SSML-11, 1 May 1996
Hi everyone,
Welcome to new subscriber Sean Shafer, who also reports the title of the new single! (due out in UK on
27th May). Now how did you find that out Sean??!!
**************************
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 21:14:04 +0000
From: Notes!KWalsh@prnews.attmail.com
Subject: Sacred Canada
Hi, it's Kenneth in Washington, DC. I posted a message last week about my struggle to get Sacred Heart on
CD. I was in Toronto this weekend and they had it (for half of what I paid special order) at every store in
town! Oddly, they only had Hormonally Yours at one store ...
Does anyone remember how high "Stay" went on the charts in the US? Or any other countries as well? I
only saw the video once. Also, a friend at work says there's a great "I Don't Care" clip in which the gals
compete to commit suicide in a more outrageous fashion .... There used to be a SS video compilation for
sale around town, but suddenly I can't find it anywhere. Any advice?
**************************
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 11:19:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: sshafer@olie.wvitcoe.wvnet.edu (Sean Shafer)
Subject: S. Sister
Hi there,
I was just informed that there is a Shakespear's Sister mailing list, and I was given your address. I would
like to subscribe to the mailing list. I suppose that you already know about the "I Can Drive" single for
next month. I personally can not wait.
Hope to hear from you soon,
S.S.
[SSML-12. Did it exist??]
SSML-13, 6 May 1996
Hi everyone,
Huge apologies if your e-mail message to the SS list does not appear below. I've had a huge e-mail
disaster, and even the backups were corrupted. I lost two submissions to the list... Which brings me to this:
has anyone been keeping these mailouts?? I have a printout of SSML1-6, but no later ones. If any kind soul
would be able to forward any of the mailouts (including 1-6) back to be, I'd be very grateful! As promised,
here's the story of Australian SS chart action (all referring to Australian Top 50):
You're History: peaked at #20 in January 1990. Chart run of 19 weeks.
Run Silent: peaked at #47 in June 1990. Chart run of 4 weeks.
Sacred Heart (album): peaked at #22 in May 1990. Chart run of 18 weeks. Certified gold for sales.
Stay: peaked at #3 in May 1992. Chart run of 16 weeks. Certified gold for sales.
I Don't Care: peaked at #18 in August 1992. Chart run of 8 weeks.
Hormonally Yours (album): peaked at #20 in April 1992. Chart run of 15 weeks.
No other singles charted in Top 50.
Mike.
***********************************
Date: Fri, 03 May 1996 13:34:02 +0000
From: Notes!KWalsh@prnews.attmail.com
Subject: SS's return?
Hi. I'm Kenneth Walsh in Washington, DC. Thanks to the person who posted Siobhan's
comments about not "getting on" with Marcella on a personal level, and the 50-50 stuff. How do we know
about the new SS single ("I Can Drive" was it?) Any word on US distribution? Are Siobhan and Dave
Stewart living in Los Angeles? If so, what area? (I ask because I'm from there). How many children do
they have? Do we know if Siobhan will be collaborating with anyone on the new LP, or handling all
vocals? Thanks to everyone on the list -- it's the only one I've ever been on where people don't whine and
have personal (yawn) discussions to the tune of 40 messages a day. I am: KWalsh@prnews.attmail.com
***********************************
Date: Fri, 03 May 1996 11:27:27 +1200
From: sarah.mager@stonebow.otago.ac.nz (dodgy banana)
Subject: Plep'sville >
Hi everybody: > >Moment for a (true) confession. i have lost my email disk and thus have >lost all the
addresses of the people I was currently writing to so if >Denny, Pete, Terry, Kenneth, Omar,
***Dorian***, Mathew, Arizona, Jeremy, >Stefan, Christopher, Mikaela and anyone else who I have
forgotten who I am >currently writing to please re-write to me and tell me what a complete >pillock I have
been so I can write to you. Oh Kei - this means I have lost >the BML list (again!) . By the way: my other
address is: >smm@pequod.otago.ac.nz > >which is somewhat easier for me to use in the interim because of
my >computer dyslexia. > >thanks > >
Stupidstein.
***************************
Date: Sun, 05 May 1996 17:26:53 -0700
From: Omar Jundi
Subject: SUBSCRIBE!!
