THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #250 - April 23, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Wednesday, April 23 1997 Volume 01 : Number 250
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Mailing List
Topics in this issue:
BF5 Possible Cover Song...
Cover song and Opening Band
Chords to "Battle"
Fanny Packs
BFF / Moxy Fruvous
Hi, All!!!
covering up fannies
Did I mention that birds fly a lot?
Ben Folds Five in pittsburgh
has rochester, mn heard of bff?
Edgefest in Dallas
pissed at Brick
Pittsburgh show???
Reply, specifically to Janelle.
Give the wheel of fortune one more spin...
SATAN IS MY MASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: people's signatures
San Antonio show + other stuff
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 19:44:57 CST
From: "The Godfather" <RNEAL@Athena.valpo.edu>
Subject: BF5 Possible Cover Song...
I just had an idea for a song BF5 should cover...
How about "Novocaine for the Soul" by the Eels?
Yeah, it's kind of a new song, but I'm sure it would sound
great with Ben singing and Robert thumping out killer bass.
Somebody tell me what they think of this idea.
-Rob Neal
"I got my Philosophy." => BF5
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 19:31:48 CST
From: =?ISO-8859-1?Q?=A7=EEr_The_D=E5vE__*=BF*?= <djarvis@knightnet.creighton.edu>
Subject: Cover song and Opening Band
HeLLo Everybudy,
I think it would be great it Ben Folds Five did a cover of
Radiohead's Fake Plastic Trees. And I think it would be cool if
Semisonic opened up for Ben Folds Five. I think that would be a
great concert.
Buh-bye now,
DaVeY BoY
"Man who goes to sleep with itchy but wakes up with smelly
finger"-Confucious
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:07:59 -0700
From: Scott Lapatine <sdl15@Cornell.edu>
Subject: Chords to "Battle"
Anyone have the chords to "Battle of Who Could Care Less"? I wanna figure
it out on piano.
E-mail me.
- -Scott
SDL15@cornell.edu
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:18:32 -0400
From: Diptheria <fantonan@bcn.net>
Subject: Fanny Packs
Howdy folks! This message is for that person who was wondering what
fanny packs were..I think I know what they are, of course, anyone can
correct me if I'm wrong, which I"ve been known to be. Fanny packs are
these little pouches people wear on a belt clipped around their waists.
They were the "in" thing in the late 80's-early 90's, but with every
fashion fad, have sort of disappeared. I think that's what BFF is
singing about..I dunno. Hey..anyone going to the Albany show? I think I
am..have yet to get tix. I am however going to the show next Monday in
NYC, hope to see some of you there, although, unless you walk around
with a big sign proclaiming your membership on here I won't know who you
all are. Maybe we should all get shirts with nice chairs on the
front..that would be a statement. :) Ciao for now!
Sarah :)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:22:04 -0400
From: Cameron Hamilton-Wright <mrchw@engin.umich.edu>
Subject: BFF / Moxy Fruvous
Just got back from an Instore with the Canaidan Band Moxy Fruvous (really
cool). Anyway, one of them was wearing a Ben Folds Five T-shirt (blue with
the piano). He said that way back before either band was even heard from
they played two shows together in New York (about 3 years ago). He said
that he really like them and that they were "very original." pretty cool...
bummin' because my physics final is 7-9 the same day as the BFF concert...
Cameron
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:26:49 -0400
From: "Brian R. Kessler" <bkessler@btv.ibm.com>
Subject: Hi, All!!!
Hi,
I just found out about this great band, Ben Folds Five!!! I think they're
GREAT!!! They remind me a lot of two of my favorite bands - Barenaked Ladies
and Possum Dixon!!!
I think their record "Whatever and Ever, Amen" is fantastic!!! Can anyone
tell me if they have any other material out?
My favorite song on the record is called "Brick". The lyrics seem pretty
deep, but I can't seem to be able to associate any meaning with them. Could
anyone please help me?
Does anyone else on this list like Jellyfish or They Might Be Giants? I don't
know much about them, but would like to know more.
Peace, skiing, & music,
The Instigator
P.S. - ...and charter member of the Magical Armchair
P.P.S. - Please don't take me too seriously. I'm working deleriously late
and I just wanted to try out the new address...
