Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Half-Arsed Review: Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman
Greetings and welcome to a half-arsed album review!
Purchase of the latest Ben Folds album was, for me, a mere formality. Arriving home to find that my girlfriend had purchased it for me was really a nice surprise. Thanks Kat.
So, Songs for Silverman. As albums go, it's pretty good. As Ben Folds albums go, it is ok. A neat little 11-track package. To be honest, I was hoping Ben's cover of Dr. Dre's 'Bitches Ain't Shit' would make it on as a secret track (it made it as a b-side somewhere along the line), but there was no such luck.
What is right with this album? Well, lots really. Ben Folds is brilliant musically and he has some solid support - as always. (A certain Al Yankovich does backing vocals on 'Time'). The album is full of beautiful songs - 'Gracie' being one of the sweetest. The overall beauty of the album however, is (in my humble opinion) its downfall.
One thing that I have come to love about Ben Folds (and Ben Folds Five) albums is the amazing contrast he can put on an album. In the past few releases, for every bittersweet ballad, there was something a bit rawk to balance it out. Songs for Silverman lounges in a mellow cocoon, only venturing out for the opening track 'Bastard' and the occasional loud chorus here and there.
While it is a beautiful album, Songs for Silverman felt a little reserved. Perhaps Ben is mellowing. His recent live performance would not indicate that in the slightest, but it is possible. The days of screaming "Give me my money back, you bitch!" appear to be gone, and this is very much reflected in this soft and sweet new offering.
The album came out in Australia yesterday. Go pick it up, it's landed.
Purchase of the latest Ben Folds album was, for me, a mere formality. Arriving home to find that my girlfriend had purchased it for me was really a nice surprise. Thanks Kat.
So, Songs for Silverman. As albums go, it's pretty good. As Ben Folds albums go, it is ok. A neat little 11-track package. To be honest, I was hoping Ben's cover of Dr. Dre's 'Bitches Ain't Shit' would make it on as a secret track (it made it as a b-side somewhere along the line), but there was no such luck.
What is right with this album? Well, lots really. Ben Folds is brilliant musically and he has some solid support - as always. (A certain Al Yankovich does backing vocals on 'Time'). The album is full of beautiful songs - 'Gracie' being one of the sweetest. The overall beauty of the album however, is (in my humble opinion) its downfall.
One thing that I have come to love about Ben Folds (and Ben Folds Five) albums is the amazing contrast he can put on an album. In the past few releases, for every bittersweet ballad, there was something a bit rawk to balance it out. Songs for Silverman lounges in a mellow cocoon, only venturing out for the opening track 'Bastard' and the occasional loud chorus here and there.
While it is a beautiful album, Songs for Silverman felt a little reserved. Perhaps Ben is mellowing. His recent live performance would not indicate that in the slightest, but it is possible. The days of screaming "Give me my money back, you bitch!" appear to be gone, and this is very much reflected in this soft and sweet new offering.
The album came out in Australia yesterday. Go pick it up, it's landed.
# posted by Nils @ 3:43 PM 
