THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #467 - September 9, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Tuesday, September 9 1997 Volume 01 : Number 467
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
Listening to BFF for the first time...
unsubscribe
Cursing/Senior Quote/In the CD Changer
Imports on music blvd
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #463
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #466
Conan, am I the only one that caught it?
"Sessions" and... stuff
before we start another Brick debate...
Joe's "Brick" theory
chuck folds is a good man
Sydney tickets
There's no such thing as a dumb question?
Son Volt's place of origin, meaning of "Brick", etc...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 97 18:19:36 UT
From: "Melissa :) " <tcbcdisc@classic.msn.com>
Subject: Listening to BFF for the first time...
Hey, armchairs! :) I couldn't resist, but to post because I *just* got the
self-titled BF5 CD! :) I'm ecstatic about this album... here are some
thoughts, for the first day of listening to Ben Folds Five...
01... I got Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits (I'm so into him now, but I have
no clue why!), Sarah McLachlan's latest "Surfacing" as well as BF5, and after
listening to Bruce (well, skipping it, basically) to hear if there was a song
that I liked a lot on it, I just had to pop in the Boys because I was in a
very "BF5 mood"! :)
02... Anyway, I was blown away by Jackson Cannery, god! I was just so excited
to hear all this new stuff (well, for me, at least)!!! It was amazing! I was
trying to savor every minute of listening to this album for the first time.
It was awesome!! :)
03... After I heard Philosophy in Chicago, I just had to hear it again. When
I was trying to listen to it here at home for the first time on disc, I got
too many phone calls, so I couldn't just let it play -- I had to keep skipping
back to the beginning of the song!! I love it! I was singing it all through
dinner!!!
04... After listening to the whole thing for the first time, I have the
thought of quitting school and Ben Folds Five trekking -- sound good?! Who
wants to join me?! :P But, I seriously can't wait till they come to LA
again!! It'll be awesome!! There's such an amazing selection of songs on
this album as well as "Whatever"!!!!
05... This guy whom I just met this summer told me I'd love "the first Ben
Folds Five album" and he was utterly, truly, definitely on the money! :)
06... Sorry if this was boring, I Just *had* to share it with you guys! I'm
sure many of you remember the first time you listened to Ben Folds Five, or
heard one of their discs for the first time -- and were just blown away!! So,
that's my little summation and reason for it!!! Thanks for letting me waste
bandwidth!
~Melissa~
and if nothing can be done, we'll make the best of what's around ~dmb~
won't you look up at the skyline... and check out the reflections in my eyes
~bff~
IRC nick: Meliss (not until the next school vacation, though!)
ICQ: 3040540 http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/4299/
all our souls are written in our eyes - edmond rostand
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 22:01:11, -0500
From: VQEX36A@prodigy.com ( KENDALL BLACKMAN)
Subject: unsubscribe
please take me off the list for now. thank you.
- -k. blackman
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 23:01:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: Patrick J McDonough <mcdonpj@wfu.edu>
Subject: Cursing/Senior Quote/In the CD Changer
1. Cursing on WAEA has a purpose. If we must, let's hike through the
album.
A)One ANGRY(!) Dwarf. It's a school-age revenge anthem in retrospect.
Surely kids picked on Ben because he was goony, short, musical, smart,
whatever, and they swore at him. Yes, in some sense, "Kiss my ass
goodbye" is a nyah nyah nyah response, but it's appropriate, and works
better than "Kiss my grits...goodbye..."
B)Song for the Dumped- I'm sorry, but the profanity makes this song. The
first verse is the
total-gloss-over-how-nicely-can-I-tell-you-to-get-out-of-my-life language
one departing member of a couple often uses on the other. For someone who
you care about enough, "F*** you too" is a pretty accurate translation.
C)BOWCCL-Sarcasm on the self-importance of the franklin mint trying to be
so God, Country and Apple Pie by selling coins for ten times their value.
D)Selfless,Cold & Composed- To be fair, using "...give a shit" in this
context, is to a point, an easy rhyme. It still works, and even if it is
easy, I give Ben the benefit of the doubt for having the brilliant line
about the bank teller in the next couplet.
