THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #214 - April 3, 1997
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #214
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Topics for Today:
Re: Smoke...not the best, but still great...
Folds/Dan comments
Kareoke Night in Winston-Salem
re: dumped on mix tape
Hello
Finally found it...
Re: Bonjour to BFF
It's Ben Folds Five, Charlie Brown!
telephones ringing
the five and the fab four
other similarities
Site changed...
bass
kate
Carrboro show, fakebook
re: mick@mustech
"frat boy mentality"
Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #212
NYC
Im going to see BFF in St. Louis!!!
Chapel Hill show, excitement/depression
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 22:02:25 -0500
From: Jennifer Delamar <47km67nb@coastalnet.com>
Subject: Re: Smoke...not the best, but still great...
Well, I guess I shared in the griping about the comment made against the
beautiful slow songs in the new album. I just want to say again how great
the new album is. I won't do a rundown on the songs, because everyone has
different taste as far as each song goes. I must say, though, that Smoke
doesn't do a whole lot for me, but it is still really high on the scale of
good and bad.
Jennifer Delamar
aka Karaoke queen
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 21:37:00 -0700
From: Shawn Huckaby <BShawn@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Folds/Dan comments
p.p.s. Any other Steely Dan fans out there?
'.........They got the Ben Folds t-shirts'
A huge Dan fan who also thinks the new BFF album is a very deep, dark,
wonderful album.
Of course melodic irony is a lot of what drew me to Steely Dan also....
Shawn Huckaby
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 23:43:21 -0500
From: WABN Radio <wabn@naxs.com>
Subject: Kareoke Night in Winston-Salem
Hi Friends,
I was at the show at Ziggy's on Thursday and had a blast--thought the guys
sounded great. I get the feeling that most people posts are going to say
the same kinds of things so I'll just get right to the complaint.
At the risk of sounding like a cantankerous old fart: Why do people feel
the necessity to sing ever single lyric out loud? Now there is nothing I
like better than going back to my apartment or being in my car with BFF
cranked up, singing at the top of my lungs, but at the concert venue I'm
there because I want to hear the artist perform, not the drunk guy behind me
or the cute couple next to me bleat out the lyrics at the top of their
lungs. If you know all the lyrics to all the songs BFF has ever put out, I
am mightily impressed. If I were able to bestow some kind of award on you,
for being such an excellent fan, I would, but really, there is no need for
you to prove to me that you actually CAN sing every word. It is irritating
for others in the audience (during Best Imitation and some of the other
quieter tunes, people around me were louder than Ben's ampilfied voice), and
I think it is terribly disrespectful to the artist performing. You wouldn't
go to a concert and plug in a guitar and start playing along, would you?
Just because you have the instrument of your own voice doesn't mean you
should use it. Imagine going to see a poet and while s/he is reading from
his/her book someone in the audience starts reading aloud too. Judging from
the vocalizing audience, I would guess I'm in the smallest minority of this
opinion and I'm probably going to get slammed here in the Armchair, but I
had to vent. Thanks for reading this.
PJ
==============================================================================
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 23:59:21 -0500 (EST)
From: Stuart Kazanow <stuart@tiger.towson.edu>
Subject: re: dumped on mix tape
Cynthia,
Interesting pairing, though recently I doubled it (Song for the Dumped)
up with Peter Wolf's version of Nilsson's "You're Breaking My Heart."
"You're breaking my heart, you tearing it apart, so f*ck you!"
Great song.
-Stuart
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 00:17:27 -0500 (EST)
From: The Computer GEEK! <jgore@bellatlantic.net>
Subject: Hello
Hello all! I haven't posted to the list in a long time because I've been
busy, but I've been reading and it's great! I've been on this list for a
LONG time, and this has to be one of the best mailing list out there. Good
job Frank!
Anyway, I'm sitting here depressed that I didn't order BFF tickets on Monday
when I called Cat's Cradle to see how they were doing on tickets. I was
planning on making the drive from Radford down to Chapel Hill tonight, but I
found out last night that it sold out :( So I guess I'll just have to wait
to see the May 1st at the Ritz.
Question: What is Ben Folds wife's name?????? Is it by any chance....Kate? I
noticed in the thank you's that a Kate Folds was thanked. Hmm.
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 16:43:54 +0000
From: Giles Wilson <mrfish@net1.nw.com.au>
Reply to: seagull@snakebite.com
Subject: Finally found it...
Just thought I'd ask if anyone else has had the same difficulty I have
had in finding "Whatever..." in Australia. I had to visit 3CD shops
before discovering it hidden away in the alternative section (and then
only with help!).
Anyway, I think it was well worth the search - it's great. Different
to the first album, but not enough to alienate current fans.
Sorry Alex, I missed the interview on JJJ too - if anyone heard it or
know if it's going to be repeated, please let me know.
Also, if anyone knows where I can download snippets of BFF songs off
the net, please tell me! (I'd love my Mac to start up to the sound on
Steven's last night...)
