Review: This Mudcat CD set

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 06:38 PM

Well, I mentioned this to Amos via PM, and he liked the idea so well I'm posting it here. If anyone wants to email NPR programs like "Thistle & Shamrock" and "American Routes" and steer them toward maybe buying a set for selected air play, please do.

There must be at least a handful of recordings on this CD set that would suit their programming needs and tastes, don't you think?

Anyone have a special in-road to such programs?

Genie

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Alice
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 07:56 PM

As a former DJ and staff member of a non-commercial FM sation, I advise that someone donates a set to them. They don't have extra $ in their budgets to purchase music when recordings are already sent to them free by the companies that release and market music. Taking up a collection to buy a set for Thistle and Shamrock and donating it would work better.

ALice

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 10:01 PM

As I said to Genie I COULD burn a set from my master files for promo purposes, or maybe we could just talk Dick into sending the a set as a marketing overhead cost, depending on how many he has left...


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 10:50 PM

I almost drove of the road trying to look at the jewel case and see who was who.. What fun !!! You should all be very proud !!! Great stuff !!! Yay , Guy

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 16 Dec 02 - 10:53 PM

WOW!!! Thanks, Guy!!

A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Alice
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 10:56 AM

As I just wrote a press release to my local newspaper for an upcoming performance on New Year's Eve in Great Falls as part of their "First Night" celebration, I am including in the press release a paragraph about the Mudcat CD compilations and information in how to order them. I suggest that this is another way to stimulate interest and orders.

In looking at the CD covers on the order page (great job!) I realize that somehow I didn't get my full name in on the track lists. Bummer. Guess I wasn't watching the right thread!

Alice

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 10:58 AM

Sorry about the profligate thread generation and the name error, Alice! But I am delighted you are letting your part of the world hear about the CDs!!! Way to go!!!


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Alice
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 11:15 AM

RE some info helpful in the press release, Amos I was trying to figure out which countries in the world are represented by artists in the compilation. I have so far, Canada, US, Wales, England... what's missing?

Alice

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 11:24 AM

Artist from New Zealand and Australia, and one from Germany I think, and I believe at least one from Ireland, and Texas. Oh, sorry, it's a state now? :>) Lesseee -- I am reconstructing from the top of my head here, but that's all I can think of. We woulda had one from Iceland but the timing couldn't be made to work! ANyone I missed?


Regards,

A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: skarpi
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 03:27 PM

Amos are you gonna make cd number six? Please let know in time
so I can send to you the song.
I have tried to several changes on the song , beet and so on
but I think I like as I wrote it, just me and my guitar may be some extra voices.
All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 04:44 PM

If you get the idea of doing more .. I would love to contribute as well. I cant beleave I missed this whole thing .. All those colors on thread names..Im a little slow and destracted as well I'm afraid . My daughter Elizabeth loves the cover by the way ! Erica my wife is realy into them as well and she is not very interested in folk music on the whole.. It is the combination of community that hit her I think.. I think this will touch alot of people outside the mudcat !!! Yay, All the best Guy,.,.,.,.,<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Willa
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 05:00 PM

My son was wondering whether there would be another chance to contribute; didn't get around to sending you a tape. Then when I was listening to my copies again I realised that he is on *all* the CDs, as he's part of Harvey's backing chorus on 'The Song.'

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 05:06 PM

Guy, Willa, and Skarpi:

If I do a CD # 6 it won't be right away, and I am not fully decided yet. There is no lack of material, but I am swamped by concerns in the 3D world at the moment and cannot spare the time just now. IF it does come about I will certainly make sure everyone knows and that all those who meant to but didn't get around to sending in cuts get a chance to do so.

Guy, many thanks for the positive feedback!! Much appreciated, and I agree that the real power in these CDs is the sense of community and genuineness in the music that comes through.

Very best regards,

A.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 10:01 PM

Just promise me, Amos...that there will be one set left come March. I have to be broke 'til then, what with X-mas, a wedding, and your usual day to day expenses not taking a holiday in the interim.

