THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #201 - March 21, 1997
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #201
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.
* If you attend a show, you must post a review!
[Apologies for the delay in getting these out. There was a problem with
access to my service provider for the last week which made it difficult
for me to handle mail. This mailing consists of Issues #201 through #204.
I know everyone's been dying to read everyone else's reaction to the US
release, and there is plenty of that. Also, the full list of US tour dates
for the April tour is now announced, and you'll read that in a message in
issue #204 or check the tour dates page at http://oeonline.com/bff/ which
is bound to be easier to reach than www.bffweb.com. The Japan dates are
also posted on the web page. -fjm]
Topics for Today:
Chart Status exposed!
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #198
Re: BFF in Berkeley
Ben Folds Five take on the Capital
lalala
BFF. Piano Sheet music???
Free singles and screwed web page
BF5? big big stars
fanny pax
SonicNet cybercast...
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #200
more press than usual
Komeda supporting?
Majosha!
Can I hear a hallelujah?...My take on the new album
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 97 11:47:08 -0000
From: Simon Burrows INF-KB <sburrows@madge.com>
Subject: Chart Status exposed!
Neil A wrote: "I'm not sure if it's the band's doing or not, but why
would BFF be concerned about chart status? "
Er....there's nothing wrong with wanting your music to be heard by as
wide a group of people as possible. If you're going to extend your 'Hey,
we're only in it for the songs' logic, then why should they bother
getting recording contracts and touring? I hope they do get high chart
placings (and unless they release 'Kate' I'm not sure that they'll be
able to better the BOWCCL place of 26) because they are a great and
unique band that could give a lot of people a lot of pleasure.
"so it seems absurd they would try put such a financial strain on their
fans."
Ben didn't threaten me with a big stick if I didn't buy them both. Anyway
you jammy* bastard, you got them for free!
Having said this, I was also dissapointed by the B sides. I think 'Theme
From Dr Pyser' (Live) is a fantastic tune, but the sound quality really
is awful. This suprised me because 'Satan Is My Master' (B side of
'Underground') which was also recorded live sounds a lot better.
Does anyone know why the Wolverhampton** gig was cancelled? As I result
I didn't see them this time round. Sounds like it was as good as their
last tour.
ceddy (sburrows@madge.com)
Explanations for our American cousins:
*jammy = lucky
**Wolverhampton = Industrial Midlands city 15 miles North West of
Birmingham.
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 16:06:01 GMT0BST
From: "K.V.SUTTON" <GG9C6SKV@swansea.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #198
"Wow!" - This was my singular response to everyone who has asked me over
the past week about how THE concert (at London's Astoria
nightclub/Theatre was). This definitely has to be the most superior
concert that I've ever been to and without a doubt one of the best
nights out of my life,- a snip at a mere stlg10.00!!
The evening began slowly with support bands Fountains of Wayne
(Kula Shaker Junior?!,- London only), and Komeda (Retro, seventies,
(weird) band,- all of Britain), whilst everyone muttered under their
breaths that they wished BFF would hurry up and appear. Expectations
were running high.
When they causually wandered onto the stage at 9pm the crowd went
mad,- the stuff the local students' (and one or two proper
grown-ups), heroes are made of! Missing the War promptly followed,
and 'Yes' we all got a taste of the famous mouth piano thingy too!!
Notable moments during the evening occurred when the crowd in the ol'
mosh pit went completely over the top with never-ending body-surfing
victims got thrown onto the stage,- only to get dragged off by the
body guards- in an attempt to come into contact with the lads. At one
point, at the end of one song, Ben actually commented that it was
beginning to look a little too much like his High School graduation
with the recipricants leaving the audience to make their way onto the
stage, one by one. Laughs galore followed.
Unfortunately, this problem got so bad that by the time BOWCCL came
on Robert became so annoyed (after severeal requests to kindly 'cut
it out') with the inconsiderate antagonists that he actually stopped
playing, put his bass down, put his arm around the most recent victim
as if to use her as a scape goat example, and again asked them to
calm down as he was obviously becoming increasingly distracted. Ben
and Darren quietly played on in the background!
Such shame on the audience's behalf was soon forgotten as Underground
was performed a little later. The, now, legendary "I was never cool
in school..." was replaced in this case by "I WAS really cool in
school..."!! Darren left the drums to state how long it had been and
how he still didn't know who he was s'posed to be, (whilst slurping
the compulsory mineral water), later asking to be handed his
COCK-ring!!! Robert merely demanded to be shown "a Spice Girl"!!
