THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #477 - September 14, 1997
Magical Armchair Digest Sunday, September 14 1997 Volume 01 : Number 477
THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
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PERSONAL ATTACKS
Let's keep the personal attacks and barbs out of the Armchair. If you
have something to say to someone, send it via private e-mail. All are
welcome to discuss Ben Folds Five here and no question is a dumb question
if you don't know the answer. Of course, it would be appreciated if you'd
do a little research of your own first. Most of the commonly-asked
questions are answered in various resources found on the web, and I
usually recommend http://oeonline.com/bff/ as a good starting point. There
are links to lots of people's BFF pages, including some good FAQs.
TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #472
First Album
ATTN: FRANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brick's meaning
launch CD ROM w/ BFF up for grabs...
little ol' me
Hanson's Talent
Monkey, Brick, and Australia
That hillsley prick
Anyone wants a Japanese version of WaEA?
Beasties!
Very Interesting
Re: Atlanta show and laughter
the cd changer.....
Michigan SPANKED Colorado!!!!
Kansas Fans?
CD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 21:20:14 -0400 (EDT)
From: BSCHACK@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #472
<< Anyway, Adam Duritz is
none other than the lead singer of Counting Crows, the guy who slept with
a third of the cast of "Friends", the person responsible for the
Wallflowers first single, and most importantly, one of the greatest
songwriters of our generation. >>
Not to mention the most hypocritical, self-righteous, whiney poor little rich
boy who, a la Eddie Veder (who's music I love) and Kurt Cobain loves to
complain about how miserable it is to be rich and famous - I'm sick of
hearing about it. Sorry about the non-BFF content but I see so much written
about the Counting Crows on the armchair I had to say my piece. I will
admit, as a songwriter on record, he is quite talented. But, (and this is a
big but) without question one of the absolute worst live performers I have
ever seen (the whole band).
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 21:33:18 -0400
From: "John E. Fahey" <jfahey@cyberportal.net>
Subject: First Album
Well, I can definately relate to the person who posted a short while
back expressing her joy over getting the self-titled album. I first
discovered BFF two months ago by buying WAEA and have been hooked ever
since. The first album is really great (as I'm sure most of you already
know). I was also pleased to find the origin of the Armchair's name in
'Uncle Walter'.
- -John
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 21:43:02 -0700
From: aplauri@juno.com (Philip J. L.)
Subject: ATTN: FRANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
frank-
i think i recall you saying in a previuos armchair that bff would be
coming to detroit soon. i live in detroit, and was fortunate enough to
catch the boys at horde. so, basically, i just would like to know if any
tour dates for detroit have been made......
if so, i would really like to know maybe a tentative date as for when
they might be coming to town......
one more thing, frank. if they do come to dtroit will the sho most
likely be at like the state theater, or cargos, 7th house, shelter,
mosquito club,or fox?????? would you predict it o be an all ages
show????
well thanks for your time frank,
philip
"it's easy to be, easy and free-but when it doesnt mean anything, you can
remain selfless, cold and composed..."
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 20:03:12 -0600
From: Bryan Hall <hallbros@rapidnet.com>
Subject: Brick's meaning
Well, I've heard it very few times (still waiting for the CD in the
mail), but I think this is awfully ironic: while everyone here debates
over what Brick means, Ben says, "It's really self-explanatory."
Well, that's all I've got to say...
In my single-CD player: nothing at the moment. heh. well, Gershwin's in
my alarm clock, so I can wake up to Rhapsody in Blue ev'ry morning.
In the tape player: Phish, 7/21/97
- --
Bryan Hall hallbros@rapidnet.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 97 22:15:46 EDT
From: nick <narleth@eden.rutgers.edu>
Subject: launch CD ROM w/ BFF up for grabs...
hey all...
i just got ahold of that launch CD Rom with BEN FOLDS FIVE in it. it rocks!!!
there's a whole video clip of them playing "one angry dwarf & 200 solemn
faces" live somewhere in arizona. plus a really cool interview.
i managed to get ahold of an extra copy. so if you want it, i would be glad
to trade it for a bff bootleg. i want to start tradeing tapes, but i don't
have any yet, so i figured this way i could get a good start. if there's
anyone out there who's interested, email me... narleth@eden.rutgers.edu
catch you all later,
nick
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 23:50:31 -0400
From: "joyce canning" <joycanning@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: little ol' me
Hello, my name's Heather and I'm a newcomer to the armchair (technically).
spiritually, i have been here all my life.
I'm gonna go with the abortion theory on Brick: may I quote the line "her
mom and dad went down to Charlotte they're not here to find us out." AIDS
is still a possibility here, but I think that when one listens to the song
the aboriton theory makes the most sense. An AIDS test takes a blood
sample and only mental angiush, while an actual abortiontakes a few days of
physical recovery, not to mention the weeks of mental recovery ("As weeks
went by..."). I came to this conclusion myself; I was suprised that others
agreed with me. I think that what you think a song means often shows more
about who you are than what the song is about. That is merely my opinion.
Okay, I don't have a CD changer (horror of horrors), but here's my five
favorites:
Radiohead -- OK Computer
-- The Bends
Kula Shaker -- K
BFF -- Whatever...
