THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #212 - March 28, 1997
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #212
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Topics for Today:
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #208
Re: THE MAGICAL AMRCHAIR, Issue #209
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #208
song #9
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #207
NYC DATE
About Whatever...
Another thing...
Brick
Ben Folds Desperation
FAYETTEVILLE
RE: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #208
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #206
Read this one first from ARUSS (sorry)
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 97 18:31:59 -0600
From: "Scott A. Schneider" <echo@msn.globaldialog.com>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #208
> Who is singing on Hava Nagilah?
Ben, I think. Or at least, I was pretty sure when I heard it. Now that
you mention it, though, I'll have to go back and listen to it again to
double-check...
Scott
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 97 18:32:05 -0600
From: "Scott A. Schneider" <echo@msn.globaldialog.com>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL AMRCHAIR, Issue #209
> Can somebody e-mail me w/details on the Chicago show on April 24th?
> (Time, location, how much, where to get tickets, etc) I'm thinking about
> kidnapping a buddy of mine and making the trek from Milwaukee to Chicago.
April 24th, 7:00pm, the Metro (if you need directions e-mail me), get
tickets through Ticketmaster Illinois (312/559-1212).
> BTW, picked up the free single yesterday from Atomic Records. "I wanna
> steal some duct tape" ? "For Those of Y'all Who Wear Fanny Packs" is
> quite the interesting song...
Haha, I was the first to get mine from Atomic! And I only had to drive
an hour to get there from Madison... (BTW- It's "I wanna *borrow* some
duct dape". Not to be picky or anything).
Scott
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 97 18:32:07 -0600
From: "Scott A. Schneider" <echo@msn.globaldialog.com>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #208
> Has anyone tried out that "bffmail@aol.com" email address? Has anyone
> gotten a reply? I am wondering if it is to get on another email list or
> what...Thanks a lot!
Well... I'm not sure why the address was put in the album sleeve since
the actuall account has been cancelled and nonexistant for quite some
time now...
Scott
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 19:29:59 -0500 (EST)
From: BNDVDSN@aol.com
Subject: song #9
I don't have my CD with me, and I think song number nine is Steven's last
night, if not it is either song number nine, or steven's last night. Sorry
abuot the lack of clarity. Anyway, I'd imagine most of you have noticed, but
at approximately 2 minutes 53 seconds into the song, a telephone rings in the
back ground, and you can hear a chuckle. This sound effect comes at a high
point in the song, and could be considered intentional, but realizing the
album was made in a house in Chapel Hill, I doubt it. Wondering any other
opinions/explinations.
I do love the new album, but would have liked to see some songs like
Eddie Walker, Emmaline, Bad Idea, and especially Tom and Mary. Any of these
songs would have been a welcome replace for smoke which is a good song, but
not great. OH well, new album rocks though.
Ben Davidson
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 21:20:36 -0500
From: Jennifer Delamar <47km67nb@coastalnet.com>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #207
I just want to thank that guy for expressing my thoughts on ballads better
than I could have said it. "Too slow" is not true. Slow is beautiful, as
fast is beautiful, whenever it comes from BFF. I have been a listener for a
few months now and I adore the band. To hear them live would be so awesome.
But because that day may be a while from now, I listen intently to the
tapes. Slow and fast songs, mind you. They all rule.
Jennifer Delamar
aka Karaoke Queen
"Now he's feeling more alone than he ever has before..."
Brick
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 21:31:27 -0500 (EST)
From: Scott L Comeau <slc200@is5.nyu.edu>
Subject: NYC DATE
BFF & KOMEDA
Irving Plaza, NYC
April 28
All Ages
$12.50 tix on sale NOW
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 23:06:03 AST4ADT
From: Kevin Hubert <EKH3854@UMoncton.ca>
Subject: About Whatever...
Hello fans!!!
I am not the one who writes a lot, but I will now, because I just
bought myself the new CD. I study in Moncton, New Brunswick and I
went to a store to see if they had the CD (the first one was tough to
get), and the did. They even put it in the recommanded section. It is
not sold out but I just hope I can play BOWCCL on the radio. They
received the CD.