HEY!! I heard you have a SHAKESPEAR's SISTER mailing list..and I'd love to join to see what's
up with them these days!! WE need new SHAKESPEAR's SISTER material!!...oh and I LOVE
SIOBHAN!! thanks Omar Jundi ****************************
Welcome Omar! The new single "I Can Drive" is due for release in the UK on 27 May. Reportedly Paul
Oakenfold has done remix work on it.... Mike.
SSML-14, 8 May 1996
Hi everyone, I've just checked Esprit Mail Order's current catalogue, and there's no sign of "I Can
Drive" yet. (quite often they advertise upcoming releases). Only 3 1/2 weeks to go now!
Mike.
*********************************
Date: Mon, 06 May 1996 16:19:38 +0000
From: Notes!KWalsh@prnews.attmail.com
Subject: Siobhan's health
Hi. I'm Kenneth Walsh in Washington, DC. I haven't been on the SS Web page(s) lately, but
someone on the Bananarama mailing list reports having read that Siobhan has been "in a mental hospital
for the better part of two years" -- what is this all about? I have nothing against getting treatment for mental
problems, but it sounds like gossip (or perhaps exaggeration) to me. How's her marriage/children? Cannot
wait for the new release ... just hoping I can get my hands on it in musically lame Washington, DC! I am:
KWalsh@prnews.attmail.com
**********************************
Date: Mon, 06 May 1996 23:13:56 -0400 (EDT)
From: sshafer@olie.wvitcoe.wvnet.edu (Sean Shafer)
Subject: Re: Dave & Siobhan Hi there, Someone asked some questions about Dave and Siobhan, and
I have a few answers. Dave and Siobhan have two kids; Samuel Hurricane and Django. They do have a
house in L.A. where Dave's Chapel studio is located. On one interview, Dave stated that some of his
neighbors include Tom Petty and Jack Nicholson. Dave and Siobhan also own houses in the south of
France and London. Their Church studio is located in London's Crouch End, and their estimated worth was
reported to be close to forty million pounds. In the article, Dave denied this amount. In addition, Dave
Stewart recently purchased an office in London's Covent Garden which was featured in his "Heart of
Stone" video which was reported to contain almost two million pounds worth of technological equipment.
Here is an excerpt from the article which appeared in THE MAGAZINE:
Other current projects sound more feasible. Apart from the new album there is the production of a
film called "Golf", directed by Juzo Itami and starring Jack Nicholson about the tense hidden agenda of
corporate sport. He will produce Siobhan Fahey's first album since the acrimonious split of the duo
Shakespear's Sister, and songwriting with David Bowie and Daryl Hall...
With so many ideas waiting to be decoded from the fibre-optic tagliatelle squirming around in his
overactive brain, it is a wonder that Dave Stewart has any time for his children, Django, aged four, and Sam
aged six. "The other day Sam did some really good drawings of these amazing little characters. I borrowed
them for a while, took a photograph and then had them put on a t-shirt. I was wearing it the next mornin
when he came down. He was staring at my shirt all through breakfast, trying to work out what was wrong.
I sat there staring back at him, I didn't say a word, of course." I hope that this little description helps. You
can also check out Elektra's home page which has a Dave Stewart section. Also, Siobhan Fahey does
appear in one of Dave's Anxious label acts - J.C. 001. She sings backup in the video, but not on the album.
Also, I just noticed that Sophie Muller, who directed the Shakespear's Sister videos in the past, has just
directed the Cure's new video which is currently airing on Mtv.
*******************************************
Finally some anonymous eavesdropping(!): >>>i finally realised after all these years why I dislike
hormonally >>>yours so much compared to sacred heart! sacred heart is soooooo >>> bananaramaish. I
was listening to DM 12" this morning and realised >>>that with HY there was no cool acid type dance
songs like DM or BMH - >>>except for black sky which was overkilled anyway > >> Sacred Heart still
blows me away: I still get the same feeling >>that it's an amazing album, just the same as when I first got it.
HY is >> probably more professional, commercial etc. but just doesn't have the >> same impact as SH. I
feel SH is more of a Siobhan solo album, whereas >> HY was more of a joint project with Marcy. So the
new album should be >> a return to form! > >Well precisely!!!!!!!! I just love those SH 12" and the dance
remixes - >its that electric drum syndrome - got to got to got to have it!
