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Issue #38 - December 18, 2003

8:15 AM at Hunter Towers - sun shines brightly. Tracie flew in yesterday and our social calendar is now quite full. It occurs to me that if I don't rise at this ungodly hour the Horse's Mouth might not get its pre XMas release - and that would never do!!! Anyway, Happy Christmas and New Year to all our readers out there on the range.

Paul Kennett: Says DVD is superb - how did we choose the songs? I think I did this last time. Hereford/Shrewsbury - Oh, dear, Oh dear.

Pete Lewis has been watching the DVD and thinks it gets better as he plays it over. Good. i) Will I ever do live versions of songs I wrote pre MTH? Don't think there would be that much interest really. ii) What age did I start writing? Around 25. iii) What's the main theme for my writing? Championing the underdog!

Hans Waalwijk: Did I ever record with Simon Phillips? No, but it would have been fun.

Charles Cameron: You can get the DVD from Universal Canada. It works - I've got one.

Hope Campbell says Tracie and I have very strong chins. Hope has a strong chin too, so chins are in.

Geff Ratcheson says UK remastering of the 'Mott' album not up to par. (I don't know who did it.) I'll try and check on it.

Ed O'Neill: Will Ralpher and I tour the U.S.? ATI are working on it. I don't know if Mick would do it. He might. It's the flying.

Donna D.: Noted.

Jim McLernon: The DVD is not, as yet, being released in the U.S. Universal Canada has released it and the format works in the U.S.

Simon says the DVD was one of the 5 most sold DVDs in Norway the week of its release. Gives it 10 out of 10. Misses 'Dead Man Walkin'' It just isn't as good as the 'Rant' version. 'Twisted Steel' a favourite. Why didn't label push 'Rant'? Because they're idiots. Says Finn Bjelke plays my music on his radio show all the time. Finn!!!! If all the world was Finn I'd be happening!

Al Trombetta: DVD 'masterpiece - gem'. 'Mott will be remembered best for NOT reuniting.' Exactly.

Michael Gacek: 'Who can we contact in the U.S. to let them know the DVD should be available?' I don't know. It's Universal that turned it down and I guess Universal own it, but I don't have a name - if I did I'd give it to you.

David/Margaret Finch: Congratulations on Simon Ian Finch. Calls DVD a life defining piece of work. Gulp. Fine! ' The first of a series?' Probably not. It cost Petter an arm and a leg. I'm just glad I got the chance. i) Am I promoting 'Strings Attached?' Nobody at Universal seems the slightest bit interested in promoting it. They appear to like it (a lot) but have bigger fish to fry. ii) How did I meet the DVD musicians? I met them in Norway during the recording of 'The Artful Dodger'. Bjorn Nessjo produced that. Bjorn also runs the tours for the orchestra. Bjorn is a mate of Petter's (the Head of Universal in Norway) and that's how it all came about. The musicians involved would be considered the best in Scandinavia. They're all old mates and I always have a great time with them when I see them. What qualities do they have as musicians? They're sincere - and obviously I include Andy York on this one. Norway's not like anywhere else. They still know what music is. iii) Will I resurrect 'Salvation'? Don't know.

Matt Nojoen: At 41 wonders if he'll 'turn conservative' but finds himself more radical liberal. How about me? Well, Matt, I'm not into anything radical at the moment. Common sense is a quality that's sorely lacking and should be brought to bear in these difficult times. There's too much herd running - but there always was.

Sinbad (Edinburgh) loves the DVD I've seen the gig list and you're on it.

Hope Campbell on a Rush Limbaugh rant. Awe c'mon - Rush is a lot of fun. I actually thought he was blowing it last week - paranoia rampant - but he hauled himself back again. It's all silly, but I like his voice and they play good music. Hope's latest thing is playing AC/DC's 'Big Balls' at chipmunk speed. Excellent!

Judy: We'd love to but we're full already. Regards to all. Merry Xmas. How about the Super Bowl?

