Gary Numan Digest Sun, 6 Jul 97 Volume 1 : Issue 345 Today's Topics: "Remind Me To Smile" website (2 msgs) 6 Degrees of Gary Numan Arp's Random Review Bitter Moon / Magic FW: Gary Numan Digest V1 #344 Gary in germans music press Gary Numan Digest V1 #344 Hello is there anybody in there??? Judgement Day No accounting for taste Numan Digest On being a fan Random Random - not yet Random Thoughts REVIEW Techno Army Zillo RANDOM review ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 21:41:27 -0500 From: Michael Day Subject: "Remind Me To Smile" website To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I've been working on my Numan site for a long time and have it looking good enough now to invite others to come visit it. It has lyrics of all the releases I've found lyrics for and other Numan News. Since I'm from the USA and am not yet a member of the Numan Fan Club, I don't have much info that you can't already find on other sites on the Numan Network '97. But "Remind Me To Smile" does have an interesting twist that I haven't seen too much on the other Numan Network sites. I'm a devote beliver in God and always have been and it reflects on this website. I've made it a point to bring to light (no not dark light) points Gary makes in his lyrics when he references God and Religion. I try to steer away from outright blasts on his opinion and lack of belief, rather I provide examples that I've found in my readings from the Bible that are at odds with his lyrics. If you would oppose the information that "Remind Me To Smile" contains, then this site isn't for you. But if you are like me and believe in God, then this site may bring a new insite to you. I can imagine that I might receive flames on this subject and want to ask in advance not to send them to me. Thanks! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 21:46:36 -0500 From: Michael Day Subject: "Remind Me To Smile" website To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I've been working on my Numan site for a long time and have it looking good enough now to invite others to come visit it. It has lyrics of all the releases I've found lyrics for and other Numan News. Since I'm from the USA and am not yet a member of the Numan Fan Club, I don't have much info that you can't already find on other sites on the Numan Network '97. But "Remind Me To Smile" does have an interesting twist that I haven't seen too much on the other Numan Network sites. I'm a devote beliver in God and always have been and it reflects on this website. I've made it a point to bring to light (no not dark light) points Gary makes in his lyrics when he references God and Religion. I try to steer away from outright blasts on his opinion and lack of belief, rather I provide examples that I've found in my readings from the Bible that are at odds with his lyrics. It's URL is: http://user.centralnet.net/kf9ug/music/gnuman/ If you would oppose the information that "Remind Me To Smile" contains, then this site isn't for you. But if you are like me and believe in God, then this site may bring a new insite to you. I can imagine that I might receive flames on this subject and want to ask in advance not to send them to me. Thanks! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 02:19:44 -0500 (CDT) From: hepcats@eden.com (Martin) Subject: 6 Degrees of Gary Numan To: numan@cs.uwp.edu By going the Zappa route to Gary, you can forge a direct link through the Crimson/Japan nexus, rather than by going the dubious route of Reznor's production of a cover version. Granted it's another step or two but it takes you straight to Gary. Frank Zappa --> Adrian Belew Adrian Belew --> Robert Fripp (Crimson) Robert Fripp --> David Sylvian David Sylvian --> either to Mick Karn or Rob Dean (Japan) Rob or Mick --> Gary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- /\ /\ / \/ \ \ /\ / \/ \/ "There's a reason 'Wheel Of Fortune' is on right after 'Jeopardy'. Once you've been forced to choke down the foul-tasting tequila shot of your own abject ignorance, it's nice to be able to bite into the refreshing lime wedge of other people's incredible fucking stupidity." --Dennis Miller ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 13:10:07 +0100 (BST) From: Ashley Pomeroy Subject: Arp's Random Review To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Here it is, my magnificent and moody Random review. Not only will I evaluate the tracks in their own right, I will even give tiny potted reviews of the artists involved so that the disadvantaged (those not fortunate enough to live in England) will not have to feel left out. This review goes on a bit, but that doesn't matter because it's brilliantly written and you will laugh your heart out at several points (unless, of course, you don't get the irony and think that I *actually AM* this immodest). Ahem. First thing, the packaging. It's very nice. Somebody has obviously been paid a lot of money to fool around with the filters in Photoshop 4.0 for half an hour. Surprisingly, they don't use the lens flare effect at all, which must qualify as daring minimalism. Shame about the floppy two-cd holder thing - they should have used the same box as the excellent 'two albums on two cds' re-releases of a few years back. Secondly, the music. A mixed bag. A bixed mag. Some are good, one or two are great, most are 'okay', and a couple redefine awfulness in new shades of lurid green. In order- - Stormtrooper in Drag, St Etienne ('ironic' dance-pop group consisting of two musical people and a girl called Sarah Cracknell who sings. They're big on kitsch-y throwaway rave, and in their entire career they have only recorded two good songs (one of which is only okay)). Odd choice of cover, mainly because it's supposed to be by Paul Gardiner. Anyway, it's one of the 'alright' ones, being a straight four-to-the-floor dancey version. The lyrics remain much the same, the music is completely new. - We Have a Technical, Matt Sharp/Damon Albarn (two guys from Blur, a rock group who have recently developed a Wire fixation. Once upon a time they had floppy hair. Now they don't). A rarity, tucked away for many years on Asylum and only recently re-issued at a sensible price. Their version sounds incredibly low-fi and slightly tounge-in-cheek (portamento is used without mercy). Again, it's 'alright'. Minus several points for screwing up the great little chord sequence that bookended the original. - Poetry and Power, Gravity Kills (er, they're quite new and I haven't heard much about them, apart from the fact that Gary Numan himself is a fan. That said, even though I am a Gary Numan fan, I don't have to be a fan of the groups that Gary Numan is a fan of, if you see what I mean). A rather dreadful b-side from