THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR

The Ben Folds Five Digest

Issue #998 - May 16, 1998



Magical Armchair Digest     Saturday, May 16 1998     Volume 01 : Number 998



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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:

    Re: BFF's keen fashion sense..
    Concert Commercial
    my first brazen appeal to the list
    Re: Can't we all just get along?
    boring posts
    in defense of me teenyboppers comment
    Re: A BF5 Project
    Mercury News
    (no subject)
    Stupid questions/Jones Beach
    Dallas Observer review
    Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #997
    1000 & NPB (No connection)
    The Big 1000
    did YOU tape the L.A. show?
    FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE 
    No. No, no, no, no, no. Oh, and cheers.
    @#$%^&
    Austin TX
    Lyrics !!!
    reviews
    demos and stuff
    My reason....

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 21:36:08 EDT
From: Debra1495 <Debra1495@aol.com>
Subject: Re: BFF's keen fashion sense..

In a message dated 5/14/98 7:02:52 PM Mountain Daylight Time, owner-
armchair@ford.il.fontys.nl writes:

<< I understand that ben likes to sing about roberts pretty shirts, so
 thats ok...but i really dont need to spend 20 minutes scanning reviews that
 consist of every siingle item that the boys were wearing....i dont care!!
 please leave out comments such as
  >>
Well, to whoever puts the fashion reviews in, I do care!  I gave the boys some
t-shirts in LA, and am dying to know if they are wearing them!  So keep it
coming.

Deb

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 21:39:10 EDT
From: Lokavidu <Lokavidu@aol.com>
Subject: Concert Commercial

Hey.  I just thought I would share something that really bothered me.
Indianapolis' local "rock" station was running a commercial for the upcoming
BFF anf Foo Fighters show.  Well, they played parts of about five Foo Fighters
songs and one BFF song.  And guess what that one song was, boys and girls...
Brick.  I know it silly to be bitter about my favorite band's new found fame
with this song, but I just am, I can't help it.  It just really ticked me off.
Anyway, just thought I'd share.  Later.
                                                                           --N
oelle

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 19:13:23 PDT 
From: "chrissy cramer" <rccmeg@hotmail.com>
Subject: my first brazen appeal to the list

okay ive been on the armchair for about five months now.

i feel i am ready to start begging.

ive never asked before, but could SOMEONE, ANYONE, hook me up wiht some 
bootlegs? you know, im not too interested in live shows, but demos of 
songs ive never heard or live covers.

and i need to see the videos. 

i have stuff to trade but not TOO much. i have some rem bootlegs and 
some oasis bootlegs, and a few beatle things. 

soooo if someone would email me privately about hooking me up i would be 
ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. 

sorry for shouting.. :-)


'ill send my best...cause god knows youve seen my worst'

this is my story humble and true, take it to pieces and mend it with 
glue.

everyones favorite chrissy(the silly old bananafish)




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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 22:28:44 EDT
From: Dimsdale0 <Dimsdale0@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Can't we all just get along?

Hi, this is Dimsdale (James).  Just wanted to comment that it's a big world
out there.  There are obviously going to be many people who
like/love/appreciate the band.  They're going to be of all ages, and they're
going to like the guys for all sorts of reasons, whether they're good looking,
wear keen clothes, play great music, throw benches at their piano...you get
the picture.  Ben Folds Five did not get together in order to have their music
heard by only a select few elitist malcontents who think they have some sort
of magical dibs on the band simply because they "heard them first."  Big
friggin' deal!   I'm sick to death of reading people griping about others on
this site (okay, call me a hypocrite), but I do believe that it's still a free
country, and that people are entitled to their opinions.  If you don't want to
read about fashion comments (I'm really not singling you out, Corinne), then
just go on to the next post.  I personally think it's great that the band has
been able to draw so many new listeners, for whatever reason those listeners
are drawn.  I'm sure the guys are thrilled too.  If you don't believe me, I
have it from their mouths, as I was one of those people who got the chance to
meet them before "Brick" exploded.  (Great concert, by the way!)  I don't
"own" the band any more than any of you do.  Let's just listen, look, drool,
and let each other do whatever we deem appropriate to show our appreciation.
Nough said.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 22:30:09 EDT
From: Vwbugn5890 <Vwbugn5890@aol.com>
Subject: boring posts

well...i totally agree with those of you who have said there are some people
who post incredibly useless information....i'v'e noticed quite a few
unsubscribes in the newsletter lately...and i rarely read them myself...all
the long and useless posts are just taking up space! and as many of you have
said, i'm ready for all the hate mail, bring it on fivers, i'm not afraid :)
shan
ps- stop sending articles in red! damn that's annoying too

