Gary Numan Digest Sun, 3 Aug 97 Volume 1 : Issue 352 Today's Topics: "GARY TO SIGN NEW RECORD DEAL!!!!!" Absolution A little stick for little disc's Another Random review. Berserker CD Sound quality dark side1 Gary Numan Digest V1 #351 (3 msgs) GN's flying interest Long incomprehensible reply More thoughts Singles sales/congrats card tape tree ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 23:31:57 -0700 (PDT) From: Derek Langsford Subject: "GARY TO SIGN NEW RECORD DEAL!!!!!" To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Gary has announced he expects to sign a new worldwide record deal next week. From NuWORLD: You may remember that we said something along the lines that the album will not be delayed again unless a miracle happened. Well a miracle appears to have happened. We have been offered a major new record deal, for the entire world. The deal is going through now but until we have actually put pen to paper and signed on the dotted line we are going to keep the details to ourselves. Hopefully the deal will be signed by the end of next week (week ending August 8th). The new label are very keen to ensure that the album is released in time for the UK tour so this now means October, not September. We are sure you will agree with us that the extra few weeks wait is a small price to pay for having the album released directly into every major market in the world, for the first time in many years. This also gives us the backing that we have long been looking for to enable Gary to tour around the world once again. Doug Firley from Gravity Kills is working on a special remix of the entire 'Exile' album which should be completed by September. Gary's own extended version is also ready and waiting. ----- EXCELLENT NEWS!!! Worldwide distribution, a possible world tour and 3 versions of the album to look forward to. The final track listing for the album, with times, is as follows: 1. DOMINION DAY Time: 4:50 2. PROPHECY Time: 5:05 3. DEAD HEAVEN Time: 5:22 4. DARK Time: 4:30 5. INNOCENCE BLEEDING Time: 4:25 6. THE ANGEL WARS Time: 5:05 7. ABSOLUTION Time: 4:59 8. AN ALIEN CURE Time: 6:09 9. EXILE Time: 6:47 Maybe a new deal will mean viable singles too. Gary has also finished his book and is playing in a Russian music festival in September. Who would ahve guessed that Gary's first non-UK date since Brussels would be Gorky! Wonderful wonderful news. This is Gary's best shot at renewed success ever. Looks like August will be very good to him. Derek Derek Langsford San Diego, California ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 09:42:48 -0700 From: vickers Subject: Absolution To: numan@cs.uwp.edu The sales level of "Absolution" was raised in #351. Yes, Gary DID say that the number of copies of "Absolution" sold was less than the number of members in the Fan Club. There are several things to bear in mind. From memory, I believe that the single came out in August, when a lot of people are away from home. It is difficult for Gary to realise just how difficult it had become for us to get hold of his records, when he is probably assured constantly by his distributors that there are no distribution problems. The fact is, most record shops are not seriously interested in ordering one-off copies of records that they don't particularly think will sell, they endlessly fob us off with, "It hasn't come out yet", and such-like things. Secondly, for some reason that beats me, quite a few Numanoids just aren't on the wavelength of this particular song - I seem to remember someone saying that they SOLD their copy!!!! Well, such informal recycling processes would account for a few!! THirdly, the fan club membership is international, not U.K. alone, and probably many fans "out there" wouldn't be able to get a copy. Fourthly, "Asolution" is a totally brilliant song, and had it had the airplay it would easily have made the Top Ten!! Yours Numanly, Paddy Vickers. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 08:17:41 -0500 (CDT) From: m.r.p.