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Have you ever heard of The Wolfgang Press and if so, what's your opinion? If you haven't, I'd love to send you some of their work.
I've heard the name but never the music.
What is your honest opinion of the vocal styles of The Edge from U2, Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys and Marc Almond of Soft Cell? Any of these men worthy of singing on an upcoming album? I don't really have an opinion on Edge except to say that a bit more top end wouldn't have gone a miss on 'Numb'. As for Marc Almond and Neil Tennant, aside from the obvious tuning problems (which always irk me), neither are my cup of tea.
Which Kraftwerk song(s) do you like best? I don't have one particular favourite. I like many including 'Autobahn', 'Radio Activity', 'Numbers' etc... Which of their albums do you like best? Probably 'Computer World'.
'Are Friend's Electric' - genius or barmy old cack? Nearly every week I seem to receive a question bout Gazza - why is this? I do have a bit of a soft spot for 'Are Friends Electric'.
Would you consider working with Brian Ferry? Also, do you rate the Roxy Music album 'Avalon' ? Can't really see that as a Recoil collaboration. Nothing against Ferry - I quite like him although everything he's done since Roxy music has been just a bit too smooth for me. Roxy music were great though.
Have you or any of DM ever met Trent Reznor or been to see a Nine Inch Nails show? If so, what did you think? Have you collaborated with him on anything or would you like to? I have a strong feeling that besides Bowie and Kiss, Trent secretly has admired DM for as long as i have. I've never seen a NIN show but I did meet Mr Reznor briefly once, some time ago. He seemed nice but we didn't have a chance to have a conversation. I'm not sure if he's been to a DM show or not. He could be an interesting person to work with one day but I know he is deeply rooted in his own project at the moment.
My friend wants to know what your opinion is about the Irish musician named Enya. Tell your friend I think Enya's a bit wimpy.
On my sound searching I picked up Bando de Gaia's latest, and 'Perfecto Fluoro' by Paul Oakenfold. I was wondering if you've heard of these and your thoughts on this style? No I haven't heard either of these.
You mentioned you liked Japan (the group) and haven't quite found David Sylvian's solo material that interesting. What about his stuff with Robert Fripp or Rain Tree Crow? Have you checked out any of the other ex-Japan members' material (JBK - Steve Jansen / Richard Barberri / Mick Karn)? Would you consider them possible collaborators? I've got a live album of Sylvian and Fripp which, to be honest, I rarely listen to. I only occasionally listen to solo Sylvian if I'm in the mood ('Wonders Of The Birdcage' or 'Terrific Bushes' for example). As for Dali's Car....er, I don't think so. Hep says that a couple of ex-members (Jansen and Barberi she thinks) formed an outfit called The Dolphin Brothers in the mid-eighties that was quite good but I haven't heard it myself.
I grew up in the 80's so nearly all of my favourite musicians were European techno (pop) groups, like: Depeche Mode, Howard Jones and Alphaville. Do you still, or did you ever, follow any of these contemporaries? Not really. Obviously we were aware of these people and sometimes we used to bump into the likes of Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw, Ultravox etc. at TV shows around Europe.
Did DM ever have a falling out with The Orb? The reason I ask is that in a recent interview, Alex Paterson was talking about gigging and said that The Orb had been asked to play Madison Square Gardens but that they declined on principle. When the reporter asked him on what principle, Paterson replied "We'd have had to play support to Depeche Mode". Ooh catty.....sounds like a touch of the sour grapes there. I've never met The Orb.
Have you heard the CD 'Victor' ? It's the solo project of Rush's guitarist Alex Lifeson. No, I haven't heard of it. Is there any connection between Bill Bell (who collaborated on the 'Victor' project) and Andy Bell? I doubt it somehow.
In a current issue of 'Future Music' there is a feature on Kirsty Hawkshaw. I would be interested in your opinion on her songs and voice, in case you've heard anything. I've never heard anything by her.
