THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #318 - May 24, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Saturday, May 24 1997 Volume 01 : Number 318
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
Thanks, Chiori and Azusa
ben folds central park info whatEVER
mr. rogers
Boston SHow
Powderfinger
Chapel Hill
Kate single
Mitchell Lane and Kate release date
Mr. Rogers
Taping policy
CDnow VS. CD Europe
HORDE Dates
Request for Live Tapes
Winny's BFF Review
BFF On TFI - They Suck
Beef Todd
BEEFTODD... If you don't like his posts...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 20:11:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shu2Stef@aol.com
Subject: Thanks, Chiori and Azusa
Hi all,
Haven't posted in awhile.......haven't had anything to say. Have enjoyed
reading, though. I, too, would like to thank Chiori and Azusa for their
wonderful reviews and their effort to keep us all informed. You two are so
cool. You are the definition of "true fans". If I had a BFF wish, it would
be to see a show with the two of you next to me. Then I KNOW that someone
would be into it as much as me.
Again, thank you both.
Stefanie Schumacher
Shu2Stef@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 20:30:50 -0400 (EDT)
From: DownBaby@aol.com
Subject: ben folds central park info whatEVER
ive been to cantral park summer shows and its not exactly a place to picnic.
beer and sweat and walking all over anyone who is trying to sit on the grass
is what its all about.
but hey for anyone whos going-- if there is a barricade up i say we all tear
it down.
it got knocked down in a matter of minutes last year.
i wanna dance on ben's piano!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
debbie.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 20:29:01 -0500 (CDT)
From: estuart <estuart@owlnet.rice.edu>
Subject: mr. rogers
hey fivers,
just for the record, ben played the intro, on 1/30/96, ponitac, mi. no
singing though :(.
stu
Nancies Great Woods Page http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~estuart/greatwoods.html
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It's a sad day in America - ya'll don't have nothing better to do than
watch me" - Charles Barkley
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Finals: Game 3 Friday Rockets 0 - Jazz 2
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 22:16:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: THE YANKEE <mcdonpj3@wfu.edu>
Subject: Boston SHow
Okay, Armchairites-
(Cause that's what I'll call those of y'all who are on the list
until we rename ourselves after Frank Maynard)
Who will be at the Paradise on Tuesday the 27th? I will put some
kind of sticker on my body that says "Armchair," most likely on my chest
or shoulder or seomthing, and will be looking for other list folk, seeing
as I am having trouble getting my sister (named Kate, nonetheless!) to
dump her steakhouse hostess job for a night to hear a band play a songwith
her name in it.
I have met ben a few times, and he knows me by name, so I think I
will be one of the fans he is more likely to talk to if I can get near
him. (or so I'd liek to think)
If anyone else wants to cram themselves right up against the
piano, send me some mail.
Peace,
Patrick J. McDonough
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 12:34:17 GMT+1000
From: "AMITA TANDUKAR" <atandu01@major-mitchell.mit.csu.edu.au>
Subject: Powderfinger
Hi everyone!
This post is about an Australian band called Powderfinger. They
played at the last Crowded House concert at the Sydney Opera House last
year. I would have to disagree with Janelle, I thought they were
great but they were not really the support band that I would have chosen for
the crowdies. They are fairly big in Australia at the mo, their album
Double Allergic is charting well, but I doubt that they've been to the UK yet.
Amita :)
"I do the best imitation of myself."
Ben Folds' Five
atandu01@postoffice.csu.edu.au
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 00:28:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: bobafett@ekx.infi.net (Boba Fett)
Subject: Chapel Hill
hey guys...
sorry about the non-BFF content here, but it sorta pertains to ben
and the boys...
I'm going to be in Raleigh the last week of May visiting my sister
and visiting chapel hill as well. I figured that people on this list would
be knowledgable of things going on in or around C.H. and would be gracious
enough to email me privately and let me know of any good concerts, plays, or
maybe we (i'm travelling with friends) can have a big armchair party. :)
Well...let me know...
Also...anyone going to the cinci show? especially you, folds5...let
me know about your plans...is anyone going to meet pre or post show?
love and all that jazz...