Euron Griffith plays my stuff on BBC Wales. (Thank you.) Will we be doing Cardiff? Yes, I think we are. Don't know about acoustic session - travel etc. Yes, middle of May.

Greg Joyce asks if I speak to Overend Watts these days? Yes, now and again we do a marathon phone call.

Dean Roecker: Still wants my trousers.

Paul Kuettel: Just got the DVD from CDPLUS.COM

Eric Hemphill: Judy Garland - Edith Piaf. Show business personified. Genuine Divas - as opposed to the other types - and of course they paid for it.

Alan McClelland loves the site. Says he's written to a couple of others, but they don't reply. I'll tell you why I do it. I was a fan when I was a kid and I know what it's like.

Rick Graves: Got DVD and loves 'Rollerball' - will it be released? Well, it's on the CD of the same gig, which is out in some countries and not in others. In the UK e.g. they say they're releasing it in the New Year.

Steve K. 'Just got the DVD. How good are you?' Well, hopefully good enough to get a groundswell of support going to force Universal into some kind of proper effort (This doesn't apply in Norway).

Dave Lilley is a Lancashire lad and loves Yorkshire lads even though they are miserable bastards. Well, Ronno was never miserable. In fact, he was the direct opposite. Never saw Mick down. Well, I did, but that wasn't him.

Jim Bucy: 'DVD terrific' (I know. this H.M. starting to sound like an ad for the DVD.) Loves 'Memphis.' Arrangements make the songs sound fresh.' Reminds him of Bryan Ferry in Paris, but he likes mine better.

Kenny Mac's advice - says anybody who wants the DVD type in what you want (i.e. 'Strings Attached' ) and you'll get it. He said he's had absolutely no problem getting various outlets selling this DVD. Glasgow here we come (May).

Dave Bennett: Shrewsbury 4 - Hereford 1. Stan says he's glad he didn't go. Apparently some Hereford fans set fire to a pub.

J. T. L. I. Says his wife thought 'Cleveland Rocks' was 'Clean them Rocks' and 'Living in a Heart' was Living in a Hut'. I really must improve my diction.

Dave Lilley; Did I ever meet 'The Killer'? No. I could have, but I didn't want to.

Jock Overend: DVD (Very good). Says I'm up to my old tricks again - I never say Britain. I always say, 'English government' or 'Marks 'n' Sparks in England' or we're doing 'Glasgow on the English tour' etc. etc. Out of 60 million people in the UK, 10 million are not English so give us a break.' Well, you are absolutely right Jock, and I'm sorry. In my defense all I can say is I get a lot of letters and I just answer them with the first thing that comes into my head. Actually U.K. is a damn sight easier to write than England, so from now on - UK it is. I really didn't know I was doing that.

Roland Berg: Play Vancouver. I'd like to, but it's the financial side of things that's sticky.

Dave (Luton): 'Greig at the end of Swan Hill!' Came up during the rehearsals in Oslo. Kjeital (the keyboard arranger) did it by accident and I pounced! DVD great cubed.

Greg: How did we think up the title 'Strings Attached'? I was having a drink with Finn in Oslo and he said it! What do I think of Angel Air remasters. I think they're very good.

David Fowler: Thanks again, David.

Willie from Glasgow says the perfect cure for a hangover is to stay drunk. He says your system soon gets used to it and you never get a hangover. Ever had a conversation with your liver Willie? It's going to have a conversation with you at some point! 'DVD a masterpiece'. I'm awaiting my Hamish (Scottish Grammy). See you in May, Willie.

Roger Fletcher loves 'Strings' - awaits tour. Actually, the tour is nearly finalized. It should be up in January. Right now I'm just deciding where the days off are. One sheet has us doing 14 in a row and I don't think my voice could take that.

Bullet Bob Francis - says let everybody know that UK DVD is in PAL format. It won't play on U.S. DVD players. It WILL play on any current Apple Mac computer. As I said, the Canadian DVD is NTSC and works on U.S. DVD players.

