Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 09:39 AM

Didn't one Side compose a Morris dance, "Farquanelle" ?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 03:56 PM

Actually Don, in the early days they used to say it was a town on the west coast of Scotland - and yes, people believed it

It has however gone a sinister step further - the person who originally complained on Mudcat has now approached a city council who are running a festival in which Norcsalordie are taking part saying that they should not let them perform because of the name

If that person is still about and reading this maybe you would like to explain to this forum what you find so offensive because judging by the responses above your viewpoint is not shared or understood - perhaps you have a different view on the meaning that is eluding the rest of us

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 May 09 - 09:08 PM

If they ask Martin, just wink and say "It's an old Scottish word"

Ten to one they'll believe you, even if they're Scots.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: john f weldon
Date: 29 May 09 - 12:52 PM

I shall call my new group "Flurqul#@gasm".
Only I know what it means.
If you ever found out, you would have to be revived with smelling salts and cold tea.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 29 May 09 - 08:01 AM

I am deeply offended.

Our punk folk band was called "Grim Spew" (geddit ??) and the Seamen Marx".

"Eartha Kitts" is local rhyming slang for - oh shit - I've forgotten.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rasener
Date: 29 May 09 - 05:32 AM

Well I remember seeing a childrens series on telly back in the 50's called Muffin The Mule.

What about Roger Whittaker

What about this poor persons name Roger Mee http://www.ctsnet.org/home/rmee

Have a look at the thread "Latest Big Al Whittle Song" its about Norcsalordie

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 02 Feb 09 - 09:21 AM

I wouldn't have known Norcsalordie was in any way offensive. Well there you go. Some years ago I saw a US indie band called Fuck who were very good, and not at all offensive, and whose name didn't seem to have put off either a record label or the promoter for their UK tour.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Oct 08 - 03:33 PM

The story about the old lady and the binoculars takes me back to when I was a library assistant. Staff at one of the branches could not understand why schoolgirls would come in daily and remove very boring books from the shelves. When they found a man in a raincoat exposing himself on the other side of the shelves, they realized why. Good on you Norcs my friends. There's far worse things out there as Paul says. You've now established yourselves on the Folk Scene, and assured your success, but it won't go to your heads.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Paul Macca
Date: 11 Oct 08 - 12:17 PM

Hi guys, I'm lead singer of Norcsalordie. Thanks for all your posts. I can't believe someone would get so offended by our name- I mean if you really want to get worked up, there's an economy on the downturn, ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan, child poverty in Africa, a worldwide Aids epidemic.....the list is endless.

My statement to Old Nic Kilby who got offended: A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Cool Beans
Date: 06 Oct 08 - 02:56 PM

Here in the US, home of the Loose Stools and the Cherry-Poppin' Daddies, we are heartily offended.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Oct 08 - 02:28 PM

I wonder if the Sheepshaggers would be at home at Knockholt? It seems to me there is not enough sheepshit on their trousers, as Pete the Hat maybe can verify - and indeed Norcsalodie maybe can further verify since they have been there too...

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Acorn4
Date: 06 Oct 08 - 12:55 PM

I once entered the now defunct "Melody Maker Folk Rock Contest" in the wake of the punk boom in the mid seventies.

In the groups section, there was a band called "Skidmarks", and the members all had names like Lou Brush and W.C.Stains....

I've seen Norsalordie a couple of times, and there is nothing at all that could be taken offence at in their act, so perhaps it's sensible to ingore the name.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 06 Oct 08 - 02:07 AM

From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 12:35 PM

Anyone old enough to remember The Fugs?

Ever had a long flag along???

Some of them evolved into the Doobie Brothers

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Ernest
Date: 06 Oct 08 - 01:54 AM

Peace:

there already is a band called Sheep-Shaggers on this planet. Please rename your band.

;0)
Ernest

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 01:25 PM

if you go into google earth zoom out as far as you can, spin the globe to any position then type in Norcsalordie and zoom in - it takes you a few miles off the coast of Belgium between Ostend and Zeebrugge

so lads - if a sweet little old lady asks you what it means - it's an island in the English Channel off the Belgian coast

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Penny S.
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 08:22 AM

Well, I've heard them sing, and they're great. And I wondered about the name, but thought it might be something a bit Lowland Scots! Ah well.