Jessica
Jessica B. Musselwhite
bobafett@ekx.infi.net
"Why am I the witness? And when I capture it on film, will it mean that its
the end ...and I'm alone?" - Mark (from Jonathan Larson's "Rent")
"The kindest truths are often spoke, but never heard." -Ben Folds Five,
"Last Polka"
"What's with you, today? Yesterday you were normal, today you're like the
chinese guy from Karate Kid" -"Empire Records"
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:26:46 +0100
From: Mark Piper (PWA) <pipermf@ugs1.ph.bham.ac.uk>
Subject: Kate single
According to the ad in Melody Maker, "Kate" is out "next week", which I would assume to be Monday, but might be the Monday after, but I hope not. And MM didn't help by saying the release date in the news column was "May 5". Slackers. And they said the Shepherds Bush date was on July 7. Double slackers.
Kristin wrote:
>who says "rad" anymore?
Thomas wrote:
>Cool and rad dude.
So the answer to that question would have to be "Thomas". Do I get a point?
Mark - Still waiting for any posts in alt.music.ben-folds-five to reach his server........
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/5430/bff.html
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:07:02 +0000
From: "Marsh" <winkie@easynet.co.uk>
Subject: Mitchell Lane and Kate release date
hi,
to answer a couple of people's questions:
the UK release date for Kate is 26th May and Mitchell Lane is one of
the tracks!
CD1 Kate, Mitchell Lane, All Shook Up
CD2 Kate, Bad Idea, For All The Pretty People (demo version)
Chris
___
"There are no rules here, only piles of mistakes
That we swear we'll learn from, then we just go ahead and make"
Dog's Eye View "What I Know Now"
winkie@easynet.co.uk
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 09:30:50 -0400
From: TOM_CRIMMINS@yr.com
Subject: Mr. Rogers
With all the talk about Ben doing a cover of the "Mr. Roger's
Neighborhood" Theme, I'm surprised no one has mentioned that the
opening to "Philosophy" has a very "Mr. Rogers"-like sound to it.
The piano builds and builds until you almost expect Ben to start
singing "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."
Anyone else hear this? Got to get the guys to cover this song!
- tc
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 09:48:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Frank Maynard <maynard@mail.oeonline.com>
Subject: Taping policy
Several people recently have asked me about the band's taping policy.
I've obtained clarification on this from management.
The band does allow taping, but the only sort of taping allowed is to
bring in a handheld recorder and microphone and hold the mic in the air,
or conceal the rig if there is a problem with getting it into the venue.
They do not allow any sort of organized or professional recording, which
includes bringing in equipment such as mic stands. They also do not allow
and do not provide any direct lines or patches to the soundboard. And the
recording must be used for personal purposes only - any commercial use is
prohibited.
They did not say so, but I'm sure the band would appreciate a copy of
your tape as a courtesy. If you can find Ben, Darren or Robert after the
show, or tour manager Doug, ask them if they'd like a copy.
-fjm
Unearned unhappiness...well that's all right I guess
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 09:10:28 -0600
From: Shawn Huckaby <BShawn@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: CDnow VS. CD Europe
Just so anybody who's thinking of ordering singles, etc. knows; I've
ordered from both of these companies.
A typical purchase from CDEurope, even if in stock, takes up to several
months to come in. Frequently the items they have listed aren't even in
stock, and you don't find out until several weeks after you place your
order. Still they sometimes have rare stuff you can't find anywhere
else.
CDNow, on the other hand, tells you immediately whether something is in
stock, back ordered, or an import, and I always receive the in stock
items within five business days.
Shawn Huckaby
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 11:16:14 -0600
From: "Erik C. Lyons" <EPA8820@epa.state.il.us>
Subject: HORDE Dates
I got 'em for BFF.
According to my source they will play on HORDE until 8/8.
Email private if you want to know a date for your city.
E-
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:36:59 -0400
From: Bob Carmody <tarkusva@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Request for Live Tapes
Hey fellow Fivers...
I am a relatively new fan, coming from a 5 year excusion in Phish-land, and would love to hear some live tapes or rare material.
