=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 8 - June 19, 1995 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES INTRO BY BRITTA REIDA - Britta Reida INTRO BY MARTIN COATS - Martin Coats INTRO BY JAMES MINTER - James Minter "FOR BETTER OR WORSE" BILLBOARD REVIEW - Ronald Coulter _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ SNEAK (P)REVIEW - Tim Dressen 100 POINT SONG POLL RESULTS - Myra Wong DEBBIE COMES TO NASHVILLE! - Misty Cochran CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- Between the Lines (ISSN 1201-4826, electronic publication ISSN 1201-4834) operates on a non-profit basis. Distribution is permissible only under the condition that no part of it will be used for profit. "Between the Lines" and "BtL" are trademarks of Between the Lines. Copyright 1995, Between the Lines. This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Gibson, Gibson Management Inc. (GMI), Electronic Music Industries (EMI), or any organizations to which members belong or represent. Opinions expressed in Between the Lines are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire forum. All lyrics by Debbie Gibson are copyrighted by EMI April Music, Inc./Possibilities Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- Between the Lines has a central account and e-mail address. Please send all administrative requests and submissions to: BtL@egbt.org To submit articles by postal mail, please proofread and send them to the postal address listed below. Submissions should be typed or written legibly. To submit articles by FAX, please call (604) 322-5936. We reserve the right to edit, defer, or reject submissions without notice. Submissions become the property of BtL. BETWEEN THE LINES 2137 Qualicum Drive Vancouver, B.C. V5P 2M3 CANADA For those of you who do not have access to electronic mail, you may subscribe via postal mail. Issues are printed with a laser 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 $3.25 Cdn. for 5 issues / $2.75 Cdn. for back issues on disk United States $3.25 U.S. for 5 issues / $2.75 U.S. for back issues on disk International $5.00 U.S. for 5 issues / $4.00 U.S. 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. -= BtL moderators =- Myra Wong : mkwong@ucsd.edu mkwong@ucsd.bitnet Felix Ng : fng@acca.nmsu.edu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY BRITTA REIDA =- Britta Reida - Cape Cod, Massachusetts (BritSkye@aol.com) June 2, 1995 Hi everyone! My name is Britta, and for six years I have been a fan of Deborah Gibson, all on my own, with no contact with other fans--no online access, no D.G.I.F.--it was discouraging, and sometimes I felt like the only fan on the planet. So, when I got on AOL, and found all these wonderful mailing lists to talk about Deb, I was just in heaven! The idea that people would not only tolerate me babbling about Deb, but actually encourage it just blew me away! I became a fan in 1989, when I was about ten. Until then, I didn't know much about singers, and wasn't really into music, but after hearing just one song, "Electric Youth," at a friend's house, I begged for the album for Christmas! Only I kept thinking the album was "Electricute," so it's a good thing my mom was able to decipher that and found the right one! My only wish is that I had been born just two years earlier, so I wouldn't have been 8 and clueless when _Out of the Blue_ came out. At first I was a fan of Deborah's music, but now I am definitely more a fan of Deborah as a person. She really is incredible, and has inspired me so much, taught me so much. I am a really happy person, and I have been lucky enough to have many of my dreams come true because Deb has taught me to be optimistic, to stand my ground, and to keep reaching for that brass ring! She has helped me through many a tough time. I have always been teased for being a goody goody, but now I just reply with a "thank you"! I just remember what Deborah said: "Kids are getting the idea that it's wrong to be a good person, and I think that that's wrong." I could write a novel about how much Deborah means to me, but it all comes down to this: no one can make me as happy as she does. She fills me with so much positive NRG, and just the mention of her name can put a grin on my face. I get so animated and full of life while talking about her, I can't even begin to tell you!! So, Deb, I know you're reading this, and I just want to say: I love you with all my heart and will forever! My biggest dream of all was to meet Deborah, and that dream came true when I went to see Grease in December of '93. To me, this was even more special because of the fact that I wasn't in the fan club, and had no stream of info on Deb. I did this all on my own, (with a little help from my family, of course) which just proves even more how dedicated I was! If I hadn't been reading one of those silly TeenBeat magazines, I would never have known that she was in London! So, it took a little detective work to find out just where exactly she was, and figuring out how to make this work, but it did. On the night that I went to see Grease, I knew she would