=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S Volume 5, Issue 3 - January 27, 1993 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES DEBBIE GIBSON FEVER STRIKES INDIANA - Jeff Tharp BILLBOARD REVIEWS _BODY MIND SOUL_ - Richard Pacheco THUMBS DOWN FOR _BODY MIND SOUL_ - Ray Wilmott BMS REVIEW - THROTTLE THE BAND AND SING - J Greely EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Michael Falkner DEBORAH IS CAPABLE OF MUCH MORE - Richard Evans DEBORAH ON LIVE WITH REGIS & KATHIE LEE - Robert Novak HOW BILLBOARD RANKS NEW SINGLES - Rob Polinsky DEB RADIO FEATURE ON WBKE-FM - Robert Novak DEBWATCH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Ann Gibson, Gibson Management Inc. (GMI), 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 or Possibilities Publishing, Inc./EMI April Music, Inc., ASCAP. Between the Lines operates on a non-profit basis. Distribution is permissible only under the condition that no part of it will be used for profit. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- A new era has begun with the release of the _Body Mind Soul_ album. The last three years have been difficult ones for Debbie Gibson fans because it seemed like the descent into the abyss had no end in sight. The climate has changed with this new album and it appears that Deborah is on the road to recovery in her career. As a BtL moderator of the past three years, it has been a pleasure serving all the dedicated and loyal fans who have stuck it out during those dark years. Effective immediately, I (Matthew Jung), retire from my position as head moderator of BtL. To guide you in this new era, Myra Wong will take over all my previous duties. Please give her and all the other moderators your full support. BtL would like to thank Matthew Jung for his contributions to the development and continued success of BtL and overall extraordinary work. We wish Matthew much success in the future. We are also proud to welcome Andrew Vernon as one of the new moderators. Before you submit your articles, please PROOFREAD them. Remember that about 200 people receive BtL via electronic mail and a significant number of people are receiving BtL via postal mail. Submissions via electronic mail should be sent to ALL moderators. We reserve the right to edit, defer, or reject submissions without notice. To submit articles by postal mail, please send them to: BETWEEN THE LINES c/o Felix Ng 2137 Qualicum Drive Vancouver, B.C. V5P 2M3 CANADA Postal submissions should be typed or written legibly. To submit articles by FAX, please call (604) 322-5936. For those of you who do not have access to electronic mail, you may subscribe via postal mail. Issues are printed with a bubblejet printer which allows six pages of text to be printed on both sides of one sheet of paper. Back issues are also available on one MS-DOS 3.5" or 5.25" high density disk (please specify disk format when ordering). Prices are at cost and are subject to change: Canada $0.65 Cdn. per issue / $2.75 Cdn. for back issues on disk United States $0.65 U.S. per issue / $2.75 U.S. for back issues on disk International 3 IRCs for two issues / 7 IRCs for back issues on disk Please make a cheque or money order payable to Felix Ng and mail it to the postal address mentioned above. We are not responsible for cash lost or stolen in the mail. Issues are always mailed via first class. If you would like to be added to a loosely moderated mailing list where you can discuss Deborah Gibson and her music on a frequent basis with other BtL members, please send email to debhead-request@scf.nmsu.edu. For those of you who have access to Telnet and are interested in discussing Deborah Gibson and her music in real time with other BtL members, please send email to Jonathan Bradshaw (jonathan@nova.decio.nd.edu). Debbie Gibson GIFs (these are computer graphics files) and BtL back issues are available via anonymous FTP at cs.uwp.edu. For more info on how to use FTP, send email to Myra Wong (mkwong@freedom.nmsu.edu). Members without FTP access can obtain these files through two file-mailing services. For more information, send email to Andrew Vernon (avernon1@ua1ix.ua.edu). -= BtL moderators =- Matthew Jung : mjung@rosarita.engr.ucdavis.edu mjung@pcocd2.intel.com myjung@ucdavis.bitnet Myra Wong : mkwong@freedom.nmsu.edu mkwong@sdcc13.ucsd.edu JSXS97D on Prodigy Felix Ng : fng@nyx.cs.du.edu 1:153/715.4 on Fidonet Andrew Vernon : avernon1@ua1ix.ua.edu avernon1@ua1vm.ua.edu avernon1@ua1vm.bitnet =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBBIE GIBSON FEVER STRIKES INDIANA =- Jeff Tharp - Indianapolis, Indiana January 10, 1993 The excitement builds for Debbie Gibson, at least in the state of Indiana. It all started Christmas weekend; I returned back to my place and found on the answering machine a recording from Atlantic Records. I don't know if my pen pals did this or Atlantic Records did call me, but there was a five minute message about Debbie's new single and the whole song was played. Here's what the message said: It's been a long time since radio has had a love song this good to play. (The song kicks in.) Five consecutive top five singles, including two number ones; over seven