THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #130 - August 19, 1996
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #130
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Topics for Today:
BF5 in Manassas
BF5 and animal flesh
"We love Neil Young"
questions?
Are they recording?
Whoops!
BFF: Review of DC show
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #129
Religion
Re: Covers we'd like to see
BF5 Review in Washington Post, August 16,1996
The unavailibility of BF5 records ..
The Best Imitation of Ben Folds Five
Ziggy's Show 8/18
Ben Folds Five At Ziggy's!!!!!!
oh yeah
Ziggy's show
Son Of BF5 At Ziggy's
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 15:25:57 -0400
From: Rhubarbguy@aol.com
Subject: BF5 in Manassas
The boys were in fine form last night at the Nissan Pavilion in Manassas, VA.
Unfortunately, the sound mix was atrocious. Worse yet, the magic was over
after 30 wonderful minutes. I generally like Jewel and Neil Young, but
following Ben Folds 5, their sets seemed kind of flat.
When they hit the stage, me and my 2 friends (who seemingly were the only 3
people there who dug BF5) threw goats at Ben and he responded with the same.
They opened up with "Julianne." How cool is that? After the first song, I
shouted out "Satan Is My Master" and they did a few bars. The highlight was
an abbrieviated hillbilly rendition of "Champagne Supernova." Obviously,
tongue-in-cheek, I don't think the crowd (all 30 of em that were actually in
their seats) got the joke.
The songs (not necessarily in order) were:
Julianne
*segment of "Satan Is My Master"
The Last Polka
Best Imitation of Myself
*segment of "Champagne Supernova"
Jackson Cannery
Steven's Last Night On Town
Underground
Philosophy
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 17:50:23 -0400
From: Brad654@aol.com
Subject: BF5 and animal flesh
> was, much to my chagrin, "Animals Are For Eating". Now, I expected that
Ben
> and the boys were non-vegetarians, which I could deal with, but
> ANTI-vegetarians? That I wasn't sure about. So I played the song to see
if
> maybe it was satire, and I discover that it's an INSTRUMENTAL. So what to
> make of all this? Now I'm not quite so sure if I should get that BF5
tattoo...
Wake up! BF5 has a sense of humor, maybe? And so what if Ben eats meat? Does
that make him less of a musician? A poor songwriter? A shallow lyricist? A
bad pianist?
NO! Of course not!
If you're going to devote enough of your life to a band that you would tatoo
them onto yourself, then you shouldn't get hung up on what they EAT, for
god's sakes. You should remain hung up on what made you want that tatoo in
the first place-- the music, which doesn't change due to diet.
Brad
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 18:27:51 -0400
From: Tom Cooper <bigt11@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: "We love Neil Young"
Regarding the Raleigh show, Ben intrduced a song called "We love Neil
Young" and then sang the first line from "Sweet Home Alabama". Later in
"Sweet Home Alabama" comes the lines- "Well I heard Mr. Young sing about
her. Well I heard old Neil put her down. Well I hope Neil Young will
remember, a southern man don't need him around anyhow". These lines
were in response to Neil's "Southern Man" which painted a derogatory
picture of the South. I thought Ben's remark was funny as hell!
Gotta Run
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 18:30:02 -0500 (EST)
From: borcheva@miavx1.acs.muohio.edu
Subject: questions?
First of all, Jessica237@aol.com posted that she found a store that had a
lot of BFF stuff, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to know
what store it is. Jessica, if you're willing to share, could you post
the name of the store? I've been looking around and have yet to find
anything more than the CD we all know and love.
also, I'm quite curious as to what the "devil sign" is that everyone
mentions. Can someone describe it?
Thanks!!!
-Vicky
-------------------------------------
**Vicky**
MSTie #37366
email me@: borcheva@miavx1.muohio.edu
CommSign@aol.com
-------------------------------------
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 19:29:43 -0500
From: Biff <mikef1@primenet.com>
Subject: Are they recording?
Does anyone know if they are still touring or if they're in the studio?
I'm really looking forward to hearing a new album from them. Last I
heard they were still on the Lollapalooza gig. Also, thanks for keeping
commentary on other bands to a minimum.