probably be signing autographs after the show, but call me selfish, I wanted more! After getting her a little present, we arrived at the theatre early, and just went right in the stage door! Of course, we weren't supposed to do that, but hey, it worked! Deborah wasn't around at the moment, but we talked to her friend, David, who told us to come back after the show and he'd get me in to see her! I was thrilled!!! The show was just absolutely wonderful, but it seemed to go by in a blur...when it was over, _I met Deborah_. My 6 year long dream had finally come true! She was just as nice and sweet and wonderful as I had known she would be, and I will never forget those fifteen minutes. Of course, I was so tongue-tied I wanted to kick myself, but she put me at ease, and was so easy to talk with! She signed my program: "Britta- Love ya! Debbie Gibson"! I got a ton of great pictures, and a hug...just a little paragraph in an intro can't even begin to tell you how much that meant to me. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much! And the best part was, when she finally had to leave, and go sign autographs for the people waiting outside, as I went outside with her, she put an arm around my shoulder and announced, "I made a new friend tonight!" It felt great. She had become my 'friend' six years ago, from the minute I became a fan. Well, I told you I babble way too much, so, feel free to e-mail me at BritSkye@aol.com anytime!! I talk about Deb day in and day out, and I would love to hear from you! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY MARTIN COATS =- Martin Coats - Rocky Mount, North Carolina (cn1879@coastalnet.com) June 13, 1995 I first became aware of Deborah Gibson in 1987 when the _Out of the Blue_ album debuted. I didn't know much about Deborah except that she was young and her first song, "Only In My Dreams" had a lot of energy. My friends were talking about her and later one bought the CD. Now if you'll remember, this is when CD players were just getting to be affordable. One of my friends was surprised that this other friend had bought the CD version because he thought that although the music was good, this girl was young and didn't have that good a voice to justify paying the extra $7-$8 for the CD (versus the tape). My friend who bought the CD was raving about it. I asked him to copy it to cassette for me so that I could see if I liked it enough to buy. The first opportunity I had to completely listen to the _Out of the Blue_ tape was on a trip to Virginia. I just couldn't believe how many good songs were on this tape! Believe it or not, on this trip I was involved in an accident with some 18 wheelers. The car was totaled, I was banged up, but the tape survived. I had to have a few weeks of physical therapy and listened to the tape on my Walkman while undergoing therapy. Deborah's songs were a great source of comfort and inspiration which I'm convinced helped me to heal physically as well mentally. The first thing I did when I got better was to go out and buy the _Out of the Blue_ CD. The summer of '88 came and my friends and I found out that Deborah was going to be in concert at King's Dominion, which is a Six Flags style amusement park located near Richmond, Virginia (3 hour drive). We thought that you had to buy the tickets when you got there, first come, first served. We arrived and our hearts fell... The sign said that the Debbie Gibson concert was SOLD OUT. We went into the park anyway, hoping that by concert time we could find someone with extra tickets. All day long we asked people in line if they had any extra tickets. We weren't having any luck. The concert was scheduled to start at 7:30 P.M. Around 6 P.M., we went to the amphitheater entrance. A thunderstorm was brewing. As we stood there asking if anyone had extra tickets, the wind started blowing really hard. The thunder and lightning wasn't far behind. We were getting desperate as showtime was rapidly approaching and the weather was worsening. We finally found someone with 2 tickets, but we needed four. We bought those 2 and kept trying for the others. We finally found 1 more and purchased it. It was now after 7 P.M. and was starting to rain. We needed one more ticket as we couldn't leave one of us behind. Things were getting frantic when finally we found the fourth ticket. He didn't have any change, so I ended up paying about double for the ticket. At last, we were in the amphitheater! We had two seats together, the other 2 apart, but we were thrilled anyway! By now it was a full blown storm with wind, thunder, lightning and rain. They covered up the speakers on the stage and announced that the show would be delayed. It was pretty scary, but after what we went through to get in, we weren't going anywhere. A group called Times Two was supposed to open for Deborah. They came out about 8:30 and said that they wouldn't be performing due to the delay. They did a short vocal harmony and then the announcer said that Debbie would be out soon. She came out around 8:45 P.M. and the (packed) audience went wild! She performed all the songs from _Out