the 'Warriors' period given the INXS treatment by a band I haven't heard of. Still - they could have picked 'Glitter and Ash' instead, so we have to be grateful for small mercies. - I Can't Stop, Peck Slip (er, they come from Scotland). One of only two non-Beggar's Banquet songs, Peck's version is infuriating. Like Towering Inferno's go at 'Metal', it's generally uninspiring apart from a couple of bits where they get it *just right*. Argh. Still doesn't change the fact that the original seemed unfinished, though. - Are 'Friends' Electric?, An Pierle (she's not from around these parts). One of three covers of a song that is beginning to bore me, this particular version strips it down to piano and voice. Spidery piano and waily, 'kooky' voice. In other words, Tori Amos. I hate Tori Amos. - We Are Glass, EMF (Ecstacy Motherhubbards from the Forest of Dean, who did one great LP (Schubert Dip), sold tonnes of records to the indie, rave, and teen-pop markets, did a bad LP (Stigma), did an okay LP (Cha Cha Cha), and vanished until now). This one's quite good, actually. The lyrics seem to be particularly pertinent to the group, the tune is much the same only bouncier, and the break for Billy-Idol esque rap sessions seem nicely bizarre. - I Die: You Die, the Magnetic Fields (vague arty band with a Nick Cave fixation). My all-time favourite Numan song given possibly the best cover on the album - the music sounds a bit like something by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, with a banjo, a cello, and some white noise for percussion. The restrained vocals work perfectly and it's just great. Despite the radically different instrumentation the actual tune is exactly the same. - We Are So Fragile, Jesus Jones (contemporaries of EMF, less famous and less popular, and less good). One of two cover versions of the song (the other is by Bis, and I will use different capitalisation), this is the less-good version. It sounds as if it was recorded and rehearsed at the same time, and the vocalist seems to be running out of breath. - She's Got Claws, Posh (never heard of them. They probably come from France and their lead singer is probably a horse called Elton). Er, boring. It goes 'eeeee' a lot. Any song that tries to rhyme 'distraction' with 'attraction' deserves to rot in the early eighties. Next. - M.E, Earl Brutus (not a real Earl. In fact, I expect that he isn't really called Brutus either). Two slightly different treatments of M.E (without the good bits, which means that we get three bass notes over and over again for several minutes, with impossible-to-hear vocals), snapped in two by a hilarious break for Queen. They must have had some seriously bad acid. I skip this one. - Films, Underdog (I don't care who they are - take them away). Essentially, it's 'Films', in mono, with some white guys shouting stuff over the top. A bit like rap, only not very good because the beat isn't very phat and they don't say anything worth hearing. - Me! I Disconnect from You, Sukia (er, pass). A song that wasn't very good until Gary took it on the road (at which point it became brilliant), this is a beepy Sinclair Spectrum-techno version that I haven't actually listened to all the way through. Plus several points for seeking out a Roland CR-78 (as used at the beginning of 'Noise, Noise' (and Blondie's 'Heart of Glass', for that matter), and all over 'Stories', 'Remember I was Vapour', the live version of 'Bombers', etc). Minus several points for being boring. - Jo the Waiter, the Orb (one-time techno artists who went ambient, became friends with the KLF, propelled a classic album (U.F.Orb) to number one in the charts, and are now less ambient and more techno) A dubby, ambient version of... something by the Orb. If you can spot any of Jo the Waiter (the Orb remixing a tune that has a guitar and vocals?) in there, write it down on a piece of paper and throw that paper in the bin. - I'm an Agent, Kenickie (darlings of the music press, a bunch of women with punky attitude who give good copy). This was a b-side on their last single (which seems to blow the 'Exclusive tracks from...' claim into little shreds). Anyway, this is basically a faithful version of the original, only with guitars instead of synths. Unfortunately, it goes a bit out of tune, and I can't stand Kenickie. - Down in the Park, Jimi Tenor (he wears big glasses, he looks a bit like Joe Ninety, and he is possibly the most blatant Numan clone out of all the acts here). Possibly Gary Numan's finest moment given a drubbing by a man who shares a first name with Jimi Hendrix. The fairground organ at the beginning is a bit of a mistake, and it all goes completely wrong when we get to the dancey bit and discover that he has messed up possibly the best and simplest bass synth drone line in the history of electronic music. Ouch. - Are 'Friends' Electric?, Moloko (jaunty trip-hop band led by a six-foot tall woman whose voice is as evil as Amanda Donohoe's grin. Their last video involved her, dressed as a nurse, being suspended from the ceiling and whirled around a small room. Their songs all sound the same). Another version of the old warhorse, and very Moloko-esque. In fact, it's hard to describe this without being recursive. Moloko sound like Moloko. Oh, just listen to it. - Remember I Was Vapour, Chris Holmes (er, he has a very boring name). This one (like Bis' version of 'We are so Fragile') is much the same as the Brian Eno-esque original. In fact, it's even more Brian Eno-esque than before. He does the old Roger Waters 'scream the vocals at the top of my voice but mix the sound quite low whilst double-tracking the vocals with a whispered version, mixed quite high' trick, which probably means that in later life he will sound like Shane McGowan. Next. - Metal, Towering Inferno (they are also from Scotland. Hang on - weren't NiN going to do this one?). Another version that gets it *almost* right in fits and starts. Half of the lyrics are missing and the music tries to make a complex, interlocking polyrhythm work (why bother?), but it occasionally becomes absolutely great. In a way that might be worse than sustained mediocrity. - Everyday I Die, Dubstar (great synth-dance-pop group who do songs with jaunty music and depressing lyrics. Their lead singer has the longest eyelashes in modern music. They are not even remotely dubby). Another good one, this updates the tune to great effect, adds a brilliant vocal inflection that makes it hard to remember the original (the way Sarah Dubstar sings the title), and manages to maintain the air of desperation whilst still being cheerful. Shame about the out-of-place computer voice (which sounds a bit like TextAssist for the Awe32). - Absolution, Amanda Ghost (probably