THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #774 - January 23, 1998
Magical Armchair Digest Friday, January 23 1998 Volume 01 : Number 774
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
meeting bff...nbp...servicechargebs...PHILLY
RE: Vinyls!
a whole lotta BFF stuff
St. Louis show -- need help
Life In General Question
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #769
BF5 Tapes
Hammerstein Ballroom
yadda yadda
Chicago SHOW!! (please help!!)
a bit late??
Eddie Walker confusion
A broken vow
We Might Pack A Little Tight
VH1
Brick in UK
another ben look-a-like
Re: my cd player is pretty shitty
collector cd ?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 16:31:22 EST
From: Starstrail <Starstrail@aol.com>
Subject: meeting bff...nbp...servicechargebs...PHILLY
hello all...just some replyin...
<< MEETING THE BAND: Also, I have met Toad before as they usually hang out
after to meet with their fans...does BFF do they same..they seem like
that kind of people...I hung out for a while at their show but was unable
to meet up with them. Anyone have any tips on meeting the band when I see
them at their next show?? >>
okay, here's my ex's own story, paraphrased for lack of time and space...
he saw them down in oh gosh i think it was knoxville, tn...somewhere in
eastern tn, i just don't remember where...anyway, after the show he and his
buds get in the car to head home (hour and a half away) at 2 in the
morn...thing is the car won't start...ben and a few other people see them in
the parking lot and offer to let them stay in their bus with them overnight!
how awesome was that?! sadly someone's mom got a hold of the stuck guys and
they went home...stupid males, i woulda been "um, i'm sorry, you must have the
wrong cellular number"..."hey yeah ben, we'd love to stay, thanks"
<< I actually had to special order my copy of NBP in Philly because they
sold out so quickly. Anyway, I've heard most of the tracks already, but
I LOVE the Cd! By the way, I was(and still am) a GNR fan and was so
happy to see Ben's tee on the Cd cover!!>>
where'd they sell out? in ne philly there were still several copies at 5 at
night, the friday AFTER it went on sale...
Hil
<<P.S. Just bought my tickets to the show in Philly through
Ticketmaster. I paid $45 for 2 due to the surcharges and stuff. I
really miss the old days of cheap concert tickets!>>
yup, i went down to ef's box office on vine street to avoid all that
bs...total for two was $33...SHOULD have been $30...they friggin advertised
them at $15 each...grrr wish there was someone you could complain to...
and about the whole penis thing...i know others have mentioned it...but i just
have to ask,
since when is a song supposed to mean the exact same thing to each person?
come on people what's right for you is right for YOU...and please don't go
dissin other's thoughts...
starlight smackeroos,
kestrel
ps-philly people keep emailin me...i'll make a list and send everybody
whatever ideas/plans come up...
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 16:58:58 -0500
From: cambot@juno.com
Subject: RE: Vinyls!
Neither of the vinyls have anything new on them. I own the WAEA vinyl,
just so I can play it on 45 RPM & listen to it FAST (One Angry Dwarf is
amazing on 45 RMP!!). I even have a tape of it, which is a statement of
how good it sounds. I don't know. I guess it's just fun to listen to
great music on records.
Steve!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 20:05:05 +1100
From: Karen <the_grrl@yahoo.com>
Subject: a whole lotta BFF stuff
Hey all,
Hasn't the armchair come a long way! From 1 issue a day to 4 or 5! Guess
that popularity thing comes up again. Well I didn't write to bitch about
that (I hear sighs of relief all around the room).
I called a few music stores around my area about NBP (I'm down under)
and they apparently don't even know anything about it. So that's just
great isn't it?
What's this thing about porn star names? I don't get it. I've been
reading the armchair attentively lately but I don't get this thing about
the porn names or whatever. Would someone care to explain it to me
please?
Also, this is a question to all of you out there. Are there any tracks
that you would have like to have seen on NBP that weren't on there? I
personally would have liked Rocky to be on there, because that song goes
off.
