Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #106 - June 25, 1996
Ben Folds Five Digest, Issue #106
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Topics for Today:
Neil and Ben
Tour Dates on the page
usenet
Re: BNL | MTV evolving?? (no way, really?)
updates for home page
Ben Sighting On The Ghost Planet!
Cons
Andrew Gold and BFF
Re: Ben Folds Five Digest, Issue #104
Fleming & John
XTC
BFF Review in Stereo Review
Sorry, but A little Jellyfish
Re: BFF Opening for Neil Young?
Re: Jellyfish & XTC
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 1996 16:03:42 -0400 (EDT)
From: "d.p.w." <jgore@nrv.net>
Subject: Neil and Ben
I checked Pollstar to see if BFF was opening for Neil on any other dates,
but it just looks like they're opening for Neil in VA and NC. The Nissan
Pavilion is in Bristow, Va, which is a couple miles south of DC. Supposed to
be a very nice place to see a rock show.. never been there myself.
**************************************************
Go ahead and laugh all you want
I got my philosophy
And I trust it like the ground
That's why my philosophy
Keeps me walking when I'm falling down
************** jason *****************************
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 1996 16:13:30 -0700
From: The Computer GEEK! <jgore@nrv.net>
Subject: Tour Dates on the page
Hey Frank! Don't forget to add the Aug. 12th, Walnut Creek, Raliegh, NC
with Neil Young and Crazy Horse to the page.
jason
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 1996 17:09:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: ecmarm@harborcom.net
Subject: usenet
forgive me if this has been asked or brought up before,
and no disrespect to you, Frank, but is there a usenet
newsgroup for BF5?
[There is no newsgroup just for Ben Folds Five, but I suppose they
have been discussed on alt.music.chapel-hill. Actually, I've seen more
posts to rec.music.christian that mention BFF than most any other
newsgroup, for some strange reason. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 1996 20:54:20 GMT
From: Paul Teeple <bteeple@cyberdrive.net>
Subject: Re: BNL | MTV evolving?? (no way, really?)
[At some time, a few people wrote]
> [You mean the whales haven't learned to swim up the Welland Canal yet?
Not Quite yet, luckily I already have the CD (and have since march)
> BTW, the BNL song "Hello City" was written about Halifax, N.S., which
> banned the group for the same reason as the mayor of Toronto did. -fjm]
Really? I wasn't aware of that!
> "when they finally get the word that there's been a hold up" sorry had to
> be said , someone put that quote in issue 101 and i had to finish the line
> and ask if there are any other Refreshments fanz on the digest?
Hey! over here! I said that! Luv that video. The funniest videos that aren't
on eMpTy V's heavy rotation (or on eMpTy V at all) are "Uncle Walter" and
"Banditos". I don't rely much on eMpTy V to hear my music, I usually listen
to the local radio. the only time the afformentioned channel ever plays
good videos is after 12 AM EST to about 5 AM est every day but Friday. But
they are showing hope! according to Rolling Stone there is going to be an
eMpTyV 2 where all they show are their non-music programs (Real World, Road
Rules, Singled Out, MTV sports, sandblast, Beavis & Butthead [thank god, get
rid of those morons!], News unfiltered, Week in Rock, all those damn movie
specials, etc.) since it seems to be the trend (i.e. ESPN2, CSPAN2, HBO2,
etc.). I'll love to see when that comes out, perhaps they would make 120
Minutes an everyday affair and kick Alternative Nation up to an earlier
time, wouldn't that be great, maybe we'd see Uncle Walter a few more times
than on 120 Minutes! Hey frank, you know any BFF tour dates for Cleveland
this summer??
-Paul
-http://www.you.should.know.my.websites.by.now.co.fi.uk.us.ca.edu
-http://www.if.you.don't.e-mail.me.net
"...making those lovely egg mcmuffins, without which I might never be tardy"
-Travis in Clueless
[See above for the _real_ explanation of what happened in Halifax. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 1996 23:22:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: rogovoy@berkshire.net
Subject: updates for home page
1. For your Lollapalooza schedule, add July 9, Pownal, Vt., Green
Mountain Racetrack.
2. I assume the guys WON'T be with Neil Young on Aug. 25th in
Saratoga, NY, since they're in England the day before? Do you know if
this is the case?
thanks,
seth rogovoy
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 1996 00:22:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: ian s fay <ifay@lynx.dac.neu.edu>
Subject: Ben Sighting On The Ghost Planet!
Just caught a glimpse of Ben himself on Space Ghost Coast to Coast, an
extremely funny show on The Cartoon Network. His appearance consists of
this:
Ben- "You're Zorak."
Zorak-"You're toast."
Zorak zaps Ben.