not her real name). Gary's last single (and the other non-Beggar's Banquet track) done in a swingbeat style. The original was incredible - a nod back at the synth minimalism of his early days wilst being thoroughly modern at the same time, whereas this is dull. I can't stand swingbeat, anyway. - Replicas, Deadsy (they will be stuck with that name forever). This one is almost identical to the version Gary played on the last couple of tours - shame that Deadsy had to sample the drum sound instead of making their own (lads - it's a pitch-shifted delay). - Friends, PWEI (agit-rock/dance/pop people whose finest hour was co-writing 'Their Law' (a song which Celine Dion will *never* cover) with the Prodigy. A bit unfashionable nowadays). So, no-one told you life was gonna be this way? Your job's a joke, you're broke, etc? Sorry about that. I was going to do this joke during the review of Moloko's version of 'Are 'Friends' Electric?', but I forgot. How come, if they are broke, the cast of Friends all live in luxury apartments? Anyway, this isn't very good. Sounds like the lead singer of the Levellers doing pub-rock with a garage band. Instead of shouting his head off he tries to be all subtle and restrained, and it doesn't work. - Are 'Friends' Electric?, Republica (awful throwback to the eighties 'power-pop' era, only with a lead singer who has the most fake cockney accent since Blur during their 'Parklife' phase. Their big-ish hit was 'Ready to Go' (for which they got good reviews only because the title of the single gives the impression that the lead singer is a motorbike). They will not have another). God this is awful. Saffron Republica becomes an almost total parody of herself on this track, stopping short of replacing all the lyrics with a chant of 'Oi, you, come and have a go if you think you're 'ard enuff!' by the last verstiges of sense left in her malformed head. I enjoy giving bands bad reviews. It gives me a wonderful warm glow, like porridge. - War Songs, Windscale (goodbye Windscale). A great song from I, Assassin given the most awful post-punk treatment on the album. The lessons of 1978 (that the music paper ideal of music made by talentless but enthusiastic people only works sometimes) are forgotten. - We Are so Fragile, Bis (teen-c-power ultra-indie people with made-up names (Sci-Fi Steven, Manda Rin, and the other one), one popular song (the irritatingly catchy Kandy Pop) that didn't sell well because they didn't have a record label and instead of releasing it on it's own they stuck it on an E.P with a confusing name. All in all, they are a fun band who have nothing whatsoever to do with modems). Presumably there are two versions on the album because it is easy to play. Anyway, of all the songs here, this is the most faithful to the original - except for the hilarious reggae bit in the middle, it's almost exact. Whether you like this really depends on whether you like Bis. - Cars, Dave Clarke (not *the* Dave Clarke). Not so much a cover, more a remix in the strictest sense of the word, in that Dave has taken the original master tapes and messed around with them without adding much. It's a fascinating cross-section of the song (was Gary's keyboard playing really that bad?), although it doesn't really work as music you could sit down and listen to. And that, save a short snippet of studio talk from Gary, is that. All in all, it's an odd collection. There are so many variables to take account of. In some cases the covers are stiffed because the original song wasn't very good. In other cases the covers don't work becase the artists have tried to be too 'different', and some times the artists don't try to be different enough. Only two of the songs improve on the originals, and even then they aren't so much better as different. It's a shame they didn't get Mariah Carey to do 'My Shadow in Vain', or something similar... The last three albums I listened to were 'The Memory of Trees', by Enya, 'Stick Around for Joy', by the Sugarcubes, and 'Different Trains' by Steve Reich. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 17:12:03 +0100 From: "Andrew Westwood" Subject: Bitter Moon / Magic To: "Numan Digest" Did anyone catch the Roman Polanski film 'Bitter Moon' on UK Channel 4 late Friday night? It's not such a great film (it has that prat Hugh Grant in it for one thing), but interestingly there is a short spell of Numan music in the middle...or is there? There is a scene where the main female character is dancing away with her beau in her flat, to music which is virtually identical to Magic - so much so that I forced myself to watch the rests of this crap to see if there was any more (which there wasn't). The unmistakable drum loop of the song is there, along with the sampled 'growls'. Only the lead synth sound proves it not to be the Sacrifice song. I was surprised at this as I'd not heard of any Sacrifice music being used in a film score so I watched out for the credits at the end of the movie. First off, the film was made in 1992 (Sacrifice, of course, is '94's album). Second, the score is credited to none other than Vangelis and although several other artists are mentioned, Gaz is not. So I think we could have another case of Numan rip off, sorry artistic license, at play. Surely Gary wouldn't blatantly lift a whole rhythm part from someone as well known as Vangelis? Or perhaps both musicians have a penchant for the same sample CD? I did have a trawl around the Web to try to find a download for the score but I came up with blanks. BTW, saw Gary and Gemma on the 'This Morning' show (with the appallingly naff Richard & Judy). Absolution's facelift seems limited to a few atmospheric synth sweeps here and there but they do make a difference to the song. Vocals seemed to be the same as before. Ade Orange and Dave Brooks sported shiny new Korgs (Prophecies?) - it'd be great to think this was a sign that Gary was injecting some (IMO much needed) new kit into his studio :) Finally, you might be interested to know that Numan-comtempory and synth pioneer John Foxx has a new album out soon called Shifting City and he has a sampler song, The Noise, on Future Music magazine's August cover CD. Peace to all. Andy ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 03 Jul 97 10:09:00 PDT From: Plant Dominic - Admin Subject: FW: Gary Numan Digest V1 #344 To: "'numan@cs.uwp.edu'" Derek, Can you please include this tongue in cheek reply to the latest on my Email. Many thanks. Dominic. > A reply to Dominic Plant's open letter to Gary. > A1. A little sad to read that you only think I've made one great album > since 1980, I'm a little surprised that you still consider > yourself a fan. > > Amen, Gary. > Dominic, perhaps you need to look up the