Further hysterics followed!!
Unfortunately, we missed out on having such gems as Jackson Cannery
and Emaline (Fantastic melody!) performed to us, but instead got
treated to versions of Careless, Cold and Composed, Kate, and
Philosophy, in addition to the somewhat explicit, but equally
masterful, Song for the Dumped and an audience suggestions of Sexy
Mother F***er. Improvision at its incredible best.
The crowd went sky-high in the energy stakes when Underground was
played, but there was always an underlying theme of speed as Ben et
al performed. The venue doubled as a nightclub at 11pm and I felt it
to be unfair that when they can back on again for their encore they
were given, as Ben himself said, "three minutes...and so had to play
everything at double speed!!!
Yes, I bought the compulsory T-shirt! Yes, I felt gutted by the fact
that I hadn't known about the lads right from the start so I couldn't
have gone to their last gig and got an Underground concert T-shirt
(Piano on front, Opening line on back,- if anyone has got one tell me
where to, or send me yours!!!!). And yes, most definitely,- I will be
the first to buy a ticket when they return "in the Summer", (so THEY
say!
True art. Next time, Beg, borrow or steal a ticket. Believe me, it'll
be worth it!
For further obsessive BFF chats please feel free to contact me at my
private address. All true fans welcome! Especially Ben, Darren and
Robert themselves! (Wishful thinking I know!).
Kelly (-wishing they'd write a song about my name instead of
apparently everybody else's!!).
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 12:29:29 -0500 (EST)
From: Ben73179@aol.com
Subject: Re: BFF in Berkeley
Hey Nathan........stop your complaining, If you dont want to watch the
Counting Crows then go home, nobody's forcing you to stick around.
It seems to me that your taking being able to see BFF for granted. While your
watching BFF and having a great time, remember those of us who were not lucky
enough to get tickets.
Ben Holt
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 16:40:57 GMT0BST
From: "K.V.SUTTON" <GG9C6SKV@swansea.ac.uk>
Subject: Ben Folds Five take on the Capital
"Wow!" - This was my singular response to everyone who has asked me over
the past week about how THE concert (at London's Astoria
nightclub/Theatre was). This definitely has to be the most superior
concert that I've ever been to and without a doubt one of the best
nights out of my life,- a snip at a mere stlg10.00!!
The evening began slowly with support bands Fountains of Wayne
(Kula Shaker Junior?!,- London only), and Komeda (Retro, seventies,
(weird) band,- all of Britain), whilst everyone muttered under their
breaths that they wished BFF would hurry up and appear. Expectations
were running high.
When they causually wandered onto the stage at 9pm the crowd went
mad,- the stuff the local students' (and one or two proper
grown-ups), heroes are made of! Missing the War promptly followed,
and 'Yes' we all got a taste of the famous mouth piano thingy too
(!!) in Steven's last night...
Notable moments during the evening occurred when the crowd in the ol'
mosh pit went completely over the top, with never-ending body-surfing
victims got thrown onto the stage,- only to get dragged off by the
body guards- in an attempt to come into contact with the lads. At one
point, at the end of one song, Ben actually commented that it was
beginning to look a little too much like his High School graduation
with the recipricants leaving the audience to make their way onto the
stage, one by one. Laughs galore followed.
Unfortunately, this problem got so bad that by the time BOWCCL came
on Robert became so annoyed (after severeal requests to kindly 'cut
it out') with the inconsiderate antagonists that he actually stopped
playing, put his bass down, put his arm around the most recent victim
as if to use her as a scape goat example, and again asked them to
calm down as he was obviously becoming increasingly distracted. Ben
and Darren quietly played on in the background!
Such shame on the audience's behalf was soon forgotten as Underground
was performed a little later. The, now, legendary "I was never cool
in school..." was replaced in this case by "I WAS really cool in
school..."!! Darren left the drums to state how long it had been and
how he still didn't know who he was s'posed to be, (whilst slurping
the compulsory mineral water), later asking to be handed his
COCK-ring!!! Robert merely demanded to be shown "a Spice Girl"!!
Further hysterics followed!!
Unfortunately, we missed out on having such gems as Jackson Cannery
and Emaline (Fantastic melody!) performed to us, but instead got
treated to versions of Careless, Cold and Composed, Kate, and
Philosophy, in addition to the somewhat explicit, but equally
masterful, Song for the Dumped and an audience suggestions of Sexy
Mother F***er. Improvision at its incredible best.
