THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #324 - May 29, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Thursday, May 29 1997 Volume 01 : Number 324
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
BFF UNCAGED
Chapel Hill, Smoke
DC show 5/30
BFF CD-Single swap
BFF on HORDE
Boston Show
Favorite Albums
BFF Interview
hmmm...
TFI FRIDAY (again)
Lounge-A-Palooza
Boston show review
hey..
Look-ee Here. . . .HORDE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 23:40:27 +0000
From: "B.D.WATTS" <tl6304@qmw.ac.uk>
Subject: BFF UNCAGED
TFI FRIDAY- They ruled, I have the tape I have watched it many times.
It just gets better and better. As for the singles the flipsides are
superb. Two principle advantages of living in Britain.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
VOTE FASCIST ALLIANCE IN 2002
BRITAIN IS BOOMING
JUST WATCH LABOUR GO AND BLOW IT
TL6304@QMW.AC.UK
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 04:49:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shan111111@aol.com
Subject: Chapel Hill, Smoke
hello out there...
I just returned from a quick trip north....I was fortunate enought to visit
the lovely city of Chapel Hill. Just thought I'd let all the Armchairites
know that the Record Exchange in N.C. (a few different cities) has a
compulation CD, Notes From Home Spring 1997. The cover of Champagne
Supernova off of the BOWCCL import is on the disc. Anyway, it was around $4.
Not bad....
On another note...I was in Vegas recently having drinks at Sfuzzi's
restaurant (the have great Bellinis), and I heard Smoke..it was on one of
those cable radio station with easy listening tunes. It was great to hear
it, but with easy listening?? Oh well, enough of that.
Anybody know the Texas HORDE dates?
sorry to ramble, I need sleep
shanna
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 12:43:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: RnRinDC@aol.com
Subject: DC show 5/30
does anyone out there have info on the show at the 9:30 Club. I know that it
is Friday the 30th. All of the ads say that doors open at 7pm ?!?!?! and
that there are limited tix available to the public.
Does anyone out there know what time the show actually starts? if Ben will
open or go on second? what time they might hit the stage? if there are any
tickets left - I haven't heard HFS give any away - what the hell?
If anyone has info - please send it along - if anyone wants to be on a
distribution list for info about the show - send me a quick email and I'll
forward to you any into that I get.
Thanks,
Rich
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 00:49:14 -0400
From: Steffen Donath <SDonath@compuserve.com>
Subject: BFF CD-Single swap
Hello all you Benheads!
I have got a spare copy of the Underground CD single (Part 2), Caroline
CDCAR008X, incl.
Underground (full version)
Jackson Cannery (Live; recorded at Ziggys, August 1995)
Underground (Live; recorded at Ziggys, August 1995)
I would like to trade it against the Underground CD single, Caroline
CDCAR002, incl.
Underground (edit)
Sports & Wine
Boxing
Anybody who can help me in this matter please contact me.
STEFFEN
...cos I love to mix in circles, cliques and social coteries...thats me!
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 19:01:06 -0500
From: jenni <rn21ja19@idt.net>
Subject: BFF on HORDE
Hello all,
I just found out today that BFF will be in Kansas City (Sanstone) with
HORDE on July 23! That is so cool! I'm finally going to see them
live! Just thought everyone would like to know. See all you KC fan
there!
Randi
Beaivs's Music Picks
http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/morrison/11/beavis.html
Slacker Comics Fan Page
http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/morrison/11/slacker.html
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 01:10:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: THE YANKEE <mcdonpj3@wfu.edu>
Subject: Boston Show
Okay, I just got in from the show at the Paradise. WHat a great time!
I'm not sure How things went in Japan, but the show has changed a bit
since I saw it at Washington and Lee on May 2nd.
OPening band September 67 was a good act- one drummer (who also played a
red melodica!) and one guitarist-both sang. Nice harmonies. On very good
song with "Alice" in the title.
Outside the club, I was ticketless and beggin random passersby for extras,
and saw Kate and said "hello" and greeted her, and told her I met her at
the W&L show. I'm sure she didn;'t really remember me, but she was nice.
