=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 15 - September 15, 1995 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES HOW I BECAME A DEBBIE GIBSON FAN - Jennifer Geho MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS OF TWYH - Joel Patrick Rose DEBBIE GIBSON "THREATENS" LONG-TIME FAN - Bill Grohs DEBORAH'S BACK - STRONGER THAN EVER - Matt Ruskowski DEBBIE GIBSON RETURNS TO "LOVELINE" - Kazuto Okayasu DG WEEK IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - Jason Kim TWYH REVIEW FROM SANTA CLARA - James Lyau HOUSE OF BLUES CONCERT REVIEW - Robyn Reed NEW U.S. PROMO & JAPANESE COMPACT DISCS - Myra Wong REVIEW OF THE HOUSE OF BLUES CONCERT - Michael Scheele 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 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= HOW I BECAME A DEBBIE GIBSON FAN =- Jennifer Geho - N. Charleroi, Pennsylvania August 25, 1995 I was never really a fan when Debbie first became famous. I didn't flock to her like legions of fans. I was curious though and I did eventually buy her _Out of the Blue_ album. I didn't instantly become a fan when I heard the album but I DID like the album, especially the title cut. Nevertheless I put her album away after awhile and I didn't instantly get her second album, _Electric Youth_ either. In fact I didn't get that album until late 1992. That is when I became a fast and furious fan. I instantly bought her third album _Anything Is Possible_ off of the reduced racks. I loved the album! I caught myself wondering why it didn't do as well as _Out of the Blue_ and _Electric Youth_? I thought the album was terrific! I loved "Anything Is Possible," "Reverse Psychology," "Deep Down," "Lead Them Home My Dreams," "Sure," "In His Mind," and "Where Have You Been?" I found it hard not to like a song on the album. At the time when I first became a fan I had about 40 pen pals that I traded pin-ups and other stuff with. Well, I begged, pleaded, and cried to have anything and everything they could give me on Debbie. I soon had an extensive collection of Debbie memorabilia! My pen pals had really come through! I covered three walls with Debbie pin-ups and posters. I even got a copy of Debbie's book _Between the Lines_ from a pen pal. I was very proud of my collection. Christmas of 1992 I got a CD player and I immediately bought all of Debbie's albums on CD's. That's when I found out Debbie had a new album coming out in January of 1993! I was ecstatic and I couldn't wait! When it finally came out I was a bit disappointed. Where was the Debbie I knew and loved? Is this the same woman who constantly said she wouldn't give in to having to shell out a "sexy" image to sell an album? I was confused. Don't get my wrong, I did like the album but it just didn't seem like Debbie was being herself. I did like the songs "Free Me," "Shock Your Mama" (and how she poked fun at herself), and "Losin' Myself." None of the other songs really grew on me. I saw her on "Geraldo" and I was a bit relieved. I could still see some of the old Debbie. At least she hadn't completely changed. After _Body Mind Soul_ I didn't really hear much about her. I knew she was doing Grease in London but that's all I knew. One day in July of 1995 I was reading the TV Guide when I noticed she was going to be on "Live! Regis & Kathie Lee." I watched and was shocked to find out her new album was already out! Also, the old but very much older and more mature Debbie was back! I was very relieved! I also instantly liked the song she sang "For Better Or Worse." After the show I ran out and bought _Think With Your Heart_. I truly loved the album! I couldn't get enough! I kept playing it over and over again. There isn't one song I don't like. My favorite though is definitely "Dontcha Want Me Now?" The general public better wake up and take notice of this great album or they'll be missing out! What came next is the best part of my story. I never got to see Debbie perform live. I have her concert tapes but that isn't the same. Anyway I found out she was gong to be performing at National Record Mart in a local mall! I couldn't believe my good luck! I definitely went and it was great! Debbie was great! I just couldn't believe I got to see her perform and I got to talk with her and got her autograph. I even got to take a picture with her! It now sits framed on my desk. I'll never forget that day. I've been a fan for about three years and I plan to be for as long as Debbie is still there to put out great albums and maybe even after that! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS OF TWYH =- Joel Patrick Rose - San Francisco, California (MBLK59A@prodigy.com) September 1, 1995 First, I would like to say I have been a Debbie Gibson fan since the beginning, when I was a young lad of 23. Now at 31, I am still a fan of Deborah's music. This is my personal review of _Think With Your Heart_: This once teen-icon-turned-woman who has been in the pop media nearly a decade has written, produced, and arranged a nice piece of work. The first single, "For Better Or Worse," shows Gibson's maturity as a songwriter, and her talent for producing and arranging a complete project on her own with a 44 piece orchestra intact. The only downfall I see for Gibson is not enough radio and video exposure. It makes me very angry when I see Hootie & the Blowfish on for the 52nd time for the day on VH-1 and they won't even add Gibson's video on the playlist! The single "For Better Or Worse" does not even exist in record stores here in the San Francisco area, nor will any of the AC radio stations play it. It is a shame that a artist like Gibson cannot be seen, especially when she has a pretty generous fan base. But back to the album...Gibson's voice is vocally the best yet! My personal favorites are "Too Fancy," and "Lets Run Away" (should be next single). In furthering my personal opinion, it is nice to see Gibson true to herself on this album. The last effort _Body Mind Soul_, was a true fact that Gibson was getting older and Atlantic Records did not know what to do with her, especially with the entry "Shock Your Mama." We all know that wasn't Debbie singing that one! Anyway it is good to see Debbie back in such fine form. I give it: 92 out of 100 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBBIE GIBSON "THREATENS" LONG-TIME FAN =- Bill Grohs - Brigantine, New Jersey August 15, 1995 The Place: Borders Books & Music, Bryn Mawr, PA The Date: July 8, 1995 The Threat: "Bill, I wanna destroy you!!! Debbie Gibson" The Reason: I handed Debbie a promo CD single for the Circle Jerks' "I Wanna Destroy You." And now for some background. I found out from fellow Debhead Rich Soto that Debbie was playing in Bryn Mawr so we went together. She played and answered questions for about 45 minutes before signing autographs. The songs were FBOW, DHTH, OIMD, "Summer Lovin'," "On My Own," FB/LIYE Medley, TF, TWYH and WYLMT. A local TV station was there filming. (If anyone taped this news report please get in touch. My phone number is 609-266-8025.) Anyway, after her performance we got in line for autographs. When it was my turn, the person in charge said only one autograph each. I had the CJ's single and a Deb CD single and I knew that she wouldn't be seeing a lot of CJ singles so I explained to Deb's helper that this was a special item and after a little convincing I was able to get both singles signed. Debbie saw the CJ single and seemed quite surprised. She said, "I didn't even know this was out." So she signed it, "Bill, I wanna destroy you!!! Debbie Gibson". A threat? Of course not, but it made an interesting title for this article. I then handed her a program guide from the college radio station I "work" at. She did a show at this school (Stockton College in Pomona, NJ) in 1987 and told her she was getting airplay at the same school she played eight years earlier. I don't think she remembered (no surprise) but her mom overheard me telling Deb the story and said, "I remember that show. Half the crowd was our family." Deb's grandparents lived in nearby Vineland, NJ. It was a fantastic night, one I won't forget for a very long time. One last item about airplay. College radio is not the place you would play Debbie's music, but at WLFR (at the above mentioned college) she made the College Music Journal's Top 35 for the first week in August. The CMJ tracks college radio airplay. So to all the people who think that Deb's music wouldn't get played on college radio, you are wrong! Some DJ's play what's good, not just trendy. Sometimes, the music does come first and stereotypes fall by the wayside. And in my humble opinion, that's how it should be. Best of luck to ya, Deb. We're pulling for you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBORAH'S BACK - STRONGER THAN EVER =- Matt Ruskowski - Bothell, Washington (ruskowsk@cwu.edu) August 23, 1995 This is a first for me and I am glad that my first review was for Deborah Gibson. _Think With Your Heart_ has the emotions, feelings, and maturity of a great album anyone would enjoy having in their collection. Now my review of _Think With Your Heart_. FOR BETTER OR WORSE -- This song starts out kind of slow, but does pick up the pace later on. I loved the strings. The part I liked the most was when she talked about birds, fish and paradise. She can also still hold a note. -- 9 DIDN'T HAVE THE HEART -- Excellent song. This is my co-favorite song on the album--relates well to real-life. Songs that do that are a plus in my book. The emotions shown in this song really made me think of the times I have felt this same way. Great job! -- 10 WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW? -- This song has its moments, but