Dave Nagy: DVD great but he's on his second copy with a third on the way. Defect at the end of 'Rollerball' right where the layers should shift. That's what Dave and the retailer concluded. First batch probably defective. 'Other than that - like I said - it's great. Don't care if I ever buy another DVD.' I have emailed Petter this information. I'm assuming he's on it.

Jeffrey Stanke sends me 'The Outsider' totally in Greek. Must run it past James Mastro. Actually, 'The Outsider' is pretty much Greek to me. It came from left field. Thanks, Jeffrey.

Rolf: 'Thanks for the DVD and CD. Could not be better.'

Willie: 'Do N.W.T.R. in May.'

Keith Smith: 'Well impressed with the DVD. Who's idea was it to use strings?' Bjorn Nessjo. Did I feel at ease with them? Bjorn just said imagine it's a keyboard - so I did. Did I feel lost at times without a guitar? No, actually enjoyed it. Concentrated more on the vocals. I was not doing a pop idol bit!!! I was doing what the music made me do.

Paul Dorman: From the wilds of Arizona. Bemoans the state of the industry. Paul was in management in the '80's and early 90's. Loved 'Rant'. Buys Reggae mostly these days. Come to Phoenix. Says he's getting the DVD from Amazon who told him they'd have it December 3rd. (Hope it's Canadian).

Elliott wants a MTH T-shirt. Says he only found MTH recently because they're ignored by the music press today. Would have loved to have seen us live. Well, MTH hasn't been completely forgotten. In the last Rolling Stone they listed the top 500 albums of all time and Mott the Hoople had a couple in there. I was actually surprised. I didn't even buy it but Trudi had a look and there they were.

Bjorn Eggen has the DVD and the CD and is very excited about the DVD. Says it's brilliant (which is what Universal said in the UK and a fat lot of good it's doing me). Says he's read some very good reviews (we are actually getting reviewed in Norway!). He says we were on the front page of the evening issue of one of the largest newspapers in Norway. He hopes it helps sales. Well, it helps because people know it's out. I don't understand how, in the U.K. they can expect to sell DVD's when nobody knows they exist apart from the readers of this site. It's just beyond me. Bjorn talks about my mate Miller who just appeared with John Lord and Sam Brown and the amazing Trondheim soloists in Nidarosdomen, which is the most famous cathedral in Norway. John Lord did an interview where he said they were the best orchestra he'd ever worked with. They're great - they really are.

David Shasha says buy it! He got it two weeks ago and says he's got a number of great videos with Ronno in he '80s and wasn't at all sure if he'd enjoy an orchestrated I.H. (to me it was a natural progression). But he says, 'At the risk of boring the pants off everybody - buy it!' Saw Bowie at Wembley. Best song ATYD's. Still prefers Mott's version. Good oh.

Catherine Preston: Looking for a poster of moi to brame for a Xmas present to her partner. Sorry, Catherine, we don't sell stuff here. BUT we are going to start selling stuff soon as the web site is sorted. We are starting with a special Horse's Mouth T-shirt, which recently arrived. We are trying for some kind of quality control. (Trudi washed it a few times and it still looks great.) More of that later.

Kevin Baggott just heard 'Dudes' on the 70's show. 'Don't forget us on the West Coast of Canada'. Get the DVD 'Strings Attached' - it's out there.

Wullie: Ten covers - starts off great, but disintegrates!

Craig Peacock: 'Strings Attached' looks and sounds brilliant. How do I stay healthy? Not very cleverly in some areas - better in others.

Graham Stark: 'How about keeping Willie quiet for a bit by actually doing 'No Wheels to Ride' on the next tour?' That's a thought, isn't it? Bought a DVD and 5.1 just to play 'Strings Attached' and was not disappointed.

Tim Kearns says Paul Stanley wrote in a CD booklet that his song 'Do You Love Me' reminds him a lot of I.H. and M.T. H. 'They were story tellers who sang these great Rock 'n' Roll songs and seem to capture a moment, or a life I found myself wishing I could be a part of.' Well, you didn't do too badly for yourself, Paul. Says he'd heard from others MTH were always good to their fans. Frankly, there isn't much difference between a fan and a musician. One just got lucky.

