THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR

The Ben Folds Five Digest

Issue #1147 - July 31, 1998



Magical Armchair Digest     Friday, July 31 1998     Volume 01 : Number 1147



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TOPICS IN THIS DIGEST:

    Recovery "Drag" video
    ah, the kids..
    I am new, and a review!
    the queer video
    SNZ and Ben.
    Interview
    Newbie, right here.
    lots o bentent
    27th July sydney bootleg
    Ben & Robert Speak On Covers
    I should submit a disclaimer...
    Ahh, why not one more question?
    uh...just a little comment
    Herwwoh! HurHurHurHurHurHur...
    Herwwoh! HurHurHurHurHurHur...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 17:54:42 PDT 
From: "Cheryl ." <chezza@hotmail.com>
Subject: Recovery "Drag" video

If anyone wants a copy of this, drop me an email as I taped it... the 
only thing is, Aussie videos are PAL, and USA use NTSC (could be the 
other way around.)

It is only about 5 minutes, and they didn't say much... the interviewer 
(Dylan) is a real wanker and talked over them the whole time, but 
anyway. 

>Any of you aussies that would be lovely enough to let me pay for 
>bootlegs, the
>t.v. show thing with the boys in drag, I would GLADLY do it!!!!!!!! 
>PLEASE
>HELP A POOR American who has never seen Darren in a blonde wig! :)


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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 22:04:35 -0400
From: Jessica Brandt <jbrandt@kent.edu>
Subject: ah, the kids..

>>No that was the guy from Fastball. Ben wouldn't be in a "queer" video.
>>
>>Jess
>damn you to hell.  SNZ are not that bad.

Whoops, i forgot to put on my sarcasm blinkers.

Damn me not to hell, for I like SNZ better than BFF, and you can quote me
on that.

Jess

****************************************************************
        I'm not just naked, I'm Naked for Jesus!!!
        *      --+-Read The Shrubbery-+--        *      
          http://www.theshrubbery.prohosting.com    
        --New Every Month- -Humor, News and More--
        
         * Ben Folds Five International Fans Page *
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/6814/fans.html 
       --Get a "Ben" Pal-  -Now Spans 11 Countries--
****************************************************************

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 19:12:11 PDT 
From: "Maree Fewster" <ree37@hotmail.com>
Subject: I am new, and a review!

Hello, I'm Maree from Melbourne Australia, I'm female, 19 and have 
adored Ben Folds Five for about two years now.  

I saw them for the second time last Friday - 24/7!  They were absolutely 
fantastic.  Although I did read a review this morning that definatley 
thought otherwise.  Anyway, I'd say everyone but that one reviewer 
thought the show was ace.  It was at a theatre, so for the most part the 
audience was forced to remain seated.   But I reckon this was THE only 
bad thing about the performance.  I had forgotten just how exhilerated 
you feel while watching them.  They played all the favoutites, even 
Steven's Last Night...!!!  The show reached it's peak when Julliane, One 
Angry Dwarf and Underground were played in succesion!  There was no way 
I was sitting on my seat baby.

They just sounded fantastic, the applause before the encore was 
unbelievable.  Oh and yes, the quieter moments of the show were so very 
touching.  Brick was beautiful and Evaporated brought a tear to the eye.  
Please come back, and please play at a smaller place like you did last 
year.  I want to "get jiggy widit"!!!!!!!

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 22:17:18 -0400
From: Sean Kiely <seank@CYBERNEX.NET>
Subject: the queer video

christ it was a joke. a very funny one at that. I laughed for quite a
few minutes. My goodness if some of the people on this list would just
lighten up. Look at the band this list is based on. A band with songs
about girls who look like Axel Rose, angry dwarves, upset boyfriends who
want their black tee shirt back, etc. etc. No need to jump all over
everyone if they make a mistake, or *god forbid* make a joke! Is someone
gonna yell at me for referencing god now?

sean

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 22:24:27 EDT
From: PSYCHOPAF@aol.com
Subject: SNZ and Ben.

In a message dated 98-07-29 22:18:03 EDT, you write:

<< I am the only one who caught the thinly disguised homophobic slam at the 
 Squirrel Nut Zippers? First off Ben is in the video because they are all 
 Chapel Hill bands and they are FRIENDS!! Second, production was done by 
 friend of Ben and director BF5 video's, Norwood Cheek of Chapel Hill. He 
 is a long time staple in the scene around there and has been in many 
 awesome bands himself (anyone remember the Sex Police?). As far as I've 
 seen no one in either band is gay but WHO CARES if they are- don't be so 
 ignorant! If you don't like SNZ then fine but don't slam Ben for 
 choosing to be in his friends' videos and watch the homophobic insults! >>

  - -I agree. The music was cool, and the video wasn't that bad, but it takes
a lot of nerve to bash any music. Just my opinion.

