questions q:I have listened to and enjoyed a lot of your music; why do you not sing your melodies? is there a precedent for this somewhere that i am unaware of? q: you seem to like drinking. do you view this as a positive thing in your life? how's it working out for you? q:Do you know of a good place to see original music in CHICAGO? q:is ther any chance of you keeping up a tour diary next time you go, it is immensley entertaining q:What have you done when you try to fail and then succeed? q:what word fills you with secret satisfaction to say aloud? q:I think a lot could be said about songs you've covered, why they were chosen, and also songs of yours that have been covered. Most importantly though is the way you cover your own songs (they often have a completely new guise when played live). So are you of the school of thought that the song/art piece is never complete? That it is always evolving/morphing? That Ohio Riverboat song may get another update in a couple of generations time? q: Do you smoke weed? q: Do you like Godspeed You Black Emperor, or do you think that they are a bunch of pretentious Gorecki rip-offs? q:why are you so bitter about björk's show ? q:what do you think the song "hybrid moments" is about? q:I am teaching myself keyboad and guitar. I feel that I have a good ear. I am 34 years old and consider music to be good therapy. What I would like to know is some pointers on how to be better disciplined with practice and to keep my fingers from getting tied up together when playing. q:do you remember things? q:I was crushed that I had to miss your show in Tucson this past April. A couple of friends were in town and were dying to go down to Mexico. How do you like the city? Will you come back? q:My question, should you choose to answer it: Has the beard drawn more women or repelled them? q:Your brother Ned and I were born on the exact same day, March 4th 1968. What is your birthday? q:Also wondering what does one do if he has no place to swim? q:did you see mars? did you, like me, feel it as well? driving fast, swearing and shouting, laughing at noisy harleys? any emotional tremors from the god-of-war? q:have you ever read 'Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees: A Life of Contemporary Artist Robert Irwin' by Lawrence Weschler? q:Do you ever go sailing, or just surf? Where do you sail? Ever read "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum? q:Do you read comics? I saw the Dame Darcy thing in your diary. Do you know the work of Dave Cooper? q:can i make some beats with you on my sp1200? q:is there hope for those in small towns? q:Do you have copies of all your releases? Or are there some that go out of print or disappear before you have a chance to keep one for yourself? q:Is all life what could have been? q:i saw thirteen recently as well. i was really blown away by it. knowing of course that you are not 13 nor a girl do you think a film like this could actually help improve communication between teenagers and their parents if they saw it together? q:I was meaning to ask you this since i've found your "journal". Why are you going to erase it? q:More broadly, have you ever met or wanted to work with those whose work you admired or has possibly influenced you? Or do you prefer to keep your distance? q:What, if anything, inspired The Weaker Soldier? q:Have you read Allan C. Weisbecker's "In Search Of Captain Zero"? q:what poetry do you read? any modern american poetry in particular? q:also, cause everybody's got one, what's your favorite bob motherfuckin dylan album? Q:Are you reponsible for the rarity of your recordings? Are you following a kind of ideology? For instance one ideology I have is I can't use 7-eleven because I feel things are too convenient all the time. q:Did you see Urinetown? I haven't yet, but I'm going on Sunday. q:Have you ever read The Unbearable Lightness of Being or anything by Milan Kundera? Your thoughts if you have, please. q:Have you ever listened to any Patty Griffin? Again your thoughts if you have, please. q:Your brothers band Anomoanon was here in Rhode Island at AS220 last week, I think. Do you have any plans to visit or play any time in the near or distant future? q:Does anything ever get easier, or does everything remain confusing and often painful, and is that even a bad thing in the first place? q:You looking forward to London? What do you get up to in this place when you're not playing and practising? Got a favourite part of town? q:In Ft. Collins, CO you played a great song called Barcelona.What album is that off of? q:Is the song that you've been playing live with the "I go down on her" and "she goes down on me" lyrics a new one? If not, what album is that off of? q:Is the aforementioned song about a kind of critique of social/economic classes or am I missing it all together? q:favorite warren oates performance? q:Would you like to play in Big Sur? q:Have you seen Spy Kids: 3-D? q:where is the maya tone now? q:I have seen you perform several (5) times. My favorite show was in Asheville NC with Bob,David,Matt and I don't know the names of the other band members. At that show what did what seemed like blood dripping from your eyes and on the faces of the other band members represent if anything? q:When are you going to tour the southeast U.S. again? q:do you prefer corn or flour tortillas? q:When you cook, do you follow recipes or are you deft enough to prepare a dish on the