=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 14 - August 31, 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 BILL ENGLEHART - Bill Englehart _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ REVIEW - Matthew Hawk BILLBOARD REVIEWS _TWYH_ - Jennifer Yeko "FOR BETTER OR WORSE" VIDEO - Myra Wong DEBORAH TOURS NEW YORK - Christine Rudakewycz A REVIEW OF _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ - Ray Wong BIRTHDAY WISHES DEBWATCH 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, GMI Entertainment, Inc., 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 Deborah Ann's Music (ASCAP) or 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@btl.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 Felix Ng : fng@btl.org =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY BILL ENGLEHART =- Bill Englehart - Erie, Pennsylvania August 19, 1995 Hello to all you Debbie fans! My name is Bill. I am a security officer and have been a Debbie fan ever since I saw her sing my all-time favorite song "Foolish Beat" on MTV. That song produces "goosebumps" all the time when I play it. I have all her tapes, cassettes and CDs and my neighbors always comment that when they visit my apartment, they are entering the Debbie Gibson museum. I recently had my dream come true twice seeing and meeting Deborah for the first time at the Cool Kids Fest in Cleveland, Ohio (7/14/95) and then at the NRM (National Record Mart) in the Monroeville, PA mall the next day (7/15/95). Her performances were spectacular at both sites singing new and old songs. I am still on Cloud 9 from the two minutes I had to talk to her at both locations. Even though there were people in line and around she talked to me and vice versa just as if we were the only two people in the store at that time. Deborah is a true-blue people-person all the way. Other "celebrities" won't even give you the time of day. Thank you, Deborah, for the ideal promo tour to allow us to meet you person to person. Are you guys mad and upset as I am for not seeing any of Deborah's music videos on these so-called musical channels? MTV and VH-1 play *their* favorites and I am tired of seeing the same videos played each hour and day. I am still waiting to see Deborah's videos from _Anything Is Possible_ and _Body Mind Soul_ and "For Better Or Worse" on MTV and VH-1. VH-1 played "Losin' Myself" a couple times, which was a major miracle on their part, two years ago. I wish Deborah would release a home video of her music videos. We only got to see a small snippets on CNN, "Entertainment Tonight," etc. Many thanks to all. Keep up the Deborah faith. Sincerely, Bill Englehart D.G.I.F. Member #9863 1819 Nogle Rd. Erie, PA 16510 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= _THINK WITH YOUR HEART_ REVIEW =- Matthew Hawk - Olympia, Washington (hawkm@elwha.evergreen.edu) August 24, 1995 I'm pretty new to the 'net, but I've loved Debbie since I first heard "Only In My Dreams." I was not thrilled with _Think With Your Heart_ at first. I am a fan of the bouncy, upbeat pop from _Out of the Blue_ and _Electric Youth_. The slow stuff is okay, but it's not my favorite. I must agree a little with that viscous review from THE WASHINGTON POST. The critic made a crack about how Deborah wants to be Barbra Streisand. I think all the shows she has been doing is adversely affecting her songwriting. Her lyrics are often too wordy. They are not subtle and go to great lengths to explain situations, rather than leave ideas to the imagination. I think this is influenced by Deborah's stage work. In musicals, the songs have to move the play along and explain the characters. This kind of exposition is not necessary on an album, and some lines sound very clunky because of it. My favorite song here is "Dontcha Want Me Now?" It is a great song, and it is also the only fast song. It totally kicks. It's that bouncy, upbeat kind of sound that made Debbie a star in the first place. If she put out an album of songs like that, it would go platinum. I love "Dontcha Want Me Now?" Still, the slow songs have grown on me. Some more than others. I don't like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Those strings! Too over-the-top. But "Can't Do It Alone," "You Don't Have To See," and "Dancin' In My Mind" all have interesting ideas in their lyrics and sound good. I would rate this album above _Anything Is Possible_, but below everything else. It's not her best, but then, Debbie Gibson's worst is still great. One more thing, it is so great to hear from other people who are Debbie fans. I was beginning to think I was the only one. With all the jokes people make about my fondness for her music, I was surprised that Deborah could still get her albums released. But now I know that I am not alone, that there are a lot of other people who really enjoy the sweet music that Deborah makes. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= BILLBOARD REVIEWS _TWYH_ =- Jennifer Yeko - Norwalk, Connecticut (JenniferY@aol.com) August 17, 1995 This is taken from page 64 of the 8/12/95 issue of BILLBOARD: Debbie Gibson Think With Your Heart PRODUCER: Deborah Gibson SBK/EMI 33374 In her continuing efforts to establish herself as a credible, adult contemporary artist, onetime teen star Debbie Gibson delivers an album of well-written, passionately performed piano ballads and pop tunes. Despite the absence of a sure-fire smash, much of the material here stands a good shot of obtaining AC and Top 40 airplay, including string-adorned ballads "For Better Or Worse," "Didn't Have The Heart," and "Dancin' In My Mind," and cover of Carole King's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Gibson also shows she has rock chops, burning it up on "Dontcha Want Me Now?" I _love_ the fact that BILLBOARD is always so optimistic about whatever they review, at least when it comes to Deb! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= "FOR BETTER OR WORSE" VIDEO =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@ucsd.edu) August 29, 1995 The video for "For Better Or Worse," like the song, is simple beautiful, and romantic. Each segment of the video is steady and patient, unlike past videos tailored for MTV with their slick editing and fast camera work. This style not only reveals Deborah's natural physical beauty, but also the emotion she puts into her musical performance. The video begins with Deb quietly sitting on a circular staircase in Oheka Castle (where much of the video was filmed). Later she is comfortably sitting backwards on a chair with an elegant white statue in the background. We find her playing a black grand piano mysteriously out on the lawn of the castle. Throughout the video are vignettes of Deborah with her current boyfriend, Chris Bruno. They are first seen at South Street Seaport. There is some black and white footage of the couple dancing and running down the sidewalk playfully. And other footage of them simply being together. While Deb looks content, secure and devoted in this video, a little bit of magic shines through in the very last moment. The last scene is of Deborah with her head resting on her arms. After a brief second, the corners of her mouth turn up in a smile of true love. I think this one facial expression sums up what it means "to be truly happy at the end of the day." This is a gorgeous video, quite reminiscent of the "Lost In Your Eyes" video. It also marks the return of director Jim Yukich, who directed many of Debbie Gibson's earlier videos: "Staying Together," the _Electric Youth_ videos, and "(This So-Called) Miracle." Thanks to SBK/EMI Records for providing this video for non-profit distribution amongst fans. To receive a copy of the "For Better Or Worse" video, send a blank VHS videotape and a self-addressed stamped return mailer to: Myra Wong, P.O. Box 927325, San Diego CA 92192-7325, U.S.A. A complete compilation of recent national television appearances (as well as some local segments) is included in this offer. For more information including postage rates, please write to me at the above postal mail or e-mail address. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBORAH TOURS NEW YORK =- Christine Rudakewycz -- Clifton, New Jersey (crudakew@vaxa.stevens-tech.edu) August 27, 1995 JULY 7TH - WHITE PLAINS I was very excited about seeing Deborah's promotional tour in White Plains, NY. White Plains was only a ten-minute drive from my summer job. Unfortunately, I could not get the day off, so I had to squeeze the show in my hour lunch break (ha ha). I arrived about ten minutes early but still managed to grab a seat about two feet away from the piano. Deborah appeared about twenty minutes late, explaining that she was held up in the ladies' room. The show, as usual, was incredible. Deborah sang "For Better Or Worse," "Didn't Have The Heart," an "Only In My Dreams"/"Foolish Beat"/"Lost In Your Eyes" medley, "Too Fancy," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Afterwards, the crowd of about 100 waited for the opportunity to meet her. I didn't have to wait long, but it seemed like forever because I was worried about getting back to work. Out of all the times I've met Deborah, this was my favorite. Unlike previous experiences, this wasn't hurried at all. Deb recognized me and commented, "You sure get around, don't you?" I explained, "Well, I work ten minutes from here. I get an hour for lunch, BUT..." I then proceeded with, "I was at Oheka Castle last Friday and missed you by maybe five seconds." She said, "Yeah, I _thought_ I saw a familiar face as I was pulling out." I asked her if she liked the Goofy nightshirt I'd given her at CBGB's and she said yes, it was nice. Then I could sense it was time to move on. I concluded with, "I'll see you tomorrow and Sunday!" She commented, "I hope you don't get in trouble at work!" I knew I wouldn't be in trouble. I was so happy I went--it was worth anything! It was worth working until 7:30 P.M. to make up for the "extended" lunch hour. I could not wait to see Deborah perform again. JULY 9TH - ALBANY After seeing Deborah's promotional tour twice, I knew what to expect from her Albany, NY performance--the same friendliness, intimacy, and musical brilliance I had experienced at White Plains, NY and Paramus, NJ. I was right--Albany was no exception. Nonetheless, the day seemed to possess a magic of its own. When I met Deborah at Paramus I told her, "I'm bringing Grandma tomorrow. She can't wait to meet you!" My 80-year-old grandmother, a loyal Debhead, lives about two hours south of Albany. She looked forward to the show as much as I did. We arrived at 1:00, two hours early, and claimed two seats in the second row. Only five or six other people were there at the time. Naturally, I struck up conversations. I talked endlessly--about Deb, all the promo shows I've seen, plugging BtL. Before I knew it, it was 3:00. I expected Deborah to be late, but grew excited