But I could ask for One Angry Dwarf. This song rocks. At the end, "I
like that one", this is real cool... The next song on the Cd is great
too. Fair (All is Fair). Remember this!!!
Brick is a slow song that I like. The lyrics are good...
Now that I found someone,
I'm feeling more alone...
Than I ever had before
She's a brick and I drown slowly...
What about Song for the dumped??? It is better than the one on the Mr
Wrong CD for sure! Did they add "F*** you too"????
It is now time to talk about Selfless, Cold and Composed. Once again,
a slow song but I don't care!!! It is not the best song, but it's
good. A little like Boxing from the first CD. By the way, who is
Davil Davidson, Chris Teale, Kristin Wilkinson and the John
Catchings?
Kate! Very rocky. I like it... Who is Kate anyway???
Smoke! Now this is one of the best song of the CD. Talking about the
book that is burning. All those memories burned! I like the music.
Kind of different...
Cigarette??? Now why put it on the Cd anyway??? Not long enough.
Still good, but...
Steven's Last Night in Town. This song is in the top 5 for me. Another rock
one. I like it with the Klezmatics. The trumpet adds something...
The next song on the Cd, we know it. The first single. BOWCCL. It
could be big if it's on the radio long enough... We need it to put it
in radio station.
The last two songs, Missing the war and Evaporated are two other slow
songs. I think Evaporated is better... Oh well, they are good.
In general, the album is good. My favorite are One angry Dwarf,
Smoke, BOWCCL, Steven's last, and Kate and Evaporated.
See ya people
Kevin Hubert
www.geocities.com/CollegePark/8728
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 23:39:36 AST4ADT
From: Kevin Hubert <EKH3854@UMoncton.ca>
Subject: Another thing...
It's me again...
Don't you think that Missing the War sounds a lot like the Beatles???
Nobody said it but the album started at #90 on the billboard. Not
bad!!!
see ya
Kevin
www.geocities.com/CollegePark/8728/
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 22:55:50 -0500 (EST)
From: Jason Martin <UN036034@wvnvaxa.wvnet.edu>
Subject: Brick
We all agree it's a hip tune BUT....
What is Brick about?
My roommate and others say abortion or something dealing with pregnancy.
I say it's about AIDS or a terminal illness. Why? Lyrics, please, maestro:
"Can't you see/ It's not me you're dying for"
and
"As weeks went by/ it showed she was not fine
They told me son it's time to tell the truth
And she broke down/ and I broke down
Hmmm...let us discuss...
Jason
WVU
(where BoWCCL is #1 currently)
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 00:40:16 -0600 (CST)
From: Adam 'DeLicious' DeLisse <adeliss@comp.uark.edu>
To: Frank Maynard <maynard@mail.oeonline.com>
Subject: Ben Folds Desperation
Oh jeez. The pitiful stories of all pitiful stories. If you don't know
me (you don't), I'm an 18 year-old freshman at the University of Arkansas
originally from Dallas. During my spring break, i had the pleasure of
being home for a few days and hearing that Ben Folds is playing at
Edgefest!! It was a dream come true! My favorite band playing right at
home!! Then they said the date and my heart went from cloud nine to the
pits of despair. Not only in the Edgefest concert on that date, so is my
University Tuba Ensemble concert (I'm 2nd chair!). All said and done, I
won't be able to go. Then, after a few days at home, I had the extreme
pleasure of visiting my wonderful girlfriend at her college in Atlanta,
only to find out that BFF was playing Music Midtown in Atlanta!!! Alas,
they are playing during finals week. Was it just not meant to be? Am I
cursed? I hope this made you cry because i am.
a very distressed BFF fan
Adam DeLisse
I'm Buddha!!
-Jane Lu
Adam DeLisse is the proud owner of one (1) ticket to the May 12th showing
of U2 at the Cotton Bowl!!! 11th row baby!!!
Thanks, jason
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 00:47:34 -0600 (CST)
From: Adam 'DeLicious' DeLisse <adeliss@comp.uark.edu>
Subject: FAYETTEVILLE
Wow, I just remembered. While i was in atlanta, my girlfriend and i
(refer to previous posting about depression) went to pick up her roommate
in birmingham (don't ask) and Battle was on their alternative station!!
