THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #540 - October 17, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Friday, October 17 1997 Volume 01 : Number 540
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
[none]
A newbie's introduction to BFF today. Hi All! :}
whatever (and a bit for any Adelaideans out there)
brick airplay
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #537
Bass Players
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #538
xenophobes
people as subjects of songs / vic wooten
Ben in a musical? and other stuff
Eddie Walker / *yawn*
Lounge-A-Palooza
Pearl Street
Story
Halloween show
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 23:50:29 PDT
From: "Flying Nun" <humperdinck@hotmail.com>
Subject: [none]
hi,
>
>ok, i just want to share my new love for the song "ROCKY" that song is
>so cool!!!!! i love it!!!!! anyone here feel the same????? the
lyrics
>are also pretty cool, and really mean something. . . . . . . well,
just
>thought i'd share. . . . .
errrr, what song's that? i'm confused, is this some new BFF song which
we haven't got to hear yet, or is it something totally different?
>You know, it's interesting that you say that about the first album,
>because I think that each of the songs tells a little story, so they do
>kinda seem like they're lifted straight out of a Broadway musical.
>Interestingly enough, I heard a rumor from my friend that Ben spent
some
>time in NY City doing off-Broadway theatre... Can anybdoy verify this?
>If so, what shows did he perform in?
well, i can't completely attest to it, but i did read that he was under
contract and hated it. or else i've mixed it up with something else and
am talking through my arse (not a pretty picture).
also, i can't remember who wrote it (having deleted the armchair issue),
but someone's got the sheet music to Philosophy. can you please please
please email me so i get go about getting myself a copy, or if anyone
knows her (i think it was her), please tell...
and I'm goign to say sorry again, because my post about Pluvius was
ridiculously long and unecessary and i'm going to try to ignore him
forever. besides i seem to have taken up with swearing and bitching
about him elsewhere, thanks Brad and Sarah, and that gets rid of my
aggression quite efficiently.
Que
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 17:20:23 +1000 (EST)
From: jallen@pobox.com"Jason Allen"
Subject: A newbie's introduction to BFF today. Hi All! :}
...and so off to lunch I head, unwillingly but necessary composing my
mind for the automotive jungle they call Southland carpark, all in the
name of paying a few bills. As I swagger through the masses solemly
swearing that I should have worn those shoulder pads today, I spot the
oasis among the throng. The solace they call Sanity Records.
Instantly, a voice in my head starts repeating the name I have heard my
newly found close friend say with undulating rapture and gusto countless
times in the last few weeks. "Ben Folds Five" her dulcet voice calls,
"Ben Folds Five". My hand is drawn to the 'B' area of the Alternative
section like a sailor to a mermaid in pure song. Seconds later my
fingers grip a square plastic casing illustrated with a purple quilt
style background. It's foreground is dominated by three unfamiliar
homely looking faces, of which I have a peculiar feeling will bear
instant recognition to me in the future, and some quaint penmanship
giving a name for this motley looking package of "Whatever and ever
Amen"
Slightly trembling with uncertainty and the expectation of possible
jubilation similiar to that of a teenager about to embrace his first
real kiss, I approach the friendly and inviting face of the sales
assistant with my mind and concentration firmly affixed to the vacant
listening post and headphones.
Gingerly I hand over the CD cover requesting to hear the melodious
pleasures of that silver disc, a disc my friend assures me is nothing
short of exceptional musical talent.
Impatiently I wait what seems like an eternity as the assistant loads
the player and the first notes of that spectacular piano in "One Angry
Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces" floods my auricle cacooning and
concentrating my mental collective. The creative left side of the
intellect comes alive with a boost of adrenalin and excitement as the
sensational drum joins in and resonates in harmonic agreement with the
piano. Enveloped in deciphering and understanding the lyrics I suddenly
remember the remaining eleven songs and press the forward advance button
with the zeal and lack of restraint one would expect from a 2 year old
on Christmas morning. As my enjoyment and surprise is heightened with
the introduction of every new track, I suddenly become aware of the
impatient queue forming behind as they restlessly wait for the sole
listening post and a piece of their own musical pleasure. I instantly
disdain them all as the sales assistant unsuccessfully attempts to make
herself look busy, whilst glaring at me with dispproval as I selfishly
refuse to abandon my temporary possession of the headphones. My generous
un-selfish nature takes as I will myself to, reluctantly, relinquish
the headphones and step aside. I quickly complete the purchase of the
disc and it's rythmical binary electrons as I become consumed with
renewed enthusiasm from the realisation that my car's audio system is
but a very short walk away.
The drive back to work has never seemed so diminutive and rapid as the
dissapointment and realisation that I have to return indoors sets in.
With irratible fervour I anxiously await the arrival of 5pm, ecstatic
that I will then be able to listen to BFF in it's entirety over and over
again.
Regards,
- ---
Jason Allen <mailto:jallen@pobox.com>
"Abandon the search for Truth; settle for a good fantasy."
