Gary Numan Digest Thu, 3 Dec 98 Volume 1 : Issue 491 Today's Topics: "Ghost" CD reissue??? a release to refuse Bits and pieces cleopatra re-issues/ reynolds cover art Comments from Cleopatra (2 msgs) Dance & Sex exile extended (2 msgs) Extended Exile ? Fan Of The Year Gary Numan Digest V1 #490 Intro and questions Introduction introductory dot.com about me It's that time of the year again..... One of many extended Exile messages I guess responses to certain things Song Of The Week The Fury-review ultimate Gary compilation (for the moment) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 12:10:30 -0600 From: Jeff Tolva <machman@interaccess.com> Subject: "Ghost" CD reissue??? To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Fellow Numanoids, Does anyone know if Cleopatra has any intention of reissuing the double live "Ghost" CD from the 1987 Exhibition tour? It was part of the Numa back catalog which Eagle Records supposably now owns with the record deal, but I was wondering if Cleopatra plans on reissuing it on double CD as they did with "White Noise". Anyone know? Jeff Tolva (The Machman) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 17:02:22 -0600 From: Valerie Iglar-Mobley <iglarmobley@earthlink.net> Subject: a release to refuse To: The Gary Digest <numan@cs.uwp.edu> I don't even know what Cleopatra have done this time. They have put out a compilation called, "RetailSLUT: Burning From The Outside," with a supposed "remix" of "Are 'Friends' Electric?" called the "Steve Zodiac mix." Somehow, though, I think programming an awful rhythm track and then playing Gary's vocal over the top-- with no other musical elements-- does not a remix make. My suggestion: don't bother with this one. (Unless you also happen to be a Culture Vulture, and want to hear the goth version of "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?"-- in which case, it's CLEO 0358-2.) To my estimation, this doesn't even qualify as a remix. For something to be a remix, shouldn't it contain the original musical elements of the song, arranged in whatever new way the remixer comes up with? If the music is new, doesn't that make it a cover? The fact that it's Gary's voice just means he contributed vocals to another band's cover. Interestingly, that would mean both 'Random 2' and 'The Mix' are covers albums, as well, and not "remix" albums as they claim. Even more interestingly, the "20th anniversary versions" of "Down In", "Metal" and "Voix" are also NOT remixes, since they also contain none of the original song elements. That would mean that they're covers; Gary is covering his own songs. Comparing them to 'Random 1' then, we might conclude that not only does Gary remix himself better than anyone else does, he covers himself better as well! Eagerly looking forward to 'Extended Exile.' (Has anyone else noticed the further irony of that title?) lots of love to all, Ben Iglar-Mobley * * * "Do it once more for the boys in the band... Will you do it once more for me?" ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 10:06:24 +0000 From: Andy McHaffie <amchaffie@meto.gov.uk> Subject: Bits and pieces To: Gary Numan <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Fawlty Towers> I dont know what thats got to do with Numan. Just an attempt to get quick cash. You can buy the original videos from BBC video for about the same price. Otherwise, rent the videos and copy them yourselves. Andy's golden rule: NEVER pay for bootlegs. >But, the Numan X-mas classics record would be a winner. I DO presume this is a joke ! :) >My recommendation: send your local radio station a copy of Remodulate. It >was *designed* to expose people to Numan music that they'd never heard, and >shatter their perceptions based soley upon their limited (ie "Cars") Numan >repertoire. Not to mention, the more copies of Remodulate (or any >Cleopatra Numan release) that sell, the more support Cleopatra can give >Gary. They need to be shown the market for Gary Numan in America just as >much as anyone else... I might be wrong, but isn't that the record company's job ? http://www.best.com/~drumz/mp - Numan Poll Current results: 1. Are Friends Electric ? 