And I *do* want a whole set...it sounds like there's nothing anyone would want to miss out on.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 10:45 PM

Aww CS, I'll burn you a one-off set if there aren't any left!! You poor, poor chile...sniff...I feels so BAD fer ya, Olive!!

You gotta unnerstan that Dick is the man when it comes to supplying them -- I'm just the PR department! :>)

AS

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 04:20 AM

Now that Matt R is back on the 'Cat, I hope he contributes to the next CD.
I'll stick to silence (always pleases my public!)
RtS

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 08:37 AM

Roger:

Don't be so modest. Your mime track is the one that pulls the best reviews on ____ (the contest hasn't finished yet to find Roger's track -- winner gets a free set.)


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 11:24 AM

Maybe you could do a Christmas cd for next year. You can call it Muddy Christmas

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 11:52 AM

Yeah! All the tracks could be by Anonymous Guests, all the words borrowed, and they could all have the same tune! :>)

THanks for the grin, GUEST 1124.

a

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Áine
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 05:04 PM

Whew! I've finally finished listening to all five CDs, and I can only echo the reactions of all you other 'Catters -- 'Wow!' '. . . like chocolate,' 'professional', 'good stuff,' 'blown away.' I am hard-pressed to come up with something original to say for my own 'review'; so, I'll just settle for the truth:

I really didn't expect to have such an evocative and personal reaction to all this music. As I listen to each selection, I am taken aback by the amount of individual artistry reflected in the music. Artistry that exceeds the limitations of instrumental or vocal skill, performing experience, technical expertise, or ego.

This collection of music is rightly named 'sampler', because it is just a sample of what real people can accomplish when they do something for the right reason(s). Call it artistry, love, personality or whatever; the Mucat CDs have 'it'.

I can't think of the last time that listening to music gave me such pure and unadulterated pleasure.

Congratulations to ALL INVOLVED with this project, and a big thank you to Max and the Mudcatters Behind The Curtain, who made (and keep on making) this a reality!

With love and respect, Áine

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 05:55 PM

Wow!! That's the most accurate review yet!! :>) Thanks, TGG!


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 07:56 PM

The times are ripe to moan and fret

Consider Bush, our nation's debt,

And threats of strife more troubling yet!

Where is relief?

...
..
...
..

....A CD SET!!!

Mudcat Sampler CDs will raise your spirits and give you the courage to go out and do what needs to be done....

Regards,
A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 04:44 AM

Amos, if/when there's a Mudcat CD Fuchsia (or Avocado or whatever), I definitely think Iceland should be represented, don't you?

Genie

Looking forward to hearing my set next week. There was a SNAFU, and my original order didn't get processed. Hence the 3 week delay in receiving them, but, from what I've already heard of the CDs (Amos's preview in November) and from the reviews above, all I can say is "better late than later!!"

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 12:29 PM

Absolutely. Fuchsia? Avocado? I dunno, lass. Maybe we should consult with the color-and-aroma-therapy specialists for candidates. Sandalwood? WHite Shoulders? Cucumber Margarita? The mind boggles at possibilities. In any case, there's no immediate plan for #6. Just getting #s 1-5 to fly to extaordinary heights is my main concern for the project at present. Sorry about the order delay -- but you know what they say about the urge for instant gratification!! :>) (as though eight months wasn't long enough to wait!). They'll be worth the wait, I wot.


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Giac
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 07:35 PM

Just got my copy of Plum. All I can say is, "Damn!"

This is such fine stuff. Haven't heard it all yet, but this is wonderful.

Amos, the liner notes are perfect. Michaelr, Homeless, Spartacus, Dick, you guys are great.

I am deeply humbled to be allowed to run with the big dogs instead of cowering under the porch. This was such fun! Guess I'll have to take my copy on a local tour and say, "Listen to this! These are my friends. Aren't they cool to let me play, too? Now, buy as set!"

Can't wait to hear the rest of them.

Mary

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 08:39 PM

Well, Amos, most babies make ya wait for NINE months, so why should your baby be any different. The li'l bundle of joy arrived here in San Diego today, so now I get to hear all five of them. HOORAY!