Have you ever considered using the vocals of Peter Murphy on your upcoming Recoil album? I think his voice would be perfect for the dark and atmospheric music you are so good at creating. Er, I'm not planning any tracks about dead horror actors but if I do....... ;-)
Is Matt Johnson a nice guy or was he quiet and kept to himself? Do you like The The at all? Any particular tracks you like by them? He seemed nice enough to me - not particularly introverted either. I like some of his music but I can't seem to think of any of the titles at the moment. Hep says 'Infected' was one of her Top 5 albums of the 80's.....
What do you think of Robbie Williams? Elton John.
Have you ever heard of an Irish singer called Jack Lukeman? He has a powerful voice which I can only describe as somewhere between Frank Sinatra and Nick Cave. He usually covers all those classic crooner tunes but I think his voice would transfer brilliantly to a dark Recoil track. If you haven't heard him, I can copy a few tracks and send them to you. I've never heard him so if you'd like to send a tape that would be interesting - thanks.
Bernard Sumner of New Order and Electronic has provided samples and / or helped out in some way with 808 State, Sub Sub, Section 25, Paul Haig and others. Would you consider him for an upcoming Recoil project, perhaps? Nice bloke but........ no.
I just noticed in your link section that "Sonya Madan has collaborated with Recoil in the past year". Could you tell us what it was at all? Did you produce a remix for them or something? Sonya provided a vocal to an extra track called 'Don't Look Back' that will appear on the single release. I remember you said in the past that you liked the Moloko album but what do you think about their new single,'Bring it Back'? It is a pile of shit for me.... Is that the 'Oh, God we'd better do something with a disco beat and have a hit' track? Mmm, Paris likes it.......;-)
I was just wondering whether or not you like the Pet Shop Boys and if you've heard they're new album 'Nightlife'. I'm asking this because I know many Recoil/Depeche Mode fans who love the Pet Shop Boys too. 'West End Girls' was good at the time. Unfortunately, the group never moved on and I've hardly liked anything they've done since. Can't stand Neil Tennant's voice either.
I know you appreciate Gareth Jones' work but would you produce an Erasure album just like he did? I find myself with goosebumps just by thinking about it! No I wouldn't. Also, if you were invited by any group or artist to produce their/his/her album, who would you chose and why? Not sure. It would be have to be someone well known who hasn't realised their full potential yet.
Mariah Carey/Tina Turner/Cher/Whitney H./ gives you a call, desperately wanting to contribute her brilliant voice to your 2002 album 'Liquid Bloodline'. What's your response? To Mariah: "If I need someone to wank all over my music I'll do it myself, thank you" To Tina: "Don't you already feature on track no. 5?" To Cher: "Sorry but I stopped using vocoders in 1975" To Whitney: "Not if you do that wobbly thing with your mouth"
On behalf of the Jarvis Cocker lusting hussies on Shunt, would you consider collaborating with his Pulpness? I don't think he's got a great voice but I have a lot of time for Mr Cocker. He's one of the most articulate people in the pop business and he writes witty and often astute words. For Hep: What do you think of Pulp? I'm very much in agreement with Mr. Wilder and I especially like 'This Is Hardcore'. However, I would like to shoot their producer - their records are horribly mixed with no bottom end and inaudible drums. With a better man at the helm and a few more interesting wibbly-wobbly noises, they'd be even better.
