Conference napalm::heavy_metal

    Yes,i`m interested. 
    
    So presumably you`re from the Reading area,and you used to be in,er
    that geezer from Listen records band, Iron Heart?
    
    Do you happen to know a band called Joker?
    
    Shot To Funk is an excellent name for a band,i`ll make the effort
    to check you out.Probably.
    
    Joe Strummer.
     

    TTT,
    
    What git are you playing these dayz?
    
    What amp are you playing these dayz?
    
    FX?
    
    How long is your hair?
    
    Do you sound like Malmsteen yet?

    
    Yup!, That 'geezer' was Mick Hare, and I was the guy who was recruited 
    to replace him on lead guitar, but the banb had some problems :-
    
    a) it was a dictatorship run by the bassplayer, who was a sneaky little
       f***er and a real ego-head.
    b) the song quality was crap and as my ideas were a bit too comercial
       for speed-metal, they wouldn't listen.
    c) The banned me from jamming with other musicians (this was the icing
       on the cake) as they said "The time I spend jamming, I could put into
       writing stuff for the band". What a joke!
    
    So, I decided to throw away the saftey of being in an established local
    band and go it alone.
    
    If anybody likes stuff that grooves, this stuff is gonna knock your
    socks off!!

    >Nope, and wouldn't want to!! (although I'd like his chops).
    
    HALLELUJAH!
    
    >I'll send you a tape when they're done.
    
    Danke!
    
    Herr Buckmeister

    Yo Tony, send me a tape too, wouldja?
    
    gh (no band still, so what's new)

    
    
    	me too. (8  (a tape that is) (*
    
    	tigg~~~

    
    
    Me three!

    me fore!
    
    Buck, who thinks ya shoulda named da band FUNK YA MUTHA!

    
    
    	Ditto....
    

    'spose you'll keep us informed of any gigs near Reading.. If they're
    in the not too distant future (before October), then I'd like to see
    ya band...
    
    				Andy.

    
    Yup, we have every intention of gigging before October but we'll be
    doing the first three gigs in Oxford as a warm up without telling
    friends/family, then, we Blitz Reading (as well as London and Cardiff 
    (ie Bogies)).
    
    -Tony (who hasn't been this content in a band situation for yonks).

    Tony...
    
    Your Bass Player... is that the same dude I met when we woz in that
    hotel.....
    
    Bonzo ?

    
    Yup,
    
    The singer hasn't worked out, so he's gone. We've been hitting the local 
    rock bars(Oxfrod, Newbury etc..) with flyiers advertising for a vocalist. 
    We;ve had a good response. Watch this space.

    
    Oh yes, we;ve also got another couple of songs so we have enough
    strong material to do a good support slot.
    
    -Tony

    
    Well, plenty happening on the band front. As I mentioned the vocalist
    didn't work out and I had to fire the drummer BUT, in a short time we
    are going into a studio to record 4 songs, with some musicians from
    other bands to help out our personnel problem. The purpose of this is
    so that we have a solid product to attract permenant musicians with.
    
    So, for the tape the lineup will be :-
    
    Joe Sterff (from local band Monsarat( - Vocals
    James Moody - Bass
    Dave ???? (From local band ETA) - Drums
    Tony Dallison - All Guitars
    
    All thats left is for me to complete the lyrics.
    
    Watch this space!!

    
    Dave Jones ain't it?
    
    Flip

    
    Yup, thats his name - we're jamming on Sunday to get him familiar with 
    the tunes.
    
    I must stress that he's (or Joe) not joining the band, he's just doing 
    the session to help us out.

    
    The aformentioned studio trip didn't tale place this weekend as we
    recently placed adverts for a vocalist and drummer in Kerrang and Melody 
    Maker and the response has been amazing. We're now auditioning people
    for the job(s), so we may not have to.
    
    Watch this space.

    
    
    StF now have a permanent drummer. We auditioned christ knows how
    many and we finally settled for 24 year old Mark Rogers from Camberly,
    who has been playin for eight years, three years of which were
    classical training (How the f*** you train a drummer to play classical
    stuff I *don't* know 8^) ). Anyway, he plays a chrome Pearl kit with
    a cage (which we have been given permission to jump off mid gig 8^) ).
    
    Anyway, next thing is to get a vocalist (still auditioning).

    
    The band line-up is now complete, and stands as follows :-
    
    Drums   : Mark Rogers
    Bass    : James Moody
    Guitars : Tony Dallison
    Vocals  : Alex Flyn
    
    Also, we've decided to change the band name to something a but less
    limiting. Watch this space for name info, demo availability and gig
    dates.
    
    -Tony

    >Also, we've decided to change the band name to something a but less
    >limiting.
    
    Good move IMHO.
    
    Buck, who suggests "Choosey Muthas"  8^)

    
    8^)
    
    If anybody has any suggestions please send 'em in (we've resorted to
    going through books for inspiration).

    
    actually i really like the name.  i think it's catchy, but i guess buck
    doesnt :')
    
    

    
    Yeah, I liked it too, but too many people thought we were gonna sound
    like Level 42.

    
    	RE: Rob
    
    	Buck doesn't like a good chunk of the local band names in
    	here.  
    
    	RE: Tony
    
    	Hmm... I'll send ya a list. (8
    
    	tigg~~~

    
    Tone,
    
    I cannot believe that people associate StF with Level 42 - specially if
    they have laid eyes upon the members of your band!
    
    I liked the name, it was a good play on words and it suited the music.
    
    When's the next practice?
    
    Flip
    

    Sorry Flip, but STF lead me to believe it was a Level 42 thing,
    just from the name!

    
    Okay, if someone described an object as being 'shot to f*ck', how would
    you picture it?
    

Tony,  

keep the name dood.  Shot To Funk is cooooooollllll... (IMHO, naturally).

But, if you change it, I'm gonna use it someday...

jc

    
    
    I don't even know who level 42 is (other than having heard of it) so i
    wasnt reminded of it :').  Sort of reminds ME of an Extreme type of
    music...
    
