THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #157 - November 5, 1996
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #157
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Topics for Today:
BFF: random thoughts
Billy and Elton
Ben Folds on MY Radio
The Billy Joel thang
pointless rambling with an answer in here somewhere.
Joel/John vs. Zevon/Folds
Re: Joel/John comment
Re: New CD?
Billy Joel Comment
Hating Billy
bff-finally!
re:down under
BF5 interview...
Re: BFF Brits
Phillip??? / Live recording
new album?
Moxy Fruvous on-stage wardrobe
More BFF chat on alt.music.counting-crows
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 17:38:25 -0600 (CST)
From: William Tatalovich <wt3@cec.wustl.edu>
Subject: BFF: random thoughts
Well, I just got my first Magical Armchair. Lots of info, most of it
very relevant to what I want to know--very cool. Anyways, have a few
thoughts and questions:
1. Any clue as to when the new album (thanks for posting the list of
songs, BTW) will be released? And it's on Sony, right?
2. Ben said in an interview with some online magazine (name escapes me
right now) that they're called Ben Folds Five and not Ben Folds Three
just because they liked that name better--you know, that it just sounded
better.
3. I am beginning to suffer from BFF withdrawl. I mean, I have the album
and everything, but I saw them play in Cincinnati (Gotham Club) over the
summer and they ruled. As such, does anyone want to help me out and send
me a tape or two of any of their concerts? I would be eternally grateful...
4. Anyone know when BFF will be touring again in the states? Just
curious...
Oh well. Thanks a lot for having a BFF digest--I love this band, and
there's nothing like knowing everything about them....see y'all around.
Bill Tatalovich
wt3@cec.wustl.edu
"No one in the world ever gets what they want and that is beautiful
Everybody dies frustrated inside and that is beautiful..."
---They Might Be Giants, "Don't Let Start"
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 15:50:47 -0800
From: Doug Swan <dswan@path.org>
Subject: Billy and Elton
Marc said:
>Somebody said that Billy Joel and Elton John made the piano unpopular.
>Are we listening to the same Billy Joel? I don't care so much for
>Elton, but I grew up on Billy, AND love BFF as well. I guess that's what
>makes the world go round.
You should listen to Elton's first three albums and Billy's first few
(particularly his debut). Elton was every bit the measure of Billy (I loved
them both, with and emphasis on lovED). They've both matured and
commercialized, but they also still turn out the ocassional interesting song.
>Did anybody else become a little pissed at that last post? Or has
>everybody turned their backs on Billy Joel.
I tend not to get pissed off at people who base their opinions upon a part
of someone's career and not all. That piano (and all keyboards) have been
shut out of the scene in the past 8 years is more an indictment of the
close-minded music industry and those who cater to it than to those who
listen to and care about quality music. Take care. Doug.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doug Swan EMAIL: dswan@path.org
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 19:50:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Lucy <joelle.jaffe@yale.edu>
Subject: Ben Folds on MY Radio
I don't know if anyone out there is a big Counting Crows fan, but I am,
and so I felt it was my duty to bring to everyone's attention the cool
connection between these two bands. On CC's cool new album "Recovering
the Satellites" there is a cool song called "Monkey" with cool lyrics that
go:
"Got no place but home to go,
Got Ben Folds on my radio right now. . ."
Needless to say, I flipped out when I heard this!! When one of my
favorite bands mentions my other favorite band in a song, it's clear that
there's something very unusual going on here. . . something cosmic and
mysterious, perhaps? Anyway, I highly recommend the song and the album
and the band!!
lucy.
P.S. I've got some cool Counting Crows boots that I would love to trade
for BFF boots if anyone is interested!!
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 16:55:53 -0800
From: John Fitzgerald <jfitzger@netroplex.com>
Subject: The Billy Joel thang
In response to the question/comment about Billy Joel's talent and such,
I just have to say that when I first heard BFF, Mr. Joel was one of the
first influences that sprang to mind. The solo piano on Philosophy for
instance is, at least to me, very reminiscent of early Joel stuff, like
"Angry Young Man", "Summer, Highland Falls", and "Scenes From An Italian
Restaurant". I've been a fan of Billy Joel for years, but I'll also be
the first to admit he's been a bit uneven in the past few albums.