anyway. She came on at about 3:15. She was wearing the same outfit she had worn at CBGB's--the black top and black and white pants. Deborah began by saying, "It's so nice seeing new faces, but there are those who have followed me around--there she is." Pointing at me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow. That was pretty incredible. I suppose, after three times in the same weekend, I should have expected it. It still took me by surprise. The songs were exactly the same as the other performances: "For Better Or Worse," "Didn't Have The Heart," "Only In My Dreams" (with audience participation, of course), "Foolish Beat"/"Lost In Your Eyes" medley, "Think With Your Heart," "Too Fancy," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Oh, she threw in "On My Own" too, just like at Paramus. The question and answer period was, as usual, the most interesting. It began with the same "Are you married?" we heard at both Paramus and White Plains. Someone else asked, "Pepsi or Coke?" Deb laughed, saying, "I honestly can't tell the difference." There were the usual Les Miz/Grease questions. Then someone asked, "What's your favorite Billy Joel song?" Deb immediately started to play the piano and sing, "Some folks like to get away..." all the way to "I'm in a New York state of mind." Then she added, "but I also like this one..." and started banging out, "so come on, come on Virginia, please don't make me wait / Catholic girls start much too late..." Deb stated, "You know, I can sort of relate to Virginia." Overall, it was a terrific show. But the fun wasn't over yet. Those of you who have seen at least one promo show know that Deborah always sits on something (usually a dictionary, but it was a computer book at White Plains) while she's performing. It was a dictionary this time. And the guy in line in front of me bought it! I told him he _had_ to get Deb to sign it. I was dying to see her face. He blocked my view though, so I could only hear the laughter that had erupted among everyone. Since I was next in line, I couldn't catch up with him to ask what Deb had written in the dictionary. But I'm dying of curiosity. It was so wonderful, the entire weekend. I'm still on Cloud Nine. I'll be there for a long time. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= A REVIEW OF _THINK WITH YOUR HEART =- Ray Wong - Hayward, California (negativl@netcom.com) August 26, 1995 O.K., let's start off by noting that I think this is a great album. While it isn't perfect, I think it just does an incredibly solid job of creating a type of sound that hasn't been popular in quite a long time, and is overdue for rediscovery. As talented as the lady is, she still has room for growth. There are problems with this album, mostly small, but they are there. Many of the works in this effort will not have as broad an appeal as other efforts. This isn't necessarily bad, but it's important to understand. The scoring system: 95-100 Classic, one of the great ones, of possible historic note. 90-94 Outstanding, a song of superior content and style. 80-89 Good to very good, a song with special qualities. 70-79 Average, a listenable or even pleasant song that may have minor flaws. 60-69 Below average, tolerable but not recommended 50-59 Poor, intolerable, not recommended. 1) For Better Or Worse That quiet opening won me over before release, and also got a little worn to me once I'd heard it a few times. Then I fell in love with it again. It's strength, I think, lies in the fact that it does open so gently, yet builds with a passion that truly is undeniable. This is a really marvelous way to open the album. The dramatic lyrics are structured quite well, and add substantially to the power of this work. Possible strikes against would include a somewhat repetitious sounding beginning, and the somewhat cliche phrase "Sure, there are plenty of fish in the sea." Personally, I think the beginning creates some gorgeous setting for the rest of the song, and I love the way the cliche is turned on it's ear by the powerful intensity of the subsequent lines. (93) 2) Didn't Have The Heart A nearly perfect open, manages to reach out and just grab you by the heart. Holds on from start to tearful finish. I think I may like this more than FBOW, but it isn't quite perfect, sounding a little too "stock" in some spots. Still, the delicate handling of the strings is probably best shown in this song. An extremely heartfelt effort, one that is, at times, too honest and painful a reminder of how much a price we often pay for our chances at love. The only real possible liability of this song is the sadness. Some will think of it as whining. I believe it is probably some of the most heartfelt music I've heard in a while, and yes, I did cry the first time I heard it, and each listen is still an emotional experience for me. (91) 3) Will You Love Me Tomorrow? This song is actually sounding better to me. I didn't like it as much as the other songs in the album when I first heard it, but it actually contains some nice subtle touches that I have come to appreciate with repeated listening. I see two possible problems with this song. Most people are more familiar with the Shirelles original release of the song, and will find their expectation of an upbeat song to be distracting. The other problem is for Debbie Gibson fans, who have heard her intensely expressive "live" versions, either in concert or on the "Live Around The World" video. If people can see