    

    
    ditto

    Well I've just done a small survey around the office, and the general
    opinion is:
    
    Level 42 type band.  One quote was:  "Well it's definitely not going to
    be heavy metal".
    
    I like the name, but you've got to think about the average punter and
    they are thinking of funky jazzy spleuchk.
    
    Hevs

    
    
    Hmmm.. Lots of (very welcome) thoughts here. I like the name, but some
    people we've spoke to have said "nope" when we mentioned it. There seems 
    to be mixed reactions around.
    
    We're still thinking, but if anybody has any more thoughts please let
    me know (in here or via mail).
    
    Ta,
    -Tony

    Actually when I heard the name "Shot to Funk" I pictured something like
    Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mind Funk, or Primus...
    
    gh

    
    
    Well, tons happening here latley ...
    
    Namewise, we've decided to use an old name (suggested in here many moons
    ago) as per .0
    
    We're going in to a 48 track studio THIS WEEK to record a three or four
    track EP with the producer Orpad Toth (he's produced Marillion and
    some Eric Clapton stuff). The results will be used to circulate around
    National radio stations, booking gigs in London and for selling at live
    shows. The formats available will be tape and compact disk. Also, we're
    currently prepairing a glossy biography to go ot to the record
    companies and radio stations with the CD's.
    
    The band will be doing two or three 'secret' gigs in Basingstoke in
    December to get the material and live show ready, then will will hit
    our 'home zone' in Reading and then London. I'll let you know when
    we play Reading so we can get as much support as possible down there.
    
    -Tony (Stiff Kitty Guitarist and publicity-dude extrordinaire).

    I like Stiff Kitty

    
    So what impression of the music do you get from the name "Stiff Kitty"?
    
    

    
    Dry and hairy ? 8^)

    kinda like skinny puppy?

    8^)

    
    hard and furry? welcome back buck!  i'll have to go read coasters and
    see how the trip went :').
    
    ps tony, i still like shot to funk.
    
    

    Yo Tone, I still like "Shot to Funk" too!
    
    gh

    
    ..people with taste.  8^)
    
    

    
    Yeah, so do I but we have top be democratic here folks!
    
    We may call the demo "Shot to Funk", or wait for our first album 8^)

    RE: Flip (I think it was...)
    
    When I hear Stiff Kitty, I thi8nk of sleeze rock ala Faster Pussycat,
    LA Guns, Skid Row, etc.

    
    re Buck
    
    Exactly my impression but, from what I've heard, I couldn't be more
    wrong.  Which just goes to show how music shouldn't be judged by the
    name alone.
    
    I still like stf.
    
    Flip

    I like
    		CHOOSEY MUTHAS

    Choosy muthas choose Jif.

    
    Crunchy rules
    
    
    Chris who has no idea what you guys are talkin' about

    
    Well, Stiff Kitty went into a 24 track studio last week with the
    intention of coming out with three complete tunes, but due to our
    inexperience, we come out with two tunes that are three quarters
    finished.
    
    We layed down the drums, bass, rhythm guitars and lead vocals. Still to
    do are the backing vocals, guitar overdubs/solo's and the overall mixing
    (although I have a copy of the tape as a rough mix, and it kicks butt
    as it is).
    
    I did lay down two scratch solo's which are a bit iffy so I'm gonna
    redo them.
    
    I've played the tape to lots of people and we haven't had a bad review
    yet - infact, some people in fairly established bands and at various
    radio stations loved it, and have already requested a copy of the
    finished version.
    
    Stiff Kitty return to the studio in early December to finish the thing.
    
    We have also have a very exciting offer from someone which we're keeping
    hush hush for now, but if this comes off, it will be bye bye DEC.
    
    Watch this space,
    -Tony

    best of luck,dude.The first time you play in Edinburgh,gimme a shout
    and I'll bring along a squad to cheer you along!
    
    
    
    
                                                 Staynz

    We're with ya pal !  Good luck.   8^)
    
    Scary

    
    Thanks very much guys! There's a chance that we're going in to finish it 
    on this coming Saturday (23rd I think). Depends on weather we can come up 
    with the $$$.
    
    -Tony

    .......any chance of a copy??
    
    
    
                                                  Staynz

    
    
    i that like 1 pound fifty or $1.50?
    
    

    
    One pound fifty, thats a couple of bucks US. Unfortunatley, the things
    thats gonna sting us is the printing charges and getting the tapes
    themselves printed (vee don't need no shteenking tape schtickers). 

    
    Well,
    
    We went in yesterday and finished the ep. On the whole the result were
    good and the songs come over well. My only gripe with it, is that the
    mix sounded great in the studio, but when played on a home stereo its
    sounded slightly fuzzy and a bit bass-y. I might just be being finiky I
    guess.
    
    So, next step - band photos (I think our own resident Brynn Harrison
    will be doing those), tape duplication and get the covers done.
    
    Watch this space!
    -Tony

    Oh yeah - we got kinda hungry at the studio so me and Alex went to get
    some Pizza. We were talking about how the session was going and a guy
    came up to us asking about our recording (he overheard). To cut a long
    story short - it turns out this guy was the VICE PRESIDENT of ELECTRA
    RECORDS !! Holy sh!t!!! WTF he was doing on holiday in grotty
    Wallingford I'll never know.
    
    Anyway, rather useful contact 8^)

    Yo! Superstar!!!
    
    Can I grovel for a tape when they are ready ?
    
    Bonzo

    
    Send me a mail - I have a folder entitled 'tapes' 8^)
    
    Heir Formal-meister

    Oh Tart...the bloody tape ain't ven in the bag and you're hob-knobing
    with the VP for Electra...
    
    You sly dog!

    
    'twas a total fluke !

    I trust you kissed up to him as though he were royalty?
    
    gh

    >I trust you kissed up to him 
    
    ...or offered sexual favors in return for a nice contract!
    8^)
    

    
    Hell yeah!

    
    Stiff Kitty are doing a one off warm up Charity gig on December 19th in
    Newbury (for all you people in the UK).
    
