THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #152 - October 23, 1996
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #152
REMINDERS:
* Change the subject of your reply to something pertaining to your
message (not "The Magical Armchair, Issue #nnn").
* Don't quote excessively, or quote the entire digest, when replying.
* Please keep non-Ben Folds Five content to a minimum.
Topics for Today:
Official Ben Folds Five Web Site and other news
Re: taping equipment
ahhh, I need money
jellyfish
The "Where's Summer B" single off CDNOW
giddy again...
Reactions to Songs
bootlegs bootlegs everywhere but not a drop to drink
video killed the radio star
video killed the radio star
finally, finally!
Trade Jellyfish leg for Ben Folds 5 leg?
==============================================================================
[First, this note from Alan Wolmark, Ben Folds Five's manager:]
I noticed in the most recent installments of The Magical Armchair that
some people are discovering the web-page that is in progress within the
structure of the Sony site.
I would like all the Ben Folds Five fans and subscribers to The Magical
Armchair to know that the official BFF web-page is a work-in-progress and
far from what it will be when in full operation. The URL will be
www.bffweb.com and you will get up-to-date information about the band,
itineraries, photos, music, access to signing up on the mailing list and
much more including, since many have asked, access to our merchandise
while we are not on the road. (The band will be back on the road in the
States starting in late March.)
Many of you are asking about a scorebook or song portfolio for BFF music.
We have just designed one for publication in Japan only. But we will
import a limited amount that will be available only on the BFF
merchandise page as soon as we can get it up and running. It will have
scores for all the songs on the first album plus "Tom & Mary" as well as
previously unreleased photos of the band or ones that have only been seen
in Japanese magazines.
Thanks for all the support and a special thank you to Frank for keeping
the BFF fire burning while we've been in the studio and touring outside
the U.S.
Warm regards,
Alan Wolmark
CEC Management
[Also, you may have heard that Chris Acland, the drummer for Lush,
committed suicide last week. Alan also manages Lush. Our condolences go
out to the band and all who knew him. Chris was a great guy and was well
liked.
Now, on to the Armchair:]
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 11:15:41 -0400
From: sgilmour@pgh.net
Subject: Re: taping equipment
In The Magical Armchair Issue #151, Michael Bluejay wrote:
> But it's also true that you do need a minimum of good equipment BEFORE you
> hit that point of diminishing returns. Without a minimum good setup, you
> won't get good results. For example, it's true that a handheld cassette
> recorder from Radio Shack can produce good results, but I'd be surprised if
> you got good results without using a separate microphone.
> The summary of my recording suggestions are:
>
> * Use a standard-sized cassette recorder. Mini-cassette recorders don't
> sound nearly as good, and they're not much smaller or less expensive than
> standard-size cassette recorders. Radio Shack has a good standard-size
> handheld cassette recorder for around $50-60.
>
Look, I don't mean to sound like a complete bastard here, but the bottom
line is if you use Radio Shack equipment you will get a Radio Shack
recording. Period. I know that not everyone has the kind of money needed
to go out and buy a $1500 recording set up. And if the music that you are
recording is only for yourself then by all means go for the Radio Shack
stuff. But I certainly wouldn't want to trade a show with someone knowing
that they did it from a Radio Shack deck in their pocket. And since BFF
allow taping why would anyone want to stealth the show. They clearly allow
mic and deck set ups at the shows, so I don't understand all this talk of
micro recorders and putting things in your pocket.
> * Use a decent mic. The cheapest mic you can buy at Radio Shack is
> around $8, while they sell better ones for around $20-30, which is what
>I recommend. You can get a REALLY good mic for around $100 (there's
>never a need to spend any more),
I don't get it. you think spending $100 bucks is the top limit for
spending on quality mics? I challenge you to tell me that there's no
difference between a 20 buck mic from radio shack and a pair of Shoepps
capsules. Clearly the Shoepps shine through.
> but if you're going to spend that much, then buy a brand-name mic,
> not one from Radio Shack. (Shure SM-58's is the most popular mic in the
> world, and you've got a good chance of finding one at a pawn shop.)
>
Why would you recommend a sm-58? Those mics are best used for close
situations, like singing or on instruments. You are correct in that they
are readily available and somewhat affordable, but try using one of those
mics at a concert at, let's say, Madison Square Garden. You get crap. Now
I know that BFF isn't playing at the garden anytime soon, but a more
realistic choice in a microphone might be a short shotgun mic, like
getting 2 Sennheiser ME-80's running into a stereo tape deck. Those are
fairly affordable and quite readilly available used, through audiophile
magazines.
> * Use good quality tapes.
This is true. Use only High Bias tapes like Maxell XLII tapes. I don't
recommend the XLII-S tapes though, even thought they are supposed to be
better than the regular XLII. They've been having some problems with
tension at the head ends of the tape. This is causing warbling throughout
the first 4 or 5 minutes of the tape.