fit to allow that it is not those other two standards, the song holds up quite well. (77) 4) Dancin' In My Mind It's a nice, pretty sounding song, the lyrical delivery is right on, the strings are right, the horns are right, and it works for me nearly all of the time. The only thing I can think of that might be faulted is that it never quite grabs you the way FBOW and DHTH do. While it's a very romantic song, it demonstrates a greater level of maturity than other works, and it's never quite settled as to whether the object of her rumination are a love that is simply away, or possibly unreachable. (88) 5) Dontcha Want Me Now? A really fun rockin' romp. This is really quite a catchy mix of styles reminiscent of the 50s and the early 80s, which really does make for an odd, but appealing mix. Not one of my personal faves, but a really listenable, and even danceable effort. Also well placed as an emotional rest from the roller coaster the ballads produce. It does show that Deb could possibly pursue more of a rock sound in some later effort, but it still doesn't quite fit in here, even as a needed tempo break, being a very electric sound in an otherwise acoustic sounding album. (77) 6) Can't Do It Alone Deep and introspective Deborah. A much more relationship focused song than FBOW, too. The lyrics are among the simplest in this body of work, but that works well in their favor. I didn't like this song as much when I first heard it, but have come to appreciate it. I think this could also be a song with radio potential, but I haven't decided yet. Really, it's an incredibly solid song, with almost nothing I could fault. The problem is that nothing really draws it out from the rest, either. (80) 7) Think With Your Heart A very pretty arrangement, but too lacking in challenge for a lot of more critical (read: classically trained) potential listeners. It's one of my favorites, being just wonderfully sweet and romantic, without being too far overboard in the sentimentality category for me. I keep expecting to see a bunch of crabs coming out of the water to dance with the frogs on the lily pads, or a raccoon on a lady's shoulder. I would comment further, but Eisner might decide to sue. (81) 8) Too Fancy A nice, lighthearted jazzy/cabaret number. Her slight Long Island accent actually helps her quite nicely here, giving her a voice just enough edge to enhance the (required by the style) silly, exaggerated lyrics and delivery. Eisner wouldn't sue for anything I'd say about this song. Of course, isn't having an orchestra deliver the song a bit fancy in it's own right? I still love it. I can't really think of anything against this song, unless people just don't like that style of music, which isn't Deborah's fault. (87) 9) You Don't Have To See A rather nice number, follows some of the classical pop rules a little more closely, though it doesn't work for me as well as some of the others on the album. Possible ballroom number, which is good. The defiant proclamation of love is, of course, inspiring. The image of misunderstood love works as well as ever, and the emotions continue to run high. Still, this one seems just a little flat, compared to the stirring passion of some of the others. It's a very good song, it just doesn't rip at my heart the way "Didn't Have The Heart" does. If I had to guess, I'd say that this is more an attempt to capture the pain of someone she wishes she could help, rather than her own. If there is a single problem, it is that she seems to be working too hard for the sound. (79) 10) Two Young Kids I like it a lot better than I can rate it, unfortunately. The clear, unfettered structure appeals to me, as well as the pacing of her delivery, and the percussion changes, but by the older rules, she misses a few key shifts and other "essentials" of classic music. One of my personal favorites from the album, but the rules of other people's tastes have to color any recommendation I can make to people. This is a very poignant song, the lyrics are among those that a certain extremely well known greeting card company only wishes they could have bought. The tempo is a little too upbeat for them, though, and many grandparents celebrating 50 years, for that matter. (85) 11) Interlude/Tony's Rehearsal I have to note, that I am actually glad something like this is here on the album. The one thing that is most suspicious about the artistic integrity being claimed on this body of work (rightfully so, in this reviewers opinion) is the name of the orchestra, "London Session Orchestra." The blatant tossing of any pretense of being a "real" orchestra is given by the "session" in the name. What that name tells you is that this was not recorded with any "organized" orchestra, but a conductor (or someone) has a list of musicians with whom they like to work, and will invite them to participate in the recording of a "session." Other common names for what amounts to a studio orchestra are things like "Festival Orchestra" and, of course, "Studio Orchestra." The credibility problem lies in the fact that many of these are not recorded as live orchestras, but as studio parts, later combined, just like any other musical recording. This interlude clearly shows that Deborah/SBK went through the large amounts of work to bring the session together for a real performance. The way they discuss the score in it goes nicely to show a bit of familiarity between the players, as well. This may not have been the reason it