the chills c/d?

Anyone else like the sound of Brave Words by the Chills?
POO: The Chills

(I thought this might be some kind of gag...)

CLASSIC!!!!

Soft Bomb was actually a pretty big disappointment. Sunburnt is a "Martin Phillips" album; Justin Harwood had already left to join Luna by then. (but it wasn't that good either).

I liked the BOX (glad the HPH B-side turned up on there because the 7" was sold out the first day of release! Well, truth is I saw that beautiful blue slab but I ain't had no $ that day and it was gone the next day) but Sub Bells was IT, all the beauty, the "understated majesty" and no raggedy ass production neitha.

A perfect album. It is quite possibly in my actual top 10 for life. (Those damn Trane albums are hard to get out of there though!)

Hang on.... 33 1/3 on the line?? (OK, I'll do it...)

Submarine Bells is gorgeous (also because of its 'warm' production), at the time it totally blew me away. Apart from thrilling perfect pop/rock songs like Heavenly Pop Hit, The Oncoming Day and Familarity Breeds Contempt it's filled with yearning, melancholy and lost love: I SOAR, Don't Be - Memory, Part Past Part Fiction, Effloresce and Deliquesce, the title track...

Funny, I started the weekend earlier today with The Lost EP. A strong little record with some great tracks

whoever just paid $311 for the secret box on ebay would probably say "classic."

In 1992, I found some discount store in NYC that had a few boxes of "Submarine Bells" cassettes for like 20 cents apiece. Bought 'em all and gave 'em to friends for years.

"Martin Phillips, the man behind NZ indie pop legends the Chills, has been caught shoplifting in Dunedin. "Recently in a stupid and low frame of mind, I pocketed some banana milk and cheese at my local supermarket and, of course, I got caught!" he wrote in a recent message to fans on his website. "No excuses! It was just stupid. I'm fully aware that I'm not the only person who struggles a bit to make ends meet and most people don't resort to petty theft - especially when they're 41! Aaaagh!" Phillips' shoplifting was big news in New Zealand, making the front page of the local paper as well as radio and TV. On the upside, Phillips says a new Chills album, Silver Bullets, is due in 2005, along with a tour of the US, Europe and Australia midyear."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ep9RdU60GlM

I Love My Leather Jacket

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VKWkK1tJxdw

Satin Doll

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ht4adK_DJvI

Liberty Or Love

http://youtube.com/watch?v=f9YcUgvAqxY

Wet Blanket

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BOvRTcTLvAM

Heavenly Pop Hit

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ite_aYNLZus

Brave Words

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rR14a4ub9TI

Part Past Part Fiction

http://youtube.com/watch?v=70Tf8GkUt_c

Also, they were very, very classic. May still be, though I have my doubts.

It's "MALE MONSTER FROM THE ID" OH MY GOD...

MY VINYL CAN'T BE FAR OFF NOW...AT LEAST I'VE GOT MY VINYL...

Blue Orchids had the reverse hit rate.

No, I understand what is meant by a Chills success rate and I'm glad someone brought that up, actually. But still...man they were head and shoulders above the Blue Orchids.

Kinda surprised by the love for Brave Words here, to me it's a big drop off from Kaleidoscope World.

brave words is so classic. 'night of chill blue' may be their best song ever. then there is 'rain', 'look for the good in others', 'creep', 'brave words', 'wet blanket'(the only good version of this song), 'dark carnival', 'house with one hundered rooms', 'push', etc, it is all just about perfect.

Yeah, Brave Words is pretty U&K, even though I prefer Submarine Bells.

Title track from Submarine Bells still brings me to tears.

Just saw Martin open for the New Pornographers here in Wellington a few weeks back. Acoustic, but still has that great voice. He suggested he'd be back with a proper band.

Kaleidsocope World wasn't produced very well, as I recall. I still have the vinyl. I dunno, The Chills for me are a truly great band that somehow ended up lost to the mists of my teenage years. I still never really feel comfortable returning to them. But I've got over the same kinds of feelings about Chameleons, so maybe Chills is next in line, who knows?

You mean "Brave Words" wasn't produced very well, don't you? 'Cuz it wasn't.

The production on Brave Words (courtesy Mayo Thompson, I believe) is pretty thin-sounding, but in many ways I prefer it to the more lush sound of the later albums. The songs, in and of themselves, shine through.

I've still got the Kaleidoscope World album on vinyl! God loves me!

Pink Frost could melt a good section of under 25 year olds in this day and age, I'd reckon.

Dan Savage will back me up, I think.

I mean Dan Selzer...shit. I used to get those names confused. I'm sorry.

That's ok. I like Dan Savage.

The Chills were great. Brave Words is underrated.

Gosh thanks for forgiving me for that Dan. That was a problem for me for several years.

God, Submarine Bells is just perfect.

otm.