@ix.netcom.com Subject: A little stick for little disc's To: numan@cs.uwp.edu >Did anyone else hear Gary say (on this months telephone update line - sorry, >UK only) that the *total* number of sales of his last single (Absolution) >were less than his first single/album, and far less than number of people >currently in the fan club. Not supprised here. Remember with today costs of CD's (even singles), it becomes stupid to buy/make singles. When you can buy a entire album for $11.00 US why shell out $3.00 for a single? When they were 45's or picture disks it was a little better as they became collectors items, but now days only top 20 songs are even done. I myself am suprised that Gary was even still doing it! I guess he is slower to realize some things than I thought or he REALLY needs a real manager. Also a little side note, most singles up to the mid 80's were bought by us, the Radio and Private DJ services. Now with CD's and instant tracking we NEVER use single CD's here in the station unless its a early release. Another side note. Another local station has started to play some RANDOM songs on their sunday night show that runs from 7pm-12AM. Its called The Cutting Edge, and is a Alternative show for the local college crowds. Tha last sunday I heard no less that 6 tracks played. Also Poetry and Power lasted for 4 nights straight in the Cage Match on a local rock station, and is currently the 'Screamer of The Week' for a local DJ on the same station. Keep cool. Mike One must put up barriers To keep oneself intact. - Rush, 1981 "It took me a long time to grow up. Maturity and me are only recently acquainted." - Gary Numan, 1997 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 04:10:37 -0400 (EDT) From: Andyscobra@aol.com Subject: Another Random review. To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Hi All. I have now heared the Random album twice and i love it ! It was alot better than i thaught it was going to be. Gary must be very flattered that so many people would want to cover his songs. Such an honour is usually reserved for artist's like Frank Sinatra and Elvis. It's also good to hear covers that are far from the original unlike much of the soul type covers that plague our chart's. It would be nice to hear what Gary think's of the whole Random affair so a special message from him in the next Q&A would be good,hint,hint. Cheers.........Andy ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 23:02:50 -0700 (PDT) From: Derek Langsford Subject: Berserker CD Sound quality To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Someone asked about the sound quality of the Berserker CD. The poster indicated that some had said it was poor. I wouldn't say that at all. It's OK, adequate though not great IMO. I was anticipating its release so much that mayube I was expecting too much. The 1995 general release may be marginally better than the fan club-only 1992 release. Whichever, I would not worry about it as to have the album on CD, and the extended mixes at that (only on cassette otherwise), is well worth it. I've seen prices range from $21.50 to $26.99 in the USA. Direct from Pastel Blue may be slightly less than the $21.50. Derek Derek Langsford San Diego, California ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 20:34:28 +0100 From: "Nick" Subject: dark side1 To: "Gary Numan" --------------- Mathew said --------------- > 1.Gary does not believe in God - I know, I've asked him, and recently. > 2.Gary does not want to believe in God. = thanx for that mathew at least someone has their facts right (are you listening I am !.) If Gary doesn't believe in God it's fair to assume he also doesn't believe in the dark side as both have to exist together. (if at all ) Conclusions aside why did Gary have to pick such a dark divisive depressing and negative theme in the twilight of his career ? The darkness is fine by me but messages of child death are are unacceptable and disturbing to say the least. Before anyone accuses me of over reacting I say "listen to absolution again tell me that it doesn't include that msg amongst others" I concede that's one way of getting some raw power into his music but why ? This brings me sadly onto the <5000 sales generated from the absolution release. Where did this best ever so far come from ? Anyone that really appreciates the Numan sound knows why it failed. Even the Numan faithful rejected it, that I believe doesn't qualify it for the best ever does it ? I get the feeling that Gary does read this digest in and out. so if your listening Gary its me its Nick I was a good fan honest. Ok i flame you in and out, take it on the chin m8 we all make mistakes. ----------- nICK fOX ------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 09:00:19 +0000 (GMT) From: Andy Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #351 To: numan@cs.uwp.edu GARY'S QUESTIONS Is that obvious ? $20 ? $30 ? $60 ??!!! Gee! > Not really. To sell singles you need good promotion. I didnt see any whatsoever. Andy ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 00:27:21 -0400 (EDT) From: Numanfan1@aol.com Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #351 