dictionary definition of the > term 'fan'. Merriam-Webster defines a fan as "an ardent admirer or > enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)". Your point being ? did the dictionary say anything about mindless zombie who couldn't disconnect, when things went wrong ? I was an ardent admirer and enthusiast of a celebrity and his pursuits, but only when he was doing it well ! ( IMHO ) ( if you do not agree with me then simply refer to Gary's own Email earlier where he gave his album sales figures, the consumer speaks through purchases, if sales drop significantly as they did then a lot of them must agree that things are going off the TRACKS ! ) I think your idea of a fan is more like that of a Hale Bop cult member who has no mind of their own. > My initial reaction to > your "question" when I read it in the Q&A was: 'This guy calls himself a > fan? How embarrassing!' Surely you jest, you embarrass easily. > To paraphrase Put words in my mouth ? > your introduction and question, you said: > *Hi Gary. My name is Dominic. I really liked a couple of your albums, > everything else sucked. Did I indeed ? > I had tickets to one of your concerts once, but > I couldn't be bothered to go If only you could read as well as you write, I was unable to go and gave my two tickets freely to a fan I picked at RANDOM from the Fanzine, It was after all the Wembley concert and what Fan would not have loved to attend! And that included me, ( oh sorry no it wouldn't I was only someone who liked Gary from his first appearance and bought everything available and listened to it 4 to 5 hours per day and dressed as a Gary Numan lookalike what was I thinking of course I was not a fan I wasn't doing THE THING real fans do, what was it again, mmmm I know I'll think of it soon, what was it, preach to other fans about being a better fan a more ardent fan, yes thats it, am I doing it now, I am , wow I must be a fan afterall, what a relief ) >. Remember that EP you failed to deliver to Hey, if you were a fan long enough you would remember that Gary touted the idea of a free EP especially for the Fans only and yes he did fail to deliver on it. That bit you got right. > because you fucked the music up.* Yes, that's accurate. > I am only expressing my opinion on the music, there is no right or > wrong here, you like the music you put to it I do not. > Excuse me, Dominic, but it's one thing to have a personal interpretation > of a song after listening to it. I could tell you a few of my personal i> nterpretations of a few of Gary's songs that were a bit off the mark. > (usually without the benefit of printed lyrics) It's entirely something > else to have the AUTHOR of the song tell you EXACTLY what it REALLY > means. At that point, there can hardly be any other interpretation. You > got it from the horse's mouth, son. Excuse me right back Dad, my opinion is not the same as my interpretation, time for a dictionary check again ! So if we take this one step further then in the Art world only one interpretation can be put on a painting and when all those well paid critics express what they get from a painting they are all wrong as the painting had only one true interpretation and well hell if the Artist died without telling anyone then the painting has no interpretation and never can have, sigh I hope my interpretation of what you are saying is not wrong as there can be only one :) I hope you do not interpret this as a flame, its just I'm a warm person. If only I were a horse than you might believe me. > That I say 'you' had no great album since Berserker should not be seen > as a personal attack, > Are you kidding me? You are telling someone who makes his life and > living out of making music that he hasn't done any 'great' work for 13 > years. If that's not a personal attack, I don't know what one is. > Especially since you are saying this in the audience of the inner > sanctum of Gary Numan's most ardent true fans. I'm just suprised that > Gary didn't verbally clean your clock. I chalk his reserved reply up to > pure professionalism. > I don't know what one is. You have answered your own question here ! > Dominic, you might be someone who REALLY liked a couple of Numan albums, > but I certainly wouldn't define you as a 'fan'. Well allrighty then I sure am glad that your not making an entry under my name in a dictionary ! Then again I would describe you as a Fan either, a Fascist a Worshiper or some such but certainly not a Fan, not if being a Fan means total intolerance of others opinions when they differ from your own, jumping to mostly wrong conclusions and failing to see any imperfection in anything the messiah does, that's a fan ? spookey. Warmest regards, Dominic ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 22:54:20 -0000 From: Markus Dietrich Subject: Gary in germans music press To: "'numan@cs.uwp.edu'" Hello devoted fans, as I announced some weeks ago, here is the contents of an article in germans music magazine ZILLO. First of all it is a 2 page article and I would say the author of it is rather kind (maybe an ex-fan). Additionally an interview with Gary was printed. The interview was almost exactly the translated interview that is shown on the RANDOM pages of Beggars Banquet. Therefore I will not re- translate it. Here the translated (do my best) article: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- Gary Numan During his motioning career Gary Numan was never uncriticized. For many he was an innovator, who had established the electronic pop with 'Cars' and 'Are friends electric?' for the majority at the end of the seventies, and prepared the way for bands like Depeche Mode. But most of all the british press reacted with rejection at the pale briton. Yet, as Numan has taken himself to his roots, he will be discovered by a younger music generation: Beck, Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor are playing his songs, and now there is (beside a best-of album) a tribute album available at Rough Trade, with Numan cover versions among others from Jimi Tenor, The Orb, EMF, Jesus Jones, Dubstar and Republica. In his long career Numan has seen all highs and lows: At the end of the 70s he founded the duo 'Tubeway Army' and with punky demo versions reached to be engaged by the small london label 'Beggars Banquet'. At the studio he stumbled about a sythesizer and was fascinated by the sounds of it, which was then the basic of the album 'Replicas'.: Pesemistical lyrics around a high techni- cal society and machine-humans combined with electronical pop, influenced by Kraftwerk and the album 'Low' of David Bowie, which Numan adores - at least until the time when Bowie had let him threw out of a TV studio. When the single 'Are friends electric?' in