tends to be too closely fit to Carole King's version. The tempo and beat are very close to the way King produced the song. For the most part it was a good cover to a classic song. Maybe a little more tempo next time. -- 7 DANCIN' IN MY MIND -- This is another song with meaning. The instruments seem to be a bigger part of the song than normal on her songs. A change can be good but can also hurt a song. The music and words alone are great, but not together. -- 7 DONTCHA WANT ME NOW? -- Catchy song. This was a surprise I have to tell you. Brought back memories of the "Should've Been The One" days. Everything in this song was great. The song added speed to an album rich in slower but good songs. This change was good. -- 9 CAN'T DO IT ALONE -- This song gave another great impression of conflict and realism. Deborah tells us that it takes two to make it work. Not just one person. She is willing to put in the effort if the other person will too. Excellent job Deborah. -- 9 THINK WITH YOUR HEART -- What else can I say about this song except to agree with so many others and say that this should be the love song in a Disney movie. The strings and piano are excellent. They helped to bring romance to the song. This of course is my other co-favorite. -- 10 TOO FANCY -- This is a very catchy song as well. Deborah doesn't want the grandest of men. Just the simple happy-go-lucky ones who will give her attention and make her feel good about herself. Can I audition for this part? HA HA HA!!! -- 8 YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEE -- Another great song about realistic feelings and emotions. Who cares what others think as long as you are happy with what you have. Deborah shows this in this song. Also an excellent sax solo. Great job on another well done song Deborah. -- 9 TWO YOUNG KIDS -- This would be a great AC single. It relates to so many people. It's not just for the young or old but for everyone in this world. The tempo is great and anyone would be able to listen to it and feel some great emotion from it; especially those married 50 years. The instruments were used well in this song to help convey a feeling of happiness. Good job. -- 8 INTERLUDE/TONY'S REHEARSAL -- No need to be here, but since it is I have to say that had it been about a minute or so longer I would be able to like it more. I usually skip through this part when I listen to the album. -- 5 LET'S RUN AWAY -- This is an excellent song. I loved the imagination and creativity of the song. The sound effects at the beginning and middle were great. They added a sense of imagery to the song. This was a nice change since a song has never had "rainfall" or a "waterfall" in it before. I can picture wonderful images in my mind of places to run off to and enjoy the world and all it has to offer. Great finish to an album already full of great work and maturity. -- 9 Overall I give this album an 8.6 on a scale of 1-10. There has never been an album that has ever scored a 10 in my book. I always find something wrong in an album. Nobody is perfect, but Deborah comes pretty darn close. I can't wait for the next album to come out. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBBIE GIBSON RETURNS TO "LOVELINE" =- Kazuto Okayasu - Glendora, California (KOKAYASU@uci.edu) August 29, 1995 As part of her schedule in Los Angeles the week of August 28th, Debbie made a stop at "World Famous" KROQ 106.7 FM radio to guest on their long-running "Loveline" show. (KROQ is on the World Wide Web at http://www.delphi.com/KROQ) This is Debbie's second appearance on "Loveline," her first being in December of 1992. "Loveline" is currently hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky and Riki Rachtman, and is on Monday through Thursday at 10 to midnight, and Sunday from 8 to 10 P.M. Although the premise of the show is to discuss issues relating to sex, relationships, drugs, and other lifestyle topics, the show remains pretty open. More information on "Loveline" is available on their homepage. I would like to say that I have been listening to "Loveline" on-and-off for as long as I've been listening to Debbie's music (so about 7 years), which might make me unique in that respect. Here is a summary of Debbie's appearance on the show. Personal comments by me will be bracketed in < >. Riki introduces Debbie, sitting on a tall chair, making her look tall, and asks her how tall she is, to which Debbie replies, 5'6". He asks how old she is, to which she replies, "25 in 3 days." Riki brings up Debbie's "pure-as-driven-snow" image that KROQ listeners may have of her. She readily admits to it, although, she says, being "cutesy" doesn't last in the business. Riki and Drew make a comparison to Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, who went from a "Debbie Gibson of Canada" image to something completely different