The show was much funnier than this sounds. I'll have to as khim about
him next time I see them...
--
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
% Ian Fay % "Sometimes I feel like my body %
% Northeastern University, Boston % is just a station wagon I drive %
% aka. Alan Sherman, Toreador % my brain around in." %
% http://lynx.neu.edu/home/httpd/i/ifay % -Douglas Coupland, 'Microserfs' %
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
<<<Ian's Alterna-rock artist to watch for - Howlin' Maggie>>>
[This was hilarous, and I'm not a Space Ghost viewer. I might have to
watch now. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 1996 14:05:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: Kevin Jenkins <hondo@email.unc.edu>
Subject: Cons
yesterday i walked past ben and what looked like to be his mother on the
sidewalk of airport rd., i wanted to ask where he got his nice maroon
converse sneakers--i know he's endorsed by them, so i was wondering if he
(or anyone else for that matter) had any spare converse sneakers in a 10
1/2 that they would like to give me, mine have these HUGE holes in the
front and they open and close, and when i walk they appear to be "talking."
desperately seeking shoes,
kevin!
Kevin Jenkins
http://www.unc.edu/~hondo/
"Stapler, Stapler, PUNCH PUNCH PUNCH"
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 1996 14:42:56 -0400 (EDT)
From: harvey Cohen <harvman@wam.umd.edu>
Subject: Andrew Gold and BFF
In reply to the person who complained about the UK critic's comparison of
Andrew Gold to BFF:
You're right, Andrew Gold doesn't have the talent of Mr. Folds and his
Five, but "Lonely Boy" was an apt comparison to BFF material, especially
in terms of production. In terms of songwriting, especially considering
Gold's reliance on lyric cliches, there is no real comparison between the
two, IMHO.
keep pounding that piano,
the Harvman
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 09:23:21 -0400
From: CKouzes@aol.com
Subject: Re: Ben Folds Five Digest, Issue #104
A couple of quick corrections to comments made in issue #104:
1) The leader singer of Jellyfish is not in Imperial Drag, The Moog Cookbook,
or Umajets. To date, Andy Strummer is still working on his solo debut album.
Imperial Drag features the keyboardist and lead guitar player from Jellyfish
and The Moog Cookbook is the keyboardist and a buddy of his. Umajets is the
closest Jellyfish sounding band from any ex-member of Jellyfish. This
contains an old guitarist of the band.
2) Dodgy is a U.K. band that could be lumped into the "Britpop" scene.
They're a trio which plays great pop songs, but nowhere quite as "poppy" as
BF5. I've been a fan of Dodgy for a long time, and quite "Frank"-ly, don't
see the comparison.
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 09:01:56 -0500
From: kgroves@tej.com
Subject: Fleming & John
I haven't read about anyone mentioning Fleming & John. John Painter and
Fleming McWilliams are apparently good buddies w/Ben Folds. They thank the
group in their album credits, likewise, Ben Folds Five thank them. In fact
on F&J's debut album Delusions of Grandeur, Ben plays drums on a
couple of cuts, including the lead-off single "I'm Not Afraid". He's a great
drummer.
For those who haven't heard, F&J have a unique sound, mixing furious,
feedback-laced guitar pop w/quieter, introspective mid-tempo ballads (usually
the former). They are an incredible band. McWilliams' voice is truly a
marvel (Pat Benater meets Janis Joplin meets the singer from No Doubt) and
Painter is one of those instrumentalists who can play anything from guitar to
trumpet. The CD was released on a small label, R.E.X. last year, but re-
released on a major this past March. Highly recommended...even for non-BFF
fans.
Kyle
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 10:31:10 -0400
From: Reid Davis <reid.davis@cadnet.com>
Subject: XTC
At 09:31 AM 6/22/96 -0700, you wrote:
> Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 14:40:18 -0600 (MDT)
> From: James Robert Campbell <jrcampbe@mines.utah.edu>
> Subject: One more BFF cover
>
> Hate to continue this, but I couldn't resist.....
>
> XTC's 'You're The Wish You Are I Had' off of _Big Express_. Piano,
> harmonies, the whole nine yards. Of course, many wouldn't know
> of the song, but who cares. It would be a *perfect* fit.
YES! That, and "I Remember The Sun" - one of the best 1 - 2 song sequences
on any disc ever. (Legendary story: Jellyfish once sang the ENTIRE ALBUM
of XTC's "Big Express" to an interviewer, in order, with not a word missed!)
Reid
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 10:08:39 -0400
From: TOM_CRIMMINS@yr.com
Subject: BFF Review in Stereo Review
The reviews keep on coming. The following is an excerpt from the
July issue of Stereo Review:
"...the tunes are usually uptempo, the playing is virtuosic, and
the spirit is animated. Do not miss this record: It's the
freshest thing I've heard in years."
