THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR

The Ben Folds Five Digest

Issue #179 - February 2, 1997



                     THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #179
 
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Topics for Today:
 
      Battle Of = Steely dan for the '90s
      A bit like Ben Folds...
      BFF Rheostatics connection
      BFF Post
      Overwhelming
      Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #177
      Mr. Henry
      thanks for the music
      I would like this posted on the magical armchair please
      How can a U.S. fan acquire the Japanese version of "Whatever...
      Re: NME
      Philosophy Transcription
      Greensboro ain't that bad
      Re: Ben Folds on the TV
      Evil, EVIL! Tour dates
      Ben Folds Five interview
      The Whitlams
      Postcard?
      Postcards??
      Would it be possible to get the album early? Re: THE MAGICAL AR
 
 ==============================================================================


 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 13:27:31 +0000
 From: King Lava Lamp <JOA95JWA@sheffield.ac.uk>
 Subject: Battle Of = Steely dan for the '90s

 I got a promo of Battle Of Who Could Care Less and apart from the
 fact that its the best BFF song to date (although I remember thinking
 that about all the new ones they did live) it *really* makes me think
 of Steely Dan, with all the little references like 'dressed up like
 The Cure'.  I don't know whether it will get daytime radio play in
 the UK though because in the little bit of the song where it sounds
 like Ben's voice is being played backward, he says 'Franklin f***ing
 pier'(or something like that), and there's the weed reference, so who
 knows.   Mind you, the incoming breakfast show DJs on Radio 1 (UKs
 most important radio station, etc) are big fans...

 If you've not heard it yet, its worth the wait.

 JOHN A

 I'm a driver
 I'm a winner
 Things are gonna CHANGE I can feel it

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 13:33:04 +0000
 From: King Lava Lamp <JOA95JWA@sheffield.ac.uk>
 Subject: A bit like Ben Folds...

 I would recommend Jellyfish's first album 'Bellybutton'...Dave
 Matthews Band are a long way from Ben Folds Five to my mind, there's
 definitely stuff to fill that gap much better.  'It's A Shame Abiout
 Ray' by the Lemonheads ploughs similar lyrical territory at times...

 I'm stuck now.

 JOHN A

 I'm a driver
 I'm a winner
 Things are gonna CHANGE I can feel it

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 09:18:27 -0500
 From: Jon Lax <jon_lax@grey.net>
 Subject: BFF Rheostatics connection

 Item Type:  Note
 Date:  01/31/1997  (Friday)

 Canadian band The Rheostatics told a great Ben Folds Five
 story on stage at their gig in Toronto Dec. 22. I guess this
 story is common knowledge but the Rheos recounted a tale
 of when BFF opened for Everclear. At the last show of the
 tour, Everclear asked BFF to videotape their show. They
 handed them a videocam and BFF started to film. Halfway
 through the show BFF went back into Everclear's dressing
 room. Set up was lots of food for the end of tour party.

 BFF filmed themselves defiling the guacamole and salsa. They
 then filmed Everclear after the show feasting on the food. I
 guess Everclear had a bit of fright when they got home and
 watched the tape.

 Anyway, sorry if that story is common knowledge. But that
 story was told onstage by the Rheostatics to a full house.
 Now it seems the Rheos are playing BFF before gigs.

 Jon

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 09:52:37 -0500 (EST)
 From: Michael May <mmay@msmary.edu>
 Subject: BFF Post

 	Hi everyone! This is my first post to the magical armchair and I
 only have one question.  Does BFF have some sort of catalogue containing
 shirts, hats, etc?  I have found only one shirt at a small place around
 me, and although I haven't bought it yet, as soon as I go home for break,
 it will be mine.
 	ANy help in finding where to get BFF merchandise would be greatly
 appreciated.  Thank you see ya all later.

 Elmo

    [They are supposed to be selling merchandise through their web page at
 some point in the future when they get it up and running. Right now, link
 to http://www.bffweb.com and you get the Sony webpage. Keep checking. -fjm]

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 15:16:59 GMT
 From: Andy Hewitt <mbcx6adh@mh2.mcc.ac.uk>
 Subject: Overwhelming

 Can I just say thank you to all the people who wrote me to recommend
 cool music to me .
 Thak you .
 There , the list continues to provide invaluable services to all .

 One week and three days until the single ...

 Andy

 P.S. Individual replies will be sent , it's just that I've finished
 my last exam ten minutes ago and am going to go out and get
 horrendously drunk .
 Cheers

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 10:53:13 -0500 (EST)
 From: "Marc M. Gainey" <mgainey@ncwc.edu>
 Subject: Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR, Issue #177

 When is Ben-flods playing in NC or VA??  I need to know!