I have lots to trade, and will even throw in a BFF Windows wallpaper.
Write me!
Watching the Rockford Files...
Bob
- ------------------------
Bob Carmody
Roanoke Virginia
tarkusva@worldnet.att.net
* Visit Another Green World at
http://hamnetcenter.com/tarkus/
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:38:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: Winny0001@aol.com
Subject: Winny's BFF Review
"And The 'Best Band On The Planet' Award Goes To..."
Report Card
The Gig: Ben Folds Five
(Supported by 'Ballroom').
The Venue: Sheffield Leadmill
The Date: Sunday 09th March 1997
The Cost: #7.50 entrance, #10 tour shirt, #5 travel.
Best Moments: Encore "Julianne", proceeded by Ben throwing pieces of fruit
out into the audience.
Worst Moments: None - every part of the gig was amazing.
Grade: A++ MW
Comment: "Those piano lessons certainly paid off mom!".
It's official. Ben Folds, the mega talented jazz/blues/pop-a-go-go piano
player, and his two fellow band members are collectively 'The Best Band On
The Planet'! The Carolina three-piece have just arrive in town and are about
to treat us to a night of aural excellence.
It was only three and a half months since Ben Folds Five were playing this
very venue for the first time, and then, only a handful of die-hard fans
attended. The story is very different now. The place is packed, with people
from every walk of life. The youngsters are down near the front, the middle
aged not-so-sure-what-to-expect people are somewhere in the middle, and the
not-so-young are lined around the walls. An old couple walks past wearing
matching Ben Folds Five tour shirts. How cool would it be to have your
Granddad collect his pension from the post office proclaiming his love for
the 'Five?
The band arrive on stage to massive applause. As Ben takes his seat at the
baby grand piano to the left of the stage, a shoe lands at his feet. The
story so far... Last time the band played here, Ben dived into the audience
at the end of the show, and ended up losing his shoes, as so many other rock
idols do when they risk their lives in the madness known as the "Mosh Pit".
Now the shoe has returned and Ben is very grateful. He begins to tell us a
story about the last time he jumped into a crowd and someone tried to pinch
his ring, given to him by new wife Kate, but is interrupted when someone
calls out "Get on with it". And so he does.
Ben Folds Five turf out songs at an alarming rate, the set ranging from
three minutes slabs of perfect pop piano to slow ballads with 'to die for'
harmonies and enough feeling to keep 'Uncle Walters Magical Armchair'
philosophers interpreting for months. Just what is "brick" about anyway?
Car crime? Abortion? Who knows! From minimalistic opener "Missing The
War", with it's big, simple chords and Wilson Phillips harmonies, to more
up-tempo numbers like "One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces", Ben and the
boys just don't let up for one second.
POW! They mesmerise us with "Missing The War". ZAPP! They force-feed us
energy-packed versions of "Philosophy", "Uncle Walter" and the 'do wop'
choruses of "Fair". PLOP! They bring us gently back down to Earth with
"Video" and "Best Imitation Of Myself" before... PAZZAZZ! They rip at our
innards and tug on our heartstrings with the heaven sent ballads "Selfless,
Cold And Composed", "Brick" and the greatest love song of 1996, "Alice
Childress". And just when we think they've finished with us, they sneak up
on us, get under our skin and infect our very souls with
jump-around-sing-a-long piano anthems "Kate", "Where's Summer B?" and "Battle
Of Who Could Care Less". How cruel can they be? This band take you from
euphoria to thought-provoking realism and back again in one continuos flow.
We watch their every move, waiting for every perfect chord and every
gorgeous lyric in eager anticipation. They keep us at the edge of heaven,
entertainment to the max.
The live versions of album tracks are given an extra twist tonight, both
visually and aurally. During the immense revenge song and perfectly titled
"Song For The Dumped", bassist Robert Sledge extends his buzzy feed-back
middle-eight to last a full minute or so, playing a simple monolithic tune
whilst Ben shouts "Firestarter" over the top of it. For "Steven's Last Night
In Town", Ben abandons his baby grand in favour of a wind-powered keyboard.