may'79 unexpectedly reached no.1, the press reacted allergically on the 21 year old, who admits to used ideas from Ultravox(at this time with John Foxx). In opinion of the 'New Musical Express' Numan was a Bowie-clon and the 'plastic spastic of rock'. In spite of that it begans his most successfull period: He droped the band name and reached with 'Cars' no.1 in the U.K,, in america no. 5. The album 'The pleasure principle' becomes with his cooling melodic to a classic of the electronic pop. The further success with the singles ('Complex','We are glass') will only partial help Numan from beeing attacked by the hatred of the press. But also the sometimes hysterical devotion of the fans will frightened him. In 1981 he annouced the retreat from touring. At the album 'Dance' (1981) he experimented, produced tracks of 9 minutes length, inserted funk elements and reaches only a middle commercial success. Dis- appointed he focussed in the meantime on a hairtransplantation and a hobby, that he does with obsession, the flying. In 1981 he flow around the world, and had an emergency landing in india, where he was arrested because of espionage suspicion. At release of the '83 album 'Warriors' Numan again performes, as always, extra- vargancy concerts. Since in the same year the record contract with Beggars Banquet ends, the 25 year old founds his own label 'Numa', but without fortune: The sales decreased rapidely, partially because of distribution problems of the young company. Also the inofficial boycott of Radio1, one of the most important radio stadion in the U.K., is not helpfull. In 1986 the label is at its end, and ex- millionaire Numan rumour-wise bankrupt, when especially loyal fans even send him money. It is not as that dramatically, also because success of 'Sharpe & Numan', the co-operation with Bill Sharpe of the easy-listening-funkers 'Shakatak', although some fans had problems with that radio-oriented music. 1988 Numan gets a record deal at Illegal Records. But both will not become fortunate: The album 'Metal Rhythm' appears against Numans decission partially remixed as 'New Anger' outside the U.K. The music has changed into rock with a breath of electronic, while the lyrics are almost only about the fight about his career. The relationship to the label get worse, and the following album 'Outland' gains almost no promotion - Numan will be fired and reanimates his own label. He again goes more intensive into flying, as he is now also working a stunt pilot, which is documented in the (worth seeing) video film 'Radial Pair'. Besides some pleasureless singles, he makes experiences with film music. After producing B-sides with dark, instrumential tracks, he writes the mentionable soundtrack to the horrorfilm 'The Unborn'. The lowest point in the career is 1992 with the album 'Machine&Soul', which is neither liked by the fans nor by Numan himself: With guitar solos and screaming background girls seems the musician to be at the end of creativism. But the flop initiates a return to Numans beginnings: At his home studio he produces,mixes(,designes the cover of) the album 'Sacrifice' (except a guitar solo) completely at his own. Although the album appears at the end of '94 without any publicity, the fans are lightened: The album convinces with melancholic, playing melodia, hard electronic ryhtms and lyrics, that are based on Numans anti religiousity. With this album the self-confidence returns, and in spring '95 he pushes out 'Absolution', one of his best singles, which he produced in a half day. But the public will only get notice if again 'Cars' will be re-released (as in 1987 and 1993) and with usage for a beer commercial jumps into the british Top 20. The following tour is the most succesfull one of the last 10 years, in summer Numan plays his first open air festivals, at support of Pulp. Further projects to come: At the end of '97 there will appear the autobiography 'Praying to the aliens', in parallel he plays at the 4 million pounds thriller 'Kinsmen', his first film role. Despite the comeback the musician has problems, not to be set as temporarily decovered relict of the late 70s. The search of a record deal for the album 'Exile', which is finished since one and a half years ago, has been unsuccessfully until now. Even Beggars Banquet, who steadily earns money with Numans back- catalogue, is showing no interest. If nothing unexpected will happen, then 'Exile', which is currently rearranged, will appear at a short extense at august the 4th at the Numa label. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- Because the article is long enough I will not make any comments, except that I think it is very good, kind and willing. At the time I'm writing this email, the WWW pages of ZILLO have not been updated. But when you receive this digest it is expected that you can get directly to Garys article, although it is (of course) in german. Join this link: http://www.netcity.de/zillo bye, Markus, Nuremberg/Germany ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 14:53:05 -0400 (EDT) From: Astronif2@aol.com Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #344 To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Markus wrote: <> Don't be afraid, Markus, we're all here to hold you're hand. I would be disappointed if I could predict what Gary, or any other artist for that matter, would come up with next. Not knowing what's around the next corner is what makes life worth living, yes? ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 03 Jul 97 08:41:00 PDT From: Tina Freeman Subject: Hello is there anybody in there??? To: nick , digest Nick friend and buddy i think you are missing my point. You suggested some time ago that Gary had a responsibility being in the public eye to keep his personal views to himself i was mearly pointing out that compared to other rock/pop stars( Bowie, Elvis, Elton John, Kurt Kobane even Cliff Richard ) Gary is almost a model hero. Musically speaking Gary does put in 100% even though he is constantly being critisied could you continue to do something for that long if you got the treatment he does , i couln't . We all know that Gary is one of the best stunt pilots around this has been more than advertised if he were struggling surely his best bet would be to give the music scene a rest , frankly i think it is obvious that he is not in financial trouble otherwise why the tour if he is however then the tour is more than ever dedicated to his fans. Personally i prefer the music of Sacrifice lyrically he is up with my all time personal favorite muscian and song writer Matt Johnson ( the The ) anybody can write boy meets girl, girl dumps boy, boy comits suicide rubbish that fills the charts at the moment it takes