THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR
The Ben Folds Five Digest
Issue #809 - February 7, 1998
Magical Armchair Digest Saturday, February 7 1998 Volume 01 : Number 809
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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #807
Really Really Bad Idea....
recording....
Tonya & Nancy & the Observer
Mass MAers-listen!
the guys on good morning america
BFF In Portland, Oregon
Re: BFF in CMJ
Jeff & Ben & 500 Web Search Engines for Porn
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #807
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #805
Video killed the radiostar
Shit yeah it's cool
Marcy Playground
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #808
extra tickets? please help, i have what you want for them!
Uncle Walter
plus ben also has aids like freddy mercury
Misc. NBP questions
Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #806...Twin Falls
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:32:02 -0500
From: "Chad Sarles" <wsarles@indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #807
Hey all,
I added a few files to my web site. I have added some mp3's of the demo
tape and the SNL preformance.
Check out the Underground Demo.. The last minute or so is pure funk!
http://php.indiana.edu/~wsarles/bffmp3.html - Ben Folds Five Audio Archive
Have fun!
Chad
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:26:07, -0500
From: TuxedoKamen1@prodigy.com (MR MAMORU E CHIBA)
Subject: Really Really Bad Idea....
I'd just like to say I strongly support this classification system,
I think it's the best idea I've seen on the MA yet. Not only do I
think it's a great idea, but I have a few suggestions...
1. Anyone who is not a Uncle Plastic Bitch should have the of
praising all the UPB and telling them how cool they are. As a matter
of fact, for those BFF Fans who aren't fortunate enough to find
Singles, Bootlegs, and Imports they should constantly suck up to the
UPBs and try and get copies of tapes.
2. To join the MA there should now be some sort of Initiation Ritual
to avoid further allowing Brick heads (or whatever they're called) to
join. The UPB could make a long list of questions about Ben, Robert,
Darren and their Music and if An applicant doesn't answer enough
questions correctly then they cannot join the Armchair...
These are just my wonderful ideas, only mine....
- --Ian
____
Tuxedo|
| Kamen
@---->----------->-----
Visit My Homepage<under construction>:
http://pages.prodigy.com/tuxkamen/slrmnfc.htm
Continuing Story Addict:
http://pages.prodigy.com/kp.ens/sm_ffic.htm
"This is the part I wouldn't show you. The part where you say, 'I
don't even know you.' this is your cue. Be glad it's through."
- -Jawbreaker "Jet Black"
"This is the story you won't tell the kids we'll never have."
- -Jawbreaker "Sluttering (May 4th)"
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 02:45:23 +0000
From: Nancy Bennett <n.bennett@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: recording....
i think i read this some where....that you can bring a handheld tape
recorder to a BFF show, does anyone know if that is true or not???? cause
ya....and it also said, if you do record the show, its only for private
use..so is this true or not, cause i would so like to have it on tape!!!!
well thanks to anyone who responds....~Kristi~
"being awake never felt so clear and blue" ~BFF~
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:51:49 EST
From: SweetyWon@aol.com
Subject: Tonya & Nancy & the Observer
This is so strange, during a brief second of the interview, right before
they cut to commercial, they played BFF!! Kinda freaky.
Also, if you live in or around Dallas, pick up a Dallas Observer. They
feature BFF as the main article in the music section. They even mention The
Magical Armchair!!
Chow,
Deidre
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:14:59 -0500
From: jaedonely@juno.com
Subject: Mass MAers-listen!
Hey guys...
okay, today Thursday night, Song For The Dumped is the reigning three day
champeen on Suck or Not on WFNX, 101.7, boston area. Anyone from MA, you
should call the station @ 900 (1-781-595-1017) on Friday night and
tonight, too, and help support BFF. Give them another win. I myself
ADORE hearing SFTD on the radio. Its grand. I jump around.
BFF does not suck!
~Elisabeth
OOhhh, and Tues. night, some bitch said "their 15 min of fame are over"
Good god I was mad.
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 22:14:41 EST
From: GrnEgNham@aol.com
Subject: the guys on good morning america
To JCannery who was wondering:
They were on GMA for a millisecond. My mom saw it and by the time she
popped in a tape it was practically over. It was a short segment about 'up
and coming' bands. At the end, mr. reporter declared ben folds five 'cool
pop.' shit yeah they're cool. oh goddamn. 'tis all.
emily :-)
i have no idea what i am b/c i got mad and never bothered to read all those
posts about who's an uncle plastic walter emaline. i'm just going to be sports
and wine. is that a category yet?
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 22:16:45 EST
From: MegsW28@aol.com
Subject: BFF In Portland, Oregon
I got the privilege of seeing Ben Folds Five in concert and it was awesome!