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 01:07:01 PDT
From: "Petra Starke" <naturalselection@hotmail.com>
Subject: whatever (and a bit for any Adelaideans out there)
In response to Marc's question in #538 - yes, we do use the word
'wanker', and frequently! Enjoy using it (although I don't know how it
would sound with an American accent, you guys pronounce your r's so
strong..."wankerrr"...ah, I dunno, give it a go anyway). ;)
All my love to Eric, Spencer and Jase for starting me out on the long
road of collectables, and all my love to Superdrag for being such a fine
group (once again, I highly reccommend you check out their song 'sucked
out'). You all rule most mightily....
ADELAIDE FANS: are there any armchairers from Adelaide on this list? If
so, contact me, we should all get together sometime.
Also, where is that song 'Rocky' from? Is it a b-side or something? (I'm
assuming it's BF5, of course)
Finally, I am glad to see that people have taken up my 'cheers' as a way
of ending their armchair posts. Something to be proud of, eh?
Cheers,
Petra
"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows" - Bob
Dylan
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 05:13:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mansuetude@aol.com
Subject: brick airplay
How much is brick getting played in the rest of the USA (and the world).
I've heard it once on WBER (90.5 FM) in Rochester, NY. Actually, that was
this evening. Just wanted to see how it was doing.
Kris (Krayola on IRC)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 06:39:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: Qualitease@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #537
In a message dated 97-10-16 06:31:21 EDT, you write:
<< I cant beleive your comparing Sledge and ament saying they r 2 of the
best bass players i think in Les Claypool is the easily the best bass
player even though i have respect for Sledge and Ament and Flea i think
no one can hold a candle upto claypool >>
You must not be into jazz. If you are looking for the best musicians, you
have to look there. For bassists, check out Victor Wooten. He will blow
away anyone.
~Alan
for boot trades: http://members.aol.com/Qualitease/
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 10:20:49 -0500
From: john_oc@juno.com
Subject: Bass Players
Here is a little list I found in a guitar mag...
Bass Players in popular music
1. Les Claypool(perfect score on technique)-Primus
2. Flea(perfect score on jam factor)-RHCP, Jane's Addiction(NEW)
3. Robert Sledge(7's and 8's in every category)-Ben Folds Five
4. Mark Sandman(7's and 8's in every category)-Morphine
5. Brad Wood(More 7's than 8's)-Medeski, Martin, Wood
Also, I just got this new album by BabyBird, and it kicks mucho ass. If
you like Belle and Sebastian and Stereolab, you will absolutely go nutty
over this album. Pure pop brilliance. I love it!!!!!!!!
John Boyer
WOBN-FM 101.5 the ROCK Columbus, Ohio
Asst. Music Director, Triple A Dir. and Research Dir.
Email: John_OC@juno.com Phone: (614) 823-2969
"Call it what you want, you'll never fool anyone with what you've got."
- --Luxury
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 07:42:21 -0500
From: john_oc@juno.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #538
First off, to the person who cited the Mighty Mighty Bosstones as an
overnight success, they are sadly mistaken. The Bosstones have had an
BFF'esque fanbase for at least 6 years now, and are only now getting
hugely popular since this so-called skaplosion. But the Bosstones have
been around the music scene a long time.
John Boyer
WOBN-FM 101.5 the ROCK Columbus, Ohio
Asst. Music Director, Triple A Dir. and Research Dir.
Email: John_OC@juno.com Phone: (614) 823-2969
"Call it what you want, you'll never fool anyone with what you've got."
- --Luxury
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 17:08:33 +0100
From: David.J.Holloway@student.shu.ac.uk (David J. Holloway)
Subject: xenophobes
Alwight dudes. whatsup?
Logic: BFF are an American band
> More American fans
> More American fans on mailing list
> More American content in mailing list
So stop getting all territorial, good gawd you don't hear me complaining because there aren't
enough Brits contributing (although there's an idea in there somewhere...). Just chill and talk
about the music...
later alligator(s)
Dave
P.S. is anyone else missing GABY?
"Do I make you horny?" - A. Powers
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 13:23:33 -0300 (CDT)
From: "Stuart Miller (Fac.Filosofia)" <smiller@abello.dic.uchile.cl>
Subject: people as subjects of songs / vic wooten
I was going through the track titles and wondering how many of these songs
are about real people as oppose to stereotypes. like..
Julianne - real random hook up or is ben describing the experience
summer b
alice childress
uncle walter
kate - duh
steven - from what i hear there really was a steven
eddie walker - i dunno, haven't heard it
sure there's some more i forgot...
anyway if you want to hear a good bassist listen to vic wooten of bela
fleck and the flecktones.
and shirts... does anyone know if there will be any type of new
merchandise on the tour, shirts, stickers whatever....
bye,
stuart
- -----------------------
Stuart Miller
2824 Grecia Block 12
Depto. 209
Nunoa
Santiago, CHILE
- -----------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 11:28:38 -0500 (CDT)
From: SCHUTTE <eschutte@eagle.cc.ukans.edu>
Subject: Ben in a musical? and other stuff
Hello all!
I am responding to someone's answer to Ben in a Broadway musical. OK,
truthfully, I don't know if he was in one or not, but I have heard that he
used to make jingles for commercials and stuff...at least this is what
I've been told. The tunes (mainly on the 1st album) do have that kind of
beat. This is what I've been told...does anyone know for sure?
