Bill doesn't like the show. Apparently it's not good. I remember hating the show at the time, also that the camera crew refused to shoot more than 30 minutes because we were "too loud". So, Bill is against a formal, official DGM release. The alternative is that French tv have already expressed interest in broadcasting the show, and will do so next year if not this. So, there will be an unofficial release in any case.
Arising matters this morning: a call to Paris. Stephane, our pal in the centre of escargot chewing, was about to close the deal on acquiring rights for DGM to release the 1974 KC Paris tv show. This involves dealings with state television & requires all of the 1974 Crim members (Bill, John, David & RF) to sign consent forms. Billy B. is not prepared to do this.
This raises the larger issue of archives: why, what, how & when? Generally, BB inclines against archive releases. He prefers considered statements. For most of Crim history I thought bootlegs not worth much interest - bad sound, strange mixes, dud playing & proliferating error - but was persuaded by the ongoing, persistent interest of enthusiasts to change my mind. Which implies that in adopting an official archive one accepts warts & all. Probably, that warts are the most interesting feature. The value of an extensive archive catalogue is probably more historical than inherently musical. The considered statements remain but conversations overheard in corridors cast shadows upon the sound.
The main historic interest in the Paris tv show fo me is that, a week after broadcast, the "writers" of the soundtrack for "Emmanuelle" ripped off "Larks' II". Every sex scene in the film is accompanied by a Lark theme.
09.52
Back from a walk in Golden Gate Park to receive 10 e-messages. In one of these Richard Chadwick, manager of the stars and Good Guy, reproves me for being a whiner (my words, not his) over the choice of venues in Europe.
Both Richard & Neil Warnock have put a lot of work into getting the tour together, and Richard is wondering whether I'm just looking for excuses to get out of working in Europe. Actually, not. In reply I suggest Richard should tell whinging artists to piss off and spend more time with his 85 year old mother instead, commit myself to the venues as chosen on our behalf, and to give them my best shot.
To date we have got as far as Spain, but no UK dates for discussion yet.
Guestbook enquiries on a release date for "The ConstruKction Of Light": we are aiming for a release in early-mid May, in time for the European tour.