Singing, blowing and dancing takes a certain talent only Ben possesses. And
during "Selfless", Ben opts for string plucking as an alternative way of
playing his piano to give the song a pizzicato feel.
The most eagerly awaited song of the night is, of course, "Underground",
their first UK 'hit' single. This is the song the T-shirts are made for.
This is the song all the dweebs in the audience can relate to. The crowd
knows the words; this is their anthem, and they are going to sing it!
"I was never cool in school, I'm sure you don't remember me, And now it's
been ten years, I'm still wondering who to be, I'd love to mix in circles
clicks and social coderies, That's me, Hand me my nose ring, Can we be happy,
Show me the mosh pit, Can we be happy, We can be happy underground...". Let
moshing commence, it's the dance of the mad!
Five minutes of rapture, craziness and mayhem, and now it's all over. Ben
Folds Five have finished their job here tonight leaving one very happy crowd
shouting for more. And just to show us what nice guys they are, within two
minutes of leaving the stage, Ben is back at his piano ready to play us one
last song.
"This one's called Sexy Mutha F%$ker" proclaims Ben, and begins to throw
pieces of fruit out into the audience. As soon as his hands are empty, he
begins relentlessly pounding out "Julianne" on his poor piano, finishing the
song with a perfectly struck chord created by throwing the piano stool from a
nearby speaker stack. Last time he was here he played the piano with his
feet whilst hanging from a rafter. Is there no end to this man's talents?
The minutes seem to fly by, as do the songs. Nearly two hours they play
for. Two hours or absolute bliss. Two hours of total bedlam. Two hours of
sweaty teenagers all crushed together like sardines at 'Jackson's Cannery'.
That Ben Folds guy, he's crazy but he gets the job done. Go 'Underground'
with the 'Fold now while they are still playing small venues. Watching them
from the back of a stadium just won't be the same.
The energy, the brilliance and the fun they pour into tonight's show make
this bunch of musicians officially 'The Best Band On The Planet'...by far!
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:38:58 -0400 (EDT)
From: Winny0001@aol.com
Subject: BFF On TFI - They Suck
After seeing BFF several times on the live circuit and classing them as the
best gigs I have ever attended, I was disappointed in their live 'live'
performance. The energy was there, but the sound was, a little (and that's
being generous) on the dodgy side. Where were those harmonies boys? It's
all that Twat Chris Evans' fault for trying to thrust you into the commercial
arena. Death to the ginger one.
Pumpunnany!
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:08:30 -0500
From: jenni <rn21ja19@idt.net>
Subject: Beef Todd
(Insert name here),
I can't the people that have wrote in about Beff Todd. I think it's
cool that's he's into BFF. It shows what a wide fan base they have.
To Thamas, you should be ashamed you wrote this:
>Ben would be distraught to find a
>non-American person slaying good old traditional American values.
This list is about BFF and thier music, i've never read on of Beef
Todd's post that weren't about BFF. Come on, don't you people have
better things to do?
For the rest of you, sorry this was off the subject, but i had to say
something.
Randi
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 13:46:53 -0500
From: punkerboy@webtv.net ("JOHN SCHOLTES, Jr.")
Subject: BEEFTODD... If you don't like his posts...
Hello Fellow Armchairians...
I have seen, in one of the last issues of The Armchair, that
many of you who don't like reading Mr. BeefTodd's cheeky Posts have no
problem with sending in posts of your own, wasting valuable Armchair
space to tell us of your dislike for his posts, and him for that matter.
Well... I'm trying to put a stop to that right now.
If you don't like his posts, skip by them. If you read it,
don't tell us how much you didn't like it because most of us don't
really care about your thoughts on good ol' Todd anyways.
This is after all a Ben Folds Five mailing list, not a I Hate Todd
maling list.
Sincerely,
Johnny
P.S. = To quote an infamous American... "Can't we all just get along?"
"I'm crazy, but I get the job done" - Ben Folds
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/PunkSkaAndMore/index.html Punk Ska And More!
http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/1187/ The Flannel Tubs online
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #318
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