THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #189 - March 4, 1997
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #189
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.
[Apologies to all for the long delay between issues. I was out of town
for a while. Hopefully this did not result in too much confusion,
especially among the new listmembers who thought they were joining a
"dead" list. Far from it! -fjm]
Topics for Today:
BFF Similarities
A Question About A Song...
re: KCRW comp
BF5: FS: Bus Stop CD
Lyrics to THE BATTLE....
IRC Channel?
CMJ...Certain Damage
BFF - Taping at Shows, Jellyfish fans?
I"m hearing the new song now!!!!!
ben folds five in minneapolis.
bf5 on rare on air
new to bff mailing list
New album on the album chart in Japan
BFF hit UK chart at 26
BoWCCL Lyrics
Re: BFF Fans and Musical Diversity, MA187
Gimme My Money Back, You Bitch
Crash Landing
Phoenix dates and radio
various scrawlings
alice childress
Re: Franklin Mint lyrics
Fresh from Japan, the CD RULES!!!!
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 17:49:17 -0500 (EST)
From: LILEUPHIE@aol.com
Subject: BFF Similarities
Ben Folds Five is the first group I've gotten really excited about since They
Might Be Giants appeared ten years ago. (Has it been that long?) Given
their unique sound (arguably the only true alternative in the dreary
"alternative" marketing technique) reviews of their first album often compare
them to other groups. Here are my picks for other music acts BFF reminds me
of...
*They Might Be Giants (wide musical pallate and high reedy voice)
*XTC (crafty ironic lyrics, counter-intuitive melodies)
*Cole Porter (twisty chord progressions, good vocabulary)
*ELO (jubilant, technically proficient and they both make musical allusions
to "Rhapsody In Blue")
Pat & Tara McComb
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 19:54:18 -0500 (EST)
From: Antigone19@aol.com
Subject: A Question About A Song...
Hi guys. I was poking through an old copy of CMJ that I found under our
couch and there's a section that lists a person's mix tape. One song listed
is "Ben Folds Five - "Pink On White Walls". What is this? Please email me
privately if you know.
ALSO - 2 different people emailed me about trading tapes and then POOF
disappeared :( What happened? Please write again (especially the other
Rabid Tori Fan!)
I must have Hava Negila. I must. Aside from Tori, I rarely splurge on
import singles, but these two seem like must haves.
AND TO THE PEE SHY FAN - YAY! They're adorable and I recently spotted many
copies of the album for *sigh* 99 cents at Disc Diggers in Somerville, MA -
its worth much more than that!
Marla - Antigone19@aol.com
Order my zine! Rats Live On No Evil Star #8, out now, $1 & 2 stamps or a
trade to:
Marla, PO Box 333, BU Station, Boston, MA 02215-9991
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 97 20:59:00 PST
From: Matt Wardlaw <matt@wmms.com>
Subject: re: KCRW comp
The KCRW is on Mammoth and can be ordered by any retailer...or you can get
it straight from KCRW at their website: www.kcrw.org. It is part 3 of the
Rare on Air series.
hope this helps...
Matt
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 20:59:06 -0500 (EST)
From: Tom Lavery <tlavery@emerald.tufts.edu>
Subject: BF5: FS: Bus Stop CD
Hi. I'm asking $12 including shipping for the Bus Stop CD.
Btw, the new BF5 video is on 120 minutes Sunday.
thanks
tom lavery
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 02:09:37 -0500 (EST)
From: KRI1701@aol.com
Subject: Lyrics to THE BATTLE....
There appears to be som confusion about the lyrics regarding the Franklin
Mint. As a trained Asst. Manager in one of thier retail locations, I will
offer my hearing of the words.
I've got this great idea/
Why don't we pitch it to the Franklin @#$%*& Mint/
Fine pewter portraits of General Apathy and Major Boredom singin' Whatever
and ever Amen
I had no troulble understanding this line, but then again I work with the
fine collectible objects of ART that are offered for sale by the Franklin
Mint. Hope this helps.
Ken--Waiting for the new BFF album--and hoping someone will post a way to get
a copy of the Japanese import
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 23:18:10 +0000
From: Matt Tabor <tabor@televar.com>
Subject: IRC Channel?
I thought I remembered seeing something about an IRC channel for
BF5..
Does anyone know if this is true and if so, what is the channel and
where?
I got to listen to the new single. (I work at a college radio
station) I like it!! It's great!! I've only heard twice, both
times I've been on the air and played it. COOL STUFF!!