I FINALLY saw the Brick video on Saturday night. It was pretty cool I
guess. I sat up from about 11 waiting for it. But it was worth it.
Anyways, that is all.
Later!
Karen.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 17:28:06 -0800
From: Jeff Moehle <mrshow@discoverynet.com>
Subject: St. Louis show -- need help
Does anybody know if the St. Louis show is sold out or not and if it isn't how can
I go about ordering tickets?? If you have any info PLEASE e-mail me. Thanks a
ton.
- -jeff
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 18:31:35 -0500 (EST)
From: Patrick J McDonough <mcdonpj@wfu.edu>
Subject: Life In General Question
Want to hear them? They are good. They are from Winston-Salem, and play
Ziggy's (where some of NBP was recorded) regularly when they aren't
touring the nations colleges. I believe they have 3 albums, but I;m not
sure.
I used to play in the Wake Forest jazz band with one of the guys-
Jason LeVasseur. He's a good guy, and has solid musical talent on several
instruments and voice. They write good songs, and some have a somewhat
Christian bent to them. I've heard them play twice, and I have one tape
of their stuff. They are talented enough that I know some guys who want
to form a Life In General tribute band...if that tells you anything.
Sorry for the low BFF content.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
\\ Patrick J. McDonough Email: mcdonpj@NOSPAMwfu.edu\\
\\ WFU Admissions Counselor Phone: (336)758-4929 \\
\\Wake Forest University '97 \\
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 19:22:59 -0500
From: Randy Locklair <randy@ny.amarex.com>
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #769
>Got my tickets to the New York show! But I have a question for anyone who
>has been to the Hammerstein before, or has heard about it: is it general
>admission? My ticket-purchasing friend says it looked like there were seat
>numbers...I'm going to be really upset if I have an assigned seat at a Ben
>Folds Five show.
It's general admission..all tickets have seat numbers..but it says GA
before the number.. Hey everyone going to NYC show..i'm organiznig a get
together so EMAIL ME If you're going!!!
- -Randy
randy@ny.amarex.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 20:14:39 EST
From: Phisher XC <PhisherXC@aol.com>
Subject: BF5 Tapes
Hey all, man I wish BF5 would go back "underground" where we can keep them a
secret. I'm sick off "I want to hear Brick...blah...blah...blah". Oh well I
was wondering if anyone out there had ANY BF5 tapes, they were wanting to
trade, I don't have any BF5, but I do have many other groups. E-mail me back
if you do. Also I was wondering how BF5 could have "fans only" shows, how
would the judge who was a fan or not? Well gotta go...Peace!!
Ryan
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 20:53:58 EST
From: ISKI100 <ISKI100@aol.com>
Subject: Hammerstein Ballroom
This is my first ever post on the armchair. I am also living in Massachusetts
currently, but I grew up on long Island. I can't make the NYC show because
it's on a thursday (just started a new job, no days off). But I have been to
the Hammerstein ballroom before to see moe last November and here's what it's
like. There are no reserved seats, all general admission. However, that
doesn't mean you can go anywhere you want at the venue. If you have a floor
ticket, you can't get onto the balcony and if you have a balcony ticket, you
can't get onto the floor. It's really weird that you can't go up to the
balcony with a floor ticket, unlike most clubs. But the sound is great and
it's a block away from Penn Station, if you want to take the train or subway.
I've only been listening to BFF for under 2 monthes. I first read about
them from an article in Details magazine last spring. I didn't read the
article because I hate their music reviewers. After I heard "battle" on the
radio, I searched for the article, but it had been thrown out (recycled). I
waited until december to finnally buy WAEA, which was too bad because I missed
all the Boston shows they've played last year. I just picked up the debut and
although I feel it has better songs (Alice Childress, Summer B, Julianne,
Walter), I feel that WAEA is a better overall album. I don't like Underground
at all, unlike just about everyone here. I am still absorbing the debut so
I'm holding out on NBP for a week or so. A friend of mine might have it
already so i'l maybe get to listen to it soon.