Once inside, I was trying to figure out how to let Ben know I was
there (he knows me by name), without appearing like some kind of stalker,
and settled on a note scrawled on some paper that I was going to leave by
the piano, until I saw Ben and the boys through the backstage door on the
left side of the stage. I walked over and said, "hey Ben," and I was
reaching into the door to shake his hand, being pretty sure that he
recognized me, when someone from the club started to slam the door on me.
I had put masking tape on my note, and I slammed it to the inside wall of
the backstage area before I got the boot.
The note read: "ben, No cookies tonight. Ran outta eggs. I will
try again at Providence tomorrow. How about Sports N' Wine? thanks!
Patrick from Winston-Salem."
THE SHOW:
- ---------
Robert and Darren walked out early and Robert picked up his bass and
declared it was "time for some Darren Jessee." Darren started off on a
bit of a solo, which was just an augmenting of the "Steven's Last Night"
beat. Ben then walked on in the dark, and they did Steven, with Ben doing
all sorts of hammy "rock poses," to the delight of everyone in the place,
and then they immediately ripped into "one ANgry Dwarf."
After the first two numbers, Ben chatted a bit with the crowd, and
explained why he wouldn't play "Freebird" as some idiot kept requesting
it. If I remember correctly, they then ripped into "Philosophy," in which
Ben blew the solo at the end during the Rahpsody in blue section, and then
went into Selfless, Cold, and Composed.
Ben complained a bit about jet lag (they had just flown in from
Tokyo) and then introduced an instrumental by Robert called "For All the
Pretty People." It was pretty tight, though I thought it would have had
more bass melody in it...still a nice little jam.
At this point, my ordering of the set will get messy, so please
forgive me. I think they went into Jackson Cannery next, which had the
usual frenzy of bouncing teens shaking the room. Of course, I would have
it no other way!
Ahh! I missed Kate, which was played a bit earlier! She was
working the lights, and during one of the Kate" vocals, I looked up and
saw her singing along, which I thought was kinda funny...she happened to
look down and I gave her a little round of applause in her direction, and
she smiled and sort of gave a shoulder-shrug half-bow.
"Missing the War" followed Jackson Cannery, which was a really
nice contrast, though I think I miss it as the opener. There's something
about how that song builds to the first set of "ah" harmonies that gives
me the chills...
Next was the theme to Dr. Peyser, followed by Brick. Robert
played the stringed bass for all it was worth, and the section leading
into the last chorus was really moving, with Robert playing the low D on
the bass and Ben and Darren building it slowly. Watching Darren play this
song was interesting. I think he co-wrote it, yes? His part during the
first verse is almost a military-style snare part, and it's the verse
about driving in the car, and the drums just seemed really poignant, with
a heavy inevitability plodding forward. He just seemed really focused and
deliberate about the way he was playing, and it added something for me
that i hadn't heard before in the song.
Next the boys romped into Fair, followed by BoWCCL. People kept
yelling for Uncle Walter, and I was thinking, "Oh, well, so much for my
request" when ben started noodling around and looking at Jessee like "I'm
doing something not on the setlist" and Ben began holding the low A that
begins the song, and then they ripped into Sports and Wine! ANd can I
tell you there was much rejoicing! Darren went nuts on the solo, and
started playing the Steven's last night beat in the middle of the solo,
then switched back to finish out Sports and Wine, which was followed by
Underground, in which one member of the crowd kept jumping the gun on each
of the lines before the song, with robert just laughing at the guy rather
than singing his parts.
The encores were Smoke(!) and the salsa-beginning-version of
Julianne. Despite obviously being a bit tired, the boys turned in a
stellar show. They also did the no-piano version of Best Imitation of
Myself.
Sorry this was so long, but I had a great night and wanted to share it.
If anybody out there might understand or appreciate this, it's you guys on
the list. Thanks for humoring me.
In BFFandom,
Patrick J. McDonough
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 16:31:10 -0400
From: Zach Walker <bagheera@pipeline.com>
Subject: Favorite Albums
Yo,
This is always a popular thread and one that I really enjoy reading: What
are your ten favorite albums? I'll list my top ten in NO particular order.
