=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S Volume 2, Issue 10 - November 30, 1990 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CONTENTS * ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES * INTRO BY DAN WELTY * _ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE_ SINGLE REVIEW * ALBUM REVIEW BY CHRIS BACKA * ALBUM REVIEW BY ROBERT CHESNAVICH * ALBUM REVIEW BY RAY WILMOTT * DEBORAH AT MUCHMUSIC STUDIOS * DG APPEARANCE ON LIVE AT FIVE * YET MORE COMMENTS ON DEBORAH'S THIRD ALBUM * CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES Thanks for all your submissions. Participation continues to be good due to the release of the _Anything is Possible_ album. Please send all submissions to ez000018@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu and include the word 'SUBMISSION' as the subject. If you do not get a note indicating that we have received your submission within a few days, please remail your submission. If you are attempting to reach another BtL member by email and have been unsuccessful, don't hesitate to contact any one of the moderators. We'll try to provide suggestions of alternative routings or additional addresses to the destination site. If these attempts fail, then the moderators will forward your email. If you would like back issues (BtL 1.1-1.12 and BtL 2.1-2.9), you may also send requests to ez000018@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu and you should get them within a few days. DISCLAIMER : **************************************************************************** This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Ann Gibson, Gibson Productions Inc. (GPI), the Atlantic Recording Corporation, or any organizations to which members belong or represent. All songs by Debbie Gibson are copyrighted by Deborah Ann's Music (ASCAP). This forum is a non-profit organization. Members may disclose information about merchandise and products but may NOT advertise them for monetary sale. The purchase and trading of merchandise as such MUST be kept confined to electronic mail. BtL is NOT intended to replace publications released by the Debbie Gibson International Fan Club (DGIF), the only authorized fan club. Information on DGIF may be obtained by e-mailing any one of the moderators or by sending a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (S.A.S.E.) to the following address: D.G.I.F. P.O. Box 489 Merrick, NY 11566 Currently, the initial membership fee is $15. The annual membership renewal fee is $10 for those in the U.S. and $12 for those outside the U.S. **************************************************************************** BtL's Triumvirate - * Steve "Plastic" Burstall : hnr_443854@emunix.emich.edu * Matthew Jung : ez000018@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu myjung@ucdavis.bitnet * Henry "Hitman" Lee : userhhgc@mtsg.ubc.ca lee@physics.ubc.ca =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= INTRO BY DAN WELTY Dan Welty (WELTY@buphyc.bu.edu) Date: Sat, 17 Nov 90 14:17 EST BtL Members, I would like to formally introduce myself to you. My name is Dan Welty and I have been a member of BtL since September. All in all this is a great outlet for discussing Deborah's music. I thank the founders of this forum. My Debbie Gibson infatuation started with the release of OIMD. A few days later I purchased the cassette OOTB and was hooked. My favorite songs from OOTB are: Staying Together, Only In My Dreams, Foolish Beat, and Fallen Angel. The videos from this album were good for a debut performer. I particularly like the concept of the OOTB video. The second album EY showed her progression into the realm of "pop stars." My favorite songs are: No More Rhyme, Over the Wall, Lost in Your Eyes, and Shades of the Past. The video for EY was very different from her previous videos, more of an experimental video (i.e. different scenes, different hairstyles, different lighting). However, the other videos followed the same recipe as the previous videos. This album brought me my first Debbie Gibson concert - Thanksgiving of 1989. I saw it in my hometown of Pittsburgh, the same place where she filmed the OOTB Live videotape. She explained that Pittsburgh was the last American date of the EY tour because she was not filming it (like she did in 1988). Needless to say it was terrific! The songs Love Under MY Pillow and Don't Flirt With Me went over in a big way. It is too bad she did not put them on AIP, but they are on the new videotape. Her latest effort AIP is great! I find nothing wrong with the song AIP. The lyrics are well written, and so is the music. I will admit that it is not the usual song that we would expect from her. The more I hear it the more I like it. Who cares if it does not sound like what is on the charts right now? It is refreshing for someone to do something different. The collaboration with Lamont Dozier went okay. LD wrote songs that were hits in the 60's (i.e. Stop in the Name of Love). How could he possibly be "in tune" with the music of the 90's? I think she should have collaborated with someone younger than LD, maybe Jellybean Benitez or better yet, L.A. Reid and Babyface! I think the song AIP is good, but not the best on the album. My favorite songs are: Another Brick Falls, One Step Ahead, One Hand, One Heart, and This So-Called Miracle. The "new" image should not be a shock to anyone. Deborah is 20 years old now, why should she still keep the image that she had when she was 16? I have always found Deborah to be very attractive and sexy. She gives a good explanation of the "new" image in an interview on the Live Around the World