Later,
Donny
"Think about my friends sometimes I wish they lived out here but they wouldn't
dig this town"
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 23:05:19 -0500
From: JKCarr@kimbanet.com (James Keith Carr)
Subject: yadda yadda
Hey Fivers!
Did anyone else catch the boys on Crossroads VH1 this morning? I didn't
know that show was still around! I used to watch it all the time so I could
say "I knew them when...." Anyway, there was a short interview and a
Brick performance. They didn't seem nervous this time at all! I would
have taped it but I was too lazy to get out of bed. I'm sure it will get
replayed at 3 in the morning or something. Check your listings.
Also....Pollstar gave BFF the number 20 spot on the most requested tour
dates. Get your tickets fast! Can you believe they're not playing
anywhere near their hometown? I live an hour from there and always felt
special cause I thought for sure they would play in the area. No such
luck!
Erin
PS--I guess my drag name would be Ginger Tassel. hmmmm.........
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 22:57:22 EST
From: ShirowFan <ShirowFan@aol.com>
Subject: Chicago SHOW!! (please help!!)
Ok guys...I really need your help!! I am looking for 5 tickets to the Feb.
15th show in Chicago....and Ticketmaster tells me that they are sold out. Can
any of you help me out? I will pay what it takes to get the tickets. Please
respond privately to me if interested. I will be driving up from Kansas City
for this show, so PLEASE HELP ME OUT!!!! Thanks for your help.
Naked and Famous,
dave
"life aint nuttin but bitches and ho's." --Truman Capote.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 23:40:07 -0500
From: Mike Halbert <mwhalber@unity.ncsu.edu>
Subject: a bit late??
Well, I may be a bit late to respond to the question, but as far as the
facts go, I think I should.
Earlier someone was discussing if BF5 really was worthy of releasing a
"rarities" collection. Well, I seriously doubt that it was their Idea.
If you know a little about the history, you will know that they are now
signed with Sony/550 music, not necessarily Caroline music, and if you
notice, the company that released the naked baby photos album, is
....you guessed it...Caroline Records. These released songs are the
remainder of the ones that Caroline Records has the rights to release,
and coming on the heels of BF5 imminent jump to stardom, I am sure that
they wanted a piece of the action, so It is not really a question of
warranting a rarities album, for them it was probably a matter of
money. (Not necessarily, in my opinion the best time to release the
album...in a few years it probably would sell more,) but nevertheless
they did release it and it is awesome....anyway, just my view of the
situation..
Mike
"I walk on down the hill...and maybe buy a beer"
- -Ben Folds/Anna Goldman
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 23:58:46 -0500 (EST)
From: Frank Maynard <maynard@mail.oeonline.com>
Subject: Eddie Walker confusion
Some time ago Mike Wood asked if "Eddie Walker" from NBP was the b-side of
the 7" Jackson Cannery. The version of "Eddie Walker" on "Naked Baby
Photos" is NOT the version on the original vinyl 7" the band used sell on
the road. The version on NBP is the version recorded for the first album
(on Caroline) and subsequently left off that album. "Emaline" was also
recorded for the first album and not included on the album.
Sorry about the problems with the Armchair the last few days. Apparently
the server went to sleep and I had to kick it. Everything should be
caught up now.
-fjm
I wanna meet her so I can say...hey Kate
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 00:21:03 EST
From: Emmaline20 <Emmaline20@aol.com>
Subject: A broken vow
Okay okay okay..I know just yesterday I promised to never post again..but I
just have one tiny question. BFF singles...are they all imports, or are some
available as "normal" singles? Like the ones you can pay 3.49 for or
something..
Sarah :)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 01:40:39 -0500
From: "R.C." <rchallen@clemson.campus.mci.net>
Subject: We Might Pack A Little Tight
re: Japanese "Brick" single for $21.49
The "Kate (Ska Remix)" and "Fair (Disco Remix)" are both cute ways of
saying these are the album versions with string sections added (much the
same way they did "Selfless" on the actual WAEA album). Neat to hear...
not really essential.
