Skip to main content

89 replies

Rarities CD

CH TraderCH TraderLoungeroom Lizard
From Tim's MySpace page Smiler :

quote:

Just letting you all know there's a rarities CD on its way....available to purchase this or next week here at Myspace.....a great Throw Your Arms Around Me with Neil,recorded around Woodface days...other odds and bits...I SEe Red with Australian band regurgitator.. interesting and special...live tracks from the last US tour,incl the reworked Shark Attack....some unreworked demos....liner notes will explain....a real typwritten recycled handmade artifact....strictly one for the fans...otherwise things are good....riding out the winter....
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

PaināporoPaināporoAddicted
Not exactly packed full of rarities is it? I think I already own most of these songs and live versions aren't exactly what I consider "rarities". The only item here that's legitimately special seems to be the Woodface era studio version of "Throw Your Arms Around Me". I don't think I'm familiar with "White Cloud Black Shadow" or "Pulled it all Down". Anyone know the history on these?
Semi-DetachedSemi-DetachedAddicted
quote:
Originally posted by Paināporo:
I don't think I'm familiar with "White Cloud Black Shadow" or "Pulled it all Down". Anyone know the history on these?


'White Cloud Black Shadow': from Tim's 2002 musical 'Feedback'.

'Pulled It All Down': a song he wrote and recorded in honour of the many Victorian-era theatres demolished in NZ over the years.

I love the artwork...
PaināporoPaināporoAddicted
quote:
Originally posted by CH Trader:
quote:
Originally posted by Paināporo:
Not exactly packed full of rarities is it?


Tim may just disagree


Well I question the sincerity of anyone who thinks an 8 song CD containing only 5 studio tracks is "packed full" of rarities. Maybe there are too many copyright issues between Tim and all his old record labels but it would've been nice to see a couple more tracks. Especially since this CD is getting a more proper release instead of being a one off for the fan club.
KazzieKazzieSecret God
quote:
Originally posted by Paināporo:
Well I question the sincerity of anyone who thinks an 8 song CD containing only 5 studio tracks is "packed full" of rarities.


Where does it say "packed full of rarities" other than your inital post? You make it sound like it's been built up as something it's not.

It's described on the Frenz mail out as Tim Finn-Rarities, Demos, Live Performances VOL.1, which I believe it is.

On the myspace it just says Rarities - other odds and bits/some unreworked demos/live tracks reworked.....strictly one for the fans.

Apparently not you.
browniebrownieAddicted
I'd been wavering about whether or not to get this. Tim sort of lost me with Imaginary Kingdom. I know the majority of people here love it, but I just don't like it at all. So, I'd sort of pretty much decided not to get the rarities CD.

And then, mummakook, you mentioned that the Coca Cola jingle is on there. I don't know why, but that tidbit of information pushed me over the edge. *laughs* So I ordered a copy from his myspace site. For $10, you really can't go wrong. That's a very fair price for a thing like this, considering how short it is.
David GoldsmithDavid GoldsmithSecret God
"White Cloud Black Shadow" is particularly lovely - a very gentle demo, reminescent of "Winter Light" in atmosphere. Love the line "white cloud casts a black shadow on a green hill".
"Pulled It All Down" - I remember reading about this at the time Tim sang it to a bunch of city counsellors as a protest to the proposed demolition of an old theatre in Devonport. I think he said that he wrote it the day before the submission - it sounds like it Smiler but still quite catchy of course
"Throw Your Arms" sounds more produced than the other Woodface Demos and is very much a Tim lead vocal with Neil in the background. Very nice to have a studio version of this (unless you also count Neil's radio version on the "Acoustic" CD)
Of the other tracks, the two live versions are excellent, and the Coca Cola jingle an unexpected bonus. "Cruel Black Crow" (which I've always taken to be about depression)and "Rock 'n' Roll Girl" of course have been around for some time and are both essential Tim tracks that deserve a wider audience. Both tracks sound remastered. "I See Red" has also been remastered and sounds LOUD.

It's great to see Tim putting these bits and pieces out. Interesting choices for the first CD. For future releases, I'd love to see the remaining "Les Patterson" tracks get a proper CD release and there's the vinyl B-sides from "Escapade" as well. I also read recently of something called "The Tunnel" recorded at the "Tim Finn" sesssions - could you dig that one out Tim? And then there's the recent MySpace tracks - the list goes on and on Smiler
mummakookmummakookSecret God
quote:
Originally posted by brownie:
I'd been wavering about whether or not to get this. Tim sort of lost me with Imaginary Kingdom. I know the majority of people here love it, but I just don't like it at all. So, I'd sort of pretty much decided not to get the rarities CD.