SSML-15, 12 May 1996
Hi y'all By sheer chance, I have found some more information on the track "Overcome (in 60
seconds)" as mentioned in the listing of songs written by Siobhan. It's actually a track written by British
recording artist Tricky, and samples "Moonchild" apparently. "Overcome" appears on the "Strange Days"
movie soundtrack, and also on Tricky's album "Maxinquaye". Has anyone heard this? (and if so, shame on
you for not letting us all know!)
*******
"OVERCOME" Written by Tricky Performed by TRICKY Courtesy of Island Records Limited Includes
elements of "MOONCHILD", Written by S. Fahey & M. Detroit Performed by SHAKESPEARS SISTER,
Courtesy of London Records ******** I've also come across a listing for a SS bootleg CD(?):
Shakespears Sister Dirty mind/live Style: pop Tracks: 1.Heroine 2.Dirty Mind 3.Are we in love yet 4.Red
Rocket 5.I don't care 6.Black sky 7.Stay 8.History 9.Goodbye cruel world 10.Cat woman Language:
English Country of origin: UK Comments: Live at Nachtwerk, Munich, 4.5.92
*****************
Date: Thu, 09 May 1996 09:18:14 +1200 (NZST)
From: sarah mager
Subject: Re: SSML-14, 8 May 1996.
hi just a quick note - I thought Siobhan and dave had *three* sons Sam, john and Django - I have
a picture of the happy 5-piece family...
******************
Date: Wed, 08 May 1996 13:19:18 -0400
From: PETER GONG <171423@newschool.edu>
Subject: SSML-14, 8 May 1996. -
Reply Personally, I can't wait for the single and album. I wonder what her looks will be this time
around. Siobhan does have a flare for putting herself together-fashion wise. This goes back to
Bananarama's days. Actually, she had the style and bought most of their clothes. Talented woman. Peter
SSML-16, 17 May 1996
Hi everyone, The latest issue of Harmonally Yours states that the B-side to "I Can Drive" will be a
non-album track "Oh no, it's Michael". It will initially be released as a cassingle, CD and colour 7" vinyl.
No word on a 2nd CD yet, or any details on the Paul Oakenfold remix(es). Siobhan did some live dates in
Ireland during April, and is doing a few shows in London this month. The album (titled "Shakespears
Sister") is not due until mid August. Mike. ***********************
Date: Sun, 12 May 1996 12:37:20 -0400 (EDT)
From: sshafer@olie.wvitcoe.wvnet.edu (Sean Shafer)
Subject: Re: Bootlegs
I hope that this has not been discussed before (sorry if it has). Yes, the Shakespear's Sister "Dirty
Mind Live" CD was released in 1992. It was the live at Nachtwerk show from Munich, Germany. This
show was televised on German television as well. Great if you can find a copy. In addition, there is
another bootleg called "Back In Your Own World." The quality of this CD is far superior to the "Dirty
Mind Live" CD. This show is listed as being live in Europe in 1992, and I believe that it is taken from one
of the U.K. shows. The tracks include the following:
Heroine, Dirty Mind, Are We In Love Yet?, Red Rocket, My 16th Apology, I Don't Care,
Black Sky, Stay, You're History, Goodbye Cruel World, Catwoman, Hello, and Hot Love
The artwork is very nice as well. As far as I know, and according to a few articles, they only have two
sons. By the way, if anyone is interested, I have numerous U.S. Dave Stewart promotional CDs and
commercial releases for trade or sale. I also have a couple of Shakespear's Sister singles as well. If anyone
is interested, please e-
mail me privately at the following: sshafer@olie.wvitcoe.wvnet On another note, I just wanted to say that
the mailing list is great and I am glad that someone cares to put in the time and effort to run it. Great
work! Thanks! [Why, shucks! Thanks for that, Mike]
******************
Date: Sun, 12 May 1996 06:41:35 -0700
From: dgarbuio@direct.ca (denny garbuio)
Subject: Re: SSML-15, 12 May 1996.
