Frank Reader Speaks: May 19, 1997

Over the past couple of weeks after hearing of the latest setback for TCS (Independiente deal fell through), Paul Leddy and I have been trying to figure out ways the list can help TCS. After sending a couple of faxes over the last week, I finally decided to call Shabby Road studios and see if I could talk to anyone. In the faxes, I told TCS that we wanted to support them anyway we could, whether it was just offering encouragement, sending them royalties or contacting record labels, radio stations, etc. I wanted to make sure they knew we were trying to pay them back for what they've given us, and not just giving handouts. Today before lunch, I prepared a list of questions, dialed Shabby Road, and tried not to sound like an idiot when someone answered the phone. It turned out it was Frank, who was in the middle of making his dinner ("the menu tonight is pick three of the following five vegetables"). Most of my questions went by the wayside as I felt a bit guilty keeping him on the phone, but here is what he basically said:

Shabby Road looks to be sold in early July, so in the meantime, TCS are trying to get as much use out of it as possible. They're working on a number of new tracks but I didn't ask how many. As a result, the search for a new record deal has been put on the back burner for the time being.

TCS have a plan together to obtain the licensing rights for AHP, which they would then release in the US. Frank asked if it was only available via import and I told him I had only seen imports and never cheaper than $17 on sale (compared to $12 for a domestic release), and up to almost $30. He thought it could be as early as this week that they would have the rights (any sales would then result in a royalty payment to Polygram). He mentioned that it is very difficult to find someone at Polygram who can make a decision about anything.

If they are able to secure a record deal/distributor in the US, he hopes that it would, in turn, pay for the band to tour in the US. He mentioned how they had played in the UK and France (and Japan) last year. He would like to get over here since they haven't been in almost 4 years and haven't played a lot of songs in the US (i.e. most anything after ISE). I meant to ask him about a list convention, but I forgot, and while I think they'd probably like to do something like that, they just can't do it given the circumstances.

I asked if he objected to list members contacting record labels to see if they are interested in TCS. He said no, but they would be working on this fairly soon. I told him Capitol was supposedly still interested in TCS. I don't think he knew this, although he mentioned that John (Douglas) had talked to someone over there a while ago and the person was going to check with someone else and get back to TCS, which Capitol apparently never did.

I asked him when they were going to get a computer so they could join the list. He said they'd love to, but basically, "you can't eat a computer."

I asked him if Polygram seems like they're trying to screw TCS over or if they've been helpful. He said most of the people they knew from Go!Discs are gone, and the people at Go!Beat are from the dance music side of Go! and TCS don't really know any of them. He said that while the people at Polygram have been nice, it's difficult to find who the right person is to talk to.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1) Take a couple minutes to drop them a line. Just offer some encouragement, show them we care what happens to them. They've fallen on some bad luck and a bunch of letters from the list could probably do wonders for their morale. Frank says they like getting mail, although they're usually too busy to respond.

Here is how to contact them via snail mail:
The Receivers (or TCS)
1 Glencairn Square
Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
KA1 4AQ
UK

2) Frank asked if I knew of good independent record distributors in the US (to distribute AHP once TCS obtain the rights, and possibly the next CD). Other than Parasol, he has not heard of any others. I told him I'd throw it out to the list. If you know anyone at independent distributors and/or know who good ones are, talk to any contacts you have and/or forward a contact name and address/phone number to me. I'll gather them and send a list to TCS.

I thought he seemed to be in good spirits and I hope they can maintain a positive attitude during these unlucky times.

Look for more news soon...

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