THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #338 - June 7, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Saturday, June 7 1997 Volume 01 : Number 338
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
Favorite Albums
wow
yet another top ten
sandi
Re: "Boxing" lyrics / Art from the debut album
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #337
Minneapolis show/bootlegs
top ten...
Colorado Fans/Shows
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #333
The Last Post (well for the time being)
Re: Boxing
When in Rome......
boxing
top ten
Top Ten, Joe Jackson, etc.
By the way
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 17:05:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: Celestia <tooms@proaxis.com>
Subject: Favorite Albums
Okay, I've succumbed to the disease of posting useless information that
nobody cares about...here goes my top 10 albums (in no particular order)
1. BFF-Whatever and Ever Amen
2. TMBG-Lincoln
3. TMBG-John Henry
4. Radiohead-Pablo Honey
5. Fountains of Wayne-Fountains of Wayne
6. Blur-Parklife
7. Blur-The Great Escape
8. Sleater-Kinney-Call The Doctor
9. Cake-Fashion Nugget
10. TMBG-TMBG
Celestia, tooms@proaxis.com
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/LeftBank/2210/ <===== my homepage
"I'm lonely and I'm right" - Ben Folds Five
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Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 20:18:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: PhairTwo@aol.com
Subject: wow
well, i finally got tickets for horde. this will be my second concert and i'm
taking another armchairite with me. (many of you might remember the whole "i
found my mother through the armchair" thing, well, it's him, and i'm his
'mother') anyway, moving on, i actually enjoy reading the top ten albums
because in almost every one of them i see a band that i love. it's just so
touching to me that so many people across the world can come together in
(almost) perfect harmony. okay, so it really doesn't touch me that much, but
i'm hepped up on lots o' drugs right now (prescription, okay?) and so i'm
just wasting time until i zonk out. so i'll leave now. if anyone is going to
horde at sandstone, e-mail and we can have a big "i'm on the armchair and
you're not" party. or not. whatever.
- -bess (the queen of ramblin', which for some reason reminds me of steve
martin)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 19:43:55 -0500 (CDT)
From: Megan Hope Foster <mhfoster@artsci.wustl.edu>
Subject: yet another top ten
wow...i'm a bit behind on my armchair reading, and i glance over
yesterday's to see all these top 10 lists. you will all be forced to read
another. here are my picks, FOR THE MOMENT!! (they'll change, they always
do)
first of all, everyone's listing the 2 bf5 albums; i will work under the
impression that these are on everyone's top 10, b/c they seem to be so far
and they're definitely on mine.
here we go (in no real orderly order):
1. shed seven--a maximum high
2. dodgy--free peace sweet
3. sloan--one chord to another
4. jason falkner--presents author unknown
5. jamiroquai--travelling without moving
6. all albums by the charlatans (i'm seeing them june 24)
7. mansun--attack of the grey lantern
8. ride--carnival of light
9. poi dog pondering--liquid white light
10. the zombies--odessey and oracle
another list may pop up in the near future!
megan.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 21:34:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: Hilarie Surrena <walflowr@Op.Net>
Subject: sandi
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to say congrats to San! You have given new meaning to
"Philosophy." Also, does anyone know what actually happened to Jeff
Buckley? I thought I read on the Armchair that his body was found, but on
MTV today they said that the body had not been recovered. Anyone know
what's up?
Hil
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 1997 23:26:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Steve Clay <fender@grove.ufl.edu>
Subject: Re: "Boxing" lyrics / Art from the debut album
Meg,
These lyrics seem to be a possible conversation between Muhammed
Ali and Howard Cossel. Unless Ben was lying when he explained this
somewhere (totally possible), his father is a big boxing fan and used
to have it on the tube all the time when he was growing up. This is no
doubt the best song ever written relating to the sport. (As if there were
millions of them). Anywho, I'm sure it will all make since now :)
Everybody!
Curiously, I don't think this has ever been discussed before, but
where/when was the picture taken that appears on the inside of the booklet
of the debut album? Even tougher one...What song are they doing? I'll
take a shot that they're singing the doowop version of "Best Imitation..."
that I finally heard recently (BIG THANK YOU's TO GINA C!) Also, what is
on the polaroid photo on the cover? Could it be Robert (guessing by
longer hair) receiving some cheesy award?
Now, How about a top 10?
No thanks ;>, but I do have to have my daily shot of the
Cardigans. 180 degrees from the five, but sooo irresistablly sweet.
Steve
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 00:30:50 -0400 (EDT)
From: Scazmataz@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #337
Well, because everybody else is doing it...(and yes I would jump off that
bridge...)