spot? q:Can we expect anymore movies with yourself and Oxes? q:concert pictures taken by fans are okay. but do you have any photo booth picture(s) you could share with us? q:Which song took the longest to write? q:Silver Palace? q:But missing your show made me wonder about your setlist. If the Bush q:how many emails do you get a day? q:Unfortunately, the Domino birthday gig is sold out. Are you planning to have any more UK gigs in the next few months? q:imagine a foreign publishing house with the likes of greil marcus, nick tosches or peter guralnick on their catalogue. can you think of any good music related books they could translate from english and publish next? q: have you ever kept a notebook diary? a secret one? q: august is nearly over - what's going to happen to your tour diary? to this email address? q: looking forward to cecil sharp museum show in london - you planning anything more-than-usually Folk for the occasion? q: is your french good enough to read a whole book in that language? a chapter maybe? one page? q:Also, I'm curious - How long have you been playing the autoharp, and how do you enjoy it compared to guitar for solo shows? q:This is driving me crazy I saw you for the first time with Bjork on Saturday August 23 and I cant find the song you played first I have downloaded 20 songs already what is the name please q:I believe you played with low a few years back? Has there been mention to record with them? q:What is your take on ondaatje's works of billy (bonney) the kid if you have read that. q:favorite book? q:film? q: oh, another question which may make no sense but having read a mention of baltimore i was wondering whether you are a fan of the band lungfish? Or at least a fan of the singer's beard? ******** that is all. thank you again for writing. many people wrote and were very generous and inspiring. thanks to dan o for helping organize this, to bjork and all on her crew, to matmos, and to the people who came and screamed or smiled or frowned or what have you! and to our hosts and companions along the way: THANK YOU. here’s to you all and interacting more down the road. -bpb
Official PALACE RECORDS site
a:this is an interesting question. guessing that you mean why do the live melodies differ from the recorded melodies, well it’s just what happens when a song gets sung under different circumstances, at a different time of day, with different musicians, in a different key...there are restrictions of rhythm and lyric, and the melody can change, so to make the singing something specific to the instant in which it is occuring...?
a: it has treated us very well of late; there are times when it is revolting and weakening, both physically and morally. sometimes there is no drinking, sometimes a little, and someitmes a lot. it is something not entered into lightly or negligently, at the best of times.
a: the place is not the essential.
a: very little. the shows on this trip were few and far between enough that it allowed for this kind of thing.
q:also when are you ever going to come to the north of england?
a: cross fingers it will be in good time.
q:Did anyone bring you your shark?
a: in bits and in pieces she comes.
q:We have lots of water here, how about you come do a show for me in Vero Beach, FL?
a: that is a very good idea.
q:Are there any dates prevue for the Washington DC area?
a: not now.
q:Do you ever have any doubts about what you say lyric wise?
a:when singing, it is not our job to have doubts. it is our job to sing. when writing, the doubts get wrought out.
q: Does it take a long time for you to write a song?
a: an average of six months.
q: Do you ever finish one thinking 'that sucks'!
a: not ‘finish’, no.
a: ummm...
a: immitating Holly Hunter saying “cocksucker”.
q:Alabama or Auburn?
a: slap me harder, our cheek will turn for more.
q:William Gibson refers to the UK as "mirror world" where everything's the same as the States, but just a little different and odd. What do you think of mirror world?
a: the metaphor to me applies more to canada, even australia. the UK is a completely different boulder.
a: a song is completed by its recording, which is in turn completed by its reaching the ears of its audience. a song is like a medium; each completion is a completion, the song isn’t the “piece”, it is the jet-ski on which the “piece” rides.
a: yes we do sometimes.
q: What do you think of Lars Von Triers oeuvre?
a: we are not partial to the school of thought that puts a group of movies or records under the classification of an individual. so...we liked BREAKING THE WAVES and THE IDIOTS, but not for any of the same reasons. We will probably not see DOGVILLE.
a: no and no.
q: Do you like Sigur Ros (have you met them on tour)?
a: we have met them, and they are nice.
q: Do you get alot of acting offers?
a: we don’t think so.
a: wow. ummm...it sounds like you have a bitterness. I loved the bjork shows.
a: making me happy.
q:William, don't you think it's about time that you did a gig in South Wales with Nina Nastasia in a double header? I'll pay for your flight (but not Nina's) and then pick you up from the airport? You choose the venue, though I reccommend Caldicot Castle - The Wurzels have played their amongst others.
a: okay, yes.
q:Failing that, when are you in the UK next?
a: in a month.
a: trust that every time you practice you are getting better; it will seem just as hard because the challenges will grow proportionate to your ability.
