SSML-46, 11 January 1997
Hi everyone,
A belated welcome into 1997.
The next issue of the official Shakespears Sister Fan Club newsletter, "Harmonally
Yours" has just arrived, and it reports that the next single will be released sometime
this winter, and that the album is scheduled for April. In the last few months Siobhan
has returned to the studio where she has been recording some new tracks, "Hopeless",
"Dial F For Freedom", and a song with the working title of "New Year's Day". A
track previous slated for the album, and at one stage touted to be a single, "Do I Scare
You?" has been re-recorded during these sessions. The newsletter also confirms that
the short film which Siobhan appeared in, "Clean Break", will be broadcast on
Channel Four in London at some stage. Siobhan plays the single mother, drug-addict
female lead.
There is also a competition with sets of the "I Can Drive" limited edition 7" red
vinyl, and "I Can Drive" poster to be won.
Siobhan was apparently on holiday in Australia prior to Christmas! Special thanks
to Lisa at the fan club.
Marcella Detroit's 2nd single from her new album was released in early December in
the UK. It dropped back to #176 in it's second week on the chart:
Dominator's UK Top 40 Chart Analysis (w/e December 21st 1996)
176 102 2 102 Marcella Detroit: Boy
Mike.
********************************************************
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 12:09:55 +0100 (MET)
From: Christopher Kayatz
Subject: Re: SSML-45, 18 December 1996.
Just some news from Switzerland. I've always asked you if the SS CD wont be
distributed in Switzerland at all, yesterday I got real news from my CD dealer, that
the single AND the album will be released in march here, next year. Just as an
information for your European readers (except UK of course ;))). I hope some people
might be happy by that (personally I can't wait thaaaat loong *grbml!!* :)
Christopher
********************************************************
Date: Sat, 04 Jan 1997 01:57:03 -0500
From: FOAM4LESS@aol.com
Subject: Re: SIOBHAN
Back in Sept.1986 when I was 17 years old I entered a local radio contest to meet
Bananarama at the Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles (near where I live). I have always
loved Bananarama since 1982. Well I entered 2,500 hand written entry blanks. After
entering, Polygram Records people called me and had me as a special guest at the
Bananarama Dance Party Sept. 12, 1986. It was fabulous, I got to meet and sit with
Keren(pregnant at the time), Sarah and Siobhan.
Siobhan was by far the kindest to me...and yes she even fed me some of the
bananasplit dessert she was eating. As a diehard fan of 17, I was thrilled. And I even
kept the spoon which I still have with dried ice cream on it. I can't believe I still have
it after a decade. I'm not a crazy loon trust me. Actually this is kind of fun to be
remembering it after all these years. They told me to call them in about a month when
they would return to L.A., Sarah wrote a date and hotel name on a postcard. But
when I called the contact at Polygram I had no luck because plans changed and the
Record Company lady was not too helpful. Too bad!
Once again, it was fun to remember that fun night and share it with you. Please feel
free to contact me anytime with info and updates. My new email address is
JUSTINLUVE@ aol.com Also, I have not heard the new song "I Can Drive". Do
you know where I can get a copy from. Also I would love to locate a copy of the first
video compilation tape for the Sacred Heart Album Videos. It did not come out in
the USA. I could not even find a copy when I was in London last year. I'd prefer it in
a NTSC version but PAL version would be fine if you know where I could find a
copy. I already have the compilation video for Hormonally Yours...I love it!
Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
Justin Nylander
*********************************************************
Finally for this time, here are some reviews I recently found in the back issues of a
UK magazine:-
Mike.
Shakespear's Sister - Sacred Heart (reviewed by Neville Farmer in the November
1989 edition of the UK magazine 'Hi-Fi News & Record Review': " Siobhan
Fahey's talents have been sharply exposed by the striking single 'You're History',
which is currently rocketing skywards. 'Sacred Heart' doesn't throw up any other
great gems, however, and one gets the feeling that the real stars of the show and
producer/hubbie Dave Stewart and partner Marcella Detroit. Detroit's voice is the
shocker that makes the single stand out from the crowd and while Fahey apparently
runs the writing side she is always co-credited with Detroit. 'Sacred Heart' is no great
album but it is pretty good and Siobhan Fahey's dark smouldering voice works well
with Detroit's more versatile one. The one cover version, Marley's 'Could You Be
Loved' is an interesting rendition."
