THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #209 - March 27, 1997
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #209
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Topics for Today:
brick
ben's gams
Triple J Interview
Sorry guys!!!
bootlegs
whatever review
Raleigh Show
Forever and ever it's in
Finally I am cool
What is BFF about?
Concert: SaLT LaKe CiTy
BFF copy band
bff,thanks,ohio shows
BFF in Chicago
bff in ny? and the new album....
BBF chords for the new album
(No subject)
new album
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 16:25:53 -0600 (CST)
From: Megan Hope Foster <mhfoster@artsci.wustl.edu>
Subject: brick
does someone out there know anything about ben's inspiration for the song
"brick"?
it's such a moving song...every time i listen to it, i get completely
wrapped up in his emotions.
thanks for any info.
megan.
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 17:53:51 -0500 (EST)
From: ShirowFan@aol.com
Subject: ben's gams
Entertainment weekly gave BFF an "A" on their record. Mind you, i've never
seen anything above that for ANYTHING movies, books, etc (except for their
review of "Vertigo" in the same iss. They described them as "just what the
rock world needs". Exactly. That review, coupled with the great word of
mouth, will help their sales to KICK MICHAEL JACKSON'S ASS!! and he's needed
a good boot in the rear for a while, agreed? Did i tell you all about ben's
nice gams? That boy has some exceptional hygene habits.
I wanna be Kate,
dave
[Gams or gums?]
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 11:19:45 +1100
From: Alex <belawan@parramatta.starway.net.au>
Subject: Triple J Interview
Did anyone tape it?...i was going to...but alas...i had to go
out...please email me if you can help..Cheers
Alex
**I cant go away with you
on a rock-climbing weekend...
what if something good's on
TV and its never shown again?**
The Outdoor Type - Tom Morgan, Smudge
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 19:37:11 -0600
From: Jory Fox <jorymonkey@mail.utexas.edu>
Subject: Sorry guys!!!
Hi, my name is Jory, and this is my first post. I am just writing to say,
Sorry guys!, i just called Waterloo records here in austin, where i got my
free bowccl import singles, to see if i could get some singles for some of
you folks, but no such luck. but, hey it's the thought that counts right?
I'm not going to write my long "how i discovered bf5" story, but i will say,
i am going to both the houston and austin shows in april. The houston show
is the night before my birthday, and the austin show is the day after. My
birthday is in the middle of a bf5 sandwich! terrific isn't it?
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 20:40:26 -0500
From: rawlings@datastream.net
Subject: bootlegs
does anyone have a bootleg with the following: tom and mary , emaline,
video killed the radio star , video(the one on bff's first), and any other
songs. i really want to hear some of these versions . i haven't been to a
show yet but i'm planning on going to the show in atlanta. if you can help
me out with the bootlegs please email me. thanks.
"nothing is trivial" - brandon lee
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 21:14:01 -0500
From: rawlings@datastream.net
Subject: whatever review
well the new album hit the stores on the 18th and i'm proud to say that i
tricked a friend of mine into buying it for me. ha ha ha. i've listened to
the album several times (well probably a lot more than that). i read some
of the reviews from the people who got the album before the scheduled
release date and i must say that i'm really disappointed in you people. in
my opinion ya'll made it come off sounding slow and hard to get used to. i
think it's competely the opposite. this disc is just as dynamic as the
first if not more. here is my review.
the first song is a great
opener . it really gets ya going. i think it's about a guy showing all the
people who picked on him what he really is. he's getting back in their
faces.
i'm not sure what the second track is really about yet but
it's really good. the third track is probably my favorite right now . me
and some of my friends think it's about abortion . listen to the words and
you'll see waht i mean.
song for the dumped is about darren. his girlfriend broke up with
him and he wrote out the lyrics. i don't know but he sounded pretty mad.
selfless,cold,and composed is about the average white guy. it's a really
good one. it's got some strings in it arranged by john painter. kate is
about having a crush on someone. it's a really good song . it starts off
kind of different tahn the way it turns out. this one is one of my faves.
smoke, co-written by ben is about memories and losing times you've
experinced or forgetting. cigarette i think is about a guy who can't stand
his wife but still loves her if you know what i mean. this is one of the
best but its too short.
steven's last night is kind of funny .it's about a visitor to
chappel hill who just wouldn't leave. they threw like five or six going
away parties but he just wasn't ready to go. another great tune. battle is
totally awesome. i have no idea of what it's about but it's really good .