BFF _Whatever & Ever Amen_
BFF _BFF_
Blues Traveler _Travelers and Thieves_
Indigo Girls _Rites of Passage_
Jellyfish _Spilt Milk_
Moxy Fruvous _Bargainville_
God Street Wine _$1.99 Romances_
Counting Crows _August and Everything After_
Barenaked Ladies _Rock Spectacle_
The Jono Manson Band _Almost Home_
(#11: ANY album by Toad the Wet Sprocket)
ALL albums by ALL of the artists listed above are *outstanding!*
Yes, like almost everyone, I would probably choose a different ten tomorrow.
But these are the ten as of right now so let hear ya'll's now. Thank you.
Oh, BEEFTODD, keep the mail coming, I really enjoy reading your thoughts. As for
Sangame et al, maybe there should be an age limit on this list. Just a
suggestion. As an American, I was deeply ashamed of you (kids). BYE for now.
- --
"She's alone, I'm alone, and now I know it."--Ben Folds.
Keep It Real.
Zach.
O \ O / _ O __| \ / |__ O _ \ O / O
/|\ | /\ __\O \O | O/ O/__ /\ | /|\
/ \ / \ | \ /) | ( \ /O\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \
Zach's Page: http://www.pipeline.com/~bagheera/home.htm
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###l ### ####b XXXXX XXXXX XX XXX
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 22:12:18 -0500 (CDT)
From: koenij22@vaxa.cis.uwosh.edu
Subject: BFF Interview
Hey kids!
The opening act for the Milwaukee show is Trolley. Never heard
of them. So I'm assuming they will be with the boys for the rest of the
tour. A paper in Madison called the "Onion", recently interviewed Ben,
and printed a great story on him with a cool picture of the band. It's a
great interview because Ben is completely serious. He answers questions
about Elton John/Billy Joel/Joe Jackson/ comparisons, moving a piano from
town to town, and whole bunch of others. To all you people who have sent
a video to me for the 120 MINUTES, you will all recieve a copy. Hope you
enjoy.
I think I'd love to see Ben open up for Toad the Wet Sprocket. I
couldn't imagine seeing two of my favorites at one show. The new Toad is
enjoyable. I recommend it.
If you all don't mind I think when I have more time, I'll just
post the interview on the armchair. It's rather lengthy so maybe I'll do
it in chunks. Peace out people,
"Smile pretty and watch your back."
---Ani Difranco
Joel the Baker,
named after my man Vinny
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 23:58:02 -0500
From: absenter@thenexus.com
Subject: hmmm...
i sent this before but it got returned to me, so im gonna send it
again as a test sort of thing to see whats going on as well as to repost
it if it didnt get posted before (sorry).
my friend needs "battle of who could care less" translated into
french, if theres anyone whos bored enough and willing to do it, please
e-mail me...
and secondly, a simple forty eight hours until i will be basking
in the wonderful music of ben folds five playing live right in my
face...ooofah. i'm so excited. tanku.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 10:56:50 +0000
From: "B.D.WATTS" <tl6304@qmw.ac.uk>
Subject: TFI FRIDAY (again)
Whilst we all despise Mr Evans for being a ginger twat; we must not
forget that amongst the population of the United Kingdom with an IQ
of less than 25 (a considerable proportion) he is their cultutral
guru; and as such is an influential ginger twat. I personally despise
the bloke and think that Will should present the programme BUT....
and it is a big but, he used his considerable ginger twattage to say
that the BFF were awesome I quote "isnt that a great song, it is its
a really great song". Perhaps if Sony were as keen to market BFF and
Kate as he was last friday the song would be likely to reach the top
half of the chart. And to Reb who thought her name was mentioned I
thought he said Hi to that lad Ben in London, who is only in
University there but actually lives in Hastings, I could have been
mistaken though.
"It is better to hear what you wish to than the truth"
WINSTON CHURCHILL
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 08:36:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: hpunch@pipeline.com
Subject: Lounge-A-Palooza
I just heard that Hollywood records is putting out a tribute disc at the
end of July called Lounge-A-Palooza, and it features BFF's version of She
Don't Use Jelly.