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 97 11:37:12 -0000
 From: Charles D Folds <4rachuck@concentric.net>
 Subject: Mr. Henry


 >I am currently playing in a band called Mr. Henry. We are based in New York
 > City but have been traveling around a bit. We played with Bus Stop in North
 > Carolina last autumn (thanks, Chuck)
 Your welcome, tom!
 I just want to let everyone know that Mr Henry kicks ass!
 I highly recommend checkin them out, no doubt you will be hearing about
 them one day soon.
 take care
 chuck folds

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 11:43:19 -0600
 From: Justin Baker <jbaker@olivet.edu>
 Subject: thanks for the music

 Hello all.  This is my first time writing in to this nice mailing
 list.  I wanted to say thanks though for whoever gave information on
 the guitar chords for BBF music.  I never thought there'd be such a
 thing.  I just wanted to say thanks.  Justin

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 10:26:27 -0800 (PST)
 From: Steven Ned Smith <callned@intergate.bc.ca>
 Subject: I would like this posted on the magical armchair please

 hello,  I am a bff fan in canada, unfortunately anything by the band is hard
 to come by up here, I have the debut album and thats it, I would be very
 interested in swapping tapes with someone so that I can aquire some rare
 stuff, I have about 700 cd's so I can probably accomadate some one out there
 or make you a really cool tape of a bunch of canadian bands you have never
 heard of, also bff are playing here on mar 30 backing up the counting crows
 in a fairly large theater, which is s***ty because I am selfish and I wanted
 to see them in a small club! I would also like info on how to get on a
 decent chat line that talks about music, maybe someone can help me as im new
 to this whole computer thing  thanks hope to hear from you soon at
 callned@intergate.bc.ca

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 14:12:12 -0600
 From: Dan Mauer <dmauer@earthlink.net>
 Subject: How can a U.S. fan acquire the Japanese version of "Whatever..."?

 I guess the subject says it all... living in the U.S., I don't want to
 wait until march to get the new album, and I DEFINATELY want a copy of
 Song for the Dumped in Japanese (which I understand is a bonus track
 only on the japanese release)... does anyone know a record
 store/company/online service or whatever where I might be able to get
 ahold of the import?

 thanks...

 -dan.

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 15:18:55 -0400 (EDT)
 From: KEN <Walczakm@ACS.WOOSTER.EDU>
 Subject: Re: NME

 On January 30, Robert McGovern wrote (from NME):

 "BEN FOLD FIVE: Whatever and Ever Amen(Sony) Depending on how you look at it,
  more miserable faffing around, or another LP of witty tunes from this North
  Carolina-based trio-out Monday
  __________________

  What the Hell is that supposed to mean? miserable faffing about? I don't think
  I could describe any of their music as miserable."

         What you have to remember, Mr. McGovern, is that NME is hardly the
 arbiter of sophisticated musical taste for the UK. They're a sensationalist
 publication who finds it impossible to sell a sufficient number of copies
 if they don't: A. Introduce the "newest sound," which is supposedly nothing
 like the one they introduced the WEEK before, and B. kiss Oasis' ass a lot.
 And while neither of these goals are bad per se, they aren't the sort of
 ideals that a magazine which endorses Ben Folds Five would select. BFF is a
 complex and innovative band whose music is neither derivative nor widely
 imitated -- two characteristics essential for receiving the New Musical
 Express seal of approval. It's disappointing that they find the new album
 "miserable," but hardly surprising.


 KEN

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 18:29:31 -0500
 From: "James A. Harton" <jaharton@csrlink.net>
 Subject: Philosophy Transcription

 I have a photocopy of the Philosophy transcription that I'd be more than
 glad to send to anyone provided they send me an SASE or a bootleg.  Contact
 me privately by email or send SASE and/or bootleg to:

 J.A. Harton
 516 West Beaver Av.
 State College, PA 16801

 It shall be yours (and to the guy who sent me his address, I misplaced it
 and lost your email address in a nasty harddrive crash)

 And the transcription is from Japan, it comes with a humorous ad.