they picked a good song to start off with . two thumbs up.
missing the war is supposed to be the sister song to the last polka
from the first disc. it's an awesome tune with some really cool background
vocals. evaporated is right up there with brick in my book. it's about
losing stuff . "novacaine our brains and we're out like
lights" -----video ----------brad
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 22:14:20 -0500 (EST)
From: Treg13@aol.com
Subject: Raleigh Show
Hello Everybody!! This is my first post and I want to say thanks for all the
great info and reviews!! I have been a fan since I saw the boys open up for
Neil Young last summer, and when I saw they would be in Raleigh on 5/1 I was
excited that I could see them again, but alas, I called the Ritz and was told
they know nothing of the show. Can anyone help me with ticket and/or show
info?? Thanks, and I hope everyone get a chance to see this band live soon,
because the live show really shows how good they are!!
Treg
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 22:28:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Hotdoglove@aol.com
Subject: Forever and ever it's in
Well, well, well. I am emerging from a long lurking spell to give my stupid
old opinion of the new album and to inform everyone of the plethora of press
appearances Ben and the boys have garnered as of late. First off, some
magazines I personally have seen BFF in: March CMJ, March Mojo, March Q,
March 21 Entertainment Weekly, (they got an A on the album, too) Marie Clare
(?).
That's all that I've seen.
Well, the new album has been stuck in my player since I bought it last
Tuesday and my appreciation of BFF's genius really grows with each listen.
Here are my comments on the tracks:
One Angry Dwarf-heard it in concert but never really understood the lyrics
until now. A wonderful comeback song, I was singing it all last night as I
stood playing goalie(forced by my soccer coach, I HATE goalie) on my birthday
no less. "You will be sorry!"
Fair-OK, I have one thing to say besides that this is a hummable little
song---are Robert and Darren clucking? I have taken to calling this "the
chicken song"
Brick-undoubtedly my first standout favorite. I guess it's really relatable
to anyone at any age, but it seems quite applicable to high school
relationships. I cried.
Song For The Dumped-been there, done that. I've heard this a lot already.
It's fun to belt out in the shower, not much else. I love the distortion
near the end.
Selfless, Cold, and Composed-Ouch. How true I find this song to be. I just
broke up with a best friend-which is almost as bad as breaking up with a love
mate. I love the strings.
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 23:45:33 -0500 (EST)
From: "Giuliano G. Valentino" <val@rogerswave.ca>
Subject: Finally I am cool
Well...
We Haligonians in and out of water, where the sun shines and does not shine,
from coast-to-coast finally got our hands on the new one today. I have a
few comments.
1) Why do I hate this cover so much? When the clerk handed it to me, I
looked at the cover and thought that either I got a demo tape by some other
band, or that I had suddenly had a stroke. The interior pictures didn't
help much. Thank God I like the music!
2) When I got the album I skipped ahead to Song for the Dumped. I didn't
like it. I liked the Mr Wrong version. HOWEVER...when I listen to the
album song-to-song it fits in...on the Elvis Costello list there is talk
every now and again of how sometimes the transition from song to song is
amazing, and can make or break something. Brick to SftD is amazing...you go
from this moody downer, through some chatter and then all the pent up
emotions are let out in the big riff.
3) Daniel - I know how bad Dal can be at this time of year..I was there for
4 of the most complex years of my life! (I think my jacket is still hanging
in the Killam somewhere!) Good luck with the thesis!
I am now going to do something else.
---------------------
Giuliano G. Valentino Oh I used to be disgusted
val@rogerswave.ca and now I try to be amused.
Newmarket, Ontario But since their wings have got rusted,
Canada you know, the angels wanna wear my red shoes.
http://www.ceogroup.com/Employees/Giuliano/Index.html
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 22:53:43 -0800
From: Steve VanDevender <stevev@efn.org>
Subject: What is BFF about?
In MAGICAL ARMCHAIR #205, Jason Martin <un036034@wvnvaxa.wvnet.edu>
writes:
> BFF is all about high energy, high performance music. Some slow-downs
> are fine, by all means, but this album (as I will further elaborate)
> has too many.
You are entitled to your opinions, and given your statement above, your
ratings of the songs on the new album make perfect sense, but I have to
take issue with your saying "BFF is all about high energy, high
performance music". BFF isn't about what _you_ want them to be about.
They're about what _they_ want themselves to be about. You may like the
high-energy stuff, and so may a lot of other people, but that doesn't
mean BFF is obligated to pump it out for you.