To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Well, just received my "Random" CD and I'm quite pleased. Yes, I am a true Numanfan and have been since I was a boy. That does not mean that I should be a Numan purist. No other music on this planet will move me more than Numan....nor do I expect anything to. The Random CD is very exciting and enjoyable. Excellent rendition of Numan classics. Some are very good, very good. They will however never replace the Numan in my heart and soul. It is well worth the $16 dollars. In regards to Issue 351, I am not suprised with the lack of sales for Absolution. If Gary continues to promote himself and produce himself it would quite a stroke of luck to catch the eye of the listener. He was very fortunate when he entered the music scene. It was very stagnant and dull. He was fresh, different and exciting. Quite the clever writer he has been and that is his talent. Not a promoter. His talent in the right hands, I feel, would make him very respectable and desireable. I have felt this way for years.... I'm trying my best to accidentially make it to the U.K. this year to see the tour. Knowing that a U.S. show is almost impossible, the flight and bedding seem very small concerns. Anyone else planning to go?.....E-mail me and twist my arm ! As for the beleiving in the god issue. Who cares....!. As far as I'm concerned questioning some one elses beliefs is nothing more than racism. Mankind would be a hell of alot better off once he forgets about religion and race. (no pun intended) Religion was and always will be created and maintained by those who wish to possess the power. As a group of Numan fans maybe we should collectively advertise Gary via the web?... bombard MTV, VH1, NBC, CBS and others with the idea of having him appear. No doubt in my mind he would fly over and do a talk show, an un-plugged, an interview....etc. Just an idea... Enough ramblings....anyone planning or thinking of going to the U.K. in Oct post your name. NuRuss (for NuJef this name has a humorous meaning :) ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 2 Aug 1997 16:10:23 -0400 (EDT) From: Lightland@aol.com Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #351 To: numan@cs.uwp.edu hello, my name is christophe silve, and i have been a numan fan since i first heard Cars in Oakland back in 79-80. It was the hit of my 9th grade dinner dance. any way, i'm a musician, writer and deejay now living in hollywood after a stint in NYC. i play a lot of moog funk, easy listening jazz, and , well anything that fits in with my exploring vibe. So much of Gary's music works in this way. I often will play him. Conversation, Night Talk, Strange Charm are among my favorites. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 08:36:10 -0500 (CDT) From: Amy E Logsdon Warner Subject: GN's flying interest To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Does anyone know if GN has ever come to Oshkosh, WI for the EAA Fly-In Convention? It's reportedly the largest airshow/exhibit/fly-in in the world, held annually. I would be surprised if he didn't know about it and thrilled if he ever did decide to swoop down to strafe us (sans bullets, thanks), or is it called a fly-by?! CNN Interactive has a story on it in their July 31st issue, by the time this gets in the digest it should be in their archives. Amy ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 07:54:56 -0400 (EDT) From: SomaCrow@aol.com Subject: Long incomprehensible reply To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Hello all. Isn't it nice of me to be so prolific on your behalf. Or something. So a certain Matthew, but not THAT Matthew, comments, "Was Riana winding us up? Surely it was Frank Capra who made 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Then again, Franz Kafka did write about a VERY BIG cockroach." Indeed he did. This is some weird TV show I saw once last week - it actually is called "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life" and is apparently a very odd parody of the Capra film - with a troubled-looking Mr. Kafka holding a little girl at the end of the episode, on Christmas Eve of course, as snow falls outside. Darkly humorous - d'you think you're going to find stuff about cockroaches getting smooshed in the original film? :-) Next reply to Matthew-but-not-THAT-Matthew: "many true atheists (and not the agnostics who think they are atheists)" - what an idea! How 'bout atheists who think the idea of any god is ridiculous but are still willing to talk hypothetically about religion? Inquiring minds want to know. And as to the idea of others praying