One Angry Dwarf,
Amy

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 12:50:40 EST 
From: "Lauren Hinchey" <firefly_19@hotmail.com>
Subject: Interview

Hi there people,
I have just been to the Channel [V] website and they have an the text of 
an interview there of Ben when he was in Australia in February this 
year. 

just thought I'd let you all know
Lauren.H

BTW: I should prolly tell you the address
http://www.channelv.com.au 
   *I'm crazy but I get the job done!*
       Ben Folds Five ~ Philosophy

       *All my friends are fuckups, 
      but they're fun to have around*
The Whitlams ~ You sound like Louis Burdett
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 20:00:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: Annemarie Sausser <spacegrl@sfsu.edu>
Subject: Newbie, right here.

HELLO EVERYONE!

1) This list is rockin' like Dokken.

2) I have the Conan O'Brien appearance on tape if anyone wants it, because
F*&% YEAH I wanna trade tapes.  (Julie had mentioned it in Digest #1145.)

3) Fan club = I'm there.  I'd love to be a part of starting one, so if
anyone needs help, my resources are at your disposal.  I'd be particularly
interested in helping/starting a San Francisco/Bay Area "chapter".

4) Here's my BFF story, for what it's worth: I turned on the TV at 11pm
PST sometime last year (I think?), flipped channels and landed on
Sessions@West 54th. The announcer said - in that disturbingly inert voice
- - "Tonight on Session: Beck and Ben Folds Five."  I was like "Cool, I love
Beck! Who the hell is Ben Folds Five?"  Then Chris said "If you're not a
fan already, you'll be one after you hear this."  Okay, whatever dude. 
But I was completely and utterly mesmerized.  They fulfill/ed every
musical need I've ever had... classically trained, smart/clever/honest
lyrics, the ability to go from rockin' your pants off to sheer melancholy,
the fact that they seemed to be enjoying what they're doing, and just how
f-ing HARD they work for their money.  My sun rises and sets to them now!

Goodnight Cleveland!
- -AnneMarie

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 22:59:27 EDT
From: Vwbugn5890@aol.com
Subject: lots o bentent

<<-I saw a video on MTV Europe.  It was this skeevy rap version of Kung Fu
Fighting and the rapper was this goofy white homeboy with an odd tattoo over
his eye.  The band name?  Bus Stop.>>

i was in europe a couple weeks ago and i saw that video too...funny how Chuck
Folds' band is named the same thing...let's just hope he won't do a cover of
Kung Fu Fighting (or maybe that would be a good cover for BFF to do) j/k :)

<<Yes he does play with his elbows and forearms sometimes...ever see the video
for SFTD? I rest my case.>>

i think he/she more was focusing on the fact the article said that Ben Folds
Five was a person instead of just using Ben's name

shan
"Got Ben Folds on my radio right now" ~ Counting Crows

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 13:41:49 +1000
From: Karen <pink_fly@hotmail.com>
Subject: 27th July sydney bootleg

I've noticed a few posts from people who would like the bootleg of the
first sydney show...
I taped the show so if anyone wants a copy email me sometime.
I'd be willing to trade.. Only thing is, I missed out on 4 songs in the
middle because I forgot to switch sides (stupid me).
So if anyone still wants it, get back to me at this address

Karen.

- --
sometimes I feel like I'm drunk behind the wheel, the wheel of possibility,

however it may roll.
                         - tony scalzo

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 00:42:26 EDT
From: JKFett@aol.com
Subject: Ben & Robert Speak On Covers

This should help add a little spice to that age-old question about BFF covers:

Rolling Stone: You're known for performing cover tunes on tour. Is there one
that you've been dying to play?

Robert Sledge: We played "Femme Fatale" [by the Velvet Underground] in
Bradford, England. And I was playing it and singing it and [then] the whole
front row started singing it. And it was really weird because I realized I
didn't know the whole second verse and I thought I could get away with it and
mumble something. And they're in front of me, knowing all the words, kind of
glaring at me going, 'you should know it too, you started it.'

Ben Folds: I would love to just go out and do a tour of covers. There are so
many people who consistently write in such a way that I feel like a good
singer, which I don't consider myself when I'm singing my own stuff. Like a
Neil Young -- I could just do Neil Young songs all night. That would be fine
- -- all of a sudden I would feel like I could sing.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 00:52:23 EDT
From: JKFett@aol.com
Subject: I should submit a disclaimer...

It has been brought to my attention that, "your post... were you being
sarcastic or ignorant?" And I am sure that I will be too slow in saving my
dignity  here but... Sarcasm is "my ally, and a powerful ally it is." But it
has also been brought to my attention that, "of course you're the one with the
infamous "interview" so people already dislike you. It's the truth." Maybe I
should just stop posting...but I thought I would clarify myself for those
unwise enough to understand the word, "sarcasm."
~JK

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 00:58:25 EDT
From: JKFett@aol.com
Subject: Ahh, why not one more question?

Alright, subjecting myself yet to further bashing, I am going to ask if anyone
has that obviously rare "Party Night: Five Songs About Jesus" ep that BFF
self-produced. Or is that including tracks like "Kalamazoo," "Cool Whip," and
"Rocky?"
Another thing, does anyone have a copy of BFF's performance on Larry Sanders?
"Dr. Pyser" is one of my fav BFF tunes and would be willing to trade some
other bootlegs for it.
~Thanks,
Dan

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 03:16:57 EDT
From: GLYCRNGRL@aol.com
Subject: uh...just a little comment

<>

oh no, dont mention that....we all really wouldnt want to hear about it, just
gloat to yourself about it like a NICE person.