million in sales. But she's never had anything like this. "Losin' Myself," the first track from the upcoming album _Mind Body Soul_. On your desk in mid December for reports for 1993. And now in its entirety, Atlantic Records presents "Losin' Myself," new from Debbie Gibson. On January 5th, Debbie appeared both on CNN's "Showbiz Today" and "Hard Copy." Debbie made it clear there was no nudity and turned down Playboy's offer to pose for the magazine. Debbie appeared again on CNN on the 6th talking about the Grammy awards. Then 10:30 P.M. the Debbie Gibson fever exploded in Indiana. WZPL, Indianapolis radio, announced Debbie Gibson was the challenger on the "New Music Challenge." Because Debbie won the challenge over the band Boy Crazy, "That's What Love Can Do," the song "Losin' Myself" was played two times in 30 minutes! Blowout win! Debbie took in 80% of the votes over 20% for Boy Crazy. Also when the song first played, the announcer said, "Debbie's going to extremes to change her image. As soon as you see the video on MTV you will know what I mean. Debbie is really looking grown up!" Two hours later, I was on the radio for winning Jon Secada tickets for WZPL Private Star Party 4. After getting information on getting my winning tickets, I talked to WZPL DJ Gvartle Michaels. I told him I'm a member of her fan club and mentioned about her radio promotional tour and the album parties. After that Mr. Michaels asked for my copy of D.G.I.F. and said he was the head of the music department and in charge of signing recording artists to appear in Indianapolis. He said that he would like for Debbie Gibson to sing at WZPL's next Star Party! You see, WZPL is having their 10th Anniversary party. Right at this moment Jon Secada is putting on a private concert for WZPL. Gvartle Michaels said he would look over the D.G.I.F. magazine and will get in touch with Gibson Management. He was really excited about the promotional tour and wants WZPL in the action of the Gibson promotional tour. Before we hung up, he finally said, "WZPL wants Debbie Gibson to perform at the next Star Party!" And all of this took place from a 30 minute conversation with WZPL! Of course he stopped to play commercials and change records. It didn't stop there. I encountered more "Debbie Gibson Fever" in Bloomington, Indiana where I went to watch IU take on Penn State live! This is Big Ten college basketball! Anyhow, before the game, I went into the college mall where I was stop by seeing a giant, I mean _huge_ Debbie Gibson poster in Musicland! The post was the picture of the album cover. "_Body Mind Soul_," and "Debbie Gibson" were printed in big yellow letters. And Debbie was positioned, arms crossed, hair wet back, wearing a checkered outfit, with a smile. When I looked at the poster, I pictured her saying "I'm back and I'm bad!" and "I'm back and I'm confident I will win back my fans!" The poster was in a big glass with a spotlight on it. Then I noticed the advertisement board saying "1/12 Gibson single released" then "1/19 Debbie Gibson" which covered 3/4 of the board. Next I ran into Tracks Records where they had a big sign which said "1/19 Debbie Gibson: BODY MIND SOUL: After being the mother of Mojo Nixon's love child, Debbie is back with the comeback album of the year." All this publicity went to my head. It was so bad that I had trouble watching the IU ballgame. I sat second row behind the goal. I was in a daze, but soon woke up by Indiana's Calbert Cheaney, who jumped at me and the crowd after chasing a basketball that went out of bounds. Boy did that scare me. It took Calbert Cheaney to wake me up from "Debbie Gibson Fever." However, I feel I will be back in Debbie Gibson's spell when the album comes out, which is the same day IU plays Purdue on ESPN which I'm afraid I may miss because of the arrival of Gibson's new album. Please, all pals of BtL write to me. I have already on videotape 15 minutes worth of new footage of Debbie Gibson's interviews and video for _Body Mind Soul_. I'm willing to make a copy for those of you who have Debbie Gibson videos of interviews for trade. So please write: Jeff Tharp 3333 Middlefield Court, Apt. A Indianapolis, IN 46222 (317)283-2320 [Editor's Note: The source of the taped message was from an advanced promotional cassette from Atlantic Records. The statement about Deborah having 5 consecutive top five singles was incorrect because "Staying Together" never made it to the top five. The album title was also wrong (obviously).] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= BILLBOARD REVIEWS _BODY MIND SOUL_ =- Richard Pacheco - North Dartmouth, Massachusetts (S14191RP@umassd.edu) January 19, 1993 BILLBOARD For the week ending January 23, 1993 DEBBIE GIBSON Body Mind Soul PRODUCERS: Deborah Gibson, Carl Sturken & Evan Rogers Atlantic 82451 Maturing former teen icon aims to recapture late-80's chart success with a barrelful of potential hits. Perhaps as result of her recent Broadway appearance, Gibson has begun to plum the lower end of her alto, sounding downright sultry on such cuts as lead single "Losin' Myself." Other winners are "Shock Your Mama," with an irresistibly catchy chorus and a rap break, and "Love Or Money" and "Free Me," both tailor made for Top 40. Also check out "When I Say No," an unequivocal message to presumptuous males. Well there we have it, a firm review from an important source. In the same issue there is an article about Debbie on page 16. [Editor's Notes: The article is similar to the article from Prodigy printed in BtL 5.2. _Body Mind Soul_ was a PICK in Billboard which indicates the album is predicted to hit the top half of the Top 200 Albums chart.