    We're keeping the details quiet as we don't really want friends
    attending as its the bands first gig (as Stiff Kitty) and we want to
    see how we do before we invite everybody and their brother down. We
    want to be prepared and put on a real show - not your typical naff
    "local band" type gig.
    
    I'll let you all know how it goes. 
    
    Also, a band called "Sweet FA" (NOT the American band) have heard the
    tape and would like us to Support them on the Southern leg of their UK 
    tour next year. We don't know if we're doing it yet but watch this
    space.
    
    -Tony

    hey tony you're so excited about doing the v.p. you forgot...

    
    No, I did that last night 8^)

    I have received a preliminary copy of the Stiff Kitty demo tape (well,
    two of the three songs anyway) and just to tantilize those of you that
    haven't gotten to hear them yet, I thought I'd post a review of what
    I've heard so far...


    

    WOW!  This is definately happening!  The preliminary copy I have right
    now is a little rough in a couple of places, but you can certainly hear
    the potential here.  The band has a good sound overall and Tony's
    guitar playing rips!
                                                         
    The first song ("What you Say") reminds me a lot of Skid Row, the
    material on the new album.  Makes me think of songs like "Threat"... 
    Alex's voice even sounds kind of like Sebastian's (I consider this a
    complement, I think he's got a great voice).  Tony's rhythm playing
    reminds me a lot of Jake E. Lee, especially on the first Badlands album
    (never heard the second one). Parts of his solo also reminded me a lot
    of Reb Beach's solo playing, there are some lovely smooth fast tapped
    parts.  

    On the second song ("Do Ya Know"), the rhythm guitar part has kind of a
    George Lynch type feel to it, makes me think of something he'd play. 
    Alex's voice sounds very much like Dave Mustaine in this one (I think
    of the middle part of "In My Darkest Hour" hearing this), while still
    maintaining some of the Sebastian Bach character as well.  The solo
    starts with a neo-classical sort of thing that goes through about the
    first half of it and then takes off.  I like the second half of it
    better... I hear that Reb Beach sound in parts of this solo too.

    The drum sound is good on both songs, but I thought the bass was mixed
    a little low.  Also, the EQ on this one sounds good through the
    headphones using my Walkman, but not quite as good on my home stereo. I
    figure these things will be fixed in the final mix. 

    Overall:  Major thumbs up!  I can't wait to hear the finished product
    (and another song)!!!
    
    gh

    Awwww.... shucks!

    Hey,Tony.......have yoo tried putting the demo into the "rock wars"
    thingy on radio 1??The tape is bound to be 150% better than the shite
    they played on friday!!
    
    
                                           Staynz

    Ha, dunno mate, you ain't heard it yet 8*)

    Go for it,what have you got to loose??
    
    
    
                                        Staynz

    Self respect ? Pride ? Dignity ? Street Cred ? 8^)

    ha!bollocks to that..........doitdoitdoitdoitdoitdoitdoitdoitdoitdoit
                                 
    
    are you a big girls blouse?  8)
    
    
                                  Staynz
    
    in all honesty,the bands that played the other night were very poor and
    a little free publicity never hurt anyone!!

    
    
    Well, Stiff Kitty did their first gig recently at a charity show with
    three other bands. The only problem encountered was the guy running
    sound had no clue what he was doing. Apart from that, the general
    opinion of the show was that we smoked all the bands off the stage and
    we mucho hot. Hell, I knew that anyway ;^)
    
    We also videod it 8^)

    Get your own sound man, and take him to every gig!  (Do yourself a 
    favor!!).
    
    
    Buck, who thinks Prince Albert would be a cool name for a band!

    
    Good idea - any takers ?

>    The only problem encountered was the guy running sound had no clue what
>    he was doing.
    
    I don't understand why this is so prevelant lately?!
    
    gh

    
    I agree Greg, we had a hired PA at the gig and the owners attitude was 
    "I wanna be in and out as fast as possible". Unfortunatley, being the 
    support band we had not much say in what PA supplier was used etc. and
    he was even pi$$ed when I asked him to turn up the guitars a bit (it
    needed it - honest!).
    
    -Tony.

    RE: Tone,
    
    The reason God made 100WT Marshalls...when the sound bloke won't turn
    you up...cha do it yerself!
    
    ];^>

    
    Well, you'll be pleased (or not as the case maybe 8^) ), to hear that
    we've just ordered the tape/duplication to go ahead (we couldn't afford
    it until now) and have a gig coming up shortly. 
    
    Also, we have a managment company interested in us.
    
    Watch this space.

     Hey...Is the Stiff Kitty who are in Georgia that I read about in RIP
    magazine that are making waves?
    
           Frizkid
    

    
    Nah, they'll just call the "Stiff Kitty UK" or "Stiff Kitty England".
    
    Flip

    
    Besides, we're better than them and will probably hit international
    stardom before them, so WTF.

    !
    

    Yeah, but with a comment like .88 do I really *need* a smiley ? 8^)

    Yeh but Pete you do got an ego, Tony's just foolish.

    
    
    8^) Thanks, I think.

    Tony,
    
    SHouldn't that be Herr Tartmeister?

    What an ego! (There Pete)
    
         If you better than them and will probably be famous before them...
    Then how come your ugly mug isn't in RIP?
    
           Frizkid
    

    
    Me? An ego? Only when I'm around Steve (the bass player).
    
    -Petepose, double bass king mega poseur of the metal universe. 8-)

    You said it....Not me.
    
           Frizkid
    

    
    Hey, even *I* own spandex!
    
    /prc

    Everyone in WIlson Philips owns spandex!!
    
    

    But they shouldn't....That one girl has the ultimite BULGE factor going
    down!
    
     Frizkid
    

    What buldge are you talking about?!

    OH....O.K...O.K.  I was talking about the REAL   WP.
    
       The FAT girl has the bulge factor set on high!
    
                  Frizkid
    

    
    
    Wait a minute!   I don't think Steve owns spandex!
    
    
    Goddess F.

    >Wait a minute!   I don't think Steve owns spandex!
    > 
    >Goddess F.
    
    That's right...he just borrows your nylons for gigs!
    8^)

    
    Yo Frizfart (tm),
    
    The reason our band ain't in RIP is because they don't have an office
    over here. Has *yours* been in there ?
    