was included, but a potential criticism has been staved off. It also is a nice paying of homage to Tony's ability to bring together musicians. (not appropriate to rate) 12) Let's Run Away This actually doesn't work as well for me as some of the others, but it sticks closer to the time honored standards of song construction, and has some absolutely gorgeous lyrics, to boot. Thus, it moves into the high ratings. This is possibly the most conservative (musically) song on the album. Perhaps I'm being spoiled by the burning romantic passion of the other songs on the album, but this is almost too restrained for me. The arrangement is a little light; at the climactic point in the song, and orchestral swell would have elevated this to possible classic status. (91) My personal ranking of the songs: #1 Two Young Kids #2 Think With Your Heart #3 Didn't Have The Heart #4 For Better Or Worse #5 Let's Run Away #6 Too Fancy #7 Dancin' In My Mind #8 You Don't Have To See #9 Can't Do It Alone #10 Doncha Want Me Now? #11 Will You Love Me Tomorrow? Overall evaluation of _Think With Your Heart_: This is really a very quiet album, by which I mean that it will not reach out and grab most people on the first listen. Much of its appeal is found in repeated, subsequent listening. There are a great many subtle touches that are lost in any cursory examination, yet these are the very touches many people complain about missing in much of today's music. Nearly every song on the album is one that gains in appeal as time passes. I can't say that this album is necessarily going to be a chart buster. I also don't think it matters nearly as much as it might seem to. This is most clearly an album that was done by Deborah for the simple reason that she wanted to do it this way. I'm glad SBK had the wisdom to sign her when she was released from her Atlantic contract, and I'm glad that Brian Koppelman, in his more business-centric role at SBK is still letting artists be artists. No one is going to claim that this is a perfect album, but it didn't have to be perfect. As promised by Eric Wong at EMI months ago, this is Deborah's most personal, most beautiful album yet. The value of TWYH goes beyond the professional making of music. Deborah the artist has rediscovered the key to expression; she has done what she knew in her heart she had to do. This is art, which is everything it needs to be. The real shame of this album is that the final product really would have been perfect as a soundtrack to one of those wonderfully sweet movies, the ones that managed to be sentimental without having to be "tear-jerkers." Katherine Hepburn would have starred. It would have been a "true" love story, where not everyone lived happily ever after, but no one was whining about it. It's an honest expression about the way life works. The standard parts of life that we hear on the mainstream airwaves ("He loves me," "He dumped me," "I wish he'd notice me...") and the parts of life we rarely hear about (celebrating 50 years of marriage or condemning a marriage to be.) While many artists are willing to write about the supreme highs and lows of love, this album, particularly the last track, brings to light the middle grounds... and realities of love, and life. Rating overall: 84.5, which qualifies as an extremely strong album in the good to very good range. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= BIRTHDAY WISHES =- Thanks to all the BtL members for helping Debbie Gibson celebrate her twenty-fifth birthday! Without further due, here are your messages to Deborah... ------------------ I would like to wish you the happiest of birthdays and continued success in any projects you are currently involved in. Allen Weiskittel - Lebanon, Missouri aweiskit@mail.llion.org ------------------ Today is a special day Created with you in mind May all your wishes And dreams be fulfilled As you celebrate Your SPECIAL DAY! Happy Birthday from a new fan! Mary McCool and David Paige - Phoenix, Arizona mary1@imap2.asu.edu david_paige@csgi.com ------------------ Well in my opinion two congratulations are in order here. First of all, for your birthday of course, I hope you will have a wonderful day with lots of love and friendship from all those ones around the world having the luck to know you. And secondly, this is a great time to celebrate the fact that you now have fans for over a decade. Thanks for all the strength you have given me during that time going trough the same stages in life. (I was born April 5th 1970.) Kisses are 4 one ! Peter Tunderman - Utrecht, The Netherlands tundermn@knoware.nl ------------------ Dear Deborah, I wish you all the joy and happiness on your 25th birthday. I hope you get lots of great gifts! And please "Don't Stop" releasing albums. :-) Archie Medrano - San Diego, California amedrano@ucsd.edu D.G.I.F. #3881 ------------------ You are my Sunshine Happy Summer Girl. Ruston Harker - Orem, Utah rharker@novell.com ------------------ Happy Birthday Debbie! May the joy you've brought so many others be reflected back to you! I hope this birthday brings lots of "life's blessings" and none of "life's curses." Here's hoping to see you on tour really soon! Gordon Zaft zaft@artisoft.com ------------------ We met in Oakbrook, you signed my _Think With Your Heart_ CD booklet. I told you that you have the voice of an angel...and a face to match. Happy 25th, Debbie! Wishing you lots of success and happiness... Ed Janik janik@spss.com ------------------ I would like to wish Deb a very, to the infinite power, Happy 25th Bday. May you have many, many more, and may you have continued success in all that you do. Your music has meant so much to me I can't tell you without a "large" block of time. Sean McFarland- Cincinnati, Ohio dpband@aol.com P.S. If you do a TWYH tour please come to Cincinnati I'll treat you to lunch or dinner. :) ------------------ Debbie, I would like to wish you a Happy 25th Birthday. John Race - Binghamton, New York JRACE36577@AOL.COM D.G.I.F. #10958 ------------------ Deborah, The world has truly been blessed to have had you for 25 years. You've brought joy to millions of people for many years. It was a thrill to have met you at the Arlington, VA performance in July. I'm the one whose Mom embarrassed him by asking you to dedicate "Lost in Your Eyes" to. I'll forever be "Lost in Your Eyes". Please schedule a concert visit to North Carolina. Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh would be the perfect venue. Here's hoping that you live a long and happy life and can experience the joy expressed in "Two Young Kids." Happy Birthday and God Bless! Martin Coats - Rocky Mount, North Carolina cn1879@coastalnet.com ------------------ Happy Birthday Debbie! I love your songs since the late 1980's and hope you will keep those CDs coming. It's been ages till you release you last CDs. Again, keep those good songs coming. Hope all your dreams come true. Bernard Wei - Vancouver, British Columbia bwei@glenayre.com ------------------ HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR FAVORITE GIBSON GIRL!! Debbie, your music has been a major influence on us ever since "Out of the Blue." It's been fun following your career this far, and we hope to be listening to you until we're both old and gray! Take care dear, may God keep you safe on your road trips, and keep singing! We Love You! Tim & Amy Phillips (brother and sister) - Tucker, Georgia Phillips_TD@atl1.mercer.peachnet.edu ------------------ Dear Deborah, I wish you continued success and happiness in your professional and personal life. I had the pleasure of meeting you 8 times, the most recent was at the Borders Paramus, NJ show July 8th. Each time I met you meant even more to me. You are an inspiration to all your family, friends and fans! May peace and love dwell in your heart for many years to come. Have the happiest of birthdays and may God bless you always! Love, Alfred Cresci - Piscataway, New Jersey ACresci@aol.com D.G.I.F. #8682 ------------------ Deborah -- after seeing you over the course of the promotional tour, my only wish for you on your 25th birthday is that you are happy with where you are going. We can all express concern about the state of the music career, or whatever, but the bottom line is that you seem to be very happy with where you are, and all I can say to that is that I am so proud of you. Deborah, I love you, will see you soon, and Happy Birthday... (Oh, and Happy Birthday to Karen too on 9/6!!!! =) ) Mike Falkner - Milwaukee, Wisconsin mfalkner@csd.uwm.edu ------------------ Deb: I just wanted to wish you the happiest of happy 25th birthday....I think you gave us such a neat gift earlier....your newest and best album to date....keep up the good work and may the "fruits" of this project be your reward and gift this year.....Hope to see ya and meet ya in person soon! Mike Pietrusinski petro@flowbee.interacces.com D.G.I.F. Member #11500 ------------------ Have an "electrifying" birthday and thanks for the wonderful performance at NUS. Chin Chee Kian - Singapore sci40171@leonis.nus.sg ------------------ MY BIRTHDAY WISH TO DEBBIE: Debbie, you have been such an inspiration to me, my life was a mess, my health was really bad, it was once almost at an end. You kept me going! Every record that you release, recharges my passion for life, love, and happiness. Thanks so much! Have a great birthday! A LOVING FAN! William Hughes - Chicago, Illinois Gab10@aol.com ------------------ I just wanna say GOOD LUCK to you, Debbie Gibson, and many great time for her. You always do good works (at least for me) so keep them forever, OK ! Many loves from me to you and I will always love you and your works !!! Swandi 'CyberNerd' Candra - Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia c3004607@student.anu.edu.au ------------------ To Deborah Gibson: c/o BtL Happy 25th Birthday! With warmest regards and best of luck from The First State. Think with your heart was awesome!!!!! Keep them coming!! Thomas M. Quek - Wilmington, Delaware quektm@goldey.gbc.edu ------------------ Dear Deborah-Happy 25th Birthday!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to thank you for bringing yourself to the various promo tour locations throughout the Eastern U.S. I had the pleasure of meeting up with you at the Borders Music & Book store in Washington D.C. on July 13th. You were looking great as usual, but that new dress was really a nice touch. I love the new CD! Congratulations on a job well done! Though we may be nearly 800 miles apart, you have a great way of making a fan feel like the guy or gal next door during a performance and/or autograph signing. Thanks again for the new album & hope to see you perform again in the near future. Robert Evans - Morristown, Tennessee DGIBSONFAN@aol.com or VRQL91A@prodigy.com ------------------ Deb: Wish you one of the happiest Birth Day's ever.... You are on the right track with your new album.... Just wish