2. Your Senior Quote- Hey there, pal! How can WE pick your senior quote?
If you take an answer from us, it's not your own! If there's some BFF
line that means a lot to you and describes a defining personal experience
better than you can, by all means use it, and tell us about it. But don't
let us do your thinking for you. I've met Ben a few times, and from those
encounters and the encounters of others described in the armchair, I think
he'd encourage you to do the same. Make up your own!
3. In my CD Player:
A small symphony orchestra of miniature musicians, each about 3/8 of an
inch high, one of whom has a most excellent Korg T3 for imitating the more
outlandish sounds on some of the recordings I purchase. A conductor with
laser beams for eyes and a knack for transcription produces high quality
scores (transposed, of course, to accomodate the brass) which the
orchestra then plays on a moment's notice. A very agile benedictine monk
who likes to keep the musicians off guard occaasionally brings new scores
by new composers to the music stands. His name is SHUFFLE. Backing the
symphony is an absolutely robust festival chorus with a few fine vocal
impersonators, one of whom does the best imitation of Ben Folds. They are
unflappable- whichever score I put in their little hall, they play in
moments with the original gusto intended by the composer, unless of
course, they're on their union break.
Now if it's all the same, I've got people to entertain...
- -Patrick from Winston-Salem
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 21:05:24 -0600
From: "Jon Tycksen" <jon@ns.cyber-west.com>
Subject: Imports on music blvd
john-
the "s/t" import from England has the same songs as the ben folds Self
Titled album, and the japanese "s/t + bonus track" import is still the same
album with "Tom and Mary" added on to it for marketing purposes in japan,
if you have the self titled album, I wouldn't worry about spending $25-$30
on the import, unless of course, that you're an all out faithful Ben Fold's
trooper. And I can see that happening, especially if I could spare the
money...
- -jon
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 23:24:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: F2G2@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #463
in underground it is:
darren "i was never cool in school"
robert "i'm sure you don't remember me"
ben " and now....."
and you need to see them live.....
i might be in london around the 11th of december, and that'll make the 5th
time this year. (4th being if rumors of a stateside tour mid-oct to dec are
true-----ARE THEY?????????)
each time, it's been worth every penny.
mak
cd's in stereo:
bf5's: debut, where's summer b single, new oasis, ben holman does thelonious,
leftover salmon's euphoria, kate--w/bad idea on it, brad's interiors, blur's
newest, dizzy gillespie's sweet cadillac, and finally, chubawumba. thanks.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 23:41:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: bobafett@ekx.infi.net
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #466
>After Steve said "read the past armchairs before you ask," Jessica told
>him to not be an ass. I agree that if someone doesn't want to simply give
>an answer, they shouldn't, but dear Jessica, bad day or not, I don't
>think you get to decide if someone's an ass and call them it on the list.
>What was that quote? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I
>think it may be impossible to call someone an ASS without actually
>joining the gang. CAUTION!!! CAUTION!!!!
>Peace, Love, BF5?
>joe
>
I didn't say that he was an asshole...just that the manner in which he
responded to the people who only asked a simple question had a certain tone
to it which could be interpreted as "being an ass" i did not decide if he
was an ass, i don't know if he's an ass...he could be an all-around
sweet,loving guy...but i just didn't like his condescending tone. thats
all. maybe he had a bad day, like me. but instead, he took his day out on
poor, unsuspecting newbies...i targeted someone who had attempted to make
those newbies feel like they didn't have the right to talk. i apologize.
maybe i am an ass, maybe he's an ass, maybe we all are asses in our own way.
I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO ALL OFFENDED BY EITHER MY TONE OR THE SPACE
THIS MESSAGE TAKES UP. sorry.
jessica (don't call me dear)
Jessica B. Musselwhite
bobafett@ekx.infi.net OR
jbmuss01@homer.louisville.edu
"I'm afraid of the dark without you close to me...." Superchunk from
100,000 Fireflies
"Well I've seen some old friends sorta die or just turn into whatever must
of been inside them, whatever all us had then in common, grew up...we don't
think that way no more." Ben Folds Five, "Video"
"People say I'm crazy, but I'm not that way inclined." Madness
"You know i'm cool when all the guys wanna be my friend and every little
girl here, they all wanna hold my hand, but i stole all of my songs,
probably gonna get sued, thats all right....as long as i get SCREWED!!!"