a special person to write with the dept of feeling he does , but then Nick i don't expect you to understand that.His older stuff has alot of good qualities even in tracks i hate i can see where he was coming from you have the architypal old man attitude if i dont like it then it is rubbish. By the way you never did answer my question why do you bother with the numan pages if you hate Gary so much??? TF ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 00:31:51 +0100 From: "nick" Subject: Judgement Day To: "Gary Numan" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Brezniak said >Second: Nick Foxx...You're no lord, so please don't sign your name as >such "Lord Nick Foxx" give me a break... :( what ? Lord Nick is Ok surely. ? > No offense, but you're no better than any of us! Very true. >I do respect all your > comments, and I will stress the fact here that you have as much right to > say what you feel here just as much as Joey Lindstrom has a right to say > what he feels here..but please, let the others speak without attacking > everything they say! Ok David I will try but I am an armchair critic :) I never pretended to be anything else. > Other than that, I'll defend your right to say whatever you please, and > if I don't like it, I'll either let you know or I'll keep silent like > usual... Thanx its good to hear that. My views about Gary are just opinions when all is said and done Gary is the main attraction here. --------------------------- Tina said > I originally felt anger at the way Nick treated Gary now i only feel pity > for someone who obviously hates Gary so much ( as expressed on this site >and others ) why does he bother to read the numan network let alone write >to the digest ? I don't hate Gary I must stress that. I am disillusioned a little but I can't see the conflict as this digest is about Gary. Don't believe all you read from other sites as on more than one occasion another individual has written articles and signed them as Nick Fox. (Anonymail) > I can only think of two reasons 1) He is a trouble maker who likes to > wind people up. >He is a sad bastard who has no friends in the world to play >with and who's only touch with other human beings is through the >Internet. >I favour the last reason personally. I hope not Tina :) I can see I have rattled your cage a little and apologise to you and any others that I offended. >My advice to all readers ( including you Joey ) is to just ignore him >with any luck he will just go away like a good little boy,better still >could we not exclude him from the digest after all it is supposed to be >for constructive criticism only. I will let you decide Tina and abide by your decision. Lord Nick Fox <--Dave don't blow a fuse :> ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 03 Jul 1997 21:50:06 +0100 From: Stephen Catton Subject: No accounting for taste To: Numan Digest Hi all I thought that I would add a list my of some of my favourite bands to the others of earlier contributors of this journal. Gary Numan (*I know*) Ultravox (Vienna) Duran Duran Mid-years of Simple Minds (Empire and Dance). Early years of Depeche Mode Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark The Stranglers Blancmange (what ever happened to them). Left Field Vangelis Police Franky goes to Hollywood Howard Jones Oasis And many many others. I was first drawn to synth’ music by Popcorn by Hot Butter (*I know***). I used to be a night club DJ in the early 80s and had the pleasure of playing Gary’s music for the pleasure of others I have a wide range of vinyl records (0ver 800 12", 1000+ 7", 500 LPs, some tapes and CDs) Gary is the largest contributor . Did anyone get hold of the charity record that Gary did for to RSPCA (Royal Society for the Protection of Animals for all you non-Brits). I have a copy but I have yet to find anyone else with one. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a Video or sound track recording of the Warriors tour??? That’s all for now. Stephen Carrot Cruncher Catton. PS can we leave out the arguments about Gary’s politics, I mean who but Gary cares what they are!!! ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 08:35:47 -0400 From: blazzer891@webtv.net (John Young) Subject: Numan Digest To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Hello Numan fans! My name is John, and this is my first attempt at posting in the digest. I have been a fan of gary's music from the time I got the album 'Pleasure Principal'. Since that time, I have done my best to keep up with his work. Unfortunatally, most record stores do not stock his cd's!!!(why??) My favorite disc is 'I,Assasin',the bass is kick ass!!!! Post Beggar's Banquet disc is 'Strange Charm'. Some of you might disagree,but as I said,it aint easy to keep up to date. The last cd I was able to purchase was 'Outland' and I am sure I am missing more than a few of his recordings!!:( I am excited to hear about a new release from Gary and I hope to be able to get a hold of it in the store when it comes out!! I just purchased 'Random' and it is ok. Somehow the idea of someone other than Gary himself doing Gary songs is strange to me.(anybody feel the same?) I hope all this was ok for my first attempt to post to this digest (I feel a little nervous),and I also hope I dont get yelled at by anybody like I have already seen others doing in the last few issues. Take care all Numanoids!!!!!!(you too Gary if you see this!!) Thanks for taking the time to read this, John Bored? Take a trip to my homepage!!!!!!! http://members.wbs.net/homepages/b/l/a/blazzer891.html ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 20:36:20 -0400 (EDT) From: LarryTCJ@aol.com Subject: On being a fan To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Until recently, I was rather uninterested in adding to the discussion on this group. Actually, I was rather taken aback by the fact that there seemed to be so much in the way of opinions on how Gary should run his carreer, opinions on one fan or another and the like. I guess I really did not know what to expect when I first subscribed. However, I did get used to the way this group read and think that it is a fine thing indeed. When I first read Dominic Plant's assurtions that he was still a fan even though he thought that the only good albums since Telekon was that of Berserker, I thought that he was right out. Indeed, how could he really consider himself a fan of Gary's music. Let's face it, fan is really sort for fanatic. Now being fanatical about anything is not really something that one should strive for in the first place. Okay, so Dominic doesn't really like anything but P.P., Tele, and Berserker, does that mean that he is not a fan? I would have to agree that he likes the