of the Blue_ and previewed a few songs from _Electric Youth_ ("Lost In Your Eyes" and "We Could Be Together"). Even though she started late, the show did not appear to be abbreviated at all. She closed the show with an encore that included "Crocodile Rock." It was a fantastic show and by the end we forgotten all our troubles with the weather and getting tickets. My next opportunity to see Deborah was in the summer of '89. She was going to be in concert near Virginia Beach, Virginia (about 2.5 hour drive). I ordered tickets the morning they went on sale and had pretty good seats on the floor of the coliseum. However, fate would be cruel. I got sick about 2 1/2 weeks before the concert and ended up spending 7 days in the hospital with pneumonia. The concert was on a Saturday and I got out of the hospital on the Wednesday before. I wanted to go badly, but my parents insisted that I sell the tickets. I really wasn't able to drive that far as I was still fairly weak. Therefore, I VERY reluctantly sold the tickets to my friends. They told me all about the concert and how much they enjoyed it. I will never forget the missed opportunity since the only other time Deborah was scheduled to come close to North Carolina, SHE got sick! She was scheduled to perform at the Lawrence-Joel Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC. I believe that this was the tour supporting _Anything is Possible_. However, the ticket office said that Deborah had gotten sick in Atlanta the night before and had to cancel. I felt bad for her and hoped that she would be able to reschedule, but it never happened. PLEASE COME BACK TO NORTH CAROLINA, DEBORAH! Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh is the perfect concert venue and it's only 50 miles from my home! Even though I've only been able to see her in concert once, I've remained a fan of Deborah Gibson. I joined D.G.I.F. (#5758) when _Electric Youth_ came out. I have rejoiced with her when things were good (_Out of the Blue_ & _Electric Youth_) and have suffered with her when things were bad (the lack of airplay/commercial success for _Anything Is Possible_ & _Body Mind Soul_). I think that Deborah is a fine person with immense talent and would love to meet her. I will continue to be a fan and support her through "thick and thin". I am doing everything I can to make more people aware of her upcoming album. I hope and pray that the radio stations will give her a chance this time. A person as talented and charitable as Deborah Gibson deserves a chance. Thanks to Karen Gibson and the D.G.I.F. staff as well as those that provide and support the Internet resources that help keep us updated on Deborah. I'd like to close this loooooong article with the words of Billy Joel (from the song "All About Soul") which remind me of Deborah: "...she still believes in Miracles while others cry in vain It's all about soul It's all about faith and a deeper devotion It's all about soul 'cause under the love is a stronger emotion She's got to be strong 'cause so many things getting out of control Should drive her away So why does she stay? It's all about soul..." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY JAMES MINTER =- James Minter - Lancashire, England June 7, 1995 Greetings to all fellow fans across the water! I have been a Debbie Gibson fan for the last seven-and-a-half years or so, and was very pleased to discover BtL through Felix while on holiday in Vancouver last November. Upon first hearing of "Only In My Dreams" and "Shake Your Love" all those years ago, I was taken away by the energy and free spirit which I was hearing from this young, unknown 16 year old girl from New York. From hearing these, I purchased the _Out of the Blue_ album, and since then, I have been delighted with every aspect of Deborah's career ever since. When the _Electric Youth_ album was released I was pleasantly surprised with the "improvement" to a more mature, even soulful, style of music than that of the first album (not that OOTB was immature, but as Deb would say, "between the ages of 16 and 19, we all do a lot of growing up"), as so did Deborah. _Electric Youth_ was well received in the UK, with a couple of top-ten songs (correct me if I am wrong), "We Could Be Together" and "Electric Youth," and selling around 150,000 copies. But to me, the EY album contains the best of all Deb songs - "Lost In Your Eyes"; it is a wonderful, beautiful ballad, which sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it; but will the new album give me a new "favourite"? I can hardly wait! Sadly though, following the EY album release, there was the concert at Wembley Stadium in August 1989 and at only 17 years of age, a trip to London (500 miles roundtrip) and an overnight stay, was not possible, so I missed out on the last "real" Deb show in London. (O.K. we had Grease but I will get to that soon!) Then, for a lot of the British media, came the surprise/shock of _Anything Is Possible_. All the UK music press could go on about was the "image" change (AIP video, etc.) - I bet there was the same reaction in the U.S. and Canada! After