I got the new album on U.S. Release Day, and it hasn't left my CD player
except to be shuffled back and forth between work and home a couple of
times. I don't think it's as flashy as the first album, but it's much
more sophisticated -- it has less of the raucous piano-punk feel and
more thoughtful, insightful, even genuinely emotional moments.
_Whatever and Ever Amen_ shows a lot of the promise hinted at in _Ben
Folds Five_; the music is more polished and structured, and the lyrics
tell more interesting stories.
Most of my favorite artists show quite a bit of variety and
experimentalism in their work: Kate Bush, Jane Siberry, Laurie Anderson,
Happy Rhodes, and Throwing Muses are performers I never get tired of
listening to, and who have had many different styles in their careers
and even in some individual albums. I like music with melody,
structure, and craft, and I originally became a Ben Folds Five fan
because they were far more than the grunge band I at first thought they
were when I saw them open for Heather Nova back in October 1995 (I still
remember how much I liked BFF and remember almost nothing of Heather
Nova). While I would hate to see BFF entirely discard the "punk rock
for sissies" sound, I'm glad to see them show that they can do more than
that.
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 16:47:42, -0500
From: MR DARIUS S DURITZ <RQNK02B@prodigy.com>
Subject: Concert: SaLT LaKe CiTy
HeLLo FriEnDs,
I've been a fan of BF5 for quite some time, ever since the very
first days of the release of the first album... I've been laughed at
by alot of people for liking such an "odd' band.. "ODD" probably
because there is no guitar.. Now though they are not laughing anymore.
. The BOWCCL is hitting the charts and is getting constant air play
here in Salt Lake City..
As you all know they are coming here on APRIL the 8th.. I am at the
age of 19 and they are playing at a 21 and over club... I really want
to go see them again, (I saw them back in FLORIDA in the days of the
caveman, when Geezer Lake was touring with them) but i'm not 21.. If
anybody knows Ben, Darren, or Robert maybe you can ask them to let me
pose as a roadie or something (well, it might work?!?)...
I really want to see them, ReALLY ReALLY BadLY.. I even promote both
of their records at my record store and have turned alot of people
into BF5 fans.. Now Ben, or anyone can't you give a lil' back?..
Please address advice to me at RQNK02B@prodigy.com... Thank you much!
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 14:03:56 -0600
From: kgroves@tej.com
Subject: BFF copy band
In the most recent issue of CMG, the CD has a song by a group called Five For
Fighting (combination BFF/Elton?). It's the most blatant rip-off/homage of/
to BFF yet... but with guitar. That's not to say it's bad -- just blatant.
Kyle
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 15:00:27 -0500
From: elutz@kent.edu
Subject: bff,thanks,ohio shows
Hello eveyone,
This is my first post and I just want to tell Frenk Maynard that he
is really cool for doing this. The next thing is that the first time I saw
Ben and the gang was at Lollapaloosa 96 in ohio I liked them, but at this
show I turned into a fan forever. I would like to thank my friend Heather
For introducing them to me. We took pictures of her and ben to gether and
some of him on stage it was a grand old show. We were in the front and was
fab-O
I am planing on seeing them at the Odeon in Cleveland In April the
tickets were only 10 Bucks! wow what a deal well I will defentaly post a
review so Watch for it... well thats it
Elizabeth
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 15:50:14 -0800
From: Eric Ebert <ebert@cpg.mcw.edu>
Subject: BFF in Chicago
Can somebody e-mail me w/details on the Chicago show on April 24th?
(Time, location, how much, where to get tickets, etc) I'm thinking about
kidnapping a buddy of mine and making the trek from Milwaukee to Chicago.
BTW, picked up the free single yesterday from Atomic Records. "I wanna
steal some duct tape" ? "For Those of Y'all Who Wear Fanny Packs" is
quite the interesting song...