videotape, she states that when she has tried to be "sexy" in the past it was hard to pull off because she said who would think a 16 year old girl with "baby fat" would be sexy? But now she thinks she can pull it off. A last thought on the "new" image: none of us should be surprised in any way. We all had to expect her to blossom into a woman sooner or later, it is a fact of life = maturation. Well, that is all for now. If anyone would like to comment on my opinions, or just talk about Deborah , please feel free to contact me at: welty@buphyc.bu.edu Talk to you all later, and enjoy Anything Is Possible! -Dan Welty Boston University Astrophysics (Sophomore) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE_ SINGLE REVIEW (submitted via snail-mail and typed by Henry Lee) Steve Burstall (hnr_443854@emunix.emich.edu) Date: Fri Nov 23 13:36:46 PST 1990 Members of BtL, I first would like to say I am back from a few months furlong from BtL. It was a slow time for me because I had moved an hour and a half from my account at Eastern Michigan University and any time I did get myself down there wasn't much new to say because many of us (the members) have been anxiously waiting for Deborah's newest single and album release _Anything_Is_Possible. Now let's get on with a review of her latest release which is the title track. As everyone knows this single was a collaboration between Lamont Dozier and Deborah. Old news but worth repeating. Diane Gibson (Deborah's mom) was executive producer. There was also a time that we have heard that Jellybean was working with Deborah (or vice-versa at that time). It turned out that Jellybean was helping in the production and remixing aspect of the album. I found out I was probably the last person to hear the song. Boy, talk about being angry, but I made that all up when I bought a promotional CD at a record and CD show in Detroit. On this promo has on it 1) the title track (_Anything_Is_Possible_), 2) an edit of the dance mix, and 3) the dance mix. I really haven't listened to 2) and 3) completely, because I'm not one who is absolutely crazy about dance mixes. Since at the time I bought the CD I was an hour from my CD player I only had the joy of reading the lyrics. I couldn't help myself from getting a little depressed when I did read them. I thought to myself that 'Debbie could do a lot better in the writing department here'. So at that point the CD stayed in the bag. I didn't want to get more depressed when I heard it anywhere else but home. A few hours later I got home and rushed to my trusty CD player started up the CD. The song started with your basic synthesized intro (all 31 seconds worth). I found it tolerable. I did like the fact the music had a dark intro in it. To me then the music went downhill from there. I do know what Deborah was trying to convey here but it just doesn't seem to come across. She is again trying to give the impression that she knows about life, love and relationships but it again comes off like it's a canned item. From the writing side of it, it is a more mature Debbie. I applaud that. If she didn't mature musically there would be something wrong here. Lyrically, let's face facts, she needs to start to get some help or actually start to live life instead of imitating it. Musically, there was too much junk, sound-wise, going on. I again could hear her rely heavily on the synthesizers for the 'clapping hands', drum machines and overall sound. Deborah has talent, there is no question, she now has to channel it into a more musically based sound, meaning use more real instruments. After hearing the amount of money she made for Atlantic Records from her last album and tour, she can afford real sound. For my final rating, here it is: Musicality (30) : 17 General Effect (40) : 21 Ensemble (30) : 23 -------------------------- Total (100) : 61 With a final score of 61 this, to me, says that the song will do fairly well but it will not break the Billboard Top 20. It just doesn't have the necessary feel to make it a hit. Maybe her next release will do better (crossing fingers). Anything is Possible with this release, Steve "Plastic" Burstall =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ALBUM REVIEW BY CHRIS BACKA From: Chris Backa (CSC3CSB%HOFSTRA.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU) Date: Mon, 12 Nov 90 17:01 EST The songs on Anything is Possible: Side: NRG (w/up arrow) Another Brick Falls The songs about making the best out of life, and its not easy at times. The song's sound is almost like "Over the Wall/Staying Together" --Good Song-- Anything is Possible She already explained this on GMA. --All right, not her best-- Reverse Psychology Debbie raps, yes raps, at the beginning of the song. The song is very different from what she usually does. --Good Song--- One Step Ahead About staying one step ahead of the competition, don't hang loose Go for it! --One of the best on the album-- Stand Your Ground This song is also pretty good. Deep Down Debbie does Gospel type rhythms in the beginning --One of the best on the album-- It Must Have Been My Boy Debbie's version of "Forever Your Girl" --Good Song-- Lead Them Home My Dreams --Good song-- Side: Mood Swings One Hand, One Heart Great Piano solo. LIYE meets 'Should've been the One' The two themes are mixed. --One of the best slow songs-- Sure Negative Energy Neat sound effects Mood Swings Try -Great song- In His Mind Debbie wonders what her 'boyfriend' thinks of her. -Good Song- Where Have You Been? Debbie wonders if 'her guy' is cheating on her. - good song- This So-Called Miracle Longest song, 7min. Excellent song, hope she does this in concert!! ---- Cassingle- Close to Forever -Wish this was on the album, this is another great piano/vocal song. And that's the new album. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ALBUM REVIEW BY ROBERT CHESNAVICH Robert Christopher Chesnavich (rc3u+@andrew.cmu.edu) Date: Tue, 13 Nov 90 18:31:09 -0500 (EST) Only once before in my life had I so eagerly awaited the arrival of a new album. That was about three weeks ago when the Pet Shop Boys came out with their latest. This time, I was at the record shop at noon, exactly when they said it would arrive. I was probably the first person to check out with Debbie Gibson's new album "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE" So, here it is ******** ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE ******** ---------------------------------------- Side A - NRG 1) Another brick falls: A++ I'm glad I wasn't expecting the same type of songs that open Debbie's two previous albums, "Out Of The Blue" from the same album , and "Who Loves Ya Baby?" from Electric Youth. I was completely blown out of my seat my this opening son. "Energetic" doesn't describe it. Nothing she's ever written describes it. It's fast, confronting, loud, even, though still very musical. It is somewhat like "Holding Out For A Hero" by Kim Carnes, though much more active. At least one of the best songs I've heard this year, and definitely one of Debbie's best songs to date 2) Anything Is Possible: A- This was the first time I've heard the first song she released. Compared to the previous selection this is slow. I still, however, feel this song succeeds. It creates a hopeful mood as does its lyrics. 3) Reverse Psychology: B+ On this song, Debbie tries for the first time a funky style: she even raps! And, believe it or not, it works with this tune which is a cross between Paula Abdul and George Michael (from Faith) sounds: not surprising! Not bad to dance to at all. 4) One Step Ahead: A I'd have a problem with this song if there wasn't such a great dance beat to it. She combines synthesizer with piano to generate and energetic mood. 5) Stand Your Ground: C- Debbie tried a similar style on this cut as the previous two, but this time little came out of it. Rather dull, not very powerful or musical, and not terribly danceable. Still, not too bad. 6) Deep Down: B For those of you worried that you wouldn't hear any of Debbie's old style, relax: she brought it back on this one. Sounds much like "Should've Been The One". Begins with a long -overly-echo-assisted a cappella. 7) It Must Have Been My Boy: B Wow. Debbie sounded pissed in this one, just because she has a guy that all the girls hit on! For example: "Get on the streets and get back home where you belong, OK? Thanks." Also, I want to be the first to point out these ironical lyrics: "She thinks she can take him, but that's an *impossibility*". Hmmm.... 8) Lead Them Home My Dreams: B An interesting 5 1/2 min. An alternating cut with various degrees of song, dance, & story. ----------------------------------------- SIDE B: MOOD SWINGS 9) One Hand, One Heart: A+ Absolutely fantastic. As a slow songs, it achieves everything "Lost In Your Eyes" didn't. A much smoother piano combined with a gorgeous acoustic guitar, much stronger vocals and even better lyrics. Overall quality. 10) Sure: A Another great ballad. Somewhat strong. Choppy at the beginning, but that melts into a great background for this song about reminiscing about a time when "I was so sure." 11) Negative Energy: D+ The name says it all. An empty moody dance beat almost comprises this bland cut. C'mon, Debbie. You can do better than this. 12) Mood Swings: A- Debbie did not take such a straight forward approach on this ballad, and that resulted in a unique tune. Almost a sultry sound. 13) Try: A- Another powerful ballad about a powerful man gone weak. Great vocals assist an almost grand sounding melody. 14) In His Mind: A+ No DG song has ever been this negative. An excellent song where DG tries to find out what's "In His Mind", knowing the answer she's probably going to get. 15) Where Have You Been?: A- Another negative song, this time about DG finding out what this guy's been doing after hours, and again, she's afraid of the answer. Nice complex piano accompanies and ominous tone. Time of this cut: 6 min, 5 sec. 16) This So-Called Miracle: A A very strong vocal performance, possibly her best to date. A song which, through sound and lyrics, simultaneously expresses a tragedy, yet some kind of hopefulness. Great 7 1/2 min song to close out this album OVERALL GRADE: A Forget the Debbie Gibson you all know and love. Debbie turned her image upside down on this album in everything from the music, to the lyrics, to the album cover: I've never seen Debbie look like this! In one picture, she looks like Samantha Fox, in another, she poses like her! For those of you who liked her old stuff (my God! Someone 20 years old has "old stuff"!), but didn't like her release "Anything Is Possible", you might not like this new album. For those of you who did, jump right in! In my estimation, her near complete departure from her old style was a complete triumph. This is the type of album I've waited for from her. The variety on this album pales EY and crushes OOTB. The same of her experimentation. With an album and a half, and the unique styles she envoked, Debbie has shown up the critics who have put down her fun-loving light-hearted manner on her previous two albums. This is more than a new album. It is a milestone in Debbie's career. In this she has broken from every image that has been assigned to her. With