I read on a Nine Inch Nails news site that someone saw you on November 9th in London during their final dress rehearsal - some kind of pre-tour show which only 100 people could attend. If it was really you, what did you think of it? Were you so impressed that you're planning to also see them at the end of the month at the Brixton Academy? I'd like to ask you what you think about the new Nine Inch Nails album 'The Fragile', and is it true that you've attended the warm-up gig of their tour in London? If so, how did you like it (both album and concert) because I saw their show here in Berlin and I think the performance and sound were stunning - one of the best gigs I've ever seen. That leads to a secret wish of mine: What about a collaboration between Recoil and NIN, be it a song, remix or even better a tour together? Have you made some kind of deal with NIN to help you promote 'Liquid'? Last night I went to the Nine Inch Nails show in Paris and before the show there was some awsome music which was sent through the P.A. (at a moment when we were speaking about DM). I asked everyone around if they knew this music and no one was able to answer me. Meanwhile I told a friend of mine that it sounded like Recoil and decided to check on a DM Forum. Then I found that it was Recoil's 'Liquid' LP. Is it true and did you deal with Mr Trent Reznor himself (hearing 'The Fragile' it seems like he appreciates your work and sound)? I have heard 'The Fragile' a few times now and it is growing on me. As an outsider it's clear to me that there was a dilemma about whether to cut it down to a single LP or take the more bold and somewhat risky step of releasing a double. Obviously, a lot of effort went into making it and it would have been very difficult to shelve so much work but personally I would have edited it down to a very strong single album. Having said that, I like the way it breaths and takes it's time to evolve and seep into your consciouness. Generally, I like the moments that don't sound like previous NIN - the quieter, atmospheric sections that feature more adventurous sounds. Despite it's drawbacks, still a vastly superior record to most others released these days. Regarding the live show, I can confirm that the music you heard was indeed from the new Recoil LP. I was invited to attend the final production rehearsal in London a few weeks ago and asked for permission to use the Recoil tracks as an intro to their show. I enjoyed the performance a lot - the band were very tight and there is an interesting section in the middle involving projection. Hep and I are going to the show on the 29th and possibly the second one too - we're meeting a big gang of friends including one Miss Nicole Blackman who is the girlfriend of Trent's guitar tech, John. ============================================== Actually I'm just finishing off Q + A and it's 2 days since the above mentioned show. You'll all be pleased to hear that the night was most enjoyable with a good performance by Mr Reznor and the band even though he apparently didn't think so himself. Miss Blackman was in top form and amongst the usual crowd we were pleased to bump into such dignitaries as Flood and 'Liquid' drummer Monti. Notable incidents included yours truly falling over the P.A. and Hep walking into a mirrored wall. The reason? She thought it was another part of the bar that she hadn't explored yet ;-) I'm afraid we were very, very drunk........
A lot of synth music seems to be inspired by cyberpunk (Frontline Assembly, Front 242, Nine Inch Nails and a lot of industrial bands too). Have you read any cyberpunk writers like William Gibson or Bruce Sterling? If so, what do you think about them? Are their visions of the future ok to you and do you feel inspired by them? No I haven't read any of this stuff - call me old fashioned.
Have you ever met Dave or Roger (when he was alive) from Pink Floyd? I met Dave briefly in New York - he was a gentleman. Never met Roger. I also seem to recall meeting a couple of the band during a big aftershow party following their appearance at Earls Court a few years ago. Incidentally, that's the same place that Daryl and I were told to be quiet by Queen's Brian May - he threw a wobbler because we were talking during 'Meddle' but then had to apologise profusely when his spotty young son wanted my autograph ;-) You're smart to expose Paris to Nyman - what is your favourite of his work? I am partial to 'The Piano' soundtrack. I can't listen to him without being transported somewhere else in the universe. Has he influenced you in any way? Do you see any similarities in your respective styles? I didn't think 'The Piano' was very good. I hated the film too. I prefer 'A Zed And Two Noughts'. I suppose there is some influence - listen to 'Little 15'.
I know you went to see Numan earlier in the year at the Forum - any chance you will be going to Manchester next month? No, Gary asked us but we've got to stay in that night and check that the dishwasher's functioning properly. We're seeing him this Wednesday (27th) though - going to see a comedy show with Graham Fellows called 'Brian Appleton's History of Rock 'n' Roll' (Anyone remember Jilted John - 'Gordon Is A Moron'?).
What do you think of Marilyn Manson and his album 'Mechanical Animals'? Er, isn't his real name Brian or something? Do you think what he says about "corruption, misuse of God, false belief.." is true or is it all bullshit? No idea. Don't know what he's said but I don't find it too easy to take anyone called Brian seriously. Would you agree that Manson is having a "bad influence"? I'm not a big Manson fan or anything, I just liked his latest album and everyone I know freaked out at me saying "Oh my God! He's evil!..." and shit like that. So I'm just curious. I haven't heard any of Brian's LP's or read any of his comments but I have heard the singles and seen the videos on MTV. Glam rock's ok but don't take it seriously - that's not the point.