Third Eye Blind --self titled
Yes, Radiohead IS that good. Anyone who does not have at least two of
their albums is missing out. As for BFF, they are a close second. I love
Brick (which is the subject of much speculation, I've learned), Selfless,
Cold, and Composed, and Smoke.
Finally, I think that Brick definitely wins for the single. It's to
introspective and deep to become overly mainstream, but it;s absolutely
beautiful. Bersides, give BFF some credit -- they deserve to be famous.
Thay could show some bands out there now a thing or two.
Thanks for tolerating my verbosity.
~*~ heather ~*~
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 01:33:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Smarshal1@aol.com
Subject: Hanson's Talent
Someone stated that they are good songwriters and singers. While the singing
part is a matter of opinion(I think they sing badly except for the lead guy),
the songwriting part is not. Hanson doesn't write their own stuff. Ever
seen 'em on shows like Leno? They have players that are probably 20-30
playin w/ 'em, doin most of the stuff. Just my opinion(except for the
writing part-they don't write)
josh
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 01:41:24 -0400
From: Rodrigo Delgado <rdelgado@home.com>
Subject: Monkey, Brick, and Australia
Heh, everybody, just a couple of quick notes/thoughts.....
"Monkey"- thats the Counting Crows song with the "got ben folds on my
radio right now" quote. Well, I heard an interview with Adam Duritz on
MTV a few months ago, and he said he stuck the line in their because
when he was writing the song, he had the self titled album as the only
cd in his player for over a month....... pretty cool, huh.....
As for Brick, I weigh in my vote for abortion. The line that I feel is
most convincing "can't you see its not me your dying for, and shes
feeling more alone, then she every has before" The first half strikes
me as the author speaking to the unborn baby. Maybe he doesn't want the
abortion. This is affter he dropped her off at the clinic. Now shes
feeling more alone.... well we all have been alone, and all can be
alone, except for when a woman is pregnant. The baby is always there.
But to then lose the baby( or have an abortion), Im sure you feel more
alone, then you ever have before.... Just some thoughts.......
As for Australia, I just picked up an Australia import of the One Angry
Dwarf single.... not bad. Its got a demo version of "Bad Idea" and "For
all the pretty people".
C-Ya
Roy
"Ohh Goddamn, shit yahh its cool"
BFF
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 03:15:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: Brad654@aol.com
Subject: That hillsley prick
In a message dated 97-09-12 06:44:17 EDT, you write:
> Date: Thu, 11 Sep 1997 20:36:04 +0000
> From: hillsey <hillsey@tpgi.com.au>
> Subject: `
>
> man you guys really stink!
Since he's posted this same crap here before, it sure would be a shame if
this guy got a whole bunch of mail from BFF fans telling him to stay the hell
away from here.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 22:31:24 +0900
From: chiori-t@ppp.fastnet.or.jp
Subject: Anyone wants a Japanese version of WaEA?
Hi, I've just got an extra copy of Japanese WaEA album.
I couldn't help grinning when I found it in a pile of CDs on sale.
I paid \700 for it while it is actually \2,300(19 bucks)!
If someone wants to trade, email me privately.
Cheers.
'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'
chiori takahashi September '75 I was 47 inches high
chiori-t@ppp.fastnet.or.jp --Ben Folds Five
,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 09:41:36 EDT
From: jaedonely@juno.com (A A DONELY)
Subject: Beasties!
Ive got to add-There are two Adams in the beastie boys
Adam Horovitz(Ad-rock)
Adam Yauch(MCA)-hes buddist(sp?) and organized the tibetan freedom
festival
and the 3rd, mike d.
Big General Question that I must ask- could anybody possibly email me the
piano transcription to Boxing? id be so incredibly happy and
appreciative!
I desperately want a songbook but its out of stock-and if i wasnt a
schoolchild, id follow bff anywhere!
I was really into Oasis and then they hit it platinum with Wonderwall-I
see some parallels between that lovely ballad and Brick, BUT brick is too
touchy-and anyways, isnt bff looking for world
domination? Elisabeth
"How can I be so skinny yet live so phat? Ya wanna know why? Cos Im THE
MAESTRO!"-a (ph)un Beasties quote.:)
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 00:14:37 +1000
From: "BECK" <beckwk@pnc.com.au>
Subject: Very Interesting
Just a quick note so y'all can kiss my butt later
for this piece o' most valuable information....
but after all a my searchin' I found me a website
that has some BFF guitar tabs and of course the
obligatory sheet music for the ol' box of ivorys.
the address is:
music.netsysinc.com
I know, I am God.
Now can some one answer my little do-hickey of
a question. What brand of bass does Robert use?
Thanks sugar-pies
Matt
beckwk@pnc.com.au
CD player contains BFF,WEAEA, RHCP, Fishbone and Morphine
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 10:38:58 -0400 (EDT)
From: Shu2Stef@aol.com
Subject: Re: Atlanta show and laughter
Hi all,
Been watching from the shadows for some time now. Nothing to post about till
now. Indeed, the boys will be at the Roxy in Atlanta on Oct. 16th. I've got
the tickets to prove it. Can't wait. General admission, too, so I'll see
you all right up at the stage.