    Buck,
    
    Isn't 'Herr' German for 'Mr', where as Der as one of the German words
    for 'the' (asd in Der, Die and Das ?). I dunno - I never could speak
    German.
    
    -Tony

    
    
    	RE: why hasn't Stiff Kitty gotten into RIP
    
    	...Actually, RIP just knows the band is too damn good for their
    	mag...
    
    	Right TTT?! (: (; (;
    
    	tigg~~~

    
    Well, back on the band front, Stiff Kitty now have a manager. Lots of
    bits and pieces planned, watch this space.

    
    
    A car phone!!!
    
    Wooooooo!!
    
    
    
    
    8*) 8*) 8*) 8*) 8*) 8*) 8*) 
    
    
    Sounds great!!
    
    Goddess F.

    
    8^) He's a nice guy, he knows the business, has a good track
    history and is very reasonable in terms of his cut of what $$$ we make.

    Does that mean you won't have to be as involved in that part of the
    business anymore?  Maybe you can get back into your playing again (you
    were complaining about it in Guitar notes...)
    
    gh

    
    Well its helped.
    
    I'm recovering from my "illness" (burn out) and I actually managed to do
    an hours worth of playing last night(!). Mike (manager) has been helping
    by not pushing me back into it too soon, so have the rest of the band,
    although they've had to put up with my learning to the play the drums
    (on our drummers kit) and I am the worlds crappiest drummer 8)
    
    Methink it'll be ok though.
    -Tony

    
    Stiff Kitty have parted company with bassist James Moody due to his
    comitment to the band (or lack there-of).
    
    We've got a replacement lined up who we're auditioning shortly.
    
    -Tony

    
    Just to reiterate from last night, I was really impressed with the
    finished (that was the final version, wasn't it?) opus from Stiff
    Kitty.  Superb.  When do I get my own copy?  Love Alex's voice, even
    though I can't stand the litle shit, very adaptable, loads of attitude,
    too good for a ponse like him.  Tony, your guitarmanship amazes me, you
    get my vote for "Most Musical" in next year's noter awards!  You all
    worka nd sound well together...shame that James had to go.
    
    Flip

    Man, I keep hearing how ferocious Tony has become on guitar!!
    
    I want a tape, and NOW!
    8^)

    Buck don't worry, they're *slightly* exaggerating mate.
    
    
    Flip, thanks for the kind words - much appreciated.
    
    -Tony (who sez tapes are duplicated but we're still logo designing).
    
    p.s. Flip, I'm still going to tell everyone about your stripy pajamas
    though 8^)

    
    Buck, I'm exagerating nothing.
    
    Flip
    
    ps.	Tony, if you mention my super sexy pyjamas, I'll tell everyone
    about you trying to get condoms out of a machine which hasn't worked
    for three years AND how the sympathetic barman gave you a sheet of
    clingfilm and a roll of sellotape to make do.....
    

    
    Take the condom discussion to 99.* 8^)

    I'm also lookin forward to gettin my copy of the finished product here! 
    
    Now if I could just get my other SK tape back from Friz...
    
    gh

    Greg...I'm holding it hostage for my Shotgun Messiah tape.
    
     Ever though you have the better tape...Wanna trade back?  8)
    
                   Frizkid
    

    Tony,
    
    WOts up with SK, your mgmt, and the tapes?!?!?!?

    
    Tapes - Well, tomorrow I pick up the tape covers. Then we collect the tapes
    	    themselves. We haven't been able to afford it until now.
    
    New band member - We're auditioning bass players (we may have found the 
    	              right one now, final audition on Thursday) 
    
    Material - three new songs 
    
     Managment - Currently down with a heavy dose of flu!!
    
    Another bit of news you may find amusing is our vocalist, Alex, is
    currently in California (Bakersfeild) trying to promote the band (and
    pull some babes at the same time knowing him).
    
    More news when I have it.

    
    
    Picked up the tape covers today - they're okay - a bit basic than I
    would have liked but the people we had asked to do the logo have f*****
    us about, so we just went for a basic font.
    
    Anyway, you'll see 'em soon 8^)

    
    The new bass player didn't quite work out so he's now gone. We are
    advertising in Kerrang etc to find a replacment.

    
    Stiff Kitty are apearing at the Berkshire Battle of the Bands 
    competition currently being held by Radio 210 
    
    We also, dear chickenlickins, intend to win that sucker!
    
    More news of final date/venue when I have it.

    What do you win,a radio 210 sticker and Brian Pither`s aged baseball
    jacket? ho!ho! etc.
    

    Quick update - Alex is still in the States pushing the band and we're
    currently auditioning bass players (another one tonight - yawn!).
    
    Battle of the Bands is still going ahead and if we don't have a new
    bass player by then our old bassist, James Moody, is standing in for the
    gig.
    
    FWIW,
    -Tony

    
    I don't know if you already knew...
    
    I was reading a magazine today... and there's a band from Atlanta I
    think that is starting to get *massive* radio play down there. 
    
    Their name is Stiff Kitty.
    
    
    
    

    
    Could this be the return of "Shot to Funk"?

    
    I'll worry about it when I read about 'em over here.
    
    -Tony 

    
    
    OH YEY OH YEY (or whatever towncriers used to shout!).
    
    Alex is back from California and James (our old bass player) has been
    reinstated into the band on a "don't screw us around this time" basis.
    
    We now have 15 hot tunes and intend doing some serious gigging in a
    month or so (once we've rehearsed the new material up to scratch).
    
    WATCH OUT!!

    Did you ever finish your studio demo?
    
    gh

    Tony is now a Harry Cody clone!!

    
    I wish a had a fraction of the dudes talent!
    
    Well, we finished it but its VERY rough. We've got so much more
    material now and we have some much stronger songs than the three we
    recorded.
    
    However, now the band is back and everyone has a killer attitude (in a
    VERY positive way) we gonna continue distributing the tapes, getting
    tons of live exposure and then 'taking up certain people on certain
    offers'. 
    