On another note, I'd just like to say that in order to have a better
world, we must love eachother and bridge the gap. Aussies, you guys are
just peachy and I am very glad that I get to here about what's going on
over there (I must admit I am sometimes jealous because BF5 doesn't get
near that amount of coverage over here). Mr. Dope, can't you see that
you're mentality is what causes problems in the world? Lighten up!
To a different subject I go...I FINALLY heard Brick on the radio today! I
am so very happy because I didn't think that the local radio station was
going to play it! When my alarm went off this morning I was so pleased to
hear that song! What a wonderful way to wake up!
One last thing (I know this is long but please bear with me...I have a lot
to say today). I dreamed about the gang today. I dreamed that Ben showed
up to the Lawrence concert alone without anyone else in the band. I was
so upset. I love Ben and everything, but, well, there's no Ben Folds Five
without the other to. Needless to say, it was kind of like a bad dream
because I had been getting so excited to see them ALL. And they all
weren't there. Ben was in a bad mood, too. Kind of a silly dream, huh?
Anyway, that's all I have to say today. Thanks for staying with me!
Take it easy, and to some of you: remember that if you don't have
something nice to say, don't say it!
Emily S.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 18:09:05 GMT
From: "Mark Piper" <mfp540@novell3.bham.ac.uk>
Subject: Eddie Walker / *yawn*
Brad wrote:
>I'm under the impression there's a BF5 tune called "Eddie Walker,
>This Is Your Life,".. <snip>.
You are impressed correctly.... If you're looking for it, it's not
been officially released, but it's on a couple of bootlegs.
>Anyway, I have the self-titled SnuzzCD (Snuzz
>is the NC band for which Chuck Folds plays bass), and there are
>at least two references to Eddie Walker, one of which asserts that
>"Eddie Walker's okay, so goodbye."
>So who the hell is Eddie Walker, and what's his connection to the
>Folds family?
Eddie Walker was a band member of Snuzz, and still plays in Bus Stop
with Chuck. I asked Chuck if there was any reason why Ben should use
Eddie's name in the song, and he suggested that Ben merely thought
the name fitted in well with the tune.
Oh, and polite notice, I'm getting a little tired of hearing about
Pearl Jam. I don't mind other bands being mentioned and discussed a
little, but this seems to have been going on a little too long now.
Especially as I'm in England and no-one here gives a rats nipple
about PJ. I do skip what I don't want to read, but a couple of
times this has meant skipping 75% of the digest. Please preserve my
sanity. Thanks. (It's interesting to note that Mr P. Dope was
incensed at Australians talking about BF5 in Australia, but doesn't
seem to have spoken out on the Pearl Jam debate.....)
Mark
+------------------------------------------------------+
| mfp540@bham.ac.uk pipermf@phymat.bham.ac.uk |
| Ben Folds Five: Looks, Brains & Everything - |
| http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/5430/bff.html |
+------------------------------------------------------+
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 13:43:42 -0400
From: Steffen Donath <SDonath@compuserve.com>
Subject: Lounge-A-Palooza
Hello everyone!
Just got my copy of the Lounge-A-Palooza CD today (thanx Azusa!) and I have
to say that "She don't use Jelly" is absolutely great. What a song!!!
If you haven't already got the CD, go out and get it. It is really cool!
BFF's song alone justifies any price you will have to pay. But I do like
the other songs as well. Especially "Black Hole Sun"! I nearly wet myself
when I heard it.
Great CD!!!
Bye
Steffen
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 13:48:16 -0400
From: CondensedMilk <santonan@student.umass.edu>
Subject: Pearl Street
Okay boys and girls..here's the information: Pearl Street, November 5th,
doors open at 8:00 or 8:30, show starts at 9:30...all ages, tix $10 plus a
dollar service charge, so that makes it a whopping $11...if anyone has any
questions feel free to email me at santonan@student.umass.edu...also, if
anyone's gonna go, email me, perhaps we can all meet up there or something.
I'm not sure if they have actually printed tix up yet, cuz when I bought
them yesterday, I just had my name put on a list that will be at the door
when I get there. In any event...there are only 20 days til the show and I
can't wait!!!
Sarah :)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 14:45:33 -0600
From: "Erik C. Lyons" <EPA8820@epa.state.il.us>
Subject: Story
ben folds five will be featued in a story in People Magazine next month.
look for it. . .
- -erik
more info at http://members.tripod.com/~elyons/bff_news.htm
Hope everyone who is at the show tonight enjoys!
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 16:19:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: GrnEgNham@aol.com
Subject: Halloween show
Hey freaks!
How many of you on this list live in Cleveland? Every day it seems someone
else is talking about the Halloween show. Are there a ton of us Clevelanders
sitting in this magical armchair? Let me know, maybe we can meet each other
there. Also, does anyone know how to get to Lakewood Civic from Solon? I
have no clue!!! E-mail me directions please! I don't want to be stuck
driving around Lakewood while BFF's playing! Thanks!
Emily :)
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #540
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