Aside from the time that I requested Underground at 4 AM in Dallas, that
was the only time that I had heard the boys on the radio. then to my
surprise, I come back to Fayetteville, Arkansas, home of the Arkansas
Razorbacks, and hear Battle on the pitiful excuse for an alternative
station that they have here. i guess the only place i didn't hear them
was in atlanta. it was just stunning to see them finally get some
exposure. maybe somebody will know who i am talking about and when they
ask my favorite band, they won't say "Ben Folds WHAT?"
astounded (but still depressed)
Adam DeLisse
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 97 08:27:48 UT
From: Bruce Herrier <BHerrier@msn.com>
Subject: RE: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #208
A few random thoughts:
Regarding Jason Martin's post in MA#208: Thanks for the "props"- although I do
disagree with your "takes", but hey, to each his own. It seems as though
"Selfless" is one of those love-it or hate-it songs that nobody feels
indifferent towards. I just have one question - do you listen to the Jim Rome
show? I imagined his voice talking as I read your "scud". (Non-sports junkies
will probably have no idea what I'm talking about.)
Also, greetings to Mike G. and Rhonda G. - I now count 4 Phoenix-area
Armchairites including myself and Kristin M. I hope I will see you all there
on the 12th (if I can get out of a possible bachelor party). You will know me
by my "Love Jellyfish Style" shirt which I hope to get in the mail someday.
Oh, and if you haven't read them yet, the interviews/articles in Details and
Musician this month are very good - go down to your local Barnes & Noble and
peruse them (but please, for the love of God, put them back when you're done
if you don't buy them!!! - can you tell that I work there?)
Bruce H
BEAR DOWN!!
Sorry Chapel Hill, but -ARIZONA WILDCATS (AKA U of GERALDO) 76, UNC 70 - You
heard it here first!!!
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 13:05:50 +0000
From: Tim Poolan <timp@mustech.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #206
Hello,
Everyone seems to be spending a lot of time discussing how the bff get
their sound, I just want to say its not H O W you do it that counts, its
the end product, but i'll explain a few things.
Being a studio engineer/record producer i'm not claiming these titbits
of info to be gospel but what I would do to recreate their sound.....
I) The little keyboard ben plays into is a melodica not a mellotron (an
early tape-based sampler) its a bit similar to the old bontempi organs
we had as kids!.
II) The bass...well I reckon he uses an octaver (to get the high parts)
then distorts the output of that to give the guitar/bass effect. Someone
mentioned a tuba on “Brick” recently...thats a double (stand-up) bass
played with fingers (there's bowed stuff elsewhere....)
III) Ben's voice....No samplers here, either now they have their own
studio they will have a multitrack tape machine, or an ADT (automatic
double tracker) which is a box that delays the audio input very slightly
and changes the delay time to give a randomness, producing that
‘double-voice’ effect.
Any questions ? Are you still awake ? Sorry to bog anyone down with
this, but if you are genuinely interested I'd be happy to discuss via
the armchair...
Cheers....
mick@mustech.demon.co.uk
ps. met ben at the newcatle-upon-tyne,uk gig, looking for someone and
no-one even noticed him but me, so had a quick chat, very nice bloke.
[I for one enjoy reading about the technical details. If you are
interested in the equipment and recording gear, read the article in the
May issue of Musician. -fjm]
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 00:27:18 -0500 (EST)
From: ARUSS@aol.com
Subject: Read this one first from ARUSS (sorry)
Hello from NYC!!!!!
This info might have shown up before, but it I would not want anyone to miss
the show.
Da info: BFF
April 28th.
Irving Plaza
New York City!!!!
I am a pro drummer/percussionist and if you want to see ME play:
Debbie Gibson
April 11th
Westbury Music Fair
Long Island, New York
Peace, Aaron
Need more info or want to talk about DRUMS!!!!! e-mail me at:
ARUSS@aol.com
"I Don't want a work, I just want a bang on the drum all day!!!!!!!!" Todd
R.
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All the sadness, all the rage