Shakespear's Sister - Hormonally Yours (reviewed by Johnny Black in the June 1992
edition of 'Hi-Fi News & Record Review':
From the outset it's clear that Marcella and Siobhan will be wearing their
influences on their sleeves. The first track is rich in echoes of Cockney Rebel, Lou
Reed and The Beatles to name only a few. Luckily, the duo's imaginative use of
these influences makes any accusation of plagiarism irrelevant, leaving no doubt that
what they have is largely their own. The over-melodramatic hit single 'Stay' is
untypical of the disc as a whole, which has more wit and musical diversity that might
have been expected after their quirky but limited first album. Now they flirt with
Hank Marvin tremolo guitars, breathless elevator music backups, coy spoken
sections, whimsical funk workouts and more. An unexpected goody."
Marcella Detroit - Jewel (reviewed by Ken Kessler in the June 1994 edition of 'Hi-Fi
News & Record Review':
"Detroit is the intelligent, talented half of the late, semi-lamented Shakespears
Sister. The removal of the ex-Banana shows Detroit to be nowhere near as bizarre as
SS's videos or arrangements suggested. Indeed, this LP is at first listening so
conventional that I almost confused it for some Now That's What I Call Music-type
hits anthology [a famous various artists collection series in the UK] ; I was thrown by
her duet with Elton John, reworking the dire 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing'.
And she screws up mightily trying to turn Sly Stone into Kate Bush [I Want To Take
You Higher]. But those are the only really low points. Detroit exploits her notorious
vocal range without over doing the Kiri [Te Kanawa - New Zealand opera singer]
impressions. Unlike, say, Tori Amos, Detroit knows when to stop. But in some way,
'Jewel' is too eclectic, too obvious a break from her former duo, so carefully crafted
as a solo album that it can't be sold on the back of SS. And for many, that's the best
thing that could happen to Detroit, because she deserves a lot more than life in the
TOTP [Top Of The Pops - legendary UK music clip/performance TV show]
wilderness. Upscale pop with substance."
SSML-47, 17 January 1997
Hi everyone,
As the lyric goes in I Can Drive, "I just don't know what to say", so it's straight over
to your contributions this issue:
Mike.
*****************************************************
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 09:00:59 +0000 (GMT)
From: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se (Grant Mitchell)
Subject: Marcy info
Reply-to: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se
SS & Marcy-Scandinavia
Hi! My name is Grant and I'm new to the mailing-list but an old fan of SS. I'm a 24
year old Australian, living in Sweden. Here's a bit of news I have about Marcy (and
Bananarama).
She was recently in Sweden on a promotional tour for 'FEELER', which has
been out here since August. It hasn't charted (i.e, top 50) but the album is available
everywhere, as well as the singles. The album is out on MEGA records (same
Scandinavian label as Bananarama) who have done a brilliant job in promoting the
album. As usual it is the gay press that have given it the most coverage. There was a
half page ad for 'Feeler' in the gay mag QX 3 months in a row. (Picture of Marcy with
white streaks and black glasses- very Nana Mascouri)- beneath it said "I write about
things which influence me - without which I would be depressed, if unable to be
positive through consciousness.'??? The ad also appeared in the local press
September 1996. The gay press gave bad reviews to "feeler' saying it was over-
produced. I don't agree though. Its a well-rounded album. The gay press made a big
deal here about the 'I hate you"-Siobhan thing.(I Can Drive, was never released here)
Marcie arrived here late October for a quick promotional tour, but as far as I know
only appeared on Sweden's first gay TV program, called 'Homogen". She didn't
mention the tabloid incident about Siobhan- I suspect she refused to discuss it. I was
surprised to see Marcy on TV with no make-up, glasses, heavily streaked hair and
looking old, to be brutally honest. This is a rough transcript of the short interview.
MD: "The album is called Feeler, because sometimes I feel like I have these antenna
on my head. I'm always looking, searching for inspiration, like somebody can say
something and I will think, wow, that's a great title for a song.
- Somebody's Mother is about women in Bosnia. I wrote about girls who are as young
as 12 years old being raped to death. Not a nice subject, but it did exist. 'How could
this be happening in 1996', I thought.