Not bad, eh?! Guess he likes them, hey Mikey! The reviewer also
compares Ben to "a pianist who plays with the ferocity of Jerry
Lee Lewis, the finesse of Elton John, and the brainy pop cunning
of Todd Rundgren. Such an animal is Ben Folds, leader of the Ben
Folds Five (actually a trio)."
The word is definitely spreading...
tc
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 08:46:04 -0700
From: Doug Swan <dswan@path.org>
Subject: Sorry, but A little Jellyfish
I don't usually post, but there is definitely some misinformation going
around concerning Jellyfish. First of all, Jellyfish is a San Francisco
group, although each of the members actually comes from some other part of
the country (Southwest, Southeast). The group was a four piece, but had
guest musicians particularly on the Spilt Milk album (Jon Brion produces and
plays guitar). The lead singer was a guitar player (Andy Sturmer), not a
drummer, although Andy is credited with some percussion. The Umajets are
made up of just one former Jellyfish member (Tim Smith-bass,guitar, vocals)
and one former Smiths player (sorry, I forget his name). The rest of the
band is fleshed out with some players from the Atlanta area (although Tim
Smith and the former Smiths player live in Whitefish, Montana). Roger
Manning (keyboard player for Jellyfish) plays keyboards on the Umajet album
(about 5 tunes I believe). The Grays are supposedly coming out with another
album at the end of this year (although I hear the group is still not back
together). Imperial Drag has Roger Manning the former keyboard player for
the Jellyfish on it. He does some back-up vocals and all of the keyboard work.
Now for something REALLY important.....when is Ben Fold's Five coming back
to Seattle?!!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doug Swan EMAIL: dswan@path.org
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 13:07:18 -0400
From: JohnH1968@aol.com
Subject: Re: BFF Opening for Neil Young?
> I just heard (I think) that BFF is opening for Neil Young at a pavilion
> concert in Northern Virginia...is this correct? It also said Jewel would
> be playing as well...The radio was kinda fuzzy so I couldn't be sure if I
> heard it correctly. Anyone know if BFF will play solo this summer as
well?
It is correct. The show is August 13 at Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge. I
just checked with Ticketmaster and was told that tickets are still available.
You may be able to get more info at <http://www.stoneridgepav.com>.
--------------------------------
John Heaton JohnH1968@aol.com
john_heaton@wellstone.senate.gov
http://users.aol.com/oscarfan/
TV is chewing gum for the eyes.
- Frank Lloyd Wright
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 15:49:55 -0700
From: Mike Martis <mikem9@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Jellyfish & XTC
The best description of Jellyfish's sound (or, sadly, former sound)
that I've ever heard is that it's a hybrid of Queen and Supertramp. I
probably hear a little more Queen than Supertramp, but definitely
strong doses of both. Where BF5 fits in to that equation, I don't know
- I don't think they share much with either band except for the fact
that they all know (knew) how to pull off great pop hooks, melodies and
harmonies. BF5 still sounds to me more like early Elton John, vintage
Todd Rundgren and Joe Jackson. We could throw in the Beatles, but that
applies to just about every great pop band to ever come down the pike.
>From: James Robert Campbell <jrcampbe@mines.utah.edu>
>Subject: One more BFF cover
>XTC's 'You're The Wish You Are I Had' off of _Big Express_. Piano,
>harmonies, the whole nine yards. Of course, many wouldn't know
>of the song, but who cares. It would be a *perfect* fit.
I couldn't agree more. Other XTC songs that would sound great in BF5's
repertoire: "The World is Full of Angry Young Men," "Omnibus" and
"Wrapped in Gray."
And speaking of XTC, I urge any BF5 fan looking for good music to give
these guys a try if you haven't already. They are the masters of
English pop - clever lyrics, great melodies, hooks galore. They are not
as instantly accessible as BF5, which was one of the greatest
characteristics of the BF5 album - from the opening chords of Jackson
Cannery, it just jumped all over you and never let go. But with XTC,
your patience will be richly rewarded...new layers unfold with repeated
listening. XTC starter set: "Nonsuch," "Oranges and Lemons" and
"Skylarking," their last three records.
--Mike
Also, could someone explain the BF5/Satan thing to me? I feel like I'm
missing out on an inside joke.
==============================================================================
[Not everybody loves BFF. Take this from rec.music.christian:
>>Ben Fold Five's self-titled release to start.
>Hmmm...I never heard of them. Could you describe them please?
Joe Jackson meets Queen and takes a boring pill.
Ahem. Anyway, sorry about the mixup on issues #103 and #104. Due to a
mailer error, #103 didn't go out when it was supposed to. -fjm]
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