Charlie, how keen are you on Led Zeppelin? Do you even fancy them? They're a bit craggy these days - Bobby Planet does bear an unnerving resemblance to the camel from the cigarette packet - but I liked them in their hey day. Best tracks - 'Kashmir', 'Trampled Under Foot'.
I received a promotional CD from a record store and it's called 'Emotional Ambience Intelligent Drum 'N' Bass'. On this CD to my great surprise is a track from Recoil called The Bridge. How do you plead? Is the new Recoil album going to have a lot of drum 'n' bass sounding tracks on it? I found a supposed Recoil track on CDNOW.COM - it's called 'Velocity 9' and it's taken from 'VA-Beats From The Streets : Jump Up Drum N' Bass-Funk'. I am making the assumption that this isn't a Recoil track. If not, I'm sure your lawyers would like to know about this! You're right - neither of these are Recoil tracks. I read a review of some 'Recoil' track in a magazine a couple of years ago and alerted Mute that there was another group/artist with the same name. I didn't get a response but I've not heard anything else since so I don't know if they still exist.
Have you ever heard of a band called The Jam (they were big in the late 70's and early 80's) because I was reading the quotes in the '81-85' CD booklet and I noticed that one of the guys names was Paul Weller who was the frontman for the band. To help you get a good idea of what they sing, here are the names of a few songs: Town called mallace, That's Entertainment...... Thanks for clueing me in Diggins. I'd gone underground at that time and was so busy eatin' trifles that they must have passed me by. 'Town Called Mallace'.... are you sure?
Thanks for answering my question re: Numan at the Forum. No, I didn't get to this gig but one of my friends went and said she saw you - I have never been able to determine whether she was taking the piss or not! So, was Numan's sound as bad as the fans are making out on the Forum? Well, I was right up at the back of the venue and although the sound was harsh and a little unclear in some places, I thought the energy of the music and Gary's performance, more than made up for it.
I was reading last month's Q +A, when I found this: Have you heard 'Songs In The Key Of X'? I think that he has achieved a very personal vocal style, and as with KD Lang, he can make great songs when he is provided with the right music. Who's he? It seems that you did some overcutting & pasting, removing the name of the singer, Elvis Costello. Ah, right. Sorry about that. I think Costello is an accomplished songwriter and some of his work over the years I have liked - 'Pills and Soap' for example. I'm not much of a fan of his voice however, especially when he attempts to sing difficult Burt Baccarach songs in registers which are clearly too high for him.
Do you like N' Sync, 98 Degrees or the Backstreet Boys? Which group is your favourite? Who do you think is the cutest Backstreet Boy? I like Howie, but Nick is a turd! I liked the one from East 17 who used to wear the hats...."when da funder caws you..." It must be great to be in a boy band nowadays. I wish I was still on the road with DM so we could come off stage and be handed those big fluffy robes that seem to be all the rage - not to mention the fact that they obviously give one greater 'pulling' power. I mean, in their video Boyzone are wearing them when they get off their private jet and they're met by 10,000 screaming girls......tell me, is that really attractive? For those of you who ever got backstage after a Mode show, would you really have wanted to meet us dressed in dressing gowns and slippers? Call me old fashioned. I don't understand. And why do the singers in these bands, all sound like they've got a clothes peg attached to their noses?
In an interview I heard that Bloodhound Gang are big fans of DM and they tried to work with you in 1993 or something. What are your memories of this and did you ever listen to their music? I just read an interview with the singer of the Bloodhound Gang, Jimmy Pop Ali. He said that whenever his band was about to release a new single in Europe, he asked you to produce a remix of it, since he's a fan of DM and you, but you've always declined his offer, saying you were too busy. He said you even turned down the $30,000 he offered you the last time he asked. Any truth to that? Would you do a remix for them if you had the time or do you (strangely enough) not find it appealing to remix songs like 'Kiss Me Where It Smells Funny'? It's true that they have asked me a couple of times although nobody has ever mentioned $30,000 to me. Problem is, I'm not really in the remix game. It has to be something extra special to get me interested and I don't like the idea of just churning stuff out quickly for the bucks. If I do something, I do it properly. I also prefer to work on music from beginning to end, not re-interpret something that's finished for a dance club. I just don't find remixing very fulfilling.