- I've always had this fear of death, and my husband gave me this book called
"Coming Back"- And its about what the Buddhists believe, that if you surround
yourself in thoughts of what you want to become in the next life, then that is what you
will become. And if I'm going to come back then I want to be a boy, just to see what
its like. I've always been a tom-boy, I've never been a girlie-girl. I've always been the
kind of girl who was athletic and very muscular, and beat up the boys in my street.
I've never worn silly fru-fru dresses. I've never been that way. (By the way, it was a
lesbian who interviewed Marcy, who was nonetheless thrilled by her comments) MD-
If we all had the chance to be the opposite sex for a day, we could understand each
other a lot more. Its nothing deeper than that. Its just experimental, like put on a mans
suit for the day, and see what you can get done. And for a man to put on a women's
dress for a day- because its all just a facade. And if we all had a chance to do things
differently, maybe we could change the worlds attitude."
A little info for Bananarama fans- UV has gotten loads of press here (though
mainly gay press- as usual). There were competitions for the album and a lot of ads.
However they received really bad reviews for UV. Its quite cruel but I'll write it.
"There are some groups which aren't needed anymore, Bananarama is one of them.
The new album's plastic Euro-disco songs sound at least 8 years old and are
completely dull. Its like listening to a 37 minute long Bana song. - Bananarama goes
Army of Lovers- but that's an insult to AOL'. (QX-Nov 1996: no name given- he
wouldn't dare- the vengeance of a Banana fan is a horrid thing)
That's it from Sweden, no news about Siobhan. However here is some
stuff I have to trade: - Shakespears Sister - Dirty Mind CD single (Includes the
Extended 1990
version)
- Bananarama -Preacher Man CD single (Includes the Preacher Man- Shep's Club
Mix-brilliant)
- And a couple of copies of Marcella Detroit's 'Somebody's Mother'- which includes
Gasoline(from the album) and Miss Anne Throp (new song, not on the album).
This single was planned to be released but was cancelled, and Boy was released
instead. However copies of the single had already been printed and some are floating
around. I found some copies in 2nd Hand CD shops in Stockholm. A brilliant cover.
I'm looking for the I Don't Care -CD single (the one with 2 or 3 mixes) Run
Silent - Revolution Mix. Plus possible
others, let me know.
My e-mail is : Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se BYE....... Grant
******************************************************
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 09:34:17 +0000 (GMT)
From: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se (Grant Mitchell)
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Mailing list
I am a big Marcy fan, her solo stuff is (as expected) brilliant, though my loyalty has to
remain with Siobhan. I've been a major fan of SS since 1988 when 'You really break
my heart' came out. I'd been a huge fan of Bananarama, but for some reason always
felt Siobhan was unique, the constantly evolving member of the group. When she
left, I kind of followed her and progressed in my music tastes as she did. I never went
back to Bananarama (I felt it was divided loyalty- a really common thing amongst
Banana-Siobhan(SS)-and now Marcie fans) The tension will always be there I think. I
felt SS music was exactly were I was. But even though Marcie was there almost from
the beginning and was a key element in the success of the band, it was Siobhan who
spurned the initial idea, the spirit and the direction of the band, I read an interview just
after she left Bananarama, and she explained how she'd been in LA writing and was
planning a solo-career under the name SS. Half the SH tracks were already written
before Marcie ever came into the picture, the glam-
alternative pop music and image had already been established. Anyway, I guess I'm
just answering some of the critics of Siobhan's solo attempt at "I can drive'. I think it
is one of the most musically crafted songs SS has ever put out. Siobhan will never put
out a straight 'pop' album again. She progressed, and we either follow her or we don't.
We can't keep bitching that she should re-join Bananarama, that's not were she's at.
Strangely enough, like many estranged Bananarama fans, in the last 6 months I've
regained a new interest in the group. Pop-Life is a brilliant album.
Sorry about that Mike, reading some of these old back-issues really stir up the
emotions. I was shocked at some of the bitchiness. So of course I needed to respond.
It might be of use in the news-letter. Actually I'm a huge SS and Dead or Alive fan.