as she reached into the U.S. She admits to have never heard that comparison. Does she see her clean-cut image to be good or bad? Debbie responds that there are enough people thought of in a bad light, and it's great that her image is what it is. Riki asks how she got involved with the Circle Jerks. Debbie basically said that it was all arranged by producer Niko Bolas, who was involved in the production of _Think With Your Heart_. She was amazed how the band worked; "Soundcheck?? This is going to go on tape!" A caller brings up the Calvin Klein ad issue Riki asks Debbie what she thinks of the ads. She doesn't find them particularly offensive, stating that it pretty much depicts how kids dress nowadays. Riki brings up the new album. He asks if she's touring, to which she mentions the Borders appearances and her time in SE Asia. When asked if the crowds were little kids with their parents, she said that no, most of them are in their 20's and 30's--basically people who've grown up with her music. He asks if she's ever woken up, puking and hung over. she admitted to never have smoked, or gotten drunk Riki asks whether she has a relationship going, (Chris Bruno) and how they met (thought a mutual friend in LA), and whether she'd be bothered if she saw him "making out" on his soap, to which she replied, "not to a great degree." She mentions that he is in her new video. , but when asked, she said there is no "making out" in the video. He asks what kinds of differences she sees in LA and NY people. She finds the stereotype of Angelenos being "laid back" to be true, and that New Yorkers are "faster" and "edgier." She thinks Angelenos speak a lot slower than New Yorkers , and she likes visiting LA but prefers living in New York, feeling she fits in better there. A caller brings up Shannon Falkner , and Debbie is asked her opinion on the issue. Debbie commends her for trying to stand up for something, yet she thought there wasn't enough effort on Shannon's part in making sure she was as ready and as fit as possible to try what she did. ** Commercial ** An overly-hyper caller congratulates Debbie's background singing with the Circle Jerks. This prompts Riki to ask what the craziest thing Debbie's ever done, her reply being the CJ stagediving incident. She thought it was "really cool" and "fun" (although later she says that was the first and ONLY time she'll ever do that). A caller asks if she plans to go on tour, to be answered by "hopefully next year." Deb plugs her House of Blues appearance on Wednesday. It's decided it's time to play some music, and "Dontcha Want Me Now?" is briefly explained, then played in its entirety. ** plays "Dontcha Want Me Now?" ** Riki wants to know how it feels to produce her own material. Debbie says, although its lots of work, she finds it well worth it. He mentions that Diane is there, Debbie stating that they're "best buddies," Ricki following with maybe Diane being the reason Debbie doesn't get into "trouble," to which she had no comment. ** Commercial ** "Do you live in a big house?" "I have a 1 bedroom apartment in Manhattan." Dr. Drew and Riki try to pry an area of Manhattan out of her (no luck). Debbie drives a Lexus. Deb mentions she has some investments, including her studio, then mentions the family home on Long Island. When asked if it was affected by the recent fire, she said no, but that it wasn't too far away. A caller asks the doctor about his butt being sore after getting a tattoo there . Debbie jokingly says, "see what I've missed out on?" There were then some brief comments about exercising, and then about touring by bus vs. airplane. A caller asks, if she were to get a tattoo, what would she get, to which Deb quickly replies, "A tattoo of Tiffany on my forehead!!" She mentions she likes Tiffany, and thinks she's now married to a hairdresser and has kids. (Caller thinks Debbie would beat Tiffany in a steel-cage match.) ** Commercial ** Riki brings up Antonio Banderas, and asks Debbie who her favorite actor is. She loves Ray Liotta, liking his "intense" roles and how "spooky" he is. A caller tells Debbie that "Didn't Have the Heart" makes him cry every time he hears it. Riki decides to play "Didn't Have the Heart" next. She thinks this might be the next release from the album . ** plays "Didn't Have The Heart" ** Well, a laid-back hour of 100% spontaneous Deb, the way I like it. She always seems much more relaxed in these types of situations, I think. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DG WEEK IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA =- Jason Kim - Los Angeles, California (HiroUCLA@aol.com) September 2, 1995 This week has been absolutely amazing for me. I was very fortunate to see Debbie perform live on August 28th and 30th. Debbie's voice is incredible!! I guess the best part of my week was when I met Debbie in person. I was really nervous. Anyways, here's my review of "The Mike & Maty Show" appearance, and the House of Blues concert. On Monday the 28th, my friend, "Verne," and I drove to Hollywood to see the taping of "The Mike & Maty Show." As we were waiting to get inside, I immediately noticed the diversity of Debbie Gibson fans. What's more amazing is that some of these fans have seen Debbie perform live over 30 times!! The audience was divided into two sections. The side sitting closest to the piano consisted of Debbie fans. By the way, some of these people got a lot of camera time. I'm jealous. I was sitting on the other side. The theme of the show was a "Mother, Daughter" show. Debbie sang "You Don't Have To See" and "For Better Or Worse." Both songs are very beautiful. I was in absolute amazement. On Wednesday, my friend, Nori, and I drove down the Sunset strip to the House of Blues. This place is really cool. It's located near the Whiskey Bar and Tower Records. Debbie began performing at about 7:50 P.M. This time, there was a full band. There were two backup singers, a percussionist, a bass player, and several string players. She did several mellow tunes, then some songs from the past. I was taking pictures the entire time, keeping in mind that I had only 20 exposures left. One thing that I really liked was the percussion. Everything from the "coin on the cymbal" sounds to the tambourines and shakers matched perfectly to the piano. I'm a big fan of percussive music because I'm a marching drummer at UCLA. She also sang several tunes from "Grease" and "Les Miserables." She even killed a bug on stage. Is she talented or what? Everything was great! By the way, we all sang "Happy Birthday." At about 10 P.M., many of us got in a so-called line, and waited anxiously to see her in person. While waiting in line, I recognized about 10 people who were also at "The Mike & Maty Show." Nori and I were near the end of the line. It was about 11:20 when I finally met her. I was really nervous. I think I said something like, "Thanks for getting me through the '80s." She signed my _Out of the Blue_ album. Nori, Debbie, and I took a group picture. And I guess that's about it. I hope that Debbie reads this article because I want to tell her how amazing she is. She's always true to herself, and she'll always be an inspiration to me. She'll always have a place in my heart. Debbie, thanks for a great week. *** I'm conducting a survey. If you listen to Alternative music like me, and you're in the Los Angeles area, please email me at: HiroUCLA@aol.com *** =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= TWYH REVIEW FROM SANTA CLARA =- James Lyau - Sunnyvale, California (jpl10@mfg.amdahl.com) September 6, 1995 Here's a review of _Think With Your Heart_ from the local entertainment rag (kind of late though). Reproduced verbatim without permission. METRO: Santa Clara Valley's Weekly Newspaper August 3-9, 1995 Audiophile column: Debbie Gibson/Think With Your Heart/EMI On a recent appearance on "Live! With Regis and Kathy Lee," Debbie Gibson described herself as a "traditional pop singer." If the definition of "traditional" pop music is the glitzy, substance-free fluff one might hear on Star Search, then Gibson's statement is certainly accurate. In fact, her latest endeavor, _Think With Your Heart_, is the epitome of traditional pop. A majority of Gibson's self-penned songs are love ballads with a lullaby tempo and an abundance of pretty piano and heart-wrenching vocals. Heavy orchestration and backup vocals mask the lack of depth, creating perfect elevator/supermarket music. Granted, Gibson has above-average vocal ability and is quite capable of composing pleasant, hummable melodies. "Too Fancy" is a clever, upbeat jazz tune with a lighthearted tone. "Can't Do It Alone," however, is a Richard Marx copy (why?!), while "Think With Your Heart" encourages listeners to live in a state of delusion: "Think with your heart ... Be as in love as you think you are." Sadly, Debbie Gibson was more exciting when she was donning black felt hats and plugging "Electric Youth" perfume. (Bernice Yeung) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= HOUSE OF BLUES CONCERT REVIEW =- Robyn Reed - Granada Hills, California (rniki@aol.com) September 10, 1995 I saw this review of Deb's concert in my friend's copy of L.A. VILLAGE VIEW (Sept. 8-14): Debbie Gibson (House of Blues, August 30) Teen pop stars usually last about as long as an adolescent's first crush. They're here today, gone tomorrow, and almost always relegated to a permanent place in the "Whatever Happened To?" files. And while Debbie Gibson's popularity has certainly waned since her days as a freshly scrubbed popster of the mid '80's, the fact is its nine years later and she's still around. Performing on the eve of her 25th birthday, Gibson