Have you heard Talvin Singh's CD 'OK' ? No You've said you're not a big fan of David Sylvian but surely you've heard Japan's final album 'Tin Drum' from '81 ? This is still one of the most original and exciting pop albums of the 20th century.....yes? No? Yes, I liked 'Tin Drum' a lot at the time. Haven't heard it for years. Who do you venture out to see play live? Neither Hep or I particularly enjoy live shows - we go along for the aftershow hospitality ;-) The last gig we saw was Gary Numan because he invited us.
I don't know if you're familiar with Vocalist Chris Connelly but he is a VERY good singer....I mentioned your project to him in a recent post to which he replied: "Yes, I would like to work with the Depeche mode guy. Can you put me in touch?" You can find out more about him at www.chrisconnelly.com. I may just be assuming that you don't know him, but if you don't, check it out... Thanks, I'll check it out.
Have you ever heard of a band called Towering Inferno? If so, what do you think? No I haven't.
Alan & Hep Did you go to the Numan concert on 12 June at the Forum? Yes, did you?
In a past Q+ A, you mentioned that you have a soft spot for 'Are Friends Electric?' by Gary Numan. Have you heard the recent cover of this song by Kurt Harland of Information Society (another artist devoted to contact with his fans)? No, 'fraid not. I saw Gazza do it last week and you can't beat the original.
I just stumbled upon Johnny Marr's new website (www.jmarr.com) to find that it resembles yours to a staggering degree. There is the famous Q+A section where he too addresses fan's questions, there are many of the same features as the superb Shunt site and it's even centred in a small box on the screen in the same proportions as Shunt! As imitation is of course so flattering, I was interested to know what you thought of others following in your technological barrier-breaking footsteps? As for his Q+A - good. More musicians could take an interest in their own websites and Mr Marr obviously sees the importance of doing just that. As for similarities, I took a look and it's not really that close to the design of Shunt. There are actually quite a lot of sites based around a smaller frame size. The idea is to retain the composition of the page no matter what size screen you are viewing on. We find that the artistic look of the website benefits from that. Also, you might like to know that someone asked about you on his forum and Johnny is apparently a fan of your Recoil work. Would you in fact be interested in collaborating one day with Mr Marr and taking Recoil in a new direction? He's more than a decent guitarist. If he ever wanted to play on a Recoil record, I'd be happy to have him.
Now that 1999 is over, would you mind giving a top 5 list of your favourite albums. Even better, in no particular order (that's just too hard), here's my top ten all time LP's as recently submitted to CDNow: ------------------------------- 1. 'The White album' - The Beatles Easily the most engaging of all their LPs. 'Abbey Road' is more polished (possibly the best pop record ever) but the 'White album' tells you more about the relationship between Lennon and McCartney when, it seems, the were at their most disparate. A sprawling, hugely diverse record showing all corners of The Beatles at their most creative. 2. 'Berlin' - Lou Reed The most bleak and wonderfully grim album by Lou Reed. I never tire of hearing it, not least for it's sordid depressing tales but for the fantastic, often epic production by Bob Ezrin and Allan MacMillan. Like no other Lou Reed LP before or since, this stands a mile above the rest (even 'Transformer' - another classic). 3. 'Are You Experienced?' / 'Axis - Bold as Love' - Jimi Hendrix These two albums are almost as one for me. What can you say about Hendrix apart from the fact that he changed the course of popular music. The best guitarist ever and these albums represent him at his (all too short) peak. 4. 'Computer World' - Kraftwerk Truly ground breaking group who perfected their minimal style with this LP and have been treading water ever since. The 'Grandfathers Of Electro' deserve the title for being so massively important in the influence of not only electronic music for the last two decades but also for providing the entire rhythmic basis for Hip Hop. 5. 'Aladdin Sane' - David Bowie The number one glam rocker, Bowie made more great LP's in the 70's than anyone else. I could have chosen any one of 6 for the brilliant melodies, quirky lyrics, that voice and those cheek bones. Unfortunately, the creative juices dried up post 'Let's Dance' but he will always provide an entire evening of sing-songs around the piano chez Wilder. 