this, it is where I believe that the "fan-base" of Deb's in Britain started to dwindle (tut, tut!). As an example, I found it very difficult to simply find a copy of the album; eventually I did, and was extremely happy. I really loved the balance of superb upbeat tunes - "Deep Down" and "It Must've Been My Boy" are two brilliant tracks, which really show how Deborah can write and perform such powerful, energetic songs. Whilst on the ballad side, "Where Have You Been?" and "This So-Called Miracle" in my humble opinion, are the best tracks on the album. Now, as a fan in Britain, between the release of AIP and _Body Mind Soul_, it really gets comical - in the regards of information during releases. Personally I literally NEVER knew of the release of BMS in the UK, but I got it from the U.S. in April 1993 through an English record collecting magazine. (I only joined D.G.I.F. just after BMS' release.) When I did eventually have a copy of BMS, I was extremely impressed with the transition - both of Deborah's image AND the music; the music was, to me, the most mature (obviously) of her career, with the way each song was pieced together, and produced , with the vocals being both passionate and mellow, in one combined, beautiful package. I can only say that "Losin' Myself" and "Goodbye" were, personally, the two best on the album, although "Shock Your Mama" is a great, fun song, and "Do You Have It In Your Heart?" is close to being the most beautiful on the album (next to "Goodbye"). Now, after only recently seeing the video for "Losin' Myself," I can only say that, yes, it is different from Deb but at the same time, I do think it does fit the song. (I mean - "Losin' Myself" in jeans and a t-shirt?) And then, thankfully Grease. When I first found out that Deb would be appearing, I knew I had to be there. I saw it first in September '93 from the front row and thoroughly loved my first experience of Deborah performing live. I rushed round to the stage door, but that day, sadly she didn't appear. Then I saved myself for the big one. I went to see the show again, on my birthday in February '94. I saw the Wednesday afternoon show, and waited an hour with my sister at the stage door. At around 1:30 P.M., the assembled dozen or so people looked behind where I stood, and there it was: Deborah's chauffeur driven Jaguar. Out she stepped glowing energy on the cold day - saying "Hi" as she went along the line of people signing records, programmes and the like. Then "my" turn - I did get a couple of items signed: we said hello to each other but I didn't get the all important picture of me and Deb - I froze in awe when she smiled at me (blush), but my sister does have a photo of me and Deb exchanging big smiles. (At least it was something!) I also asked about any upcoming live shows and receive the response "possible after I finish the next album". (Remember this was February 1994). Then, to bring things full-circle, I travelled to Vancouver in November last year, which is how I met up with Felix and Karim, and I have not looked back ever since. Sadly, not being online yet, I feel that BtL is an excellent source of information, and now with the new D.G.I.F. phone hotline, although it is not cheap dialing from the UK, I no longer feel in the dark with regards to all things Debbie! I will be again over in the U.S. and Canada for all of November (well 2nd - 26th) and I really hope and pray for some form of a Deb show whilst I am on holiday. (Deborah - if you read this, please take the idea on board if possible!) I can wait for the new release, the tension is intense. The things I have heard about it so far, it should be brilliant. Anyway, now the boring part - about me! I am 23 years old, Debbie Gibson crazy, I work as an operations assistant for a large pharmaceutical distribution warehouse (as boring as it sounds? Yes!). I love most music - anything from early UK bands like The Jam and The Police, to Metallica, and the Go-Gos who I saw live in London in February and they were superb (let's hope it's a Deb concert next). I am also a big fan of Brian Adams. I also like travelling, and if you have read all of this intro, I enjoy writing. If you feel inclined to write and just talk about Deb, life in general, life across the pond, sports, news, or anything else - please snail mail me at: James Minter 31, Marina Grove, Lostock Hall Preston, Lancashire, PR5 5SQ ENGLAND =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= "FOR BETTER OR WORSE" BILLBOARD REVIEW =- Ronald Coulter - St. Paul, Minnesota (GBSB67A@prodigy.com) June 14, 1995 BILLBOARD, 6/17/95 Single Reviews, p. 57 DEBBIE GIBSON For Better or Worse (no timing listed) Producer: Deborah Gibson Writer: D. Gibson Publisher: Not listed SBK/EMI 54354 (c/o cema) (cassette single) Gibson makes her SBK debut with a beautiful pop ballad that displays her marked maturity as both a singer and songwriter. She sounds quite comfortable amid the song's measured arrangement, which features delicate lead piano lines and a 44-piece orchestra. Although this single is aimed directly at AC radio, there is no denying the potential for impact among the prom-going youth set. A fine introduction to the forthcoming "Think With Your Heart" set. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ SNEAK (P)REVIEW =- Tim Dressen - St. Paul, Minnesota (dressen@collector.com) June 15, 1994 Music careers are strange. Some artists have bodies of work that are consistent from start to finish-each album sounds pretty similar, regardless of time or previous successes or failures. Others change frequently, each album sounding completely different from the next. And then there are the artists who grow with each album, trying new things and reflecting where they're at in life with each new offering. Debbie Gibson falls into the latter. With her fifth album, _Think With Your Heart_, she isn't the teen pop princess everyone knew seven years ago when Atlantic released _Out of the Blue_. She isn't the young woman who defended her audience's position in the world with _Electric Youth_. Debbie isn't at the same place as when she fought negativity with _Anything Is Possible_. And while _Body Mind Soul_ attempted to show the world that she was an adult, _Think With Your Heart_ says it better, seemingly without that intention. A collection of 11 songs, the album is ballad-heavy, with an emphasis on Adult Contemporary oriented lyrics and music. Debbie's focus is on love-its joys, its pains, its humor. And while this isn't the first time love has shown up in Gibson's music, it is much more personal and realistic on TWYH.. Music arrangements are fairly basic, vocal-based and frequently backed by piano and/or a full orchestra. _Think With Your Heart_ has me pleasantly surprised. While I knew it was going to be a ballad-based collection, I didn't expect it to be so focused. It seems that Deborah is at a point in her career where she isn't trying to make a statement or prove herself. And the result is wonderful. This album puts Gibson in a league with Amy Grant and Richard Marx. The first track and single, "For Better Or Worse," sets the pace, beginning a cappella before the piano and strings join in. Deborah puts the meaning back into those four words, which sometimes seem to have lost their meaning in this world: "And when the angels came down/I say don't you dare/You know not what you do/May God take me first/For better or worse/I love you." Lyrically stunning. "Didn't Have The Heart" opens with a string/piano intro. The second of nine ballads, this song takes a different direction. Gibson sings of the confusion and pain that can come with a relationship. Deborah brings new life to the Carole King classic "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?", a song she has performed in concert for years. With so many artists climbing the charts with covers, I wonder if this is a future single. >From there, Debbie's lyrics on "Dancin' In My Mind" turn to the memories of past relationships, which we tend to hold onto for times when we need something to wish for: "I'll be dancing like/We did that summer/When no boundaries kept us confined/We'll be intimately/Dancing in my mind." Fifteen minutes into _Think With Your Heart_, the first non-ballad appears in "Don't You Want Me Now." Backed by a horn section, electric guitar, bass and drums, Deb tells the familiar tale of: girl wants boy, boy doesn't want girl, girl gets over boy, boy wants girl. Tough luck. This is a fun, poppy song in the vein of "Don't Flirt With Me." Song six--back to the ballads. "Can't Do It Alone" is Deborah's view of the frustration involved in a relationship in which only one person wants to put in the effort required to keep it strong: "Fairy tales are nice/But it takes work to bring them to life." The title track again centers around the vocal/piano/string sound. A mature ballad with the same theme as "We Could Be Together," "Think With Your Heart" is about following true love. The orchestra really shines on this track, providing a larger-than-life backing that gives Debbie a whole new sound. "Too Fancy" provides a second break from the ballads. This jazzy, cabaret-style number shows the influence that Broadway has had on Gibson's songwriting. This sounds straight out of a musical. Fun, indeed. "You Don't Have To See" again brings back past themes of "We Could Be Together." This song responds to the friend or family member who doesn't approve of the love interest. The sax is great and the theme fits well with that of the album as a whole. "Two Young Kids." Hmmm. What can I say? This is a classic love song if I've ever heard one. Flowers, a white dress, candles. I'm getting teary. Before the final track, Deb has put in "Interlude/Tony's Rehearsal." I'm really not sure why this is here. And it's the one thing I don't like on TWYH. Background rehearsal dialogue leads into a short, incomplete string interlude and is followed by more background talk. A full interlude might have been nice here. It's only 41 seconds, so it's not that huge of a problem. "Let's Run Away" is the perfect punctuation to this collection. Deborah has a way of ending albums with an ooomph, i.e. "Between The Lines," "Goodbye." This