//  More comments on the latest brouhaha.  Plus, a couple of interviews
//  and a couple of interesting collectibles.   - MF


From: Craig Graham (cgraham@together.net>                         
Subject: Re: The Texas Question                                      

I am taking this time to delurk and add a few comments of my own on this "Texas
Question". As I work in the transportation engineering field, and for a state
highway department, I too have also read negative comments in my hometown
newspaper about work done by myself and others. While this is by no means equal
to what Ms. Griffith read, since her work is far more creative than mine, I do
understand how she must feel. But, then again, life is short, and we must let
things like that roll off our backs sometimes. At least she gets to express her
displeasure, unlike me.

I also join with everyone here in wishing her a speedy recovery to her cancer
battle. I am displaying a purple ribbon on my computer for her and others I 
know who have this challenge before them.

Craig

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Barnett, Kimberly" (KBARNET@dhs.state.ia.us>               
Subject: just some thoughts                                          

Hello everyone,

Here I am reading all of these comments on "THE LETTER"  thinking that
all of this kind of BS happens in every kind of business.  I certainly
deal with people that I consider to be stupid idiots with absolutely no
integrity.  I also tend to let them know.  I find that there are many
reasons why we love our Nanci.  The first being that she is honest with
her music and for myself that she displays the qualities of a strong
woman.  I really do not care why she needed to say those things.  I am
glad that she had the strength within herself to do it.  Some times a
gal just has to say what is in her heart and sometimes, it is not very
pretty.  personally when I heard it, I though " GOD BLESS NANCI"   The
gal has some guts!!!

Take Care
Sincerely
Kimberly Barnett

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Avery, Debora" (AveryD@chi.osu.edu>                        
Subject: And now for something completely different . . .            

Well, I could add fuel to the critic fire by sharing the review of the
Newport Festival from Columbus' "Other Paper" in which Petric claims
Joan Baez is a self-serving hasbeen and Nanci is too sappy and basically
no good, but I won't do that.

Instead, I'll report the the eBay auction sight has:

"A rare CD to begin with: Nanci Griffith's Time of Inconvenience
contains one disc with the song and a second disc with an interview
conducted at the time Nanci's album Flyer was released. To make it even
better, it's AUTOGRAPHED!"

The web site URL is
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item;=27872115
But before you get your check books out, let me share this with you:

With 4 days 10 hours to go, the current bid is $104.37 -- and there are
22 people bidding on this one item.  WOW!

Debbie "way too steep for these student's pockets" Avery

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Bill Page" (bpage@scctel.com>                              
Subject: Nanci's pronunciations                                      

Hey, y'all...
Recently there's been discussion about the way Nanci pronounces certain
words in OVToo. While we all know that this is not new, I thought it
interesting to find this note in the archives:
//  I agree with what Ron's saying, but I've come to the conclusion
//  that Nanci does things like this for no conscious reason -- it's
//  just the way she is.  Hey, it might get monotonous if she always
//  sounded the same.  ;-)   - MF
This was January, 96, during a series of posts about Nanci's "little girl"
voice.

Bill "things are more like they are today than they've ever been before"
Page
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Baird, Tim" (TBaird@maysval.com>                           
Subject: Comments about Corcoran, and his comments on Nanci          

I logged onto Westlaw this morning to research Corcoran and his comments
about Nanci over the years in the Austin-American Statesmen.  I searched
for any articles in the paper in which the words "Corcoran" appeared,
along with "Nanci" within 2 words of "Griffith".  Unfortunately, Westlaw
only has the A-AS back to 1995.  Here were the only interesting tidbits:


1. This is an interesting letter someone wrote to the A-AS on April 10,
1997:

"I have read several letters complaining about Michael Corcoran. I
suggest that these people use my method of dealing with distaste for
what he writes: I don't read anything with his byline. I have seen
several stories that I would have been interested in, but did not
read because of the writer. If enough people refuse to read
Corcoran's articles, and if they let the editors know that they are
not reading anything written by him, maybe the Austin
American-Statesman will realize that they are paying thes jerk to
write stuff that nobody reads. I believe that this realization would
prompt Corcoran's employer to fire him and hire a writer with
talent."