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= THUMBS DOWN FOR _BODY MIND SOUL =- Ray Wilmott - Monroe, New Jersey (wilmott@remus.rutgers.edu) January 19, 1993 As a long time fan, it was with much anticipation that I went to the local Sam Goody's on the morning of January 19th. Right in the front of the store was a nice contest display, fully stacked with fresh _Body Mind Soul_ CD's and tapes. I grabbed my CD and was happily on my way. Some 12 hours later, after listening to the album 4 times, here's my opinion: LOVE OR MONEY Very typical sounding pop song, but it's got a catchy tune and I basically like it overall. My one real problem with it is the "breakdown," which gets on my nerves. Grade: B- DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOUR HEART? A very pretty song. The music flows smoothly; I like it a lot. The one improvement I would make though is to delete Debbie's high-pitched background singing over the very last chorus. Grade: A- FREE ME I like the chorus of this song. Unfortunately I don't like the rest of it. With a somewhat different musical arrangement I think I would have liked the song overall. The overpowering, monotonous drum machine has got to go. Grade: C+ SHOCK YOUR MAMA My vote for Debbie's worst song to date. Didn't she learn the evils of rapping with the last album? Grade: F LOSIN' MYSELF Very mixed feelings on this one. I *really* like the sexy sounding, lower register she uses at the beginning of the song. The music I find to be rather weak however (it kinda reminds me of "Erotica" by Madonna). Grade: B- HOW CAN THIS BE? My favorite song from this album. Definitely closer to what I've come to expect from Deb. Grade: A WHEN I SAY NO I first heard this song in February of '92 when Debbie debuted it in Atlantic City. I liked it a lot at the time. But she decided to make it sound more "funky" for the album. It was much better in its original, more simple form. Grade: C LITTLE BIRDIE Another song I first heard a year ago, and which has now been funked up for its commercial release (it works better here, however). In its original form, it sounded more like a typical show tune; the album would have had more variety if she would have left it alone. Grade: C KISSES 4 ONE Sounds like it's pulled straight off of a Paula Abdul album. Not that that's necessarily bad, mind you (I do own both of Paula's albums). Deborah has got a heck of a lot more talent though, and so I expect much more from her. Grade: C+ TEAR DOWN THESE WALLS I really wanted to like this one. Good lyrics with a good message. Still, I find the music monotonous. Grade: C GOODBYE A sweet little ballad. This is one that I like now, and I think I'll grow to like even more over time. Grade: A Well, my overall grade for the album only averages out to be about a C+. Yes, it does sound more "90's," and if Deb merely wants another couple of Top-40 songs, then I guess this may do it for her. I *much* prefer the type of attitude that _Anything Is Possible_ gave us - "I want to play the kinds of songs I want to, and who cares if it doesn't go Top 10." Hey, at least there was a little more variety to the music on AIP. The album I think Deb *should* have released? Okay. Keep two or three of the "funky" songs (say "Kisses 4 One," "Love or Money," and "Free Me") so that there are a few "radio ready" tracks. Keep "Goodbye" and "How Can This Be?," but also throw in a couple more ballads (the type of song Deb does best) - "Heart and Soul" and "'Til You Come Back Again," two songs she premiered during the OSA tour, come to mind. Toss in one or two "standard, old- fashioned Debbie Gibson-sounding pop songs." Then round it off with something different - like the original show tune version of "Little Birdie." And as a CD "bonus track" toss on, say, a Motown Medley, 50's remake, or "On My Own." While we're at it, one final comment to Deborah - how 'bout playing a real piano yourself on at least a few of the tracks, rather than just using "keyboards" and letting someone else play them most of the time? So for me, in a nutshell, _Body Mind Soul_: thumbs down. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= BMS REVIEW - THROTTLE THE BAND AND SING =- J Greely - Columbus, Ohio (jgreely@cis.ohio-state.edu) January 19, 1993 First take: If this album sucked any harder, it'd get picked up for solicitation. Second take: Nice Body, too much Soul. Mind? Sorry, must have missed that part. The harshness of the above comments is due primarily to what I had available to compare to _Body Mind Soul_. I recently picked up singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin's sophomore effort, _Fat City_, and the combination of intelligent, sensitive lyrics, sensible arrangements, and simple vocal talent make Gibson's fourth try look truly second-rate. Debbie Gibson can sing, but you won't hear the evidence on BMS. Indeed, you'll be lucky to hear her voice at all, sandwiched as it is between the band, the backups, and the overdubbing. Pity. Coming as it does at a time when her previous albums have been relegated to the cutout bin, where can she go from here? The crucial flaw is encapsulated in my second take above: where is the mind? Lyrics have, admittedly, never been Gibson's strongest point; facile rhyming combined with shallow emotion, obvious at sixteen, forgivable for a while, but ultimately fatal. However, the situation looked like it was changing on _Anything Is Possible_; the lyrics to "One Hand, One Heart" might have been a bit murky, but they were a great improvement over what had gone before (and the simple arrangement remains a refreshing oasis on a mostly heavy-handed album). Finally, I thought, her maturity is catching up to her talent. Sorry, no luck. With _Body Mind Soul_, if I'm not wincing, I'm giggling. Maturity and depth are largely absent from the lyrics, although sex has made a comeback I haven't noticed in a Gibson song since "Fallen Angel" (and I didn't believe it then, either). The music? Well, let's just say that driving bass holds less appeal for me than a piano solo, although it has its place. That place should be supportive, not dominating, as it is in so much "dance" music. The development in Gibson's career reminds me a lot of Sheena Easton. Remember _Private Heaven_? Easton amped up the band and the sex appeal, reducing the emphasis on the ballads that made her rep. Her next (sixth) album went all-dance, and flopped. Her seventh was so wretched it went unreleased (did anyone else catch the single cut that escaped, "Eternity?" When I look at it now, even the pictures that accompanied this turkey remind me of BMS), and she ended up starting over on a new label. Naturally, she released a dance album, which quickly sank out of sight. Seen her recently? I've got a copy of _Madness, Money, And Music_ I'd like signed... Final report on BMS: Forgettable dance album, excessive arrangements, gratuitous rap influence, no vocal showcases. Cute pictures, though. Advice to the artist: Throttle the band and sing. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED =- Michael Falkner - Eau Claire, Wisconsin (FALKNEMJ@cnsvax.uwec.edu) January 20, 1993 As I told the person at the counter when I bought this album at my local mall, I had waited two years for this album, and I certainly am not disappointed by the results. Track by track... 1> LOVE OR MONEY -- A solid opening track, an introduction of sorts to the Deborah all grown up, with a funk in her voice and in her music. I was really impressed with her ability to carry this kind of a track, even though it was like no Deb song that I had heard before. Really solid work. I'd give it an 8 out of 10, in hopes that Deb can at least make her voice a little better understood next time. 2> DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOUR HEART? -- Probably the weakest track on the album, and that's not to say it's bad. It's just, unlike much of the rest of the tracks, nothing jumps up and grabs you or startles you like "This is Debbie Gibson?" (Seriously, I've had some looks like that from some of the people I've played some snippets for...) This mid-slow tempo song reminds me of a couple of the tracks from the Mood Swings side of AIP like "Negative Energy." I give a 7 for a solid track; it's just nothing really jumped out. 3> FREE ME -- Something jumped out here. WOW!!! This won't even get a vote in Myra's song poll, but I think this interpretation was clearly something I did not expect from her D.G.I.F. 5.1 comments. And I love it! It's like Deb wants us all to scream it out when we want to be freed. I really like songs with a dramatic flair to it, and the end of this track seems to hold that dramaticism that I enjoy. Great work: 9 out of 10. 4> SHOCK YOUR MAMA -- "Are you ready to dance?!?" Yes, Deborah, but are we ready for this??? It's like the "Electric Youth" herself got mixed in with some "Rhythm Nation" and enough sexual innuendo a la Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" to produce this track. Though the obvious connotations concern me a little, I love this track because I just feel like I'm being taken on a roller coaster ride every time I listen to the track. The rap is top-notch, almost as if Deborah had taken lessons from the very best, even in how the rap was presented. And, of course, that "break" that'll have many younger Gibson fans' mamas shocked also is a heck of a transition to the second chorus. This one will take a long time to get out of my head, and it gets one of my votes for Myra's poll -- 10 out of 10, just because I have to strap myself in. This song is one heck of a ride. 5> LOSIN' MYSELF - The Album Track -- This song is different in many ways. It really presents the storyline well, and it also kind of fades out on its own while Deborah is still singing over the extra minute and 15 seconds of the album track. I guess, after the two previous tracks, I don't feel LM is the best of the bunch, though still not a bad choice for a first single. This song, as a single, gives a nice transition to Deb grown up and saves some of the more surprising tracks for a bit later on in the release sequence. 