- --
"Never seem to get far enough / Staying in between the lines..." - Son Volt
- --------
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:35:40 -0400
From: cynthia@people.timeinc.com (Cynthia Wang)
Subject: covering up fannies
Hi all,
A few thoughts after reading the last few Armchairs:
1. Like Daniel MacEachem, I'm a child of the eighties. Jus' can't help it.
And so I'd love to hear Ben Folds cover:
* "99" from Toto (does anyone know what that song means? Is it
Agent 99 from Get Smart?)
* "Dress You Up" from Madonna (the tongue-in-cheek possibilities
here are endless)
* "Oblivious" from Aztec Camera
Anyone else agree?
2. Although I'm sure many have beat me to it, for Janelle - fanny packs are
travel pouches (purses) that strap around your waist so that your arms are
free, and your valuables are either in front of you - just below your
tummy, or swiveled around to rest on your fanny, where I presume it's
harder for a thief to steal it away. Fanny packs, I guess, are commonly
worn my tourists, Americans abroad, and theme-park attendees.
3. On the mainstream-or-not thing, Aw, sure. Let Ben, Darren and Jessee get
as rich and happy as they wanna be. I'm not sure how anyone can just start
not liking something because it's become too popular. The music hasn't
changed, after all.
Anyhoo,
talk to y'all later,
Cynthia
- -------------------
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:54:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: HoserGirl@aol.com
Subject: Did I mention that birds fly a lot?
Sorry about the subject header there ... but I thought I might as well make
it as off the subject as I possibly could for the whole overall picture ...
okay, or not, HEY, just nevermind.
Anyway, yeah. As for that guys question (which by the way, I think is very
cool, to get all these different opinions, and then be able to go, "oh yeah
hey, that would be really rad!!!") I have been talking about it for a while,
how Geggy Tah should totally open for Ben Folds Five. That would just be the
all time greatest. I don't know how many of you guys are into Geggy Tah, but
those guys are so kooky and use all sorts of crazy instruments, and just have
that same carefree musical talent that Ben Folds Five, does. Anyone agree
here? Or am I just floating out in this life raft in the middle of no where
all by myself? Prolly, yeah.
Oh yeah, and to that person who was thinkin' about makin' armchair-ite
t-shirt ... I would be very into ordering ('cause it's a buisness chain now)
one from you. It would be my
"Ben-Folds-Five-doesn't-understand-the-concept-of-touring-to-Portland
(Oregon) -and-so-therefore-I-will-just-wear-this-shirt-every-day" ... ah yes.
That's all I have to say for now ... except that it sucks that Dan's car got
broke into, and got his tape stolen, and I really hope someone can help him
out.
- ---just some girl
"The 'problem with you' speech, you gave me was
fine. I liked the theories about my little stage...."
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:59:32 -0400
From: lpd105@psu.edu
Subject: Ben Folds Five in pittsburgh
is anyone on this list going to the pittsburgh show? i am sure that some
people are. well if anyone wants to hook up before the show, email me back.
luke
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 23:14:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: PrinceSMM1@aol.com
Subject: has rochester, mn heard of bff?
well, i live in rochester, mn. for some way stange reason, nobody around here
has heard off ben folds five. what iw wrong with these people.
well, maybe you are here, but i've never met you. so, um...if you live in
rochester or maybe somewhere near it, e mail me. it'd be nice to some people
who can get into this yummy music. :)
oh yeah, remeber too, the show at first ave. on the 4th.
hugs and kisses,
mylinda
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 22:32:09 -0500
From: chris <cmvox1@airmail.net>
Subject: Edgefest in Dallas
Hey Groovy People,
OK so it took a couple of days for me to get back to you, I apologize.
Especially to Ben for the lame-ass crowd at Starplex that beautiful
Sunday afternoon. BFF put on an excellent show. I sat on the 15th row
next to the isle of the middle section on Ben's side of the stage. They
were tight, the harmonies were as close to perfect as you can get in a
live show. But where was the crowd? I can't speak for the people on
the lawn but under the roof... bad things. Dallas is a city where
grunge is still king and the almighty mosh-pit rules the game. It's no
wonder Ben left the stage baring his chest and flipping-off the crowd.
I'm sure there were a scattered few, like myself, who saw the perfection
in there set but I apologize to BBF for the lack of crowd enthusiasm.