I'm a member of their mailing list, but its no way as good as yours. I also like
Garbage, Bjork's old stuff and Smashing Pumpkins. (Did you know Alan Moulder co-
produced the Smashing Pumpkins new album, and Flood has just produced U2's new
song Discotheque, as well as their whole new album)
I'm putting together a contribution for the newsletter about what's going on here(in
Scandinavia) with SS and Marcy. Marcy was here recently and gave an interview that
I'll put down, as well as some reviews. I Can Drive was never released here in
Scandinavia..
Well I'd better go. See Ya! Grant
*******************************************************
Date: Thu, 02 Jan 1997 18:13:33 -0800
From: Denny Garbuio
I like the Pull Your Pants Down mix [of I Can Drive] a lot, and think it would have
done well, and am not really sure as to why this wasn't released [except on the promo
12"]. Any idea?
[I think a 2nd CD single would have been released (probably including the remixes)
if the chart position had been a little better. ICD debuted at no. 30, then dropped
rapidly. Of course you could argue that the rapid release of a 2nd CD with the club
mixes would have helped turn the single around, and that it was a mistake on
London's part to let the standard single flounder without the help of the remixes.
Mike]
The Roger Weed mix is a bit strange, but it's growing on me. I think SS has always
been about experimentation and innovation more than anything. This is more
Siobhan's/Dave's area and I think these mixes reflect a desire to be "current" rather
than "trendy" or "marketable". I think Marcy would have had no clue as to who to
turn to for remixes.
[It's a shame no remixes have emerged for Marcy's stuff yet. I can imagine some
really good mixes for "I Hate You Now", perhaps even for "Boy" as well. Mike]
I encourage you to include this in your mailing list!! We need material to discuss
rather than everyone sitting on their asses twiddling their thumbs.
I do appreciate Marcy's contact with her fans which Siobhan has been neglectful of;
however, I do believe she may be somewhat limited in internet hubub and far too busy
at the moment to deal with email and mailing lists. (Remember, she does have a new
album coming out soon! Busy, busy woman!!) Or she may be recouping in the
psychiatric ward!
> So far I'd say "Boy" and "I Hate You Now" are an improvement
> over her last album
As to why she would release "Boy" which is featured with her first track single is
ridiculous!! Neither are that good and don't have real potential. They're "fine" to put it
lightly. I will continue to buy her material as well. Any idea what the b-sides to "Boy"
are or what the cover looks like? I see it is doing poorly as I anticipated...
> I suspect Marcy had more influence over the Hormonally
> Yours album, but it's the mainly-Siobhan first album that I
> prefer. Marcy had to go when wanted more control: "I gave you
> a starring role, but you tried to take my part" ("Suddenly").
I don't know about that. It seems to have been more of a collaboration to me. But SS
is Siobhan's project first, and maybe Marcy was getting more credit than she deserved
or seen as the true "talent" (which she does have ). I think that's why Siobhan gave her
the boot and has led to the recent feud. They probably had nothing in common
either....
Denny
********************************************************
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 21:43:48 +0000 (GMT)
From: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se (Grant Mitchell)
Subject: SS-Sweden
NEWSFLASH! I was just watching MTV Europe, and they played the '16th
Apology' video, which I didn't know existed. This video is not on the HY video. It's
actually a collage of 'Stay', 'GCW', "IDC' and 'Hello', plus live footage, from
'Catwoman'- but parts of the video are clipped parts of those other videos. There were
some brilliant close-ups of Siobhan that I haven't seen before.
[Apparently this video was made up of clips from previous HY videos, as well as
out-takes; hence the "new" close-ups of Siobhan etc. SS seem to be quite fond on
reusing footage for the last single off each album: Dirty Mind 1990 was made up of
clips from previous videos (including out-takes), though at least with that one there
was brand new footage of Siobhan and Marcella over the top! Mike]
But the big news was that they said on MTV, 'SS with 16th Apology from the 16th
Apology EP'. Has anyone ever heard of the 16th Apology EP - or is it a new (or re-)
release to promote the new album? Any ideas?
I also saw about 2 months ago a Shakespears Sister Unplugged on MTV- It was
'Goodbye Cruel World' acoustic- they were fantastic. Does anyone know if they did
an entire unplugged set or just GCW. Grant
[I think they were just referring to the standard 4-track EP/single release of M16thA,
in the UK anyway. There were 4 tracks on all 3 formats: 7" vinyl, cassingle and CD.