I paid too much for the lp a whiles ago, don't think I've listened to it yet, will now.

i think there was a 7 inch w/it too?

kaleidoscope world came with a bonus 45, is that the one you're thinking of?

was jamming out to a bit of heavenly pop hits myself this w/e

pretty sure it's submarine bells, i think the guy i bought it off might've just chucked it in with it. will look tonight.

just put on brave words. classic!

pssst

thankig u

Allegedly, Martin will have something new out soon-ish. I've heard that before, though. Sad about his career arc (or lack thereof) this decade. So much talent in that man.

Man, almost a year and nothing. Anyone have any scoop on what Martin is up to?

played a bunch o' gigs in australia a couple of weeks ago. still got it, though the mix was atrocious. i think they've got a new EP out too?

Hmm haven't heard anything, and there's nothing on here: Chills Official Discography but I may be out of touch.

they definitely had something recent at the merch stand, but it might well have been that 'stand by' EP as i didn't look that closely

In off-topic but slightly related news, Die Die Die have signed to Flying Nun today.

Nice!

http://www.clashmusic.com/news/listen-brand-new-material-from-the-chills

was not expecting this! his voice sounds pretty good.

guitars chime pleasantly too, nothing earth shattering and no "Pink Frost", but then what is?

Pretty much sounds like the Chills! I wonder if this means he's ...cleaned up? Dealt with his depression?

I'm excited -- hoping for a tour!

Why in all the press for the new track are they saying it's the first new Chills music since 1996? The Stand By mini-LP came out in 2004. Does that not count as an official Chills release for some reason I've not heard about?

News on the new album:

http://www.emusic.com/17dots/2013/08/29/exclusive-the-chills-announce-new-album-pre-order-fire-records-signing-share-new-song/

Err, meant to post this link instead:

http://www.firerecords.com/site/index.php?page=release&releaseid=01022

Aw, you got me excited for new material. A live album will be nice and all but I want me some fresh meat!

Yes. More new songs please. Its only been a million years.

Just listened to "Sunburnt" and "Stand By" for the first time in years - both weaker than I remember. The overly busy and loud keyboards on "Sunburnt" hurt many of the songs, though it does have some killer cuts like "Come Home" and the title track. "Stand By" has full-band versions of some of the demos that were released on "Sketchbook" and I prefer the demos.

Still hoping for one helluva comeback from Martin! "Molten Gold" was good.

that recent BBC sessions disc is fantastic. hadn't heard those before...

They were part of the "Secret Box" set, have you heard that Tyler?

i haven't... aside from the first few albums, i'm not super knowledgable.

yikes, looking at the prices it goes for on discogs i should have hung onto that thing (and sold it now!)

i taped that last john peel session off the radio when it was broadcast originally. so good, and it's great to hear it again!

some little known live phillipps on this playing with mike dooley ex-enemy/toy love/hundred dollar band

^possibly still floating around on slsk

Spoke to Martin Phillipps last year – interview here

so, reading that his habit corresponds to when his record collection started showing up in the used bins around town... i did wonder. wouldn't have guessed he was such a zappa fan to be honest.

How do you know it was his stuff?

One time I met him and showed him what I had just bought and he said, "I want that." He loved collecting music as much as making it.

he has the dastardly habit of writing his name on the cover/label, even down to how much he paid for them in the case of the copy of the byrd's younger than yesterday that i have :-/

and yeah, no question he's a massive music fan

oh man, that makes me sad

sorry for bring things down :-(
gonna feel a twinge of guilt whenever i listen to it now

i was a huge fan from the first time i heard "Pink Frost" on, saw em live several times in that '85-92ish period (I think at the Knitting Factory on Halloween night, maybe '88?). Sorry to hear about MP's spiral, hope he makes the best of it henceforth.

So this exists now. Apparently there is finally a new LP due soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5LmGoGIfao

Ah! There is. It's called Silver Bullets and it comes out at the end of October.

Is this out now? I've seen reviews ...

One more week.

Streaming at The Guardian... http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/oct/23/the-chills-comeback-album-silver-bullets-listen

Just saw this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO3VkSNf40k

one of a few bands like Wire, Eleventh Dream Day, quietly putting out really good new albums

I top tenned this record. I love the guitar tunes and Philipps reengaging with the world, sometimes awkwardly.

Playing NYC Popfest next month, also Jersey City on May 23.

http://www.nycpopfest.org/line-up.htm

http://montyhall.ticketfly.com/

Thank you!! Very psyched about this. As a Hoboken resident I always cherish JC shows of bands I love.

https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1161455?_ga=1.166828861.20190485.1460733601&__utma=1.192415764.1460733601.1460733601.1460733601.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1460733601&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1460733601.1.1.utmcsr=ilxor.com|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/ILX/ThreadSelectedControllerServlet&__utmv=-&__utmk=223477019

^ why is ilxor.com in this url?

world(wideweb) domination

Morbius posts ticket link on ILX thread

Evan clicks on ticket link on ILX thread

Evan is bemused that ticket website shows him as having been referred from ILX thread

I was surprised that it tracked referrals so well. I didn't think it would trace an indirect path, since the link I posted is for tickets to the show and Morbs posted the homepage. What do I know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uC03bIYDcc

anyone go to the nyc/nj shows?