a month and a half left, I feel it is the best album of 1990. -Robert Chesnavich rc3u@andrew.cmu.edu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ALBUM REVIEW BY RAY WILMOTT Ray Wilmott (wilmott@remus.rutgers.edu) Date: Fri, 16 Nov 90 20:02:15 EST Hello fellow Debbie Gibson fans. I must say, I was treated to a rather nice surprise 2 days ago when I stumbled unexpectedly upon Debbie's new album in my local music store...I hadn't expected it to be out for another week. I've listened to the album 3 times so far and just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents worth and comment on the latest batch of music Debbie has released to the public... My Favorite Song : ------------------ One Hand, One Heart - Beautifully arranged and performed; bittersweet. The "I Like It!" Category : --------------------------- Another Brick Falls - Typical Debbie peppy pop song. Very catchy. Deep Down - Another song typical of what I'd come to expect from Deb. Sure - Very pretty (though I think the chorus is too "loud"). Mood Swings - More of an adult contemporary sound. I like it. Try - Great slow song. One of my favorites. Where Have You Been - Slow song, touch of pop. I like the ethereal sound they gave her voice on this one. Another personal favorite. This So Called Miracle - I like it, but think it's a tad too long. So Close To Forever - (not on album; on AIP cassingle). Very nice. The "I Can Take It Or Leave It Category" : ------------------------------------------ Anything Is Possible - Way too much electronic voice enhancement. It Must've Been My Boy - Just doesn't grab me. Negative Energy - I'm undecided at this point. I like it one time, but not the next. It might grow on me over time. In His Mind - Again, it just doesn't grab me. Nothing special about it. The "I Don't Like It" Category : -------------------------------- Reverse Psychology - Debbie does a little rap with lots of overbearing drum machines. Thank God for programmable CD players - mine is programmed to skip over this track. One Step Ahead - See "Reverse Psychology". Stand Your Ground - Trashy dance beat and yet more Debbie-rap. Lead Them Home My Dreams - I can't tell ya why I don't like it, but I don't. After listening to the album twice, I read through all the credits on the inside jacket, and noticed an interesting correlation - the songs I *don't* like are mostly those which were co-produced by Lamont Dozier, Fred Zarr or Jellybean. My hope for the future of Debbie's career is that she stays FAR away from the likes of these guys. The stuff she produces and arranges by herself is MUCH better in my opinion. If we're voting on which songs we want to see released as singles from this album, I'll start the voting with : One Hand One Heart, Another Brick Falls, Mood Swings, Try, Where Have You Been. At least those are my favorites. More than likely, Atlantic is gonna push the ones I don't like since they're the more mainstream, top-40 sounding ones. Anyway, those are my feelings on the topic. I'd like to hear from other BTL'ers and see how my tastes compare to yours. One final comment on the album - I definitely like the fact that they squeezed as much music as would fit on a single CD...way to go! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= DEBORAH AT MUCHMUSIC STUDIOS Henry Lee (userhhgc@mtsg.ubc.ca) Date: Mon Nov 26 15:21:27 PST 1990 On Friday, November 16th, Deborah had the "misfortune" of being interviewed by VJ Steve Anthony. Those who are able to watch Much know that Steve Anthony is, in simple & basic terms, a (long) blonde-hair VJ-guy who's become known as a bit of a "clown", a "goof". He can become *extremely* annoying but (IMO) very amusing to watch. It's not surprising that he does morning radio in Toronto as well. With that said, you'll come to appreciate the following interview ... (The following is the best "transcription" of what took place. There are things and comments left out because I'm not a human tape recorder ... I should, however, make one comment about Much. And that the MuchMusic studios (the actual television studios) also front as a mini-stage for performers who come in for interviews and play music or simply as a mini-stage for interviews. Among the crew and people who work at Much proper, it is not referred to as "studios" but a "working environment.") Debbie (DG) and Steve (SA) first talked about the motivation, the "optimistic" mood behind the making of _AIP_. With reference to the album title ... DG : "... Just like you got your hair to look good on a ``bad hair day''... ... anything is possible." SA : "... bad hair day ... (earlier, Debbie says to me) ``You're as vain about your hair as Adam Curry'' ... AAAAAAUUUGGGGHGHH!!!" as the crew around cheers and laughs in agreement. The long hair and "bad/good hair days" with Steve is an inside & running joke at Much. Then, Deb proceeds to "slam" him for making fun of the _Only_In_My_Dreams_ intro to R.S.V.P. (Requested Songs for Video Play). She asks Craig Halkett (floor director) to play the intro, gets the crew to sing along with her in doing the "aaa aaa ... aaa aaa" part. Steve, realizing that he's been found, comments that it's a "happy bum song ... teenage girls go to concerts and get ``happy bum'' (with this type of song) ..." She gets him _good_ Twice in only 5 minutes ... which was NOT LOST on Steve at the time. Next, they talk about how many songs (that) she's written and really, the prolific nature at the rate of which she is able to write songs, as compared to the average songwriter. DG : "... writing songs (that) relate to other people ... Say, you wanna cover one of my