And then, mummakook, you mentioned that the Coca Cola jingle is on there. I don't know why, but that tidbit of information pushed me over the edge. *laughs* So I ordered a copy from his myspace site. For $10, you really can't go wrong. That's a very fair price for a thing like this, considering how short it is.


Glad I was able to persuade you, brownie Smiler I don't think you'll be disappointed. As you'll glean from David's review, it's not all new stuff anyway, so even if the newer stuff is less to your liking there should be something of interest there. Hard to go wrong at the price anyway!

For my part I'm particularly happy to have things like Pulled it all Down, which haven't been seen before, but it's also good to have crisper versions of things like the Coca Cola jingle. Looking forward to what might turn up on volume 2, and beyond!
S SpenceGetting Somewhere
I'm pleased to have Cruel Black Crow on CD after all this time.

Maybe this first set is fairly short in order to test the water - see if there's a lot of demand for his rarities before rolling out the more obscure stuff? It'll be great to see how regularly he's going to put these things out - if there's seemingly no record label involved in the pressing etc (albeit probably in the background sorting licencing etc), he could in theory put one out every couple of months (he must have an absolute *mountain* of stuff recorded that's never seen the light of day).

Mr. SadlyMr. SadlyAddicted
You know honestly, some of those rarities are probably rare for good reason.

Although they can still be funky and funny to listen to. I always get a kick out of "Not Made of Stone"...

"have you ever seen a face like that
staring at you from the mirror?
pink carnation and a ten-gallon hat
it's a lovesick gorilla!"

Now that's vivid mental imagery.
mummakookmummakookSecret God
Ah there are a few classics like that, but to me that's all part of the charm of music, seeing what gets dumped and what evolves years later. So I'm very glad to be able to have these rarities, including the stuff I've had for years but now have a cleaner version of. I hope it's the first of many.

White Cloud, Black Shadow along with Pulled it all Down and Rock 'n' Roll Girl you'd have to say are rare. As for the others, do those of us who've had them for so long just take them for granted? Not everyone has had such access to them.

There was talk in an interview PG included in the last club newsletter (and VIP email I think it was) about how John was digging up a whole pile of old stuff. I do hope that's not John at EMI who's now leaving.
PaināporoPaināporoAddicted
Thanks to the internet there's really no such thing as a rarity anymore. If a song's been released (even if only on vinyl) the chances are that it's on the net somewhere. I've seen a number of vinyl only Tim songs that some kind soul transferred into MP3s and put on the net. The bottom line is that now-a-days either it's been released or it hasn't. If it's already out there those in the know who actually want it will already have it. On the plus side this collection does have a couple songs that were not previously released and therein lies its true value.
AGM155AGM155Sacred Cow
I think that we're the hardest of hardcore fans, so its no real surprise that we've managed to get our hands on tracks containted on the disc.

I have lots of respect for any artist (whether I like their music or not) who goes out of their way to make more material widely available to fans, and I'm very grateful to Tim for putting this out, just in time to whet our appetites for The Conversation, no doubt.
CamusCamusAddicted
Well I don't have any of the songs on this CD, aside from Cruel Black Crow which is a crappy quality mp3, and I've been hardcore in my time about Timbo. In fact, I haven't even heard of over half of the songs.

I know Throw Your Arms Around Me was recorded during the Murchison St demos for Woodface, I presumed this is what it is (without hearing it).
AGM155AGM155Sacred Cow
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Sadly:
You know honestly, some of those rarities are probably rare for good reason.

Although they can still be funky and funny to listen to. I always get a kick out of "Not Made of Stone"...

"have you ever seen a face like that
staring at you from the mirror?
pink carnation and a ten-gallon hat
it's a lovesick gorilla!"

Now that's vivid mental imagery.


Not Made of Stone had the potential to be one of those ridiculously catchy singles that, while corny "I bring you all of my attention span/if that's what you expect from me/I stand before you like your long lost man/Tim Finn is what you want him to be", manages to get stuck in everyone's head.

Such a great beat and energy to that song. I'd like to have it on Vol 2 if that ever happens.
S SpenceGetting Somewhere
quote:
Cruel Black Crow has been on CD for a long time. It appeared on the UK CD single of How'm I Gonna Sleep.


Yup, I knew that - I meant the only version *I* had was on vinyl (never did track down the CD single).

quote:
..and Rock 'n' Roll Girl you'd have to say are rare.


Was that not on the Steel City soundtrack though? Maybe not the same version (haven't listened to it in ages).
Z ZufThat's What I Call Love
Being a bit of a hardcore fan of anything to do with the Finns this goes a long way to filling some of the gaps I havce in my collection. Yes I already have some of them, and it can sometimes feel like you're buying a lot of dupliactes to get the ones you don't have, but if it helps new fans to become hardcore, then all the better.
( If the Coca Cola jingle is included then the CD pays for itself (so to speak) for me) :-)
mummakookmummakookSecret God
For some of us who are indeed fortunate enough to have had versions of some of the songs for a while, I think Camus and others would agree with me that it's good to actually have a good quality copy of some of these songs at last.