Cheers
:P
--
Giles Wilson
mrfish@net1.nw.com.au
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 03:50:32 -0500 (EST)
From: BEEFTODD@aol.com
Subject: Re: Bonjour to BFF
Wicked, nice one
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 08:33:24 -0500 (EST)
From: AGottl5648@aol.com
Subject: It's Ben Folds Five, Charlie Brown!
Wow, I haven't posted in ages...anyway, I love the new CD. I've listened to
it over and over and whenever I get to "Selfless, Cold, and Composed" I
immediately think of Vince Guaraldi...could Linus and Lucy be far behind?
Alternating between Ben Folds Five and Morphine (the band, not the drug),
Adam
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 14:24:15 -0500 (EST)
From: ShirowFan@aol.com
Subject: telephones ringing
in "Stephen's Last night in town", at 2:44, there is a telephone ringing in
the background. This is very disconserting, because my telephone has the same
ring. (This noise was probably due to the fact that they recorded in his
basement.)
Rolling Stone review: couldn't agree more. But why the hell did they center
so much on "Kate"?
She's a Brick and I'm drowning,
dave-o
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 14:58:49 -0500 (EST)
From: YoYoTanner@aol.com
Subject: the five and the fab four
From: Kevin Hubert <EKH3854@UMoncton.ca>:
> Don't you think that Missing the War sounds a lot like the Beatles???
indeed! it instantly reminded me of something mccartney would have written
around the time of abbey road or at the start of his solo career. must be
those rich "ba ba ba ba" phrases.
From: Tim Poolan <timp@mustech.demon.co.uk>:
> 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.
incidentally, ADT was invented at abbey road specifically for the needs of
the beatles.
anyone who is interested in the technical aspects of music production, and
certinly any self-respecting engineer as well, ought to read the beatles's
abbey road recording sessions. available at your local bookstore.
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 16:15:48 -0400
From: Daniel MacEachern <dmaceach@is2.dal.ca>
Subject: other similarities
I'm at school right now, so I don't have the disc with me, so I can't
remember exactly when it was, but at some point in the album, I'm reminded
of George Michael's Listen Without Prejudice. I'll listen again at home and
try to pinpoint it, I just can't think of it right now. I'm expecting some
flak on this, since a few other readers got rather hostile when that guy
had the AUDACITY to suggest that he didn't like a few songs. Good for you.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I was surprised at how
violent a couple of the responses were. True, we're all fans here, doesn't
mean we have to necessarily think everything the band produces is sheer
genius. I don't like every song on the new album, that doesn't mean I have
to unsubscribe from the list. A discussion where everyone agrees isn't much
of a discussion.
Daniel
Halifax
September '75 I was 47 days alive.
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 15:57:31 -0500
From: Allan Hsu <Animate2@broked.underworld.net>
Subject: Site changed...
Ok, just as an update... My page with the RealAudio and MP3 versions of
the "Song for the Dumped" found on the Japanese version of the album has
moved...
it's now at http://www.underworld.net/bff so... point your browsers
there;P Check in on the site often... it's still being worked on, and
when it's done, it's going to be super-media intensive...
And... on another note... does anybody know if the tickets for the
April 26th show in Cleveland are up for sale yet?
That is all... for now.
-Allan
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 21:40:34, -0500
From: MR PHILIP L CROTEAU M <JDRF74D@prodigy.com>
Subject: bass
just wondering if anyone knows evactly what Robert Sledge uses for a
pedal to get that woderful fuzz bass sound that he uses a lot like in
Song for the Dumped and most of the other songs with some upbeatness
to them... I think that the album is great some of the slowers songs
get a little boring but they are really good songs if you listen to
them. I definitely think that Kate is the best song on the album
followed shortly by all of the others. Great album.
I wanna be Kate
Phil
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 23:32:14 -0600
From: Geoffrey McNulty <chewbacca@beer.com>
Subject: kate
okay, im amazed that no one has addressed the questions yet, but kate is
ben's brand spanking new wife. okay, have fun kids.
Geoffy
www.angelfire.com/wi/geomac
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 97 10:39:28 CST
From: amit_saha@VNET.IBM.COM
Subject: Carrboro show, fakebook
<out of lurk mode>
I went down to Carrboro (basically Chapel Hill) along with Kevin (who
many may know from the Odds' mailing list) and saw Ben play Friday night.
What can I say? The man is simply amazing. I really like Cat's Cradle and
the best seat in the house is to stand on the benches on the left side
of the floor. From there, I had an perfect view of everything, especially
watching Ben's handiwork on the keys. I've seen BFF before but never with
the chance to *watch* see him play. I've played piano for over 25 years
and I've *never* seen the kind of talent that Ben displayed (at least not
in the pop idiom).
The man's technique is almost without fault, and how he plays while singing
is beyond me. But everything else...the body english, the enthusiasm,
the humour...everything about the show was simply perfect! Has he done
his little spoof of what European music sounds like before?? It was
hilarious...sorta like Judas Priest on the piano. I think he played
everything i wanted to hear. I have to say that "One Angry Dwarf"
came out a little muddy because they played it even faster than on the CD.