music a lot on those particular albums but I really can't say that he is a fan of Gary and his music. That said, let me now tell you how some of Gary's music took some getting used to. I remember having purchased Dance and found it difficult to really enjoy during the first few listens. Actually, it took me about a year of letting it sit in my collection until I decided that it deserved another listen. I thought that it deserved another listen based on the fact that it was Gary and I really liked Gary's music. I am happy to tell you that I now have found some real fantastic bits on that album that I really enjoy. This also happened to Outland when I first got it. Now I love it. I too love all the early GN stuff and when I finally got a copy of Dream Corrosion, I was beside myself with excitement on all the old tracks he performed. It made me want to see him live even more than before. And I didn't think that was possible! Perhaps, Dominic doesn't listen to music the way I would suspect that the majority of is fans do. I for one, have always been interested in what is being said and expressed in the music first and the melody second. In Gary's case, I found the best of both worlds. So, Dominic, you do indeed really enjoy Gary's music on those albums, (playing them over and over at 4 hours at a time), but that doesn't really make you a fanatic of Gary's music. At least it doesn't in my book. Yours Aye, TCJ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 12:21:25 -0400 From: tthoman@cceb.upenn.edu (Terrence Thoman) Subject: Random To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I received my copy of Random a few days ago. I couldn't find it in any local (Harrisburg, PA) record shops, so I found it on an internet online store and ordered it. Incredibly it listed for $12.99. I feel like I got a bargin. I'm not a spambot, so I won't name the store, but feel free to email me privately if you want it. Has anyone else gotten the disc for this price? I certainly expected to pay upwards of $20.00 for a double CD. Dodging the political fray.... Terrence Patchwork Numan Song +-----------------------------------------------+ The alarm rang for days No absolution Cry, the clock said I'll sing this song and I'll say goodbye forever +-----------------------------------------------+ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 13:55:37 +0000 From: ash@mail.enterprise.net Subject: Random - not yet To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Living on the Isle of Man (which is in the middle of the Irish Sea for those of you who don't know where it is) we have just two record shops - if thats what you can call them! - Woolworths and HMV. On the 9. June, the day Random was released, I walked into HMV expecting to find the CD displayed on the 'New Release' section - no such luck. The Gary Numan section didn't have it either and on asking at the desk, no they didn't have it and wouldn't be getting it as a stock item either. So off to Woolworths - no joy there either, They just don't stock Numan and haven't done since about 1984. Back to HMV and after about 15 minutes they managed to find it on their computer and an order is placed. Four weeks later I'm still waiting for it to come in! Our local Radio Station (Manx Radio) must have a copy as they keep playing tracks off the album on Saturday afternoons. Has everyone else in the world got their hands on Random, except the buying public in the Isle of Man? Hoping to get Random 1 before Random 2 comes out.... Julian Ashcroft Isle of Man ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 22:50:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Derek Langsford Subject: Random Thoughts To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Again, a long time without a post. And I know, I missed Gary's questions for May so it will be two months worth again. While I have had to let the Digest run on its own steam, and pretty well its been doing thanks to some new subscribers who clearly are enthused about this forum, I feel I should remind you all to make a note of the Digest's subject matter having something to do with Gary. Gary's politics are fine, but generalizations about leftist/rightist, liberal/conservative is not really appropriate. While interesting it may not be to the majority who subscribe to the Digest to hear about Gary Numan, not political philosophy. I noticed Exile has been pushed back from Aug. 4 to Sept 8 so that the music magazines can get reviews of the album printed around release time. We all can survive another month. I only hope that the anticipation created by Sacrifice and the snippets on NuWorld is rewarded. This is such a change from the days of Outland and Machine and Soul. I have at last been able to form an opinion about Random. Like all tribute albums one's first impressions are always shaded by the comparison with the originals and various artist compilations always suffer from lack of continuity. Treating each cover separately may not be a good indicator of the overriding experience. Also being a huge fan of Gary's made this compilation a difficult task to get past those barriers. Despite the disappearance of most of the rumoured big names such as Tori Amos and Nine Inch Nails, and only 60 mins of music is on each CD, the final product is a fascinating insight into why covers are not always a bad idea. Random is really growing on me. The songs grow as you start to disconnect the cover from the original and perceive the new approach on its own terms. Some of it leaves me bored (Orb, Underdog, An (Amos/Crow) Pierle) but the rest is OK to damned good. Love the St. Etienne (that driving beat that still keeps the song essentials), Sharp and Albarn (a traditional treatment but upadated and with great energy), EMF, Kenickie, Jimi Tenor (amazing that one can still identify the hook at such speeds), Moloko (best reinterpretation of AFE IMO), Chris Holmes (makes this dirge very listenable), Dubstar and Bis. All but 2 tracks are Beggars Banquet catalog (78-83) except for two bizarre exceptions - 1986's "I Can't Stop" given an original treatment by Peck Slip that to me is more listenable than the oriingal and 1994's "Absolution" by Amanda Ghost - a decidely dull rendition IMO of one of Gary's most moving works (despite the cliched lyrics). Must give them credit for going beyond the tried true and better known. Least faves - the song obliteration of Films by Underdog (I see Rob who hated it at first has grown to like it but not me yet), and keyboard noodlings with little attention to Joe the Waiter by The Orb (I've been told this is what they normally do but why bother doing a cover when it gets so far removed from the original). Does anyone else find that many of