >>> On Sep 20, 2007, at 11:28 AM, Patrick McMillan wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> Definition of a rock band: >>>> 3 musicians and a drummer >>>> >>>> On Sep 20, 2007, at 11:02 AM, Brian Price wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Crackers: As I drummer I take a large offense to that. Just wait >>>>> until I get ahold of you. Wait, I guess I can't do that right now >>>>> as I had something come up. But maybe I can get there on >>>>> Sunday at >>>>> 1. Wonderful, I guess I'm busy then too! Damned >>>>> stereoptypes!!!! :) >>>>> >>>>> Best of luck with the gig!! >>>>> >>>>> Brian >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> From: Ghastly >>>>>> Reply-To: alloy@smoe.org >>>>>> To: alloy@smoe.org >>>>>> Subject: Alloy: Getting ready! >>>>>> Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:34:45 -0400 >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> For those able to make the Toronto show this upcoming Tuesday >>>>>> I'll >>>>>> be providing a special treat sure to delight and amuse you during >>>>>> our opening set. >>>>>> >>>>>> Unfortunately due to drummer issues (why are drummers always the >>>>>> most unreliable of musicians, no wonder they invented drum >>>>>> machines) we will be unable to perform the Montreal show with >>>>>> Thomas which is a real bummer for me let me tell you. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl in anticipation of this gig. >>>>>> >>>>>> Crackers >>>>> >>>>> _________________________________________________________________ >>>>> Its the Windows Live Hotmail. you love  on your phone! http:// >>>>> www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobilehotmail/default.mspx? >>>>> WT.mc_ID=MobileHMTagline2 >>>> >>>> Patrick McMillan >>>> >>>> Toxey/McMillan Design Associates >>>> 218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 >>>> 4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 >>>> 925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) >>>> fax 206-339-3394 >>>> http://www.tmdaexhibits.com >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Conservation Tip: Learn to do more without your car. Bicycle or >>>> walk >>>> to work, school, & the market. >> >> Patrick McMillan >> >> Toxey/McMillan Design Associates >> 218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 >> 4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 >> 925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) >> fax 206-339-3394 >> http://www.tmdaexhibits.com >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Conservation Tip: If every home in California replaced 4 incandescent >> bulbs with compact fluorescents, 7 powerplants could be dismantled. Patrick McMillan Toxey/McMillan Design Associates 218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) fax 206-339-3394 http://www.tmdaexhibits.com Conservation Tip: Learn to do more without your car. Bicycle or walk to work, school, & the market. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:21:31 -0700 (PDT) From: Stephen Dick Subject: Alloy: also off to the Birchmere tonight I'm lucky enough (and crazy enough) to have 4 more after tonight, (all but Toronto where I am bummed to miss Crackers!, damned drummers!) My first show seeing Thomas (since '84 and '88) my friends and I were standing outside the House Blues in Cali, and realized the other group crazy enough to get there as early as we did was Merujo and her friends. I believe I (jokingly) introduced myself as Camel56. to get reaction. seems impossible that that was only last year doesn't it?? off to eat, then to the Birchmere! Stevie D. "You're only young once, But you can be immature forever". ____________________________________________________________________________________ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=summer+activities+for+kids&cs=bz ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:33:26 -0700 From: John McJunkin Subject: Re: Alloy: Getting ready! I suspect there are any number of us percussively-inclined sorts in Alloy. On Sep 21, 2007, at 8:24 AM, Patrick McMillan wrote: > > Me drummer too, btw. > > On Sep 20, 2007, at 7:12 PM, John McJunkin wrote: > >> >> NICE! >> >> >> On Sep 20, 2007, at 3:33 PM, Patrick McMillan wrote: >> >>> >>> But wait, there's more. >>> http://www.drumjokes.com/ >>> On Sep 20, 2007, at 2:08 PM, John McJunkin wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> YOWZA! Or how 'bout this one . . . >>>> >>>> Q: What do you call a drummer with no girlfriend? >>>> A: Homeless! >>>> >>>> And if Clif Brigden (or any other drummer) is lurking--I can say >>>> these things because I'm known to sit down behind the kit myself! >>>> >>>> jm >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sep 20, 2007, at 11:28 AM, Patrick McMillan wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Definition of a rock band: >>>>> 3 musicians and a drummer >>>>> >>>>> On Sep 20, 2007, at 11:02 AM, Brian Price wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Crackers: As I drummer I take a large offense to that. Just >>>>>> wait >>>>>> until I get ahold of you. Wait, I guess I can't do that right >>>>>> now >>>>>> as I had something come up. But maybe I can get there on >>>>>> Sunday at >>>>>> 1. Wonderful, I guess I'm busy then too! Damned >>>>>> stereoptypes!!!! :) >>>>>> >>>>>> Best of luck with the gig!! >>>>>> >>>>>> Brian >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> From: Ghastly >>>>>>> Reply-To: alloy@smoe.org >>>>>>> To: alloy@smoe.org >>>>>>> Subject: Alloy: Getting ready! >>>>>>> Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:34:45 -0400 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> For those able to make the Toronto show this upcoming Tuesday >>>>>>> I'll >>>>>>> be providing a special treat sure to delight and amuse you >>>>>>> during >>>>>>> our opening set. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Unfortunately due to drummer issues (why are drummers always the >>>>>>> most unreliable of musicians, no wonder they invented drum >>>>>>> machines) we will be unable to perform the Montreal show with >>>>>>> Thomas which is a real bummer for me let me tell you. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl in anticipation of this gig. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Crackers >>>>>> >>>>>> _________________________________________________________________ >>>>>> Its the Windows Live Hotmail. you love  on your phone! http:// >>>>>> www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobilehotmail/default.mspx? >>>>>> WT.mc_ID=MobileHMTagline2 >>>>> >>>>> Patrick McMillan >>>>> >>>>> Toxey/McMillan Design Associates >>>>> 218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 >>>>> 4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 >>>>> 925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) >>>>> fax 206-339-3394 >>>>> http://www.tmdaexhibits.com >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Conservation Tip: Learn to do more without your car. Bicycle or >>>>> walk >>>>> to work, school, & the market. >>> >>> Patrick McMillan >>> >>> Toxey/McMillan Design Associates >>> 218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 >>> 4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 >>> 925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) >>> fax 206-339-3394 >>> http://www.tmdaexhibits.com >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Conservation Tip: If every home in California replaced 4 >>> incandescent >>> bulbs with compact fluorescents, 7 powerplants could be dismantled. > > Patrick McMillan > > Toxey/McMillan Design Associates > 218 Washington  San Antonio, TX 78204  (210) 225-7066 > 4608 Ramsgate Court  Arlington, TX 76013  (817) 368-2750 > 925 Jackson Street  Benicia, CA 94510  (Studio) > fax 206-339-3394 > http://www.tmdaexhibits.com > > > > > > > Conservation Tip: Learn to do more without your car. Bicycle or walk > to work, school, & the market. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:52:44 -0500 From: "J. Kara Laidlaw" Subject: Alloy: Whoops--Merujo *did* give a review!! Yup, titled "What a blast!" Sorry, I'm a little brain-fried myself right now. Spending money on an unlistenable CD caused high-pressure steam to issue from my ears, and it wiped my memory. It was a very warm, just-detailed-enough review. Thank you, Merujo! :^D My nerves are still a little rattled because of that awful CD that I posted about. Peace and music that's as smooth as satin {TMDR's, in this case}, Kara again... ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:44:16 -0500 From: "J. Kara Laidlaw" Subject: Alloy: OT: compressed CD--arrrrghhhh!!! I'm sorry, I have to vent about this before my head explodes, and I know that a lot of you will understand my frustration, 'cause there are a lot of audio experts, musicians, and just music lovers in general on Alloy. I just bought Colin James' latest CD, as I'd heard two singles on the radio, and they sounded really good. So I got the CD home, played it...and the dynamics have been compressed all to hell!!! It's far too loud, and it sounds the way a dirty window looks, or like I've got cotton balls in my ears, or something. It's unlistenable. I literally just threw it in the garbage. I'm pretty darned livid. It's the audio equivalent of a photocopy of a photocopy, or an old audio cassette. I paid over $21 CDN for that sucker. I ripped just one track to experiment on with a graphic equalizer, to see if I could banish the 'fuzziness', and I did achieve more clarity--but the vocals are distorted! It sounds like a scratchy old vinyl LP! Okay, yeah, maybe the 'vinyl-LP' sound was intentional, but it's still horribly compressed. Here's a good, heartfelt explanation of the whole compression thing, and a plea to stop murdering music that way, for anyone who isn't familiar with all of the 'technical stuff', but would like to know more: See, that's exactly why I generally prefer to buy CD's by independent artists-- they have total control over the way their music sounds. I'm listening to TMDR's "Sole Inhabitant" CD, and it's soothing my frazzled nerves. That's actually a curious downside to being a Dolby fan--he achieves such crystalline musical mixing perfection that CD's by other musicians can sound like trash. There is such beautiful depth and clarity to Thomas' music...I know now why you original Alloids {and Dolby fans in general, no matter how long you've been Alloy members} have been willing to wait so long for new music. I'm spoiled now, I tell ya. Quality cannot be rushed. :^) Whooh, I feel much better now! I'm really looking forward to reading Merujo's review of Thomas' Annapolis and/or Alexandria shows--any and all reviews are always welcome! :^D Love and appreciation of musical perfection, Kara ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:14:01 -0400 From: Merujo Subject: Alloy: A funny thing happened on the way to the Dolby gig... Sitting at a stoplight, I got rear-ended by someone going full speed. Urrrrg. But, by god, I did not miss the gig! :) Photo of my poor squished wee car here: http://merujo.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-happens-when-idiots-drive.html And now, at 12:11 at night, I'm off to the hospital. My head is now killing me. (For the record, the concert was a blast - Thomas and the horns were fab! More when I'm medicated in the morning!) Later, kids, Melissa - -- "We all have ability. The difference is how we use it." -- Stevie Wonder ------------------------------ End of alloy-digest V12 #142 ****************************