It fits in with the old stuff, but is still different enough to know
that it is new!! I can't wait for tha album..
I'll have to give a better review after I listen to it a few more
times..
TTYL
Matt
Chilling autumn rains
curtain Mount Fuji, then make it
more beautiful to see.
-- Basho
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 01:35:37 -0600 (CST)
From: Adam 'DeLicious' DeLisse <adeliss@comp.uark.edu>
Subject: CMJ...Certain Damage
Hey all,
I have seen a lot of people mentioning that BFF single comes with
the new CMJ mag, and my college radio station gets that mag, so can
someone tell me what volume of Certain Damage (I think that is the name of
the CD that comes with CMJ) has the single because I can't seem to find it
anywhere.
Thanks
Adam DeLisse
I'm Buddha!!
-Jane Lu
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 02:46:40 -0500 (EST)
From: "Joshua D. Bernstein" <bernstein.30@osu.edu>
Subject: BFF - Taping at Shows, Jellyfish fans?
First of all, let me introduce myself. I'm new to the list, and was very
pleased to find so many other like-minded BFF Fans. This brings me to my
first point.
I'm a big Dave Matthews Band fan. DMB allows taping at their shows, and
before they "went big" so to speak, they even allowed soundboard patches.
What's BFF's policy about this? In any case, I'd be interested in obtaining
some BFF shows, if they're floating around out there. As I've only been to
one of their shows, I don't know how much they vary their setlist. Can
anyone lend insight on that?
Secondly, I keep hearing a similar story to my own, so it's worth repeating.
When I first heard "Underground," I swore that Jellyfish got back together
and were playing this song. Of course, I found out later that it was BFF,
got the album, went to a show, etc - it's been love ever since. Anyway,
though I see the obvious similarities between BFF and Jellyfish, doesn't it
still seem strange how many times they've been compared? I mean, it's
almost a little weird.
Take care,
Josh
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 02:01:21 -0600
From: jbuff@uit.net
Subject: I"m hearing the new song now!!!!!
KLZR 105.9 the Lazer in LAwrence, KAnsas is playing the new song quite
abit. I don't get the station very clearly in my car, so the sound
isn't great, but I like what I hear. It sounds a little different from
the last album in the fact that the piano isn't quite as strong, or
there isn't a real driving, hard piano line. I don't know, something.
Anyway, when I hear it, I'm reminded of another band. I wonder if
anyone else hears the similarity.......Pursuit of Happiness......
Well, do you hear it??? Huh? Huh?
Take Care!
Brett
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 02:48:01 -0600
From: "Clasen, Benjamin P" <BPCLASEN@CSBSJU.EDU>
Subject: ben folds five in minneapolis.
Help! Wow. I didnt know there were so many bff'ers in the minneapolis/st.
paul area. I would give anything to see them. Im just mad that I got into
them after their first ave show. If you have ANY tapes - bootlegs or anything,
please let me know. I dont have anything to trade, but I will pay cash...
also- if bff eve makes it to the twin cities and anyone has any info, lett me
know.
B
bpclasen@csbsju.edu
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 09:45:42 -0600
From: Geoffrey McNulty <gmcnulty@students.wisc.edu>
Subject: bf5 on rare on air
hey folks, I'm going to be writing a review for the rare on air vol. 3 album
soon (which features bf5's "alice childress") and i'll send it in to the
armchair as soon as it's done. btw, the version on rare on air3 sounds
almost exactly like the album version, except the production is a little
cleaner (not bed for a tape recorder). check ya' later.
geoff
-----------------------------------------------------------
Geoffrey McNulty | "Without you
Entertainment Writer | it's not as much fun
gmcnulty@students.wisc.edu | to pick up the pieces."
(608) 264-0123 | --Trent Reznor
-----------------------------------------------------------
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 11:04:20 -0500 (EST)
From: Straat@aol.com
Subject: new to bff mailing list
howdie im new to this mailing list so i thought i would say hello. hello. ive
been into ben folds five for over a year now but i never learned about this
mailing list until like three days ago. you guys seem really nice compared to
some of the other mailing lists ive been on (weezer). hopefully today i am
going to get the new cmj so i can here bowccl.tonight is gonna rock i cant
wait for the video. well i must go. email me. i want boots. Do they sell the
singles at that ben folds hotline. i called once expecting a recording and
when someone picked up i was very surprised and said bye because "im not
ready to talk to a human"
frank gilbert lyon 2nd
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 11:14:27 -0500
From: Toru Kurihara <tkuri@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: New album on the album chart in Japan
BFF new album hit No.6 of Japanese national chart. I think you could see
that on the international charts of Billboard magazine.