Yeah, I went to both. Were you there?

how were they?

Fantastic! Heavy on new material, though they played Pink Frost, Kaleidoscope World, I Love My Leather Jacket, Heavenly Pop Hit etc. Sound balance was a bit better at Monty Hall, partly due to the fully carpeted room I'm sure. They even had a new song called Easy Peasy that they haven't recorded yet, so more Chills material is on its way it seems.

There's a documentary in preparation for which a kickstarter campaign is currently running: https://www.thewire.co.uk/news/48071/documentary-on-new-zealand-group-the-chills-set-for-release-in-2019

Late last year, we were filming with The Chills lead singer Martin Phillipps when he was informed he had a 30% chance of dying within six to twelve months if he did not make substantial lifestyle changes. His subsequent decision to reconcile with the world and confront past mistakes has provided the foundation for a compelling and dramatic documentary narrative.

Anyone know what that actually means? I know he's been battling Hep C for years. :-(

Heroin I assume.

Both, I think. Heroin then hep.

Hey, how is Chris Knox doing?

New album Snow Bound out in September. Yay! I've barely gotten over how great Silver Bullets is.

What's the latest on the documentary and Martin's health?

this is the most recent news i could find about martin's health - https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/92358051/The-Chills-dying-frontman-Martin-Phillipps-is-given-miracle-reprieve-from-Hepatitis-C?rm=m

Two tracks posted so far on Soundcloud and they're sounding good!Two albums in three years, what's going on? It's very unlike Martin.

https://pitchfork.com/news/the-chills-announce-new-album-share-two-songs-listen/

Phillipps contracted the virus after he and a friend had been getting high. The friend left one of their used syringes in a paper bag that Phillipps picked up. The needle pricked him and spread the virus, he said.

Oh, come on. Good to hear he's getting help and/or getting a little better, though. That last Chills albums was great, a proper return to form.

I saw him play in a record store here last year; seemed alright.

boy, is this new album good!

This one and the last one!

oh yeah. picked it up for a road trip yesterday, what a delight. this has been one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time.

so good I spilled hot sauce on the sleeve :(

Yeah it's a fine treat of an album. Really nice to see that Martin has simply and (hopefully) easily found a really classic groove again.

Power chords!

I got it on Friday - it's probably 15 years since I last went into a record shop and bought an album on the day of release. It's a great album. It's very evenly paced, I can't help feel that it's missing a closing 'ballad' like Water Wolves or Submarine Bells. May this late career flourish continue, and when I last saw the band and spoke to Martin he was still adamant that there will be a remixed reissue of Brave Words.

I had a listen today, and something about these competent new albums from 80's underground luminaries makes me sad. I had the same reaction to the 2017 Dream Syndicate album. I think maybe they make me realize that, like Martin Phillipps and Steve Wynn, though I still have some good years ahead of me, I'm no longer 22.

I listened to it today too, for the first time. “Competent” is a good word for it. I liked it as I listened to it but I don’t feel super compelled to go back to if.

ooooo just bought this thanks people

Didn’t wow me on first listen, but it was ok

It's good but not as good as the last one iirc/imo.

The first song's not amazing imo but the rest kills!

Hmm, I find this way better than competent, maybe partly because Silver Bullets showed his full range of talents intact, so this plays as a very deliberate follow-up set of modest pop songs, ambitious in its economy.

xp The first song's lyrics are pretty interesting though. Phillipps still rides the line between storyteller and thinker, so it's hard to tell if he actually has sympathy for ignorant people or is just playing a guy who feels he ought to.

The American tour is on:

19 Feb: The Bellhouse, NY, US
20 Feb: The Middle East, Boston, US
22 Feb: White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, US
23 Feb: Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, US
24 Feb: The Black Cat, Washington, US
26 Feb: Outer Limits Lounge, Detroit, US
27 Feb: The Empty Bottle, Chicago, US
28 Feb: The Turf Club, Minneapolis, US
2 Mar: The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa, US
3 Mar: The Echo, Los Angeles, US
5 Mar: The Catalyst, Santa Cruz US
6 Mar: The Chapel, San Francisco, US
8 Mar: Dante’s, Portland, US
9 Mar: Sunset Tavern, Seattle, US
11-17 Mar: SXSW, Austin TX, US

Great news! Was listening to Snow Bound the other day and thinking I'd never get a chance to see them again, given all Phillipps has been through.

First DC appearance since 1996 last night was a good mix of old and new songs. Phillipps voice was strong and band was helpful instrumentally and with backing vocals

Was that one of the shows with Springhouse? I would've loved to see that lineup but there are different openers by the time they get to my city.

would've liked to go to the Brooklyn show, but I do not pay $30 to see bands anymore. (the Mekons perhaps)

great to hear band is getting good reception -last time I saw them the songs still held up but the backing group assembled by Phillips detracted from the songs because they sounded so flavourless - like cardboard cutouts trying too hard to get everything right -maybe they have gotten better

I am seeing them tomorrow night, which might be the first time they've been in Chicago since 1996, similar to DC. I was at that show in 1996, possibly and probably at lounge ax, and I remember being really disappointed. but I'm looking forward to tomorrow because I hear the current band and Martin are doing great.