Here are the songs they played, and believe me... they were flawless:
Underground
Battle of Who Could Care Less
One Angry Dwarf & 200 Solemn Faces
Philosophy
Steven's Last Night in Town (complete with wind-keyboard)
Song for the Dumped
(last was a 3 minute improvisation)
Like I said before Ben leaves lifting his shirt and firing two FU
fingers at the crowd.
I do, whole-heartedly, believe there are enough fans in the conservative
little town to fill a club. But I have an sickening feeling in my
stomach I'm going to have to drive a long way if I ever want to see them
again.
By the way did I say it was great to see them play finally. It was, I
loved every minute, however few there were.
chris
"He drove home again, pissed and beaten..."
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 07:17:24 +0200
From: rsnead@awod.com
Subject: pissed at Brick
an issue or two ago Janelle said
>Okay, I'm getting a bit tired of reading posts about the "Brick" Lyrics and
>it meaning
Praise on!!! I said this a couple issues ago and Frank put alittle footnote
on mine... Why don't you put a footnote on this one Frank?
Oh and for Janelle and all you Aussies, a fanny pack is kinda like a purse
thats a belt, or a backpack that goes around your waist. Typically people
look really, really fruity wearing them, and they were in style for about
six seconds...or maybe seven.
Bryan
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 00:40:55 EDT
From: sandishortcake@juno.com (Sandi Shorter)
Subject: Pittsburgh show???
What's this about a show in Pittsburgh? Did I totally miss something? I
saw a post stating that they're playing in Pittsburgh on June 2nd. Is
this date correct? Please e-mail me with any info! I guess I better go
check the various BF5 web sites to confirm this date right away before I
get my hopes up. Also, if anyone knows where this club in Pittsburgh is
(Metropol or something) please e-mail me. I live south of Cleveland and
am not very familiar with the Pittsburgh area.
Thanks.
Sandi
"maybe i'm thinkin' myself in a hole, wondering who i am when i ought to
know" -BF5
check out my website (still under construction):
http://kent.edu/~sshorter
where we discuss strange dreams, the wallflowers, ben folds five, and
things that
piss us off. join us.
sandishortcake@juno.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 00:54:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: Yoda90210@aol.com
Subject: Reply, specifically to Janelle.
I'm sick of people whining about people whining.
Fanny packs are prized accessories of white trash and old folk alike.
They're like little pouches you see people wearing around their
waists...generally at bad amusement parks with long haired, smelly men who
listen to AC/DC.
I have yet to hear the song m'self.
lv,
HELLO MY NAME IS susie.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 00:57:32 -0400 (EDT)
From: Yoda90210@aol.com
Subject: Give the wheel of fortune one more spin...
In a message dated 97-04-22 00:36:45 EDT, Daniel MacEachern:
<< Hey, why don't they cover "Brick," that song that everybody keeps
talking about? >>
Heheheheh...this is a joke, right?
Someone earlier mentioned the truth about cats and dogs... my sister told me
they were on the soundtrack, knowing i love BFF, but she said the song was
really offensive. Can anyone tell me what exactly was so disrespectful about
it?
lv,
susie, who is sorry to post twice in a row.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 00:10:04 -0500
From: "Greg Monkey (Drunken Monkey Fanzine)" <pavement@idir.net>
Subject: SATAN IS MY MASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>I realize this is kind of last-minute, but...
>If any of you going to the show Mon. night in Lawrence want to hook up, I
>will be happy to be a gravitational point-- I am about 5'7", with a lot of
>blond hair, and I will be wearing a brightly colored (yellow, red, black
>and white polyester) Saturn bicycling jersey-- you won't be able to miss
>me-- and hopefully wearing a nametag that says "CARRIE" on it... you know,
>just to say hey or whatever, just thought it would be rather cool... just
>come by and ask me who all I've hooked up with, and I'll point out the
>other Armchair folks that have approached me-- maybe we'll chat or
>whatever-- OK?