JD
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 08:40:37 -0400
From: Michael Hirsch <MICHAELH@aw.com>
Subject: Boston show review
I went to the Boston show last night, and wanted to give a review to
anyone that cares. I can really sum things up in one word......"Wow!"
Technically, the show was pretty flawed. Ben broke a piano string on the
third song, was losing his voice and couldn't hear himself sing. I can't
imagine how they sound when everything is perfect, because they were
damn good last night.
There was a new set-list from the ones that have recently been posted.
The show started with "Steven's Last Night" (although they slowed it down
a bit), and quickly moved into the highest highlight (in my opinion) which
was "One Angry Dwarf." Ben totally nailed the piano solo. Another surprise
was "Sports and Wine" which completely rocked. Oh, did I mention a new
arrangement of "Best Imitation" which I liked better than the original?
I only noticed one lyrical variation during the night, during "Steven's,"
which was "He's fuc*ed everyone here, except Pamela Easter." Only a
few people standing around me caught that one.
So, to sum up, I'll say again....."Wow!"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 17:23:28 -0500
From: absenter@thenexus.com
Subject: hey..
i was asked of a favor from a friend of mine..he wanted me to
mail the list and ask if there is someone who can translate "the battle
of who could care less" into french..if you can, please e-mail
me..thanks
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 07:58:50 -0600
From: "Erik C. Lyons" <EPA8820@epa.state.il.us>
Subject: Look-ee Here. . . .HORDE
Here is what I see. . .You can email me every-now-and-then and I can let
you know if I hear anything new. This is all I have now. Remember, BFF
is only supposed to play until 8-8. If I hear anything to the contrary, I will
post.
Ben for President!!!
07-11-97 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA
07-12-97 The Gorge, George, WA (beginning of tour)
07-13-97 Portland Meadows, Portland, OR
07-15-97 Wolf Mountain Amphitheater, Park City, UT
07-17-97 Irvine Meadows, Los Angeles, CA
07-18-97 Desert Sky Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
07-20-97 Fiddler's Green, Englewood, CO
07-22-97 TBA, Oklahoma City, OK
07-23-97 Sandstone Amphitheater, Kansas City, MO
07-24-97 Riverport Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
07-25-97 Deer Creek Amphitheater, Nobleville, IN
07-27-97 Pine Knob Amphitheater, Clarkston, MI
07-28-97 Pine Knob Amphitheater, Clarkston, MI
07-29-97 Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
07-30-97 Polaris Amphitheater, Columbus, OH
08-02-97 World Music Theater, Tinley Park, IL
08-03-97 Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI
08-08-97 Great Woods Amphitheater, Mansfield, MA
08-09-97 Great Woods Amphitheater, Mansfield, MA
08-10-97 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
08-11-97 Franklin County Airport, Highgate, VT
08-12-97 Sony Music Center, Camden, NJ
08-13-97 Meadows Music Center, Hartford, CT
08-30-97 Coral Sky Amphitheater, Palm Beach, FL
08-31-97 Coral Sky Amphitheater, Palm Beach, FL
09-01-97 Coral Sky Pavilion, Miami, FL (end of tour)
Neil Young and Crazy Horse (Headlining entire tour)
Beck (August 1st-14th)
Big Head Todd and the Monsters (July 14th-24th)
Blues Traveler (A few dates, not confirmed)
Morphine (July 12th-August 6th)
Soul Coughing (August 6th-August 31st)
Medeski, Martin and Wood
Ben Folds Five
Primus
Leftover Salmon (Whole tour)
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Kula Shaker
Cake Like
Squirrel Nut Zippers
New Brown Hat (NYC BotB winner)
Halle (California BotB winner)
(Note: BotB stands for Battle of the Bands. Several regional competitions
were held among four or five local bands who played a set each.
Spectators voted for whomever they liked best, and the winner gets to
appear on the local HORDE date)
Rumored also to appear:
Pavement
Wilco
Son Volt
The Wallflowers
Fiji Mariners and Col. Bruce Hampton
buh-bye. . . .
Erik.
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #324
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