MY 16TH APOLOGY 7"/CS/CD UK London LON-337/LONCS-337/LONCD-337,
1993
1. My 16th Apology [7" remix] 3:47
2. Catwoman [live] 4:50 3. Hot Love [live] 4:18
4. Dirty Mind [live] 3:28
There was a French 2-track version of the CD as well.
I've never heard anything about a MTV SS session. Does anyone
have any more details??? Mike]
SSML-48, 24 January 1997
Hi all,
I finally got to see the "I Can Drive" video recently and immediately noticed there
was something "different" about it. Upon close listening I found that there is some
extra repeats of the backup refrains of "I'm watching the world, taking my time etc."
over Siobhan's "rant" at the end; in the video the backup vocals run through most of
her last verse, whereas on the single there are some sections where it's just Siobhan.
Something for the trivia buffs. I was quite surprised at how plain and "rock" the
video was; it really is a just Siobhan concert-style up-close video performance, with
some nice asides (Siobhan suggestively slumping into a chair; some "hair twirling",
and a kick towards the camera). It's a long way from the stylish mini-epics of past
video clips.
I was also extremely pleased to finally see the "Sacred Heart" video collection at
last. More on that next time.
Mike.
*********************************************************
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 19:48:11 -0500
From: Chhavi Ghuliani
Subject: Suddenly
Hi SS fans.
My question is, I know that I recognize "Suddenly" from somewhere. Is it a remake
of a Barry Manilow song? I'm almost positive. Anyone know for sure?
Chhavi
[The track "Suddenly" indeed adapts some lyrics "can't smile without you, can't laugh
without you" etc. from the Barry Manilow song "Can't Smile Without You", but this
is only a small part of the song towards the end, so it's more of a sampling than a
remake.
It has been suggested that the use of this lyric could be interpreted as a sarcastic dig
at Marcy.......
Mike]
********************************************************
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 17:26:29 +0100
From: Massimiliano Gini
Subject: SS+MARCY DISCOGRAPHY
As promised here are some items to be added to the discography:
* Break My Heart (US promo CD single [no p/s] incl. US Radio Mix; LP
Version; Copa Mix, CDP214, released in 1990)
* Stay (French 7", 869 624-7)
* Stay (Canadian cassette incl. Special Previews & The Trouble With Andre)
* I Don't Care (Canadian cassette)
* Stay (Canadian CD single EP incl. I Don't Care)
* I Believe (UK 1-trk promo video)
* I Believe: Live On Pebble Mill (UK 1-trk promo-only video)
* Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing (UK 1-trk promo video)
* I'm No Angel (UK 1-trk promo video)
* Jewel (UK promo black wooden box set, contains promo CD, insert booklet,
press sheet, in blue velvet bag)
* I Want To Take You Higher (Town House studios set of 2X1-sided 12"
acetates, feat. usual 3 remixes, custom handwritten labels)
* Black Sky (House Town studios set of 2X1-sided 12" acetates, feat. Dub
Extravaganza Part 1 & Part 2)
* Hello (House Town studios 1-sided 10" acetate)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- The promo 12" for "Dirty Mind'90" is also available with a press sheet.
- There is a 1-sided 7" picture disc for Amnesty International with the Hormonally
Yours picture.
- There are two different wooden boxes for "I Believe"
1) UK promo 6"X5" containing promo CD and exclusive autographed and numbered
insert.
2) UK promo black wooden box with silver motif, contains 3-trk promo CD,
numbered insert, 2 pages of press release, all housed in a blue velvet bag).
Bye,
MAX
*********************************************************
Tue, 21 Jan 1997 16:58:16 +0100
From: Massimiliano Gini
Subject: MARCY NEWS
I received today the "Boy" CD single by Marcy. The picture sleeve is great. I love it;
it's my favourite one. However the tracklisting is a bit disappointing:
1. Boy 3.15
2. Without Medication 4.14
3. Sunday 3.54
Both B-side tracks also appear on the album "Feeler" so no previously unreleased
tracks and no remixes ... what a pity. The version of "Boy" is a bit shorter that the one
on the "I Hate You Now ..." CD single. Also both B-sides are not bad at all in my
opinion, especially "Without Medication"!