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 22:36:55 EDT
From: HAM12HAM <HAM12HAM@aol.com>
Subject: in defense of me teenyboppers comment

just for the record i too am a teen (17)  ..............its not the "teeny"
thats the focus of the comment it is the"bopper"....age truly does have
nothing to do with it, ive like em since i was 15.....nothing against my
fellow teenagers..but a lot against teenyBOPPERS..

hate me if u must

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 23:01:04 EDT
From: Sentabmx <Sentabmx@aol.com>
Subject: Re: A BF5 Project

Hey everyone! Today, my Art Appreciation teacher assigned a project where we
have to pick any musical group in the 60's, 70's, 80's, or 90's and then
analyze some song lyrics and some other fun stuff.  Well, of course, I chose
Ben Folds Five and I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions about
which songs I should choose to "decode", as he calls it.  Also, if you
wouldn't mind telling me what your interpretation of the song is, I'm really
interested in hearing what you have to say.   Anyways, I'd appreciate your
help and please post your response or email me privately if you don't want to
fill up the Armchair with this kind of stuff.  Thanks again!
- -Erin

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 23:07:15 EDT
From: JGreenb106 <JGreenb106@aol.com>
Subject: Mercury News

In a message dated 98-05-13 22:17:28 EDT, you write:

<< 
 BY BRAD KAVA
 Mercury News Music Writer  >>
Geez...this guy sounds like a REALLY BAD critic.  First he comments that if
BFF write more "songs like Brick", they could be a powerhouse like "John or
Joel"...rather than letting the band be themselves...then, he talks about
Superdrag while obviously only knowing them for their 2-year old "hit single",
and completely overlooking the BRILLIANCE of their new album...it was good to
read about the band, but I really don't like some of the stuff this guy saud.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 23:14:03 -0700
From: Michael Nardi <"nardim@gvsu.edu"@gvsu.edu>
Subject: (no subject)

unsubscribe nardim@river.it.gvsu.edu

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 23:28:24 EDT
From: DaPianoist <DaPianoist@aol.com>
Subject: Stupid questions/Jones Beach

How old is Ben Folds?  Some of my friends have asked me, and I could not find
his age anywhere!  Thanks.
I'm going to the Jones Beach show.  Does anyone know about that Disfunctional
Family Picnic thing?  I keep hearing about it, but all of the sites I have
gone to don't mention it.  Thank you very much.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 22:46:07 -0600
From: Deidre <a0028897@airmail.net>
Subject: Dallas Observer review

Here is an article that I found in a local mag in Dallas.  The writter
didn't seem to be too pleased with BFF.  Anyhow,  here's the addy if ya
want it. http://www.dallasobserver.com/1998/current/concerts1.html 

Always,
Deidre

**We asked for MoJo Nixon,  they said "he don't work here" we said if
you don't got MoJo Nixon than your store could use some fixin**  the
Dead Milkmen

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 00:02:06 EDT
From: BlueJellow <BlueJellow@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #997

A couple of weeks ago, BFF was on my local news to talk about they "cybercast"
show they did and how that technology was like a first from any band. BFF was
the first band to really go with it. I thought that was kinda neat.  It was
before "brick" hit the Jackson area.  
Anyway, I really like the boy's clothing. I think they have really great
taste. So I like to know what they wear. I'm influenced. I can't help it.  Oh
well
Lucy
"I went down baby, sitting in the shade with my lady"--g. love