 James A. Harton
      jaharton@csrlink.net
      http://www.geocities.com/~organicsoul
 have you seen the Busload of Faith Website yet?
      http://www.personal.psu.edu/als164/busload.html
 "it's got organic soul"

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 22:00:34 -0500 (EST)
 From: ChefDNeal@aol.com
 Subject: Greensboro ain't that bad

 Hello Folks,
 I am from Greensboro, NC and have had the pleasure of knowing and seeing BFF
 since their inception (even when they were called Dear Rosetta Stone). I have
 been reading the Armchair for awhile and it is a thrill to see just how big
 this thing has gotten. I was recently at one of the band members siblings
 houses and we were talking about going to see Mojosha years ago and how we
 thought they would "make it". Little did we know the big things that were in
 their future.
 Robert used to play in a band called Toxic Popsicle that kicked ass for
 awhile. The guys that he used to play with have a band called "Been Caught
 Steeling" you should check them out.
 I have lots to tell you but I am being called away.......all for now
 David

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Sat, 01 Feb 1997 16:15:16 -0600
 From: rws1@worldnet.att.net
 Subject: Re: Ben Folds on the TV

 >>Also, we've all taken notice to my posts and others abut the Barenaked
 Ladies >>playing the BFF album at their concerts right? Well yet another
 band has done >>the same,

 This was a while ago, Nov 29 to be exact, but at a They Might Be Giants
 concert in Milwaukee, the BFF album was played right before the show
 started.   Me and my friend were going crazy and singing and dancing, and
 then as I looked around, I noticed that there was a good amount of other
 people singing and dancing.  Just something I thought you might like to
 know.  Todd

 Visit Todd's TMBG / BFF Web Page at:
 http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/7209

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Sun, 2 Feb 97 15:43 EST
 From: Clayton W Nicholson <cwn48400@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu>
 Subject: Evil, EVIL! Tour dates

 Ack! Cruel, cruel world, why do you spite me?
 Counting Crows is playing at the UCF arena in Orlando, which happens to be a
 2 minute drive from my dorm. But no, once again BFF will not be attending.
 (I speak in reference to their connection to Lollapalooza, but they weren't
 at the South florida fairgrounds show because they had been to a local
 theater there last June 4th) Are the tour dates for the Florida area online
 anywhere? It definately demands a road trip.

 BTW, I am a poor soul with no dealings in Bootlegs, I would gladly pay
 someone S&H and tape costs for a bootleg! Plus a few bucks just for being a
 nice person.

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Sun, 02 Feb 1997 19:10:17 -0800
 From: Benjy Portnoy <c688204@showme.missouri.edu>
 Subject: Ben Folds Five interview

 Hey there--

 Great page.  Wanted to let you know that I interviewed the band last
 year and have posted it on my collection of stories.  The collection of
 six interviews is reachable at:
 http://www.missouri.edu/~c688204/interviews.html
 and the BF5 story is reachable directly at:
 http://www.missouri.edu/~c688204/benfoldsfiveinterview.html

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 11:43:51 +1100 (EST)
 From: Derek Scott <scoco@netspace.net.au>
 Subject: The Whitlams

 Hey there
 Andy Hewitt wrote:

    [excessive quoting deleted by moderator]
 > Can anybody recommend bands along the same lines or in a similar
 > style to Ben Folds Five as I love BFF so much that I will probably
 > like the others too ?
 There's an Australian band called The Whitlams, which I love. They have two
 pianos and drums and bass I think, and they're sorta along similar lines as
 BF5. I dunno if you'd be able to get hold of anything, depending on where
 you are, but if you're interested, email me.
 Claire. :)

 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 !                               Claire                               !
 ! "i want to live and breathe. i want to be part of the human race." !
 !                                     -radiohead                     !
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 ==============================================================================

 Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 06:23:38 -0500 (EST)
 From: Brad654@aol.com
 Subject: Postcard?

 What is this postcard, and how do I get one? Is this a mailing list of some
 kind? Have I offended the gods so that Ben doesn't want me to be on this
 mailing list?

 Brad

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 11:43:55 +1100 (EST)
 From: Derek Scott <scoco@netspace.net.au>
 Subject: Postcards??

 So, okay. I've been reading these last few posts and several ppl have been
 talking bout postcards. WHAT'S GOING ON? Can someone please tell me what
 this is all about? I'm just a poor little girl stuck down here in Australia
 (hey, I love this country but we always get left out!) and I have a feeling
 we've missed out yet again. Well, maybe it's just me being slow and stupid,
 but I'd still like to know about it.
 Claire.

 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 !                               Claire                               !
 ! "i want to live and breathe. i want to be part of the human race." !
 !                                     -radiohead                     !
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 ==============================================================================

 Date: Sun, 02 Feb 1997 23:46:46 -0500
 From: Mike Piccuirro <mikeman@pegasus.rutgers.edu>
 Subject: Would it be possible to get the album early? Re: THE MAGICAL ARMCHAIR,
  Issue #177

 Does anyone know where the BFF fans who can't wait for the US release
 get the Japanese version?  Would it be possible to get it in The States?
                 -Mike     http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~mikeman
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