    Keep ya posted when we have the tapes back.
    -TOny

    
    Still alive and kicking. Preparing to win the Battle of the Bands comp
    8^) but also getting our set (15+ tunes) polished and fine tuning
    choruses etc....
    
    If anyone in the UK fancies checking out a rehearsal, let me know off
    line.
    
    As for the tapes, well, believe it or not, they will be sent out
    shortly. We have half the $$$ amassed.
    
    -Tony

    
    Before releaseing the tapes, SK are returning to the studio tomorrow
    (Wednesday) to remix one of the three tracks. The guitars were much to
    far down in the mix and we were never really satisfied - This is part
    of the reasonwe've held the tapes back, but now we've decided to do 
    something about it.
    
    Watch this space,
    -Tony

    
    THE TAPES ARE DONE !!!!! (Bleedin' finally).
    
    Also, SK went into a photography studio for the promo piccies - should
    be a laugh to see the results.
    
    Anyway - I asked a while back if people would be interested in buying a
    copy of the tape (a very small fee - we have to try and re-coop our
    outlay for the next tape) and I got a good responce but that was ages
    ago. So, anyone who would like a copy please send me a mail giving me
    your name and address (blah blah) and I'll lob one in the post to you.
    
    -Tony

    
    Tapes are now being distributed and going fast, we got the conbtact
    sheet for the photo's back yesterday and we look GOOD !! SHould get the
    prints back in a couple days.
    
    -Tony (Big head)

    
    At the current exchange rate $3.64  8^)
    

    Ask Tony...

    do we get a photo too?
    
    
                                                   Staynz

    So tart,
    
    Are you going to use "tony" as your band name??  Just curious...it's
    ok...kind of naff for rock n roll, tho.  Tone is a better choice imo.
    8^)

    How about "Tone the Naffster"?  8)
    
          friz
    

    How about "Stiff Tony"?
    
    gh

    Or "Tony Kitty"?
    
           He can be endorsed by Frosted Flakes......
    
         Friz
    

    
    Naa,
    
    We're not a posuer band, we don't want stage names.
    
    Althoough "Tone TTT Wilderbeast" has a nice ring to it 8^)
    
    Piccies ? Well, we had rehearsal last night and picked the best ones
    from the contact sheets. I'm not sure as to how many copies we'll be 
    getting. We want to try and get some small ones printed (3 x 5) which 
    we will be giving away for use as dart boards/coffee mats etc.. 8^)
    
    -Tony

    OHHHH.....I guess all of Hollywood are poseurs now because they change
    their name? 
    
         What a load crap....
    
              >Friz
    

    >OHHHH.....I guess all of Hollywood are poseurs now because they change
    >their name? 
    
    Not only Hollywood...even Colorado Springs.
    
    Example:
    
    Kyle E Edwards
    Pose
    Friz
    
    need I go on??

    I think people who change their names are both ridiculous and somewhat
    insecure.
    
    -Stupendous Mega Cook Dude.
               

    Buck:I have never changed my name....YOU were the one that told me to
    change it!!! How about BUck E. Lee then?  8)
    
         friz
    

    8^)
    
    Hey Friz, grow up dude! Most stage names are pretencious, boring and to
    me, very false.
    
    If you feel you need to use an alias then fine, go for it. Me, I'd like
    to try and rely on the bands music rather than gimmicks.
    
    -Tony

    Just remember that Friz has never used a stage name.  He generally
    doesn't even use his common nickname ("Friz") in the band context. 
    From what I've seen, most of the people he knows as a result of the
    band know him as "Allen".  You can't really fault him because one of
    the dudes in his band wants to use a stage name.
    
    gh

     Ahem! Thanks Greg.....
    
               Friz is my notes fake name. 8)
    
       Friz
    
    

    
    So, anyone in theUK have any thoughts/criticism/reviews on the tape ?
    
    Also, where's me dosh ? (to those who haven't paid ?).

    Yes,i thought it was crap.
    
    (Not really,i haven`t heard it).
    
    ho!ho!
    
    etc.
    

    
    8^P
    
    thats coz you ain't asked for a copy boyo!

    Well if you ever go to Dec Park,pop one by and i`ll cough up the
    2 quid.
    

    I think Friozhas the HM photo lp now...he better, I want a peek
    whne I"m out in 2 weeks

Correction - I have the photo album.  I'll hang on to it whilst the BuckMeister
comes, then Pril gets it...

I smell a party.  When you comin' Buckster ??
jc

    Coopster...
    
    Jul 3 thur 7 -- I'll be in Denver, where the coasters are (surprised?)
    
    I may wing thruda springs tho

Cool !  Party at my house !!
jc

>I'll hang on to it whilst the BuckMeister comes, 
    
    You're gonna hold it up while he does WHAT?
    
>    then Pril gets it...
    
    Quick April, don your body condom!
    
    gh

    Dang Buck, that all it takes? 
    
    Put it in the pages in back so'z we ain't gotta see it. 

    I haven't had a copy of the demo yet...!  
    
    ........also,can I have the album after 'Pril????
    
    
                                                  Staynz

    House, youse kill me!

    
    Ian,
    
    I sent your copy out when I sent Flippers - she's recieved hers and you
    should get yours any day yet.
    
    Although, I'm still waiting for a review from Flipper!
    
    -Tony

    Tone,
    
    You do know the severity of this ... if ole Flip slaggs it off,
    you're washed up!!

    She told me it was "utter crap".
    
    Er,not really.
    

    Cheers Tony,
              as soon as I get the tape I'll mail you a review!
    
    
                                                 Staynz

    Buck,
    
    I anyone wants to read a REALLY nasty review, check out
    SUBURB::MUSICIANS_UK ('Musicians UK Vol 3 reviews' note) The note was
    from a guy called BARKERN. As far as I'm concerned, any review is a
    good review coz I value peoples opinion (good or bad). Having said
    that, I don't always take any notice of it coz we make music for the
    fun of it, no other reason.
    
    -Tony

    I've got that conference......think I'll check it out!!
    
                                               Staynz
    
    
    no tape yet Tony,just a final demand for the gas bill!