I'd call the version of Throw Your Arms more of a Finn Brothers recording, with more Tim on vocals, than Crowded House. Not sure who else was involved, if anyone.
Mr. SadlyMr. SadlyAddicted
quote:
Originally posted by AGM155:
Not Made of Stone had the potential to be one of those ridiculously catchy singles that, while corny ...

I like "Funny Way", but there's just something about the treatment of the whole "Count the hours" etc part in "Not Made Of Stone" that makes me wish that version of the song had been the one taken to completion.

It's always weird to hear these songs that contain each others' pieces within them!
Texas RoseTexas RoseModerator
I love this whole CD. Big Grin

Some of the songs I have, some I knew of but didn't have, and some I'd never even heard of.

I love the packaging - the old type-written notes. I thought that was a really nice touch.

I'm thrilled that Tim called it "Volume 1", because I'll be looking extremely forward to more releases of this nature in the future. Smiler
mummakookmummakookSecret God
quote:
Originally posted by Spence:
quote:
..and Rock 'n' Roll Girl you'd have to say are rare.


Was that not on the Steel City soundtrack though? Maybe not the same version (haven't listened to it in ages).


Quite right Spence. Was checking something out for another thread and so listened to both back to back, tis indeed the same song, same version even! No wonder it seemed so familiar! Did I mention I'm just a little snowed under right now, that and the fact that I don't listen to Steel City much ... otherwise I'd be quite red indeed.
PH Paul HAddicted
I may be being a bit unfair but I'm a bit miffed at the fact that I paid twice as much through the fan club as it costs to get it off Tim's Myspace page.

When I got PG's VIP email it implied that the CD was a really limited release via the club, so I jumped on it real quick to avoid disappointment.

Shame it turns out that I could have got it for £6 instead of £16 from Tim direct, and could have had it in my hands by now.

To be fair, we get so much good stuff off the club that I kinda treat it like a charity and am happy to pay a little over the odds, but it would have been nice to have the release arrangements made more clear.

Am I the only one who didn't get that it was also available through Myspace?
browniebrownieAddicted
No, you are not the only one. I had no idea it was available via Tim's myspace until people started talking about it here, which was 2 weeks after Peter's email arrived. His email did imply that it was a rare club thing that one had to act quickly on because of extremely limited copies. I didn't enquire about the cost via the fan club, but I assumed it would be about $25US, which is what they always cost. I didn't want it enough to pay that much for it.

The price on the myspace site, however, was worth it to me, and I received it just a few days after I placed my order.

This isn't the first time something like this has happened. I ordered a signed copy of Everyone Is Here from the fan club, well before its release. I waited months and months (and months!) for it. In the intervening time, I went to a Finn Bros show and they were selling signed copies of it for half the price the fan club was charging. And I could have had it in my hands that day. I was not pleased. In fact, that experience made me swear off buying copies of CD's from the fan club, when it is clear those CD's will have a general release.
Texas RoseTexas RoseModerator
Paul H wrote:
quote:
I may be being a bit unfair but I'm a bit miffed at the fact that I paid twice as much through the fan club as it costs to get it off Tim's Myspace page.

When I got PG's VIP email it implied that the CD was a really limited release via the club, so I jumped on it real quick to avoid disappointment.

Shame it turns out that I could have got it for £6 instead of £16 from Tim direct, and could have had it in my hands by now.

To be fair, we get so much good stuff off the club that I kinda treat it like a charity and am happy to pay a little over the odds, but it would have been nice to have the release arrangements made more clear.

Am I the only one who didn't get that it was also available through Myspace?

No Paul, you're not the only one. I actually got a bit confused when I first read about the release through Tim's Myspace, because I thought that the Club release was the only place it was available, and I thought maybe there were two different CD's floating around.

I ordered mine through the Club, and have now got it. Once I've paid for something, I don't spend a lot of time worrying that I could have gotten it cheaper elsewhere or whatever - that serves no purpose.

I may order one through Tim's Myspace page anyway. My niece would love one, and despite what I've just said above, it would average out the cost.

I agree with Paul's other statement - I also think of the Club like a charity. We get great releases through it that we otherwise would not get, and the extra dollars and stamps etc go towards keeping it running and afloat. I for one would be lost if it folded, so not too much complaint from me. Smiler
PH Paul HAddicted
quote:
Originally posted by Texas Rose:
We get great releases through it that we otherwise would not get, and the extra dollars and stamps etc go towards keeping it running and afloat. I for one would be lost if it folded, so not too much complaint from me. Smiler


Don't get me wrong: I wrote my rantlet with a heavy heart. Peter does great work for us, and many things - especially the Luton Tapes - are just wondrous. I also agree that the extra dollars raised are good for the club and, by extension, all of us.