2. My Breathing 3. Down In The Park 4. Bleed 5. Metal 6. Films 7. Noise Noise 8. Cars 9. Tracks 10. A Child With The Ghost 11. Remind Me To Smile 12. Me I Disconnect From You 13. Complex 14. Everyday I Die 15. God Only Knows 16. I Dream Of Wires 17. The Seed Of A Lie 18. M.E 19. We Are So Fragile 20. I Die You Die 209. Poison 210. The Need Andy McHaffie -- Boys Like Us. Are you boy enough ? -- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 02:17:05 -0500 From: "laurabrown/aaronhannum" <scorbie@davidbowie.com> Subject: cleopatra re-issues/ reynolds cover art To: "Gary Numan" <numan@cs.uwp.edu> forgive me if this subject has been covered before but i've had enough. (deep breath...) being the extremely loyal numanoid that i am by buying every version of every version of every release ever put out by any label even though i already have eight copies of that song on cd but i gotta have it 'cos i must support the numan effort and make sure gary gets the support he needs i gotta put my foot down and say... ... i am sick to death of these half ass efforts that Rod Reynolds puts into the cover art for the cleopatra reissues. i just recentley picked up the cleopatra reissue of 'The Fury' and must say this is the worst one yet. it is very apparent that he is scanning 'scanned' pictures which creates a checkerboard effect that plagues the entire cleopatra numan series. they look like bootlegs for fucks sake. there are a few very simple tricks in photoshop which overcome this problem and it is obvious Rod Reynolds is either too lazy or just a lame excuse for a graphic designer. if i had his job i wouldn't be so keen to plaster my name all over the liner notes as it would eventually ruin my career. he should be fired or at least get a little training at what he seems so proud of due to the fact that his name is everywhere. this is simply just a continuation of lack of detail to Numan releases whether it be correct song titles, catalogue numbers, artwork, etc... if i was in control of the cover art and details of these re-issues i would guarantee that the most critical Numanoid wouldn't be disappointed. shame on cleopatra for saturating the market with their biggest act and letting the artwork fall into the hands of Rod Reynolds. i want his job... scorbie@garynuman.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 13:14:29 -0000 From: "David Ellison" <NUMANBOY@PRODIGY.NET> Subject: Comments from Cleopatra To: "Vince" <vattard@ascap.com>, "Stephen Page" <yhy83@dial.pipex.com>, Rod Reynolds from Cleopatra is quoted from the latest Gary Numan Digest (#490) as saying: "...My recommendation: send your local radio station a copy of Remodulate. It was *designed* to expose people to Numan music that they'd never heard, and shatter their perceptions based soley upon their limited (ie "Cars") Numan repertoire. Not to mention, the more copies of Remodulate (or any Cleopatra Numan release) that sell, the more support Cleopatra can give Gary. They need to be shown the market for Gary Numan in America just as much as anyone else..." Just curious, Rod, but isn't it the RECORD COMPANY that sends out promos to the radio stations, not the fans?? Is this why I haven't heard any Numan on my local radio except for "Cars"? Cheers! David a.k.a. NumanBoy www.numanboy.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 12:18:20 -0800 From: theartdept@att.net (rod reynolds) Subject: Comments from Cleopatra To: numan@cs.uwp.edu >Just curious, Rod, but isn't it the RECORD COMPANY that sends out promos to >the radio stations, not the fans?? Is this why I haven't heard any Numan on >my local radio except for "Cars"? > >Cheers! >David >a.k.a. NumanBoy >www.numanboy.com Hello. Absolutely. But two points: A) Cleopatra is not actively promoting Numan right now. The reissues are slipping out one at a time, but there will be no promotion (that I know of) until the new album/tour. So no, they do not send out copies of Remodulate to radio stations (that I know of). A few digests ago I pondered that issuing the Extended Exile in the US might be a good idea, for no other reason than to get Numan back into the music papers and on the sales racks. B) My understanding of what was being suggested here, is a grass roots fan based promotion. People are talking about burning cds and sending them to radio stations, just so they will have them and possibly play the tracks on air. This Ultimate Numan Compilation cannot realistically exist at this point, combining Beggars, IRS, Numa, Eagle, and Cleopatra material on one disc, unless it is a fan produced (and therefore technically illegal) item. The general public (myself included, admittedly) has very little understanding of how a radio station (or for that matter, a record company) really works. Generally the djs do not get to play whatever they like. Every song is test marketed and chosen by a programmer, and is based on many things, not necessarily the quality of the music. There must be a hundred radio stations here in LA. I can think of only possibly two that would play Numan, and of those two I have only ever heard Cars played. Sending unsolicited material out to radio stations is probably a waste of time. But if you want to send someone a 'wake up call' (or "update") re Numan's work, I recommend Remodulate (disc one). And I'm serious about showing your support with your credit card. It's one thing to talk Numan up and wear an obscure tour t-shirt and buy all your Numan cds from his fan club in the UK... but like it or not this industry is bottom line based on money. If die hard US Numan fans sit back and don't actually PURCHASE any of the Cleopatra releases, Cleopatra will read the sales figures (which they get every week, and do not include imports) and say... 