    Staynz... tell the Gas board... they ain't getting paid 'til you get
    your Stiff Kitty Demo!!!!
    
    Tone... Where does the money go to?
    
    Bonzo

    Bonzo where da hell ya been???I told the Gas Board they weren't getting
    bugger all 'til I got the demo and they asked if I was on some special
    medication..........!  %)
    
    
    
                                                    Staynz

    Tony,
    
    What note number is it in?  I don't want to have to sift through
    everything anyone in the UK wanted to talk about to find it!
    
    gh

    Staynz...
    
    Workin Hard & Livin' sober... Thats what I've been doin'
    								NOT!
    
    Benn a little busy over the last few days/weeks/months to get anything
    done... (Notewise that is)
    
    Bonzo

    Bonzo,I went out and bought the 4 Horsemen cd and it's a bit excellant.
    
    Tony,who the hell is that guy?He doesn't spare any feelings does he?
    
    
    
                                                  Staynz
    
    

    
    
    Here's one of the reviews...
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
      <<< SUBURB::DISK$APPLICATION1:[NOTES$LIBRARY]MUSICIANS_UK.NOTE;1 >>>
                          -< Musicians UK Conference >-
================================================================================
Note 257.16              Musicians UK Volume 3 - REVIEWS                16 of 31
PEKING::BARKERN "Back in the Land of the Jolly Gre" 133 lines  19-MAY-1992 13:21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Right then,  here is my first impression
    
    I haven't got the notes that I wrote at home,  and haven't reviewed all
    tracks thoroughly, but .....
    
    
    Sinking Feeling - Stiff Kitty
    ---------------
    
    Well,  Tony I'm sorry to say this but I hated it (no this is not 'cos
    I'm a covers man!!!)
    
    The problem that I found was the fact that there was no song, and no
    real direction to it.  I'm not going to go on about the mix of the
    song,  although I would say that it sounds a trifle rushed.  I am
    assuming that this song was one of the first that the band recorded, 
    as they don't really seem to communicate on tape very well.  
    
    I've made my bed so I will attempt to lie on it.
    
    The drummer is constantly trying to push the beat,  especially when
    coming out of fills,  and this leads to the song sounding rushed and
    cluttered.  The first thing that struck me was . "Yep very fast
    playing, but when is the melody going to start."  There is nothing that
    makes you want to keep the track playing.  Nothing to sing along to or
    tap along to,  and no groove to it.   Cutting back on the pinched
    harmonics would help, as these really impose on the track.  It's almost
    as if you're saying - "Hey - I'm the guitarist so you'd better bloody
    well listen to me !!!"
    
    Any way the track gets itself into a bit of a jam,  where to go for the
    middle eight.  I know how about a speed guitar solo,  a sort of a
    bass/guitar riff and then into a slap bass solo.
    
    Well the guitar solo sounded O.K.,  it's a solo so let's go for it.  I
    would have liked to hear a theme to it but never mind.  Then into the
    Bass/guitar riff.  This was a bit loose and consequently lost all of
    it's effect, it is also out of place,  and just serves to take up time.
    
    The slap bass solo,  What was your bass player slapping his bass with? 
    Sounded like a chair or something.  This reminded me of the naff bit in
    the Middle of Gloria (U2)  when everyone cringes as Adam Clayton tries
    desparately to get funky,  and fails.  The problem is because everyone
    in the band is now going at three million miles an hour the bass player
    gets lost in his own playing.  The danger with playing slap bass is the
    comparisons that are always drawn.  With players like Nick Beggs,  Mark
    King etc out there it has become very hard for bass players to get away
    with sloppy playing, and I'm sorry but this is sloppy in the first
    degree,  again with no melodic theme or real groove.
    
    Vocals,  well the singer can sing,  but has nothing to sing.
    
    I would just like to say that I haven't gone out of my way to slag this
    off,  I got the tape out and eagerly stuck it in the machine as Stiff
    Kitty were first on,  but these are the points that stuck out to me.
    
    Tony you're probably thinking (BAstard don't know nothing,  and this is
    probably true,  but it's nnot just my opinion that counts is it)
    
    My advice  for what it's worth is to write some slow stuff, (not
    sloppy)  and play it really slowly  holding back on every beat  untill
    the band gets really really tight - The problem is that if you go on
    like this you'll never write any songs  and the band will just disappear
    up it's own proverbials.
    
    Sorry.
    
    
    Nick's stuff
    ------------
    
    Some nice playing in amongst these tracks, although I do agree with the
    comment someone made about all the guitar tracks merging,  and also the
    drum machine programming.  If you had used a diff eq level for the diff
    guitar parts,  and panned tha accordingly then you would have got a
    spacier feel to it.  Some catchy hooks and the like, but concantrating
    on getting a tight back beat behind them would help alot.
    
    
    Lynne's stuff
    ------------
    
    It has been described as refreshing,  I agree.  Nice and melodic nice
    voice and some quite nice playing from the guitars.  EQ levels are a
    bit to trebbly  and this leads to the absence of all audible beats.
    I'm not a massivve country fan,  but this sits very nicely into that
    style and definately has a market in the clubs, particularly in C & W
    clubs.
    
    
    Andy Joyce (Volume Bros)
    -----------------------
    
    The tracks were quite long,  and sometimes I thought that the solo's
    were going nowhere leading to me losing interest quite quickly.  The
    solo's also lost the beat at times,  and could have been tightened up
    in places.  I liked "Walking on Quicksand".  It reminded me of the
    early eighties post punk/new wave sounds. The drum machine programming
    wasn't bad,  and the bass guitar always tied in with the bass drum to
    give you a defined beat - all important part of sounding together.
    
    Walking on quicksand was my favourite track on the tape.
    
    
    What I say - Stiff Kitty
    ------------------------
    
    Again no real groove and song seemed to grab me,  bass player quite
    loose again,  and terrible tone to his bass.  He is just playing single
    note rythmns mainly  (I can't remember the groove of the track but I
    thinks that it was either eights or eights and triplets - forgive me if
    I'm wrong) Get him to play it along to a metronome at about 45 bpm  and
    get it dead tight,  so that every note slots into place.  When he has
    got that down go up by five bpm's etc until the track speed is reached.
    