a: of course; selectively.
a: probably will not come back to tucson. the congress is a completely fabulous place to stay, and a terrible place to have a show. it is a pleasant town, ironically the shows in phoenix and mesa are a thousand times more rewarding.
a: we are oblivious to its effect.
a: rock on , partier.
q:coming to germany sometime again ?
a: ask again later.
q:i've been looking forward for seeing bpb back in belgium, you know when and where he's coming?
a: no!
a: one finds what one needs.
q:are you planning on touring the Midwest? Particularily, the Minneapolis area?
a: aha!
q:how old are you?
a: sweet dear child...
q:bonny, when will it end?
a: thankfully, never.
a: saw mars, yes, best in canada. always feel the god of war, and will not let simple proximity, for which the poor rock cannot be held responsible, effect our love for him.
q:have you read 'the grapes of wrath' or any john steinbeck? was it good/worthwhile?
a: at least yes we have read: TORTILLA FLAT, SWEET THURSDAY, THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT, CUP OF GOLD, CANNERY ROW, and the introduction to the LOG FROM THE SEA OF CORTEZ, about Ed Ricketts (sic). yes,it was g/w.
a: no!
q:When you started, how did you get all those fantastic musicians to drop egos and play behind your words and thinkings?
a: with an open, empty, swift-moving palm; if you are referring to---
a: never read that book. last sailing was on a small catamaran in Clearwater Florida.
a: in the past decade, have only really read BLACK HOLE.
a: you can try.
q:do you still preach as you did in Matewan?
a: no, baby.
a: o, yes!!!
a: there maybe some that have slipped through our fingers.
q:Will you please read Michel Houellebecq?
a: no!
q:Would you ever consider playing a very small venue, like my house. It is still more of a house than a venue but we are trying to have more and more shows. it is is called funland. It is in Oakland, CA. We are great admirers of your music. will you play at funland?
a: is there a walk-in closet to spend time in?
a:ask a salmon.
q:do you like horse racing, and if so do you have a favorite jockey or track?
a: yes, we like the retired Mary Feiock; track:churchill downs.
q:Whilst your choices of literature are admirable and challenging, you seem to take in a lot of bad movies. Why is that?
a:how do you know what is good or bad if you only see “good”? by not seeing THE REAL CANCUN you run the risk of only seeing Coen Brothers, Jim Jarmusch, and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, and thinking you’re doing alright. most movies have something great in them.
a:yes. doing most anything together, especially something as relevant and jarring as seeing THIRTEEN, should maintain or improve communication.
a: it is a form of proxy tour, and as such should resemble a tour in its fleetingness.
q:Does it bother you to look back on stuff?
a: some things, yes; trying to learn to like the bother, though.
q:how long have you surfed for?
a: a few years.
q:Have you ever met Dick Gaughan? Or wanted to work with him?
a: We went and saw DG in Manahattan, downtown at the Blarney Star. It was a great show, and afterwards I went and said thanks. that was it. I would love to sing or play with him anytime.
a:not being much of a hypothetical thinker, the distance is fine. most heroes visit in our dreams, and that is good. of course it is a thrill to meet Raymond Pettibon, Black and Pink Nasty, Leonard Cohen, Mira and Christina Billotte, Rodney Dangerfield, Robert Evans, Johnny Cash, Lydia Lunch. even better that it happens in conjunction with our actions.
a: you mean your reading of it, and that I do not know.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a: yes.
q:What is your favorite place to Surf?
a: wherever, really.
a: not much really. We like to hear it sung.
a: one of the following: NEW MORNING, PLANET WAVES, SAVED, GOOD AS I BEEN TO YOU.
a: when there is rarity that is not directly related to distribution, well sure, it is more rewarding to be complicit with scarcity than excess. usually, if something is scarce but found to be desired, we try to rectify.
a: no.
a:I remember liking THE BOOK OF LAUGHTER AND FORGETTING...very much...
a: only as covered by the Dixie Chicks. we like that.
a: plans? no. we love providence, though.
a: I have learned that when things are hard, I am making them that way. confusion and pain re-circulate, and in that circle try and paint yourself a sign.
a: london is daunting and scary. never have been comfortable there.
q:do you read hegel?
a: we like our philosophy diluted, couched, proven.
q:Will you come playing again in Italy?
a: yes, and sicily too.
q:Do you enjoy any Kate Bush records?
a: never heard one all the way through. we like the songs though.
a: at present it is only a 7” from Isota records.
a: “A King at Night” is on EASE DOWN THE ROAD.
a: it is yours.