Here is a UK review of the "Feeler" album I got from the "TOWER RECORDS
TOP" magazine (October 1996):
"... Marcella Detroit's second solo album, "Feeler".
Detroit writes pop songs you can envisage going straight into the Top Ten although
her lyrics can sometime seem completely odds with the funky music they are set to.
"Sacred Silent" is actually about abuse while "Kidd" is about young girls who starve
themselves to death in the name of fashion (she couldn't be referring to one especially
thin young model now, could she?). But it is the more psychedelic "Flower" and
"Boy" that really impress, sounding not unlike Sgt Pepper-era Beatles." Bye,
MAX
**************************************************
From: Massimiliano Gini
Subject: MORE MARCY NEWS
Here is some more Marcy news for the mailing list:
***********************
* The third single to be released from "Feeler" will be "Flower", scheduled for release
on February 24th.
* The video for "Boy" was shot in Japan.
* In Japan, the follow up to "Boy" may be "Without A Medication", which
also appeared on the UK CD single for "Boy".
* Although the album "Feeler" was scheduled for UK release shortly after "Flower", it
may be released on January 27th.
* "Feeler" has already been released in Germany, Australia, Scandinavia and Benelux.
It was also released in Japan, where it has sold well over 36000
copies to date.
BYE,
MAX
**********************************************************
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 09:45:26 -0500 (EST)
From: sha dewa
Subject: French and Saunders
22nd January 1997.
This is something that I would like to share with SS fans. For Christmas, I was
given four French and Saunders videos. Watching Dawn French and Jennifer
Saunders take the piss out of everyone and everything brought back lots of memories,
as the vids went back to 1987, and the popular media was totally different from what
it is today (there were no Liam and Patsy pouting from every page of a tabloid paper;
Bros and Johnny Hates Jazz and the other New Romantics or whatever else graced the
front cover of music magazines; Siobhan's marriage made The News Of The World.
The only thing that remains today from that oh so delightful days of the 1980s are
photos of Princess Di, and some of us are right sick of her; we prefer Fergie. At least
Fergie wipes her own bum). But my main point here is that on F&S Video Series
Four, originally broadcast late in 1992, I believe, French and Saunders did a parody
on Shakespears Sister.
The setting was the "Stay" video, and parts of the "I Don't Care" video (where
Marcy was in bed screaming and a close up of Siobhan's head in a theatre box reciting
Edith Sitwell's "The Hornpipes"). There were also bits of the two of them jumping on
the bed, a la "Goodbye Cruel World". Jennifer Saunders was Marcy (complete with
helium squeaks) and Dawn French was Siobhan (complete with panda eye make-
up, sequenced cat-suit and ringlets). The song was "Destiny", and Dawn French
recited "Humpty Dumpty" for the rapping bit in "I Don't Care". The end result was
completely hilarious. Staying true to the tradition of the "Hormonally Yours" long-
form video, F&S gave a quote from "Dicken's Daughter" at the start and at the end of
"Destiny" ("Stay") video.
This may be irrelevant, and some SS fans may even hate F&S for mocking
Siobhan and Marcy, but I thought I'd share this with you. Since nothing new is
happening on the SS front.
That is all. Thank you.
[Thanks Sha, as you say, this send-up was quite brilliantly done,
and it is clear that a lot of work was put into it as it uses some classic SS moments
from several videos. The quote at the end was something like "You can take the girl
out of Bananarama, but you can't take the Bananarama out of the girl", which has a lot
of truth to it.............Mike]
Sha.
PS Any French and Saunders fans out there who'd like to chat over the Internet?
"When you want something bad enough, the whole world will conspire to help
you get it" - Eva Peron.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharil Dewa
Carleton University
Email address: sdewa@chat.carleton.ca
SSML-49, 30 January 1997
Hi all,
Marcy's single "Boy" has been released in Australia, and the video (if there was
one) will hopefully be played this weekend on the clip shows here. If it does, I'll
describe it for you.
Here are some reviews for the single from local newspapers:
InPress 29 Jan 1997:
Before Ms Detroit made her way to temporary fame in Shakespear's Sister, she was
known as Marcy Levy, backing vocalist to the likes of Eric Clapton during the 70s.