Biff
[Biff - Lolla is over, at least for BFF; they just finished six dates
opening for Neil Young; two dates in Europe later this month then into the
studio. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 00:26:02 -0400
From: Hotdoglove@aol.com
Subject: Whoops!
Hi all you crazy fellow Armchairites,
I was just writing to say that I just read my LOOONG concert review and
thought that I sounded a little...well, stupid. I wrote that at about 2 in
the morning and was really excited. I just wanted to add that the concert
was very good, great sound in the amphitheatre, and every song sounded great.
I also was wondering why are BFF not playing any new songs at these
concerts? I wish I would have asked when I had the chance... Does anyone
think that maybe this is because they have been given such a short time to
play? Or maybe they're saving it all for a big new album promo thing... All
I wanted to say was that the concert was awesome, if a little less intimate
than small clubs.
Bye!
Sara
P.S. As for that "sign of the devil" thing, I don't think that was the right
words...I don't remember what it's actually called. If anyone knows, feel
free to correct me!
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 96 08:13:34 CDT
From: amit_saha@VNET.IBM.COM
Subject: BFF: Review of DC show
Hi everyone,
Usually I lurk for a few months after joining a list but having seen the
BFF open for Neil Young at the Nissan Pavillion just outside of DC, I had
to post my impressions.
First of all, this was my first time having sen Ben and I was totally
impressed. he went on at exactly 7 and played a short 30 minute set...far too
short. Personal highlites were jackson cannery and underground. I don't know
if they usually do covers...there was an abbreviated version of Oasis'
champagne super nova...yeesh :p! I wasn't sure how well the harmonies would
come off live and was blown away by how well the vox sounded. And Ben's
ability to play, sing, and still maintain some kind of contact with the
audience is nothing short of amazing. HAving played piano for over 20 years,
I know how hard it is to play the kind of stuff he's doing, let alone
everything else!
A quick word about the other bands...Jewel was a pleasant surprise...I
really liked her set alot...will have to pick up the CD now :) As for Neil,
damn if he isn't great!! The only thing about Neil that kinda bugs me are
the looooonnnngggg three minute endings to some of the songs :) But a small
price to pay to hear someone of his calibre and stature.
OK - that's it. Really looking forward to being able to see BFF in a
club setting!
amit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sometimes it's wise to know which way the gun is pointed
Before you yell 'I see the whites of their eyes'"
Salesmen, Cheats, and Liars - the Lowest of the Low
==============================================================================
Date: 15 Aug 1996 16:34:00 +0200
From: Daniel Rodrigues Parreira <parreira@aquawolf.xs4all.nl>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #129
On 14.08.96, maynard@mail.oeonline.com wrote:
> little time. Ben said he'd get to the rest, probably when the tour and
> possibly Reading is over with. -fjm]
BF5 are also playing the "A Campingflight to the Lowlands" festival here
in the Netherlands. More on the line-up on http://www.vpro.nl/lowlands/
_ _ _
_ | \ |_) |_) parreira@aquawolf.xs4all.nl
(_iao... |_/aniel | \odrigues |arreira parreira@ecsi.chem.uva.nl
parreira@tmbg.org
amsterdam, the netherlands, europe
biochemistry student at the pgp key available on request
university of amsterdam http://ecsi.chem.uva.nl/~parreira
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 18:49:54
From: benhill <benhill1@gnn.com>
Subject: Religion
I reacently read that BFF does a cover of "Satan is My Master".Is
Ben and the gang satanic? I hope being the enthusiastic Christian
I am. Please say they're not satanic, they're my favorite band.
Ben seems too nice to be satanic.
Jesus Saves,
Evan Hill
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 01:43:04 -0400
From: SashaHB@aol.com
Subject: Re: Covers we'd like to see
I have to agree with Robert Kochman's take on hearing BFF do a cover of "Lady
Madonna."(Magical Armchair 129) For the same reasons (i.e., the
bass-piano-drums arrangement), I'd like to hear a very different song
covered: "ABC" by the Jackson 5. Robert's fuzzy bass technique sounds a lot
like the bass and fuzz guitar in the original, and it'd be hysterical to hear
them sing those falsetto harmonies. But then again, I could be wrong.