6. 'Meddle' - Pink Floyd Floyd created soundscapes better than anyone else during their peak. Other favourites include 'Wish You Were Here' and 'Dark Side Of The Moon'. Sequenced bass lines, Gilmore's chiming gtr, strange Scottish roadies talking about not being mad, backwards pianos, etc, etc. The list of new ideas for the time goes on and on. 7. 'OK Computer' - Radiohead Like a good wine, 'OK Computer' improves with age. Definitely one of those LP's where you hear something new each time you listen. Always melodic, very intense and cleverly structured - like Blur, Radiohead keep getting better. 8. 'Spirit Of Eden' - Talk Talk Talk Talk started out as a fairly straight pop group until, virtually overnight, they retreated and decided to start making innovative, unusual, brilliantly individual records - thus losing 98% of their audience in the process. Starting with 'The Colour Of Spring' through to 'Laughing Stock', they began to use flugelhorns, variphones and bassoons to augment their more minimal new sound. Along with notoriously miserable Mark Hollis' tragically soulful voice, they were like no other group. 9. 'The Last Record Album' - Little Feat Maybe a surprising choice but Little Feat were no ordinary West Coast rock group. In Lowell George they possessed one of the greatest slide guitarists ever, not to mention the most laid back but groovy rhythm section in rock history. Their songs and arrangements were deceptively complex and with this album, they hit some of their greatest moments. 10. 'Next' - The Sensational Alex Harvey Band More for nostalgic reasons than anything else, I discovered Alex Harvey at 14 and was entranced by the theatricality of their live show. The records were also great though. Contains their crowning glory 'Faith Healer' along with many other magical moments. ------------------------------- Other contenders were: 'The Queen Is Dead' - The Smiths
and many more.........
I was listening to the radio when it was broadcasting Andreas Johnson, 'Liebling' and if I'm not wrong I found the verses TOO similar to the ones in 'Two Minute Warning'! What can you tell me about it? I think it's actually called 'Glorious'. I can't really tell you anything that you haven't already noticed and you're not the first person that has pointed this out to me. I say, good luck to him - and my solicitor :-)
How about Tom Jones? Now that's where I draw the line.
The release of Kraftwerk's recent single, EXPO2000, seems to have been a pretty low-key affair which hasn't received much attention. Have you heard it, and if so, were you as disappointed as me with this unimaginative rehash? Well, Kraftwerk do Kraftwerk very well but unfortunately haven't innovated for a long time. Maybe that's asking too much but I never expected them to become caricatures of themselves.
Is there any cover you'd like to perform on your next record? I'm not really into cover versions even though I covered 'Faith Healer'. I think it's usually hard to beat an original.
I read that Kraftwerk came to see Depeche Mode perform. Do you vividly remember that performance? They used to turn up now and then to various shows but I can't remember any specific performances. The last time I recall seeing any of them was in 1993 when Karl came to the Dortmund show and I remember introducing him to Hep.
Stefan from Placebo said that he's a huge fan of DM. have you met him and do you like Placebo? Hep and I met him at a Curve gig actually and he was very friendly and very complimentary. Brian's very nice too.
I've always felt that U2 and DM had similarities. What do you think of 'Pop'? I preferred 'Achtung Baby' and 'Zooropa'.
You said recently that one of your current car CDs is 'Analogue Worms Attack'. Do you like Mr. Oizo at last or do you still find him "silly", as you wrote half a year ago? Ok, ok - not so silly now. I think there are some interesting grooves on the album.
If you could use any guest vocalist, alive or dead, who would it be? Nat King Cole.
Comment on the following: The band, Tool Don't know any of their stuff. Not sure if I could get into a band named after a penis. The superstar, Britney Spears I don't allow myself to watch her videos........young girls gallavanting around in schoolgirl's uniforms - too much for an old mans heart ;-)
If John Lennon was alive today, do you think he would be making good music or churning out the appalling shit Paul McCartney releases? He was always infinitely more appealing to me than Paul. I suspect that he wouldn't be making too much music these days if he were still alive. And I'm sure he would hate Oasis.
