THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #222 - April 10, 1997
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #222
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Topics for Today:
reply to bff in Clevland
Norwood Cheek ?
Re: Philly show
Re: Phila. club
Last Polka
Last Polka and BFF emerging from obscurity
Ben doing Lionel
The new guy
Re: Recognition.
The Lawrence Show, is anyone going?
RE: Will BFF ever go mainstream?
Cleveland show???
Piano Book
lawrence show
Re: you weren't having fun?
Concert Review
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 08:49:19 -0400
From: elutz@kent.edu
Subject: reply to bff in Clevland
Too answer Crysta, Amanda and Todd, and any one else interesteed
I'm going to the cleveland Show!!!!! Cannot wait, should be a blast. I'm
really excited. I think there are still tickests left so comeone and buy
them up lets have an Armchair Party that would rock Bye bye
Elizabeth
elutz@pop.kent.edu
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 10:05:56 -0400
From: Jason Light <vinvestor@mindspring.com>
Subject: Norwood Cheek ?
After reading the liner notes on the new album and having seen the video
for BOWCCL about 10 times, I have now seen Norwood Cheek's name as director
of the video and for synthesizer space sounds on One Angry Dwarf what is
his relation to the band and is there a story here that I am mossing. If
this has already been covered I am sorry, I must have missed it. Can't
wait to see them for my first time at Music Midtown in Atlanta next month.
Jason Light
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 11:58:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: "D . Hokanson" <hokansod@goldey.gbc.edu>
Subject: Re: Philly show
Who is going to the Philly show. Email me at hokansod@goldey.gbc.edu.
I got my tix the day they went on sale. Can't wait.
Donna
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 12:37:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: Hilarie Surrena <walflowr@Op.Net>
Subject: Re: Phila. club
BFF will be at the Theater of Living Arts(TLA) in Philadelphia on 4/30.
It's on South Street between 3rd and 4th street. I just purchased my
tickets about one week ago and the lady(at West Coast Video) said that they
hadn't sold out yet.
Hil
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 11:39:07 -0500 (CDT)
From: Adam 'DeLicious' DeLisse <adeliss@comp.uark.edu>
Subject: Last Polka
i'm glad someone finally agrees with me. i always drive around town in my
car with the "Last Polka" on the tape deck, and I belt it out along with
Ben, and my friends always seem indifferent, then make some silly comment
like "I like the piano." Sure, the piano is a nice touch, but listen to
the MUSIC! well, for those of you who heard my pleads and actually cared
enough to try and get me to a show, thank you for your attempts. the
truth of it is that i will not be able to catch any shows. ironically,
the music class that is keeping me from seeing about half the shows due to
our own concert is one that i am dropping next semester due to "schedule
problems," if you know what i mean. anyways, let's keep the armchair
updated on any new shows so that losers like me can have a chance to see
BFF rock the house.
thanks for the support
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: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 07:40:00 -0700 (MST)
From: DMJ@ACES.COM
Subject: Last Polka and BFF emerging from obscurity
Thought I would address a couple issues that have been discussed on the
Armchair lately...
First... the "high point" in Last Polka. Add one more vote for that bit...
it's my favorite part off of either album. And I'm disappointed to see from
the setlists posted so far that Last Polka is missing on this tour... I
hope they mix up their setlist before they come to Houston next week...
Next... the issue of BFF becoming too popular for the intimate club venues.
I voiced my opinion on this a week or two ago, and it hasn't changed... I'm
gonna miss BFF when their popularity has elevated them beyond the club level.
However, as an alternative... I'd recommend to _everybody_ to check out more
club shows, regardless of whether you've heard the band or not. I went to
see BFF for the first time over a year ago, only having heard "Underground"
on the CMJ sampler. And, in all honesty, I wasn't too impressed with that
tune at that time... I tended to lump it in (prob'ly because of the intro)
with "joke" rock bands like Weezer, Presidents, etc... (apologies to any
fans of these bands). However, I'm a huge fan of live music, and will give
anybody a chance. Went to the show, and quickly became a BFF convert. =)
My point in all of this is... spend more time in the clubs, supporting
live music in general. There may be a lot of crap out there, but you're
certain to find a few gems as well. Here's just a few good ones that I've
found... most may be relatively popular in their respective regions, but
certainly not on a national level, and can always use support when they go
to new places. Some have been recommended to me by other people, but the
majority of 'em I picked up on by sheer luck...
Punkinhead -- a funky groovy rock band out of Fayetteville, AR. (betcha
didn't know they knew how to funk in Arkansas?? Heh...)
Shag -- another good funk act (a la P-Funk) out of Cincinnati... these
guys were produced by Bootsy Collins, actually.
(I'm seeing both Shag and Punkinhead again on a great double-bill this
Wednesday...)
Cowboy Mouth -- some of you may have heard their radio single "Jenny Says,"
on some radio stations. This band from New Orleans is an incredibly
energetic live band.
Squirrel Nut Zippers -- since a good portion of this list is from the NC
area, I assume that most of ya already know these guys...
Psychodelic Zombiez -- 10-piece funk/jazz/metal/whatever, from Denver, CO.