My top 10 in an order known only to me that if figured out will give the
answer to life...
10. Pearl Jam - Vs.
9. Soul Coughing - Ruby Vroom
8. Beck - Odelay
7. Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick
6. G. Love and Special Sauce (self titled)
5. Matthew Sweet - Altered Beast
4. Neil Young - Eveyone knows this is Nowhere
3. Mighty Mighty Bostones - Devil's Night Out
2. BFF - whatever...
1. Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
I have to also mention Tormato by Yes and Traffic's Live at the Canteen. And
I could go on and on but I won't. On another note, is anyone into trading,
or have any BFF shows they would be willing to trade? I have a lot of
Phish, Moe, Widespread Panic, God Street, Blues Traveller, and a couple of
local bands that jam...Please contact off list...Scazmataz@aol.com
Later all...
Chris
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 05 Jun 1997 23:42:22 -0500
From: Biff <mikef1@primenet.com>
Subject: Minneapolis show/bootlegs
Hell yeah! That show rocked! It's my first. I couldn't get into the
last one, it was an ID show. Anyways, I have two questions:
1.) What was that medley they did, starting with Snoop Dogg and going
into the "been down since day one" thing?
2.) DOES ANYONE HAVE A BOOTLEG OF THIS SHOW?!!! I desperately want
this. It would be the bomb if anyone has it.
If you know the answer to either question, post it, or mail it to me at:
mikef1@primenet.com
BIFF
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 01:47:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: Siva007@aol.com
Subject: top ten...
Since everybody else is doing it, and I'm such a rebel ;), here's my top ten
fave albums, in no special order...
Redd Kross - Phaseshifter
Down By Law - Punkrockacademyfightsong
Geraldine Fibbers - Lost Somewhere Between the Earth and My Home
Possum Dixon - Star Maps
Mike Watt - Ball-Hog or Tugboat?
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Extra Width
Smashing Pumpkins - Pisces Iscariot
Squirrel Nut Zippers - The Inevitable (...yes, scenesters, their first {and
better} album!)
Various Artists... - SubPop: That Virtua Feeling
...and of course, Ben Folds Five - s/t
S'all...
~Chrysta
Siva007@aol.com
and if you get really bored, check out my little corner o' tha web,
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Towers/6160, the Semi-Official Anti-Bush
Homepage <plug>
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 06 Jun 1997 01:23:21 -0500
From: Pluvius Dope <Policy@Mobsters.com>
Subject: Colorado Fans/Shows
Are there any BFF listeners here from Colorado, or does anyone know when
BFF is coming to CO??
Matthew Buck
Sorry for this little niglet of info.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 22:49:15 +1000 (EST)
From: Derek Scott <scoco@netspace.net.au>
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #333
hey everyone,
I, too, have enjoyed reading everyone elses submissions on this subject, so
here's another one in no particular order:
Ben Folds Five - Whatever....
Ben Folds Five - Ben Folds Five
Custard - Weisenheimer
Radiohead - The Bends
Jamiroquai - Travelling Without Moving
Beck - Odelay
Blur - The Great Escape
Red Hot Chili Peppers - One Hot Minute
Soundgarden - Superunknown
Alice In Chains - Jar of Flies
Cheers,
Claire
* The Days of the Digital Watch are Numbered *
* -Ginger Meggs, SMH *
* *
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 14:07:38 +0000
From: "B.D.WATTS" <tl6304@qmw.ac.uk>
Subject: The Last Post (well for the time being)
Tomorrow I leave university for the delightful Hastings and
consequently I will be unable to read the armchair, well Ill be able
to read my armchair at home but it isnt too hot on BFF. Still, thanks
for an entertaining read allyear, and Ill see you guys in September
when I will begin reading the 500 or so armchairs I should have by
then.
I couldnt be arsed to do my top ten albums so here are my top ten
songs of all time
BFF- Sports and Wine
Brick
Smoke
Gene- I Cant Help Myself
My Life Story- 12 Reasons Why I Love Her
Divine Comedy- Songs of Love (Fr TED themtune)
If.....
Mansun- Wide Open Space
Beatles- Eleanor Rigby
Mundy- Springtown
That is all have a funky summer and for any Australians out there the
test match now stands at
AUSTRALIA 118allout
ENGLAND 338-4
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 09:52:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: DEMesserly@aol.com
Subject: Re: Boxing
> As I sit here listening to my beloved 'Boxing' I can't help but
wonder.
>What is the meaning of this song? The lyrics do not seem to make much
>sense..i.e. "boxing's been good to me..." ? I am rather confused, and would
>like to know more about this wonderful song.