'look no one's buying the Numan stuff we've put out, why should we put out anything more'. Word for word what they've said regarding the remainder of the re-issues or any new compilations: "We'll see how these do first." I'm on your side (although it may not *seem* like it). Best wishes, Rod Los Angeles ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 13:30:22 -0800 From: "Jim Benson, AICP" <bensonj@teleport.com> Subject: Dance & Sex To: "Gary Numan" <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Luc DE VISSCHER said: > The favorite songs to have sex with, is definitely "Slowcar to china". > Soft, slow, moody, lingering on, long,... Think I made my point here. > (Though I can't stop would be "different", not the music, just the > chorus...;-)). All of Dance is good for sex -- it's the whole reason for the album. It is very sensual. Would have liked a series of this. I thought Gary made good use of Mick Karn's bass skills as well. Quite often Mick goes overboard with his bass style -- but it was perfect here. It was part of that wonderful trio where Gary had the Groove. I, Assassin, Dance and Warriors were so fantastic for rhythm. They are smart, expertly produced, and among the most developed music of the mid 80s. Those albums walk on water. Sex to the chorus of "I can't stop" would be like making a quilt on crystal meth. Jim Benson www.ourfounder.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 22:51:59 -0500 (EST) From: Telekon@webtv.net (Alison Koppel) Subject: exile extended To: numan@cs.uwp.edu if anyone can order 2 of the exile extended cd's i will gladly pay the cost for one of them if anyone would be willing to do me a favor & pick one up for me. i don't have a credit card & cannot order one from nu-world. i am very upset about that, but would really appreciate the favor. "I TURN OFF THE PAIN, LIKE I TURNED OFF YOU ALL, NOW THERE'S ONLY M.E." ~gary numan - the pleasure principle~ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 22:15:40 -0000 From: "David Ellison" <NUMANBOY@PRODIGY.NET> Subject: Exile Extended To: "Gary Numan" <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Well I just "printed" out my order for 'Exile Extended", filled out the form, and "dropped it in the post". I just have to say how "shitty" it is that Eagle didn't distribute it, and, that it's only available through the Nu World site and Sister Ray Record's in London. WHEN are WE going to start the NuFan Record label..and DO THINGS RIGHT!!! And, jeez, Gary, with such a great web site, why can you hook up with a bank and accept orders DIRECTLY over the Internet??!!! I can buy products all over the world on the Net....but not from NuWorld!! Patiently waiting for the US MAIL and the Royal Mail........(patiently waiting for ANY male.. : ) ) P.S. Four rolls of film from the UK trip are at the developer as we speak (NOT BEST BUY!!!).......Hope to have a major update on the site before Christmas!! Cheers! David a.k.a. NumanBoy Proud Member of Boys Like Us www.numanboy.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 21:18:22 -0000 From: "Stephen Page" <yhy83@dial.pipex.com> Subject: Extended Exile ? To: <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Well it's Tuesday and I've yet to receive my copy of the extended "Exile". Hopefully when this gets posted some of you will have received your copies and will be posting opinions. Does anyone have any Numan or Foxx midi files ? (ideally done for the Korg N5 synth) Also just a quick thanks to everyone for the recent postings, the digest has certainly been interesting to read recently. Stephen - a proud member of Boys Like Us http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/plaza/yhy83 "I like Romantics, but I don't like Stephen" ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 13:30:57 -0700 From: "Joey Lindstrom" <joey@lindstrom.com> Subject: Fan Of The Year To: "Gary Numan" <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Voting has now commenced for the "Gary Numan Fan Of The Year" award. Come on by the World Wide Webb and check out the candidates' bios and, of course, cast your ballot. If you prefer, you can jump directly to the voting page at this URL: http://www.interocitor.net/worldwidewebb/fan_of_the_year.html In brief, the list of