just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they're not really after you
I am not a psychopath. (That's what they all say, right?) If someone were to actually stumble onto this webpage they might get the impression that I am obsessively stalking Mark Curry. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have a few particular goals: 1) I want a clean--if not *original* copy--of the CD "Down in My Alley." This album was Mark's third and is completely impossible to locate anywhere. I am convinced that if I were to actually track down Mark Curry and call him up, he would think I was nuts enough to actually send me a copy. Maybe so, maybe not. Beyond that, I think that the existence of this page might be useful for someone else in the universe who happened to be wondering what the hell happened to this guy. Read that as a kind of unofficial *fan* page--not a stalker page. Lastly, I've got to figure what it is about Mark Curry and the invisible demise of his music career that has imprinted itself on my psyche.
Dear god do not let physics take music away from me!!
Did I mention how late it is? And besides, there are people out there that are waaaaay more obsessed than I am.
posted by justin @ 9:41 PM
3 Comments:
Hey man, very cool site. I am glad you made it; I have often contemplated doing the same. Also, I don’t think you are obsessed. I think you are like me and truly like his music and want more of it…I know I do. The actual person of Mark Curry is of interest, but for me the music is where it is at.
Since you have an interesting story, I thought I might give you the story about how I became a Mark Curry enthusiast. Around 1994 or so I was in the habit of going to a local CD store and perusing through the used CD bin. It was there I found the CD “It’s Only Time.” However I found the promotional version. It has a 24 page booklet with no words whatsoever, just pictures. On the back it has the song listing and that it is. In fact the “MARK CURRY IT’S ONLY TIME” on the cover is actually on the jewel case and not the printed booklet. Below are images of the CD.
http://www.simbi.net/ljimages/ItsOnlyTimePromoFront.jpg
http://www.simbi.net/ljimages/ItsOnlyTimePromoBack.jpg
http://www.simbi.net/ljimages/ItsOnlyTimePromoCD.jpg
After listening to this album for years and totally loving the music, I found out that he came out with a second album, but I could never find it. In the summer of 1997, I was listening to the radio and heard that Mark Curry and the Ten Pin Trio were playing at a local place called the Dark Horse Tavern. I attended and loved the concert, although they were late in starting. However I had never the second album so I was not aware of where his material was headed. His “Punk-a-billy” sound was totally new to me. I purchased their CD, “down in my alley” that night for $10 and asked Mark to sign it and thanked him for his music which I really enjoyed. The funny thing was many people wanted him to sing “Sorry about the Weather” and he had totally forgotten the words and how to play it. Another thing I remember is that he had a lame tattoo of the word “BEER” across his stomach.
Down in My Alley is a great album. I really like his version of So Tired and his songs are great, especially Smoke & a Drink, Drink on the Moon, and Tell me about Tonight.
http://www.simbi.net/ljimages/DownInMyAlleyCover.jpg
In September 1997, I was in Europe for my honeymoon. When in Paris, among other things, I went to the Louvre. When existing, I found there is a mall connected to it and it had a Virgin record store. Having just seen him and remembering that Curry’s first two albums were on Virgin, I went in and sure enough, one copy of each CD. That it how I acquired a copy of “Let the Wretched Come Home.” An album I love. Especially Cigarette Burns, How Does It Feel and Buying the Farm.
That is how I obtained his three main albums. I was often alloyed, as you indicate, that there was little or no info about him. I once found out that he was playing a concert in California so I called the venue and tried to get the booking info for Curry from the venue but the manager was not there and the person I spoke to refused to pass the message. I called back but never received the information. Also in the “down in my alley” liner notes, it has and address and phone number in RI for Keveco, the label of the third CD. I have tried contacting it to no avail.
Later searching on the file-swapping networks I found a copy of “Find a Friend”; a good song, much in the Mark Curry sound. I also obtained a promo CD from “Let the Wretched Come Home” that is a four song sampler; nothing too spectacular but it was worth the $2 for it and shipping. I have often seen radio promo CDs of his from the first and second album on eBay. Also you mention you are looking for a copy of “down in my alley,” currently Amazon.com has one listed for $35. I don’t know how much you want it, but it is there.
http://www.simbi.net/ljimages/MarkCurrySamplerBack.jpg
http://www.simbi.net/ljimages/MarkCurrySamplerCD.jpg
Anyway, I have taken up enough time. I look forward to swapping more info and finding out any future stuff he does. Thanks again for the site. At least I know there is one other person out there that likes his music as much as I do.
John Crow
jcrow@mindspring.com
[ps: what's up with blogger not being able to accept HTML in posts??]
i know mark...my dad played keyboards for him when he was on virgin records. he's in indiana now. i have lots of unreleased demos on tapes and some newer stuff. i truly appreciate his greatness and it saddens me that he didn't get more credit for his amazing music. if you want to know anything e-mail me at brainbroke@hotmail.com
Hey guys,
Is it weird that I am finding this post almost 8 years after it was put online ?
Probably, but I couldn't resist leaving a trace of my adoration for this guy too.
My story starts in 1996 - I was then living in France.
My girlfriend of the time had bought "It's Only Time" because she liked the cover (no comments...).
I came accross it in her pile of CDs and stuck it on, out of interest. It was an instant hook.
I absolutely love the guitar work, the dark voice and the meaningful lyrics.
She never listened to it and I eventually (when we split up) inherited the album.
For the following 6 years, I listened to the CD so much that I reckon the laser literally burnt the digital data !
Whilst in France again, I purchased "Let The Wretched Go Home" and wasn't disapointed.
I have to admit, though, that my favourite remains "It's Only Time".
Several years later, I was in California and was determined to get "Down In My Alley" which was not available in Europe.
I searched many stores, asked many people but was faced with the same question: who is he ?
Disapointed, I searched the internet for information or even "buy online" deals but to no avail.
I got in contact with a German guy who told me he'd seen him play but didn't have any of his albums.
And to this day, I continue to listen to "It's Only Time" but haven't been able to locate "Down In My Alley".
It is available for $65 on Amazon but that seems a bit steep for a CD.
In this day of age, it is surprising that we can't even download it (I mean legally, of course).
Anyway, that's my story.
On many, many occasions has Mark Curry lifted my spirits up when I needed it.
And just for that, I am thankful. If you do have any information about Mark, please let me know.
Mat.
Post a Comment
<< Home