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 00:54:01 EDT
From: Phisher XC <PhisherXC@aol.com>
Subject: 1000 & NPB (No connection)

Okay, well thisis a post to make it on the 1000th MA ... knowing my luck it
will be on the 999th one instead though, oh well.  Well I'd like to say I
doubt that the band is getting upset by people screaming "Who the fuck are
you?" I'm sure they realized thatsomething would come of putting that on their
album 9it's a great show by the way too, I got it on tape) well anyway I was
at the Chicago show and everyone and I mean EVERYONE shouted it during
underground, it was so cool.  Well the guys didn't get upset, the actually
laughed about it, Robert said "If you're going to say it wait until I say my
line first..." everyone jumped the gun... Well in conclusion I'd like to say
whoever said the band was upset, check your facts, don't give your opinion, or
what you heared from someone who heard from someone who heard from someone,
etc.


Ryan

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 02:17:57 EDT
From: Emmaline20 <Emmaline20@aol.com>
Subject: The Big 1000

Well..I'm not sure if this will get stuck in the 1000th issue of this digest,
but I was thinking the other day, I've read almost 1000 of these puppies.
So...I'd like to extend a big THANK YOU to Frank Maynard for starting this oh
so long ago and to Ben Folds Five, for being a band actually worth talking
about and to the people on the list for being cool...so thank you!

Sarah :)

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 02:38:42 EDT
From: Miss Da <MissDa@aol.com>
Subject: did YOU tape the L.A. show?

would some kind soul who recorded the l.a. show email me so we can arrange a
trade or something?  i've tried to do this before and it's never worked,
pleasepleaseplease somebody help me out?  i have a rather meager selection of
audio tapes, some video, lots of blanks, and/or a size large "kiss my ass"
shirt to offer.  

amanda

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 14 Feb 98 02:06:30 EST
From: talkback@ukshops.co.uk
Subject: FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE 

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CONNECT DIRECTLY TO REAL LIVE WOMEN FOR STIMULATING CONVERSATION!
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JUST $2.49 TO $4.99 PER MINUTE!  MUST BE 18 TO CALL!
24 HRS A DAY....WE'RE WAITING!!!

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 08:39:45 +0000
From: "Luke Wilson"<Luke_Wilson@fwuk.fwc.com>
Subject: No. No, no, no, no, no. Oh, and cheers.

Hello to one and all,

Ok I'll get straight on: On the omittance of the 'talkie' bit of
Underground at live gigs. I think the Texas Yankee might be missing the
point. I first heard the live version on the back of the second Underground
release, and yes, I chuckled. However, after listening to it a few times, I
no longer found it amusing. It didn't irritate me - it just wasn't as
spontaneously funny. So, when I go to gigs, I cringe whenever some "Really
Funny Person" shouts out "who the f*** are you?" Obviously, the RFP thinks
they're really clever - but fail to realise it's an very old gag. Made by
someone else. Now consider that the band have to put up with this EVERY
time they play it - I mean, it irritates me to hear someone shout it out,
and I haven't even seen then five times! So please - at the London gig,
whoever manages to speak to the boys pre-gig, can you tell them that no-one
will shout out those funn-eee lines, so we get the song as it was meant to
be. And to anyone thinking of shouting it out - get your own sense of
humour, and be original. You're probably the kind of person who goes down
the pub and says "ooh - suit you sir" (overdone British comedy catchphrase
for you Americans) when it stopped being funny a year and a half ago.

Now I've got that off my chest, I'd just like to add my congrats to Frank
Maynard - he is no less a man, than a God. Cheers, Frank, for giving me
something to read at work every morning.

Remember, you too can be both original and funny...

Luke

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 23:27:18 PDT 
From: "garrett john weindorf" <garrett32@hotmail.com>
Subject: @#$%^&

Just for the record:

 A. I like hearing about what the boys were wearing at a concert.  It 
makes for a better mental picture.

 B. I'm driving to dallas tommorow (about 6 hours) to see em. You can 
bet your asses that tommorow I'll have a full report on the band's 
attire.

 night night,

  garrett

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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 03:29:29 +0000
From: Scott <sws724@texas.net>
Subject: Austin TX

Have a digital recording of tonights show at the Austin Music Hall.
Anyone interrested in trading a mail me. I want to trade good quality
shows that keep me interrested. I don't take Visa, MC, American Express,
or barnyard animals, so make your trade an interresting one to park my
interest.