The new album was released last weekend in Japan already. Not only BFF,
but any other musicians' new album release, interview and ad is always
earlier then in the U.S. A month earlier, I think.
Kuri
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 17:14:34 +0000
From: Paul Mawdsley <pmm26@cam.ac.uk>
Subject: BFF hit UK chart at 26
Hi All,
Just thought I'd let you know that 'The Battle of Who Could Care Less' has
gone on to the UK Top 40 singles chart at 26. There are a couple of singles
charts over here, but this one, based on sales alone, is generally
considered as the official chart, and is broadcast on Radio 1.
With a chart position like that the single should continue to get a fair
bit of airtime, so could well stick around for quite a bit. Yipee!
Paul.
PS - Is the LA2 gig still on? If so, does anyone from the list who is going
want to meet up for a drink before hand?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Mawdsley Peterhouse
Cambridge
pmm26@cam.ac.uk CB2 1RD
--------------------------------------------------------------
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 12:43:18 -0000
From: Tom Whitaker <tom@tw.prestel.co.uk>
Subject: BoWCCL Lyrics
Someone wrote:
Can someone help me (and Andy Hewitt) clear this up. The lyrics in that
bit, as far as I can fathom, are "I've got this great idea/ Why don't we
pitch it to the Franklin f***in' Mint / 5 Year....... of general apathy
and major boredom"... So, what is tha t
missing word/phrase. The best I can make out is "apportionates", but I
don't even think that's a word, let alone know what it means (although I
could make a stab).
I thought it was :
'Five metre portraits'
Anyway, the lyrics are in the album, so could we get a witness?
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 12:31:20 -0000
From: Tom Whitaker <tom@tw.prestel.co.uk>
Subject: Re: BFF Fans and Musical Diversity, MA187
I wrote:
> PS : Does anyone here like Celine Dion and Hootie....?
You wrote:
Um, it's the PS
that worries me. As far as I'm concerned, the only good thing I can see
in Hootie making it big is that they're freeing up Columbia clubs for much
better SC and NC bands (Is that considered a flame? Don't know much 'bout
Netiquette). But seriously, you aim a Scud missile at South Carolina and
hit at least ten bands better then Hootie (except maybe Edwin McCain).
Please check out http://www.scmusic.com for a comprehensive list of GOOD
SC bands. My point is, Hootie's OK, but they're not as good as
half-a-dozen other SC bands.
I was not being serious.
Dave Matthews Band......describe. Someone. Please? They sound cool.
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 12:36:56 -0000
From: Tom Whitaker <tom@tw.prestel.co.uk>
Subject: Gimme My Money Back, You Bitch
I don't know if this ground has already been covered - it probably has.
When I saw BF5 in Sheffield, they said something about Darren splitting up
with his girlfriend being the inspiration for this song - apparently she
dumped him after an expensive dinner...
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 17:37:29 +0000
From: "B.D.WATTS" <tl6304@qmw.ac.uk>
Subject: Crash Landing
Battle of Who Could Care Less entered the UK charts at number 26,
perhaps just a few people over here are beginning to get taste in
music. One week to album one and a half to concert. That is all.
Ive got the looks
Ive got the brains
Ive got everything
We could be happy uNdErGrOuNd
tl6304@qmw.ac.uk
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 13:00:26 -0800 (PST)
From: Kristin Muchesko <woodnymph@hotmail.com>
Subject: Phoenix dates and radio
Hi all!! This is my first post, though I have been reading for a while.
I live in Tempe, Az. Not exactly the cultural mecca of the universe.
(Actually, I feel I should apologize personally for the Gin Blossoms and
The Refreshments, but there is only so much one 24 year old girl can do to
repress generic music.) Anyway, when Crowded House officially broke up I
was allowed to say that Ben Folds Five was my new favorite band w/o
feeling guilty. I have been in a constant state of emotional upheaval
since the announcement of the *maybe* April nine Counting Crows/BFF date
in Phoenix. I will cry real tears if they don't come. That would be like
concert heaven for me. (Second only to if I had been able to attend the
Crowded House Farewell to the World show in Australia.) But anyway, are
there any other Tempe/Phoenix area fans out there? I have been pestering
KZON to get them to play the new single. (I think the "Bone Mama" hates
me.) But they are not playing it yet, and I cannot get any confirmation on
the April 9 date mystery. So if you live in the area, call the Zone, and
lets force them to give Ben some play!!
