February 2006 ARCHIVE:
Vicki Q&A February


Nothing like a new year to put a fresh perspective on things, ya know? I've been wanting to clean out closets, reorganize drawers, get to some of these questions that were put to me during my chat back in December...
i didn't have time to answer all of your questions then (and i know, there are still many i haven't addressed) but here's a bit more chatting, albeit not in real time.
Stay tuned to this page - i have more  emotional closet-cleaning to do, and you get to watch!
Peace,
Vicki

QUESTIONS FROM RETURN POST VICKICHAT - DECEMBER 2005

Hi Vicki!
Nice to "meet" you again. I hope you have a good time. Well, here is my question:
Can you tell us some funny, weird, exciting or interesting story about your tour with Monique Brumby?
Thanks a lot!
Dani aka Gemma 
Hmmmm... a funny or weird story?  You should probably ask Monique directly, 'cause they were driving from city to city to meet up with us (while we flew), and all the best stories happen while you're driving! I will tell you, though, that the lovely Monique and her band were so gracious, a lot of fun, and a pure pleasure to work with.  Every night onstage they gave an earnest, inspired musical performance and the audiences loved them!  We're hoping that Monique will come to the States soon...

Hey Vicki!!
This is Courtney, Sorry I couldn't actually be at the chat but my parents said I couldn't skip school (gotta love highschool LOL). I was just wondering if you and Susan are ever going to get around to doing a Psycho Sisters album (because you and Susan are my two heroes so that would be the coolest thing ever!!!) and also if you'd ever consider doing a solo album because I know you could make one of the most amazing albums ever!!!
peace and love from your #1 fan...
Courtney 
Your parents were right (dontcha hate that?!) - being in class is more important than hanging out online for a chat.  Next time I'll do it on the weekend, okay?  What a sweet couple of questions you ask; the real answers are, I'm afraid, "I don't know!"  I'd love to finish the recordings Susan and I started oh, so many years ago.  She's been very busy with her solo CD (and cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina) and yet I know that she'd love to do something "psycho," too.  Stay tuned, it could happen!  As far as a solo CD goes...I have just recently began to give that some thought - I'll keep you posted... Thanks, Courtney.

Hey Vicki,
Thanks for coming here to chat with us. This is my first chat so I'm kinda nervous and excited. Anyway here are my questions: 1. Where did you get the term Krimble from?
2. I've been trying to figure out the lyrics to Bangle Jangle Christmas, do you remember the words during that part about the eggnog (it's one of many parts I can't figure out)? My cousin and I listened to it (and couldn't laughing) and she thought you two were saying "sh*t I'm stoned."  3. Was there any planning involved and how did you decide to do the holiday songs (83, 85, and 04), and will the 85 song ever be released on cd like the other two were on HOLIDAY IN BANGLEONIA? I have been a Bangles fan since Manic Monday came out when I was like 2 or 3 years old. My boyfriend and I flew from Maryland to California to see your concert in October for my 22nd birthday. You are still the greatest rock band to me.
Thanks again,
Heather
Hey, Heather.  We had so much fun making those original Christmas tapes for Bangles 'N Mash - until our lawyer found out and made us stop.  They are inspired by - okay, a blatant ripoff of - tapes that the Beatles made for their fan club back in the 60's. Until their lawyer made them stop.  "Krimble" is a John Lennonism for "Christmas."  It could also be the name of a doughnut.  I'm not sure. 
When we recorded those messages, Dave Peterson (yes, the famous baby Peterson brother) would set up his primitive recording gear where we rehearsed and we just improvised until our stomachs hurt from laughing.  We did "homages" to some of our favorite musicians like Patty Smith (that was the "eggnog" song) and The Shaggs (musical homework for this week:  discover The Shaggs if you haven't already!) and we made up words as we went along.  If you ever figure out exactly what we're singing, let me know, okay?

Hello Vicki
Hope you and the rest of the gurls are well. Remember your very first gig with The Bangles in the UK in 1986 ? Well I live just outside that city.  Anyway, I've got 2 questions for you - just in case someone else gets in there first with a duplicate of mine !! 
1. I know all of you are Shopaholics. So, if you pretend it wasn't Christmas (ie. some other time of the year) what kind of stores could you spend all day in ?
2. Outside of the band, how much do you socialise with Debbi ? I mean for example, do you make a point of getting together for a regular gathering or is it a case of "See You When I See You"?
Chris from Portsmouth
Hi Chris. I do remember that tour. Our manager, Miles Copeland, had his bands stay at his house in London rather than hotels.  That meant the Bangles and Sting cradling mugs of Horlicks in the kitchen... Ah, yes.  Didn't get a lot of sleep.
Okay.  Your questions.
I actually would not define myself as a shopoholic.  I tend to get in what I would call a "shopping mood" about twice a year.  I have, however, always had a soft spot for stationery stores.  No, really.  I have a thing for paper.  I feel equally inclined to pass an entire afternoon in a book shop - especially a mom-and-pop kind of place in a city I'm visiting.