But I believe in honesty and balance, and feel that I should also comment when things aren't so great. I won't accuse PG of deliberately misleading us because I don't for a minute think it was his intention, but I do feel the way it was presented was very misleading and I think that's a shame.

All PG needed to say was that the disc was also available via Tim's page. I also wonder why the huge discrepancy in cost...

Anyway, water under the bridge. I just wanna get the blinkin' thing in my mitts Smiler
Message GirlMessage GirlLoungeroom Lizard
Paul H, thanks for letting me know I wasn't alone in my feelings. Like Desert Rose, I thought they were different CDs and had I known, I would have ordered it through MySpace. I wonder which avenue nets Tim the most money. That would be the one I would choose, even if it were more expensive. I declined to preorder the signed Tim new CD because I've had the same experience of waiting for months to get Imaginary Kingdom, only to find that that the club one didn't have the extra material and I ended up buying another copy in the meantime. And don't get me started on how long I waited for One In The Bag! It seems the wise thing to do is buy only those releases that are club exclusives, though the rarities CD seemed to fit that bill. I do appreciate all those things that I have bought in the past, especially the bonus Luton Tapes CD so I suppose it's ungenerous of me to complain!
Texas RoseTexas RoseModerator
Message Girl wrote:
quote:
Sorry about that, I mean TEXAS Rose. Please forgive me!

You're forgiven. Big Grin

That provided me with such a good laugh when I read it.

Not sure how long this Rarities CD was in the planning, but it seemed to suddenly come out of nowhere. Just an observation. Smiler

Loving the bonus of the song from the Coca Cola Kid. "How's that Mr Becker?" Big Grin Wink

Perhaps the next rarities CD could include some of the lesser-known Les Patterson stuff?
aikakoneaikakoneSacred Cow
I ordered mine thought Tim's MySpace, and it arrived yesterday.

Some initial thoughts (that don't pertain to money):

I love the clarity of "Cruel Black Crow". I"ve always liked the song, by the copy I have is nto the clearest.

"Rock and Roll Girl" is fun, and I like the mention of Elliot in the liner notes.

Yay for hidden "Coca Cola Jingle". Now that is the most fun of them all.

I am disappointed in the length of the offering. As another poster commented, 8 tracks even with one hidden bonus isn't a jam packed rarities. In some ways, it's just EP length.
I IarlaFrenz.Com Admin
quote:
Originally posted by aikakone:
I am disappointed in the length of the offering. As another poster commented, 8 tracks even with one hidden bonus isn't a jam packed rarities. In some ways, it's just EP length.


Yes it's short, but I don't think we're comparing apples to apples here. This isn't a standard "Rarities" release. It's not meant to be a full length rarities record. I'm not just replying to you in particular Aikakone - I'm just saying in general.

Could it be cheaper - Maybe, but the economies of scale are different for a small CD run. To buy these tracks as digital downloads would in all likelihood cost $9, and for $10 you get a hard copy with liner notes. It's possibly a limited release so I'm happy to support it, and would love to see more of them. As it is, it's nicely packaged, and it's a nice thing to have in the collection.

You know that PayPal fees aside, the money from the sales of this are in all likelihood going straight to Tim. I hope he has it to sell on upcoming tour too - It all helps cover the cost of touring Smiler

Can't argue with that model Smiler
Secret God (Stew)Secret God (Stew)Addicted
My copy arrived 2 days ago... and it was definitely worth the $10!

Like the idea of using recycled materials for the digipack, but I couldn't get over how many errors were made by the typesetter... You'd think in this day and age he could have used a computer instead of a typewriter (backspace key anyone?!?)...

Love the two live tracks recorded in Austin, TX at "Out the Wood Work". Anyone know the date these were recorded? Both versions are as good as - if not better - than the studio versions.

As for Rock & Roll Girl... is it the same version of the song that appeared on the 1998 Steel City soundtrack? (I'm yet to find that). And if it was recorded 10 years ago then how the hell can it be dedicated to his FIVE year old daughter?

Don't mind the collaboration with Regurgitator... can anyone shed some light on what the exact year was? And was it ever released as a b-side or anything? Also, anyone know which sessions Pulled it all Down was recorded in?