Penny

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Sapper still on MENTOR
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 06:55 AM

Forgot to add, yes I was aware of the connotations of the name and yes, I have seen them.
They were at the Rising Sun up at Middleton Rise, near Wirksworth a few months back.
A bit loud, but not a bad duo for an evenings entertainment!

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Sapper on MENTOR doing a bit extra
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 06:53 AM

Bloody hell, the trouble people will go to just so they can be offended!!
Reminded me of the old spinster living on the seafront at a seaside resort who complained that she could often see naked men changing in the shelter opposite her house.
When the council duely moved the shelters half a mile down the beach they were upset to find the complaints from her continuing, so sent an official round to investigate.
When he pointed out that they were partially obscured by a kiosk shop and that they were quite a distance away, she responded, "Well, if you come into my attic, lean out of the window and use these binoculars............"

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: freda underhill
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 05:35 AM

I've never heard this phrase in Australia.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 04:04 AM

oh well their stardom is assured now....

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 03:55 AM

I think this is just a cheap way of self promotion.....

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Oct 08 - 12:35 AM

""Norcs" is Aussie slang for a woman's breasts - not a slang word I've ever heard, tho if it's a new word, I obviously don't move in the right circles."

In the 60s it was 'Nork'.

"Melons For Ecstasy" - the 'Arabian' explanation?

:-)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 09:28 PM

Stefan was in Nottingham last night. he asked me onstage to sing The Glory of Love to his guitar playing. He said he didn't know the words. Now I come to think of it that's a bit implausible - him being a world expert on Big Bill Broonzy. Still it was a nice thought - I wish I'd taken a picture now.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 07:05 PM

I suppose "Norcs" might well be a variant on "Knockers".

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 10:22 AM

Not that uncommon, Rapaire.

XG

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 09:09 AM

Extra rinse no doubt!

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 08:42 AM

And in my native language (I'm from Illinois) it is the common term for a banker who has an affinity for throwing working people's money into the city's sewer treatment plant and then eating his way to it as well as having a wife who has a thing for the spin cycle on washing machines.

In Illinois it's a very complex term.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 05:45 AM

BUT, backwards it is

Eidrolascron

In my native language that means 'sheep shagger'. (I'm from Pluto.)

What friggin' arsehole searched in order to be offended by Norcsalordie? Keriste, listen to their music.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 05:22 AM

He's in Ullapool next weekend though.

XG

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Oct 08 - 05:16 AM

Wasn't Stefan Grossman with The Fugs at one point?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 08:08 PM

I was HUGELY disappointed with Norcsalordie's website. I looked through the photo gallery and...

WHERE ARE ALL THE NORCS?????

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Greg B
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 08:27 AM

Anyoe besides meself enjoy the music of the 'Big Bad Ballocks?'

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Oct 08 - 07:42 AM

I wouldn't worry about it, Martin. Obscurity covers it in 99% of the world, and if anyone does ask, just wink at them or tell them that it's the name of the station in the Outback where you were raised.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:52 PM

Offensive Gestures: I get the finger and the arm jerk slap

but what the hell is this thing Palin does by touching her mouth with her finger and then pretend to write something in mid air while saying a certain person's name with distain???

what does it mean?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:13 PM

A very close acquaintance had an alt metal/punk band that used a scatological phrase as their name--

They signed with a major label, and the marketing department came back and said, we can't get radio airplay for your name, we can't book you in major venues because they won't put the name on the marquee, and we can't advertise in mainstream media.

My friends said, "Don't tell us what to do, we're artists and you're just promoters." The answer was, "Well, we'd rather promote someone whose name we can print." And that was it.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Gurney
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 10:33 PM

Sandra, Norks (in some spelling) definately does mean breasts, but the only writted reference I've seen to it is in an Oz motor mag. Mike Harding came across it when he toured, and did a considerable intro mentioning it on the Beeb! My folks sent me a tape.
    He was very much against it, considering it a terrible name for something so nice! His words.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 06:54 PM

It's hard to call something very offensive when it is barely comprehended outside of certain groups.... even other Aussies are confused.