    
    Sorry that I haven't given out too much praise on these tracks
    (may be it's just my time of the month)
    
    I did enjoy listening to it, and need to study some of the tracks in
    more detail.
    
    Tony don't take what I've said personally - I know it hurts being
    slagged off,  and that is really what I've done to you,  but if you
    look at what you're doing then maybe you'll feel the same, I don't
    know?    You have the basis of a good band,  don't let it go to waste
    by playing what you think will impress people,  'cos unless you have
    the songs then the speed is wasted. 
    
    At the end of the day at least you lot submitted something,  which is
    more than I did so you beat me hands down.
    

    If anyone wants to read the other reviews they're in note 257.* in
    SUBURB::MUSICIANS_UK.

    OUCH! 
    
          I've heard some Stiff Kitty stuff and while I thought it needed 
    some improvement(Everybody has room for improvement), I thought it was
    a good start and the music was really cool.
    
                  Friz
    

    
    I know, who does that guy think he is, Rob Rock?

    8^)
    
    Well, everyone is entitled to their own thoughts methinks. I don't
    agree with all of what he says but lets face it, anybody who's heard
    the tape knows it rough but it was my first time ever in a studio, our
    singer had been with us for six weeks only and the lyrics were finished
    in the studio. We also only had two days to record three songs and mix
    (two seperate days - so the drums had to be set up/mic'ed up each
    time). Also, those songs were ready (or so we felt at the time - it was
    recorded last year).
    
    None of the above is a cop out, but the next tape should be one hell of
    an improvement.
    
    -Tony

    
    Anyway, got all the photo's back - I look like a cross between Jake E
    Lee in some, and a pineapple in others!
    
    Ah well, I neverwas cut out to be a poseur anyway 8^(

    
    Staynz, did you get the tape yet ?
    
    Keith, where's me dosh mate, what did you think ?
    
    Flipper, wheres the review ?

    no tape has arrived at chez Staynz yet from you or bloody Friz!!I'm
    mid way through doing a Mystic Powers taping for you.I'll photocopy
    the lyrics and get it posted this week for sure...!
    
    
                                             Staynz
    
    
    I've lost your address but I'll use the one in the address note.

    
    I can't understand why you haven't recieved it.

>    Anyway, got all the photo's back - I look like a cross between Jake E
>    Lee in some, and a pineapple in others!
 
    Bummer, dude!  Jake's lookin pretty ROUGH these days!
    
    gh

    Exactly!

    Bonzo, I'll get you a tape in the post tomorrow - I PROMISE!!!!!

    
    re: .194
    
    > Dead men don't rape again
    
    They don't wear plaid either. 8-)

>   -< so do I >-
    
    Get hair conditioner, man!  ...and minoxidyl.
    
    gh

    
    8^)
    
    Take more than that to make *me* look pretty !
    

    I sent away the a copy of the Mystic Powers demo and a copy of the
    lyrics yesterday.I hope its not the same postman that dealt with the
    Stiff Kitty demo or you'll never receive it...!!
    
                                                Staynz

    Thanks Staynz, I got it.
    
    I'm sending you another SK demo today.

    cheers mate!!
    
    
    
                                                 Staynz

    How about us US noters?
    
    gh

    
    Cost!
    
    It will cost me the equivilent of 5US$ per tape to ship them out (the
    cheapest way) and its not fair to ask people to pay that much but we
    can't afford to give 'em out.
    
    I *will* get around to it when I have some $$$ - honest!

    Staynz and Bonzo,
    
    Can you both mail me your home address perlease.
    
    Thanks,
    -Tony

    
    REMINDER :-
    
    Stiff Kitty at Fatjacks this coming Wednesday 22nd.
    
    Come down and check it out and have a beer or two (to numb the dreadful
    din if nothing else!).
    

    
    
    Stiff Kitty is no more.
    
    Too many straws of time wasting, total lack of comitmant, professionalism 
    and understanding have finally broken this camel's back and I've quit and 
    taken all the material with me.
    
    Obviously all the gigs are off too.
    
    If anyone would like a FREE copy of the demo please send a self addressed
    envelope (with stamps on) to :-
    
    TONY DALLISON
    16 WYRE COURT
    TILEHURST
    READING
    BERKSHIRE
    ENGLAND
    RG3 6FU
    
    Thanks, it was fun.

    Good to hear you`ve split up.
    
    Now i can a demo for free.
    
    ho!ho! etc.
    

    So what are your plans now Tony?
    
             Friz
    

    
    My plans are to not lay down and die, keep my chops up to scratch and
    start a totally new band from scratch.

    Are you referring to your pork chops?
    

    Thatis bad news,the demo you sent me was excellant.I was really
    impressed with musicianship!
    
    
                                               Staynz

    ...we're sure you'll bounce back tony...I would like to nominate a new
    band name for the new band..sort of along the same  lines as the old name.
    .???..how about...Limp Puppy??..........)........of course you will
    need a few older musicians to make this work............;')..../k.

    Thanks for the words of encouragement folks.

    
    Freebie tapes have gone out to Bonzo and Buck.
    
    I'll send more when I get a chance.

    Id like a tape,too!
    
    Thanks,
    
    Bob

    Sure

    Hey what happened to me?

    Tonedude,
    
       If ya have any extras I'd like one....
    
            Friz
    

    
    re: GH - OK
    
    re: Friz - OK
    
    8^)
    -Tony

    Yo Tone...  Friz and I can share, if it'll save ya some loot.

    NO!!! I want MY OWN copy!
    
         Frizbrat
    

    
    id like one too but im too lazy to send a sase :')
    

    Well, I received a STIFF KITTY demo in the mail last Friday.  I 
    listened to it during my weekend away in PA.
    
    Impressions:
    
    * The overall mix is decent, but I really hate the guitar sound.  Sorry
      Tone, but you need a new tone!  The guitar sounded thin and buzzy.
      The best guitar tone was the real processed one on the 2nd tune.  It
      at least sounded fuller.
    
