The Spree

[James]

Far be it from me to be critical, because frankly, if anyone's gotten the absolute most out of the spree experience, it's me. And the bad experiences are really minimised with time; my good memories are in tact...I've got nothing to complain about.

I was on the oldest forum from the start because I really believe we were going to be the people's band. I was a person, not some hoity-toity artiste or whatever. I could create and shape and express music on one hand and have a beer with anyone. Mostly, I just like to chat and take part. The forum was a good place for that.

It's no secret that the forum became a magical place for a lot of people. I'm a member of quite a few and there was definitely something different about it. People were real, and although there were the natural differences, it made for interesting reads.

For anyone else that's part of forums, you know, at some point, the phenomenon of "forum world war" happens. A mass shitstorm of hate and anger. I believe I experienced one of the worst of these on the XTC forum as well as the UK Hipforum coming in a close second. Both survived and thrived eventually, but there were some dark days. And they're both still there.

By comparison, the spree board's was tame. very tame. Also, as bc has said, it was actually perpetrated by a (then) band member. That's a bit different I have to say. But even though the whole demeanor of the board was negative at the time, there were signs of it turning towards the end. Suddenly other band members were posting (who had been lurking the whole time, btw, and for reasons I still find suspect), and then suddenly, it seemed as if they were coming back to the people. They were interacting with people instead of PETA (really, wtf was that about?)

And then they pulled it. Idiots. When it's all said and done, that will be one of the biggest points of failure; when adversity strikes, you take your toys and go home. Nevermind that it would eventually end and a new day would dawn.

I'll stop the philosophy and history lesson. I missed a lot apparently what went on in my nighttime here, but I'll say this, there's only one person who can pull that forum, and he's a forker too Dutch is right, leave them to their innocence, and let them be fans. bc is right that he was unfairly targeted about bringing up the ghosts of forums past, when it was clearly lennon's fault (;)). Sybil is indeed right that if your ego can't take hearing things about you that you disagree with, a forum's not really the place for you. And Justin is just spot on.

And I'll go back to my beer and the few spree songs i enjoy...

[Dutch]

If they really really really wanted to do something, they could have just done it at Good for a few days or even rented out Longhorn Ballroom or the Texas Theater. I guarantee I could get a venue for a reasonable price in about 45 minutes, and I don't even have anything to put on (aside from me dancing like a jackass for an hour or so on stage). They make it sound like an "aw shucks," but to me it just seems like a "nah, don't want to."

Thats kinda what I posted on the spork forum. I havent seen them in forever and was checking the forums every once in awhile to find out the Xmas date when I saw that. Next thing I know I'm getting blamed for bringing up old problems again.

The only problem I ever caused over there was with that little A.D.D drummer boy who decided to forum-fight me. I'm still kicking his ass if I ever see him in person just for the principle. Douches deserve beat downs.

Apparently this is a "banner year" for them. Funny...I'm not seeing them on the MTV Music Awards or on the cover of half the music magazines anymore.


At this point I've heard a million things pro/against Spree, so I dont know what to believe other than the fact that I'm surprised at how little I care to see them these days. In a way that kinda makes me a sad for some weird reason.

Just give me my Pumpkins show in a couple of weeks and I'll be fine.

I know you know this, so don't think by me saying it that I'm under the impression that it'll be news to you, but MTV and magazines are not appropriate barometers of anything substantial. There are many reasons, that I won't go into here, why I feel this has been a top year for them. Is it true that they've lost something they had earlier on? Yes. Is it true that they've made some mistakes and alienated some people? Yes. Is it true that I have my own personal grievances that I share in private with people I trust? Yes. Are there people who were made scapegoats, maybe even recently, maybe even you? Maybe, sure. And there are plenty of all kinds of other cases that could be made. But what is the point? Even if they did cancel Houston for low ticket sales and Christmas because they didn't fucking feel like it, who gives a shit? The band doesn't owe fans an explanation and fans don't owe a band loyalty. It amazes me that there are STILL people going around trying to demonize or pick fights, for example making a point to say how it's been years since you even wanted to see them, and then turning around and being all, oh no, I love them!!! I understand people can be conflicted, and plenty of the time so am I, that's life. But making accusations and insinuations about stuff that's really none of any of our business is just tacky, and it brings people down.

And BC, I'm not singling you out, I'm commenting on the situation in general. I agree with some comments that have been made by you, James, Rubbs, Aquaphase, MJ, Julie, Sybil, Jan ("evil forum behaviour" was priceless), and plenty of other people. But that's not my point. My point is what's the point? Why are we still beating this dead DEAD horse?

[James]

My point is what's the point? Why are we still beating this dead DEAD horse?

Can't speak for anyone else, but I just posted to fulfill my promise of posting earlier. That, and the beers loosen my tongue...

[Dutch]

My point is what's the point? Why are we still beating this dead DEAD horse?

Can't speak for anyone else, but I just posted to fulfill my promise of posting earlier. That, and the beers loosen my tongue...

Of course I value any earnest input; I think I was referring more the genesis of this recent whatever. You're in the clear.

[Dalya]

oh shit

is this the first time i've ever heard/seen you cuss? i think it is... my onkle is tainted...

[eebs]

is that cussing? i remember saying "oh damm" once when i was walking back from school and i forgot my homework and this old guy looking really upset and shocked at me for saying that out loud. i never really considered that cussing before then either.

but anyways, i normally swear when i'm angry to let off steam and that doesn't really happen when posting on message boards so there ya go.