But that's nitpicking....
On the subject of the fakebook....I think it's a great idea to start work
on the second one. Let me know if there's any way I can help....I seem to
have gotten through the first four songs on "Whatever..." OK but the solos
on "One Angry Dwarf" and "Song for the Dumped" are proving to be a real
pain in the ass :) :)
amit (who's hands hurt after working out "One Angry Dwarf")
<back to lurk mode>
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 14:50:57 -0500
From: Dean Drouillard <droulard@mnsi.net>
Subject: re: mick@mustech
Mick,
Thanks for your views on the recording techniques of the new BFF
album. I however must clarify one thing: The bass player does not distort
the output of his amp per se but uses a fuzz pedal made in Russia by a
company called Sovtek. It is called Big Muff, made famous by Jimi Hendrix
on his guitar. They're wonderful things and I use one on my own bass.
Also, I believe the vocals were actually double tracked. I've paid
a lot of attention to the vocals on this album, and there are little
inconsistencies in the doubled vocals that don't sound like a machine could
have reproduced.
But what the hell do I know?...
Dean Drouillard
RACECAR (Canada)
http://www.mnsi.net/~racecar
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 18:19:56 -0500 (EST)
From: Andy <olers@wabash.edu>
Subject: "frat boy mentality"
> Your little frat boy mentality is what propetuates bands like Silver
> Chair and Hootie and the Blowfish. Get over it. If you don't like it,
> then don't buy it. Crawl back into your frat house and drink domestic
> beer while you listen to your Nine Inch Nails cds
I take offense to the preceding post written by the illustrious John
Glosson. I personally am a "frat boy" and do not recognize such a
thing as the above-mentioned "frat boy mentality." Personally, I like
the slow songs.
I also believe it is quite possible that this intolerance is much
more undesirable than some people who don't like a few slow songs.
Representing the men of Phi Kappa Psi,
Andy Oler...
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 19:17:39 -0500
From: lpd105@psu.edu
Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #212
okay i want to go to the ben folds five show on april 30th in philly. i was
wondering how i can get my hands on tickets? if anyone could let me know i
would appreciate it greatly. thanks tons.
luke
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 20:18:36 -0500
From: Stew <santonan@student.umass.edu>
Subject: NYC
Oh..I got tickets for NYC! Whoohoo! I'm so excited, I've been talking about
it nonstop for the past few days, I think my friends are ready to gag me. I
just wanted to post this to see who was gonna go to that show..
Sarah :)
==============================================================================
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 21:12:16 CST
From: Just Another Person <TR12STU@SEMOVM.SEMO.EDU>
Subject: Im going to see BFF in St. Louis!!!
Im so excited...Ive been a Ben Folds Five fan since sometime in
95...i got the first album...after seeing the video for uncle
walter..i thought they sounded just quirky enough to like...i
got a lot more than i ever bargained for when i bought that
album...then, recently, i heard about "whatever and ever" comming
out....so a friend of mine went to the record store the monday
night before it came out..the guy working there had never heard
of bff..and we convinced him the album was already supposed
to be out..so he went into the back and scored us 2 copies of
the album technically before it came out. and now, im going
to the st louis show at the galaxy...i live about 120 miles south
of st louis..but any distance to drive would not be too far.
obviously this is my first chance to get to see the guys live..
and i dont know what to expect other than a really great show.
who all's going to the st louis show?? maybe ill hear from
some of you...this is my first post on here by the way..whatever
thats worth!!!!! hope to hear from some of you soon.....
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 97 10:32:06 EST
From: Jason Kilts <Jason.Kilts@css.unc.edu>
Subject: Chapel Hill show, excitement/depression
Well, it's been two and a half days since the BFF show at the Cat's Cradle
here in Chapel Hill. First of all, let me tell every last one of you out
there who have not seen BFF in a club setting, listen to everybody on this
list that tells you that it will be the greatest show ever. They were right.
I won't bore everyone with yet another printing of the playlist (I'm sure
someone has already put that in one of their messages). I was actually
enjoying every second of the concert way too much to think about writing down
the song order, and my memory isn't good enough to recall everything
chronologically. Suffice it to say that they played damn near everything!!
It was absolutely fantastic.
It was great to see a fellow Armchairer there. Hey, Ed!! (I'm sure there
were several others, but I didn't go around taking a poll.)
I now can't hear a single song that they played without picturing every one
of their movements and every moment of the show. Every song is sooooo much
better now than before. incredible......
My problem now is that I'm a little depressed. This creeping realization
that I may never get to see them in that type of setting again is a bit
devastating. I would love to be under the impression that "they won't forget
their roots", blah, blah, blah, but who knows? And even then, what if I
couldn't get tickets? It's kind of a bittersweet excitement/depression sort
of a thing. I guess I should just be thankful for the best musical night I
could imagine.
And oh yeah, Underground might be the best live song I've ever seen. That
was spectacular.
Jason Kilts
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The sun was shining bright and I walked barefoot down the road