Thursday, April17, 1997 ~be ~quinas Page 11 ---------------ROYALLIFE Ben Folds Five to perform in Philadelphia By KATE GROARK released Whatever and Ever as the crux to the personal music Aquinas Royalliie Editor Amen, a first for the 550 Records of Folds, Darren Jessee (drums), label. and Robert Sledge (bass). "Thank God for old friends The album was recorded in They are real people with and good music." September-October 1996 in the real stories ... put to an impecca­ That illustrates what I did Chapel Hill house of bly catchy instrumentation. No early last summer when one of pianist/vocalist Ben Folds, synthesizers here, folks! These my childhood friends, a student where Folds' father oversaw stu~ three have TALENT. at the University of North dio construction while the band A perfect example of the real­ Carolina at Chapel Hill, intro­ recorded in the family's living life focus in the music of Ben duced me to my now-favorite room. Folds Five is track four on band, Ben Folds Five. Whatever and Ever Amen, "Song He had made me one of those for the Dumped." The song classic mix tapes with one of the Making stems from a bitter dumpee most incredible songs that had (Jessee), peeved that his ex-girl­ ever grabbed my attention, friend takes not only his money !'Underground." ) with but also his black T-shirt. Jimmy (my friend) and I had ~ Amidst free-nowing piano a new devotion to the band, Kate Groark and psuedo-Partridge Family which is comprised of three (not harmony comes laughter about a five) members and based out of rather serious and disturbing Chapel Hill. Far better than any­ Noise break-up. thing we had ever been exposed As the band describes it, to musically, Ben Folds Five "We would just set up in the "Song for the Dumped" is about Photo courtesy of Sony Music provided a summer release from living room and play, with work­ "the obtuse male anger of being Ben Folds Five will perform at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philadelphia on April 30. the likes of the "Macarena." (I ers coming and going," Folds dumped, but still caring about feel eternally indebted to them said. "That really took any 'pro­ the girl who dumped you." Also included on the album is Perhaps the best part of a new for that salvation.) fessional' edge off and left us Another track, "Kate," play­ a revenge anthem, "One Angry release is the tour that eventually Now, after their self-titled free to just make music." fully examines a mega-crush, Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces." ensues. Ben Folds Five will 1995 debut, released on Caroline This emphasis off the profes­ one that every audience can The backbeat of frenzied piano peform at 8 p.m.on April 30 in Records, the band recently sional and on the natural serves identify with. highlights the all-too-personal the Theatre of the Living Arts story of a guy wanting to suc­ (TLA), 334 South Street. ceed, then going back and telling Philadelphia. off anyone who used to make fun Tickets are $10.25 and are of him. avai !able at the TLA box office Cam us Comment "I have a real English way of • • • (215-922-1 0 II), or charge-by­ approaching songs. a straightfor­ phone at Ticketmaster (215-336- wardness and honesty that, for 2000). Are you aware that it is Ignatian the first time, has gone unedited All information on the show with this album," Folds said. "I is available at the Electric Awareness Week? mean. we're all moody Factory Concerts web site at people-that's just part oflife-but www.electricfactory.com, or by this time I really let that show in "Yeah." "No. I had no calling 215-LOVE-222. Allison idea." the music." Giovinazzo Gregory Junior Buonaiuto Junior Endless Summer Tannins Salon 101 Pittston Avenue, Scranton 969-0150 ~ Monday-Friday 9-9 · '?:J Saturday 9-5 "Yes!" "It's What?" Sunday 1-5 Tobie Miriam Brighter O'Reilley All Beds One Price $5.00 Per Visit Senior Sophomore 10 Visits $45.00 (good for any bed) No Extra Charge for One, Double or Triple Facial Beds M/C, Visa, American Express, Discover Accepted .