for an atheist's soul being "repulsive" - I must agree with you there. It's not only patronizing, it's annoying. :-) Can Gary be a real atheist if he still holds to the Judeo-Christian-whatever concept of a soul? :-) Sorry, this drags on... re Mr. Peeters Joeri's mention of "a shop specialized in Numan and Depeche Mode records" in London - what a blissful idea! Only in London (unfortunately). Greetings to you by the way, Mr. Joeri. And while I'm on the subject of nothing in particular, to respond to the entire Dawn thing: What's up with that? I think I am underinformed (serves me right for waiting this long to join the Digest eh?). Mr. Lisner is a lovely artist and all, but what are the expectations of the parties involved (Mr. Langsford included) in this plan? Are we to find a new wave of Numan fans emerging from the comics shops because of this deal? Is the reverse intended - that we Numanoids get into Dawn? No offense to you, Mr. Langsford, but I don't see "a whole new audience in the USA" going Numan-mad. The fanatics on either side (Numan and Dawn) will buy it, but I don't know just how impressed either camp will be by what the other has to offer. But on the other hand, we're all a bit hardened by realism by now - I doubt anyone expects that windfall really, and I'm just raging about nothing in particular as usual. :-) I'll stop flying off the handle now and wish you the best of luck (as far as Numan luck in America runs) with this undertaking. And I thought giving The Crow graphic novel a companion CD was weird. :-) Just for the hell of it, I'll tie Joseph Lisner to the raging debate about Gary and religion by remarking that Lisner gives a nice take on the devil as just a discarded lover, not an evil being. (Does that go with the "is Gary gay?" argument too? Grin!) Pardon the crack-addled flipflopping and overall extreme inscrutability (wink to certain parties); it's five a.m. Tree a Kill for Gary, and that. :-) Riana "If you can't beat them, then they're not tied down properly." - unknown, for better or for worse ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 17:05:30 -0400 From: brezniakdavid@webtv.net (David Brezniak) Subject: More thoughts To: numan@cs.uwp.edu First off, Derek, get the production going.. we want to know if it's a boy or girl. Hope your wife is feeling as well as she can, and is resting. Best of luck to both of you. Where can we send congradulations cards??? :-) Next off, I'd like to mention this as a subject of interest: I'd like to thank and congradulate Newbury Comics here in Massachusetts, for not only having Random in stock but for having it filed correctly.. the sticker on top of the cd clearly stated "File Under Gary Numan". Hoorahh!! Needless to say, I had to see the manager and thank him for doing so. Turns out he's a Numanoid also. Unfortunately, he doesn't use the Internet..so I filled him in on what Gary's up to these days...but I see by looking at Gary's site today I have some GREAT news to tell him..... Yes, we'll have to wait a few extra weeks for Exile, but if it means worldwide distribution, I'll save 15 bucks, as I will not have to import it...I just hope Gary still makes the money he has long deserved. Anyway, there's another page from . See you all soon! Oh, by the way, Miss Marlene, keep it up and pretty soon your site will be second on my list for favorite sites....after Joey Lindstrom's of course...:-) Dave ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 08:12:25 -0500 (CDT) From: Amy E Logsdon Warner Subject: Singles sales/congrats card To: numan@cs.uwp.edu It may be just me, but I rarely buy singles. I *save up* for the entire disc. There must be more people in my financial situation (which while not dire, does not allow me to collect *everything* Numan) accounting for, at least, some of the disinterest in buying singles which Jeff addresssed in the last Digest. I wasn't really planning on buying Random knowing that GN had one of his own releases coming out soon, but as fate would have it my husband accidentally/on purpose picked it up for me. Anyway, all of that in order to say that I *understand* the lack of singles sales. On another topic, what was the URL where we could get the snail-mail address for Gary and Gemma in order to send a congratulations card? Anybody? Amy ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 12:34:06 EDT From: tweibrecht@juno.com Subject: tape tree To: numan@cs.uwp.edu anyone interested in the subject? anyone have some ideas? lets discuss... tom w ------------------------------ End of Gary Numan Digest ******************************