Tina & the B-Side Movement -- out of Minneapolis... mostly a straight-forward
rock band, a little bit of a country-ish influence... but (like all the bands
mentioned) very energetic live show.
The Iguanas -- another New Orleans band... jazz/rock, and a bit of a Latin
influence.
Royal Crown Revue -- if ya like Squirrel Nut Zippers, check these guys out.
The list goes on and on and on... and includes many bands that used to be
small, but have elevated beyond the club stage. (Cake and Soul Coughing are
pretty good examples... Dave Matthews and Rusted Root are a couple others
that come to mind).
I think y'all get the point by now. We really shouldn't be surprised that
bands with loads of talent like Ben Folds Five will eventually get the
recognition that they deserve. Get out to the clubs and take a chance on
some other bands. There's always going to be somebody to take their place.
Okee, I'm done babbling. ;) BUt one more thing... I'm always interested
in hearing from other people about regional touring bands. Send any and
all suggestions to my email... (dmj@aces.com) Thanks!
--Don
(Oh yeah, fergot to mention the Floyds, out of Atlanta... hehe....)
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 12:59:24 -0500 (CDT)
From: koenij22@vaxa.cis.uwosh.edu
Subject: Ben doing Lionel
Hello People!!
Did you notice all the attention their video is getting on Mtv?
It's kind of scary.
I was thinking.....Heard the song I'm Easy(like Sunday Morning),
by Lionel Ritchie. BFF would do an awesome cover of this song. Even
though Faith No More already did it. What do you think?
"I thank my hairdresser, for giving me such beautiful curls."
-Bare-Naked Ladies
JOEL D KOENIG
Internet - KOENIJ22@uwosh.edu
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 14:18:00 -0500 (EST)
From: Atropos <dashapir@cord.iupui.edu>
Subject: The new guy
Hi, I'm new to this list. I'm from Indianapolis. To be honest I just
picked up a BFF CD for the first time about a week ago. And look at me
now: I already own both CDs, and I belong to the mailing list. Crazy.
Anyway, I don't want to waste your time, I know how people on e-mailing
lists can be about stuff like that (I also belong to the Tool mailing
list), so I'm gonna end this now. Just wanted to say hi. If anyone else
on the list if from Indy, or nearby, e-mail me privately. Thanks
Atropos
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 15:37:03 -0400
From: Mike Piccuirro <mikeman@pegasus.rutgers.edu>
Subject: Re: Recognition.
> From: "Scott A. Schneider" <echo@msn.globaldialog.com>
> Subject: Recognition.
>
> Are we (as list members) doing anything at live shows to recognize
> eachother? ........ I think it'd be fun to at least do something to
> identify ourselves to other list members...
I'm with Scott. I know it may sound corny but it would be pretty cool
if we all did something subtle to distingush ourselves as Armchair
suscribers. The nametag idea is pretty cool. How does everone else
feel about this?
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 14:56:31 -0500
From: Randi Sanders <rn21ja19@IDT.NET>
Subject: The Lawrence Show, is anyone going?
Hi all,
I was wondering if there are any Kansas City fans that are going to
the show in Lawrence? I so please e-mail me. I’ve been a fan of BFF
for about a year and a half now. I missed them on over the summer, and
this show is All Ages. Since I’m only 17 I try to get to as many as I
can.
Randi <Rn21ja19@idt.net>
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 14:57:32 -0500
From: Trendmasters Web <WEBMASTER@trendmasters.com>
Subject: RE: Will BFF ever go mainstream?
Sara (Hotdoglove@aol.com) wrote in Issue #220:
>>>Well, I've been hearing and reading a LOT about BFF lately, and it's
really gotten me thinking...will BFF ever REALLY break into the
mainstream?
I dunno. I did my time working in record stores in college, 7 years in
fact. And in watching the industry close up for that long, restocking
the Green Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers CDs - I have to say I really
doubt that BFF will ever go mainstream. . . They might have a hot
single, or get featured on a Soundtrack like Pete Droge, "If you don't
love me I'll Kill Myself". But they're just -->too good<-- to be
embraced by the mainstream.
There were a lot of bands like that when I worked in record stores.
Everyone in the industry loved them, swore by them, and pushed them in
their stores - but they never achieved "mainstream-ness." IE: American
Music Club, Prefab Sprout, Love Jones.. (For example, I remember going
to a Love Jones show and among the smaller-than-usual-crowd, I think I
ran into at least 15 other record store people.)
The only chance I can think of for BFF going mainstream is for them to
get their foot in the door with their unique, uncommon use of the piano.
One of my uniformed friends recently heard me playing BFF in the car and
said, "Hey, this sounds like Billy Joel." I might have screamed a few
obscenities at the comparison. But then I got to thinking. It wasn't
a such an off-base comment in a way. After all, what else was there for
this "uniformed mainstream music listener guy" to compare them to?
Wasn't Billy Joel the last mainstream piano-playing success? Or to a
lesser degree, Bruce Hornsby?
I don't want to be negative about this - I would love to see them hit it
big. It could happen. I never thought I would hear a Stereolab
(another band loved by record store employees everywhere) song outside
of the record store and now they've achieved some amount of fame. But
mainstream, nope.