candidates is as follows: George Ellis - a globe-trotting fan from Germany Rob Eggleston - author of the "Are 'Friends' Electric?" website David "Numanboy" Ellison - site author and devoted concert-goer Brian Perera - President of Cleopatra Records Voting closes on December 31st!! / From Joey Lindstrom joey@lindstrom.com / Interocitor Dot Net http://www.interocitor.net / / I couldn't find the remote control to the remote control. / --Steven Wright ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 22:14:12 EST From: RbrtSmth@aol.com Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #490 To: numan@cs.uwp.edu please remove me from mailing list ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 23:24:07 -0800 From: Jason Borchers <jasonmb@calweb.com> Subject: Intro and questions To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Well, here's my introductory message... I'm Jason, a 17-year-old American. I've only been a Numan fan for a few months -- I saw all the discussions on alt.music.synthpop about his Exile tour, and heard that he did the original "Down in the Park" (I'd heard the Foo Fighters cover before). So, I bought Replicas to try him out and now I'm hooked. My other favorite bands: New Order/Joy Division and their spin-offs, The The, The Cure. Now, on to the newbie questions: are all of his albums between Telekon and Exile out of print? I'd really like to get some of these, esp. Berserker, but I can't find them anywhere. Does Gary's online store have them? Are the extended versions hard to find? -- Jason Borchers jasonmb@calweb.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 13:59:08 -0800 From: stealfire <stealfire@earthlink.net> Subject: Introduction To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Hi. I'm new to San Diego, CA, attending Mesa College to learn the art of Printmaking. Formerly of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the University of Utah, where I earned my B.A. in Fine Art. Have been a Numan Fan since grade school when out came "Cars" and I was introduced to a new form of music for the very first time. While the song was not popular in the tiny town I grew up in, it excited me to no end. It verified that there were bigger, better more interesting things out there up and above the homogenous townspeople and their I was surrounded by. Though the only store in town that carried music carried only top 10 items that I was rarely not interested in (though I discovered and purchased David Bowie's "Lodger" there, a definite order mistake. They probably thought they'd never get rid of that one) on trips to "the city" I was able to find the occasional Numan album in larger shops. No one understood the strange music I was blaring from my home and car stereo and that made me love it even more. The more I was able to separate myself from those sadly content 10th generation farmers, the more convinced I was that my life had to be on the right path, anyone that theirs was not. Other unconventional singers such as David Bowie and even Alice Cooper helped me maintain my sanity by sharing with me song lyrics that I could associate with as well as continuing to assure me that the world held more than I was able to view from my bedroom window. I was now proud to be a "freak" as I had been labelled by my conservative schoolmates. (Note: In my highshcool, Rodeo and Bull riding were sports equally big as football and basketball.) Its great to know that there is still such a strong current of Numan fans out there. Just recently I was speaking to a number of art students, some considering themselves pretty hip in the electronic and rave scene, and very few had ever heard of Numan or realized the foundation he provided for the electric music they now listen to. Those who had heard his name knew only of his hits, such as "Cars." And I have found it very difficult to locate any Numan work, even in speciality shops. So, was very excited when my search for the words to, "You're Fascination," lead me to a whole thriving underground of Numan culture that I had not before knew to exist. I now begin my quest to replace my vinyl with digital material. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 17:55:25 +0000 From: Charlie Boy <charles@invisiblehands.co.uk> Subject: introductory dot.com about me To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Thanks for including me in the Numan newsletter. My name is Charles Kennedy, and I'm a professional musician / producer and I run a record label called Invisible Hands Music, all based on the outskirts of South London. The label releases include most of my own projects as well as compilations including electronica stuff, and the artist roster includes Wishbone Ash and singer / somgwriter Rob Reynolds. My music is electronic-based stuff influenced by Numan (of course), Tangerine Dream, and funky 70s stuff such as Chic and the Isley Brothers. My favourite artists are Gary Numan (#1), Joe Jackson, Santana, Manic Street Preachers, Marvin Gaye, Harold Budd, Placebo, John Martyn, Tangerine Dream, Chic, the Chameleons, Black Sabbath, Beach Boys / Hanson / Simon And Garfunkel / anything with good vocal harmony arrangements (especially since I do a lot of that in my work), Isley Bros, O'Jays, Spice Girls, 70s soul and 80s electro. I'm also a leading authority, at least in this building, on Lebanese (and most Arabic) opera and folk music. And Armenian choral stuff (see under vocal harmonies that kick arse, above). I got into Numan in 86 when I saw the live album 'White Noise' from the 84 UK tour in a bargain bin. I thought, "Here is an artist with a really groovy image, a double live album of material and I've never heard of him." Like a red flag to a bull, the guantlet had been thrown down and I trotted straight to the checkout. The album did not disappoint and my next purchase was the then-new studio album 'Strange Charm'. From the opening bars of 'My Breathing' I was hooked. And, bless im, he's been my favourite artist ever since. Except from 'Outland' til the Dream Corrosion tour when he lost it big time. Thank god he got it back - most of them never do. Since I run a record company I hear lots of gossip and news about Mr Numan so I'll be sure to keep you updated with any groovy (or otherwise) news I hear (which email address should I use?). Looking forward to receiving updates from you, and thanks again for providing such a cool service. Peace and best wishes, Charles Kennedy invisible hands music ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 1 Dec 1998 09:10:59 +1100 From: Martin Purvis <purvism@mpx.com.au> Subject: It's that time of the year again..... To: "'Gary Numan Digest'" <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Hi everyone. Well, not long until Christmas. Time for me to do my traditional Festive Shite........... FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (a cautionary tale) Frosty the Snowman Was a Gary Numan Fan With his dyed-black hair and ear ring His complexion pale and wan. Frosty the Snowman Was a Numanoid they say He was made of snow But the children know He sang Numan songs all day. There must have been some magic In that merkin that they found For when they slipped it onto him He began to fool around. Frosty the Snowman Was as horny as can be And the children say He could shag all day With a nice young boy or three. Frosty the Snowman Became a paedophile that day So he said "Come on And we'll have some fun Before the cops lock me away". Down to the village With his privates in his hand Running here and there all round the square Saying "eat me if you can". He led them down the streets of town Right to the vice squad cop Who said "I'll shoot your balls off Unless right now you stop!" Frosty the Snowman Was sent down for 20 years Once through the door His arse was sore In that prison full of queers. Thumpety thump thump Thumpety thump thump What an awful fate Thumpety thump thump Thumpety thump thump Raped by his cell mate. Best wishes for the festering season, Martin "I'm in Outland, I'll take the piss out of anything" http://outland.digitalchainsaw.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 21:44:06 -0000 From: "Stephen Page" <yhy83@dial.pipex.com> Subject: One of many extended Exile messages I guess To: <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Well it is now Wednesday, and THE cd has arrived. Yes I know I posted earlier (yesterday) saying it hadn't but it has now !!!! I am going to keep this brief cause I'm sure there's going to be a lot of postings about this. Suffice it to say that I adore it. The original was excellent and this just extends the excellence. Highlights for me are Prophecy and The Angel Wars the latter being quite outstanding actually. Please can we have an extended version of the extended Exile ?????? Maybe that's pushing it too far hehehehehehe http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/plaza/yhy83 Stephen - A proud member of Boys Like Us "I like Romantics, but I don't like Stephen" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 12:37:58 GMT0BST From: "James Chapman" <James.Chapman@newcastle.ac.uk> Subject: responses to certain things To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Gregor Torrence wrote: > > >New synths > >just aren't the same are they? ... I am not one who's good at > >describing sounds, but I think gary's synth sound went downhill in > >about 1987 ... > > The synth you're complaining about is a