Nonetheless, when I saw him last year in concert, the man put on one
hell of a show. There are a lot of up-and-comers who could learn a
thing or two about rockin' the house from Billy. So when I heard Ben
doing his thang, I rejoiced to hear that energy on the ivories once
again.
Has Ben ever really given props to Joel, or Joe Jackson, or Squeeze, or
any of the other greats that seem to seep into his work? I've read a
few interviews, but I don't know if that's ever been addressed.
I was also quite psyched to see the songlist for the new BFF album...now
we just need a release date...of YESTERDAY!
Peace, Fivers.
Rob Sturma
Hollywood, CA
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 22:26:31 -0500
From: dan osman <dsosman@students.wisc.edu>
Subject: pointless rambling with an answer in here somewhere.
I just wanted to respond to Spy Swatter's (If that is his real name!)
e-mail. He asked why it's called Ben Folds Five and not Ben Folds three.
Through in-depth research, countless hours at the library reading through
books on music, and a trip to their hometown, I came up with the conclusion
that I had no life. I also realized that I came not one iota closer to
finding out the answer to the question. Fortunatly, one of my friends knew
so he told me. Here's what he said. "Hey Dan, how's it going?" oh, he also
told me about that Ben Folds Five thingy. Anyway, he said that they called
it that to make fun of the group the Jackson Five. You know, Michael, Tito,
umm...Janet, Dopey, and Blitzen. Whether that's the truth or not, I don't
know. but it sounds cool and it fits in with the style of the group. Not
that I'd ever compare the Jacksons to Ben Folds Five, but, heck, they did
it anyway so what do I care? Anyway, I've done enough rambling here so I
think I'll end it here. oh, wait, gotta leave them laughing. ok, Why didn't
Captain Kirk go to bed with a blond? He didn't want to go where everyone
had gone before.
dan
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 22:59:26 -0800
From: Eric Meany <funafuti@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Joel/John vs. Zevon/Folds
thought they were pretty poor representatives of what the piano could
and should be in pop music. Joel is a GREAT player, but his songs do
nothing for me, and Elton wrote great songs but, well, wore a big Duck
suit. When I tell people I'm a piano player, they almost always assume
those two must've been an influence and seeme shocked when I say Warren
Zevon is the only cool singer/songwriter/pianest. Until this year, that
is, because Ben Folds DEFINITELY moves to the front of the class. (and
you thought this was an unrelated rant...)
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 1996 23:05:55 -0500
From: Brad654@aol.com
Subject: Re: Joel/John comment
In a message dated 96-11-01 17:23:27 EST, you write:
<< Did anybody else become a little pissed at that last post? Or has
everybody turned their backs on Billy Joel. >>
I've been a Joel fan since about 1980. And I will mention his later stuff.
It's not the power piano pop he used to write, but it isn't crap, either.
As for Elton John, I don't know how people could like BF5 and not Elton.
There are so many similarities. If you don't believe me, get a hold of a live
Elton recording called 11-17-70. It's a radio performance with Elton on
piano, Dee Murray on Bass and Ray Cooper on drums. Sound familiar?
Since it was recorded in 1970, the music is not nearly as fresh as Ben's, but
it's still good. Again, I don't know how someone could like Ben and not like
Elton, or at least that recording.
Later--
Brad
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 1996 14:51:57 -0500
From: BSCHACK@aol.com
Subject: Re: New CD?
In a message dated 96-11-01 17:23:27 EST, you write:
<< Are they releasing a live cd in addition to the new one or is the new one
going to be recorded live? >>
The live recording might be released as a live CD or it may never be
released at all. I just know Sony's taping it.
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 1996 19:14:44 -0500
From: Me <saltman@wesleyan.edu>
Subject: Billy Joel Comment
Last issue Marc asked if
>anybody else become a little pissed at that last post? Or has
> everybody turned their backs on Billy Joel.