2.  I also found this article from June 13, 1996, in which Corcoran
writes about a band called the Gourds:

"Though the mandolin- and accordion-fueled group did covers ranging
from the Drifters' "Save the Last Dance For Me" to a stomping
version of the Pogues' "If I Should Fall From the Grace of God," it
was the original tunes penned by frontmen Kevin Russell and Jimmy
Smith that made the evening memorable. Though neither is an
outstanding singer, they make a great pair, filling in where the other
can't and always showing their many complex melodies. Best proof of this
came
during "Magnolia" and "Sweet Little Love," which offered fans the
chance of seeing these rough-hewn, semi-macho musicians turn angelic
and sweet, like Nanci Griffith in an auto shop T-shirt."

3.  Then I found this letter to the A-AS on April 25, 1996, complaining
about Corcoran:

"Your latest diatribe from Michael Corcoran was titled "They Keep
Making Records: But Why?"  May I be permitted to turn the tables  on Mr.
Corcoran and "review" him?  Let's call my review "He Keeps Getting Jobs
As a Music Critic: But Why?" Anyone who's followed Corcoran's history in

Austin papers (starting with the Chronicle) knows that he is published
because  he is "provocative"; not because he writes well, but because
the amount of  mail he generates (even if it is mostly  negative)
gratifies his publishers because it proves he is being read.

"Corcoran specializes in dissing people  and angering readers. He
has never published a single review which has encouraged me to go out
and buy an album or  see a group. There is no passion for music in
his writing, just a petulance and a  very sad disenchantment with
music.  Now, I ask you: why would anyone take  a job wherein he
spends 90 percent of his time  writing about what he doesn't like?
Well,  the answer lies within Corcoran's own  recent column.

"He states that the reason "has-been  artists" keep releasing
records is that  "they have bills to pay." It's my opinion  that
the only reason he keeps writing  music "reviews" (when he clearly
finds  no pleasure in music anymore) is for the  same reason: he,
too, has bills to pay. It's  pretty clear from his own statements
that he couldn't earn a living doing anything else.

"However, he holds musicians to a  higher standard than writers,
while still  adopting a morally superior attitude.  There's nothing
wrong with being an  acerbic writer who knows how to put a  satirical
spin on something that disgusts  you: even the late Lester Bangs had the
ability as a music critic to dig his fingernails under the skin of pomp
and pretension in a way to make readers laugh,  whether they agreed with
him or not.  But with
recent Corcoran columns like  his latest and the previous "Albums
That Killed Rock & Roll"...and his pathetic self-defense that it is
OK to criticize a live act simply because he couldn't  get a close
enough seat ... it is clear that  Corcoran has no real love for
music, no ability to communicate joy or enthusiasm for the very
subject he is paid to cover.

"As a reader, I do want to be warned  against the phony and crass,
but I also  need to be alerted to the pleasures still to  be found
plentifully in the world of  music.

"....Let him take his own advice to  those "over-the-hill"
musicians: quit his  unfulfilling job and see if he can find  some
other way to make a living. I'm  willing to bet he can't or won't.
That  makes him the ultimate hypocrite.


4.  I also found this from an October 12, 1995 article by Corcoran in
which he reviewed a concert by Maura O'Connell:

"Several vocalists have been called ''a song's best friend," but
no one is as adept at elevating the work of mediocre songwriters as
the Irish-born singer Maura O'Connell, who held a packed Cactus Cafe
audience in the proverbial palm of her hand for two sets, while
bringing heavenly tones to the work of such ordinary talents as Paul
Brady, Nanci Griffith and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

"I've always felt Griffith's ''Trouble In the Fields" is an
insincere mess of knee-jerk compassion and ridiculous reasoning (The
insolvent family farmer suggests selling the new tractor and plowing the
fields manually as a way to make ends meet), but springing from
O'Connell's luscious vocal region, the song grew new wings of meaning."

That's all that I really saw of interest.  But judging from Corcoran's
comment about "Trouble In the Fields," maybe there's some basis for
Nanci's letter-tirade.

Tim.