is the track that made me take note of Debbie's production on _Think With Your Heart_. The song's backing vocals and phrasing have me putting this track on repeat on my CD player on a regular basis. A full sound provided by vocals and the orchestra make this a song that you have to hear. So that's _Think With Your Heart_. As not only a longtime fan, but also a music reviewer, I cannot express how impressed I am with this album. The strength of these songs, especially the ballads, draws me in each time I listen. With the orchestra used so prominently, I keep hearing new things. I noticed a flute part on "Let's Run Away" after several listens, and that added to what I already loved. As a producer, Deborah shines. She gives the album an overall sound that captures the listener. I was worried that an album so heavy on ballads might drag. Not so. The placement of the two non-ballads breaks up the album and helps give it a varied sound. What else can I say? This is the perfect picture of where Debbie Gibson is in her career-she's a mature adult who's comfortable with herself and what she believes in. She's come a long way. With each album, Debbie continues to try new things and grow as an artist. If each of her future trials sounds like this one, she's got a long, successful career ahead. [Editor's Note: Tim is an album reviewer for a local magazine, and therefore received an advanced copy of _Think With Your Heart_. He is not allowed to make unauthorized copies.] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 100 POINT SONG POLL RESULTS =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@ucsd.edu) May 31, 1995 In BtL 7.3, I asked people to vote for their all-time favorite Debbie Gibson songs (pre-_Think With Your Heart_). There was not an overwhelming response, but 33 people (approximately 5% of BtL's membership) submitted their votes. Everyone was given 100 points to vote with, to divide between their favorite songs according to how much they liked each song. People voted for as few as one song, to as many as 25 songs. Without further due, here are all the results! POINTS - Total number of points a song received. VOTES - Total number of votes (people who voted) for a song. % - Percentage of participants who voted for a song. MEAN - Average number of points a song received. HIGH - Highest number of points received for a song from one person. LOW - Lowest number of points received for a song from one person. POINTS VOTES % MEAN HIGH LOW SONG 356 24 72.7 14.8 35 4 Lost In Your Eyes 253.5 13 39.4 19.5 100 0.5 Foolish Beat 195 15 45.5 13.0 20 3 We Could Be Together 174 15 45.5 11.6 25 4 One Hand, One Heart 154 10 30.3 15.4 30 3 How Can This Be? 127 7 21.2 18.1 75 1 Electric Youth 126 10 30.3 12.6 25 3 The Most Beautiful Love Song 122 12 36.4 10.2 30 1 Goodbye 118 12 36.4 9.8 25 3 Sure 117 7 21.2 16.7 55 3 Losin' Myself 110 11 33.3 10.0 40 1 Only In My Dreams 109 3 9.1 36.3 100 4 Shock Your Mama 97 7 21.2 13.9 32 3 This So-Called Miracle 83 9 27.3 9.2 25 1 Without You 81.3 10 30.3 8.1 25 0.3 Try 78 10 30.3 7.8 20 1 Should've Been The One 75 10 30.3 7.5 11 3 Out of the Blue 63 6 18.2 10.5 25 2 So Close To Forever 58 3 9.1 19.3 35 3 One Step Ahead 57 4 12.1 14.3 20 7 On My Own 54 7 21.2 7.7 10 4 No More Rhyme 48 3 9.1 16.0 25 3 Come Home (Wonder Years) 44 4 12.1 11.0 20 4 Staying Together 43 8 24.2 5.4 15 2 Who Loves Ya Baby? 39 3 9.1 13.0 25 1 Love Under My Pillow 36 6 18.2 6.0 10 3 Between The Lines 36 3 9.1 13.0 32 1 Where Have You Been? 34 5 15.2 6.8 20 1 Another Brick Falls 32 4 12.1 8.0 20 1 Mood Swings 30 2 6.1 15.0 20 10 Take Me Home For Christmas 27 4 12.1 6.8 15 2 Anything Is Possible 22.5 7 21.2 3.2 8 1 Shake Your Love 21 2 6.1 10.5 15 6 Little Birdie 21 1 3.0 21.0 21 21 Will You Love Me Tomorrow? 20 1 3.0 20.0 20 20 Whose World Is It Anyway? 18 4 12.1 4.5 10 1 In His Mind 16 3 9.1 5.3 10 1 Hopelessly Devoted To You 16 3 9.1 5.3 10 1 Silence Speaks (A Thousand Words) 16 2 6.1 8.0 12 4 Wake Up To Love 15 4 12.1 3.8 5 2 Deep Down 15 2 6.1 7.5 10 5 Tear Down These Walls 15 2 6.1 7.5 10 5 Eyes of the Child 15 1 3.0 15.0 15 15 Sleigh Ride 14 3 9.1 4.7 8 3 Kisses 4 One 12 2 6.1 6.0 10 2 Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) 11 2 6.1 5.5 10 1 Red Hot 11 2 6.1 5.5 8 3 Love Or Money 10 3 9.1 3.3 5 2 You're The One That I Want 10 1 3.0 10.0 10 10 Fallen Angel 7.7 3 9.1 2.6 3 1.7 Do You Have It In Your Heart? 