Kim Fletcher (Thailand) writes for the local papers. Reviewed Tracie's 'Maybe' (we saw it - thanks very much). Asks when 'RACE' is coming out. They're in the final stages of mixing and she's impatient to say the least. Shouldn't be long now. Praise be to Colin Powell - one of our roving ambassadors.

David Pike bought DVD from HMV in Swindon. Best thing yet. Go to hear 'Waterlow' again and his personal favourite '23a Sway Hill'.

Carl Howlett: Loves my work. Did I supply vocals for the movie, 'Full Frontal'? Don't think so.

Alan Goddard: I think the live Manchester CD comes out next spring, and I think we're playing the BeerKeller in Manchester in May.

Tony Notte: 'While doing a search for AMAZON.COM for 'Strings Attached' DVD Amazon is saying the DVD will be released December 2, 2003. The product info is limited. It does not even include Ian's name nor is there an image available. Only after clicking to 'more buying choices' tab could I confirm it was indeed an Ian Hunter release and the seller's price is less expensive than Amazon's. The product information does indicate it is a Universal International release and a Region 1 encoding for playing U.S. and Canada only. If this is for real - let's get the word out in all North America' Thanks, Tony, but isn't it pathetic that we have to do their work for them.

Peter Jordan just got the DVD - thinks it's great - especially the violins on 'Memphis'. 'It's so weird, but it's brilliant!' How can I call somebody younger than me an 'old bugger'. Well, he's always calling me old!

Renee: Back on the begging and pleading for the West Coast. Hell, ATI are trying to set something up and these are gigs, but it hasn't financially added up yet. They're still working on it. Chances are 50/50. Renee includes a lovely poem and wishes us well at the Astoria.

Geoff Hands: Bowie 'Dudes' not a good as us at Brighton a couple of years ago. Actually, Geoff, it's not really right to put this in - is it?

Mr. Crones doesn't care about the details and the bitching. He's finally got the DVD (he's amazed he's still alive). Do I think I'll be allowed to leave a building anywhere in the future without playing 'Nightingale'? Well, that would be nice. I love the song. Was I overwhelmed by the size of the DVD endeavor? To Mr. Crones I almost looked star struck at the beginning. Well, how would you feel. I was like a kid in a candy store. It was a dream come true and I thank Petter at Universal Norway for doing it from the bottom of my heart. M.C.'s wife is all over him about doing the 6 1/2 mile walk. 'He does it and he must be 70!' Well - not quite dear!

Pompey Paul: DVD's great. Loves new stuff and strings. Says I'm in damn good shape for an old geezer. What's the secret? Lack of beer gut.

Dave Rowe: 'DVD outstanding' recommends keymailorder.co.uk (not for U.S.). They also maintain IH/MTH product list covering everything available at excellent prices. He says he's a cynic, but they're very good.

Tom Kaminski - noted and thanks again for the offer.

Steve Green: Has video files of Village Underground - Nov. 2001 and wants to send them to Justin to download - free of charge. It's OK with me.

Tom L: There's talk of the U.S. next summer, but nothing is finalized as yet.

Murray Segal: Noted.

Janey Todd: ehem! I already know the secrets of the muse. No sweat, no fish. You're good. No - you're good. You know that ... Janey also wants to know if 'Shades Off' is available anywhere.

Jeff - warning of the Noreaster. It was fine; enjoyed every minute.

Bobby Ballock saw Bowie at SEC Glasgow. 'Dudes' not a patch on Mr. Hunter. Yes, Bob, but Mr. Hunter plays 'The Garage' and David plays SEC. He's doing something right.

Shawn (San Diego). Am I still collecting guitars? Actually, Shawn, I'm rather grown up now and the old guitar collecting phase has gone ... unless it's really special.

Ozneb47 : Steve Poppovich managed the Iron City Houserockers for awhile and he was also looking after Mick and me. That's how that came about.