//  Sounds to me like Corcoran gained new respect for "Trouble" after 
//  hearing O'Connell sing it, and now likes the song.  - MF 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Avery, Debora" (AveryD@chi.osu.edu>                        
Subject: my turn                                                     

I just read the transcript of Nanci's letter (which I found very well
written), and I'm surprised at all the "guff" she's gotten for it.  I've
read more biting letters to the editor in my local newspaper regarding
the overpopulation of cats in the backyard of a woman who feeds birds.
Geez --

This is the kind of thing I expect from the woman who wrote "It's a Hard
Life."

Debbie "what's the big deal?" Avery
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Paul Larsen (paul@davisnet.net>                             
Subject: Interview on MLAC                                           

I just completed listening to the Nanci interview at the Michigan Live
Acoustic Cafe http://www.mlive.com/cafe/.  Wow.  I REALLY love Nanci!
This is evidently the first of two interviews that will be conducted with
her.  The interview focused primarily on OVToo and stories behind the songs
on the album.  I posted a few weeks ago that I felt that this album was
Nanci sharing herself with us.  I stand by my position, and after listening
to this interview, some of the stories are more complete.

The first song they talked about was "Hard Times Come Again no More."  It
was neat to hear her talk of her grandfather's grandfather and how this
tied in with the song.  She then spoke about the making of the song "Like
Desperados Waiting for a Train", sharing anecdotes about people fighting
over who would be the sidekick, how that came out on the album, and who
took that part on Letterman.

The last OVToo song they discussed was "You Were on my Mind."  The quote
associated with the Nanci on the page came from this part of the interview.
 She was asked by the interviewer what song of hers she would like remade
on a future tribute album.  She said that it would be "It's a Hard Life."
They discussed that a bit, then they played that song.  After hearing her
do that song live this spring, I don't think that I will ever hear this
song the same again.  Her comments on this interview were no less powerful,
and the raw power of her voice and convictions again moved me to tears.

Anyhow, I will let you hear the interview for yourselves.  I rather enjoyed
it, and I hope that others will take advantage of it.

Paul "Why are you crying?  Did your computer crash again?" Larsen
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Grissom, Mark" (mgrissom@bechtel.com>                      
Subject: Willie Nelson                                               

Speaking of Texas....anyone heard Willie's new Daniel Lanois-produced CD,
"Teatro"? Emmylou sings backup on most of the cuts and with Daniel's track
record with her and Bob Dylan (and others), this could be a very interesting
work...  Willie seems to respond well to good producers, the one he did with
Don Was was very very good, as well.

SpinyMark in Berkeley
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: david lidz (dlidz@who.net>                                  
Subject: Re: Nanci, Nanci, Nanci ...                                 

ooch -

stings to hold a position in opposition to that of the czar's!!  And I swear, I
 swear, I
SWEAR, after this posting, I'm outta this thread (unless, of course, someone pu
ts up
something that demands a retort...), but for now, Mark is lamenting Nanci's "he
aving
blanket insults at a whole bunch of Texas critics" - well...

...well, politically, pissing off the press is probably a bad move (although, I
 recall
another Texan who thought it was smart - anybody remember George Bush in '92? "
Annoy the
Media - Vote for Bush!"  Course, I guess judging by the election, it WASN'T so
smart...).
But fortunately for us, Nanci is not running for public office, so she doesn't
need to
pander or plot.  She might have come off "petulant and thin-skinned," in my opi
nion, if
she had maybe railed against Texas schoolchildren for buying rap cd's instead o
f OVII, but
for takin' a shot at the press???  Nawww, doesn't pain me, concern me, embarass
 me, OR
make me shudder.  Nope, makes me giggle, chuckle, chortle AND guffaw!!

I am even tempted to remark that my only regret about Nanci's invective is that
 it was
aimed only at  Texas music critics.  Why stop there?  I'd blast the whole damn
institution
for evolving into the corporate-financed, profit-oriented, self-aggrandizing, s
leazy mob
of tabloid trash-spewers they've become (as evidence to the Court, yer honor, I
 present,
OJ, JonBenet, and Monica).  But, I guess I'd be going off-subject if I were to
do that, so
I won't...