delivered a thoroughly engaging two-hour set which was a grab bag of greatest hits, show tunes, and virtually all the material off her new CD. In the past, Gibson's shows have been kinetic affairs, complete with sets, dancers, and effects, but this show was a far cry from those arena days. Call this "Deb unplugged," as the songs were fairly stripped down, with just some strings, a percussionist, and a guitarist to gack Gibson on piano, in keeping with the more intimate tone of her new ballad-oriented material. (Such ditties as "Only In My Dreams" and "Anything is Possible" did seem to lost some of their sparkle without the benefit of a full production, though.) Still, Gibson's unassuming exuberance as a performer remains downright infectious, and her vocal skills have improved as well, no doubt in part to her experience in stage productions of "Les Miserables" and "Grease". While some of her contemporaries have long since faded into obscurity (Tiffany or New Kids on the Block, anyone?), Gibson continues to entertain and grow in a way that even the most ardent cynics would find hard to deny. -- B.Y. Randall =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= NEW U.S. PROMO & JAPANESE COMPACT DISCS =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@ucsd.edu) September 14. 1995 I recently obtained a handful of new compact discs of Debbie Gibson's recent releases, _Think With Your Heart_ and "For Better Or Worse." SBK/EMI Records has released promotional CDs in the United States, and Japanese pressings of the album and single are now available from Toshiba-EMI Ltd. In Japan. 1. THINK WITH YOUR HEART DPRO-33374 This "Advance CD ("The Advance Tape of the '90's")" was issued in the U.S. "For Promotional Use Only." It is noticably different from the commercial release. The back insert has generic black text on white. The CD itself is a solid greyish sea green color. The text on the CD is: Top third: Her name in capital letters in a light rectangle and the album title in all lower case in silver. Middle left: "Advance listening copy." Promo notice. SBK/EMI logo and copyright. "Printed in the USA" Middle right: Catalog number. "Produced by Deborah Gibson" "From the forthcoming SBK Records album..." Bottom third: Song titles and track times. (Track 5 is listed as "Don't You Want Me Now".) * Also, copies of the commercial-run of the CD were marked and used for promotion. A promo notice was silk-screened onto the CD itself and a large "Legal Notice" sticker was placed on the front of the CD booklet. 2. FOR BETTER OR WORSE DPRO-19996 This is a one-track promotional CD single featuring the album version of this song. The front cover is a square color version of the picture of Deborah at a piano, which appears in the center of the _Think With Your Heart_ CD booklet. Her name-logo in a dark pink appears across the middle, with the title of the single in lowercase underneath. The CD itself is a nice sky blue color, again with her name in pink across the top. The back insert is a darker greyish sea green with her and the song name and all the necessary information (credits, copyrights, etc.) along with a picture of the album cover. 3. KAWARANU OMOI (FOR BETTER OR WORSE) TODP-2525 This Japanese 3" CD single is the first of Debbie's singles to receive a title translated into Japanese. "Kawaranu" means "unchangeable" and "constant" while "omoi" can be translated as all of the following: thought, mind, heart, feelings, emotion, sentiment, love, affection, desire, wish, hope, expectation, imagination, and experience. Japanese singles come in 3.5"x7" packaging. The top half of the front cover is her name and song printed in Japanese on greyish blue. The bottom half is simply a smaller version of the square color piano picture used for the U.S. promo. The back is also similar to the U.S. promo back insert. Inside are English and Japanese- translated lyrics to the single. The CD itself is a bright blue color. The highlight of this single is the second track titled "Call Yourself A Lover" (3:09). It is a catchy upbeat number with live horns reminiscent of "Should've Been The One." The rhythm of this song falls into the midtempo category, halfway between "Dontcha Want Me Now?" and "Too Fancy." Here are the lyrics: You have no idea what a woman wants What a woman needs Don't go by what you hear You won't find it in the books you read Come on strong man That's the wrong man for me Have you no clue What a real man's supposed to be? Chorus: So call yourself a lover A Romeo, a Cassonova Thinkin' that there is no other Well guess again Don't you think yourself attractive Your mind's a bit too overactive You don't know from any other So you call yourself a lover Once upon a time Maybe then some help, just what we needed Wake up the world has changed I just need your touch, some TLC I won't shrivel up