Are you familiar with the work of Sascha and John Digweed, including their Northern Exposure compilations and their individual work? Never heard of them - sorry. What are your points of contention concerning music, if any? Hep likes Squeeze I like Portishead ...amongst others.
Do you know the German composer Klaus Schulze? Not really. I know the name.
Have you ever heard of Meg Lee Chin? She's one of the many members of Pigface, as well as having produced a recent album called Peace & Love. Would you consider working with her? I've never heard of her. I'll check it out if I get the chance.
I read on one of your previous answers that you listen to Rage Against The Machine. Have you heard their new album, 'Battle Of Los Angeles', yet? If so, what do you think of it? It's unsurprising. I've only listened a couple of times. About half of the tracks stood out as being a little different - the rest sounded very typical of them and their sound.
Did I ask you about the Beautiful South? I don't suggest you do.
What is in your car CD player at this very moment? Mr. Oizo - 'Analogue Worm Attack' and Supergrass's new LP. I got this in my e-mail. Care to comment? "The Nine Inch Nails entourage got a bit wild after the first of the band's sold-out show at Brixton Academy on London on Monday (Nov. 27) at the posh Met Bar. Gary Numan and Alan Wilder were seen dancing, and a few of the ladies in their party were told to "tone it down" by Nails' managers when they started getting racy. Said ladies were nearly thrown out when they tried to take a photo with NIN bassist Danny Lohner. Management came over and barked 'PHOTOS ARE NOT ALLOWED' and threatened to confiscate the camera. Lohner had to plead on their behalf that it was perfectly all right. When one of the gals tried to get guitarist Robin Finck to cha-cha to the DJ, he confessed weakly, "I can't do that." Drummer Jerome Dillon did however get up to dance with ...another guy. Alan Wilder was so intrigued that he didn't notice as he backed over a PA and fell over. Fun was had by all." Similar question: Hmm...I guess when you're dancing with another guy, drunkenness is to blame, eh? And I'm wondering if Hepzibah and Nicole were in that "racy" group. I think I mentioned something about this party on last month's Q + A. Anyway, for a start, I wasn't dancing. Staggering, maybe. I'm not sure exactly who the 'racy ladies' were but I suspect they included Nicole, Hep and Gary's missus Gemma, who invariably wears very little clothing at these kinds of functions. It wasn't the Nails' manager however who ticked them off, it was someone from the bar and I think they apologised when they realised the 'racy ladies' were with the NIN party. Can't remember anything about the drummer but I did fall over the PA and Hep did walk into a mirrored wall, not to mention referring to Trent (sarcastically of course) as 'The Dark Prince'. Actually I got stuck talking to a Recoil / DM fan for ages who dropped me like a hot potato when his royal Darkness walked past, then spent the rest of the evening perstering me to introduce her to his blackness........sorry love, that's not the way it works........;-)
I was really surprised and excited to see you will be featuring Sonya Aurora Madan on the new Recoil album. What made you think she would be a good fit for this particular song? I really like her voice which I felt wasn't being fully exploited within the Echobelly production. She also has a great melodic sense. Are you a fan of Echobelly or just Sonya's voice? Mainly her voice although there were a couple of tracks on their last LP 'Lustra' that I liked.
ACould you give your short opinion on the following artists and albums? Lo Fidelity All Stars Never heard anything by them. Beck's newest album 'Midnite Vultures' Disappointing. Rage Against the Machine's newest album 'The Battle Of Los Angeles' Not bad. Gus Gus Music doesn't quite match the artwork. One or two good tracks though. The Prodigy (I know you've commented on them before but I never heard any comments about their music) Good energy. Silly make-up. Banco de Gaia Know the name, don't know the music. No Doubt No like. The soundtrack to the movie 'Pi' (Both an awesome movie and a dark atmospheric techno soundtrack). I have yet to see it. Rammstein Never heard anything by them, apart from 'Stripped'. Eiffel 65 Don't know this.
What are your views on Tom Jones? Have you seen him shake his booty live, and if so, did you dig it? Looks like he likes a pint and a shag. Never seen him live. Is HE on the up coming Recoil record? ;) Probably - he's on everyone elses, boyo.