songs? You kinda look like a rocker ..." SA : "... the miracle ... that is ... hair ..." DG : "... Yah, a heavy metal look ... I have a song ... it's called ... ``Kick Me While I'm Down" .... You interested?" Steve looks miffed while the crew laughs heartily at the implication of a song with said title (another inside joke). Make that ... Deb slams him _Three_ times in a mere ten minutes ... certainly NOT LOST on Steve, as reminded to him by the crew ... SA : "... she's very good ... very good ..." They mentioned that the album was to be released here in Canada on Tuesday November 20th. She worked on the album "all year" and "experimented on a lot of things". She wanted to put _17_ songs on the album but couldn't fit it in because of the (approx) 75 minute length on a CD. She mentioned her collaboration with Lamont Dozier. It started with her doing the "Motown Medley" while on the _E_Y_ tour last year and Atlantic Records (Paul Cooper?) suggested that she & Dozier work together on some material. DG : "... The first time we got together, we wrote seven songs and (eventually) one got into the album. The next time we got together, we wrote three, one of which is the title track." And surprise, that's what was called "a broadcast segueway" and they showed the _AIP_ video. As the video ends, both DG & SA continue to stare at the monitor behind them (in front of the camera). The floor director comes up and reminds them that the video is over. SA : "ACTING!!!! ... BRILLIANT!!!!!" Deb & Steve proceed to trade "high fives". Steve asks her about how being "internationally exposed" as such a "high profile artist" has changed her life ... the "is your life normal?" question. (Yes, the questions herein and below have been asked before and I'm sure she's tired to death of them but ... it seemed that Steve was genuinely curious about her answers.) Deb answered by saying : DG : "... everybody was asking me these questions ... ``Do you eat pizza? Do you shop at the mall?'' (laughs) ... Of course! ... Music, to me, was normal ... and everything else was, as well ..." A comment on her "humble" beginnings : about theatre, commmercials, music training, etc., etc. SA : "What took you so long? Tevin Campbell is ... what ... 12 ... 13?" DG : "Yeah well, Quincy (Jones) never called me!" (laughs) They discussed about her expectations on how the album might do and about her future goals : DG : "I don't have any ``real'' expectations ... if they're cool with it, then that's good ... if they're not, well .... I don't want to tell people how they should feel about it (album) ..." SA : "... (how about) your aspirations at the age of ...?" DG : "20 (pause) .... no more ``teen queen'' ..." SA : "... what else do you have in store .... clearly, this album will be close to you for the next year and a half or two ..." DG : "I'd like to do films, theatre ... Lamont and I are collaborating on a Broadway musical .... and I aspire also to have my hair look as good as yours ..." SA : "Thank you very much ... I appreciate that ... and this was on a bad hair day!" DG : "An ``official'' bad hair day ... Y'know when I saw the news this morning, the weather reports (said) ``bad hair day'' - Steve ..." SA : "... we figured out .. that when this world comes to an end, all that will be left are .... cockroaches, rats, Twinkies, ... Keith Richards and my hair." DG : "Yah ... well, how about squaredancing? Does it (hair) hold up while you squaredance?" SA : "Yes, it does ... (laughs) ... this is a lot of inside stuff ... we obviously had a lot of time to chat before we went to air ... (as Deb laughs) ... if you want a copy of the transcript ... and translation, send to .... DG : "Sally Jessie Raphael ..." SA : "Sally Jessie Raphael ..." They went on and talked about her "image change". Steve brought out the _AIP_ promo folder (which was sent out to DGIF members, radio & video stations) and showed the pictures inside ... DG : "You probably had an image change from the time that you were 16 also." SA : "Yah ... but *this* image change ... this is a *femme fatale* ... that's what this is ...." DG : "I wish the lighting directors and the hair (and) makeup people were there when I wake up in the morning because I look (pause) scary ..." SA : "Well, we'll have to send over a camera crew ..." DG : "Wonderful ..." (laughs) Her _AIP_ tour will take her to Southeast Asia in January - February 1991. For the first time, it will take her to Seoul, Taipei, etc. Steve asks her whether or not the tour will come into Canada ... Deb, however, has problems hearing his next question over the background noise of the Much "environment/studios". Steve feigns ignorance but then proceeds to ask the guy in the audio room to turn up the "echo". As the "echo" turns up, Steve tells the crew to "shut up! The second floor requests that you shut up!" ... Much to Deb's mock disgust & amusement ... About missing home whilst on tour & about touring Canada : DG : "I've been home all year ... so I'm ready to get out on the road." SA : "You are going to do Canada, aren't you?" DG : "Yeah, probably March or April ... I'm not sure where I'm playing at .." SA : "Next time you visit ... we're gonna do something together here ... I don't know what (song) we'll do ... but I don't do old stuff, man! I'm on ``the cutting edge''. Well, we'll maybe do a Zep tune ... Next time you're here, I'll buy you a burger ..." DG : "You don't know it but you probably bought me the one I got ..." SA : "I know I did ..." DG : "Kinda like recoopable (sp?) funds ... kinda thing, maybe?" (laughs) SA : "... out of my own pocket (Deb laughs again) ... but that's ok ... It was a pleasure ..." (extending hand towards Deb) DG : "Thank you ...." The interview ended with the _No_More_Rhyme_ video. And thus ends yet another interview by Deborah .... and another one by Steve ... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= DG APPEARANCE ON LIVE AT FIVE Chris Backa (CSC3CSB%HOFSTRA.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU) Date: Thu, 29 Nov 90 13:09 EST Tony Guida, one of the anchors, made a comment during the commercial to Debbie. The comment was "Lipsynch any songs lately" (or something like that) and she let him have it (verbally). I wish they had this on film. Sue Simmons, who interviewed Debbie, asked her about lipsynching and she responded by saying "..if you say you are a singer you should sing." She also mentioned that when she first started out doing club dates she had to use music tracks and she would spend 2 hours duing a sound check for a twenty minute performance because she refused to lipsynch. She mentioned the AIP tour starts in January in Southeast Asia, and the United States in Febuary. December 12th she's going to do the Hot Night in Paradise Concert for the local Radio Station WQHT. She had her hair like she did in the video, she looked very very good. She also talked about Lamont Dozier helping her out with the album. Also, she talked about Jellybean helping with the "Hot Dance track" of One Step Ahead, since he knows what's hot in the clubs. I think this hits the major points of the interview. One last item in the interview, Sue Simmons asked her about the songs she wrote for Madonna, and Olivia. She feels the songs she wrote really fit. Madonna rejected the song because it did't fit with her album. Debbie wondered what would have happened if she didn't put her name on those songs. She feels they were rejected because 'Debbie Gibson' is connected with 'Teen Queen' and 'Pop Princess'. [Editor's Note: Live at Five is a local TV program in the New York area] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= YET MORE COMMENTS ON DEBORAH'S THIRD ALBUM Henry Lee (userhhgc@mtsg.ubc.ca) Date: Thu Nov 29 12:00:13 PST 1990 What follows may be "strongly worded" comments on the album. To die-hard core Deb fans (like myself), please take note and take what follows below with a Large Grain of Salt, ok? Besides, I *do* have some good things to say as well! With that said, it's time to "shake & bake" ..... * With a total of sixteen songs, one might think that the album could support a chart/hit lifetime of at least 15 - 18 months. Supposing we think cheerfully optimistic (A.I.P.!), Deborah & Atlantic could release seven or more singles to radio. Depending on how the singles performed on the charts, she could break a few records in the process. Unfortunately, it is really easy to "work" an album "to death" with the "vast" number of songs on the album. It is difficult to see what anyone plans to do in this respect. * Clearly, she wanted some sort of balance of dance/upbeat to A.C./ballad songs on the album (as per _NRG^_ and _MOOD_SWINGS_ labels). One wonders if she had George Michael on her mind since he's basically done a similar thing. That is, he released _Listen_Without_Prejudice_ Volume 1 : an album with slower, AC ballad songs. Volume 2, to be released later in the summer or fall of 1991, will contain more upbeat dance-type songs. However, in contrast to what Deb will do in starting her worldwide tour in January or February, Michael will not commence any extensive tour until Volume 2 is released. In some sense, she's done a "George Michael". She's *got* to try doing a "Michael Jackson" .... * Thus far, radio has been fairly lacklustre about playing the title track as the debut release from her third album. While New York stations try to outduel each other for the best Debbie Gibson promotion, some of the other markets are fairly slow in picking the song up for adds. As some BtL members have stated (or complained), the song may not be too "radio ready" or all that "acceptable" given the current charts. While the song by itself admittedly departs from past singles, it may not be enough to lure more new listeners to the Gibson camp. * While the collaboration between Lamont Dozier & Deborah was suggested by Atlantic (Paul Cooper? cf. CD booklet), it probably meant something of a "dream come true" for her because she was truly a huge fan of the "60's Motown" sound and was performing the Motown Medley on her last tour. In this respect, a new collaboration with someone other than Zarr (re. with Jellybean as well) was something new and fresh, some "spice" to "wake up new music". However, given the current R&B feel of many songs of that genre, what eventually results sounds a little "outdated". In fact, critics may accuse her of trying to create "cheap R&B/rap imitations" in her attempts to gain a wider audience with the third album. Admittedly, with the vast number of songs and styles, she is following the footsteps of her "idol", Billy Joel, in being "creatively different" and in trying to gain wider audience. As well, one should consider the following question from someone _outside_ of being a Gibson fan : "Did she work with Dozier and Jellybean to gain further credibility?" Lesser involvement with Zarr does, in fact, speak a little of her, perhaps, trying to distance herself from her previous two albums - certainly connected to her "teen queen" image, something she quickly dismisses to much disdain. One must realize as well, with respect to the "outdated" comment, that people like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, L.A. Reid & Babyface (especially these