and die without you The sooner the better you hear those words Ring loud and true CHORUS They say romance Is dead and gone, gone, gone Don't you know it's love sweet love That this girl's world is built upon? A token to show A tall tale to tell Won't get you anywhere with me CHORUS 4. THINK WITH YOUR HEART TOCP-8638 The Japanese release of Debbie Gibson's fifth album contains two bonus tracks and comes with an expanded CD booklet. The booklet is 24 pages long with the track listing, a biography, and lyrics all in Japanese, as well as the English lyrics and credits for "Call Yourself A Lover" and "You Know Me." The latter is another upbeat, midtempo tune with a funky bass line under a guitar, keyboards/piano, and drum/percussion accompaniment. I know people say they know you But they've each a different face to show you Honest people don't they take you When they know you and they say they hate you Why don't we take the time To get to know each other Isn't it worth it? Chorus: Cause you, you remember what I say Don't throw my words away And that means the world to me, oh baby You know what I do what I do Not a wall you can't see through You look inside, yeah you know me I've five fingers to count friends on And they stand for what my life depends on I don't get it those who don't try So many molds and rules to live by Break out of your shell Put all hearts and souls out there So glad I found you CHORUSx2 Now the surface is skimmed Who knows what's in it? People can't feel what you're meaning CHORUSx2 With the upcoming October release of _Think With Your Heart_ in Europe, and "Didn't Have The Heart" as the second single, there are and will be many different compact discs for Debbie Gibson collectors this year. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= REVIEW OF THE HOUSE OF BLUES CONCERT =- Michael Scheele - Kirkland, Washington (MAScheele@aol.com) September 4, 1995 Debbie Gibson House of Blues (Los Angeles, CA) August 30, 1995, 8:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Overview: Deborah Gibson gave a splendid live performance the evening prior to her 25th birthday. I was struck by her consummate professionalism, she is a performance veteran of 10 years and it shows. Gibson provided fans with far more than expected; though billed as only a 75 minute set, the concert lasted for two hours! Even though her albums are very enjoyable, there is no substitute for hearing her live! Truly a treat for her fans! Audience description: Over 400 people in attendance - over 300 on the main floor. The audience ranged in age between 6 and 50. The mean age appeared to be around 25 (give or take a few years). Band description: 2 backup singers 1 bassist 2 percussionists 1 pianist (filled in for Debbie when she wanted to just sing) 4 string players - 2 violinists, 1 violist, and 1 cellist General comments: I was expecting some of the more "heavy" themed songs like "Silence Speaks (A Thousand Words)" or "Where Have You Been?" because of the House of Blues venue, but Gibson's set was more or less conventional in its ballad/up tempo mix. Just an observation, not a criticism. If she had chosen an actual blues song to cover, even if in jest, it would have been an interesting addition. I also noted that the songs were not the typical extended concert arrangements, this permitted more songs for the set. Is it me or is Deborah playing her songs a bit more to the left of middle C these days? I like the shift to the lower register. Gibson is also getting more comfortable performing live, she is cracking jokes and generally being more at ease. I liked the minimalism of the stage, band, and venue, it showcased Gibson's talent as a vocalist and pianist. Even better would be an "unplugged" concert - just vocals, (concert grand) piano and strings. How about it? Song Order: 1. "Can't Do It Alone" _Think With Your Heart_ Vocal and solo piano through the first 80%+ of song. A great way to open the set! 2. "Foolish Beat" _Out of the Blue_ Vocal and solo piano through the first 80%+ of song. A blast from the past, so to speak. 3. "Dancin' In My Mind" _Think With Your Heart_ This is the first time the 4 strings join in. The live version is so much better! 4. "Only In My Dreams" _Out of the Blue_ Debbie jokingly showed some of the old _Out of the Blue_ era moves during the song. The song that started it all - it still sounds good. 5. "One Hand, One Heart" _Anything Is Possible_ Debbie smashes a bug during the song, revealing, "the dark side of Debbie Gibson." 6. "Think With Your Heart" _Think With Your Heart_ The song had more life performed live, less theatrical sounding. 