(The show was at the venue La Luna in Portland, Oregon). I had the flu and
felt miserable, but the show totally took my mind off of it. They were
incredibly friendly with the audience and played about 16 songs, which was
great.
~Megan~ :-)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 22:21:18 EST
From: MegsW28@aol.com
Subject: Re: BFF in CMJ
I think it's the bassist (Robert Sledge) on the bass. (Not like the bass
guitar, but like an orchestral bass).
~Megs~ :-)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 22:27:17 -0500
From: Richard Challen <rchallen@clemson.campus.mci.net>
Subject: Jeff & Ben & 500 Web Search Engines for Porn
Would YOU like to increase your web traffic OVERNIGHT!!
CLICK HERE!!!!
http://www.spamsucks.ass
But anyway, being an older Jeff Buckley fan than Ben Folds fan (by about
a year), and being obsessive about both (at least to the point of
dropping too much money on import singles and such), I take Ben's
comments for what they are: A humorous, but touching, tribute. And I'm
very disappointed that the Jeff Armchair (or whatever the equivalent) is
up in arms over his remark. Of course, I'm sure plenty of them just
think of BF5 as "that 'Brick' band on MTV." Pity.
Too bad Jeff's not still around. I bet he could've done a mean version
of "Selfless, Cold & Composed." And I'll agree with Ben on all counts:
Jeff's a better singer. Ben's a better pianist. They're both excellent
songwriters in their own idioms. Lovely additions to the "B" section,
along with Brad, Big Star, the Beatles, and, of course, the Backstreet
Boys.
Can't we like more than one band? (And can't we all, um, get along...)
- --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: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:40:21 -0600 (CST)
From: "Edward A. Weinstein" <wein0047@gold.tc.umn.edu>
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #807
Marcus Kamp wrote:
> That is a live version of SFtD. Read the liner notes--Ben talks about
> how quiet Japanese crowds are & any other recording anybody's ever made
> in that country bears this statement out. Also, listen to how different
> the drum part is @ the beginning & how much Robert screws around w/his
> pickups during the break. C'mon, people, we're supposed to support
> BFF--that's the whole point of this list--not accuse them of putting a
> studio track out & calling it "live"--or debate Radiohead lyrics for
> that matter. I'm sure Radiohead has several lists of their own!
OK-- I guess I'm out of lurk mode for an extended peiod of time (two whole
postings).... to clarify:
I was referring to the version of Song For The Dumped sang *in Japanese*
and not the one on Naked Baby Photos. The statement "read the liner
notes" is rather offensive and presumptuous, and I would encourage
anyone and everyone to think about how potentially offensive what they
write is.
And yes, for the record, I have heard the Japanese version of that song
referred to as "live" before.
Has the list degenerated to the point where people are so eager to tell
each other they're wrong that they don't even bother to think about the
fact that they might be talking about two (or more) different things?
Ed
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 23:23:33 EST
From: BlueJellow@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #805
In a message dated 98-02-04 21:32:13 EST, you write:
<< I have a tattoo
of the BF5 piano logo on my right ass cheek >>
Now that's a REAL fan!
Love and BFF
Lucy *Emaline*
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 20:29:59 PST
From: "Chantel Crossman" <chantel79@hotmail.com>
Subject: Video killed the radiostar
I was wondering whether anybody has a copy of "Video Killed the
Radiostar" that they would like to trade with me. I have some pictures
of Darren that have never been seen before, and are dying to be viewed
by others.
If you want more details, just write back
Chantel
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------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 23:55:57 EST
From: SnchzLdScp@aol.com
Subject: Shit yeah it's cool
blb-
I just wanted you to know I agree.
- -Mandy:)
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:40:49 -0500
From: john_oc@juno.com
Subject: Marcy Playground
This is off topic...but someone asked this question and I am in the radio
business, so I thought I should take a crack at answering.
Marcy Playground never got popular in 1997 because of a poor release
date. It did get added by some stations in March, ie. my station, but
the market is sooo saturated that time of year that songs don't generally
do well when they come from an unknown band like Marcy Playground. But
this time of year, especially in the few weeks labels don't release
nearly as much music. This is because of the public's purchasing habits
and while people are paying there credit card bills, very few albums are
released. This is why Marcy Playground got a second chance. There
wasn't an album to be released, but they did have single they thought
they could push, so they did. The times were weak and it was one of the
few songs they could have added, so radio stations responded by choosing
Sex and Candy as they big winter add. Great planning by the label. Of
course my station, WOBN 101.5 The Rock did not add it, because it had
already been big, and our listeners were familiar with it.
I hope that clears some things up.
John Boyer, Uncle Plastic Bitch.
WOBN Assistant Music Director
"As for me, I could leave the world with nothing but today in my eyes."