--
Eric (who has given up the usage of his nickname, "Erokk",
for Lent) <ebert@cpg.mcw.edu>
"Sanity, you're a madman!" - The Tick
"What's that blue thing doing here?" - TMBG
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 17:29:42 -0500
From: Tushie Galore <eh204@is6.nyu.edu>
Subject: bff in ny? and the new album....
hello all out there in bff land. this is my first post so please bear with
me!!
anyway.
mission #1: got the new album at record exchange in chapel hill on the
18th.(btw, for all you tarheels out there, they have (or had) the "middle c"
tshirt on sale for 8 bucks, size large). i had high hopes upon hearing "1
angry dwarf", but i'd have to agree with those who said that it was too
downbeat..well, that's not right. it's considerably more downbeat than the
first one, it's just that i'm rarely in the mood for that sort of thing. i
like energy! ("the last polka" is my favorite, to give you all a clue).
anyway, "1 angry dwarf" makes me extremely happy though--i'm currently in
the process of making myself an upbeat bff mix tape, with "1 angry dwarf"
leading the pack. the only problem with the ballads (most of them..."brick"
is a tasty little number simply because it's just so utterly depressing) is
that they lack the extra oomph that darren and robert added on the first one
(compare "boxing" to "selfless, cold and composed")...it all seems too toned
down. i like the production on the first one a lot better, honestly.
mission #2: does anyone know if bff is going to be playing in new york city
sometime before mid-may? please please please.....or playing in north
carolina (chapel hill, durham, winston-salem even) over the summer? your
distraught author was at home in chapel hill for her spring break and
thought that she saw that they were playing the 20th at the cradle! hurrah!
however, that is just an instance of seeing an 8 as a 0. i had to leave the
23rd, so pblllpth to the boys. i had a stellar week show-wise last weekend,
and it would have only made it better. in fact, i probably would've died
from happiness. oh well. at least i'm alive now to enjoy them again later...
mission #3: BOOTLEGS! I WANT 'EM! unfortunately, though i have liked the
band for a long time, i am sorely lacking in trading stuff. so i'm a loser.
so what. but...i'm a loser with money and blank tapes! so mail me privately
if you've got info (i know that a bunch of you do)...
thanks for waiting while i combed the deepest recesses of my mind to bring
you this little treat....
Liz Harler
Professional Goddess
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 16:43:15 -0700
From: Ryan Raul Banagale <r_banagale@cc.colorado.edu>
Subject: BBF chords for the new album
Hey all,
I've got this band, very Ben Folds Five-esq. I've writen some stuff for it
(I'm the piano player) and I was wondering if anyone out there has had the
time in the last week or so to figure out any of the new album, or stuff
that you've worked off of the tapes? We're covering Uncle Walter and
Philosophy right now, and I've been to damn busy to figure out any of them.
Thanks a lot. Take it easy.
-RYan
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 23:34:59 EST
From: Stephen J Edge <caprikorn@juno.com>
Subject: (No subject)
Hi.....My name is Stephen and i am a freshman Magical Armchair member,
but i am a totally devoted BFF fan. Never seen them live, missed them
last year when they played West Palm Beach (anybody from South Florida
send me an email). Well, anyway, i work at Spec's (a florida music
store) and i got the new CD about 3 weeks before the release date and
have played it constantly, tortured my co workers by playing both cd's
daily, even made the new cd a "featured release" on the listening station
at work. I have heard alot of people say "Ben Folds Who?" Well,
anyway, the new cd is really cool, i don't care what anyone says. there
is also a big review in this month's issue of details (the one w/ gwen
stefani on it. YOU CAN'T MISS IT!!!!!). But lo and behold, no florida
dates on the tour schedule. Hopefully the guys will add some tour dates
to their busy schedule.
well, that is it
Stephen (CapriKorn@juno.com)
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 03:20:51 -0500
From: Dean Drouillard <droulard@MNSi.Net>
Subject: new album
I know that everyone has been putting in their two cents about the new album
recently, so here is mine plus tip.
The new BFF album has received quite a bit of criticism from many
long-time fans. I, however, believe that the boys have done quite good for
themselves. While I had been anticipating this album for some time now, I
read many disappointments about it since it ended up coming out in Canada
later than expected.
When I first put the album on I liked it but didn't love it as I
grew to with their first album. However, within two days I listened to the
album about 10 times and I think this is a brilliant album. Ben's use of
words is simply eloquent and everyone's playing has improved immensely.
Obviously, the most important thing is the songs. The harmonies are
amazing. And while the production is obviously better, I was happy to
discover that they did not go for that super slick major label, Michael
Bolton sound. These songs grab me in a deeper way than the last album did.
They sound much more mature and certain of where they are going.
If anything, what this album says to me is that the band is just
more of what they were on their first album. More jazzy, more funky, and
truly great musicians.
Just my 3 cents,
Dean Drouillard
RACECAR (Canada)
http://www.mnsi.net/~racecar
P.S. See some of you on April 25 at St. Andrews in Detroit! I've got mine.
Have you got yours?
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