> * Don't re-use tapes, unless perhaps you erase them first in a good stereo
> tape deck machine. (Although the Record head in handheld tape recorders
> can
> be adequate, manufacturers often skimp on the ERASE head in the handheld
> models, so you might not get a good erasure of the previous material.)
I wouldn't recommend reusing tapes at all unless you can get them bulk
erased by a hand held bulk eraser. I have 2 professional decks and even
those have less than adequate erase heads. I tried an erasing experiment
with the decks and found that there was still some signal there left from
the privious material I had recorded. I erased over a section of tape i
knew had something on it and then re-recorded a quiet passage over this. I
found that I could still hear a bit of what was on the tape before hand.
Tape stock is like fish. The cleaner and fresher the better.
I don't want Michael to feel like I'm bashing him here, because I'm not.:)
But I happen to be one of those tape snobs that he talks about. I'm very
anal about what I record and trade. But that's because I want the best
possible material in my collection. Now, if all you intend to do is make
tapes for yourself then Mikes recommendations are perfect. Use what you
can afford and your tapes will sound fine. But if you plan on getting into
the practice of being a taper and a trader, you need to have good
equipment. People who trade seriously will pass you over like day old soup
if you are passing off Radio Shack quality music. And I guarantee that any
tape you get from me will be superbe quality, and no less than 2nd
generation. (for those who don't know about generation this means how far
down the dubbing chain you are. Most tapes I have are masters, meaning I
taped them. 1st gen would be a tape from the master. 2nd gen would be a
tape from a tape from the master...and so on.)
Anyhow, anyone who wants to trade some stuff (I have no BFF yet) drop me a
line and we can arrange a trade. -- Later, Shaun
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shaun Gilmour sgilmour@pgh.net
Quote of the week
"Man, what's up with the all the Nazi's?"
Jason @ 10-17 Phish show.
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 11:58:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: Spy Swatter <mb19202@conrad.appstate.edu>
Subject: ahhh, I need money
all this talk about CMJ, I just thought I'd vent...my subscription runs
out in December and I don't have the money to renew! :( for those who
were wondering, its very well worth the money...its one of the best
magazines I've read. I love it, and the cd's always kick ass for the
most part. well, there's my 2 cents. b'bye now
........................................Matt
"If I could change the future, I would change the past instead"
--Danny
Elfman
E-mail: mb19202@appstate.edu
http://www.runet.edu/~hbarton
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 13:38:56 -0400
From: Soapie1@aol.com
Subject: jellyfish
In a message dated 96-10-21 07:09:18 EDT, you write:
<< WOW I'm in heaven, not only am I looking at the BF5 mailing list,
but there is mentions of the Bare naked people, and Jelly fish.
Can this be true, other people have the same taste in music as me! >>
I'm surprised so many people are surprised to find that a lot of BFF fans
are also jellyfish fans..i thought the similarities were obvious..both are
incredible bands, and when i play BFF in my car I've often got "sounds a
little like jellyfish" from my friends. not to say they're a jellyfish rip
off, but you know what i mean..(and if you've never heard jellyfish, check
them out)
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 13:39:17 -0600 (CST)
From: relder@macalester.edu
Subject: The "Where's Summer B" single off CDNOW
Well, after a long time of waiting and hoping my $14.98 did not get
ripped off, it finally came today, it is quite good. I of course have
heard "Where's summer B," but it was delightful to hear two completely
new and LIVE BFF songs.. both of which are good. As usual catchy as
hell. As far as quality goes.. top notch for live.. the cymbals are a
bit loud, but overall, it's really worth it. I just have a question, on
Tom and Mary, there are no background vocals. Is it common for BFF to
forgoe Background vocals in concert? I hope not.
___________________
relder@macalester.edu
RYAN ELDER
you can't even see the sea
__________________
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 17:34:05 -0500
From: jason <4hopper@mail.airmail.net>
Subject: giddy again...
doesn't everyone remember the feeling in the pit of their stomach when
they discovered that BF5 was alive, and making music just for them, if
noone else? It was in the first few bars of "the Last Polka" for me on
my first listen to my new cd. mind you i've got many bands that i hold
close to me, but this was a different, fuzzy little feeling that made me
grin wide. the last time i'd felt it, Jellyfish was singing about a girl
named sebrina. well friends, i'm giddy again. my fuzzy feeling is back
and i have to tell you all for fear i'll be giddy alone. it's a boy
named Brendan Benson, and he's made a brilliant little pop record just
for me and you- and you know who you are. run, don't walk. share with me
so we can be fuzzy together- and when this one wears off, BF5 will be
ready again.... life doesn't suck after all. bye- jason
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 22:44:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: bubble@shadow.net
Subject: Reactions to Songs
The song that chokes me up is Boxing.