guys), etc. have the current stronghold (and prolificity!) of R&B type songs. In lieu of the collaborations for songs on the _NRG^_ side, one can be sure that she will have learned much and it's certain (that) it can be generally agreed that moving ahead in different directions is preferable to remaining stagnant. * Her voice has improved so well with the third album. Although songs were not written to test her range, they do suitably move her into a "new area" where voice was not tested on the previous two albums. It seems that she is definitely "in control" of her voice; clearly now that she has gone long past the "squeakiness" in a teen's voice. And with such control, she can now harmonize and vocalize emotions quite effectively. However, some of the songs on the _NRG^_ side are quite "breathy" in places (ie. hearing her exhale as she finishes a phrase) and some of the vocals are "buried" amidst the high-tech sounds. Fortunately, the "cleaner", more acoustic-type sounds allow Deborah to forge new ground in communication by effective (and clear) vocalization. It can also be agreed, in general, that the "cleanest" sounding song in the entire album (re. the least "clutter" in extraneous instruments) can be found in _One_Hand,_One_Heart_. There were similar comments with regards to songs written for Ana (re. _Everytime_We_Say_Goodbye_ and _Friendly_). * Comments on her image? There has been so much attention to this and being guilty of this as well, it is easier to say a few words on the merits (or demerits) of the album itself. As Billboard comments, her "understated vocals" and "her gift for crafting memorable pop songs" may be overshadowed by the apparent change in her image. However, this will be interesting to see the effect on those who became fans mostly because of her "clean" image and those who became fans because of her image and her music. As stated earlier, the "crossroads" found evident in this album serve to getting some distance between the current from the past, and the music from the image. While all this "analysis" has been good and fine, remember, I'm not in the music industry; I'm in the business of "physics". For all anyone cares, my "theories" and comments may all be bunk or if they've served their purpose, they will have made you think. Now, I'll lead you to some personal notes about the songs themselves .... * Having listened to a lot of rock (Bryan Adams, Jude Cole but a few) and introduced to a magnamious voice such as Mariah Carey, I was not overly impressed by any of the music on the album. In fact, had I not listened to the album a few more times, I would have become a "neutral" fan! Fortunately, I gave the album a chance and as I'd suspected (and commented to others), the album really grew on me! With the number of Gibson fans who are also rock/hard-rock fans, consider the following : "Turned on the radio ... Soundin' like a disco Musta turned the dials for a couple of miles But I couldn't find no rock n' roll This computerized crap ain't gettin' me off Everywhere I go ... kids wanna rock" _Kids_Wanna_Rock from Reckless Bryan Adams 1984 _NRG^_ : 1. ANOTHER BRICK FALLS : What a great way to start an album! Personally, I've been really "impressed" with the opening songs in each of her three albums. I was "knocked out" when I heard _Who_Loves_Ya_Baby?_ and yeah, I was "blown away" when I heard _A_B_F_. No problems here ... 2. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE : It took me awhile to truly enjoy this song. A few guitar chords open up to a song that simply glides along in its own groove. Lyrically, I'm in doubt as to the intended commentary. While songs are open to interpretation, the lyrics in and by themselves are not clear in the sense of "possibilities", say perhaps for "woman meeting man". The video did not help very much at all. As has been stated a few times already, a first look at the video has given some the impression that she's wearing a Paula Abdul _Cold_Hearted_ video-type outfit. However, a further look tells that the outfit is not as risque at all. Anyhow, the song is a fun listen although the lyrics are uncertain. 3. REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY : _Reverse psychology_ (Mmmm) Doesn't work on me It works my nerves ... But I think logically_ I don't know about this song ... but I can't help liking it! The chorus is not really rap, per se ... it amounts to something like rhythm chants. It just sounds great, except for the opening & closing seconds of the song. 4. ONE STEP AHEAD : _Watch it_ ... _watch it_ ... _Watch_it! .... I don't see "it", Deborah ... Sorry, but I truly dislike the "cheap rap" and just "plain noisiness" of this and the next song. At this point in the album, I would have been dying for an LIYE type song. Like a brave soldier, one "trudges" forward ... to the appropriate key on the CD player ... 5. STAND YOUR GROUND : While the comments are the same as per #4, I found this song actually easier to listen because the rap occurred toward the end of the song. Who knows, I may enjoy the two songs eventually .... 6. DEEP DOWN : This was nothing too way out of the norm. It sounded like a song with Deborah stamped all over it. 7. IT MUST HAVE BEEN MY BOY : This was one song that was easy to recognize as a collaboration with Dozier. The way she "moves" into the song, along with the great horns "teasing" (or tries to) the listener into the lyrics. But, my, she sounds really comfortable in this song - it's as if she's reconnected into some of the original feel for songs found in her Motown Medley. 