The crowd went sky-high in the energy stakes when Underground was
played, but there was always an underlying theme of speed as Ben et
al performed. The venue doubled as a nightclub at 11pm and I felt it
to be unfair that when they can back on again for their encore they
were given, as Ben himself said, "three minutes...and so had to play
everything at double speed!!!
Yes, I bought the compulsory T-shirt! Yes, I felt gutted by the fact
that I hadn't known about the lads right from the start so I couldn't
have gone to their last gig and got an Underground concert T-shirt
(Piano on front, Opening line on back,- if anyone has got one tell me
where to, or send me yours!!!!). And yes, most definitely,- I will be
the first to buy a ticket when they return "in the Summer", (so THEY
say!
True art. Next time, Beg, borrow or steal a ticket. Believe me, it'll
be worth it!
For further obsessive BFF chats please feel free to contact me at my
private address. All true fans welcome! Especially Ben, Darren and
Robert themselves! (Wishful thinking I know!).
Kelly (-wishing they'd write a song about my name instead of
apparently everybody else's!!).
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 13:19:20 -0500 (EST)
From: Iodine <el266071@hvcc.edu>
Subject: lalala
I dont post often, but I figured Id submit this little tidbit :
the radio station ehre (albany, ny, 103.9 The Edge) has given Battle of
Who Could Care Less quite a bit of airplay..I dont remember hearing BFF on
the radio this much before..but anyway..they have a song of the week, and
all the listeners vote, called "screamer of the week" well, Ben Folds Five
was a nominee, and they didnt win :( They came in second place though,
which is pretty cool.
*----jawbox-->
take me down to the desert sea.
i don't want to wait.
i want to leech my memory.
*----mostly harmless web page--> (bbs.cowland.com/giuseppe)
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 14:16:51 -0800
From: Phillipa Surgey <xia65@dial.pipex.com>
Subject: BFF. Piano Sheet music???
Does anyone know where I could get hold of any Piano music for BFF??
If you can help, please just drop me a line.
Cheers!
Nick
[There is a songbook available through the band's mail order
operation. The phone number in the US is 888-BENFOLDS5. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 15:29:26 -0500 (EST)
From: Brad654@aol.com
Subject: Free singles and screwed web page
Brooks/ Super Baby writes---
>>_they_ said that the only way they were giving them out for free
>>was if you brought in a coupon. upon further questioning it was
>>revealed that this coupon could be obtained "from their web site".
>>but not only can i not get the official website to work at all (i get
I have experienced this same thing. Luckily, I got the coupons printed before
the page went crazy, but when I tried to go back to look up other stores (the
one I tried was fresh out-- the record co. only sent them 5 copies of each
disc), it wouldn't let me in. I guess I'm just writing so you know you're not
alone in your pain, misery and suffering. All will be cured on the 18th,
though.
Brad
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 21:27:45 +0000
From: vivi@ndirect.co.uk
Subject: BF5? big big stars
Theres alot of chat about big star. I must go and dig out my tape of them.
When I first heard them I just wanted to turn the music up really loud and
party in the street.
Those of you in countries that haven't got the new BF5 album yet (by the
way its at no.18 in the UK album charts I think) don't seem to be doing to
badly as it sounds like your getting loads of freebies, the singles, promo
vids and t-shirts that us in the
UK don't seem to be offered. I would be jealous but I've got
"Whatever..." by my side, so na-na
I thought that Komede the Swedish support band were kinda cool, much
better than the crappy indie rock band with the long hair and miserable
faeces, oops,faces!
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 97 15:33:14 -0600
From: "S. A. Schneider" <echo@msn.globaldialog.com>
Subject: fanny pax
> Okay, that definitely is fast becoming one of my favorite songs. But one
> question--who is singing??
Most of the time it's Darren, but Ben and Robert take turns as well.
--- Scott A. Schneider
echo@msn.globaldialog.com
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 16:35:14 -0600
From: Dan Mauer <dmauer@earthlink.net>
Subject: SonicNet cybercast...
> From: Evan Chakroff <chakroff@ee.net>
>
> After listening to Whatever And Ever Amen twice on Real Audio, I feel
> compelled to say that I don't like it as much as the first album. (Oh, by
> the way, this is my fist post, so hi.) Of course, I've listened to several
> other albums through these SonicNet Listening Parties and they generally
> tend to have a small loss in quality from the CD version ( <----
> Understatement ).