    * Tone, you also could use to slow down your playing a bit.  A few of
      the guitar parts were rushed, and threw the groove off.  Noteably in
      the 12-Bar blues section on Sinking Feeling.  Learn to play behind
      the beat.
    
    * The singer reminded me a LOT of the Love It To Death singer!!!
    
    * The backing vocals didn't sound "big" enough.  Sounds like you were
      going for that SKID ROW type of backing vocals, but they weren't
      quite there.
    
    
    But, the  tape is pretty good, overall...

    
    Thanks for the commnets. The tone problems have already been noted (as
    per my notes in the GUITAR conference). I hope to have it sorted before
    the new band record.
    
    -Tony

    Tony - i read in the local rag that you`re supporting some band
    or other in er,some venue or other. "Supporting are the delightfully
    named Stiff Kitty". ho,ho.
    

    
    Isn't Michael Schenker in Stiff Kittty?

    
    Yup we are on National radio station's, we're in the local papers, our
    photo is on every other sodding poster in Reading and the freakin' band
    has split.
    
    ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!
    
    Why don't agents 'listen' to us.

    
    And no, B 4 U ask, there is *no* chance of a fackin' reunion gig either !
    8*)

    Tone - Agents and manglers do that sort of thing if the band
    was well known - Take it as a compliment !
    
    jc

    
    Tapes today went out to :-
    
    Coop,
    Alan Starr,
    Bob Mercier,
    Tigga,
    'Pril
    
    I will get round to the rest of ya, honest.

    Thanks dood !!
    
    jc

    
    
    	Ya... thanks cutie!
    	
    	tigg~~~

    Any thoughts on the tapes people ?

    Sorry Tone,
    
    This tape just  didn't catch my ears.  It was moreso the songs ... I
    wasn't overly thrilled with the way they were put together.  The riffs
    are ok in some parts, but the overall construction didn't grab me.  All
    the playing is good (I like the drummer a lot), but the band sound is
    another thing...it just didn't grab me.
    
    The songs reminded me a lot of older (80s) English HM bands
    

    
    No problem Buck. We've had mixed reviews slanting either way so I
    guess its one of those things. That was recorded nearly a year ago and
    much of the problems were due to the bands lack of studio experience,
    my bad guitar sound, lack of time together and lack of maturity (mine too), 
    so hopefully the next tape with the new band will be an improvement.
    
    I have one gripe with things in general here. This isn't really
    directed at anyone specific, but its how I feel, so FWIW :-
    
    My gripe is that people winge and moan to me about getting copies 
    of the tape. So, I go out of my way to provide tapes and send them out 
    to people and people don't bother even acknowledging reciept of them,
    let alone tell me why they don't like 'em, or if they do, what they
    like about them. I don't know why I bother and after I've sent out the 
    last few I've promised, no more will be going out, not that anyone 
    probably gives a toss.
    
    Bad reviews I can respect, bad manners I can't.

    
    	This is undoubtedly bad timing... coming in here to reply
    	*after* Tony says nobody gives a review...
    	
    	Anyway... I started to listen to it yesterday but every
    	ten seconds I had to leave my office and by the time I
    	got back, it seemed the same song was playing. (8
    	
    	I'm going to try and give the rest of it a listen today.
    	So far I think it's pretty cool... I'm far from being an
    	educated music picker-aparter so the only thing that I
    	noticed a bit on the first song (Sinking Feeling) anyway
    	was the vocals sounding a bit off when everyone chimes
    	in with "Sinking Feeling..."
    
    	I thought the lead singer sounded a bit like Bret Michaels
    	(OUCH I know....).
    
    	I'll let you know about the other two once I listen to 'em.
    	(8
    
    	tigg~~~~~

    
    
    	Okay.... on first listen... Sorry baby... but the songs just
    	don't seem to stand out very well.  There's nothing that 
    	keep one truly unique from another.
    	
    	That lead singer *still* reminds me of Bret Michaels for some
    	reason yet oddly enough I keep wanting to sing "Wicked Sensation"
    	when I try to remember the melody of the tunes..
    
    	Keep in mind I'm listening to this on my walkman through two
    	tiny little speakers, too... and I'm just going on the overall
    	end result. 
    
    	tigg~~~~

Well, I've had my tape two days now, and haven't acknowledged getting it - 
sorry Tone. But I have been listening to it!

Quickie review before I go to lunch - I seemed to like it better than most
of the other people who have reviewed it. The songs are are on the tape in
the order that I liked them (ie. "Sinking Feeling" was the best of the three).

As mentioned before, the guitar tone had to go. I really felt that what these 
songs needed was a real Les-Paul-into-Marshall tone. I know you used to cover
"The Stranger" from Fastway's 'All Fired Up' album - the guitar tone from THAT
album is what you should be using!!!! These same song in the exact same 
arrangements would sound so much better with that one little change!

Speaking of Fastway - the singer reminds me a lot of David King (whom I 
think is great). Maybe not quite the range, but similar style.

More details lata.....

alan

    I might have some IF I EVER GET THE THING!
    
    gh

    On its way Greg.
    
    Thanks for the comments Alan - I think the tone problem has been err...
    'noted' now 8^).
    
    -Tony

    I was cleaning out my tape collection last night and found an SK tape. 
    Is there anyone that didn't get one that would be interested in hearing
    it?

    
    Very funny dude!

    I've got 2..................SK tapes that is!!
    
    
    
    
                                                staynz  8)

    So good that you are worried about your first copy being played to
    destruction eh ?
    
    Or are you using the inlay card for other purposes ? 8^)

    Aye your right,One night I ran out of things to pick my teeth with and
    the inlay card suited to a t!
    
    
                                              staynz

    
    The Kitty is back, stiff as ever (?) with the same line up minus Mark
    the drummer.
    
    Off in to record a decent demo shortly (not the shite we did last time)
    which will feature the following tunes :-
    
    On my Back
    Get Out
    The Exotic, Erotic and Slightly Psychotic
    Round the Bend
    
    -Tony