Genie

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: kendall
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 01:46 PM

I just finished hearing all 5, and, all I can say is, not too damn shabby! This is not like usual, you buy a cd for one good song, well, there is all kinds of good stuff on each of them. A treasure trove if I ever saw one.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 21 Dec 02 - 09:33 PM

Thankee kindly, Capting. Not too bad for an ole curmudgeon! At least you now have sounds ande voices to tack on to those dozens of names you've been speaking to all these years!


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 07:38 PM

I just got mine Friday and I have heard Strawberry (of course, since I ordered some for presents for family) and Plum. Both have many great moments on them,* but I think the Plum is especially wonderful on the whole.
Among my favorite moments are John P. and Telynor's "Hangman" on Strawberry, "Rag, Eh?" by Rick F., "Gently Down The Stream Of Time" by Kendall and "The Girl With The Shimmy In Her Pants" by Reggie M. on Plum.
Gotta go listen to the other three.

Genie

*Sadly, my cut on Strawberry is not among them. Somehow in going from the original studio-recorded reel-to-reel tape to a "master casette" (which was stolen) to a tape copied from that to Amos's CD burner to the Mudcat CD, the song ended up sounding like mush. It doesn't sound unpleasant, but you can't understand the words, and it sounds like I'm singing under a pillow. But, hey, it's only one song out of 23, so the CD is still worth the price.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 08:36 PM

(Well I didn't think it sounded like mush! See earlier notes to MM -- seems the ONE song everyone is dissatisfied with is the one they sing, but they all love everyone else's!! Go figger! :>))

Love,

A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 01:37 AM

You may have something there, Amos. I thought Leo's song sounded great!

As I said, I don't think my song sounded bad. I just thought there was some sound distortion resulting from tape to tape to tape to tape to CD.

A similar thing happened on a couple of other folks' cuts on some CDs. I.e., some cuts are loud and crystal clear and others are more muted sounding. I think that's because some cuts are from professionally done commercial CDs and others are more 'homemade.'

It still makes for a wonderful selection of songs, pickin' ( and fiddlin'), and singin'.

Thanks again for doing such a great job on them, Amos.

Genie

BTW, folks, if you want to hear some danged good songwriting, pay attention to several gems penned by Amos (alone or in collaboration). They aren't all sung by him, but check out the back cover for songs written by "Jessup." You got it goin' on, bro'.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 09:58 AM

Awww.....

Thanks!

You're right, Genie -- the quaity varies -- some of the songs were polished in a studio, some were taped on a back porch. I believe Tweed's mike sits in a cigar box. I mentioned this several times in the (over twenty!) CD threads.   The main thing I went for in all the songs was a certain quality of heart, and I think that comes through on all of them!

A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 12:06 AM

Yup!

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 11:32 AM

Aside from rallying together all the really fine music so many sent in for the Mudcat CD Series, the project also had the purpose of raising some funds for the Mudcat. Dick allows he'll be presenting an accounting soon, I expect by year's end. But he has said ". It's clear, though, that this is the most effective fun-raiser Mudcat has ever seen. .

So maybe we will see that fat-ass unflappable Mudcat server and some Mudcat Radio!! (Or at least a bassinet and some pacifiers!) And it isn't over by any means!! There are new heights ahead. But we did what we originally set out to do.

Well done, and thanks, to all concerned. We succeeded.

A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: kendall
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 12:05 PM

Thank you so much for your kind words Genie. Your song, Harmony, was not a clear recording, but, the talent still came through.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Tweed
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 04:30 PM

Yes, that's correct Amos, my Elvis mic sits in a cigar box (Dutch Masters, accept no substitutes) ;~)

By the way, I see that there are a few sets left in Mr. Greenhouse's warehouse and thought perhaps some people were confused about where and how to order these gems of many colors and flavors.
Here's that link again...

order soon but save a Plum for me!

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Tweed
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 04:34 PM

.....er...ahhemm..the link....again...