Was that one of the shows with Springhouse? I would've loved to see that lineup but there are different openers by the time they get to my city.

― geoffreyess, Tuesday, February 26, 2019 12:21 AM (nine hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Springhouse opened at the Jersey City show. Great show! The other opener... well he seemed nice and was dong his best.

Very much looking forward to Chicago show - last two records have been really good!

Springhouse did a temporary reunion and played the DC, Philly, and another show or 2. They have Jack Rabid, the longtime Big Takeover editor on drums. I liked them better than other opener Brion Starr’s Bowie/Reed/T Rex homage.

I first saw Chills in 90. Missed the 96 tour. This latest DC Show was just $20, and with no service charges if you bought the tickets at Black Cat. Onstage in DC, Philipps grumbled that Warner Brothers won’t reissue the Chills releases on that label.

Yeah Brion Starr is who I was referring to. Seems to worship those acts you've listed and was definitely putting in a great effort; I just feel like he didn't really have any tunes unfortunately.

This thread made me want to listen to Brave Words and it's not on Spotify??

You’re right, that Homestead label release is not on Spotify. A rip is on YouTube now

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0OHc_yqoYr4

Yep, I found it and listened to it....!

sounding great right now, really one of my favorite singers. just gorgeous.

Brion Starr, man. We saw that dude walking around beforehand and thought, huh, he's trying pretty hard. Then we saw him play and we were shocked to see him try even harder. I thought they sounded like Television if, yeah, Television had no tunes.

The Chills were great. Martin made a couple of references to that 1996 tour, which really bummed me out at the time, because it wasn't very good. He's grumbled that that he barely remembered it. Someone asked if it was behind "Sunburnt," and he quipped back "apparently."

He also made note of all the "SB" songs and albums in the Chills arsenal, and not only had I never noticed, he was impressed the crowd thought of more than he had! "Sunburnt." "Submarine Bells." "Soft Bomb." "Snow Bound." "Silver Bullets." "Sketch Book." "Somewhere Beautiful." "Secret Box." "Stand By." And so on.

First time in the states in yonks and I'm out of the country. Don't you hate when that happens?

I'm very happy for Martin's renewal, he'd been out of sorts for so long, to say the least.

The cringe look on his face was great when some punter yelled for 'Submarine Bells' two songs after he had just played it! I thought it was a great show, and I brought my Submarine Bells inner sleeve for Martin to sign, but didn't feel like fighting the crush of mega fans at the end.

One of these bands I never got into. :-( Which is a shame.

Not too late, (as discussed above) Snow Bound from last year is really great. Excited to see them tonight, hope we hear Bite (among many many other songs).

Snow Bound is just about as good as Soft Bomb and Submarine Bells, in its own contemporary way.

I must respectfully disagree. "Snow Bound" is good but the tunes don't linger in my head like stuff from "Soft Bomb" and "Submarine Bells".

I can hum "Time to Atone," "Easy Peazy, "Harmony." Whether you want to is another question.

Well, maybe that's fair, give or take an "America Says Hello." But I think if someone started with "Snow Bound" they wouldn't miss something fundamental about the slick side of the Chills that they would get starting with one of those other big-budget records. Similarly, if most of the songs on "Snow Bound" were dropped on "Soft Bomb" I think they would fit in pretty well, highlight or no.

I will say, apropos of nothing, that "Submarine Bells" is one of the prettiest songs ever written, and it was a surprise and a pleasure to hear it played live.

You know, I was reading an old interview, and while I understand the standard narrative that by the time "Soft Bomb" came out there was just no place for the Chills in the mainstream ..."Out of Time" was one of the biggest albums of the year! Still don't think there was a place for them in the mainstream, but there was clearly more at work. Label fuckupery. HIs accent.

Huh, I knew they were session guys, but I had no idea the rhythm section of "Sunburnt" was Dave Gregory and Dave Mattacks!

"Sunburnt" has some great tunes but overall it's spoiled by poor production.

Lovely set last night here in SF. New songs sounded great, old faves as wonderful as ever. My girlfriend thought "Submarine Bells" was the pinnacle of the show.

appreciate everyone recommending the tour. show last night in PDX was great and what a huge sound.
entire band sounded amazing, especially on the violin tracks.

St. Paul show was wonderful, one of my favorites by anyone ever honestly.

What's the latest on the documentary and Martin's health?