To mj: Thank you! God! The Armchair has needed a bit of levity lately and
your post was hilarious!
To the newbies: Welcome. We all asked stupid questions in the beginning
(and, sometimes, still do).
I'm looking forward to seeing the folks that I met at Music Midtown at the
Roxy show.
Love and hugs to all,
Stefanie
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 13:02:51 -0700
From: aplauri@juno.com (Philip J. L.)
Subject: the cd changer.....
well, i think the cd changer tthing is pretty cool, seeing what everyone
likes...so:
1. bff-waea
2. aerosmith-big ones
3. domestic problems- scattered pieces
4. REM- automatic for the people
5. they might be giants- flood
sorry to all of you folks that have been sayin how you could care less
about whats in the changer....... my advice..... SKIP IT!!!!!
bye bye for now- philip
"it's easy to be, easy and free-but when it doesnt mean anything, you can
remain selfless, cold and composed..."
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 16:03:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: Eric Patton <shirak@umich.edu>
Subject: Michigan SPANKED Colorado!!!!
But that's not what this is about. I just want to throw my hat
into the "Dumped vs. Brick" ring. Personally, I think Brick is the better
song out of the two, simply because of better songwriting. But I do think
that Dumped makes a better single, simply because it stick in your head a
lot easier, and has a broader mass appeal. Brick can be taken a lot of
different ways, and general makes the radio public think, which is always
a bad move when dealing with Americans. Dumped is simple, catchy, and
still a damned good song. Anyway, that's my thoughs on the matter. Laters!
ERIC
_______________________________________________________________________________
"I'm only paranoid because they want me dead."
Mel Gibson, Conspiracy Theory
_______________________________________________________________________________
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 17:47:50 -0800
From: justin@gcnet.com (Justin)
Subject: Kansas Fans?
Greetings Fellow Helmet Heads,
I've been a BFF fan for some time now, and I'm looking for some
other people besides those that I've "converted" to chat with about my
favrite band in the universe. Since discovering the boys on MTV last year
during an M2 special Ska hour (Why was BOWCCL on during a Ska hour?) I've
got both albums, and introduced close to twenty ppl at my high school to
the wonderous sounds of BFF. Hastings (our only source for good music)
can't keep their debut album in fast enough due to the new fans. They
didn't even carry BFF until I had them order Whatever And Ever Amen, now
there's a Ben Folds devider and they're ordering singles due to the demand.
This may seem like no big deal to most people, but out here where Garth
Brooks and 2-Pac are the only people that sell, and music isn't apreicated
unless there's a mega-bass thump in it that will shatter windows as you
drive by houses, I'm happy to see Ben Folds Five catching on and now I'm
looking for someone in Kansas that is interrested in splitting the drive to
Lawrence when (and if) they come back. I saw them at HORDE in Bonner
Springs (Kickin concert) and there were a lot of people singing along as if
they had written the songs, so I know there are fans out somewhere in this
state!! Please get in contact with me. And if you're interrseted in any
band listed on my CD changer, also drop me a line. It's always good to hear
someone say something other then "Who's John Popper?" when I talk about
Blues Traveler. Like I said, if it isn't about a pick-up truck or killin a
cop, hardly anyone cares about good music here. So if you're in Western
Kansas and like what I like, lemme know.
Justin Parlette
<justin@gcnet.com>
PO Box 1132
Garden City KS
67846
In My 15 Disk Changer:
1. Ben Folds Five
2. Ben Folds Five: \/\/hatever and Ever Amen
3. Blues Traveler: Travelers and Thieves
4. Blues Traveler: Straight On Till Morning
5. Cake: Fasion Nugget
6. Counting Crows: Recovering The Satellites
7. Dave Matthews Band: Remember Two Things
8. Grosse Pointe Blank Soundtrack
9. Mustard Plug: EvilDoers Beware! (Anyone got their first two CDs and
willing
to dub them for me?)
10. Skarmageddon Disk 1
11. Squirrel Nut Zippers: Hot
12. Empire Strikes Back Disk 1
13. Return Of The Jedi Disk 2
14. Counting Crows: August and Everything After
15. Dave Matthews Band: Under The Table and Dreaming
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 09:28:16 +1000
From: michael <michaelb@coolgold.com.au>
Subject: CD
Hi people
Wish I had more time to read the digest.
I was away for the past 3 weeks and just couldnt catch up with it!
CD
I only have a single cd player so i put the first album
in and glued the door shut.
Well not really but i may as well have cause its just about
the only thing i listen to at the moment.
The inbetweens are never understood
Love ya all bye
__ __ ____ ___ _ _ __ ____ __
( \/ )(_ _)/ __)( )_( ) /__\ ( ___)( )
) ( _)(_( (__ ) _ ( /(__)\ )__) )(__
(_/\/\_)(____)\___)(_) (_)(__)(__)(____)(____)
... __ ... __ ... __ ... __ ... __ ... __ ...
michaelb@coolgold.com.au
http://www.coolgold.com.au/~michaelb/index.html
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #477
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