Who do you think would win in a fight, the Pet Shop Boys or Erasure? Or do you find this question distasteful ? Er, it's not that I find it distasteful, just pointless - I couldn't give a toss personally.......
I would like to know your opinion about William Orbit and his last work where he adapts some classical music. After hearing his version of Adagio for strings by Samuel Barber, I don't know if he's a genie like some people say or if he spoils all he touches. Stick him back in Aladdin's Lamp and close the lid, I reckon;-)
Having grown up in Britain during the '70s / '80s, what did you think of the experimental British artists, Throbbing Gristle and Zoviet France? Also, what do you think of fellow countrymen Peter Christopherson and John Balance of the legendary ambient/techno group, Coil (a spin off from Throbbing Gristle actually)? I liked both TB and Coil not so much for the music although some of it was very good but just because they lean a bit on the weird side.
What do you think about Stings 'Fill Her Up'? It starts out as Country, then becomes Gospel and finally ends as Jazz? Any chance of something like this from Recoil? Not unless I develop a serious interest in yoga, give up drinking, hire some bland musicians and get all me mates to stick a medium size plate in their mouths.
I have heard people mention Dead Can Dance and Recoil in the same dialogue and I am curious what Alan feels from this music? Alan, if you read this recent interview with Brendan Perry regarding his solo work, you may be surprised to find the many similarities between you and he. I quite like what I have heard from Dead Can Dance.
What will you answer to Marc Almond if he would ask you about collaboration? I'd have to ask him to bring his pitch tuner plug-in with him. Nice chap though.
Hey Al, any possibility of you influencing Mute into releasing a Nitzer Ebb 'Best Of' collection or at least a re-mastered version of 'That Total Age'? As far as I know, there has been a plan to release a Nitzer Ebb 'Best Of' for a long time now. I'm sure Doug and Bon are into the idea but I understand there are some complicated legal wrangles (to do with the ownership of some of the early recordings) which have to be resolved first.
Just wanted to say that I heard 'Liquid' played before the NIN show in New Orleans and loved what I heard so much that I ran out and bought your latest. Since Trent Reznor is playing your CD, have you two ever met? Would you like to collaborate with Trent in the future? Have you heard his latest 'The Fragile'? If so, would you ever remix any of his tracks or would you let Trent remix some of your tracks? Yes - we have met on a couple of occasions. I found him to be a little shy but quite friendly. Can't really see that a musical collaboration would work since we both like to be in control of things. I have heard 'The Fragile' which I have already commented on in this forum. If Trent wanted to do a Recoil remix, I'm sure I'd let him have a go. Likewise, if he wanted me to do something for him, I'd most likely oblige.
I have recently seen Nine Inch Nails and absolutely loved the show but I overheard some people afterwards saying that they didn't enjoy it as much because it was a bit more subdued (numerous instrumentals, less carnage, etc.) than the previous 'Self Destruct' tour. I was just wondering what your opinion was? I enjoyed it although I have to admit that the less histrionic tracks are my favourites. I thought the film stuff in the middle of the set was the most interesting and atmospheric section. I'd never seen them before so I have nothing to compare this tour against.
Have you ever heard of Mark Bell or LFO and have you worked with him? What do you think of LFO? Mark and his partner in LFO did a remix of 'Faith Healer' back in '91. I have heard two LFO albums which I enjoyed but I'm not aware of what he's been up to in more recent years.
I may sound weird or stupid but when I listen to 'Liquid', I find stuff that is similar to Primal Scream's music. Do you listen to this band and would you agree with me? Also, I think I have found a sample from 'Rush' on Primal Scream's 'Stuka' from the album 'Vanishing Point'. Am I right? Don't know about the sample question - I would have to have a closer listen.. I don't really hear a lot of similarity to Recoil. I find their music very hit or miss. I do like some of their stuff although I think the press go completely overboard about them. Sometimes, the singer's voice is nothing short of excruciating.
Q+A : GENERAL MUSIC : OTHER ARTISTS - likes / dislikes / record collection |