8.5 out of 10 for this track, just for having to come back down from the last two tracks, not that this one was that bad. 6> HOW CAN THIS BE? -- One of only two true ballads on this album, and this one is not typical Deb. This really has a more contemporary feel to it, almost like Gloria Estefan a little bit in the chorus. I don't really hear much of the higher register stuff that gave Deb trouble, and there also seems to be a vocal quality that I can't quite place in Deb, almost a brightness that could border on exasperating if she's not very careful. Of course, she is careful here, and the result is a solid ballad, though rather plain by Gibson standards -- 8 out of 10. 7> WHEN I SAY NO -- When I first heard this track, it was from another source, the Atlantic City concert, and I liked the song, but it didn't seem spectacular. Now, I do think it's spectacular!! The "dancy" feel to it almost seems to have "party" written all over it, and the message that you better not take advantage of your female companion really comes out here. The song flows very well, and I just think Deborah did wonders with this track. My second vote for Myra's poll goes to this track, for its danciness, its hook, its message, and Deb's great work doing all the vocals, including some very high ones. A reserved 10, only because I'm not sure if she wanted to overpower the chorus melody on that "When I say no, boy, I mean no" sequence. 8> LITTLE BIRDIE -- I still haven't quite got caught on to this track, but its show tune feel is obvious here, even with a clarinet (or something that sounds like one) in the bridge. Deb does great work again with all the vocals, including some very quick sequences. It almost seems that she's worked on the enunciation of her voice in very quick songs for this album, and once again, she comes through nicely. 9 out of 10 for a toe-tapping good time. 9> KISSES 4 ONE -- Another message track, but one that could fall into the dance mold that this album definitely takes. The only danger is that the message of monogamy could get lost in this track to the "dancy" feel. It's almost as if the rhythm and the like could distract from it all. Another solid track, with nothing to complain about except that -- 8 out of 10. 10> TEAR DOWN THESE WALLS -- I heard part of this track in the store when I bought the album, and I loved it immediately, especially the four-person "choir" motif. A really good song, with Deb powering a message of friendship for all races, colors, religions, etc. over an up-tempo track. This time, the message is given strongly enough so as not to be distracted by the rhythm. My third and final vote for the song poll goes to this song, with a solid 10 attached. 11> GOODBYE -- This track is what long-time Deborah fans may have been waiting for. This is a ballad in classic Gibson style, only using a synthesizer instead of a piano. When she sings that first word, you KNOW that this is going to be one of those ballads that only Debbie Gibson can put out. I bet this will end up a favorite track among younger fans, and her "Goodbye" at the end almost gives it the feel as if she is saying goodbye to those who have ridden this 11 track odyssey. I think this will probably be the last song on the concert tour, and I can see myself breaking down and crying to this song. It's a wonderful piece of music, but I just feel there are three better ones on this album, but this gets a 10 as well. There is not an artist in the world that can do a ballad like this. OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: WOW! WHEW! What a ride! Normally, when I first hear a Gibson album, I can usually discard a track or two out of hand. For example, "Love in Disguise" for EY and "Reverse Psychology" for AIP. I can't do that here. All 11 tracks are really solid. Her sexier image does not really come through except for "Losin' Myself" (to an extent) and spoofing it in "Shock Your Mama." I give this album a 9, but with one marked concern, from an objective point of view. I think Deborah is really trying to burn bridges with the past with this album. It does not really seem that this bears any resemblance to even AIP. Some really dedicated fans will feel alienated by this album, because there just is not anything to keep them from losing interest in this album. Not really any songs to provide inspiration (though several songs to send a message), and only two ballads, one of which is not of what would be considered Gibson style. In her hope to expand her fan base, she will lose some of her long-time fans. Some will look and listen to this album and be sorely disappointed. But, to be honest with all of you, I was not disappointed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBORAH IS CAPABLE OF MUCH MORE =- Richard Evans (71161.463@compuserve.com) January 23, 1993 "If Deborah Gibson poured her emotion into songs with social and political significance, anything could be possible." With