Saw the finished product today as part of Sydney Film Festival (it had been shown at SXSW apparently). These two reviews cover it better than I could, but suffice to say I'd be shocked if any Chills fan didn't enjoy it. There was a quick Q&A afterwards as well with Martin and the director Julia Parnell. The Hep C is cured, it's been over a year since he got the all clear and it hasn't come back.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jun/14/the-chills-review-martin-phillipps-triumph-and-tragedy-told-with-extraordinary-candour
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/dead-man-singing-martin-phillipps-of-the-chills-20190613-p51x8t.html

Plus this interview with Martin and Julia, which may or may not work outside of Australia. https://radio.abc.net.au/programitem/pgOGnAOWE7

Thanks for all of those. I wonder how or if the movie will make its way here?

Well that's some welcome news! Long may Martin make music.

"Song for Randy Newman etc." is of course beautiful, but aside from the piano (I guess?) I've always thought it odd that Phillips would group Randy Newman with Syd Barrett, Brian Wilson, Nick Drake and, er, himself. Like, I guess as a recording artist Newman wasn't exactly topping the charts, but not even compared to those infamously tragic figures Newman was doing pretty well professionally (as he always had) by the time "Soft Bomb" was released. Maybe the '80s were relatively slow? I dunno, I guess I don't see why Phillipps invited him to his pity party.

None of them won an Emmy for Cop Rock, that's for sure.

I'd like to believe Martin Phillipps saw "Cop Rock," felt sorry for Randy Newman, then wrote this song.

The documentary is at last available for digital purchase here in the US

https://firefilms.lnk.to/ChillsFilm

Great!

Hey it's actually sort of hard to verify after poking around... does anyone know if he is still dealing with that grim prognosis on some level?

Last I saw, and it made no longer be current, was that hep c can now be treated. in fact I want to say it might have been pioneering Australian or New Zealand medicine that did it. But if Martin has so much as a sip of alcohol it could be deadly, iirc.

He seemed well and in good health at the show last year.

Oh, for sure, they and he were great live last year.

See I thought the hep c was gone as of 2015 or so, but then sometime later he got that bad prognosis during the filming of the documentary, but this is why I'm asking. I haven't actually seen the film yet.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/92358051/the-chills-dying-front-man-martin-phillipps-is-given-miracle-reprieve-from-hepatitis-c--just-weeks-from-the-end-of-his-final-tour

As Martin Phillipps drove across the North Island as part of The Chills' reunion tour, he received a call to tell him that it would not be his last.

Phillipps, the driving force behind The Chills, had been suffering with Hepatitis C since the 1990s. The virus attacked his liver for almost two decades, and in 2016, the 53-year-old musician was told he had barely a year to live.

The disease, coupled with heavy drinking, had taken its toll on his liver and was now threatening to end his life. "It got to the point where I was warned that even mouthwash with alcohol in it could kill me," he said. But as The Chills made their way to Napier for the latest leg of their 11-stop national tour, Phillipps got the extraordinary call from his doctor to say a New Zealand-pioneered wonder drug named Harvoni, his last line of defence, appeared to be working.

That must have been a heckuva a feeling to be on the receiving end of that phone call.

The doc was really well made. Phillipps seems a tough man to get close to, but that is ironically maybe the movie's hinge.

Hey, new single

https://thechillsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/youre-immortal

gotten to the point that this is one of those threads that scares me every time it's bumped, even though lately it's been good news.

The world's insane BUT new album in April!

https://thechillsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/scatterbrain

A ray of sunshine in this dingy world. Good to see he's not deviating from his album title shtick.

omg! still haven't gotten over the magnificence (and existence) of the last two

something to look forward to!

Is Phillipps actively suppressing Brave Words these days? It remains their only pre-millenial LP I've never seen in the flesh, in any format, a pattern now extended to the conspicuous absence from Spotify and Bandcamp.

pre-millennial, rather.

The Homestead CD used to be legion in the used bins around here

(it's a fantastic album, which I assume they'll re-release once they come up with a conforming title for it)

Haha. That title business is endlessly amusing.

I just found myself praising BW in what must have been one of my earliest posts. I guess I've been using mp3/etc copies for some two decades then. o_O

It's well known that Martin hates the production on Brave Words. I had a chat with him last time I saw the Chills live and he was adamant that he's still going to remix it. I'd be surprised if it resurfaced with the original mix.

I never thought the mix was that bad. In fact I prefer it to the reverb-swamped professionalism of the albums that followed, I wonder if he thinks it just sounded cheap?

loved the Chills so so much. "Pink Frost" one of the great tracks.

― Dr Morbius, Thursday, October 9, 2008 7:41 AM (twelve years ago)

The Homestead CD used to be legion in the used bins around here

― fbclid=fhAZ3l (f. hazel), Friday, January 29, 2021 12:54 AM (twelve hours ago) bookmarkflaglink

was lucky to come across one of those a few years ago. definitely sounds better than the mp3s I had.

I personally don't think Brave Words sounds bad, maybe it was the relationship with Mayo Thompson? Felt had a similiar experience, Lawrence was so disappointed with Thompson's production that he considered throwing the tapes into the Thames.

honor the monolith

I don't really love The Chills right now, I don;t know why I started this thread 13 years ago!