Reel Big Fish "I'm Cool."
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 07 Sep 1997 23:22:40 -0400
From: Matt Moberly <mmoberly@expert.cc.purdue.edu>
Subject: Conan, am I the only one that caught it?
I've got a tape from earlier this summer of BFF playing BOWCCL on Conan.
On that show, Conan said Ben had been on right after the release of the
self-title album, playing Underground I think, and this was his second
visit. I dunno if the show I have is the one you're looking for, but
all I have taped is the footage of BFF playing.
I thought Helmet Heads was a cool idea. So much defiance about what to
call your friends seemed a little extreme to get so many flames, but I
guess I don't live with as much stress as the working people on this
list.
Matt
cd player- foo fighters, self titled
yes, I have a crappy single disc player.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 1997 00:31:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: GenLand18@aol.com
Subject: "Sessions" and... stuff
Okay, I have an inkling that BFF are NOT gonna be on the "Sessions at 54th
West" program on PBS this coming Saturday. =Þ The website doesn't list
them... and weren't BFF supposed to be on the same episode as David Byrne?
Because David Byrne isn't even taping his episode until this coming Tuesday.
Argh.... =)
By the way... the line-up of bands for the "Sessions" program is going to be
quite amazing! Just in this past week or so, they've already taped sets by:
Sinead O'Connor, Yo Yo Ma, ANI DiFRANCO, Joe Jackson, Belle and Sebastian,
BECK, FIONA APPLE, and Gypsy Kings. Not to mention they already have
SQUIRREL NUT ZPIPPERS taped. =) Woo hoo!
**Leslie**
"You save the replay of everything I said" -- The Sugarplastic, "Ways to Save
Face"
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 08 Sep 1997 00:45:53 EDT
From: sandishortcake@juno.com
Subject: before we start another Brick debate...
Okay, before we start another Brick debate, I just have one thing to say.
The band's filming the video for Brick in New York (unless they decide
to change locations last minute) on Saturday and according to Ben, once
you see the video there will be NO question what the song's about.
Sandi
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 1997 00:48:11 -0400 (EDT)
From: SweetyX1@aol.com
Subject: Joe's "Brick" theory
I think you may be on to something with the whole AIDS idea.
I thought that it was about abortion at first, but now that you suggest the
idea of AIDS, I advise that everyone listen to the song again. REASONS: (1)
Is there an abortion clinic open the day after Christmas?? (2) Why would he
feel alone? If she was having an abortion, this usually brings the two
involved closer. (I'm speaking out of experience) (3) Why would he "be tired
of lying", who whould he be lying to? That is just my humble opinion. Thanks
for the new insite Joe.
Love & Candy Apples To All
Deidre
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 07 Sep 1997 23:38:04 -0700
From: Janet <LemonDrp@pacbell.net>
Subject: chuck folds is a good man
Hey eye candies,
I was one of the people that sent stuff to Mrs. Folds that Chuck had
asked for. I only sent a promo tape, a sticker, and a note asking if
someone could respond by email or whatever to let me know that they had
gotten my package. Instead I find this superduper envelope in the mail
that said "Folds" as the sender. I get all excited and look inside to
find that Chuck had sent me 3 Bus Stop CDs and a cassette. I only
listened to the self-titled one (with brother Ben on it) and they are
awesome.
Chuck, if I could, I would buy you an ice cream sandwich cuz I know that
you like them.
You're a good man, chuck. (whoa peppermint patty deja vous)
Take care.
Janet.
Funny how a few years ago "BFF" only meant Best Friends Forever to me,
and now I can't even relate the two cuz it only means Ben Folds Five.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 08 Sep 1997 19:12:43 +1000
From: Rainy City <ad@healey.com.au>
Subject: Sydney tickets
Hey there people,
I was just wondering where everyone got their Sydney Uni tickets from and who you called and what the go was and everything. They sold out yet? What about at the metro there? Anyway, I hope someone helps. :)
BYE!!!
Ad.