Tim Gallagher: Found 'YUI Orta' at his local Tower Records.

Alan Bristow: My thoughts on David Blaine? Well, he hung himself in a glass box to get some hype and he got it. DVD wonderful (wishes there was more 'Rant' on it). We just thought 'Rant' was too recent. 'Why on earth did you ruin the classic that is Barry Manilow's Ships?' Oooh - look who's perking up a bit! You'll be fine - just get on with it. We'll be thinking of you both. Have a great one.

Aldo Fedder says 'Strings' is sold in various store in Berlin along with the double CD. He says you can find it in stock with no problems. Is this an import Aldo? I didn't even think it was out in Germany. I'm getting so many conflicting reports. Aldo says, 'Come to Berlin'. We'll see.

John Von Reine says, 'Tell the fans there is no need to pray for U.S. release of 'Strings' DVD. There are plenty of Region Free pal compatible DVD players that can be picked up for as low as $40.00 (U.S.) DAEWOO + COBY are 2 brands widely available everywhere. They just need to ask/check if it plays PAL discs!' Thank you, John.

Matt Nojonen: My opinion on censorship. Has anybody demanded I alter a lyric? Well, 'Dudes' was a classic example. It included the 'Marks 'n' Sparks' reference to a UK store, who could sue the label. I had to fly back from the U.S. to replace those three words. The song 'Rape' had 'Singing' in the rain' originally as an intro. The man, Gene Kelly, himself rang up and said he did appreciate the sentiment but he didn't want his song associated with the word 'Rape'. Fair enough. The trouble with censorship is that some of it's valid and some of it isn't, and of course the censors themselves aren't all geniuses. It's subjective; one of life's imponderables. Difficult for you, I can see that.

Philip Huband bought the DVD in Calgary. First of all the sound is very good. He feels part of the crowd. Second, he liked me, never seen me live (that's the good thing about DVDs). His favourite is 'Nightingale' (mine too, actually). Runners up: 'Saturday Gigs', 'Rest in Peace' and 'Twisted Steel'. Says he was very moved by the whole thing. Good. 1) How do I co-compose? Usually either I or the other guy have something partially done. Don't like to start with a blank page. My contribution is not more lyrical than musical, it's usually 50/50. Spontaneity is much better than graft. 'Twisted Steel' was written in ten minutes around Rick Tedesco's house. I guess it's on your mind and at some point it just comes out. 2) 'Just Wanna Hold' was a cassette Mick Jones gave to Mick Jagger who yodeled a melody line on it. I edited it and wrote the words later.

Paul Clark (Glasgow) got the DVD from Amazon and plays it on his Apple Mac. Just loves it. Actually, I saw a Carling Academy somewhere on the sheet, but it's somewhere else. I think it's the Garage again, in May. Edinburgh looks in as well. Paul wants 'Standing in My Light' You know, if I do all these slow songs it's not going to work is it?

Jan Hollinghurst: Yes, the Preston gig is being discussed. Jan says he'll take Stan and me round the National Football Museum. Finney Rules!

Mike Constanza: There's a program on VH1 called 'The Fabulous Life Of' and it shows 'rock stars' like Britney Spears throwing money around. What do I think? I think VH1 is beneath contempt and that Britney Spears is a pop star - not a rock star. There is a huge difference and anybody with half a brain knows that. Pop is corporate controlled product and VH1 should know better. Don't get me going.

Victor Martinez just picked up the DVD. Do I get bored with the poured on syrup? Not if it's genuine. Says 'I kick serious ass.' A few of you mention you like the interview as well. Says the next DVD should be called, 'No Strings Attached' for all the rockers out there. Nice one.

Michael Boylethe: DVD and CD easy to find in the UK. Try Mail order from Music Mags. Michael recommends Spin of Newcastle. He got his in 48 hours. Hasn't seen it yet as his wife won't let him see it until Christmas. Good on her.