But maybe, just maybe, Nanci HAS commented before on the state of the press...

"We're living in the age of communication
Where the only voices heard have money in their hand
Where greed has become a sophistication
And if you ain't got money
You ain't got nothin' in this land"

or maybe I'm reachin' here, and I oughtta shut up now...

bye,
david "I rant you to rant me (?)" lidz
annapolis, md


//  Commenting on the state of the press is one thing.  Attacking several
//  specific writers for possibly having "wrong" opinions is another.  - MF
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Peter A Kaczmarczyk (pkaczmar@indiana.edu>                  
Subject: Re: Nanci, Nanci, Nanci ...                                 

        IMHO she should have kept her criticism of critics and the press
right her in her lyrics, where she is most powerful in her use of language
and imagery and where she is likly to reach a bigger and more receptive
audience. I found her letter way off base, especially in light of the lack
of evedience that these reviews she refers to actually exist, and were I a
new fan I would be turned off by it.

        Peter K.
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Dalpony@aol.com                                             
Subject: Re: Nanci, Nanci, Nanci ...                                 

Hi there.  I'm new to the NanciNet, and what a time to join!  I don't have a
whole lot to add to this debate other than a bit of background on the Dallas
Morning News' treatment of Nanci.  I have found that at least since the Flyer
Tour, it does seem as if the critics for the DMN truly have made it a point to
take personal shots at her.

I recall a feature story on Nanci just before her Fort Worth show in March of
1996.  While the story gave Nanci G. her props, what stuck out most was a
highlighted comment to the effect of Nanci looks like an angel, but in
reality, she's more like "Marcia Clark with an attitude."  The story then
continued (IMO) to portray Nanci as someone who felt as if the world (or at
least Texas) owed her something for ignoring her when less talented acts from
Texas had a smooth road to the big time.

Granted, I suppose you could argue that there is some physical similarity
between the OJ Simpson trial lawyer and Nanci, but given that the fiasco of
that trial was then occuring, I felt then (and now), that this remark was a
cheap shot.  I may be mistaken, but I believe that Corcoran was with the DMN
at the time, & this was his story.

Previous posts have commented on the DMN's shot at the Crickets during the
1997 BRFTM tour, so I won't dwell on that review other than to say the shot at
the Crickets as being a lounge act and Nanci for giving them so much exposure
were also out of line.  This time, I believe Mario Tarradel was the reviewer
and he seems to have continued the pattern established by Corcoran.

Lastly, there is the OVOR2 review.   Par for the course, the DMN chose to take
another opportunity to insult Nanci.  I may be wrong about this, but I seem to
recall that the reviewer (Tarradel again?) made a comment to the effect that
while there were some good points, the album contained way too much in the way
of "filler" music, and that this was perhaps a sign of writer's block on
Nanci's part.  Perhaps I have my reviewer wrong, but whoever made that comment
may indeed suffer from rocks in the brain for that comment.  Did he really
think that Nanci made OVOR2 because she couldn't think of any more songs to
write?  Like her or hate her, one word to describe Nanci's song writing is
PROLIFIC.  Perhaps the poor reviewer can't count to 14..... Anyway, I hope
that gives you good folks a bit of understanding on why Nanci may have finally
had enough of their guff.

On a positive note, I had the chance to catch the Newport FF stop in Chicago
two weeks ago.  To say that Nanci and Rodney Crowell are magic together on I
Still Miss Someone does not do them justice, so I won't even try.  Lastly, for
those of you who still doubt that Nanci can hold her own with anyone, you
should have seen and heard her (& Hooker's) smooth as silk response to the
drunks shouting for them to play Freebird--classic.

Dave Lawson, Dallas, Texas

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Jeremy_Turner@osca.state.mo.us                              
Subject: Nanci on NPR                                                

An interview with Nanci on NPR's All Things Considered was mentioned
recently.  I just wanted to let people know that I just received an e-mail
from NPR's Jonathan Kern who writes that the Nanci interview is scheduled
for Labor Day.

As you know, these things are occasionally shuffled and rescheduled, but I
wanted to pass along the information.