A pretty idiosyncratic selection in the Guardian today:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/15/from-eerie-folk-lullabies-to-bouncy-b-sides-ten-of-the-chills-best-songs

Kiran’s a great follow on Twitter, not surprised she came up with that list.

oh shit, I didn't even realize the new album was out!

The new album's another solid winner.

seems the record store's having trouble keeping it on the shelves! I'll try again in a few days

I love the sequencing of Scatterbrain -- the first half's mortality suite, then the second's return to earthly things, like he's granting permission. We're each alone, and yet.

(it's a fantastic album, which I assume they'll re-release once they come up with a conforming title for it)

― fbclid=fhAZ3l (f. hazel), Friday, January 29, 2021 12:55 AM (seven months ago) bookmarkflaglink

Simply, Brave

Spaceless: Bravewords

He once said it would be Braver Words.

Suave Words

It never ceases to amaze me just how many incredible songs continue to flow from this old school crew of New Zealanders. Just dozens and dozens and dozens.

(I'm including not just Martin Phillipps but David Kilgour, Robert Scott, et al.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUTp4eBokNo

So good.

Chills are playing two shows at City Winery in NY - some inexpensive seats available thanks to a labor day sale.

Weird that their website, or what appears to be their website, doesn't list a Chicago show, but they are coming here as well.

Turns out the upcoming tour is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Soft Bomb, at least according to City Winery's listings. Strange because their website lists it as the "2022 Scatterbrain Storms Tour"

New 3 track EP out on Bandcamp today.

I wish I could muster up some enthusiasm for the last 3 LPs but, while they're fine, it all just blends in my head. Nothing thrilling jumps out at me.

I'm actually not familiar with anything past Soft Bomb - I generally just listen to the three CD's I have: Kaleidoscope World (original CD pressing, not the later one with even more bonus tracks), Submarine Bells and Soft Bomb (which is interesting to hear using Christgau's suggested re-sequencing). Anything else I should check out?

I'd suggest to check/get the expanded Kaleidoscope World as I think that includes The Lost EP, which is essential imo

I don't recall "Sunburnt" being particularly good, but I really like "Silver Bullets" and "Snow Bound," and the new songs were great live. "Scatterbrain" didn't click with me the couple of times I listened to it, so I should go back.

The last two albums are almost as good as their best imo.

Brave Words still their highpoint for me but do people not like it or something? I know it's difficult to find nowadays.

Nothing the band has done is bad, imo, but iirc "Brave Words" was considered a little bit of a letdown after the initial salvo of singles and EPs. And definitely compared to "Submarine Bells."

I also recall a pretty muted reception for Brave Words, but the few songs I've heard from it ("Rain", "Night of Chill Blue") are among their very best. Wish I had snapped up a copy when it was an indie record store mainstay.

The songs are great (Dan Destiny!) but I think there was some issue with the production or mixing?

"Brave Words" was considered a little bit of a letdown after the initial salvo of singles and EPs. And definitely compared to "Submarine Bells."

wow, cannot get my head around this, as somebody for whom "Submarine Bells" was a letdown after "Brave Words," which remains the Chills I come back to.

Yes, it's better than Submarine Bells.

"Brave Words" was considered a little bit of a letdown after the initial salvo of singles and EPs. And definitely compared to "Submarine Bells."

This was definitely true at the time. "Brave Words" is very good, and shows Martin has matured as a songwriter after the punky early singles, but the reception was mixed. "Submarine Bells" was feted in the press and by fans as a major achievement, though personally I feel that "Soft Bomb" is the one that is completely underrated. I almost got into a car accident the first time I heard "Male Monster From The ID" on the radio, so transfixed was I. "Sunburnt" has the keyboards mixed way too high and loud and distract from the solid songwriting ("Come Home" is particularly great, should've been used over a romcom movie montage). "Sketchbook" is a set of demo which is surprisingly good. And it's a pity that "Secret Box" was so limited, it's chock full of brilliance.

Brave Words is my fave too, but I think the production was controversial. I think Martin Phillips himself dislikes it which is why it's hard to get. There's talk of a remix and reissue, which would be interesting.

I really like the production on Brave Words. Yes, it's muddy and muffled but that adds to the mystique as far as I'm concerned. Like Submarine Bells too but Brave Words is one of the top albums of the 80s for me.

I mean given that it came out in the same year as Hüsker Dü's Warehouse album the production doesn't seem too bad. Maybe they were after a pro 80s sound or somesuch, thankfully they picked Mayo Thompson to produce so that was never likely to happen.

Thanks for all the suggestions and yes, they are trying to remix it, but apparently they posted this a year ago:

THE CHILLS - BRAVE WORDS UPDATE

Very good news indeed! We are working with Martin and The Chills on a new reissue of Brave Words. As per Martin's instagram post above, we have most of the original multi-track tapes and these have have been digitised via the Alexander Turnbull Library. Work is underway on these tracks, but we still need to locate the third reel. As Martin says above, we are asking anyone who worked or recorded at The Point Studios, Belgravia, London in the late’80s to have a think and a look around just in case it can be located. We may have gotten to the bottom of this already, but if anyone has any further information please email us enquir✧✧✧@flying✧✧✧.c✧.n✧. Stand by, more release details and other info will be announced in the coming months.