I think this song is written from the point of view of the boxer Mohammad
Ali (sp), as he's talking to Howard Cosell, interview style, hence
'boxing's been good to me Howard'. BTW, if you don't know much about
Ali, he wasn't just a jock; he was a revolutionary in his own right ...
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 10:02:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: James Campbell <james@inslab.uky.edu>
Subject: When in Rome......
If everyone jumped off of a bridge would you? Sure...
My *favorite* 10 pretty much in order...
- -XTC 'Oranges & Lemons'
- -10,000 Maniacs 'In My Tribe'
- -Ben Folds Five 'Ben Folds Five'
- -Jellyfish 'Spilt Milk'
- -Talking Heads 'True Stories'
- -XTC 'Skylarking'
- -Level 42 'Running In The Family'
- -XTC 'Black Sea'
- -Voice Of The Beehive 'Let It Bee'
- -Crowded House 'Crowded House'
Most of this is based upon amount of times listened to,
so 'Whatever..' has a ways to go, but will eventually
make it.
Hmmm, there is enough 'pop' on this list to almost make
ya puke....8^)
Cheers,
- --James
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 06 Jun 1997 07:27:07 PDT
From: "caroline reid" <creid@hotmail.com>
Subject: boxing
Boxing, the oh-so-cool BFF waltz (woo! woo!) is actually about...Boxing!
Yep, the sport. I heard an interview on NPR a long time ago, sometime
last year, and as I recall Ben said it was about Muhammed Ali and Howard
Coswell, and how Ali kept quitting and coming back and quitting and
coming back and at the time Ben wrote the song, he was thinking about
quitting playing music, so the whole boxing soap-opera was kind of a
parallel to what he was going through at the time. The line "Boxing's
been good to me, Howard." is kinda like a cry for help, you know, when
you want someone to talk you out of doing something...in Ali's case, he
needed someone to keep him in the ring, and in Ben's case I guess he was
looking for someone to keep him in music. If that makes any sense. I
think he also said that there's just something inherantly sad about
boxing, and that he wanted to capture that with the waltzy, string music
in the song. So, there ya have it. Schnapps to everyone who listed
Pavement in their top ten, I can't believe I left those boyz out. See
y'all.
Caroline
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------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 07:31:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jessica <bnl_bff_tmbg_fan@rocketmail.com>
Subject: top ten
OK, Here's my top ten...you might notice a pattern ;)
(in no particular order, of course)
Barenaked Ladies: Maybe You Should Drive
Barenaked Ladies: Barenaked Rarities 1 and 2
Barenaked Ladies: Rock Spectacle
They Might Be Giants: Then: The Earlier Years
Ben Folds Five: Whatever and Ever Amen
Ben Folds Five: Ben Folds Five
The Fifth Wheel: Nothing
Cake: Fashion Nugget
Eels: Beautiful Freak
Less Than Jake: Pezcore
other faves:
They Might Be Giants: Flood
They Might Be Giants: Factory Showroom
Barenaked Ladies: Gordon
Barenaked Ladies: Born On A Pirate Ship
~Jessie
===
"There is only one thing
that I know how to do well
and I've often been told that you only can do
what you know how to do well
and that's be you,
be what you like,
be like yourself,
and so I'm having a wonderful time
but I'd rather be whistling in the dark."
~They Might Be Giants "Whistling in the Dark"
_____________________________________________________________________
Sent by RocketMail. Get your free e-mail at http://www.rocketmail.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 97 09:33:07 CDT
From: amit_saha@VNET.IBM.COM
Subject: Top Ten, Joe Jackson, etc.
To whoever picked out the Joe Jackson influence...absolutely!! I *never*
use the names of those 70s pianists to describe BFF's music...but if Joe
Jackson rocked a little harder (and played the piano ALOT better), this
is pretty close to what it would sound like. Todd Rundgren is probably also
a good comparison.
Baaaaah....I'm a sheep. Here's my top 10 (not including jazz or classical)
and in no particular order
1. Pearl Jam - Ten
2. Steely Dan - Aja
3. The Tragically Hip - Day for Night
4. Odds - Nest
5. Juliana Hatfield - Hey Babe
6. Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend
7. Ben Folds Five - Whatever and Ever, Amen
8. The Verve Pipe - Villians
9. The Pursuit of Happiness - Love Junk
10. Toad the Wet Sprocket - Dulcinea
amit.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 1997 18:02:12 +0000
From: "B.D.WATTS" <tl6304@qmw.ac.uk>
Subject: By the way
Did any Brits see the BFF doing their version of ITS YOUR LETTERS on
TFI last week, it was awesome much better than the wanky effort by
Reef.
"I was cool as fuck in school."
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #338
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