*buys bar of soap and scrubs keyboard*

[Dalya]

i barely think fuck is cussing, but i guess ive never seen you mad before. youre not a real hater, obviously. come on, get angry. throw some forks.

[I am BC]

If they really really really wanted to do something, they could have just done it at Good for a few days or even rented out Longhorn Ballroom or the Texas Theater. I guarantee I could get a venue for a reasonable price in about 45 minutes, and I don't even have anything to put on (aside from me dancing like a jackass for an hour or so on stage). They make it sound like an "aw shucks," but to me it just seems like a "nah, don't want to."

Thats kinda what I posted on the spork forum. I havent seen them in forever and was checking the forums every once in awhile to find out the Xmas date when I saw that. Next thing I know I'm getting blamed for bringing up old problems again.

The only problem I ever caused over there was with that little A.D.D drummer boy who decided to forum-fight me. I'm still kicking his ass if I ever see him in person just for the principle. Douches deserve beat downs.

Apparently this is a "banner year" for them. Funny...I'm not seeing them on the MTV Music Awards or on the cover of half the music magazines anymore.


At this point I've heard a million things pro/against Spree, so I dont know what to believe other than the fact that I'm surprised at how little I care to see them these days. In a way that kinda makes me a sad for some weird reason.

Just give me my Pumpkins show in a couple of weeks and I'll be fine.

I know you know this, so don't think by me saying it that I'm under the impression that it'll be news to you, but MTV and magazines are not appropriate barometers of anything substantial. There are many reasons, that I won't go into here, why I feel this has been a top year for them. Is it true that they've lost something they had earlier on? Yes. Is it true that they've made some mistakes and alienated some people? Yes. Is it true that I have my own personal grievances that I share in private with people I trust? Yes. Are there people who were made scapegoats, maybe even recently, maybe even you? Maybe, sure. And there are plenty of all kinds of other cases that could be made. But what is the point? Even if they did cancel Houston for low ticket sales and Christmas because they didn't fucking feel like it, who gives a shit? The band doesn't owe fans an explanation and fans don't owe a band loyalty. It amazes me that there are STILL people going around trying to demonize or pick fights, for example making a point to say how it's been years since you even wanted to see them, and then turning around and being all, oh no, I love them!!! I understand people can be conflicted, and plenty of the time so am I, that's life. But making accusations and insinuations about stuff that's really none of any of our business is just tacky, and it brings people down.

And BC, I'm not singling you out, I'm commenting on the situation in general. I agree with some comments that have been made by you, James, Rubbs, Aquaphase, MJ, Julie, Sybil, Jan ("evil forum behaviour" was priceless), and plenty of other people. But that's not my point. My point is what's the point? Why are we still beating this dead DEAD horse?

Where did I say I love them? I was simply saying it was a bit sad that that fun little "era" was over.

[Dutch]

Unfortunately I was thinking along the same lines. If they really wanted the show to happen it would happen. I'm guessing they half-heartedly wanted to do one, and when everything didnt work out perfect, just decided against it. I don't see how a band could have scheduling problems for a Xmas show. Xmas has been the same time of year for as long as I can remember Wink This could have/should have been set up a long time ago, if they were really wanting to do one.

I'm guessing they probably would just rather take a break. And that's fine.

I haven't had much of a desire to see them in awhile -which kinda bums me out - but I was definitely looking forward to the Xmas show. Outside of the 2005 show, they were a blast.

[Julie's post]

That's totally fair.

But see it from our side - Nerdy 30 year old who's been following TD/Spree since 9th grade has very few chances to see the Spree these days due to job/time/3 kids, looks forward to the Xmas show all year so I can take the kiddos and have a good time, has been to every one since the initial Lakewood show, only to find out it'll be ANOTHER year before I get to see them again because of a freaking scheduling mix up.

The Xmas EP is a great idea, and I can't wait to hear it. But again...another year away embarassed Waiting sucks.

I'm not mad at the Spree, (and I don't think the others were either if they were honest) but more the situation. It just sucks, and the initial reaction is to gripe. [/gripe]

I guess I was paraphrasing in reference to the way I perceived the general change in tone between your first post and your second. The first seemed a little bitter and accusatory, while the second seemed markedly more gregarious and even a little fawning. If I misread that, I apologize.

[ifihadahifi]

All this jibber-jabber caused me to have a Spree dream last night.!

I was at a work conference and Spree arrived to provide the entertainment. They took the stage and started playing Running Away which easily morphed into Blondie's Dreaming.


I'm projecting and reflecting desire for...
you could tell I was no debutante

[mr_j]

i was thinking about how sunny and mere played 'ex-member tic tac toe' on the old forum w/that TWH band poster pic

that was funny, in a schadenfreude kinda way...

[Dutch]

I'm projecting and reflecting desire for...
you could tell I was no debutante

Yeah, I thought about that the first time I heard TFA; those opening lines are startlingly similar.

[mr_j]

I'm projecting and reflecting desire for...
you could tell I was no debutante

Yeah, I thought about that the first time I heard TFA; those opening lines are startlingly similar.

in a related note, the photographic evidence of the spree austin show makes it look like you got yr swerve on...

[Dutch]

Yeah, it wasn't their best sounding show ever, but it was high intensity, and I had a great time. It was really good to see a lot of them, too, but also weird meeting the newbs (happy, D?).

[mere1975]

Haaaaaaa, the cellist does the Rick Nelson play-over-head move! Go girl.

- Mere "Mr. J likes to play Where's Waldo with MT, and I found him too" 1975