the new crop of artists are already cliched in one way or another, simply recycling influences of the last 30 years? There's even a Queen sample from the early 70s). Gravity Kills seem to be combining Hendrix & Reznor, Posh took a page out of a Lena Lovich & early Siouxsie's books but I really like the result. While some songs are given new life by the artists (Kineckie, EMF, Dubstar, Moloko), others seem stale before you reach the first chorus (Republica, Jesus Jones). I have come full circle. Random is not the mediocre mixed bag I first thought it was and predicted it would be. I now appreciate most of the interpretations and really like many of them. It may even have taught me to appreciate some styles that have previously left me cold. Maybe this will introduce fans of these performers to Gary's songs and even provide Numan with a much looked for boost in viability. The press has been much better than for anything he has done solo in ages. Will this force the music press to reassess Gary's career? It bloody should. Derek, over and out. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derek Langsford Ph.D. Environmental Management Specialist County of San Diego, Dept. of Planning and Land Use 5201 Ruffin Road, Ste. B San Diego, CA 92123 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 03 Jul 97 12:44:00 PDT From: Tina Freeman Subject: REVIEW To: digest REVIEW-INTERVIEW ON "THIS MORNING" ITV WED 2 JULY Gary was introduced into the interview with archive video footage of... you guessed it cars!!! Both he and Gemma appeared ( loved the hair by the way ) very relaxed hand in hand. During this short interview Gary was asked a few very good questions which enabled him to get across the new album , autobiography and tour. Perhaps a little to much attention was paid to the anti-religion element of exile and Gary did seem a little embarrassed when trying to explain this. The interview was followed by Gary performing absolution from exile , I'm almost certain that Gary was miming but if he wasn't i apologise however the vocals to me sounded a little ' nasal ' with some words a little difficult to understand which is a shame since the lyrics play an important part in absolution. I dont think Gary will have attracted many more fans since This Morning is mainly watched by pensioners and mums he would do better to try and get on to programmes such as TFI FRIDAY( britsh channel 4 ) which has a younger following and is more musically dedicated . All said though a good interview with a chance to air some new material is definitely a step in the right direction. TF ps.Mike D if your ever in my local i'll buy you a pint!!! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 09:41:40 +0000 From: "Craig Land" Subject: Techno Army To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Well, I must say that certain people on this list certainly like to get themselves worked up into a frenzy! Mr. Robert Trousdale, if sarcasm is your only means of showing your literacy skills, then I feel very sad for you. Don't you know that the definition of sarcasm is bitter or wounding remarks? Why would you want to use a list created for chat on Numan to discuss your political views and flame others? We are all supposed to be fellow Numan fans here, so why do you resort to wounding comments aimed at fellow fans, very immature. If you want to make such flaming comments I suggest you do continue to use the Internet, but not use lists such as the Numan one. Anyway, back to the real matters at hand, how many of you purchased the CD Techno Army? Well I did and thought what a waste of money! The remixing of the tracks on this album are what only can be described as primitive. I read the comments from Gary on the inner sleeve and reading between the lines it seems that Gary is not convinced of the final product. He seems to acknowledge that it is an honour for the sound engineers involved to produce this album, but the direction they took is probably not one he would have taken. As I have come onto this list late, has anyone thought of producing a list members top ten favourite Numan tunes, or has this already been done? Best Regards, Craig. (cland@acl.memec.com) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 14:52:51 -0000 From: Markus Dietrich Subject: Zillo RANDOM review To: "'numan@cs.uwp.edu'" Sorry, but I forgot the review of the RANDOM album in the same Zillo issue (see above). Here the tanslation: - Sampler - 'RANDOM' (Beggars Banquet/Rough Trade) Years ago no one had imagined a tribute album for Gary Numan, because the electronic popper was almost dis- appeared in whole, although he has never stopped making music (see article in this issue). But now that bands like Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters und Beck has discovered Numan, this has exposed the briton to an audience, that had been into napkin as 'Cars' was released. The london label Beggars Banquet, which had Numan in contract between 1978 and 1983, has drummed together 26 bands and musicians for the present double-CD, who mainly attempted to play classical tracks of Numan. As different the artists as different the success of their new interpretations: Certainly 'Are friends electric?' is a classical, but three versions of it is more than enough, also because the version of Republica (with Gary as guest vocalist) is too conventional. Much more better is instead the Tori Amos-like version of the belgium An Pierle. Jesus Jones and EMF had less ideas to 'We are so fragile' and 'We are glass', also Posh is boring with 'She's got claws', but the rest of the album provides convincing new interpretations. Particular highlights are the covers of the less popular tracks out of the Numan songbook. St.Etienne has made airy dance music with 'Stromtrooper in drag' (a single of Numans bass player), while Matt Sharp and Damon Albarn has unpacked the good old analog synthesizer for the 1978 outtake 'We have a technical'. Peck Slip made a slanting ballade out of the weak 86 single 'I can't stop'. A little disappointing is the song selection, by which only one newer track can be found: 'Absolution' at 1995, one of Numans best singles, and with the interpretation of Amando Ghost one of the best tracks on this album. Lonely climax: Jimi Tenors cover of 'Down in the park' - with crying children, crossflute and distort voices almost a short listening game and still more creepy than the dark original. An in quality no always constant, but well worth to hear CD, wether to know the originals or not, wether to like Numan or not. In september there shall appear 'Random 2', a collection of techno remixes. (Tobias Kessler) ------------------------------ End of Gary Numan Digest ******************************