7. "Let's Run Away" _Think With Your Heart_ Faster in tempo than the album version, which detracted from the song somewhat. Despite this, this was a daring choice for a live set. 8. "Dontcha Want Me Now? _Think With Your Heart_ She explained the genesis of the song as a DJ she briefly dated. She was right, she should have known better, but at least she got a song out it...Slower in tempo than the album version, but the new arrangement has its charms. 9. "Shake Your Love" _Out of the Blue_ Some of the old _Out of the Blue_ moves evident yet again. I was surprised by this selection, given the venue. It did serve as counterpoint to the slower tempo songs though. 10. "Out of the Blue" _Out of the Blue_ 11. "Losin' Myself" _Body Mind Soul_ Mike Thompson (?) played the piano while Debbie sang at the front of the stage. This was sung in a more vocally sultry fashion than on the album. 12. "Two Young Kids" _Think With Your Heart_ She explained the origin of song - a couple she saw while in London for Grease. I was particularly moved by the line "I picture flowers and me dressed in white..." 13. "Didn't Have The Heart" _Think With Your Heart_ I enjoyed the arrangement versus the album version. 14. "You Don't Have To See" _Think With Your Heart_ 15. "Electric Youth/ _Electric Youth_ Anything Is Possible" _Anything Is Possible_ 16. "Too Fancy" _Think With Your Heart_ Debbie pronounced "Balducci" in an Italian, "New Yawk" accent, it was quite amusing. This song was musically at home in the venue. 17. "Lost In Your Eyes" _Electric Youth_ Only vocals with piano, spectacular! 18. "For Better Or Worse" _Think With Your Heart_ Again, hearing this song live improves it markedly. [Intermission - Mike Thompson playing piano] [Costume change] 19. "On My Own" Les Miserables Thompson played the piano while Debbie sang. The tempo was faster than in the play. Debbie did not try the "virtuoso" approach that marked her opening night and gave a more standard rendition. 20. "A Little Fall of Rain" Les Miserables This was duet with John Leone (Marius) from Les Miserables. This song never fails to tug at the heart. 21. "Hopelessly Devoted to You" Grease Continuing the theater theme, she switches to Grease. This is a superb song whether it is Gibson or Olivia Newton-John singing it. 22. "Summer Nights" Grease This was a duet with the man who played Danny from Grease; they were joined by four men and four women from the audience. Even though the newly assembled chorus didn't know all of the words, it was entertaining. One man got a picture with Debbie on stage, very nice considering the restrictions on cameras. She even said, "what are they going to do, kick us out?" 23. "We Could Be Together" _Electric Youth_ I thought the set was over on this song since it closed many concerts during the Electric Youth tour, but I was wrong... 24. "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" _Think With Your Heart_ Thanks to Carole King for writing the song and Deborah Gibson for providing the best rendition of it to date! Fan meet and greet: Deborah again showed her professionalism and stayed for almost two hours afterwards talking to fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos. Such dedication to her fans must be acknowledged and saluted! Personal aside by reviewer: Miss Gibson, thank you for a splendid evening of music and song! Happy birthday! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- According to Eric Wong at EMI Records, the next single is "Didn't Have The Heart." On September 8th, Deborah recorded a message for the D.G.I.F. Hotline (212-803-5424) stating that she'll hopefully be going on a radio promo tour of the U.S., possibly attending an Indonesian songwriters convention, and that "there are a couple of theater things in the works" that may take her on the road. According to Shaun Stuart, there is a "Debbie Gibson Think With Your Heart New Album 8/23 on sale" Phone Card available in Japan. According to Joel Patrick Rose, "For Better Or Worse" moves from No. 92 to No. 87 (second week on the chart) on the Japan Tokio Hot 100 as printed in BILLBOARD. September 26th is the last day to vote on the proposed Usenet discussion group "rec.music.artists.debbie-gibson". If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement of your vote within 48 hours, send your vote again. Several people have reported not receiving vote acknowledgements. These "lost votes" were never counted. Please make sure you receive your vote confirmation. To obtain an official copy of the newsgroup proposal and instructions on how to vote send an e-mail message to . Other questions concerning the proposal can be sent to Richard Evans . Debbie Gibson was hand-delivered BtL 7.13 and a BtL t-shirt at "The Mike & Maty Show" taping, and an advance-release copy of BtL 7.14 at the House of Blues concert meet-and-greet session by BtL moderator Myra Wong. Debbie seemed happy to receive them and playfully asked, "Will it make me cry?" referring to the birthday issue, and mentioning how much she liked reading the previous years' issues.