Very good version of Throw Your Arms Around Me... wasn't sure I'd like a Tim-vocals version as much as Neil or Mark Seymour's but it is pretty damn awe$ome I must say!
Texas RoseTexas RoseModerator
Secret God wrote:
quote:
Like the idea of using recycled materials for the digipack, but I couldn't get over how many errors were made by the typesetter... You'd think in this day and age he could have used a computer instead of a typewriter (backspace key anyone?!?)...


I hope you're joking SG? Razzer

quote:
Very good version of Throw Your Arms Around Me... wasn't sure I'd like a Tim-vocals version as much as Neil or Mark Seymour's but it is pretty damn awe$ome I must say!


I nearly melt every time I hear this song - so of course I have to keep playing it. Big Grin

I ordered through the Club and through Periscope, so I'm well covered. Wink
Secret God (Stew)Secret God (Stew)Addicted
quote:
Originally posted by Texas Rose:
hope you're joking SG? Razzer

Yes... I can assure you I was 100% kidding. But reading back what I wrote I guess I didn't make it too clear at all lol. In fact I've never even used a typewriter...

quote:
I nearly melt every time I hear this song - so of course I have to keep playing it. Big Grin
Can't say I "melt" or anything but it is a pretty fantastic version... one of the best non-Seymour ones I've heard.

But it's got me wondering why this was even recorded at all... I doesn't sound "demo-like", and it also doesn't sound much like a "Finn Brothers" 1990 song... I can barley hear Neil in it (which doesn't shoot the Finn Bros theory down at all, I just thought that if it was ever planned for the 1991 Finn Brothers album - or even Woodface - that Neil would have had a greater amount of vocal time. To me it sounds as if it might have been recorded for the "Tim Finn" album as a potential single. Obviously the linear notes set the record straight but it's got me wondering why it was shafted back then after such a polished mix...
mummakookmummakookSecret God
quote:
Originally posted by Secret God™:
Love the two live tracks recorded in Austin, TX at "Out the Wood Work". Anyone know the date these were recorded? Both versions are as good as - if not better - than the studio versions.

I thought it would have been recorded when he played at the Cactus Cafe on February 19, 2008. Failing that it would have been during his previous time in the US where he did a lot of small radio promos, namely May 2007.

quote:
As for Rock & Roll Girl... is it the same version of the song that appeared on the 1998 Steel City soundtrack? (I'm yet to find that). And if it was recorded 10 years ago then how the hell can it be dedicated to his FIVE year old daughter?.


If you read up this has already been answered that it is the same version. Obviously it wasn't dedicated to her then but is now, simple!

quote:
Don't mind the collaboration with Regurgitator... can anyone shed some light on what the exact year was? And was it ever released as a b-side or anything? Also, anyone know which sessions Pulled it all Down was recorded in?


It was a b-side for What You've Done. Offhand I think it was done around 2001.

Pulled it All Down was part of Tim's submission to his local Council to help save the old theatre there. It probably wasn't recorded as part of any sessions per-se.

quote:
Originally posted by Secret God™:
quote:
Originally posted by Texas Rose:
hope you're joking SG? Razzer

Yes... I can assure you I was 100% kidding. But reading back what I wrote I guess I didn't make it too clear at all lol. In fact I've never even used a typewriter...


*phew* looked pretty deadpan when I read it, and I usually know sarcasm when I see it.

quote:
But it's got me wondering why this was even recorded at all... I doesn't sound "demo-like", and it also doesn't sound much like a "Finn Brothers" 1990 song... I can barley hear Neil in it (which doesn't shoot the Finn Bros theory down at all, I just thought that if it was ever planned for the 1991 Finn Brothers album - or even Woodface - that Neil would have had a greater amount of vocal time. To me it sounds as if it might have been recorded for the "Tim Finn" album as a potential single. Obviously the linear notes set the record straight but it's got me wondering why it was shafted back then after such a polished mix...


No, it was definitely done in Murchison Street when the brothers were doing stuff, some of which ended up on Before and After, in which Neil's backing vocals feature very prominently. This prompts me to ask why on earth should you expect it to be so in this? I actually think it makes a pleasant change for stuff recorded during that time to actually have Tim's voice at the fore.
Secret God (Stew)Secret God (Stew)Addicted
Cheers... appreciate all that information.
quote:
Originally posted by mummakook:
I thought it would have been recorded when he played at the Cactus Cafe on February 19, 2008. Failing that it would have been during his previous time in the US where he did a lot of small radio promos, namely May 2007.
The linear notes say "early 2008" so I'm guessing the date you specified must be the correct one... thanx. I like to sort all the live material I've acquired by exact date if I can.