this sentence I ended my introduction to BtL, shortly after the release of AIP. Two years later, I learn Deb will include songs about racism and date rape in her latest release. On January 19th, 1993, I purchased the _Body Mind Soul_ CD, careful not to show my anticipation to the attractive girl at the register, who telte Midlee is surprised Debbie Gibson is still around. After waiting such a long time I can't simply start at track one and listen to each song. I sample each one, and am dismayed to learn that the disc consists almost entirely of dance tracks. My overall reaction to the release is still disappointment, but I believe these songs may be just what Deborah needs to put her back in the public spotlight. This music, along with the sensual videos will hopefully expose (pun not intended) her to a wider audience than ever before. Here are some brief, and hopefully entertaining observations about selections from the new material. "Love Or Money" -- Somewhere Paula Abdul is looking for a misplaced song. "Do You Have It In Your Heart?" -- Can't decide if it is too fast or too slow, but this one is definitely at the wrong speed. "Shock Your Mama" -- I'm shocked too, but I like it. The rap should have been left out, especially since the word a** was bleeped out. 'Shock Your Mama... but DON'T CUSS.' "How Can This Be?" -- Nice song with same formula: verse + chorus + verse + chorus + BRIDGE + final "Ooo Who"ing. Deb should listen to her idol, Billy Joel, for lessons in variation. Pray listen to "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." As I final note, I think that overall this is Deb's best effort to date. I am only disappointed because I believe Deborah is capable of much more. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBORAH ON LIVE WITH REGIS & KATHIE LEE =- Robert Novak - North Manchester, Indiana (rnovak@nyx.cs.du.edu) January 22, 1993 Deborah appeared in a taped segment on "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee" on January 21, 1993. The segment was scheduled (and published in TV Guide as being on) January 20, but apparently the production people decided to give Deborah a showing that wouldn't be pre-empted by the Clinton Inauguration coverage. Deborah's segment was between William Shatner and Restless Heart, and featured her in a workout with Regis at Radu's gym, where she worked out to prepare for the video and photo shoot for "Losin' Myself" and _Body Mind Soul_. The announcer and Regis both announced errant titles for her new single and album; the announcer alluded to _Body Soul and Mind_, while Regis consistently left the "and" in the title. [LIVE INTRO] Regis: Now she's 22, one of the most popular recording artists in the world, has a new CD out called _Body Mind and Soul_, worked out at Radu's Gym to get ready for this, and that's where we meet her earlier this week for a workout together with Radu. [CUT TO TAPED SEGMENT] Regis: So how long did you work out here before you made that video? Deb: About 3 months, 6 times a week. Regis: And you had the video in the back of the mind, and that's what kept you going, right? Deb: Yeah, I had that goal in the back of my head. Regis: I mean that had to be a goal to work this hard. Deb: Well, I knew it was a sexier song and I wanted the video to be a bit sexier. Regis: So when you made the video, you could feel the difference in your energy level? Deb: Oh yeah, I mean never felt comfortable wearing tight clothing ever so I felt good about it. Regis: And you had a lot of good comments about how good you looked, and how much little Debbie with the porkpie hat has changed? Deb: Well you know, the porkpie hat didn't really go with the Bob Mackie sequined gown though. Regis: So you got in such great shape that Playboy wanted you to pose? Deb: I don't even know if they saw what good shape I was in when they asked me. I think they figured oh, she's over 21, you know they eventually ask everyone, I think. Regis: How did you handle that? Deb: Uh, with a flat no. Regis: Just no, just like that. Deb: No amount of money in the world could make me take off all my clothes for the cameras. Regis: Geez, I'm sorry to hear that, Deb. Just kidding. So do you have a *cough* significant steady? Deb: Yes, I do. I met him in Les Miserables, and we've been together almost a year. Regis: Oh is that right? Deb: Yeah he's on tour right now in Jesus Christ Superstar. Regis: So what kind of music would you categorize yourself in right now? Deb: I would say, in comparison to the other albums, maybe it's a bit more aggressive, and the message-oriented songs are not necessarily about things like, "Oh, anything is possible," and those kinds of things, it's more about subjects that are going on in the outside world like, there's a song on the album about date rape, one about AIDS, one about racism. I think that's one of the things that happens when you get out... Regis: When you grow up? Deb: Yeah, when you get out of high school, I think your mind is more on what's going in the world around you as opposed to, "Oh God, I've got a biology test this week and my parents are mad at me." Regis: Radu, what good is this exercise? Radu: Shoulders, shoulders... Regis: She's strong, even without her little hat, she's strong. Now is she going to be the next Cindy Crawford or not? Radu: I think so... Regis: She's already there, sure. Deb: A model I'm not. I don't have Cindy's pert little nose, and... Regis: So this is a bust exercise, right? and for me too. I feel it too. Do you, Deb? You know you raised a lot of eyebrows when you wrote that letter to the NY Times, no less, about Madonna and her new video and book. Deb: Well, I felt like with the book especially, that she crossed a very sensitive line. I mean, as far as the video goes, I don't think those were images that kids haven't seen before, but her book was so explicit that I think you kinda get into a danger zone there. Regis: Do you get a lot of comment on that? Deb: Yeah, and I knew I was gonna get comment because my new video is sexier so people are going to say, "Oh, well..." you know, but... Regis: Well how WOULD you answer that, miss? Now you who've worked your brains out all these months here to present kind of a vigorous, sexy image... Deb: But you know what? Regis: ...that's such a change from your previous image. Deb: I think there's a difference from between looking sexy, and being very explicit and appearing naked and showing, associating sex with violence, and there's a lot more going on in that book than in [the video], and the video's definitely G-rated compared to Madonna's book. Regis: Now Radu, you're working on her midsection here? Radu: Right, obliques. Deb: Reg, I feel it in my obliques. Regis: This was one of the toughest, yeah, no doubt about it, because that medicine ball looks like it might be light but it's weighted down and it's quite heavy. Radu: This is about six pounds. Regis: So you lost ten pounds? Deb: Yes. Regis: And any inches, or... Deb: Well, I went down in my Gap jeans, it used to be a size eight, and now they're a four. Regis: Yeah, no kidding. Gee 8 to 4 that's terrific. --- (exercise banter omitted) Regis: So Debbie, what's the future? Deb: I'd like to hopefully tour this summer, and I definitely want to get into doing film, but I want to find a really great role, like Barbara Streisand, Fanny Brice, Funny Girl, something with real personality and strength and that kind of thing, so it's kinda hard to find that, and I'd like to do more theatre. Regis: It's always nice to have that kind of goal ahead of you, you know? Deb: Yeah, I mean I look at people like Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, people who have really not limited themselves and they've really branched out and they've become great all-around entertainers, and that's what I want to do. "Losin' Myself" video clip about 25 seconds, from "You're my celebration..." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= HOW BILLBOARD RANKS NEW SINGLES =- Rob Polinsky - State College, Pennsylvannia (RAP115@PSUVM.PSU.EDU) January 22, 1993 CHART WATCH - Bubbling Under - "Losin' Myself" This is pretty remarkable - and it shows that radio stations have picked up "Losin' Myself" early. The single was to be released on the 19th. Whether it's officially been released or not, we don't know. Nobody's found the cassette single yet, and we did hear the one rumor about the 26th - and now two weeks for MTV. For those of you who don't understand, let me explain how Billboard works. The new issue of Billboard will be released tomorrow. The new top 10's will be out and the issue will be dated January 30, 1993. That means anything for 1/30's chart will have to do with everything from the week that just passed. Taking that into consideration, Billboard has what is called a Bubbling Under chart. This is pretty new. This is the chart below the Hot 100 singles chart that charts songs that are underneath the top 100 that have yet to chart in the top 100. In other words, they are a lot like the songs of No. 101, 102, 103. Now, in THIS WEEK's issue - week ending Jan. 23, which was first released on Jan. 15 (all info is most likely from Jan. 6-13 or so) "Losin' Myself" appears at No. 23 on the Bubbling Under chart. This shows that Deb has gotten extensive airplay from Top 40 monitored stations at least a week or two before the single's release date. This shows what we already knew, Debheads. We definitely have a hit with this song!!! It should be very close to the Top 100 next week. We shall see! One final note, Billboard changed their ranking system about one year ago. Do not be upset if you see Deb's song fall one week and lose its bullet because Billboard is nothing like what it was a little over a year ago. Songs go up and down and lose their bullets all the time, but now they can still regain them with ease. The latest case is Whitney Houston's "Every Woman" which debuted at No. 66, held at No. 66 last week, and blasts forward to No. 32 this week on the chart. Even a good song like this is held back until stations pick up on it. So the same thing may happen with Deb. Do not be alarmed if it does is all I'm saying. CHART WATCH - Week 1 - January 23, 1993 Bubbling Under This Week Last Week Title Artist 23 -- LOSIN' MYSELF DEBBIE GIBSON We are off and tracking towards Deb's first Top 40 hit in over two years!!