(Anybody know if they ever found that missing reel?)

I should add that post came from Flying Nun. If by some miracle someone has an answer and can help them, the email address is: enquiries AT flyingnun DOT co DOT nz

yea pretty sure Brave Worlds is getting remixed/mastering process as we speak

Speaking of Flying Nun:

https://thirdmanrecords.com/collections/books/products/needles-and-plastic-flying-nun-records-1981-1988-special-edition

The remix is done - coming in 2023

https://www.facebook.com/thechills/posts/pfbid02riVuWeUu1hFzvQcvx5MCmP3Mqa2UhEp74G8pzJUa7v5o5WBMREWHsTK7tSnywRe8l

Excellent show tonight, though I was surprised that the late show was pretty empty compared to the early show.

Apparently they weren't sure what to call the tour, so you can ignore the "30th anniversary of Soft Bomb" label, it's basically a standard "fan favorites + stuff from the latest album" setlist.

Forgot to mention, it sounds like they’re in the process of releasing or recording ‘80s songs that were left on the shelf and they performed one called “Stay Longer” that was a highlight - the instrumental break alone was gorgeous.

Found this long interview with Phillipps for a New Zealand publication that's pretty excellent. They go into the unreleased songs project as well.

https://0800phantom.co.nz/martin-phillipps-chuffed-and-chilled-out/

Q: I notice that you did record an old song, ‘Lost in Space’ that goes back to your early days on that cassette Fire Records issued in 2016, Single-Burger…

A: Yeah, there’s a live version on Secret Box. (A three CD package of rarities, it had two limited press runs of 500 copies each.) Essentially because we didn’t get to record our first album for seven years there are at least two albums of Chills stuff that never got recorded. We’ve been talking seriously about making use of this downtime while we can’t tour overseas, and just nail those old songs one at a time and basically record what would've been the ’82 Chills album and the ’84 one.

I’m hoping that happens, there’s a lot of really good material. There are other things like ‘I Saw Your Silhouette’ and ‘Frozen Fountain’ and ‘Juicy Creaming Soda’, ’Steinlager’ crappy title but I have a different set of lyrics for it and it’s called ‘Stay Longer’. I reckon getting members of the old bands and the new bands together in a good relaxed environment, listen to the tape a few times, learn the songs and bash them out with as much of the old equipment we can find, not dwell on it too much, that would be a dream to finally record those.

Looks like the Chills cancelled their Detroit and Toronto shows due to exhaustion. They flew 16 hours into NYC then played two back-to-back shows the next day, so it's not that surprising. Hopefully Martin's voice will recover in time for Chicago.

Also *cough* http://wilfullyobscure.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-chills-secret-box-1980-2000-2001.html

huh. I was considering seeing them Friday, but had decided to sit this one out.

I see they're playing at Sleeping Village which actually feels like a venue for rock music whereas City Winery in NY is almost too posh and gentile, especially the new location which makes it feel more like a sprawling restaurant on the Hudson that happens to have a stage in the main dining room.

Menus alone couldn't be more different. A ton of beer (Pabst Blue Ribbon on top) vs. lots of fine wines and $30 salads and entrees.

Yeah, Sleeping Village. It's kind of a pain for me to get to.

DC show is at a City Winery that wants to be posh, but is simply overpriced for everything

Do people avoid City Winery because of the expensive menu? I know you don't have to buy anything, but I wonder if people do feel pressured into ordering something off the menu. As mentioned, it's not cheap beers or anything, you can easily spend more on food and wine than the show itself.

I like the City Winery, it's civilized! I don't order alcohol and get one dish and the cost is acceptable.

they played Austin last night it was pretty great... wish more people had turned up because they sounded really good. hope they get to tour again over the next few years so I have to chance to experience some different set lists. a lot of the newer songs sounded better than the classics!

It's been low turnouts (and as a result some bargain ticket promotions - $15 in L.A. IIRC) which is disappointing but I think the tour wasn't publicized well. I didn't even know they were playing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn until I saw a post from someone else who's been following them closely. Unless you're actively following the Chills on social media, it's probably easy to miss word of these shows.

I noted somewhere else I think but that's been another effect of the death of alt weeklies and music journalism in general. no press, no previews, no listings or ads ...

If I didn't have another commitment on the 17th, I'd probably see them again, even if the setlist is likely to be the same. Who knows when they'll fly to the US again.

There are potentially lots of reasons why they may never tour the US again, unfortunately.

Saw them in Tucson on Friday. Not a great crowd, but bigger than I feared it would be. Band seemed in good spirits. Phillipps sounds great, especially for a 60 year old who has been through some significant health issues.