Didn't realise I missed the discussion about Rock N Roll Girl... thought I read right thru this thread! Makes sense now!
quote:
It was a b-side for What You've Done. Offhand I think it was done around 2001.
Ah yes it was on that EP... didn't think to check that with Wikipedia! Guess (as the linear notes say) it was recorded in either 1998 or 1999 but held back until the What You've Done EP in 2001...
quote:
Pulled it All Down was part of Tim's submission to his local Council to help save the old theatre there. It probably wasn't recorded as part of any sessions per-se.
Don't suppose you'd know when it was recorded though? Anyone remember when the theater was pulled down?

Regarding Throw Your Arms Around Me, I actually meant to say it sounds like the B&A album, not the TF album... got the album titles moxed up for a second there... my mistake! I'm actually quite happy to hear a Neil/Tim collaboration with Tim taking the lead vocals to tell you the truth. Makes for a change. Plus there's already enough Neil versions of the song!

Thanks heaps for your answers mummakook.
mummakookmummakookSecret God
quote:
Thanks heaps for your answers mummakook.
No worries, good to know that even when I'm working totally on memory I can freak myself with my knowledge!

quote:
Guess (as the linear notes say) it was recorded in either 1998 or 1999 but held back until the What You've Done EP in 2001...

Definitely 1999 then I think. I actually almost wrote that in my original post because it was sticking in my head as well, but didn't know if it made much sense for me to say 2001 or 1999.


quote:
Don't suppose you'd know when[/i] it was recorded though? Anyone remember when the theater was pulled down?


I'm pleased to report that the theatre the submission was done for was actually saved and is now all refurbished should be well and truly operational again (every time I was there in 2006 the opening date kept getting pushed back and I've been too busy or preoccupied to check it to check it out the last few times I've been there).

The theatre mentioned in the song was actually His Majesty's Theatre in downtown Auckland (where Split Enz had played in the early-mid 70s), which was pulled down in 1988, met by much anger.

Now from memory again the submission was made during the first half of 2006, and I seem to recall reading somewhere that Tim hadn't really rehearsed the song or anything. Listening to the rarities version one almost wonders if that was the time he sang it to the Council, which would be pretty cool. Whatever the case I think it'd be safe to say that it's a 2006 recording, because I don't think he did anything more on it after IK was in the making.
HeartlandHeartlandSomething So Strong
I'm a sucker for the rare/unreleased stuff, currently awaiting my club disc.

On the subject of unreleased I've got a Tim disc called "Still Life Demos" the track list is

Funny way
Dont break down
Hes in love
Secret heart
Things i never had
Try something
walk you home
Hardly here at all
Persuasion
Hit the ground running
One side only

Wondered if anyone "in the know" could give me a bit more info on these sessions and do you think these might see an official release at any point now that Tim is releasing some of his demos.

Andy
G gryphonmr
Thought I'd respond to a few things mentioned here, sorry we have been away for the month.

A big thank you to the two people who actually emailed me and ASKED about the costs before lynching us on line (appreciated).

1/ no this was never ever mentioned as club only release. The club was to get 100 and most went out to members who live in fairly remote areas (and some net free). Example two copies have now gone to India which is great, China, Russia etc.
If something is a club ONLY release it will say CLUB ONLY.

2/ Costing has been a problem on this for us for two reasons. 1/ the stock has to be flown in Express. As the majority of fans who sent in their sheets before we went away for the month had their copies mailed out before we left (the mail out date was Aug 22nd- we sent them on July 21st-stayed up till 4.00 in the morning getting these done). Obviously if sheets came in after we left they couldn't be sent and really it DID say on the original VIP email that they were going out August 22nd...because we were away so Flagmeister etc if you would of read our original email where it said the 22nd you wouldn't needed to post of the 9th!!!

We also had to pay tax, overseas postage (registered or card confirmation) cd mailers etc. You'll find that USA Express and Aussie Post did very well from this.

The 100 for the club have to be purchased from Tim, we are not the people getting these done ourselves (and it was never mentioned that the club was) so obviously it's not at cost.

It's just one of those things and there is no way around it. My main concern was to get as many out before we left- and all forms that arrived before we left were taken care of (except for 2 who didn't tick what they were ordering). The rest were done when we returned, the latest 2 days after the date we said.

Even now I honestly have no idea how many copies Tim had done but I'm assuming the run is VERY small. Tim's Myspace area has had around 177,000 visitors so you'd like to think that the one off run has or will run out fast.

When we did the VIP email we only knew that some were possibly being sold at some US shows. We had very little other info (even the cds existence was only known to us 2 days before).
Whatever price Tim wishes to sell his CDs for really is up to him. The rpice for this will probably vary- IF there is stock left and sold at venues depending on %'s I'm sure the price will be different at a few of those too.

We have to take in all the costs (previously mentioned) and yes it sucks that the postal/express service makes the bulk but there is no other option. Some things are out of our hands.