Best regards,
Craig , St. Louis
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 16:36:04 -0400
From: Darryn Fessel <dfessel@one.net>
Subject: Cleveland show???
Hey, I was wondering if anyone would be going to the Cleveland show? My
friends and I are from Cincinnati and are flying up (I'm a pilot), and
we could really use a ride from the airport. See Ya'!
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 17:11:29 -0005
From: Ryan Lewandowski <mrl8550@ritvax.isc.rit.edu>
Subject: Piano Book
I called the BFF merchandise libe to order the piano book, but it was
unfortunately sold out. Does anyone know where I could get a copy? It
doesn't have to be autographed, I'd just like to play some of the songs.
Ryan Lewandowski
http://www.rit.edu/~mrl8550
(updated on 3.18.97)
mrl8550@rit.edu
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 16:20:57 -0500
From: "Clasen, Benjamin P" <BPCLASEN@CSBSJU.EDU>
Subject: lawrence show
quick note for anyone going to the lawrence show --- would you be
interested in getting together before or after the show for a musical
armchair party-type thing? im not quite sure what i have in mind. im
from minnesota and i dont know lawrence AT ALL. maybe tailgating or
something nifty of that sort? i dont know what all there is to do
there. write me if you are interested or have any ideas. ill post
something before the show if i get a lot of responses...
ben clasen
bpclasen@csbsju
(write me privately so we dont take up a bunch of space on the armchair)
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 17:49:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jennifer Delamar <47km67nb@abaco.coastalnet.com>
Subject: Re: you weren't having fun?
Just a message...you guys are great. I love everyone on this newsletter.
Did I mention I just ran and feel like a million dollars.
Love, love, and more love,
Karaoke Queen
Jennifer L. Delamar
"I've got my philosophy...."
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 15:53:21 -0600
From: dmw <whittakd@lib.enmuros.cc.nm.us>
Subject: Concert Review
Adam Gimbel is no longer on the list, but he asked me to forward this to
you for the list.
Thanks,
David
From: dumyhead@millennianet.com (Adam Gimbel)
Hey, couldja send this to the BFF list?
Having worked for Counting Crows' mgmt, we got sported tix & passes for
their show here in San Diego. We went early to say hi to them and, of
course, Ben & the boys. Unfortunately, our passes weren't "all access".
When I found my old boss later, he felt bad. So, we just watched them play.
I was bummed 'cause I was hoping to get Ben to dedicate "Where's Summer
B?" to youknowwho. Finding a spot where people weren't talking all around
me wasn't easy, but we finally found one. They were unbelievable, playing
what Ben called "the fast set". Mostly upbeat stuff from the first record.
Hmmmm, in a loose order, an opener from the new record (i'm bad w/titles),
Julianne, Best Imitation, Song For The Dumped, Cake, Alice Childress,
Battle Of Who Could Care Less, Underground. That's all I can remember.
They were excellent and the crowd sorta dug 'em. Seemed really short, even
for an opening act. It was nice to hear some yelps of recognition when he
introduced a few songs. Last date of the tour w/CC.
We got backstage after their set but they were having a band meeting. One
of their roadies asked Adam Duritz from CC if he wanted to interupt them so
he could say goodbye but he was right about to go onstage. He told him to
make sure to thank them (he's a big fan, as we all know, he plugged them a
few times during CC's set) and had to run off. This probably meant that
the band were in a hurry to leave which meant we wouldn't get to meet them,
damn!
So, we watched the Crows set and waited around after to be let into the
aftershow area. The band was prolly long gone by now. I started talking
to my old boss and he said he thought they might still be around, so we
grabbed Summer, rounded a few corners and there was Ben! I said, "I've
been waiting awhile to do this, Ben Folds, i want you to meet Summer
Brannin." He looked exhausted and didn't seem to care too much. I asked
him he'd met any other Summer B's and he said, "Wait, what's your last
name?!" He was in such disbelief that he said, well I guess you should
sign this too and handed her his signed Counting Crows CD. She is the only
other Summer B he'd met. Woo hoo! We talked a lil bit and he was super
nice but obviously REALLY tired. Some of his roadies had toured with
Motorhead, so I gave him my business card (1-800-MOTORHEAD) which he
totally dug. I told him how sometimes we get people calling for the band &
I pretend I'm Lemmy. I figured I'd get his sig too which I haven't done in
years. He signed one of my business cards "To Lemmy Love, BF" I told him
that I heard an unedited BOWCCL on the radio that day and that surprised
him. Summer had heard one too. We all agreed that we all need a good
"f***" now & then. We also told him how we got the Japanese version of the
album before the US one came out and really dug the Japanese version of
Dumped. He really liked the way it went on forever and said that anytime
they're doing an overdub or something in the studio that it usually goes on
forever (a la Fanny Pax) and they figured they'd actually keep it on for
the Japanese folks. He said he wants to do a side project of stuff like
that. I suggested the name Fen Bolds. He had to go on to Salt Lake City
to start headlining. We walked away VERY happy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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