Scott

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 11:40:45 MEZ-1MESZ
From: "Christoph Reiffert" <reiffert@hrz2.uni-oldenburg.de>
Subject: Lyrics !!!

Hi Armchairers,

as there have been several request for lyrics (during the last 
weeks/months), I thought I should tell you about that wonderful 
place in the internet where you can find nearly ALL the BFF lyrics. 
It's

http://www.lyrics.ch

I came across it and was surprised that they have so many BFF songs, 
including

Fannie Packs
Eddie Walker
Emaline
and even SONG FOR THE DUMPED IN       J A P A N E S E  !!!

But I have to say that the lyrics are sometimes different from what 
"we" accept as the correct versions. For example in "Bad Idea"...
Have a look yourself.
We have also the possibility to send the owners lyrics of songs they don't yet have !!

Until next time...

CU

Chris


P.S.: I can't believe the Armchair will have 1000 issues VERY soon....
(Waiting for the next 1000.... ;-)  )

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 09:54:11 EDT
From: Rosejmort <Rosejmort@aol.com>
Subject: reviews

I personally like reading very detailed reviews of the shows, including the
fashion critiques. It really helps you visualize the whole experience. 

To the person that wrote the original review of the show, I really appreciate
the time you took to share your experience with us, and I thoroughly enjoyed
reading it.

P.S. I forgot to mention in my review of the New Orleans show, that Ben was
wearing the exact same green long-sleeved shirt he wore in New Orleans at the
Gavin Radio Convention in 1997.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 00:21:06 +1000
From: Karen <the_grrl@yahoo.com>
Subject: demos and stuff

Hi Armchair
LONG time no post. Wonder why? Well I thought I'd hop on out of my lurker's chair and
post dammit.

<<I also think "Kalamazoo," "Protection," and "Rocky" are great. How did "The
Ultimate Sacrifice" make it on to Naked Baby Photos and none of these did?>>

Yes. My sentiments exactly! Not to diss 'The Ultimate Sacrifice" or nuthin, cus I reckon
it's funny and all, but 'Rocky' has got to be one of my all time fav BFF songs. I was
wondering why it didn't get on NBP, when I got it. Because it's just ace - the song
'Rocky' I mean. Yeeah it's good stuff.
About all these Aussie tour rumours, I hope, by some miraculous chance it just gets
squeezed from sometime in August to post Sept. 22nd so I won't have to worry about the
gigs not being all ages, because well, I'll be 18 by then. I want my first over 18's gig
to be BFF. It's got to be. But nothing ever goes my way so it probably won't happen as
long as I'm alive. Well I guess I'll see them at least. Unless I have like an exam the
next day...(trials?)
Anyway, that stuff with the fav bands and all, well here's my list (apart from BFF
obviously):
Fear Factory
Lagwagon
Weezer
Bracket
Stereophonics
Non-Intentional Lifeform (although they are kinda split up or something).

Well that's all from me I guess. Later, people of the Armchair (Armchairites,
Armchairians, Helmet Heads, whatever turns you on)

Karen the fly

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 May 98 11:25:59 EDT
From: Jason.Kilts@css.unc.edu
Subject: My reason....

I went to a concert last night.  No, it wasn't Ben Folds Five, it was actually 
Eric Clapton.  But there was something about the show that reminded of one of 
the primary reasons why I enjoy BFF live shows so much.  When Clapton came 
out, it was basically like this:
  Here I am.
  Here you are.
  Here's the music.
  Let's all just love the living hell out of being here.
That's how I feel when I see BFF.  No giant pyrotechnics show to keep your 
attention.  No gimmicky little dance numbers (Robert's disco diva bit aside).  
Just a little showmanship thrown in for color.  And the music stands for 
itself.
Jason Kilts

------------------------------

End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #998
**************************************


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