Yes Texas Rose we had little warning, 2 days before the VIP. My main aim was for fans to get the email before we left as we knew we only had the 100 and I was more concerned people would miss out if we sent something when we returned a month later.

Message Girl, you seem to forget that when Tim s signed copy was mentioned through the club there was never even any talk of any bonus copy of Imaginary Kingdom- it didn't exist. The club mentions an item, tells you what it is. If there is a bonus (like Luton) we mention it. I'm not sure how we were suppose to mention a bonus edition Imaginary Kingdom when at the time there wasn't one or one being discussed- I'm sorry thats incredibly unfair.

Anyway the two fans that emailed me on this- thanks.

Really appreciated.

Gryph
L lambSomething So Strong
quote:
Originally posted by gryphon:
As the majority of fans who sent in their sheets before we went away for the month had their copies mailed out before we left (the mail out date was Aug 22nd- we sent them on July 21st-stayed up till 4.00 in the morning getting these done).
Wow, then you sent more than a few. Big thanks for your efforts Gryph!
G gryphonmr
Yeah pretty much most of the ones that arrived before we left- it actually takes awhile to package even 50 cds- as we log everything in, fill in those green customs forms and john hoWARds silly anti terrorist orange stickers (how many terrorists are honestly going to fill in 'contents a bomb' on the green form?) *GRIN*.

Just wanted to get as many out to exotic locations before we flew out and a month early for most was a positive thing.

Gryph.
PH Paul HAddicted
Gryph, I appreciate everything you do for us and am always happy to shout your praises from the rooftops but you must appreciate that fans who ordered something from Tim's fan club and then found that Tim himself was selling the same item at half price would be a little upset by that.

Maybe it was just unfortunate timing, or that you didn't have full details but then, I'd respectfully wonder why - if you knew you were guaranteed 50 CDs - you didn't check with Tim what his other release plans were for the CD. That way you could have made it clear on the VIP email that the CD would also get a full release.

I think it's a given that a CD would usually be available from other sources as well but in this case - a privately pressed CD of Rarities - its reasonable to expect fans to think it was more like a fan club CD than Tim's new album. That, at least, was how I interpreted your email. Which is why I was dismayed to find it available on Tim's website at half the price.

Remember though, we still love ya and appreciate all you do for us Smiler
G gryphonmr
No Paul we always say if it's a Club Only release, always have, always will. In 28 years can anyone name one item where this was not the case? The exception being 'X" amount of I Like It Rare cds which we allow for Frenz.com to make some $ to cover running costs. But if we are lucky for an item to be club only it's mentioned as such. Assuming something doesn't always mean it is so, especially where it never said it was.
LUTON (2 cd) is the perfect example where we said it was club only (issue #70).

If it was a privately pressed CD (not cdr) of rarities it would actually cost a LOT more especially if it was 50 like you said.I can't imagine any pressing company being cheap for a run of 50 Paul, as I think the smallest stock run would be at least 250.

No Tim was in rehearsals all we knew was we had 100- to be honest I expected the small amount of remaining stock to be used on parts of the US tour (but that was an assumption)as I couldn't imagine Tim touring without something. From what I'm gathering (from the emails we have been receiving) people have been missing out on it at shows as the few they have go fast. So I'm assuming it is a very small run.

With only a short time to do this before we left for a month it was added to the VIP, and from memory that was only like 2 days.

Nothing new to add that's just how it is, costs are costs it's something we can not avoid. We were told the price to get them here via Express so we could mail out whatever we could before we left. We were told the tax price and the registered price, and cd mailer price.

It's a bit repetitive and to be honest there is nothing new I can add.

Whatever Tim and management decide to do with any of their product is truly up to them, sometimes items are given away, some added to other albums, some as bonus's, some discounted because there is remaining stock, some more if there is another pressing and it goes into stores. It's an area where we have zero say, and many times unaware. If they reduce the price towards the end of the tour or increase it I can't tell you.

End of the day we do the best we can BUT costs have to be included. It's something we can't escape and whatever info we are given is all we can add especially in this case. The club runs on a shoe string and the costs have to be part of it.

gryph
PH Paul HAddicted
Gryph:

1. I'd like to apologize to you for posting my grievance on the board rather than emailing you. I only discovered that the CD was being issued by Tim as well once you were on holiday and first, I wanted to be sure it wasn't just me who misinterpreted this (which it wasn't) and second, I also knew you'd return to a thousand emails and didn't want my rant to be among them.

2. It appears that I'm not the only one who mistook this for a fan club only release so, while I accept your comment that fan club only releases are ALWAYS listed as such, if I'm not the only one who misunderstood, I'd respectfully ask if you could make it more explicit in future?