BH
Phoenix, AZ
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 06:54:32 -0400 (EDT)
From: machshev@erols.com
Subject: BF5 Review in Washington Post, August 16,1996
The Washington Post finally got around to reviewing BF5 performance at the
Nissan Pavilion on August 13 (unfortunately I was unable to attend). The
following is a direct quote from the Friday, August 16 Washington Post:
"Opening the show was the Ben Folds Five, which is actually a young,
guitarless trio from North Carolina. Folds is a singer-songwriter and
pianist who sought to combine the intricate melodies of Squeeze, the pop
bravado of Billy Joel and the fast, hard, irreverent ethos of Green Day. He
succeeded more often than might seem possible."
This is a good review, considering the usual negative slant of the Post's
reviews.
Marc Barinbaum
Bethesda, Md.
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 96 08:52:21 UT
From: Tim Young <Mr_Tim@msn.com>
Subject: The unavailibility of BF5 records ..
Hello ... My name is Tim (as you can see) and I live in the fine British town
of Windsor.
I first heard BF5 on Gary Crowleys Sunday show on Greater London Radio, and
since then I've really enjoyed their music. (A subject which I'm sure you guys
can all understand!)
I've bought the album, and I bought the "Where's Summer B?" single, but I
can't find the Underground single ANYWHERE, and frankly ..I WANT IT! (and want
to know what's on it!)
So, if anybody has I spare, or a local record store which has a copy stashed
away ... let me know.
Cheers for now .. Tim.
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 17 Aug 1996 14:09:24 -0400
From: HartManTim@aol.com
Subject: The Best Imitation of Ben Folds Five
At the risk of being chastised by all on this list, I will be honest. I am
truly disappointed. Maybe after hearing so many things about how great BF5
are live, I had my hopes set too high. But last night, I saw the band open
up for Neil Young, and could not believe my eyes. After the rave reviews I
have gotten about the band, they were nothing that I expected. First of all,
they used the same zingers that the people on the list have said such as:
"Here comes some of that gangsta sh*t" and others that I recognized, but can
not remember. They played all of their songs very fast and it just seemed
like they were itching to get off the stage.
Maybe some of this should fall on me. For a few years now, I have seen
bands play in much smaller venues, so the distance from the stage may be
responsible for the lack of emotion I felt from Ben and others. Maybe they
are kind of tired of opening for another opening act of Neil Young. The
acoustics were not the best at the E-Center in Camden, but I thought the
performance was less than acceptable. I had told all of the "Rusties" (Neil
YOung Fans) around me that Ben and the gang would knock their socks off, but
that only gave them fuel for ridiculing me about it the rest of the night
after the band's lackluster performance.
All in all, I think the CD is the greatest. I listen to it all the time and
plan on purchasing the new one when it comes out. But I am not going to lie
to you: Do not go and see BF5 open for Neil Young if you do not like Neil
Young. It is not worth it. Wait for Ben and the gang to set up their own
environment, stage, and sound check, with their own crowd if you do not want
to be disappointed. I kind of wish I hadn't seen them last night. Then I
could just believe all of you in thinking they were a great live band.
Hoping it was just a bad night for the boys,
TIm Hartman
[Tim- They do much better in small venues. Many sound people don't
understand them - most of them seem to think of the piano as background,
and don't mix it up loud enough - and they wind up effectively doing the
sound check when they open, or so it seems. Catch them next year in a
club near you. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 02:03:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: THE YANKEE <mcdonpj3@mail.wfu.edu>
Subject: Ziggy's Show 8/18
Tonight, Ben, Robert, and Darren destroyed my standard of what one would
call a "live show." They played all of the album, I believe, with a few
other songs old & new. Simply put, this was without a doubt the best
concert I have ever seen.
Others:
"Tom and Mary" song
Song For the Dumped(hilarious)
Angry Dwarf song
***I know, I butchered the names***
Covers:
Video killed the...
A bit of "Stayin' Alive" before Sports N' Wine
CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA-they sounded exactly like those pompous idiots from
Britain who proclaim to be the best band on earth, Oasis.
The crowd laughed/sang along for this one-fantastic.
Ben also played a slow song in between "Video Killed the Radio Star" and
Jackson Cannery on the guitar. If you read one of Ben's Answers about
some of the music for the second album being more heartfelt and simpler
than the current stuff, this was quite true. Even though the crowd was
still reeling and on a high from "Jackson Cannery," this song cut through
me a little, even though I'm struggling to remember the words right now...
missed the name, too(sorry). Saw Ben after the show, and gave him the
baked goods, as promised. He was really friendly.