It reminds me of being small and watching Howard Cosell and Ali spar after
the fight.
It reminds me of how good things were.
It reminds me of how things change so quickly.
After the guys show in West Palm Beach this summer, I had a chance to meet
with the band and
have pictures taken. The first thing I said to Ben was, "Do Boxing right
now!" (because they didn't).
And Ben was very sweet and broke into the chorus right then. The guys were
very friendly and funny and I hope they keep on keepin' on.
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 96 17:48:24 EST
From: jennifer_vopat@mail.msj.edu
Subject: bootlegs bootlegs everywhere but not a drop to drink
i'm super, super interested in some bff bootlegs. i have none to
trade, but i do have cash. so, whaddya say? write me if you are
interested. -jen
jennifer_vopat@mail.msj.edu
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 19:09:45 +1000 (EST)
From: tc@enternet.com.au
Subject: video killed the radio star
>Yeah, my name's Ad and I live 50km west of Sydney!! Me, I'm an Aussie...
> Got any singles?
>I live in Sydney and I found the "light" through JJJ as I think
>everyone else here did.
(and all others who responded including the very poignant "me")
I'm glad I instigated the such a flow of patriotism from you guys, we've
well and truly taken our seat on the armchair (s'cuse the pun)
On the topic of singles, we (my friends and I) would love to get our hands
on the BFF version of "video killed the radio star" It seems the "thing to
do" for a band to do a B side of this great song (both the Presidents of the
USA and Custard have done versions) I think the BFF version would kick ass.
Does anyone know how/if we can get a copy?
"Total control is as boring as a minimalist lucky dip"
Tom Ferguson
tc@enternet.com.au
[There was talk of them doing VKTRS on a compilation album of covers a
few months ago. I don't know where that project stands. Anyone have an
update? -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 96 21:01:38 EST
From: callantha <u2171867@keystone.arch.unsw.EDU.AU>
Subject: video killed the radio star
once, a few issues ago, some surly temptuous rogue mentioned that the ben
folds five had done a rendition of "video killed the radio star". frankly
(no offense mr maynard) i have tried, and i just cant handle it any longer.
my appetite has been whet and i am insatiably curious about this bff
addition to the recent plethora of "video killed the radio start" covers
proliferating the planet.
could this person please stand forth and redeclare themselves to this here
magical universe? (or at to least me)? better yet, could they please help me
in my quest for a copy of it?
yes i live in australia. yes we are deprived. yes we cant get anything
except the album. yes you should feel sorry for us. yes someone should pity
us and send us some copies of all the other stuff that bbf have done - that
we havent heard an inkling of and which you cruelly keep dangling before us.
because there is no other way any of us here will ever get to hear it -
considering there is only one station that plays their music (and it only
plays two songs off their album) and we live at the end of the earth so i
doubt that they are ever going to come here.
plus a few more australia whinges for effect
pity me.
pity us all.
callantha
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 96 19:19 PDT
From: kamea <kamea_lessoway@mindlink.bc.ca>
Subject: finally, finally!
hi everyone!
Half a year ago, i joined this mailing list... but i never bought the BFF CD
(i know, i know; WHY????) i'd heard it lots (BNL concerts, and a friend
(hi!) left his CD at my house for a couple of weeks).. But finally, this
weekend, i bought it, and i'm HAPPY!! :D i just thought i'd share this
exciting, interesting new tidbit of info with everyone.... now i finally
know what you're talking about! ;)
kamea
the barenaked ladie
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 23:21:50 -0500 (CDT)
From: samuel jacob lewis <sjlewis@students.uiuc.edu>
Subject: Trade Jellyfish leg for Ben Folds 5 leg?
Greetings fellow um...Ben Foldsheads? Fivians? I'm glad to see that lots
of you have an appreciation for great music-Rock on! I'm curious to see
if any of you lucky enough to own a live performance of BF5 are willing
to expand my musical horizons and make me a very happy man. I have a
great Jellyfish bootleg, excellent quality, from the Spilt Milk tour
including "Joining a Fan Club" and "New Mstake" along with classics such
as "Baby's Coming Back" and "Man I Used To Be". I am praying to G-d
(sorry if I offended any non-believers) that one of you is willing to trade.
Please e-mail if interested.
Thanks - Sam
----------------
Sam Lewis
sjlewis@students.uiuc.edu
"The man keeps putting you down, stand up and let him know!"
----------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR - The Ben Folds Five Mailing List
Submit to: maynard@oeonline.com Admin. to: maynard@oeonline.com
WWW homepage: http://oeonline.com/bff
List archive: http://oeonline.com/bff/list/
And you forget the speech that moved the stone