Is the bootleg CD titled "Back In Your Own World"? I bought it in Vancouver--it was recorded
live in Europe in 1992. It features a song called "Metal Guru" which is the same song as "Hot Love"--the b-
side to "My 16th Apology", except the name of the song is different. I wonder why? It pretty good though
and is the only SS bootleg CD I have yet to find... Denny
*******************
There now appears to be TWO SS bootlegs around. "Back In Your Own World" has details as follows:
BACK IN YOUR OWN WORLD Kiss The Stone KTS-151, CD Music Co.srl. Italy, 1993 ("Recorded live
in Europe Summer 1992") (tracklisting as noted by Sean above). Someone told me recently that "Metal
Guru" and "Hot Love" were two completely separate Marc Bolan songs (anyone know this for sure?), but
the one sung by SS is definitely "Hot Love". I guess the bootleggers stuffed up, as the track is correctly
called "Hot Love" on the B-
side to "My 16th Apology". As Sean said, the sound on this bootleg is quite good, though the live tracks on
the CD single for "My 16th Apology" (which appear to be from the same performance) sound even better...
Mike
SSML-17, 29 May 1996
Hi everyone,
I have an unconfirmed report from a friend of Sarah Mager in the UK that the release of "I Can Drive" has
been put back a week or more. Bummer! Is this the most anticipated single in history or what!?!
Mike.
SSML-18, 12 June 1996
Hi everyone,
I think Peter wins the award for "first person on the list to hear the new single":
*******************************************************************
Date: Sun, 09 Jun 1996 23:20:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: binkyq@interport.net (Peter Eatroff/Jeff Bankoff)
Subject: SS new single I just got the I Can Drive single today. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. It's
got a very classic rock sound (almost Beatle-ish a la "Hey Jude") I guess I'll have to give it some time and
see how it grows on me. "Suddenly", the CD track, was actually my favorite, but I only heard it in the shop
since I only bought the 7". I'll pick up the CD tomorrow. I'm curious what other people think about it.
Peter ************************************************************
Next we have Denny (I've "stolen" this message from the Bananarama mailing list for those
people who aren't on it as well):
From: denny garbuio
Subject: I GOT THE NEW SHAKESPEAR's SISTER SINGLE!!!!
I got the new Shakespear's Sister single! It is great! Sounds very 60s psychedelic glam rock! Three
tracks but no remixes! And check out the cover-- Siobhan the kick ass girl! She has locked off her long
black hair in exchange for a short blonde do!! Yes, it's true!
1. I Can Drive/ 2. Oh No, It's Michael/ 3. Suddenly
The main track is great--tracks 1 and 2 produced by Dave Stewart. Track three is also fab
produced by Alan Moulder and Flood (?) -- the previous the same who produced both SS albums. Too bad
Marcella never stuck with it--as track 3 says something to the tune "I gave you a part but you wanted to
steal the show" --maybe a reference to Marcella?! And Bananarama got dumped by the London label that
still promotes SS. Sad, but it's nice to see Siobhan doing so well!
Ta ta! Denny *
**********************
And here's my information:
I have just received a promo copy of the CD single (from Esprit mail order), but can't listen to it
until I get home...Oh the suspense! The catalogue number for the promo is: LCDG383 It contains the same
3 tracks as listed above, and is packaged in a cardboard sleeve. It features a "perspective" photo of Siobhan
standing, but leaning backwards, with her left shoe almost coming out of the page at the very bottom. She
is wearing jeans, and a red and white checked shirt. Indeed the hair looks blonde! There's no apostrophe in
"Shakespears". Behind Siobhan, the top half of the cover is blue sky/white cloud effect; the bottom half is
red and white checked floor, which has what looks like the print from a personals column from a
newspaper overlaying it. I Can Drive was written by S.Fahey/R.Hodgens/David A.Stewart Oh No,
It's Michael written by S.Fahey/David A.Stewart Suddenly written by Fahey/Muller.