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& Ironside &
& <italic>"...the 17th best band in the world" </italic>&
& http://www.healey.com.au/HomePages/ad/ironside/ &
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 1997 06:25:33 -0400
From: "Faix, Andrew" <AFaix@harris.com>
Subject: There's no such thing as a dumb question?
Hello Kids,
Just wanted to get my 2 cents in on the repetitive questions. I'm torn
between the two sides of newbies asking questions that were answered 100
other times in the past, and veteran Armchairites who are sick and tired
of seeing these questions posted over and over again. I'm slightly
sympathetic to the newbies, because I was one at one time, and I too
asked "stupid" questions.
I know that this is redundant at this point, but let me encourage all
newbies to read all of the old Armchairs they can get ahold of, read
everything you can on Frank's web page, the BF5 official web page, and
the half-dozen or so other fan pages that are out there as well. All of
the answers to questions from Kate, Brick, Philosophy, Bhagauad Gita,
and Conan O'Brien are all out there. I neglected to do this and got
reamed out just as some of these new people have been. I think that if
all the new people try to start doing this a bit more religiously, it
will save a lot of bad feelings, and unneeded insults on our beloved
Armchair.
Perhaps Frank could put this advice in the daily headers?
I get the Armchair at work, and I don't have a CD changer here. All's I
have is the retractable drink holder and a pair of headphones. Today's
music includes:
- -BF5 - Whatever
- -BNL - Gordon
- -Warren Zevon - A Quite, Normal Life
- -Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes
- -The Blues Bros. - Briefcase Full of Blues
- -Pat Methany - Second Story
Everyone is entitled to my opinion
- -Andrew
(afaix@harris.com)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 08 Sep 1997 09:12:11 -0400
From: "Brian R. Kessler" <bkessler@btv.ibm.com>
Subject: Son Volt's place of origin, meaning of "Brick", etc...
> I don't know who wanted to know where Son Volt is from, but I know Jay
> Farrar's previous band Uncle Tupelo was based in Chicago. (Uncle Tupelo broke
> up a few years back and spawned Son Volt and Wilco.)
Oh-for-one. Next please...
> Son Volt is from Louisiana, they're really a pretty big band.
Oh-for-two. Thanks for playing. Next please...
> They aren't from Mississippi or Vermont. I know for a fact that they are
> from St. Louis (more specifically East Alton or Belleville, Illinois).
A WINNER!!! And here is our lovely hostess to tell you what you've won...
In the beginning, there was Uncle Tupelo. Fronted by Jeff Tweedy (Minneapolis)
and Jay Farrar (St. Louis), UT played a hybrid of
alternative-punk-country-folk-rock. This style music has been referred to as
No Depression music (after the magazine of this same title, which discusses
this genre of music, and UT's rendidtion of an old American folk song, "No
Depression" on their first album, entitled _No Depression_. Get the picture?).
It is often referred to as "insurgent country", or simply "altertative country"
by a music industry which has to out a label on everything.
Anyway, after their fourth album, the masterpiece entitiled _Anodyne_, Jay and
Jeff went their separate ways, with Jeff reforming the members of Uncle Tupelo
under the name Wilco, and releasing the album _A.M._. It was a fine album, but
Jay grabbed a few session-musicians who had played with UT, and formed Son Volt,
and then released a fantastic record, _Trace_.
Wilco follwed up _A.M._ with _Being There_, a masterpiece that gets better and
better with every listen, even after 1000 listens. Son Volt's second offering,
_Straightaways_ couldn't be lamer. It's beyond me how such a fantastic
songwriter as Jay Farrar could put out such cliche rubbish.
The bottom line is that _Anodyne_, _Trace_, and _Being There_ are essential to
any and every CD collection. find out more on:
http://www.gumbopages.com/uncle-tupelo.html
Oh yea, this is the Ben Folds Five mailing list, isn't it? Would someone
please care to speculate on what the lyrics of the song "Brick" mean? I'm
not good at analyzing lyrics, but it sounds to me like it's about taking your
dog to the vet. Any other ideas?
Peace, skiing, & music,
Brian
- --
"Never seem to get far enough / Staying in between the lines..." - Son Volt
- --------
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #467
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