Great show, great guy-nothing more to say.
P.S. to fjm- thanks for this list. This was a great night, but the
opportunity the list gave me made it one I'll never forget.
Patrick J. McDonough
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 04:18:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: The Computer GEEK! <jgore@nrv.net>
Subject: Ben Folds Five At Ziggy's!!!!!!
Oh my good lord what a night!!!!!!! This has to be the greatest live show
that I have ever seen in my life. Ben, Darren, and Robert were all at there
best.
They opened the show with "Chopsticks" which was funny because a lot of the
drunken frat boys around me and my friends were disgusted by the lyrics, and
I guess they thought Ben was gay. Frat Boys crack me up. anyway...
I was going to try hard to remember the set list for you fellow Armchair
subscribers, but dammit I can't remember the exact order. Maybe some other
ppl who were there can help me out. They played......(in no order)
Boxing
Song For The Dumped
Alice Childress
Chopsticks
Video Killed The Radio Star
One Angry Dwarf
Stephen's Last Night In Town
Video
Best Imitation Of Myself
Underground
Uncle Walter
Philosophy
Jackson Cannery
Where's Summer B?
Julianne
Sports And Wine
The Last Polka
Tom And Mary
..............wow! I just noticed that they played the whole album tonight!
They also played a brand new song that they called "Risky Encore" that will
be on the new album and they wanted to see if we dug it. We did. Great song!
Some frat boys (here we go again) were screaming "Too Slow!!!!" during the
song, which realllllllly pissed me off. And after the song Robert said "To
the guy who was screaming "Too Quiet" you can f*** off." Word Up Robert!!!!
This show absolutely blew me away!!! Ben played guitar on "Jackson Cannery"
tonight!!!! (For those guitarists who are interested...it was an old
silvertone he said he bought in Philly)...He said that he writes most of his
songs on guitar first, but he doesn't play guitar because he sucks. I didn't
think he sucked at guitar at all. I thought it was cool to actually hear JC
done on guitar. I can't wait for the new album now!!! It's going to rock our
world! All of the new songs kick some serious booty. I think "Stephen's Last
Night" is my favorite BF5 song now.
Well all, I'm going to bed now. Take care.
**************************************************
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 *****************************
d.p.w. homepage: http://nrvalley.com/dpw
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 04:36:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: The Computer GEEK! <jgore@nrv.net>
Subject: oh yeah
They also play "Twin Falls" tonight at Ziggy's.
**************************************************
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 *****************************
d.p.w. homepage: http://nrvalley.com/dpw
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 21:26:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ben Hill <benhill@nr.infi.net>
Subject: Ziggy's show
WOW,WOW,WOW! My first BFF show, and what a great one it was. The opening
band, Gezer Lake absolutly sucked in my opinion. Ben Folds Five was Great,
though. Although I can't remember the order of the songs,I can tell you
what they played: All the songs off the album, Tom and Mary, Steven's Last
Night Out, One Angry Dwarf and 2000 Solemn Faces, Twin Falls, a one-verse
cover of the Oasis suck song Champaign Supernova in a twangy southern
accent, a never-before-heard song off the new album, Video Killed the Radio
Star (Hey, I though they retired that!), and a couple of short intro/jam
ditties. Some of the highlights were Jackson Cannery on guitar(WOW!), piano
stools flying at the piano, and a neat harmonica-sounding keyboard wind
instrument. I didn't talk to the guys, but I finnaly got a shirt. BFF put
on a perfect show. It was great!
I'm out,
Evan
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 1996 00:08:41 -0400 (EDT)
From: The Computer GEEK! <jgore@nrv.net>
Subject: Son Of BF5 At Ziggy's
Ok now that I am awake I will tell a little more. I met Ben, Darren, and
Robert last night. They are the coolest ppl I have ever met. So nice and
easy to talk to. I got all of their autographs....and I even got one of
Darren's drumsticks!!! All I have to say is last night was da bomb!!!! :)
**************************************************
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 *****************************
d.p.w. homepage: http://nrvalley.com/dpw
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