Jeremy Turner
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: "Broyles, Julie A." (JABroyles@lyonlyon.com>                
Subject: Kate Wolf                                                   

I haven't been able to find the Kate Wolf tribute album "Treasures Left
Behind: Remembering Kate Wolf" in stores 'round here  ("the only voices
heard have money in their hands . . . ") (okay, I won't go there - maybe
they were just sold out), but found it available through Kate's webpage
at http://www.katewolf.com/albums/trea.htm.  With Nanci, Emmylou,
Lucinda, Greg Brown, etc. on board there's bound to be some gems in
there - something for everyone!  Can't wait to hear Nanci's take on
"Friend of Mine."  Imagine being honored this way (and having a web page
to boot) so long after departing.

There is a folk festival promoter here in town who also runs a vintage
record store; while I was in there the other day picking up an
autographed Kate Wolf record, he fondly recalled Kate's many trips to
town to perform back in the 70's and 80's.  He said she was a great
'friend of mine,' and when talking about her was still very moved by her
as a person.  It's great her music is living on.

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Mike Chesman (chesman@preferred.com>                        
Subject: Re: And now for something completely different . . .        

Regarding Debbie's post about the Nanci autographed CD on e-bay
Count me out on that one....
The stuff on e-bay goes for at least 2 to 3 times (sometimes even more) then
what I've paid for most items elsewhere.  Bottom line, if your selling
something look at posting on e-bay if your buying something look harder in
other places.

Got to admit though I find it interesting that someone would part with the
aNGel's autograph.

Mike "can you tell I'm broke at the moment" Chesman

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Jennifer Reall (jreall14@earthlink.net>                     
Subject: Barnes & Noble                                              

Disclaimer: I am employed by Barnes & Noble but I'm not trying to sell
anything...really.

Just thought I'd let y'all know that Nanci is one of the four featured
Artists of the Month for October at Barnes & Noble Music Departments across
the US. This means she is on the listening station and thousands of people
who have been living under rocks during the past 20 years will now become
familiar with her. The new book will also be available as soon as it is
released from the publisher which I hear will be within the next 2 weeks.
It will be cross merchandised in the music department as well which isn't a
typical occurrence but for some reason (which we all know but didn't know
the rest of the world knew) a special case is being made for Nanci.

Jennifer "Long Time Lurker, First Time Caller " Reall
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Susan Peete (suepeete@cruzio.com>                           
Subject: Re: Nanci and Maggie                                        

At 07:48 PM 9/1/98 PDT, Todd Barrett wrote:
>What is the situation (as we know it) between Nanci and Maggie?
>I have never heard anything to suggest that they are estranged.
>Details?

Well, details are better left between Nanci and Maggie. But let's just say,
Nanci is pulling away from the PEOPLE who she needs and who need her the
most. And at the worst possible time in their lives. I guess illness can
cause some people to reach out and others to pull away. Maggie for one is
reaching out.

If anyone is missing Little Love Affairs or Storms from your Nanci CD
collection, I know where you can get them at low cost. Check out:
http://www.cruzio.com/~billpeet/MusicByCandlelight


Lighting The Way for Maggie

Susan Peete
suepeete@cruzio.com
http://www.cruzio.com/~billpeet
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: jhouser@accessone.com                                       
Subject: Posting for NanciNet                                        

Hello NN (from a first-time poster)!

I am saddened to hear of Nanci's recent health problems. I am driving from
Seattle to California in September, "conveniently":) timed to coincide with
the Folk Festival in Concord, CA, on the 19th. Of course, any
disappointment if she were to cancel her appearance is irrelevant compared
to the desire that she return to full health. OK, reason 1 for post: If
anyone hears of cancellation plans, I'd certainly welcome an email, though
I'd still go to the show, just with different expectations.