Yeah, I was a little pissed too. His early stuff is great ("Only the good
die young" ? Pure pop heaven) When I was first listening to BFF I described
their music to a friend as the halfway love child of Barenaked Ladies and
Billy Joel. Anyway, I have not turned my back on Billy Joel. :-)
On a different note, has anyone else thought it might be interesting to
do a semi-official poll of the other favorite bands of BFF fans on this
list? I know other lists I've been on have done that, and it's usually
fascinating...
Sarah
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1996 11:09:50 +1000 (EST)
From: Michael Townsley <M.Townsley@hum.gu.edu.au>
Subject: Hating Billy
> Somebody said that Billy Joel and Elton John made the piano unpopular.
...
> Did anybody else become a little pissed at that last post? Or has
> everybody turned their backs on Billy Joel.
> -Marc
Marc,
Ignore those who do not appreciate the brilliance of BJ, they are ignorant.
Unfortunately, he suffers from overplay of half a dozen of his more ordinary
songs. However, BFF has replaced Billy as my favourite artist. I still love
the guy and will buy anything he ever brings out, but BFF are my new number
one musical artist (the one and only act to topple BJ from the coveted place).
Any Australians out there able to find CMJ here? I looked in every newsagent
I can find and no luck.
MT ..........hanging out for the Big Day Out to finally see BFF (I don't
even know what Ben looks like!!!!!!!)
BTW, Frank: Thanks for the list, love it.
[You're welcome! -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 12:48:41 +0000
From: hhor1@student.monash.edu.au
Subject: bff-finally!
hi all
finally they have released bff in australia! uncle walter is out and i've
also seen 'where's summer b' on vinyl. they also have shown 'uncle
walter' on Rage (music show). i freaked out!! well i was jumping up and
down dancing to it, while my friends gave me funny looks. (they just don't
appreciate good music!) also i have found t-shirts!! in Melbourne, at
Gaslight for $10! they were having a sale on T-shirts and i don't think
anyone was buying them, so they're selling them cheap. so for those in
Melbourne, grab one!
did i read right? bff at the big day out!!!!! oh my god!!!!!! i
think i definetly have to go now!!! i was waiting for a good band to
play, but now bff is, AAAHHHHH!
bye
chris
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1996 16:27:42 +-1100
From: PAUL GILBERTSON <pgilber@spin.net.au>
Subject: re:down under
this is my first post thing (if thats what you call it). in mentioning
australian bands you forgot screaming jets, nick cave, ammonia and
suiciety, among others. most the music we hear on the radio in australia
is american but except for the accents you c ant pick the australian songs
from the american ones.
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 01:58:40 EST
From: Greg Monkey <drunkenmonkey@juno.com>
Subject: BF5 interview...
If anyone is interested, I have just put out Drunken Monkey
Fanzine issue #1, with an interview with Mr. Ben Folds himself. It also
includes interviews with Possum Dixon, Fig Dish, and Rocket From The
Crypt. If anyone is interested in purchasing this fine fanzine (all 34
pages of it) that I do, email me...
drunkenmonkey@juno.com
Sorry to use the list for this, but I assume some of you will be
interested. It's $2.25 (american)...email me for more details.
Greg
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1996 12:09:06 GMT
From: Katy Appleton <K.Appleton@uea.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: BFF Brits
Another UK BFF fan spreading the word... I'm going drive 160 miles to
be at the Leadmill gig too, with some friends who, if they weren't
converts at the beginning of the night, will be at the end (if they
know what's good for 'em...) <grin>
Katy
--
Katy Appleton * University of East Anglia, Norwich, England
k.appleton@uea.ac.uk * http://www.uea.ac.uk/~u9511237
Studying for a PhD in "I Told You So"
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1996 12:48:18 GMT
From: Mark Piper <pipermf@phymat.bham.ac.uk>
Subject: Phillip??? / Live recording
Hi,
First, a plea to Phillip ("slept@cris.com"@concentric.net), who
mailed me about trading. I would like to trade, but your email address is
giving me (and my mail software) grief. If you are out there, please get
in touch, preferably with another place I c an mail you.