Mike Gebhardt. All these Michaels, I don't know what it is, but Michael's spelt wrong to me. I always want to put the 'e' before the 'a'. Says he got the NTSC DVD from Canada and it's great. He particularly enjoyed Andy. Likes people who have a great time doing what they're doing. Well, that's the whole point really - to me anyway. Mike's on the tail end of the Strawbs U.S. tour at the moment. Hope all went well.

Jeffrey. No, the plow man's been, and I don't mind a bit of shoveling.

Paul Kennett: It happens - to everybody - including me. You'll be fine. That's just the was life is.

Now I've got four emails with the word 'body' - from SPAININPAIN. Whoever you are - it's not working.

Milo: My idea of Hell is waking up as a U.K. outdoor concert promoter. It must be an absolute nightmare.

Bill Smith watched the DVD (Canadian release), which was great, but at the same time disappointing for what was left out. How about an annual DVD release? Do you realize how much this thing cost? It's simple, if the DVD or CD takes off, and Universal make money they'll do another one. If the DVD doesn't sell enough - they won't.

Mike Mitchell BCB 96.7 FM Bradford, England. 'Universal couldn't promote a school play.' Absolutely delighted with the DVD. Will I do a phoner? I'll get Trudi on it.

Jesse B: Have I heard Fred LeBlanc's version of 'Irene Wilde'? He's the drummer/singer with Cowboy Mouth. No, I haven't. Wish him good luck. Jesse's just graduated (congrats, now try and find a job!) and definitely likes 'Irene Wilde' a lot!

Andy's wife is driving him nuts. Andy travels from California to the gigs in England and Andy's wife makes all the arrangements, so she wants it right (and I know the feeling Andy)!!!! It looks pretty much se t for the last two weeks in May and the Astoria's is still Friday, the 28th of May. Could it change? Well, I wouldn't think so, short of some kind of emergency.

Mark Okino: The rehearsals for 'Strings Attached' were few, but highly productive and that accounts for the 'freshness'! I was dealing with great people - people with great musical memory and intuition. They are all well versed in reading music (I was the only one there who didn't read). I just told Andy what I wanted and he'd translate musically to them. The keyboard player was the arranger so everything centered around and went through Kjetal. He'd rehearse us on one day - rehearse the orchestra in Trondheim with the changing arrangements the next. That's how it went. I'd never met the Orchestra until the night before the actual shows. Work with great people and it all becomes that much easier.

Oor Wullie: My Scottish management team (Wullie and the 'dug') are working on a reality show 'The Hunters' (or the 'unters, as we say down south). We have to move Hunter Towers to Scotland - preferably a castle so Willie can become the noble butler (anything to get a gig) and Tracie and I have to unearth an old Deep Purple song so we can be plastered all over MTV. Alternatively, we could do a Simpsons style cartoon and Willie thinks I'd make a great Homer with the corkscrew hair and shades and he says Trudi is made to measure for Marge. We have to let him know immediately as TV companies are banging his doors down. Och away wi ye, ye wee skunner.

Bart Smith: Extremely complimentary about the DVD. Says putting my music to an orchestra was purely brilliant. Good old puny Nessjo!

Ed: What's my favourite holiday season song? 'Silent Night' and one brother-in-law, Kevin, plays called, 'I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas'. Honest John and Darrell had come up with a few punk gems over the years. Their Christmas album was incredible a few years back. Would I do one? Don't know. It never occurred to me.

Tom Guerra is the guitarist for the Mambo Sons and interviewed me a while back for Vintage Guitar. 'Congratulations on having two albums in Rolling stone Top 500'. Thanks, Tom.

Ray Waters: Yes, I know the chaps, but we're not ganging up. The choice is yours.

Brian B. bought 'Wildlife'. Why am I saying what I'm saying at the end of the live track? Well, the audience had invaded the stage (Fairfield Halls, Croyon) and it was literally a disaster area. Great fun, but all the cables broke and all we managed to salvage from our 'Live at the Fairfield Hall' album is what you've got on 'Wildlife'.