I actually got the opportunity (at work) to listen to the entire album a
few times through on an ISDN line... and the quality was actually very
good - I'd say just below cassette quality, unfortunately in mono as
opposed to stereo... but regardles, I was VERY impressed by the new
album!! I'd say I like it just as much as the first album, and since
it's all new, I would definately say it's my new favorite. Choice
tracks of mine would be 1 Angry Dwarf, Song for the Dumped, Kate, Brick
and Evaporated (an absolutely beautiful song)... not to say that the
rest of the album isn't brilliant as well.
And if anyone forgot how to get to the cybercasts... it's at address
http://www.sonicnet.com
and there are several to choose from. I also recommend the Space
concert.
Ahh, what a happy thing I am. Tuesday, tuesday, tuesday, tuesday.... :)
-dan.
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 19:18:32 -0500
From: "James A. Rota II" <googotz@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #200
The new album is kickin freestyle. If anyone wants a copy of the promo vid
from the new record, including interviews and the new Video for Battle of
Who Could Care Less, let me know.
googotz@earthlink.net
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 19:54:29, -0500
From: MR MARC FACTOR <RFAA93A@prodigy.com>
Subject: more press than usual
hey,
it seems bff has been getting alot more press since they are on a
major label. they have a new video, there is an article about them
in details magazine and i dont know it just seems like people are
getting to realize them. cant wait utnil the 18th to get their new
one,
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 21:11:02 -0600 (CST)
From: Mbybee <mbybee@flash.net>
Subject: Komeda supporting?
WHat? what's this about Komeda? Ahh, just got into them the albums great!
goofy, and stereolab comparable (although, stereolab would be winner in the
ring). Komeda and Ben Folds Five? eh? That's kind of weird together! P5 and
Bf5 sound more compatible! (com pat ee bleh) ha, bein' silly..."too silly.
must stop." -Eric Dover, Imperial Drag.
ack, Komeda?! I want to see em'!
nancy doodle
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 22:17:48 -0500
From: John Glosson <JGlosson@webtv.net>
Subject: Majosha!
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Majosha yet, or maybe they have and I
missed it. Majosha was Ben's band prior to BFF, which was based in
Greensboro. I have access to a rare vinyl copy, so if anyone would like
a copy of it, email me and we can work something out like a SASE deal.
i was talking to a co-worker a few weeks back, who was visiting my store
from his store in Greensboro. He told me that Robert Sledge worked for
our company for a short time. (The Record Exchange). He was there a
month and quit because he couldn't hack it. I guess he'll never amount
to anything!
Also, the Record Exchange monthly publication features BFF this month.
It's available online at www.mal.com~mmonitor/.
I'm going to see them in two weeks in Chapel Hill, and I'm as giddy as a
little school girl.
John Glosson
North Carolina
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 15:51:31 -0500
From: Mandel Ilagan <ilagan@husc.harvard.edu>
Subject: Can I hear a hallelujah?...My take on the new album
First of all, Frank, congratulations on your 200th issue of THE MAGICAL
ARMCHAIR! Thanks for keeping us posted on the continuing adventures of
Ben, Robert, and Darren and keeping us BF5 fans linked together! I have
been fortunate enough to have the Japanese version of the album for almost
two weeks. I usually like to let an album settle with me for a while
before I give my full-blown opinion on it, so without further ado, here's
the verdict: I LOVE IT. Here's my song-by-song take on "Whatever and Ever
Amen."
ONE ANGRY DWARF... - Definitely rocks harder than the demo that's been
floating around for a while. This new version also makes good use of the
double-tracked vocal. Extra points for the weird synth sounds in the
"You'll be sorry one day" section. This one has single/radio airplay
potential.
FAIR - Easily one of my favorites. The guys outdo themselves with the
backing vocals here! It's a nice blend of Beatles, Bee Gees, and "What the
Fool Believes"-era Doobie Brothers. And yes, they DO sound like chickens,
but very harmonic ones. The disco-ey feel of the bridge adds a nice touch
without sounding cheesy. The double bass provides a nice "thumpy" backbone
to the song. The gradual dropout of the instruments in the closing is also
very effective.
BRICK - Beautiful song. The strength of this song is the sadness conveyed
by the lyrics and instrumentation (another great use of the double bass).