8. LEAD THEM HOME MY DREAMS : This was a quite different sound for the top side. There's something about the chorus ... and something about the way she vocalizes the word "dreams". It's curiously refreshing and something of a reminder - to a song that started it all ... Heck, I didn't find myself stopping the CD at this point so there had to be something promising ahead ... I did find myself being carried off to thinking about dreams in the middle of the musical bridge. 9. ONE HAND, ONE HEART : Good heaven, I didn't know she was going to top LIYE with this one. The album cut is absolutely gorgeous, gently nudging the listener with strings and piano to a ballroom dance with Deborah. With no clutter in the background, it's a pure and simple song and in that respect, it far surpasses the album version of LIYE. I fell in love all over again ... 10. SURE : Is anyone sure? As a foreshadowing of lyrics & songs to come, she sings of regret and some hopelessness in light of uncertainty. It follows quite nicely after the previous song. 11. NEGATIVE ENERGY : Now, here's something of a turn! Although it sounds like a song that's a little misplaced, the title is in contrast to the overall intended message of the album. Lyrically, she urges to turn the negative into (positive) NRG up. Unfortunately, as it is misplaced, the music does not seem to fit with the previous or with the latter song. However, I found myself a'hummin' and a'tappin' to the tune and rhythm anyway. 12. MOOD SWINGS : Again, there's something the way she sings a certain phrase. Here, it's the way she sings ".... Moooood Swings ...." It's an appropriate song with respect to the previous song and to the title of the 2nd song for which this song bears the name. Her voice comes through over the background quite nicely. 13. TRY : This is a great ballad as she pleads with her man to continue, to try. It is simply how she vocalizes and communicates the almost desperate tone of the music & lyrics that makes this song quite effective. 14. IN HIS MIND : 15. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? : Wow, these two songs were some of the more powerful lyrically. They were "powerful" in the sense and the "ease" of which she was able to express her uncertainty and fear through her music and her vocals. If I were an AC format programmer, I'd take note of this 3rd album for the great songs and suitability for more of an introduction to an older listening audience. It really is amazing to see how far she's come with these two songs, as compared to _Foolish_Beat_. 16. THIS SO-CALLED MIRACLE : What a clincher. What an absolute masterpiece. I was reminded of hearing an _anthem_ to stay true to oneself through times of despair and hopelessness. Musically, it takes on an optimistic tone that "opposes" and "tugs" with the lyrics. And for the first time in three albums, she ends an album with a song that fades instead of a "cold stop". Truly, though, this was a true gem of a song, more so because it ends a really good/great effort by Deborah et al. For the most part, I really took to the songs with actual Drums with a real breathing Human hitting them! On that vein, I got a little tired of listening to too much computerized "hash" on the _NRG^_ side but thanked her (profusely) when _Mood_Swings_ came along. String section, piano gently through the heartstrings, voice pouring out emotions oh so well, and lyrically powerful as well, it seemed as if Deborah put even more of herself into the second side of this album. In summary, the long wait was over - her third album was in "high listening rotation" throughout the land. Surely, she moved into different areas of experimentation with respect to production, lyrics and music and with sixteen songs, any musician should be able to exert their creative muscles. While the _NRG^_ side didn't move too many mountains, _MOOD_SWINGS_ shoved aside a few worlds! Regardless of what's said above, I can't wait for her next tour to hit the West Coast. The repetoire of songs that she can choose in her concert lineup is simply massive, considering the number on three albums thus far - no less than the other songs that are NOT. It took awhile but I can both tolerate and love this album in the same degree. May I say at this point that she is admittedly moving into ground, areas of which top40 may not find Deborah a place so readily this time around with the _NRG^_ side, she is still striving ahead with new music and new ways to express herself. After all, that's all that matters, isn't it? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CLOSING REMARKS The album debuts this week at #87 on the Billboard Album 200 chart and the single climbs to #49 on the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart (both charts are for the week ending December 1st). As a last reminder, the best article contest ends with the next issue. We have a lovely color 8x10 picture of Debbie from the People's Choice Awards (this photo is not available anywhere else) as the first prize. The second prize consists of the _Out of the Blue_, _Lost in Your Eyes_, and _Shake Your Love_ 7-inch singles. The next issue should be released around the 13th of December so please get your articles in before then. The release of the new album gives us a good opportunity for another poll. What are your three favorite songs off the _Anything is Possible_ album? Please email your vote to ez000018@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu and Matthew Jung will tabulate the results. You do not have to specify the order of your favorite songs since each of them will be given the same weight. The poll closes the day BtL 3.1 is released (January 1991).