--Truman Capote
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------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 00:00:20 EST
From: THANEZRA4@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #808
i will pay $26
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 00:03:12 EST
From: THANEZRA4@aol.com
Subject: extra tickets? please help, i have what you want for them!
i am desperate for a ticket to the st louis show on valentines day. i will
give you whatever you want, i just need one. if you want something and have an
extra ticket, e-mail me at thanezra@aol.com. thank you,
- -timme-
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 00:06:21 -0500 (EST)
From: Glitter Girl <starfish@email.unc.edu>
Subject: Uncle Walter
Hey!
This message is mostly for Suzanne, who posted the Uncle Walter/Walter
Cronkite comparison. I read somewhere (one of the various articles posted
on the web) that Uncle Walter is based on a woman Ben knows, but that he
developed the story to such a degree that it wasn't even really about her
anymore. I just re-read that sentence, I'm not sure I'm making much
sense. But Carolina just beat Duke, so I'm in a bit of a haze right now,
and I'm surprised I'm at all coherent. Anyway, back on track...as far as
I know, there's not a connection, but I can see how there could be one.
On the subject of connections, I just read The Remains of the Day by
Kazuo Ishiguro (read it! It's really good! And the movie rocks too!),
and was thinking how much the butler is like the subject of "Selfless,
Cold, and Composed." Always hiding his emotions, and frustrating the hell
out of the person in his life, though constantly giving of himself and
being "selfless," though "cold and composed." A stretch, I know. Anyway, I
KNOW there's no link there, but it just struck me as very appropriate.
Yeah.
Okay, that's it from me in Chapel Hill. Til later...
Lee
a person who refuses to be categorized
Oh, and here's my shout-out to Spencer C. - the coolest person on the
chair. Keep glittering! ; )
: ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 00:37:08 EST
From: Rocketno8@aol.com
Subject: plus ben also has aids like freddy mercury
"it's okay to like Queen, man. They rock"-Robert
i can hear a bit of Queen in BF5. it'd be cool for them to cover a Queen song,
maybe "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Fat-Bottom Girls." however, i think the #1song
i'd like to hear them do is Elvis Costello's "Alison." even though the
original version didn't have piano, it would translate really well
nonetheless. plus i prefer the hearty serious covers a la "Twin Falls" to the
goofy if entertaining ones a la "She Don't Use Jelly."
here are the names of the string players from Horde and on the string versions
of "Smoke," "Fair," and "Kate":Jane Scarpantoni, cello;Lorenzo Ponce,
violin;Heather Paauwe, violin;Dylan Williams, viola.
"Evaporated"is, besides "Cigarette," the only song off WAEA i haven't seen
them play live, which isn't such a bad thing. it's okay to slow things down a
few times, but not too much. "Brick" will stay part of their live repotoire
for a long long time, and "Missing the War" is one of my favorites and is
often used to open shows. i was irked that they didn't play "Boxing" last time
in Philly, but it didn't bother me too much. as long as they keep playing
"War," "Selfless," and "Smoke"(oh yeah, an' all those upbeat numbers too), i'm
happy.
speaking of "Missing the War," Ben has said that it is the "sister song" to
"Last Polka,"(another of my favorites) which i guess means that they're
interrelated lyrically, though i'm not sure exactly how. i think they might be
played in the same key. plus they're both track 11 on their respective albums,
and they're one after the other if you alphabetize all the BF5 songs(geez, can
i overanalyze these things).
i hope my long-ass post is appreciated,
dr.rocket
p.s."brick" with dance beats edited over it is just plain evil. all of the
dance-mixers of the world should be drug out into the street and shot before
every song in existence has that annoying 4/4 bass drum rhythm!
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 22:59:51 -0800
From: Michael Maas <maas931@uidaho.edu>
Subject: Misc. NBP questions
Hi, all. I have a few questions about NBP, for whoever knows.
Who plays the guitar on "Emaline?"
On "Fanny Packs," I assume it's Darren doing most of the talking, with
Robert doing the "ooh god damn" thing at the beginning, and Ben doing the
rest?
Also on "Fanny Packs," what's the story with the "I can't give you any more
monitor..." bit? Were they told this by some sound guy somewhere and
they're making fun of him?
Is there a consesus on the story/meaning of "Eddie Walker?" Sounds like an
amnesia victim to me...
Thanks,
Mike
- --
Michael Maas
maas931@uidaho.edu
http://www.uidaho.edu/~maas931/
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 02:32:39 EST
From: MeandMrRay@aol.com
Subject: Re: Magical Armchair Digest V1 #806...Twin Falls
Hi everyone.
I just noticed in my posting, when mentioning Built to Spill, I
said that the record with Twin Falls is "Nothings Wrong with Love", when in
fact its "There's Nothing Wrong with Love" It was late when I made the
post.... Sorry bout that.
Greg.
------------------------------
End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #809
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