Just saw them in Boston, a fun gig, he's got a great young band that can add violin and trumpet as needed. He was in good spirits, very talkative from the stage but chose not to mingle after the show due to covid concerns. He said next year brings "Braver Words" and an album of old unreleased 80s material recorded by the current lineup.

They're playing tonight in Brooklyn at Baby's All Right. (Seems to have plenty of tickets left too.)

City Winery in Boston was only about half full, unfortunately.

It really is a shame, especially with ticket prices so low. (Tonight's show is only $20.)

On FB I saw someone saying that it was a mistake to have the Chills playing so many City Wineries as that club is less known for having pop rock bands like the Chills. Potential audience doesn't follow their schedule. City Winery wasn't able to reach out to the potential audience and as noted above less alt-weeklies. Younger arts editor of local online alt-weekly near me didn't highlight the show

Bingo. I only knew they were touring from this thread but couldn't make the show. They played a City Winery in DC with poor metro access on like a Monday, I can't imagine the turnout was good.

I'm sure they just went with places like City Winery for the money.

As I hypothesized on a couple of other threads, the death of free weeklies/music journalism/publicity etc. has I suspect taken a huge toll on touring bands. Especially with so many bands touring at once, it's just really hard for the average music goer to know what's going on, or what's worth seeing.

My wife has a co-worker who has taken up regularly going to concerts again, with the catch being she only buys tickets the day-of. She'll decide to see a show, look online and see what she can find, which sounds fun. Of course, if you're a relatively obscure band like the Chills, the odds of getting random concert goers are slim without someone bringing it to your attention.

Apparently Martin and several people in their crew came down with COVID after the opening NY shows, hence the cancellations in Toronto and Detroit due to illness. There was even a chance they'd cancel the entire tour for the same reason, but fortunately they recovered enough to do the remaining shows. Martin apologized for cancelling the Toronto and Detroit dates but said they'll be back - not sure if that means another tour is definite, but they will have a new release to promote fairly soon.

That’s rough, flying from so far and then getting sick.

"Party in My Heart" from the Brave Worlds remix/remaster released today. Comparatively sounds like someone just took a huge pile of dirty clothes away the front of my speakers. Really looking forward to hearing the new version of "Speak for Yourself".

(it's on Spotify)

Brave Words is sounding like a really good record today, via streaming. I doubt I would even have contemplated whether the sound quality was better if not primed by the years of chatter about the mix, but I'm prepared to believe that may be a subtle but significant factor?!? (I only previously had mp3 rips and it was less well imprinted on my brain than most of the early stuff as result, so I am not the best test subject.)

Just streamed the two tracks and it's definitely got more clarity and oomph compared to my CD. I'm probably alone in this but I'm slightly disappointed that it's seemingly not going to get a CD release.

You're not alone, mate.

all the recent new albums have turned up on CD... maybe they'll do it eventually?

I know it's not fashionable but woo hoo 'Brave Words: Spoken Bravely' is getting the 2 CD treatment!

Right there with you, happy to send Martin some dosh.

that's the stuff... will preorder CD and vinyl so they get some cash

Fashionable in my household.

Nice! I was wondering if that would happen. Besides the new mixes, a few "new" songs he was unveiling on the road were really good (basically finishing old songs that he kind of set aside and later included as-is on Secret Box). I imagine they may be included on this new deluxe set. Will definitely spring for it.

For some reason I never bothered with the Chills after "Submarine Bells" so today was the first time I ever heard "Soft Bomb" and my first impression is that it's really not very good at all. It's misleading because it's starts off with "Male Monster From the Id", which is great and sounds like the Chills, thereafter the album sounds like Martin Phillipps and some other people (which is apparently what it was) and there's a dearth of memorable songs. Winds down all the way to "Water Wolves", which is horrible.

Robert Christgau gave a good recommendation for an alternate tracklist. Here's a playlist on Spotify that sets it up.

I heard this for the first time this year, my only picks would be "Ocean Ocean" and "So Long".

Winds down all the way to "Water Wolves", which is horrible.

You wonder why, before enlisting Van Dyke Parks and a big string section, no-one told Phillipps "look, for this song, don't bother". Unless he was thinking that he was Brian Wilson, Scott Walker, Nick Drake and Randy Newman all in one, and wasn't taking advice from anyone.

wasn't taking advice from anyone

Based on the (excellent) documentary, this seems to have been the case. Ego, drugs, a misbegotten belief that the Chills had real commercial potential ...

“double summer” from soft bombis pretty

Yeah Double Summer is one of their best songs you goons.

17 songs is WAY too many songs to have on an album though, unless you're GBV or Wire.

The Chills were in that awkward position of being a great band with a small but dedicated fanbase, but it was probably too indirect to ever cross over to the mainstream so they kind of got caught in the middle. Not unlike like the Replacements, Hüsker Dü and all your other faves in fact.

Missed this - an interview with the producer behind the new Brave Words remix:

http://www.apessimistisneverdisappointed.com/2023/09/it-was-manic-street-preachers-that.html

Weird (or polite?) that that article never mentions Mayo Thompson?