you could get down to Florida Soon! Happy 25th!!! MM:) Mark Mantz - Sarasota, Florida mantzm@mail.firn.edu ------------------ Hi Deb! I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I hope the next year brings you nothing but happiness and success in both your professional as well as your personal luck. I also want to congratulate you on Think with your Heart which has some amazing songs. Try not to forget about your fans in Canada. This year I've already seen Van Halen and will be seeing Bon Jovi next week. The only thing that could make this year even more perfect would be if you came in concert to Toronto. Anyways, all the best, and party hard! Love always, Neil Mathias - Toronto, Ontario, Canada antonio@interlog.com ------------------ Happy 25th to the sweetest, most attractive, and talented singer in music today. I've been following your career since it started and after 8 years your still going strong, making beautiful music. I have all your albums, went to two concerts, and own all your videos. Here's to 8 more years of success and beyond. Happy, happy birthday!!!!!!! Mike Gloster lipglos@ix.netcom.com ------------------ Dear Debbie, Happy 25th birthday. Brian Ang - Canberra, NSW Australia G.ANG@student.anu,edu.au ------------------ Dear Deborah, You've brought so much joy to everyone, especially this year with the release of _Think With Your Heart_--your best album yet. Seeing you on your promotional tour was an experience I'll never forget. Keep smiling, stay sweet, and have the best birthday ever! Wishing you all the best for your 25th year. With much love from the "Oheka Girl", Christine Rudakewycz - Clifton, New Jersey crudakew@vaxa.stevens-tech.edu ------------------ Happy Birthday - it's not been too long since Deb came OUT OF THE BLUE and got LOST IN YOUR EYES, fans. Now, we are SURE that FOR BETTER OR WORSE, these Debbie Gibson fans are here to stay!!!! Yee hah..... Jin-Hsiung WAN - Auckland, New Zealand u9254285@comu4.auckland.ac.nz ------------------ Deborah--I want to wish you a very happy 25th year of a great life. You have helped so many people, just by being who you are. Thanks. I know that you have accomplished many goals in this first quarter of your life, and I hope you accomplish many, many more. I know you will. You are an inspiration to me always. Shelley Hayhurst - Jacksonville, Florida Shelleysh@aol.com ------------------ Deborah, I like countless others, have been a faithful fan of yours since your start back in the 80's. From _Out of the Blue_ to _Think With Your Heart_, your music has been nothing short of extraordinary. You've obviously been graced with a gift of such marvelous talent. Here's hoping that you are blessed with a birthday as glorious as you. May God bring you many more years of success and happiness. Happy Birthday, kid! Jimmy Zindle - Jersey City, NJ jimmyz33@aol.com ------------------ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Debbie! ... If ever in need for a new song, email me! ... *BIG birthday hug* Rune Madsen - Bergen, Norway db94rm@oliven.lhg.hib.no ------------------ Happy Birthday Debbie Hope it's a GREAT one! From 2 big fans that Just love your new song! Donna & Robin.... Donna Parenti, North Windham, Connecticut admiss26@uconnvm.uconn.edu ------------------ Happy Birthday Deborah! Thanks for coming to Malaysia & Singapore. We really loved your performance. We await your next tour. Lee Yu Jin - Malaysia yujin@emtds1.nsc.com ------------------ Happy 25th Birthday Debbie!!!! You have truly been an inspiration to me ever since your first album came out. The qualities that have kept me a dedicated fan for years have been your positive attitude and the songs you have written. Keep up the good work!!! You are a VERY SPECIAL person and I wouldn't want you to change. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being who you are. Emilie Bruce- Troy, MI bruceemi@student.msu.edu ------------------ Happy Birthday Debbie! I'm sure all your wishes will come true. Thank you for the wonderful promo tour this year--it was great. Hope you enjoyed the Disney/Singing Hoosiers disc. I hope to see you on future tours! Have a great birthday! Jeff Lindauer - Bloomington, Indiana jlindaue@indiana.edu ------------------ HaPpY BiRtHdAy, DeBoRaH!!!!! You really are the best, and I can't even begin to tell you how much you mean to me!!!! Congratulations on _Think With Your Heart_-- it's great!!! I just can't get enough of this album! I hope you have a wonderful birthday, my friend. "For better or worse, I love you"..... take care, Britta Reida - Cape Cod, MA BritSkye@aol.com ------------------ Dearest Deborah: I want to wish you a wonderful birthday. Hearing your voice always brings a smile to my face. Meeting you this year was a highlight of my life which I'll never forget. You are amazing and I wish you the best always. Maria Armington-Anderson, Indiana MArmington@aol.com ------------------ Here's wishing you 1/4 of a century worth of Happy Birthdays, Deb! Keep up the *great* work and a little more dance tunes on the next album, okay? (Also don't go so long in between albums! We want as many albums as possible!) Please go on tour in the USA soon -- we miss you and those 90-minute plus shows! Happy Birthday from the must've been my "may God take you first?!?" boy! Enjoy! :) --- Rob Polinsky - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rap115@psuvm.psu.edu ------------------ Happy Birthday, Debbie!!! Hope you have all the