a: from BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA, or sgt Hulka.
q:did you change back to autoharp after New York?
a: yes. only toronto and the 2nd coney island had no autoharp.
q:Do you know what happened to the currently MIA Harmony Korine?
a: he is shooting David Blaine’s presently-occurring feat.
q:Plus, why didn't you have a larger part in Julien-Donkey Boy?
a:part of the reason is that I left before we shot the scene a second time. I have no patience for acting! but I love that movie.
q:I think that Speed to Roam is the greatest, perhaps I could join that band?
a: are you a DJ?
q:Also, is Bukowski really the worlds most imitated poet, I mean, come on?
a: I don’t know.
q:Lastly, resurrected live Led Zeppelin to feed the soul offers sustenance for Bon?
a: particularly the BBC record and the DVD.
q:Was the cover of Days In The Wake inspired by any of Jandek's record covers?
a: no, it was an old photyo we liked from a pub in ireland.
q:Do you like any books by Carson McCullers?
a: yes.
q: I was thinking about playing pedal steel guitar, and I was wondering if you think this would be a good idea or if I should just forget about it.
a: there is only do or not do.
q:Have you ever covered Tom Waits?
a: no.
q: Have you read Stewart O' Nan's A PRAYER FOR THE DYING?
a: no, is the movie from that book?
q:read Flan O' Brian?
a: yes.
a: yes.
a: no, but the desire is there.
q:I approached you and thanked you after your performance in Brooklyn -- is this odd to you?
a: what isn’t?
q:do you want to get drag city, bjork, matthew marks gallery, john sayles, harmony korine and sundance together,(i'll write the proposals) and make a movie about surfing with me?
a:do I want to get all those people together? no. if you do, I’ll come along, though.
a: safe.
a: it was left over from what we had done in Morgantown, WV the night before. it represnted, that’s all.
q:When you release a new record and then simultaneously release the same title in Japan with more material, what's up with that?
a: a cd imported (from the usa, say) costs less in japan than one produced domestically in japan by a japanese label.so the japanese label likes to make the release have special value to their domestic buyers. they also include the lyrics translated into japanese. good question!
a: we would like our next set of shows to go from texas on through the southeastern USA, all over through Florida and the Carolinas.
a: depends on the dish.
a: depends on the dish.
a:no
q:Upon which mountain would you be most likely to hide a song?
a: Ben Lawers or Old Rag or Mount Shasta.
a: we have no scanner. the concert photos were taken and found by others.
a: maybe “Sheep” or “Hard Life”
q:Shortest?
a: “Lost Blues” or “Marriage”
a: is eternal.
q:Any chance of you wearing Bali dancing pants and a "save the baby humans" tee?
a: if you send them, they will be worn. where can I get swimming trunks that are short shorts?
reelection campaign called and demanded a 5-song set (one of which had to be a cover, Rumsfeld was insistent on that) for a fund-raising dinner that'd be
attended by all the GOP hard-hitters, what 5 songs would you choose?
a: We wouldn’t play that gig. If we did, the cover would be “Open Arms” by Journey.
a: unknown.
q:Is fame depressing?
a: I’ll bet it is to some.
a: yes, the following night.
q:Also, any good artists you like listening to lately?
a: check out Brightblack, Joanna Newsom, Faun Fables, Little Wings, the Anomoanon, Speed to Roam.
a: IN THE COUNTRY OF COUNTRY by Nicholas Dawidoff (we think). BILL GRAHAM PRESENTS also. Then delete the Tosches and Marcus titles.
a: not after reading HARRIET THE SPY as a kid.
a: the tour diary, like a tour does, will fade into memory and bootlegs. the address will dwindle and sink.
a: I dont know what you’re talking about in any part of this question.
q:how much Shakespeare do you read?
a: just the famous quotes.
q:why does everyone want to know what you read?
a: everyone doesn’t.
a: if the writer is a friend, something can be worked out.
q:What are your thoughts about playing the larger venues?
a: the energy is less specific.
a: have played it professionally for two moths. it is nice to have an instrument right up by the jaw bone, with so many strings and so much vibration.
a: it is the first song on the EP GET ON JOLLY by the MArquis de Tren and Bonny Billy. We call it “Jolly One” but on the record it has another title.
a: we have crossed paths a few times; no recording planned.
a: it is a fun read.
a:sartor resartus.
a:when I am watching it, THE MISFITS.
q: director?
a: francois truffaut
q: storyteller?
a: jack carneal
a: yes, a lot of lungfish, though not all. also the pupils. the beard doesn’t make it onto the recordings.
Discography & Tour Info