7 2 6.1 3.5 5 2 It Must've Been My Boy 7 1 3.0 7.0 7 7 You Take Me To Heaven (1) 6 2 6.1 3.5 6 1 In The Still Of The Night 6 2 6.1 3.0 5 1 Don't Flirt With Me 5 2 6.1 2.5 3 2 Reverse Psychology 5 1 3.0 5.0 5 5 Have Things Changed? (2) 5 1 3.0 5.0 5 5 Streets Of London (3) 5 1 3.0 5.0 5 5 Heart And Soul (4) 4 2 6.1 2.0 2 2 Free Me 4 1 3.0 4.0 4 4 Crocodile Rock 3 1 3.0 3.0 3 3 Love In Disguise 3 1 3.0 3.0 3 3 Over the Wall 3 1 3.0 3.0 3 3 Stand Your Ground 2 1 3.0 2.0 2 2 A Little Fall Of Rain 2 1 3.0 2.0 2 2 Don't Cry For Me Argentina (5) 2 1 3.0 2.0 2 2 Play The Field 1 1 3.0 1.0 1 1 Lead Them Home My Dreams 1 1 3.0 1.0 1 1 I Come From America (6) The battle between Debbie's two number one singles has been going on for years; yet again, "Lost In Your Eyes" wins out over "Foolish Beat," receiving votes from 2/3 of poll participants. Some noted that LIYE is "sweet, innocent, and romantic" and a "classic ballad," while a veteran fan claims that FB is "still her best ever." Three non-single ballads ("Goodbye," "Sure," and "Try") joined by two limited release songs ("The Most Beautiful Love Song" and "Without You") that have always been notable fan favorites joined 10 released singles in the Top 15. Debbie's two other limited release songs come in at 18 ("So Close To Forever") and 42 ("Eyes of the Child"). As you can see, the rest of the votes are quite diverse including most Debbie Gibson songs. The middle section contains mostly album tracks that deserve recognition. And the bottom half of the chart are a handful of individual favorites. Unfortunately, four tracks out of four albums were not represented: "Helplessly In Love" "Shades Of The Past" "Negative Energy" and "When I Say No." Only a few alternate versions were mentioned in the voting. One fan especially liked the acoustic (Piano & Vocal) version of "Lost In Your Eyes," giving it 30 points. "No More Rhyme"'s Acoustic Version received a notable 5 points as well. The Campfire Mix of "We Could Be Together" is probably the alternative version of any Debbie Gibson that people are most familiar with. It received a combined total of 21 points from 2 voters. One fan liked the radio edits of both WCBT (15 points) and "Electric Youth" (6 points), while another preferred the 7" Version of "Only In My Dreams" (1 point). Someone especially liked the extended (Club Mix) version of "Out of the Blue" (4 points). Another voter liked Debbie's performance of "In The Still Of The Night" (1 point) on the "Live-In Concert-The Out Of The Blue Tour" videotape. And lastly, one person voted (7 points) specifically for Deborah's performance of "On My Own" on the 1992 Children's Miracle Network telethon. There were a handful of votes for Debbie's songs from Grease and Les Miserables ("On My Own" and "A Little Fall Of Rain"). There was one vote each for the following obscure Debbie Gibson songs: (1) "You Take Me To Heaven" a song originally written for Epic recording artist Ana, never released, but heard on an elusive demo tape sung by Debbie. (2) "Have Things Changed?" a heartfelt ballad written by Debbie, recorded by Australian artist Jo Beth Taylor. (3) "Streets Of London" a song performed live by Debbie during Christmas 1992, originally planned for her fifth studio album. (4) "Heart And Soul" a piano ballad Deborah performed on her One Step Ahead tour and originally planned for her fourth studio album. (5) "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" one of many showtunes that Deborah performed in June 1994 at her Oheka Castle benefit show. (6) "I Come From America" the song that Debbie wrote and won first prize with at age 12. Thanks to everyone who participated in this poll. Hopefully the next song poll in BtL will be for _Think With Your Heart_! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBBIE COMES TO NASHVILLE! =- Misty Cochran - Clarksville, Tennessee June 4, 1995 When I found out that Debbie was going to have a concert 45 miles from my house, needless to say, I was excited. I've never seen Debbie in concert, so I was really looking forward to this. But then I called the Ace of Clubs & I found out they were a 21 & older club. I am only 14, so I was devastated! I called anybody who might be able to get me in. My dad even suggested getting a fake ID! But I eventually settled to just go to the club early and maybe get to talk to Debbie for a few minutes. But something much different happened! Here's the story - My mom and I got to the club at about 5:00 P.M. My mom went in and Debbie was up at the piano practicing her songs for the concert. You could hear her singing from outside. My mom asked the people in the club if I could go in and they said, "Sure," since they weren't open. The only people in there were workers getting ready for the show and Debbie's mom, who was standing up in the very front. So I went in and Debbie was just up on the stage at the piano. Her hair was in a ponytail at the top of her head, and she had no makeup on. I was only 20 feet or so away from her. I smiled at her several times and she smiled back. I waved, then she waved. After she finished singing her first song, I clapped (even though I was the only one who did). A few more fans began to arrive. When she finished practicing, she came over to talk to the fans. I was last to talk to her and she turned to me and said, "I _know_ I've met you before!" So I told her my name and that I was in D.G.I.F. and she goes, "Oh, I remember!" We told her our problem that I couldn't get in because I'm not 21. Then her mom (Diane) comes over and asked, "What's this?" Debbie said, "She can't get in 'cause she's too young." So Debbie and Diane started thinking and her mom said, "Okay, this is what we'll do: We have to leave to get ready and eat, but when we come back at 8:00 for the show, you be waiting in the back and