I saw you, but didn't get this message at all until just now (midnight,
right after I got home from the show). Sorry! If you live in Lawrence,
email me privately, if you wanna. I talked to Dave? (is that right?), and
he was a cool guy. I was yelling constantly for "Satan Is My Master", and a
bunch of stupid sorority girls in front of me decided that I was evil and
stupid (and obviously didn't know about this song), and told me to shut up,
that what I was saying was sick. Wow...these girls are obviously
A> Huge fans of the band
B> Not right in the head
C> Really crying out for attention
I decided that about 85% of the people at the show were lame in this exact
same manner. That sorta ruined the show for me. Dumb people. Frat kids
and preppie jerks really ruin shows for me. Not the best crowd ever, but
the boys played well. I didn't think it was as good as the show I saw in
Feb of 95 when they played the Bottleneck, but it was still a good show.
They did play "Satan", and did a weird cover of "She Don't Use Jelly" by the
Flaming Lips...lots of technical problems tonight, but they coasted through
all of it and had lots of fun. At one point in time, Robert ran out wearing
a giant paper mache head and danced around to a Beastie Boys song over the
P.A. It was sorta funny seeing people who had only seen BF5 on MTV freaking
out, trying to get backstage, fighting over a friggin bass string. I hope
it was just a bad crowd...that people all over the country don't do this and
act this way. I'd be a bit ashamed. Anyway, I don't know what else to say.
If it werent' for the crowd, it would've been a really cool show. I met
some cool kids from about an hour away from here...they were in high school
and helped me make fun of the jerky Greek kids. Maybe I'm just tired. I
think I'll stop writing now.
Thank you for your time, love, attention, and the sandwiches were great,
Greg
DRUNKEN MONKEY FANZINE
www.angelfire.com/ks/drunkenmonkey
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 01:26:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: GenLand18@aol.com
Subject: Re: people's signatures
<< I don't understand why people use song lyrics for their signatures.
Something original is always nice. Mine is pretty boring. Not to
criticize, but I just always read the Armchair and see that half of the
people on here have lyrics for a signature. So there.>>
Personally I like to use song lyrics as a "signature" in hopes of just
getting out some of my favorite bands' names out in the open. So pretty much
it's shameless plugging (sorry, but I tend to do that A LOT!). Plus, I just
like to show fellow BFF fans what other music I like while also offering up a
bit of wisdom or a really cool quote. :) Just remember we all come in peace
to discuss what we all have in common: our appreciation for Ben Folds Five.
The infamous SuperGEEK,
**Leslie**
[The normal "3" quotes usually accompanying my contributions to mailing lists
are not presently available. This is due to my complete lack of motivation
to search for song lyrics in my memory banks today. I apologize for any
inconvenience this has caused.....] =)
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 00:46:46 -0500
From: Ktocs <nolajuka@world-net.net>
Subject: San Antonio show + other stuff
SHOW:
I saw BFF last Thursday night here in San Antonio and I can't get the
show out of my mind. They play such incredible music.
I have read how other shows around the country have sold out. Not here.
In fact, tickets were going for only $3! This band is certainly worth
much more than that. Even worse, pre-show tickets were going for $1! I
think that's awful. Loverboy will be performing on the same stage as
BFF did and tickets for that show are going for $10! Good grief.
Someone I know claims that Ben was even standing at the front door
giving out dollar tickets. How embarrassing. I certainly hope they
come back to perform here again. Some bands refuse to come back to San
Antonio.
Despite it all, they put on a great show and seemed to enjoy themselves.
Someone asked for "Jungle Land" to which they broke out into this
wonderful jazz improvisational piece ending with the requested "Jungle
Laaaaanndd!"
- -----
STUFF:
So everyone is talking about "Brick." What about "Missing the War"? I
recently watched a show about F.Scott Fitzgerald who wanted very badly
to be a war hero. Unfortunately, WWI ended before he got his big chance
to see any real action. He never got over his "missing the war."
Seeing that show made me think that the song represents "something out
there that I've got to be a part of." In other words, life. Life
missed out on, opportunities gone. So sad.
I also love the terrific bittersweet irony in "Selfless,Cold and
Composed." I programmed my CD player for Repeat on that one yesterday
and must have listened to it 20 times in a row. What a remarkable song!
The lyrics speak of being "easy and free" and are represented by the
flowing and carefree music. At the same time, the words are also sung
with such bitterness.
Evaporated makes me cry everytime. Powerful.
This is such a great band!
Karen, Nolajuka@world-net.net
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #250
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