The falsetto in Ben's voice in the chorus gives this sense of fragility
and desperation to the song's character. One of the many examples in the
album of how much the band has matured since the debut album.
SONG FOR THE DUMPED - This version will probably spark a debate as to which
version was better: the one on "Whatever," the demo, or the one from "Mr.
Wrong." It's a tough call. The bass is much more crunchy and the drums
seem a bit heavier in this one and the chorus is a bit more loose. The new
instrumentation in the chorus at times gives it a dragging feel, but the
song in general sounds angrier than the other recorded versions. To those
who have heard it, doesn't it seem like there's more than one piano track
on this one?
SELFLESS, COLD, AND COMPOSED - By far the most mature-sounding song the
band has done. John Mark Painter's string part is gorgeous without
overwhelming the other instruments. I would have never expected the band
to do a song like this. The song really showcases the band's skills as
jazz players. One thing...Is it just me or are there shades of the string
section of Harry Nilsson's "Salmon Falls" in this one?
KATE - An instant favorite. It's a fun, goofy, silly love song without the
shlock. My favorite line has to be "She hands out the Bhagavad Gita." The
backing vocals are superb having a little hint of Jellyfish in 'em.
There's also this cool loose, pushing-forward feel in the beat. Sometimes
the beat pushes forward to point where it feels like things are going to
fall apart. Either that, or my ears are going wacko again...
SMOKE - Much like "Video" in the first album, this one slowly grew on me.
This one sports some nice interplay between Ben and Robert and Darren in
the third verse vocals. Ben's use of the melodica (I think that's what it
was) adds to the whispy feel of this song.
CIGARETTE - A nice short and sweet solo by Ben. The length and even the
chord changes remind me of Billy Joel's "Souvenir" off of "Streetlife
Serenade."
STEVEN'S LAST NIGHT... - This is another song which will spark a debate.
Which is better? The version with or without the Klezmatics? Personally,
I really like this version. The additional instruments really add to the
big-band feel of the song. This version feels more pumped up too. My only
gripes are that they overpowered the backing vocals and that there's no
melodica. Otherwise, this is another song with could have single/radio
potential.
BATTLE OF WHO... - As I've mentioned before, this one's a nice, bouncy
number featuring some clever lyrics and cool "ooh's" by Darren and Robert.
And like the rest of this album, it has grown on me with repeated listens.
MISSING THE WAR - The bass seems a bit heavier than the demo version and
the backing vocals are mixed down a bit. One of the striking things in
this song is the additional verse. I personally didn't think it hurt the
song, but I didn't think it added to much to it either. Also, (and this is
a testament to Caleb Southern's fine production) the song feels much less
like a Queen/Elton John song in this version compared to the demo. (Now, I
am NOT knocking Queen or Elton John...in fact, I think they're great. It's
just that the album version has more of that BF5 flavor to it.)
EVAPORATED - The song has stayed pretty much intact from the demo.
However, it features the addition of a cello part. The cello adds that
right amount of loneliness and yearning that make this song such a great
closer.
The Japanese "Song For the Dumped" seems to use the same instrumental
tracks as the English version, but it closes with some funny dialogue by
the band. Anybody know if it will kept for the U.S. version?
Needless to say, this is a great album and proves that the band is here to
stay. They have definitely not suffered from the sophomore slump here.
Much has been said about the mellower, slower, less-catchy feel, but did
we really want or need "Ben Folds Five II?" New territory is explored here
resulting in a much more subtle album which improves greatly with repeated
listenings. Character sketches are more developed. For example, in
"Brick" and "Evaporated," you can feel the sadness and desperation of the
people in the songs. As to the use of the additional instruments such as
the timpani, double bass, strings, and whatnot, I like it. They add more
color to the song and really don't overpower the "core" instruments or
vocals. (The one possible exception being "Steven's Last Night in Town.")
Another plus in this album is the sequence of the tracks. The album flows
very smoothly. A prime example being how the slower, subtler "Brick" and
"Selfless..." flanks the raucous "Song for the Dumped." Overall, this is
a wonderful album that shows that there is still hope for "a good melody"
in today's world of music.
Well, I think I've taken my fair share of bandwidth for a while...That's
just my 1/50 of dollar...
Mandel Ilagan
ilagan@fas.harvard.edu
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~ilagan
--------------------------------------------------
"Everyday she wears the same thing,
I think she smokes pot."
- From "Kate," Ben Folds Five (1997)
--------------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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You'll be sorry when I'm big, yes you will