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEB RADIO FEATURE ON WBKE-FM =- Robert Novak - North Manchester, Indiana (rnovak@nyx.cs.du.edu) January 23, 1993 I did a feature last night on my radio program here on WBKE-FM North Manchester...nowhere near the audience of "Open House Party" or stuff like that, but I had at least five listeners! Anyway, my two hour show usually has a feature in the second half hour, either music on a theme, or live music (from tape, but live recordings), or chart reviews, or something like that. Since I had some interview tape and the BMS CD on hand and the last locally-originated program before January Break, I figured I would put together an intro to the album for my listeners. Opened with an introduction, a review of some of the adds and music contest successes, and "Losin' Myself." Then about 45 seconds of Deb and Regis talking about the "sexier" image. Then "Kisses 4 One" followed by Deb's explanation of this album in comparison to the others (about 45 seconds). Then I played "When I Say No" and "How Can This Be?" followed by the 45 seconds or so about her letter about Madonna and closing the segment with "Shock Your Mama". I had a couple of callers who thought this was too light for them; these were people who were requesting Metallica on a show that had Pet Shop Boys, Olivia Newton-John, and such *light* music. I have to admit, though, the show has only been running for 4 1/2 years, so it's not like they could have any clue from one show of music... Other than those kids complaining that I wouldn't play Metallica or three songs in a row by Michael Jackson (I did play "Jam" followed by "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming" by Jermaine), I got no complaints, and the person whose show preceded mine liked the clips I played for her from the album. Oh, in closing, my show has been running for 4 1/2 years now, and throughout the time I've opened my show with one of two songs ("Your Song," or "Video Killed The Radio Star") and closed it with "On The Turning Away" by Pink Floyd. I made a little switch last night, and it may stick for at least the first few weeks of the 10th season of Progressive Variations... "Goodbye" by Debbie Gibson. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBWATCH =- Here's a summary of the significant TV appearances that Debbie has made between 1/18/93 - 1/26/93 1/21/93 : LIVE WITH REGIS & KATHIE LEE See transcript and commentary in this issue. 1/26/93 : AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS Deb and Tevin Campbell present the award for best country artist. Deb also made a comment about the disease AIDS. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS =- Q. Terry Carroll (tjc50@juts.ccc.amdahl.com) Will there be a video release available to consumers, as there has been with all of Debbie's last albums? A. Andrew Vernon (avernon1@ua1ix.ua.edu) There have been some rumors about a new home video called "Losin' Herself," but Gibson Management, Inc., Atlantic Records nor A*Vision Video have not released any information about it. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- The single "Losin' Myself" has been released to stores on cassette single with a B-side song called "Love or Lust." A promotional CD and a promotional double 12" record set have also been distributed to radio stations and clubs. More information on these items will appear in the next issue of BtL. Deb was the guest on New York's Z100's "Love Phones" advice show on Wednesday night, January 20th. Topics covered, all presented by callers, ranged from her new image, video and single to various sexual subjects. This show was also broadcast on Eagle 106 in Pennsylvania. The morning of January 21st, Deborah was on the WPLJ morning show singing bits of songs including a Spanish version of her songs, an Olivia-Newton John song, "Crocodile Rock," and Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." Also, on Thursday, January 21st, Atlantic Records held an intimate party to celebrate the release of _Body Mind Soul_. No D.G.I.F. members were invited, only close friends and family members. However, there is still rumored to be album parties in New York and California in February. "Losin' Myself" was #6 out of ten singles on the show "Future Hits" on Sunday morning, January 24th. According to the latest Billboard, the single has been added to 36 reporting stations across the country. "Eyes of the Child" is the bonus (12th) track on the Japanese release of _Body Mind Soul_ which was released on January 25th. "Losin' Myself" has also been released as a single in Japan on CD3 with a second track "Losin' Myself" (Masters At Work "Hot" Mix). We continue to encourage album reviews of _Body Mind Soul_. Also, the song poll from BtL 5.2 is still being conducted; please send your votes for your 3 favorite songs from the new album to Myra Wong (mkwong@sdcc13.ucsd.edu). In addition, please take the time out to read the Administrative Notes and note the many changes that have been made. BtL 5.4 is tentatively scheduled to be released on February 1st. It is already jammed packed and articles which are submitted from this day on will be saved for BtL 5.5.