Reason 2: After reading some posts and surfing some sites, it appears there
are some serious collectors out there. I have an item from my
"introduction" to Nanci's music that someone may want as a novelty item. I
happened upon a used copy of OVOR at a used CD store in 1993 and, after
hearing of how wonderful an artist she is, figured I'd check it out. Placed
it in the player to discover that what the disk really was the the greatest
hits of 198X (track 1, a Men at Work tune, was a bit different then I
expected), even though the CD artwork stated OVOR. Anyway, back to the
store to buy a new copy of OVOR, looked at the artwork (the same), placed
it in the player, and heard "Across The Great Divide" (and a fan ever
since). The first disk has collected dust on the shelf (with the occasional
error in putting it into the player when what I really wanted was to hear
Nanci). If any collector wants the disk, email me, my CD shelf could use
the free space. Maybe as a collector, you can tell me if there are some VHS
tapes of Nanci's performances (Sessions, Pops, etc.) floating around out
there.

Take care out there and thanks for a great discussion forum.
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Tacoma684@aol.com                                           
Subject: just not buying it                                          

I've watched the archives for years and appriciate the banter and honest
opinions of alot of people who seem to think the way I do,BUT  this letter
"thing" has brought me out for this one time.
          It looks to me like Nanci is constenly trying to build her own
legend, she manipulates the press with her on again off again carreer,which
never even took a break after her last announcement(which wasn't the first
retirement we heard of), her comparing herself to Texas legends(not that I
don't love her), she certainly doesn't need  this when her achievements are so
plentiful.  Texas is a small part of the world that has for the most part
treated her with love and respect.I for one see this as another  attempt to
grow the legend  but unfortunatly it just going to piss people off who have
supported her through all these years.
    Give me more music,It's really what I came for. Tac
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
From: Michael Hornsby (micru@earthlink.net>                       
Subject: Is this fair?                                               

I joined the list only yesterday and admit that I was quite excited to
learn of it's existence. I have been a Nanci fan for many years and have
been looking forward to learning more from those who have been around. I
have to admit that so far, I couldn't be more disappointed. I am truly
sorry to hear of the illnesses. It sounds like there is tremendous pain
in the lives of Nanci and Maggie and this is good information. After
that, I lose it. What right do any of us have to pass judgement on them?
Does anything that happens make the gifts we have received less valid?
Make no mistake we are here for what we receive from Nanci. I realize
that every entertainer needs their audience but we are here because of
her; because of the beauty,  love, and deep emotions that she makes us
feel. I turn to Nanci and her songs regularly and they in some way help
me through everyday though I never even know it.
I feel more like I have tuned in to Sally Jesse or Jerry Springer than
the fans of Nanci Griffith. No matter what the reason for what she is
doing, it is HER life, not OURS. Let us all hope that when we are in
pain or may not be displaying our best personna or our health is failing
that we don't suffer such condemnation. PEACE, Man
Michael

_________________________________________________________________
 
From: c572559@showme.missouri.edu                                 
Subject: From 'our' distance . . .                                   

Hello all,

I don't mean this unkindly, and I don't mean to disparage Susan's concern
for both NG and Maggie, but I believe that it is at "the worst
possible time" in a person's life that we are unable to judge who or what
she needs.  At the worst possible time in my life, when the loss I
suffered cased me more pain than I thought was possible to feel, I
'disappeared' from my closest relationships for the better part of a year,
that was the only way I could survive.  It was less a choice than an
instinct for self-preservation, and the only option left for me.  Very few
people in my life understaood my reactions, and there was no way I could
explain my 'disappearance' to them, either.  I also felt no obligation to
explain my life to anyone, either.

I am not trying to map my experiences onto NG's.  From my vantage point, I
don't know WHAT she's doing, much less WHY she's doing it or WHETHER she
ought to be doing it.  I suspect we are all more or less similarly ignorant.
My point is that in what must be an enormously trying and difficult time
for her, who the bloody hell are any of us for presuming to know how she
ought to react to the challenges she faces, from wars with critics to
cancer to relationships to touring?   I'm not saying that NG should "reach
out" to others just now, just as I am not saying that she should
"estrange" herself, either.  I'm not saying that NG should turn her anger
at critics into art, just as I'm not saying she shouldn't.  I'm trying to
express a thought similar to that expressed in the film "A River Runs
Through It": "We can love, and do our best to help the ones closest to us,
even though we do not fully understand."

Thom

_________________________________________________________________

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