Hi, Vicki.
I have been a Bangle fan since the 80's. I met you at the Delrey Theater with the Cowsills. You may not remember me, but I want you to know I enjoyed myself there. Are you and the other Bangle gurls planning on making a DVD and a Cd,and if so do you know about when they will be released? Thanks for coming to chat with us.
Jerry
 
Jerry, if you were at the benefit for Bill Cowsill, then you witnessed (in my humble opinion) an amazing night of music.  No, I'm not biased at all...
There were some important firsts and lasts that occurred that night.  It was the first time that the Cowsill family met Shirley Jones - the TV counterpart to their own mom.  It was the last time that we all played with Barry.  It was the first time that my husband and I - as "The Newlyweds" - performed together.  Now that I think of it, it was the last time, too.  So far, anyway.  My adorable stepson was fast asleep in my lap upstairs in the balcony as I listened to my family do a kids-and-all version of "Hair" - quite amazing.  Glad that you were there.
Now, about this DVD.  We've wanted to do this for a while, and hopefully we'll have a DVD with live performances and lots of interesting extras out before the end of the year.  That's our plan, anyway!

Hi Vicki,
I have noticed that in a couple of TV performances of Manic Monday, the line "C'mon, honey - let's go make some noise" has been changed to "C'mon, honey..." (or something like that), leaving "Let's make some noise" out. Have you been pressured to change that line, or is it a choice you made because you have so many younger fans enjoying you with us?
Thanx and Merry Christmas!
oceangypsy1 
Oh, no, no one has told us to cut the line.  I think it's something Susanna has chosen to do.  Sometimes I'll cup my hand to my ear right at that moment to see if anyone in the crowd wants to ad lib.  And often, they do!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Hi Vicki!
This is such an honor! I can't tell you how much I love Doll Revolution! That whole album is excellent. Are there any plans to go in the studio anytime soon? How about a Northeast tour???
Dave Carnes
Breerton, N.Y.
Thanks, Dave.  I'm really proud of DR - and the true test for us is that the songs are still so enjoyable to play live.  We're driving our agents crazy, telling them we want to get back out to the Northeast this summer. I'm feeling confident that it'll happen.  See you then!

Hello Vicki from a chilly England,
I read somewhere, a quote from yourself I believe, that when Prince used to come down to the studio he always wanted to jam, but the Bangles weren't really a jamming band... so I'd like to know all these years later have the Bangles learnt to jam!
I don't know if this is a taboo topic , but as the Bangle closest to Michael, how is she doing?
All the best,
Barry
I have to say that yes, when the spirit strikes, the Bangles can and do jam.  Maybe not like the Continental Drifters, or anything, but yeah... those old Christmas tapes were essentially jam sessions, God help us.
The lovely Miss Michael is doing just fine, thanks.  I'm sure she'll pop in and say hello on the site one of these days... Keep your ears peeled...

AND NOW BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - ANOTHER VICKIRECIPE!

This is one of those Special Occasion brunch items-full of flavor and calories!  Add a chilled mimosa, some fresh fruit and a favorite breakfast pastry and you have a lovely start to your day.  We made this recently for my Dad's birthday, but it could be the beginning of a very romantic Valentine's Day...  Fat grams be damned!

(I got this recipe way back in the 80's from a woman who ran the Julian Hotel in Julian, California.  She served it in individual ramekins, but I make it in a long baking dish.)

JULIAN HOTEL EGGS FLORENTINE

1 10 oz. package frozen spinach
¼ lb butter, melted
6 large eggs
½ lb. Swiss cheese, grated
½ lb. Monterey cheese, grated
1 lb. cottage cheese (if you're being good, low-fat is okay)
Fresh nutmeg

Butter a  3 quart baking dish.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook spinach per package directions and drain well.  Squeeze out as much excess water as possible by pressing in a clean towel.  Set aside.

Beat eggs slightly.  Add cheeses and melted butter and mix well.  Add spinach to the egg mixture.  Season with nutmeg.

Pour into prepared dish and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until lightly browned on top and bubbling. 

Let set for a few minutes before cutting into squares to serve.