That's Sophie Muller, who has directed many SS videos, as well as videos for Annie Lennox and
Eurythmics. Robert Hodgens co-wrote Bananarama's "Young At Heart" (from the Deep Sea Skiving
album), and was a member of the Bluebells. As Denny says, "Suddenly" was produced by Flood and Alan
Moulder. Flood has produced groups such as Curve (who were signed to Dave Stewart's label Anxious
Records) and probably many others! The photo of Siobhan is credited to Dave Stewart. Apparently
he's been doing lots of photography for fashion magazines over the past few years! I have just received a
letter from the Fan Club with more information, but I'll be mean and save that for later this week! Mike.
SSML-19, 13 June 1996
Welcome to the next onslaught on Shakespears Sister mail! My, what a difference the release of a single
makes....! \
****************************
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996 18:46:49 -0700
From: dgarbuio@direct.ca (denny garbuio)
Subject: I Can Drive
I think the new single is so fucking good! I have been listening to it constantly since I picked it up
yesterday. The title track and Suddenly are wonderful. There is definitely a new backup singer evident in
track 3 which I suppose is Marcella's replacement! The line "I gave you a starring role, but you tried to take
my part"--seems a definite reference to Marcella. The song goes on to say "Tragically, we just couldn't
agree". It seems obvious to me. Pick it up! It is well worth it. On the first listen you will have mixed
emotions--after that, just play it on repeat!
Denny
I WANT SOME MORE! She can't go wrong with those production values! But where are the Oakenfold
remixes!!? And she a blonde? I think so--check out the pic on the web site!
************************************************************
My first reaction to this was WHAT WEBSITE???? A quick check at Andy Gordon's site
[http://whirligig.ecs.soton.ac.uk/~ajg94/sha/smain.html] revealed a NEW link to a NEW _OFFICIAL_
Shakespears Sister website at: http://www.shakespears-sister.com/ They say "like the album the Web site is
still under construction", and there's an e-mail address [balanda@dircon.co.uk] for comments on the new
single. The complete site will feature "video files, music, new photography and interviews with Siobhan".
These will be added over the next few days. There is already an image of the single sleeve I tried to
describe in SSML-18! Don't forget Voyager's web site [http://w3.one.net/~voyager/ssal.html] as well.
Mike.(devery@vaxc.cc.monash.edu.au)
************************************************************
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 1996 22:04:42 -0400
From: Sefan
Subject: SS US Still no word on a US release? I haven't seen the single in the stores. I wrote to the fan
club but no reply in over two months! Do you think someone else could write to them for me with my
address? If anyone in the fan club can join me up (I'll send money) please contact me. Otherwise, if no
one can do this can you please repost the address so I can check if I got it right? Thanks. Sefan
ghuliani@remus.rutgers.edu
************************************************************
Janine LaDouceur from the SS Fan Club: [Harmonally Yours, 5 Freda Corbett Close, LONDON,
SE15 6UN, ENGLAND] has kindly provided some further information about TV appearances and so forth:
***
Siobhan was going to be on 'Top Of The Pops' (UK chart program on BBC TV) on 6th June (although this
may actually have been 7th June as the program was shifting from its traditional Thursday timeslot to
Friday for the summer to avoid clashes with sport). The single was officially released on 10th June. (note
this is two weeks later than the originally planned release date of 27 May). Siobhan may appear on 'TFI
Friday' in the near future. The video clip for 'I Can Drive' was to be shown exclusively on 'The Chart
Show' on the weekend of 8-9 June. Some print appearances: Siobhan was featured in the Observer
newspaper on 19th May, and should be in The Independent and Daily Telegraph within weeks. She will
also appear in the Sept. 1996 issue of Arena. The forthcoming album 'Shakespears Sister' has been
remixed by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne. It in unknown if there will be a second CD single for 'I
Can Drive' at this stage. It will depend upon chart action.... Merchandise currently available includes SS
Tour T-shirts and a limited quantity of back issues of Harmonally Yours.
*****
I have rung Polygram Australia, but they still don't have a planned release date for the single. I
will keep nagging them until they do! It is unlikely to be for a few months yet though, and I guess the same
situation will apply in the US. Please feel free to write in with any reviews of the tracks on the single, and
any references to SS in the media. Yesterday's edition of "Beat" (a free street press music magazine
published in Melbourne, Australia) includes the following snippet: "Well bugger me if Shakespear's Sister
don't still exist! They have a new single called I Can Drive. Their debut Sacred Heart was a brilliant pop
album".