you'll come in with us. If anyone asks, say you're my daughter, okay?" I was like, "Oh my gosh!!!" So then they said bye and left in a car. By this time, I was about to go crazy! Then we went to the Hard Rock Cafe (about 1/2 block away). I couldn't eat a bite, I was so excited! Then we shopped some and returned to the club. Debbie and her mom got there at about 5 minutes after 8. Diane just walked up to me and put her hand on my back leading me in like she's known me forever! We were backstage now. Deb talked to the other songwriters performing that night while I talked to her mom. About one minute before she went on, she came up to Diane and went, "Mom, do I look okay?" Her mom said, "Yes." and then whispered to me, "Doesn't she look better with makeup on?" I said, "I think she looks great all the time!" Debbie said, "Can we adopt her?!" I said, "That's fine with me!!" Ahh!! Then a lady came up to Diane and me and asked us if we wanted a drink. So they brought me a Coke. I felt so privileged! By now, it was time for Debbie to go on. We walked out after her and stood by the speakers right beside the front of the stage. Diane had saved a table at the front of the club for fans, so my mom sat there and took loads of pictures. I had to stand with Diane - after all, she was supposed to be my mom. Of course, the show was fabulous!!! Debbie sang five songs from the new album, which was really exciting! They were all great, especially "Didn't Have the Heart"! I wrote the names of all the songs on my hand, so I'd remember! Then, when it was over, Debbie, Diane, and I went inside the backstage room. It was just the three of us. Deb asked us how she did. Of course I was like, "Great!!!" She asked me if I liked the "Fancy Men" song. I said, "It was really cute!" She was worried that the audience might not like it. Then I gave Debbie a present, a teddy bear from the Hard Rock Cafe, saying Nashville. She gave me a big hug. She was so sweaty! But I didn't care one bit! Then Diane left to talk to someone from USA TODAY. I was _alone_ with Debbie!!! I asked her if she would come to Nashville on her next tour and she said, "Definitely!" Yeah!!! But her mom wasn't gone long. Then I had to leave because Debbie was doing an interview with USA TODAY. I got my mom and we went around back where about 30-35 other fans followed. We waited about 10 minutes and Deb came out to talk to fans and take pictures. I was 5th in line. I hugged her again. She signed my _Out of the Blue_ tape that I got when I was 7! And she signed the D.G.I.F. issue that had my story in it, plus two other photos. All the while my (real) mom was snapping away! Then I took my picture with Deb, gave her _another_ hug and said, "Thank you so much," while tears were welling in my eyes. Diane was standing next to her and I walked over and gave her a huge hug and told her thank you so much and that she didn't know how much I appreciated it. She said, "Oh, I know, I've had fourteen year olds before!" We talked for another 5 minutes or so while Debbie finished with the other fans. I asked if Debbie was going on tour right after the album comes out. She said something about a tour at some record/book/cappuccino store. I didn't really know what she was talking about. She also said Debbie will definitely come to Nashville on tour. Then Debbie was done, and I got her to sign one more thing. My mom and I walked with her mom and her to their car. We thanked them a million times and then said, "Bye." It was over. I walked back to our car crying and not believing what had just happened. It was definitely the _best_ night of my _entire_ life! I mean, I wasn't even going to get to see the show, but instead, I got to be Debbie's sister for one night, meet her mom, and see the show (twice!)! I still can't believe it happened! Hopefully Debbie won't ever forget me now! I know that I'm going to be a fan till I die! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- According to Eric Wong at EMI, _Think With Your Heart_ will also be released in Japan and South East Asia on July 4th. The Japanese release will include two uptempo bonus tracks called "You Know" and "You Call Yourself A Lover". The album artwork is finished and the front cover will have the picture printed with the May BILLBOARD article. Don't forget! This year we are holding a contest for best article, as was first done in 1990 (Volume 2). During the summer, the current BtL moderators will select the best article(s) so far in Volume 7 (before the release of the fifth album). The same will be done at the end of the year. The winning authors will win a prize. The Circle Jerks' new album _Oddities, Abnormalities, and Curiosities_ which contains Deborah singing back up on "I Want To Destroy You" (track 5) has been released on vinyl already on June 13th. The album will be released on Mercury Records on CD and cassette on June 27th. BtL 7.9 will be released before July 4th if we receive a considerable amount of articles as a result of Debbie Gibson's first single on SBK Records; the official radio add date of "For Better Or Worse" is June 26th.