This latest solo effort could well have been dug up from a 20-year old time capsule;
all the ingredients are in place, but the song meanders aimlessly in search of a tune.
Nikka Costa [Melbourne club/pub singer] does this better, and she wasn't even there
at the time. (by Anthony Horan)
Beat 29 Jan 1997:
The weird American who used to be in Shakespears Sister got the MOR out of her
system and has since been going into a far more interesting field. This psychedelic
funk/rock thing has a cool chorus and a snowflake's chance in hell of charting. (by ?)
*******************
There is movie in production called "SHAKESPEARE'S SISTER" with details as
follows:
Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Blythe Danner, Neil Patrick Harris, William Hurt, Madeleine
Stowe Director: Lesli Glatter "SHAKESPEARE'S SISTER is a highly evocative
drama that tells the story of an unconventional woman, who makes a decision that not
only changes her destiny, but irrevocably alters the fate of three men who risk
everything for her."
Mike.
p.s. If anyone's missing "Sacred Heart" on CD, I can pick one up 2nd hand for about
US$10. Take note of Grant Mitchell's offer below as well.
*****************************
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 11:14:31 +0100
From: Massimiliano Gini
Subject: Goodbye Cruel World - Acoustic
> I also saw about 2 months ago a Shakespears Sister Unplugged on MTV-
> It was 'Goodbye Cruel World' acoustic- they were fantastic. Does anyone
> know if they did an entire unplugged set or just GCW.
I remember that Shakespears Sister was in MTV's "Most Wanted" show sometimes
during summer'92. Most groups that are guests at "Most Wanted" are interviewed and
play a couple of acoustic songs. One song they played must have been "Stay" and the
other one was probably "Goodbye Cruel World", as it was released in that period.
Unfortunately I did not see this, because when "GCW" came out I was only beginning
to be a SS fan. So I only heard a VJ announcing that they would be there.
In 1994 Marcy was also a guest at "Most Wanted". She played acoustic versions of "I
Believe" and "Detroit"... great !!!!!!!!!!
Shakespears Sister was in an Italian weekly show called "Hotel Babylon" in June
1996 and performed "I Can Drive". I know because my friend told me the day after ...
I almost killed him !!!
The show was broadcast again in August, but I watched it the wrong week (the week
after), due to a print mistake on the TV-magazine. **##**??!!!!!!!
In summer 1995 Bananarama was in a 3-part Italian show. In the first part they were
part of the jury and had to vote for the performances of the contestants (and I missed
it), while in the second part ... they performed "Every Shade Of Blue (Radio Edit Vox
Hi)" (and I DIDN'T miss it) ... brilliant !!!!! In the third part they weren't there any
longer.
OK, that's all. Best Wishes to everyone !!
MAX
****************************************
From: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se
Has anyone ever noticed that the photographer for the cover of the 'Run Silent' single
is called 'Eddie Monsoon', ala' Absolutely Fabulous. What a>bizarre coincidence. I
know Siobhan and Jennifer have known each other through the years, maybe some
connection.
PS. I still have copies of the non-released 'Somebody's Mother', as well as 'I hate you
now', 'Dirty Mind(90)', and 'Preacher Man(Shep), for trade.
SSML-50, 2 February 1997
Hey everyone,
Well here's issue no. 50!
Grant Mitchell has some great ideas. I'll let him explain them below.
There are some photos of Siobhan and Marcy taken on tour at:
http://area51.upsu.plym.ac.uk/~pookie/music.html
They were taken at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre, Birmingham, England on Sunday,
May 31st 1992.
There is also a photo of Siobhan and Marcy with drummer Chuck Sabo (who played
on the Hormonally Yours and Jewel albums) on his web-page at:
http://www.1212.com/music-cast/musicuk/drum/chucksabo/home.html
Mike.
**********************************************
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 15:12:35 +0000 (GMT)
From: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se (Grant Mitchell)
Subject: SS Sweden again
For those interested, it would be great to have a list of where the fans on the mailing-
list are, so we can work together more.
For example, do we have any Asian fans on the list? When I was in Singapore in
August I found the 'Back in your own world'(Bootleg) and 'I can drive' (import), so I
know there are fans there. This can help us get things started.