Mike.
SSML-20, 17 June 1996
Newsflash: I Can Drive has debuted at no. 30 on the UK singles chart:
*************************************************************
The Original UK Top 40 Singles Chart - Week ending 16/06/96
Positions obtained from BBC Radio One - The Official CIN Chart Charts compiled by David Nattriss
WC|HP|LW|Ch.|TW
1|30|NE|***|30|
Shakespear's Sister - I Can Drive London
*************************************************************
Here's my version (which therefore may not be totally accurate) of the lyrics to I Can Drive, and some brief
thoughts as to possible interpretations:
Hey boys, it's a steal You're hanging on by your fingernails As usual... The king is dead, LONG LIVE THE
QUEEN!
[Dave Stewart(King) isn't "controlling her" anymore, Queen Siobhan is in charge now. A bit
dodgy perhaps. But it's acknowledged Dave had more to do with first album that at first openly discussed.
Or it could be a reference to the overbearing Pete Waterman from the Bananarama days?]
Hey girls, no big deal Your 15 minutes stopped right here So baby let's go, LET'S GO!
[Hmmmm. Girls/15 minutes could definitely be a Narna reference]
Chorus:
I'm watching the world, taking my time
I've waited my turn, I'm gonna shine. This refers to time spent with a psychologist? Shut inside,
watching the world, assessing life. It's looking to the future though, after an apparent reassessment]
Heroes take their toll Hog your dreams and crush your soul And take you out, out to dinner
[Dave? I think he could be considered to be her hero, she has enormous respect for him musically,
but they've had a rocky relationship. And, they're married and together, hence "take you out to dinner". So
it's describing a love/hate relationship. Sarah suggests this could simply be another reference to Robert De
Niro! (cf. the Narna's "Robert De Niro's Waiting")]
Roll on the original
Highly strung out, spaced out, individual
Terminal sinner [Self reference here. She thinks she a true original. Spaced out, a bit strange. Catholicism
is haunting her again: terminal sinner.]
I'm watching the world,
taking my time I'm waiting my turn,
I'm gonna shine
And all the pretty people
that I used to see
Have died or moved away Or they're in recovery And all the buildings where the faithless used to play
Have crumbled into clay And I don't know what to say I just don't know what to say...
[Sarah says: friends who have died: Vaughan Toulouse - he started the band - buildings (holbourn
block tower...)]
I'm watching the world, taking my time I can drive, I can drive etc.
Final part:
I declare my innocence I'm worth more than 60 pence
[60p: Price of a tacky newspaper trying to invade her privacy? (most newspapers are cheaper than
this, but could refer to a "supermarket" tabloid]
Look I've got this shiny car I can drive, I can drive Yes baby, I'm for real That's just the way I feel I can
take you anywhere Anytime, anytime
[I've overcome my mental problems/insecurities, I'm in control now. Look out world!]
Everything I pass is old Everything I touch is gold
[The Narnas and Marcy are has-beens, but look at ME now! I'm still around and successful] Now I
see the world unfold
I can drive, I can drive Fade: Yes, it's a steal Nothing that you see is real [Previously she said "yes
baby, I'm for real", but here's she revealing she's still putting on a bit of a brave face to face the harsh pop
world again and media spotlight.]
Get yourself a pair of wheels Get to drive, go and drive Come on, come on...
*************************************************
Peter reported (in a message I foolishly lost) that the full video for "I Can Drive" was shown in a New
York club this past weekend.
And also the following:
************************************************
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 1996 19:12:42 -0400 (EDT) From: binkyq@interport.net (Peter Eatroff/Jeff Bankoff)
Subject: I Can Drive remixes Hey guys, I just got the UK promo 12" [LOXDJ 383] for it with 3
remixes. I think they pretty much suck. One (Roger Weed Mix by Richard Fearless) is very trip-hop and
slow, and it just uses the sample of "I'm wasting my time/I'm gonna shine." The other 2 mixes (Pull Down
Your Pants Mix and Dub by Rachel Auburn) are just generic club-y music. Basically these two just sample
"I can drive" and "Long live the queens." I'm just not very thrilled with them..
More later... Peter
(
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/pavilion/3545) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/pavilion) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)