- -Abby

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 09:55:21 +0100
From: daveraj@postmaster.co.uk
Subject: Herwwoh! HurHurHurHurHurHur...

Hello all you dedicated BFF fans out there,

Allow me to introduce myself (maniacal cackles abound). Hmmm. sorry about
that
little outburst. I've been watching you armchairers for quite a while now
from
the rafters, now I'm ready to jump down and scare you all senseless! (Waa
haa
haa haa) I'm a BFF fan from the good 'ol UK! I've been listening to BFF for

about two years now spreading the BFF bug to everybody I could during that
period. The first BFF song I ever heard was Underground and from that
moment on
I was hooked. My interest in BFF has never really waned although the music
press over here has grown a considerable like to them (NME et al). It makes
me
sick solmetimes that they could praise "Underground" so much when it came
out
as a single and then completely slag off "Naked Baby Photos". Music
journalists
are so fickle!
Oh yeah, while I remember. Calling all UK BFF fans!!! Come on! I KNOW
YOU'RE
out there!

POINTLESS FACTS ABOUT MESELF:

- - I go to university in Manchester (where I saw my first BFF gig at the MDH

last year)
- - Brick is not my favourite BFF song (so I'm in with BFF for the long
haul!)
- - My favourite BFF song is: Where's Summer B? (I don't know what I like
about
it in particular)
- - A few other bands/artist(e)s I listen to:
Eagle Eye Cherry
Del Amitri
Jamiroquai
Sheryl Crow
Finley Quaye
Super Furry Animals
but most of all... BEN FOLDS FIVE!!!!!

I DEFY ANYONE TO COME UP WITH ANYONE WHO MAKES COOLER MUSIC...... I excuse
me
while I get my breath back.

By the way I think that "Air" is a cool soundtrack song. How is this for
trainspotting, if you ever go and see Godzilla (which is OK to turn your
brains
off in front of for a few hours), listen very carefully when the main
scientist
gut (I forget his name) goes into the pharmacy, in the background it's
playing
there. I also spotted Jamiroquai's "Deeper Underground" somewhere but I
forget
now.

I hope I haven't ostracised myself with this email, from all you
armchairers in
one fell swoop.

- - dave

'They hold my hand and ask me to pull through
 A voice I know says "Dear, he probably can't hear you..." '
- - Air - Ben Folds Five
___________________________________
To sign up for a free email account, visit http://www.postmaster.co.uk.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 09:55:21 +0100
From: daveraj@postmaster.co.uk
Subject: Herwwoh! HurHurHurHurHurHur...

Hello all you dedicated BFF fans out there,

Allow me to introduce myself (maniacal cackles abound). Hmmm. sorry about
that
little outburst. I've been watching you armchairers for quite a while now
from
the rafters, now I'm ready to jump down and scare you all senseless! (Waa
haa
haa haa) I'm a BFF fan from the good 'ol UK! I've been listening to BFF for

about two years now spreading the BFF bug to everybody I could during that
period. The first BFF song I ever heard was Underground and from that
moment on
I was hooked. My interest in BFF has never really waned although the music
press over here has grown a considerable like to them (NME et al). It makes
me
sick solmetimes that they could praise "Underground" so much when it came
out
as a single and then completely slag off "Naked Baby Photos". Music
journalists
are so fickle!
Oh yeah, while I remember. Calling all UK BFF fans!!! Come on! I KNOW
YOU'RE
out there!

POINTLESS FACTS ABOUT MESELF:

- - I go to university in Manchester (where I saw my first BFF gig at the MDH

last year)
- - Brick is not my favourite BFF song (so I'm in with BFF for the long
haul!)
- - My favourite BFF song is: Where's Summer B? (I don't know what I like
about
it in particular)
- - A few other bands/artist(e)s I listen to:
Eagle Eye Cherry
Del Amitri
Jamiroquai
Sheryl Crow
Finley Quaye
Super Furry Animals
but most of all... BEN FOLDS FIVE!!!!!

I DEFY ANYONE TO COME UP WITH ANYONE WHO MAKES COOLER MUSIC...... I excuse
me
while I get my breath back.

By the way I think that "Air" is a cool soundtrack song. How is this for
trainspotting, if you ever go and see Godzilla (which is OK to turn your
brains
off in front of for a few hours), listen very carefully when the main
scientist
gut (I forget his name) goes into the pharmacy, in the background it's
playing
there. I also spotted Jamiroquai's "Deeper Underground" somewhere but I
forget
now.

I hope I haven't ostracised myself with this email, from all you
armchairers in
one fell swoop.

- - dave

'They hold my hand and ask me to pull through
 A voice I know says "Dear, he probably can't hear you..." '
- - Air - Ben Folds Five
___________________________________
To sign up for a free email account, visit http://www.postmaster.co.uk.

------------------------------

End of Magical Armchair Digest V1 #1147
***************************************


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