But I just had a thought.... even though I'm not a religious guy, I remember certain Bible verses, and this one from Romans 14:14 popped into my head:

"I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean."

I also like the old saying "It all depends on whose Ox is being gored"

(well, *I* think those are relevant)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 06:20 PM

Hi Martin

thanks for contributing to the thread - your concern is obviously Norcsalordie as a name - asset or liability

as I see it your style challenges the folk establishment by giving a fresh take on established songs. A name like say 'Victoriana' would be a mistake

I think the boobs issue is over-inflated if you'll pardon the obvious double-entendre - so few people make the connection

the name is now primarily a band name and will become free standing as you develop your potential - don't worry about it

as I said before - put Norcsalordie into Google and see how many references you get to the band and how many references you get to boobs - nuff said

Rafflesbear

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:33 PM

I very much doubt it.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:32 PM

Pamela Anderson has the same problem.

XG

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Martin Norcsalordie
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:24 PM

Hi, have been watching this thread with some interest! First of all I'd like to say sorry for the length of this post.

   As Rafflesbear said, we picked the name when we started out in 2004 as something rude, yet obscure and tongue firmly planted in cheek as that reflected the style of music we played at the time. Times have changed and those songs have long since fallen by the wayside in favour of traditional folk songs performed with our upbeat twist.

   The name Norcsalordie has been both a blessing and yet a burden and I wonder how far we could realistically progress with such a name. Seeing some of the examples thrown up, i.e. Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks - very famous bands but aimed at a punk audience specifically to rebel against Auntie and the status quo. The other famous bands merely allude to salacious subject matter and I'm afraid to say I've not heard of the more explicit band names.

   So, after all the rambling, what's my point? Well, despite personal views, would the name Norcsalordie - specifically pertaining to big boobs - prove a hinderance when trying to gain acceptance with a wider (and possibly more conservative) audience such as the BBC's?

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 05:00 PM

Oh - I forgot. We have another guy that joins us from time to time to make us a quartet. When he does we change our name to "Matthew-Mark, Luke, Bubba and Young".

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 04:54 PM

Lots of folks have asked us why we're called "Matthew-Mark, Luke and Bubba" if we're a trio. That's because in the south "Matthew-Mark" is one name.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 04:32 PM

"Our trio is called "Matthew-Mark, Luke and Bubba". Our banjo player hates the name but I don't think he finds it offensive. But he's ordained and teaches theology at a university."

That's hilarious. The other two band names you mentioned were in bad taste, but this is fun. A bit Gary Larsenish...

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 02:28 PM

Erm. I may be having second thoughts about this thread

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: bobad
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:53 PM

Some wholesome Canadian bands:

Holy Fuck (radio announcers call them Holy F)

Tit Fuck Me Jesus

Shit La Merde

Shit From Hell

I think "Righteous Indignation" would make a good name for a band.

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:36 PM

There of course were: -

Courtney Love's Hole

and

The Slits

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:29 PM

thanks for your comments which I take as generally positive and am relieved

the duo is young in folk terms - they chose the name before it all turned serious and have been concerned that it might offend. I saw no harm and persuaded them it was good to go with - hence I was taken aback to find the original comment in terms that strong

the boys are trying to break the mould in what they do but have no wish to alienate folkies as that would be a bad move. A cheeky name was part of the package - and until now it has been an 'in joke'

one good thing about the name is that if you put it in google 95% of the results refer to the band

thanks M.Ted but it looks like we've been relegated to BS status after all !

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: Emma B
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:03 PM

I did once have to explain the origin of the name of the Melons For Ecstasy ceilidh band to someone - decided against explaining Edward the 2nd and the Red Hot Pokers as well :)

Subject: RE: Norcsalordie - offensive name or not?
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:02 PM

Oh, wait, this is a BS thread. Nevermind.