"Smoke (Live)" comes from the same KCRW sessions as "Alice" on NBP,
and boasts a real-live string section to boot. Very nice version, well
worth adding to any collection.
"Mitchell Lane" is, IMHO, one of BF5's finest B-sides ever. It boasts
that same sadly sentimental, late-November feeling as "Summer B,"
"Alice," and "Selfless." Very necessary. However... you can also find it
on one of the "Kate" import singles for less money.
So, all in all, the "Brick" single: 2 great B-sides, 2 pretty good
ones. Worth 21 odd bucks? I guess that depends on how big a fan you are.
I mean, I thought everyone on the Armchair would consider NBP an
absolute essential, but I was wrong about that one, too.
re: Eddie Walker
Yes, Eddie Walker is the NAME of a real person. Yes, he played with
Ben for a while, and he still plays with Ben's brother Chuck in both Bus
Stop and Snuzz.
Is everything in the song about him? Probably not... and who cares?
Not knowing the personal life history of Alice Childress... or how much
fact and fiction are involved with Tom and Mary... or even Ross and
Frank... doesn't really matter to me. Let the songs stand by themselves
and enjoy "Eddie Walker" for what it is: A great goose-bump-inducer in
the best Five tradition and one of the highlights of NBP.
- --rICH
Visit The RICH Homepage and check out the brand-new CD,
LIFE/DEATH... 15 songs of romance and retribution...
Available independently from Desperate Man Records.
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Stage/9035
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 03:57:07 EST
From: Emmaline20 <Emmaline20@aol.com>
Subject: VH1
yes I know, I'm breaking my promise yet again. I promise this will be the last
time unless I see like Robert walking in my local grocery store or Ben pumping
gas at the local Scumbies or Darren delivering newspapers or something...and
the likelihood of those happening aren't very high. To make what could be a
long posting short, I'd just like to say that I saw VH1 cross roads tonight at
3 am, and after all the fluff-namely vids, there was a short interview and
they played "Brick" which sounded really nice. I taped it...and well, that's
it. Good job guys!! A nice slap on the back is well deserved
Sarah :)
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 98 13:59:04 +0000
From: Simon Angling <simon@finlayson-design.co.uk>
Subject: Brick in UK
Has anyone heard about a UK release date for the single. I haven't noticed anyone mentioning a date.
Thanks, Simes
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 00:10:39 +1000
From: Ko <s342981@student.uq.edu.au>
Subject: another ben look-a-like
i was watching the tennis last night and thought how similar ben and jeff
tarango look.
or maybe it's just the hair line.
cheers,
christine :o)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 14:04:37 +0100
From: "Guillaume" <dakoolguy@hol.fr>
Subject: Re: my cd player is pretty shitty
Hi there (again) !
err, i think i have the same problem as Elisabeth ... my cd player stops
playing my WAEA cd when it reaches "00:27" during the song Kate (track 6).
It's hard to explain but it sounds like the cd is scratched, but what is
strange is that when i play the cd with another cd player, it works
perfectly... strange (maybe i'll call the producers of the x-files to solve
this extra-terrestrial problem) : ) ...
Any of you knows the solution to repair scratched cds ?? i want to listen
again my KATE !!!!
Sorry for this other stupid subject,
Guillaume, the french BFF fan : )
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 14:04:53 +0100
From: "Guillaume" <dakoolguy@hol.fr>
Subject: collector cd ?
Oh my god, maybe i have a collector NBP cd !!!
At the back of my cd, on the cover, the rocording date of "philosophy" is
3/18//97 with two ' / ' between the 18 and the 97... well, there are 2
possibilities:
1) there's a printing error on ALL the cds -> forget this posting
2) i have a collector cd -> i can sell it for $250,000 . You'll have to pay
cash, in a little case (please). I can send you back the case if you want
: )
Sorry for this stupid article (even if i was not kidding)... i'll do better
next time...
Bye,
Guillaume, the french BFF fan : )
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #774
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