(ii)-
>
> << Inside info - Sony is recording BFF live in London in the 3rd week of
> November (forget the exact date). Earlier live recorded tracks (in the US)
> had to be scrapped because the quality of the performance was not up to
> par.
> This is intended to be a major label record release.
> >>
>
> Are they releasing a live cd in addition to the new one or is the new one
> going to be recorded live?
I would put my money on the tracks being used as extra tracks on the
singles from the new album (as with the Ziggy's tracks)
(iii)- I notice that Jellyfish keep cropping up. Well, as you may or may
not know, Jason Falkner (who I'm told played on their first album) has
released an LP, which I'm told by two different BF5 fans is excellent.
Called "Author Unknown", UK fans might l ike to do as I did, jaunt along
to your local Virgin Megastore with every intention of buying it, and then
run out crying with shock when you see that they're trying to get their
grubby hands on 18 of your hard-earned pounds. Get a copy from a rich
friend instead I guess.
And keeping on the subject of related music, Jonny Polonsky comes
highly recommended. I got a copy of his album "Hi, My Name Is Jonny" for a
mere one pound from a record shop in Birmingham (Reddingtons, if anyone is
interested). Otherwise, I believe he released a single "Love, Lovely Love"
(I think that's the title), which has two great B-Sides, a hilarious "pop"
version of Nirvana's "In Bloom" and a song called "There Is A Force
Commonly Known As Love". Check it out.
Enough from me.
Mark
------------------------------------------------------------------------
| mfp540@bham.ac.uk | pipermf@phymat.bham.ac.uk |
| Looks, Brains and Everything, the unofficial UK Ben Folds Five site |
| http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/5430/bff.html |
| If you haven't found out already, it's gonna blow your minds! |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1996 22:44:42 -0400
From: - Steady Eddy - <bartok@cycor.ca>
Subject: new album?
does anyone have a release date for the new album? sorry if it's already
been posted.
thanks,
ed
==============================================================================
[This is from a review of two shows in upstate New York this past
weekend by the Canadian group Moxy Fruvous as posted to the mailing list
"Bargainville Discount Store". All four band members are multi-
instrumentalists, but Murray usually plays, and sings, bass.]
From: Jamie L Karek <karekj@gort.canisius.edu>
It was noticible that Murray was wearing the same clothes on both
occasions. (He was wearing a Ben Folds Five t-shirt...does anyone
know who or what this is?) He apologized, telling us, "I just got this
shirt, and I'm kind of fond of it."
==============================================================================
[The talk about Ben Folds Five continues on alt.music.counting-crows:]
From: MRTang@gnn.com (Michael Tang)
I just picked up the Ben Folds Five CD tonight. This CD really rocks. It
is filled with very catchy tunes and is well worth the listen. It sounds
kinda like an alternative Billy Joel with a just a pinch of Counting
Crows. Listen to the CD and then listen to Monkey and the style of music
sounds very similar(IMHO); but Ben Folds Five has a very distinctive
sound.
Anyone else out there heard them and care to comment?
Mike
From: jaj9@pantheon.yale.edu (joelle.)
i have been a huge ben folds fan for a long time!! i'm glad other people
are finally catching on!! they have signed with sony and their new album
on epic 550 should be coming out in early '97. yeah!!
From: rclay@ocean.st.usm.edu (Robert Adam Clay)
Let me tell you about BEn folds five. they're incredbile. and i thought
the exact same thing about monkey when i heard it. i long to see BFF play
live because i hear that they are very intense. Ben's stage prescence
matches up to adams from what i understand....
adam
From: "Randy Perry" <rperry@stlnet.com>
I've had the Ben Folds CD for many moons. At one point I had the CD in my
ROM drive for 2 weeks straight. I still can't believe all that sound comes
from a trio band. Piano, bass and drums....pretty damn cool. I really like
this album. I've heard the "Billy Joel rip-offs and Joe Jackson
sound-alikes" arguments, and I don't buy into them. Why would a band want
to emulate Billy Joel? Joe Jackson on the other hand I can see, but.......
If you have not heard the album, by all means pick it up.
Randy Perry
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