Kristin, gettin' crazy with the cheez whiz.
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 15:44:27 -0800 (PST)
From: Adam Gimbel <dumyhead@millennianet.com>
Subject: various scrawlings
OK, a few random things:
First, Nancy, thanks for the praise on my Jellyfish page. The URL is
http://millennianet.com/dumyhead/Fanindex.html Jellyfish and non-Jellyfish
fans who are sick of reading JF posts can rejoice because there is a
Jellyfish mailing list that is ALMOST ready to be launched. Please don't
write me about it yet 'cause it ain't fully operational. When it is I
PROMISE I'll post something here.
Secondly, I was in the middle of trading with a cool pop fan in Japan
(where BF5's new album has already sold 100,000 copies!!!!!!!!) a few weeks
ago. She didn't have anything I really wanted, so she gave me a Kinks CD
(Village Green, the best!) and went out and bought me a CD by Japanese
Tamio Okuda, which has 4 tracks that Jellyfish's Andy Sturmer is ALL OVER.
She was telling me that she'd just bought the new BF5 and that every record
store she goes to is playing it in the store. She joked that Ben was
following her around telling her, "Give me my money back, you bitch!" So,
I says to her I says, "Hey, why doncha pick me up the new album?" So, she
says, "Sure!" and now I've got an actual Japanese CD being sent to me by an
actual Japanese girl. She's still looking for the single for me.....
Thirdly, I just saw Beck last week at the future site of a Counting
Croz/BF5 show at UCSD (san diego). As much as i hate to ask anyone for
tix, I used to work for CC's mgmt, so I will be hitting 'em up for a pair.
We're hoping to score backstage passes and bum rush Ben & the boys with my
girl Summer sporting a "Hello, my name is Summer B" nametag. Cross your
fingers. ANyone else know any BF5 fans named Summer? Mine actually works
with another girl named Summer. What are the odds?
Fourthly, whoever has a tape of the boys doing "She Don't Use Jelly":
Please check out my trading pages
http://millennianet.com/dumyhead/collectionguide.html
I want it! Gimme! Gimmme! Anyone who thinks I only want it 'cause it has
the word "jelly" in the title, PISS OFF! :)
Adam, sans sig, you're welcome
http://millennianet.com/dumyhead/
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 20:36:52 -0500
From: rawlings@datastream.net
Subject: alice childress
does anyone out there have the alice childress piano score. i really need
to get my hands onit. if you have it or know anyone who has it please email
me.ineed it pretty bad. oh yeah does anyone know any thing about bff in
atlanta . i'm kinda ready to go see em' whenever they come. well, that's
about it . ---------------brad
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 21:59:04 -0600 (CST)
From: Paul Rodriguez <mppr@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Franklin Mint lyrics
Several people took shots at the lyrics to the bridge of BOWCCL.
Here's mine:
I've got this great idea.
Why don't we pitch it to the
Franklin f***in' Mint?
Fine painted portraits of General Apathy
and Major Boredom singing
'Whatever and Ever, Amen.'
Oh, well. Maybe not.
I'll try again.
This should cheer you up for sure.
See, I've got your old ID;
You're all dressed up like the Cure.
I love the song. Got it on the new CMJ. Already playing the thing to
death. Is it a single? Hell, all BFF's songs sound like singles to
me.
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 1997 23:34:47 -0500
From: Mike Piccuirro <mikeman@pegasus.rutgers.edu>
Subject: Fresh from Japan, the CD RULES!!!!
Hey, I just received the cd from Japan on 2/21. Not an easy task when
you're on the other side of the world in New Jersey. And it only cost me
18 bucks! I just wanted to address the luke warm response I've noticed
from music mags. Well, I've been spinning it all weekend and I love
it!! Be warned, don't judge it after only listening to it 1 or 2
times. It took a while for the songs to grab me, but they did.
Admitingly, it's not as good as the first one (IMHO), but great
none-the-less. Don't hesitate to pick it up, you wont regret it. I
noticed a lot of underlying conversation in between songs, especially at
the end of the last song which is sung in Japanese, I hope they don't
lose that when the USA CD hits.
Well, there's my 2 cents.
-Mike
homepage http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~mikeman
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Right before you dumped me on your front porch