Ben Folds - Lonely Avenue

Thursday brings a little mood music, and specifically Ben Folds. Devotees will recall I reviewed their 'Songs For Silverman' album a LONG time ago, and it got a good final rating. This review is their current album, that just came out last week. It probably should have been part of New Music Tuesday, but alas, I went with Phil Collins that day. Getting to it today is just as good, and it will have the same impact on you guys, I promise. This record is actually a collaboration record, between Ben Folds and English novelist, Nick Hornby. Never heard of that fella before today, so I'm hoping the collabo was worth while for Ben Folds. The formula was simple, Hornby writes, Ben Folds sings. I would assume they'd want to keep it to the high standards their records normally yield, so we shall see. After listening to this a couple times now - it would almost be impossible to tell this wasn't written business as usual. Their records were always a nice blend of fun and serious, social commentary and personal happenings. This album is no different. As a whole, it's a really solid record - yet again from Ben Folds. Just when you think the album might be more poppy - it smacks you in the face with a signature Ben Folds piano ballad. Boy do I love those. Boy do I love Ben Folds. This album is no different. Check it out, it's worth your while today.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Working Day, A
2. Picture Window
3. Levi Johnston's Blues
4. Doc Pomus
5. Your Dogs
6. Practical Amanda
7. Claire's Ninth
8. Password
9. From Above
10. Saskia Hamilton
11. Belinda

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Picture Window
2. A Working Day
3. Practical Amanda

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars

Ben Folds - Songs For Silverman

Let me start by saying, I'm a Ben Folds fan. When they were the Ben Folds Five I enjoyed their stuff, and then when they dropped the 'Five', I enjoyed their first record 'Rockin' the Suburbs'. One thing irks me a little bit though, everytime they come up in coversation - I feel like people act like they're gods. Seriously, they're good, don't make them out to be The Beatles or something. The songwriting is clever, they put on a good show, they keep making really good tuneage. That's about it. I don't think Mr. Folds even thinks he needs to be your favorite artist ever. Anyway, this is a pretty solid album. If you've never tuned into Ben, check him out. His arrangements are typically second to none. There is always some great vocals and some great piano and some great background beats. I personally have to be in the right mood for Ben Folds, and maybe you do too - but check them out. Especially the Top 3 here as I think I'll give you a pretty good indicator what he's all about. I can finally say - Enjoy! and make your Monday disappear with music!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Bastard
2. You To Thank
3. Jesusland
4. Landed
5. Gracie
6. Trusted
7. Give Judy My Notice
8. Late
9. Sentimental Guy
10. Time
11. Prison Food

Listen To Samples

1. Landed
2. Late
3. Bastard

FINAL RATING:
3 out of 5 stars