Roland D50. And make no > mistake, it was a very fashionable sound in most circles around > that time. Outland and Metal Rhythm are mostly done on a Korg > M1. It too was very fashionable, but I think Gary has kept it > around a bit too long. > I maybe overreacted a bit here. I really meant that the sound just ain't as powerful as the minimoog/polymoog/PPG/and that new piano sounding synth-I don't dislike the Roland D50 though (I ain't very good with names of synths either except when Gary mentions them in PTTA) > But, lets get a little perspective here. The albums' whose > synths we are complaining about were made at a time in Gary's > career when money was very tight. And although the newer > digital synths may not be to all of our liking, they have features > which drastically cut the cost of making new records, namely > MIDI. And without these features, he might not have been able > to afford to make music at all. > A very good point. I was not aware of this at all. Then again that's cos I don't know very much about the technical side of things. > I suppose we should realize that synths sounds (not to mention > guitar and drums sounds) are bit like Jeans. Long and bell- > bottomed or high-waters, skin tight or baggy, dark blue or > faded. Whatever you've got now, it's going to be out of > style in no time. And perhaps the moral of the story is > that when you complain about what the synths of 1988 sound > like, dig up a photo of the clothes and haircut you had back > then. You and your acid washed jeans just might be ripe for a > little ridicule yourself. I know I am. > Well I was only 10 years old so I go by what my parents looked like :-) Andy Mc Haffie wrote: > > >There are some interesting comparisons there. I realise Andy's > >poll includes B-sides and extra tracks so this shows that the Fury > >and Berserker B-sides are possibly better than the actual albums or > >better in comparison to all the B-sides from the other albums. > > When the albums are ranked it doesnt include the B-sides. There is a > score for the albums + B-sides as well, but the overall album rankings > dont take this into account. > Whoops! There I go off on a totally different tangent again! > I have ordered my extended Exile. Anyone else ? Let us know opinions > when you get it. > I ordered it on Tuesday 24th and have not even got a receipt of my order yet. Then again, I'm paying by cheque so it may take longer. > >And for Numan to make love to....er...how about This Wreckage? Or > >that dodgy instrumental on the B-side of Cars? > > Thats triggered off a memory. I remember the very first hardcore porn > film I saw had "Asylum" as part of the soundtrack > Heck, I struggle to imagine porn with that dreary tune in, but we are all different-eg I like I Can't Stop! I was actually joking about Asylum :-) but the worst one ever would be When The Machines Rock-the first time I heard that I burst out laughing and a non-Numan partner would probably do the same and ruin the whole thing! I wonder how that tune would sound on new synths :-) And does anyone actually have the Numan/Nicholson CD? James ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- "And Ralf Schumacher is the son of double world champion, Michael Schumacher Murray Walker, 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 13:32:01 -0700 From: "Joey Lindstrom" <joey@lindstrom.com> Subject: Song Of The Week To: "Gary Numan" <numan@cs.uwp.edu> This week's Song Of The Week is: Puppets - from "The Numa Years" box set Come listen at The World Wide Webb. http://www.interocitor.net/worldwidewebb/ / From Joey Lindstrom joey@lindstrom.com / Interocitor Dot Net http://www.interocitor.net / / When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any / firearms with me. I said, "Well, what do you need?" / --Steven Wright ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 16:54:22 GMT0BST From: "James Chapman" <James.Chapman@newcastle.ac.uk> Subject: The Fury-review To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I have just got The new reissue of "The Fury". It is my third Fury CD-I also have the extended mixes, and The Numa Years as well as the vinyl LP. It also means I have got all Numan's regular studio albums (I hadn't before due to the extended "Call Out The Dogs" being on The Numa Years) on CD- well not quite because Metal Rhtyhm is a CD copy but I don't care as I can't find a damn MR CD. Anyway, The Fury is a good album coming from my favourite Numan period, although I don't think it's as 'full-bodied' as either Berserker or Strange Charm-it's much more simple. The tracks I hadn't heard before were the regular version of Call Out The Dogs (I just got the LP to have, not to play!)