3. I think you misunderstood my comment about a private pressing. I didn't say that a private pressing of 50 copies was made; I said that the release was a private one (no record company involvement as far as I can see: no label, no catalogue number etc) and that the fan club were given 50 (I think it was actually 100) copies. The combination of it not being an "official" release that you can buy in the shops, it being a CD of Rarities and there being only 100 for the fan club led me to assume it was a fan club only. As you say though, you never said it was.

I'm happy to have bought the item through the club because I know you need as much support to keep it going as possible (and I make complaints with a very heavy heart). I'm always happy and keen to support the club and will continue to do so.

Finally, I accept that the cost issue isn't your fault. I wasn't even looking to lay blame anywhere. I just wanted to express disappointment at the (much) higher cost (you'd hope that the fan club - being in the unique position it is - would be able to offer discounts on this kind of stuff (!) but obviously you're not able to do that) and wondered if anyone else felt the same.

No hard feelings, Gryph, and - as I say - no criticism is attached to you.
G gryphonmr
Paul
no it was the only thing that actually upset me that people didn't email. Even being away we still always reply when we return (or even check mail at freaky flyer locations). I'd prefer a rant to be amongst the mail then not. Rants are both appreciated and in some case warranted. keeps me on my game (:

Probably about 8-10 people of the 100+ read it wrong. All people have to do is read the email, if it doesn't say CLUB ONLY it usually means it isn't. It's really that simple. I can understand the mistake but fans should read what we send out. In this case 90+% got read it correctly. It happens, people assume, people have no idea about costings but just ASK if concerned, angry or curious!

The thing is on this one, the post office and express freight make the money. The club is just above square on this and other items like the Enz book, Phil Judds cd we actually do it for the fans (or in Phils case the artist and the music). Once we take out the costs the club is just above the breaking even mark. Which is also fine because for us I'd rather break even and for example get Phils music out to the masses or let the fans have a cool book like the Enz one. Yes you've always been supportive in many areas and that's always appreciated (god hundreds of you guys have), like to think it's a two way street with the fans and the club gives stuff back- whether it's info etc etc.

Items like the I Like It Rare cds where band members have generously donated songs are an item that does help the club and to a lesser extent Frenz.com , so yeah some things do others are done for the fans. My main goal around the TF rarity was that fans had a chance, and remember a lot don't have the net or even check Tim's site so they got to grab a copy.

Costs always kill us, even the club itself, while we go out of our way to keep yearly membership down (remember we have had only 2 maybe 3 price rises in 28 years) other areas we just have to include all the extra costs.

Some are hidden areas, (for example) the upcoming Mental Notes, the stock and covers almost qualify for frequent flyer points as they are zoomed around the globe so much for people to sign. Australia Post too, especially on overseas parcels is really horrid as now even length comes into play when mailing, so for example mailing poster is a cost nightmare and makes those sorts of things probably out of the question.

I guess my main point was that (some) people were so happy to jump and assume the worst where it could of simply taken an email.

Anyway appreciate your response. this subject is probably quite boring now (sorry) but good for folks to get our side too.

Cheers
Gryph
M melbournianSomething So Strong
What I want to know is, how did Tim Finn come to be working with Regurgitator? I was quite thrilled when I learnt that, Regurgitator were my first introduction to music outside of the top 40 pap being played in radio land in the late 90s. I was just listening to '...Art' last night and reminiscing about being a disaffected young high schooler Smiler
SS Steve ShealyAddicted
Originally Posted by Budbudabuddha:
Originally Posted by David Goldsmith:
I also read recently of something called "The Tunnel" recorded at the "Tim Finn" sesssions - could you dig that one out Tim?
HI! Do you know  something by now about this demo "The Tunnel" you mentioned years ago? I'm just trying to complete my Tim catalogue.
 
Good luck trying to complete your Tim catalogue. Every time I track down one, two more I've never heard of pop up! (Though I do thank you very much for the "Lady of the Moon" tracks  !)

 

 

Add Reply

Post
    All times London, UK.

    ©1998-Eternity, Frenz.com. All post content is the copyrighted work of the person who wrote it. Please don't copy, reproduce, or publish anything you see written here without the author's permission.

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Advanced Search
Advanced Search
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires a premium membership.

VIP

Well, right now, I'm not sure what extra perks we can offer. So I'll use "premium memberships" as an opportunity to let fans easily donate to the site. You will be charged $20 every 6 months. The software company who gives us the forum keeps $6, and gives us $14. This forum software won't let us charge less than $40/year... sorry! This is the equivalent of about $3 per month. So little for something SO cool that we're always improving. Cancel any time to not be charged again. All donations are appreciated! You can also PayPal any amount to webmaster@frenz.com. Many thanks for your support these 14+ years of this discussion forum!
$20.00 per 6 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×