Mudcat Ordering Info Here

yerz,
Tweed

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 05:37 PM

You go, Boss Man!! Whatever that rig of yours is, you got a good thing going, as the actress said to the bishop.


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 04:44 AM

And thanks for your kind words, Kendall.

Amos:
It's clear, though, that this is the most effective fun-raiser
Mudcat has ever seen.

HUZZAH!!!

I've listened to two more tonight: the rose and the orchid one, and there are some fantastibus moments on them!

Jed M, that song of yours "Soul of A Wanderer" is something really special. (An' ya doesn't sing 'n' pick too bad, neither.)

BTW, if I pick out a few songs to heap special praise on, please don't take it as disparaging the others. I've enjoyed the whole CDs immensely, every one of them.

Genie .

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Amos
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 10:29 AM

MERRY Christsmas to Mudcatters all!!

I hope a lot of you finallyh got to open your CDs and enjoy them!! I love the notion of these songs playing all around the planet this morning!!

Blessings on all your houses!


A

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Giac
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 10:36 AM

Merry Christmas to you, Amos, and to everybody else, too. I'm dog-sitting for my friends, so their two dogs and my two and I are listening to Plum (for the umpteenth time) and watching it snow.

Snow! Although it's coming down really hard right now, with huge flakes, probably won't last long and we'll only get a dusting, but it's neat to see on Christmas morning.

Mary,
(and my babies Misty and Emily, and the sitees, Nicholas Fractal and Tennga Louise)

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 10:39 AM

Like many another here, I was able to open my Mudcat CD set present last night, and my Beautiful Wife allowed me to play ONE CD. It was the Orchid, because she wanted to hear how I sounded on it.

I was blown away by song after song!

Singing is sometimes almost a mystical experience to me, and singing for others enhances it geometrically. To find my singing (even though in a somewhat muffled recording) on a CD in the midst of such wonderful performances by such great musicians was an inexpressable delight and honor.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 11:08 AM

I've got to open them, but not to play them yet, because everybody else has crashed out for an afternoon nap, after the Christmas Blowout.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: MAG
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 02:22 PM

My set arrived in the nick of time yesterday and I listened to two last night; can't wait to hear the rest today as I open my prezzies and chow down on turkey.

(Some kind of conundrum there, as the CDs are my present to myself, and I open them as I open ...)

Dy-no-mite work, everybody. The number of volunteer hours is almost as staggering as the music.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 25 Dec 02 - 03:22 PM

I've only had the chance to listen to the whole set once, but ones that I remember as standing out (not to slight any of the others, which were all fine and great fun to hear): Khandu's Cool Cup of Water (Violet), Kytrad's Deep Shady Grove (Orchid), Rick Fielding's Sing With the Angels (Orchid), Kendall's Gently Down the Stream of Time (Plum), the Patons' When You and I Were Young (Rose) and Margaret V's beautiful singing on Down By the Sally Gardens (Rose).

That was just the first time through. Many good songs, good singers, nice stuff.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 12:04 PM

I loaned mine to my friend Judith; she called last night and said,"Sorcha, you are flying in some high company there!" She was so impressed she may order a set when she has money.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Genie
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:39 PM

Dave O, I just now got finished listening to your cut on the Orchid CD,* and I loved it.

Now I 've heard all 5 CDs, and all I can say is that I keep having new "favorites!"

Genie

* I lied before. It was the Rose and Violet ones I heard a couple of nights ago. I opened Orchid last night and fell asleep listening to it (about midnight), so I'm replaying it this morning.

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 02:10 PM

Thankee kindly, Genie!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: UB Ed
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 02:23 PM

So far I've only made it through three, but have really enjoyed it.

A big thanks to all for making this happen.

Ed

Subject: RE: Review: This Mudcat CD set
From: Art Thieme
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 02:54 PM

It's the day after x-mas and I've listened to 'em all twice. You all are a wonderfully talented group. Amos, I did feel that the cassette I sent you had better sound quality than the end result you achieved. But no matter, it was an honor to be a part of this great example of cyber community and what the www can be.

Thanks so very much for all of your efforts.

Art Thieme