Bye Grant
[Grant: we don't have any Asian fans yet. As far as I can tell, here is the breakdown
in the subscribers worldwide:
Australia: 2
New Zealand: 1
Canada: 3
Netherlands: 1
Switzerland: 2
UK: 2
Sweden: 1
Spain: 1
US: 19 (from states including New York, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Arizona,
California, and Washington D.C. [Ok, that's not a state, but I can't remember which
state it's in, and at least I know it's not the state of Washington...;-)])
We definitely need some more UK fans, and at least someone in Japan as well.
Mike]
**********************************************
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 15:00:19 +0000 (GMT)
From: Grant_Mitchell@ssco.se (Grant Mitchell)
Subject: SS Sweden
I have a couple of ideas. Firstly about starting a trading post. You could announce that
well start an 'informal' trading list- for those interested. Basic rules being, all deals,
whether in money or in trade, are between those involved and not those running the
list. (That means, if you trade something and they don't send you anything, we are not
liable.) People send their lists of wants (not haves) and what they have to trade (or can
easily get)- we put it on the mailing list, and see what happens. (prices -if for sale-
should be in US$ (does everyone agree?))
[This sounds like a great idea. Many of us have been doing this privately, but it
would be nice to make it more publicly known what stuff we can get easily (or not so
easily) in our local areas. I can get spare copies of the Australian 7" singles for You're
History and Run Silent (both in pic. sleeves) easily, and sometimes Dirty Mind 1990.
Also cassingles for those 3 if anyone is that way inclined. The 7" singles are about
US$2-2.50, the cassingles are US$1.50. I can also get the Australian 12" for You're
History (maximized version plus the 2 live tracks) for US$4; and CD-albums for SH
and HY for US$8-10. Cassettes of the albums are about US$6. Marcy's CD singles
for I Hate You Now and Boy are also available. The older stuff just isn't around
anymore. The new album "Feeler" is supposedly just out, or about to be.
Mike.]
The other idea is that Max and I should keep the others informed about what is
happening in Europe. If we had a few people in different places, like the US, Canada,
Australia, NZ etc, who are actively finding info about SS, like release dates etc- we
can use it positively.
I, for example, as soon as the new SS single comes out, am going to hound the local
and national radio stations, the local music TV channel and the local music press to
write reviews, play the single, cause some commotion. If we all do that, we can
generate more interest. Especially now that the CD will be out so soon. We have time
to organise something. We should organise an on-line release party for the new
album...... And finally, we should encourage the people doing the SS home-pages to
add some new stuff. To create anticipation for the new album.....Work with me
people.
Tell me what you guys think . We don't want the next single to have the same chart
problems as 'I can Drive'. If we all hounded our respective MTVs (US, EUROPE,
AUSTRALIA etc), they might just listen. But it needs to start the first week the single
comes out. So that gives, those of us interested, a little time to get phone/fax/e-mail
addresses. lets GO!!!!!
Take care Grant
*****************************************
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 1997 18:09:53 +1300
From: S M Mager
Subject: Re: SSML-49, 30 January 1997
> Marcy's single "Boy" has been released in Australia, and the video
>(if there was one) will hopefully be played this weekend on the clip
>shows here. If it does, I'll describe it for you.
well I hope its a good sort've annie lennox drag sort've thing - that would be cool ;)
[well it hasn't been played yet............:-(
Mike]
>Beat 29 Jan 1997:
> The weird American who used to be in Shakespears Sister got the
>MOR out of her system and has since been going into a far more
>interesting field. This psychedelic funk/rock thing has a cool
>chorus and a snowflake's chance in hell of charting. (by ?)
WHAT ss mor????????????????????????????????? HOW DARE THEY!@
[I assumed they were referring to "Jewel". You could hardly
call anything SS have done "middle of the road"; not even "Stay". Mike.]
>Has anyone ever noticed that the photographer for the cover of the 'Run
>Silent' single is called 'Eddie Monsoon', ala' Absolutely Fabulous. What
a>bizarre
YIP I NOTICED! EDDIE HAS DONE SOME OTHER STUFF TOO, BUT I
FORGET WHAT
OFFHAND!
[So is this a coincidence or not?? Mike.]
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