best things in your birthday and I wish you luck for your music career!! Martin Iman Widjaja - San Francisco, California martinw@sfsu.edu ------------------ Hi Deborah: Another year goes by and another step in your ladder of life You're not getting older - just more beautiful and wiser Remember, there are friends all around you that you can count on So march on knowing that your heart is now much stronger. Happy 25th birthday and good day, eh! Leslie Eng - Calgary, Alberta leng@merak.com ------------------ Happy Birthday Debbie! Here's to many more years of wonderful music! Martin Frowd - London, England k939641@crystal.kingston.ac.uk D.G.I.F. #011527 ------------------ Happy 25th birthday, Deborah! May you gain in wisdom, but never lose your sense of joy and wonder! Your music has meant a lot to me since I first became a fan in 1987. College, a few jobs (for me), and 4 more albums later, here we are. Thank you for brightening the path to today for so many. May your next 25 years be at least twice as enjoyable for you! And thrice as successful -- now there is a challenge! Best of wishes! Michael Scheele - Kirkland, Washington MAScheele@aol.com ------------------ Deborah, it's wonderful hearing your music mature as you grow older. This year you've outdone yourself. I'm really looking forward to what the future will bring, and enjoying what you've given us so far. Thanks so much. Happy Birthday. (signed) Richard Evans neppie@mindspring.com ------------------ Happy 25th, Deborah! Wow... It seems like its been such a long time since "Only in My Dreams". Comparing that 11-year old song to your latest might seem rather unfair, but its true; "with age comes wisdom", and "Think With Your Heart" is definitely the most mature album to date, yet still shows the same sort of passion and energy you've always put into your music. Although I've yet to meet you in person (I hope Wednesday (8/30) has changed this) listening to you in song, in print, and in interviews makes it seem as if though I know you like a friend. Best wishes for success with the new album, with hopes for more to come! Kazuto Okayasu; "Kaz" - Glendora, California kokayasu@uci.edu ------------------ Dear Debbie, Happy 25th birthday! Thanks for being an inspiration and for touching so many lives. Your dreams, goals and music are so important to you and they've made me see how much of a difference fulfilling one's dreams can make. I really enjoy your music and it was great getting to see you four times during your promo tour! Hope to see you again soon! By the way, hope you liked the poetry book. Until we meet again, Alvin "The Chipmunk" Vitangcol from Berrien Springs, MI vitanga@andrews.edu ------------------ Happy Birthday Deborah!! From an 'electric youth' to a stunning woman - You just get better and better each year! Have a great one! Dan Lipinski - Durham, North Carolina dlip@mail.duke.edu ------------------ Dearest Deborah, I wish you a very "Happy 25th Birthday." May all your wishes come true. Thank you for all the joy you bring to our lives with your beautiful music. God bless. Love & Best Wishes Always, Karim Damji - Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada karim@freenet.vancouver.bc.ca D.G.I.F. #5147 ------------------ Debbie - Just a quick note to wish you a happy birthday. I have been a fan for a long time and truly admire what you have done in your career and what you stand for. Happy Birthday and good luck in the future. Carly Kuchapski - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada reneekuc@duke.usask.ca ------------------ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Happy 25th from someone who appreciates your work. The Hoang Le - Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania omac@cheese.westminster.edu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBWATCH =- Here's a summary of significant television appearances since the last issue of BtL. 08/29/95 : THE MIKE & MATY SHOW (ABC) Debbie and Diane Gibson were interviewed for this show's focus on strong daughters and their mothers. Deborah performed "You Don't Have To See" and portions of "For Better Or Worse" and "Too Fancy" (piano only). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- "For Better Or Worse" has remained in the "New & Active" section for the past three weeks (8/11, 8/18, 8/25) for RADIO & RECORDS' AC Chart. FBOW was added to the Mainstream AC and Lite AC programs of Alternative Programming, a national radio format (commercial-less music broadcast to retail stores, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants). Also, FBOW has received heavy airplay in Indonesia, Malaysia and on MTV Asia. Atlantic Records is releasing Debbie Gibson's _Greatest Hits_ on September 26th. It will contain "Only In My Dreams," "Shake Your Love," "Out of the Blue," "Foolish Beat," "Staying Together," "Lost In Your Eyes," "Electric Youth," "No More Rhyme," "Anything Is Possible," and extended remixes of OIMD, SYL and OOTB. The European release date of _Think With Your Heart_ has been pushed back to October 16th. According to TV Guide, Debbie Gibson will be on "The Mickey Mouse Club" (on the Disney Channel) this Friday, September 1st. Debbie appeared on Los Angeles' KROQ "Loveline" radio show on Monday, August 28th. Details will appear in the next issue of BtL. BtL 7.15 will be released in the next week or two. Please get your submissions in as soon as possible. BtL would like to wish Deborah a joyous 25th birthday!