- which isn't anywhere near as good as the extended-the nice synthy bits and the extra lyrics were taken out and the thing seems too abrupt. Maybe it is a bit wierd hearing the extended version before the edited. Exile extended will be the first extended album I'll have heard after the original! And I'm still desparately trying to find Sacrifice and M+S extended (hint, hint :-) The RSPCA version of I Still Remember was the next track new to me, and it's excellent as a one off Christmas single although I doubt I'll listen to it all that often as it's really depressing - but the extended album version is currently my favourite Numan ballad (my mind does change). They chose a good time of year to release the RSPCA track! Tribal is next and it does live up to the standard of tracks such as We Have a Technical, This House Is Cold and Metal Beat as great demo tracks. It doesn't share all that much in common with the album because of the electric guitar but I think the way that it shares a chorus but has a completely different verse fitting in perfectly is pretty cool. I would like to see the extended album remastered especially as apparently there was something wrong with the right channel on the original (it sounds OK to me but I don't have a very good ear :-) with the extended B-sides (the orighinals and not '95 remixes). I prefer to listen to the extended version than the regular. COTD and ISR benefit enormously from the extra insrumental bits, making them more dramatic. The ending on God Only Knows and the long extended intro on Your Fascination are really cool as well but the songs are the same apart from that which is a bit disappointing. The extensions on Tricks, Miracles and The Pleasure Skin add little, and on This Disease and Creatures (or I Need It as it should be called) they are pointless and slightly annoying. Overall verdict: 8.5 out of 10. Favorite song-Tricks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- "And Ralf Schumacher is the son of double world champion, Michael Schumacher Murray Walker, 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 01 Dec 1998 00:00:07 -0600 From: Valerie Iglar-Mobley <iglarmobley@earthlink.net> Subject: ultimate Gary compilation (for the moment) To: The Gary Digest <numan@cs.uwp.edu> Dear all, Troy's suggestion, in Dige #489, for coming up with the ultimate Gary compilation is a good idea. However, it will have to remain just an idea, until Eagle/Cleopatra are able to secure the rights to the entire Gary oevre. Somehow, I doubt they'll ever. In terms of a compilation that could actually happen, my dream is still the big-name covers compil that I suggested in Dige #463... complete with Gary's revenge on those artist's songs! That won't happen, either, except as a bootleg. (Hint, hint!) Now, to suggest a collection that could actually come about, I stand by the idea of a follow-up 'hits' set of Numa songs. There's no reason I can see for any label to put out another collection aimed at us, the core fans. Has anyone even kept track of how many Gary collections have been put out there? I have three: 'Other Side Of' (and btw, as opposed to what? his front side? isn't EVERYthing by Gary more or less 'other'?), the mis-named 'Here I Am', and 'Archive'-- each one because it had something I didn't otherwise have (at the time). I can think of probably ten others. But now that every last flippin' album of his is being reissued with every last flippin' bonus song stapled onto its back porch, is there any reason for us fans to ask for more repackagings? There is, but it's not for us. It's for the non- (but soon-to-be) fans. The casual music buyers eat these 'greatest hits' collections up. (But if they're ALL that artist's hits, why are they still always called 'greatest' hits?) Come on, show of hands, how many of us own at least one 'greatest hits' by an artist we otherwise have no albums of? I have several. There probably are a lot of people out there who'd buy a 'singles' collection of Gary's, but not an album. There's something almost magical about calling a song a 'single.' We light up when we know a song got put out on its own; we give it added attention. We figure it must be superior to other songs. Admit it, we even do this with our hero's music. I do. ("Oh, 'Dominion Day,' that's... THE SINGLE!") So if we're looking to put something together to give his career a push, THIS is the compilation that Cleo should compile. But if we're just looking to collect the fans favorites... well, just list them here on the Dige and we can each make our own mix tapes. love to all, Ben Iglar-Mobley --proud member of 'Boys Like Us' * * * "Where are the tracks? Where is the time?" ------------------------------ End of Gary Numan Digest ******************************