Chris Kelly: If I could take one song with me to heaven, what would it be (has to be one of mine). Well, if I'm lucky enough to get there, my first thought would be 'Dead Man Walkin'' I should have called the song 'Dead Man Talkin'. I should have done it that way, but I didn't .

Ruth: What do I think of Sharon Osbourne's new TV show? Don't know - haven't seen it. She looks good these days.

Paul Limbrick loves 'Strings'. 'Bloody Brilliant'.

Rockin Martin: Just got his in Perth. Up close and personal.' Loves 'Rollerball'.

Owen Kelly: That's a shame he didn't come, it would have been nice to meet him. Trudi was a big fan of theirs. Says 'Overnight Angels' is better than anything around today. Don't agree, but it's all opinions.

Buck Bailes: I don't remember that particular incident, but it does sound a distant bell. There you go!

Spain in Pain's back on with 'body'.

Jim Davenport: Noted.

Jim Wysock: i) was I ever close to joining the 'Rolling Thunder Review'? I don't know. Mick said to come down, but I felt funny just going down without an 'official' invite. I never got one, so I didn't go. Later I found out that was what you did - you just sort of 'came down'. ii) Would I be a musician starting today? Knowing what I know now - no - but if I was 21 and didn't know what I know - sure!

Cap: Did I ever hear the Young Fresh Fellows - rings a bell. Cap says they used to do 'Mother'.

Jim Pepiot got the DVD and CD from Amazon, 'Wow, Fantastic.' How about a CD of Ralpher and me on tour? Angel Air's putting one out next spring.

Alan Bristow makes the point that I don't sound like Damon Alburn; Damon Alburn sounds like me. Exactly! Let's get this stuff right!!!

Tom McGarry: At last the answer to my getting the airplay I deserve. A poxy Xmas single guarantees hours of crap radio time. Ah well, Tom. You know how it is out there.

Joe Eglash - popped down the record shop in the Village (NYC) and found MTH's 'Rock 'n' Roll Queen'. Well, I know there's one out there, but I can't remember much about it. Anybody? [Webmaster Justin jumps in: It was a 1972 Island/Atlantic compilation LP, rushed out to capitalize on the success of 'Dudes'. The cover is by well-known airbrush artist Philip Castle.]

Jeff Pavlock: DVD is 'outstanding'. Also, 'Buff did a hell of a job on remastered, 'Two Miles from Heaven'.

Kevin: How' s the sales of the DVD? Don't know, but it's obviously doing some business. They don't tell you these days, like they used to. a few ads might help! Bit of promo - but noooo.

Andrew Field: Now has the CD and says I'm right about 'Stone'. Hey, Andrew, in that kind of situation some things are not going to work and you don't really have time to fix it. We tried. Can't win 'em all.

Bob has good contact at Universal and when he tried to 'blag' a copy prior to release nobody had hard of it (this is the UK). 'They had a Universal Conference in September, and though they had a special presentation of their DVD activities, 'Strings' was not mentioned.' With no promotion it is actually selling. Thanks, Bob.

Shardy Lettner: Did I have second thoughts about singing, 'Gotta chase some cat to bed'? Didn't bother me.

Peter Jordan talkin' about 'Beg a Little Love'. I like that song lyrically; could have sung it better. 'Come on York' was indeed York of the Andrew variety. Not York City who are currently in enough trouble without me becoming a fan.

Dr. Arthur: No idea.

Helge Helgesen: Could be 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken'. Clarence Clemons was the sax player. If it was 80's this is probably it. The album's called, 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' as well.

Peter: Status Quo covered the song from the album 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' - I'm getting fed up writing this title. Do I know them? A bit. What are my thought on the band and their longevity? More power to them. They dead panned 'Speechless'; it brought a smile to my face.

Anyway, that's it from Hunter Towers. Once again, have a great one and a Happy New Year. Those that are having a tough time - we're thinking about you too. Sorry if the last couple of Horse's Mouths sound like a massive ad for the DVD, but somebody's gotta do it. Sorry also, to those I missed accidentally or on purpose. I'm off- my back's hurting.

IH
The Horse's Mouth