What you guys all think of Ben Folds new solo CD? I was massively disappointed when they broke up mere months after the first time I saw them in concert. It seemed like I had just really gotten into them and poof they quit. Anyhow, I have to say I really dig this new cd. When I first heard the title track single, I was shocked, thinking “Where’s the frickin piano? And what’s this? GUITARS?” But I like the song. And thankfully, the rest of the album is piano. I found it to be an interesting mix. Some happy, silly songs, (Zak and Sara, Rockin’ The Suburbs) but also some rather sad songs (Carrying Cathy, Fred Jones Part 2). It very much reminded me of R.E.M.‘s Automatic For The People (which I personally consider their best album) in that it mixes this in the same way. Some of that album’s greatest songs were sad or about dealing with pain (Everybody Hurts, Sweetness Follows) but there were also more lighthearted songs (Man On The Moon, Nightswimming). As far as comparing it to his BFF works, I’d rank it above TUBORM but still below their debut album. It apparently wasn’t meant to be entirely rocking, as much of the first BFF cd was, but I think it succeeds better at being moody than TUBORM. I think my single biggest complaint is that my favorite song, The Secret Life Of Morgan Davis, has been relegated to a B-side on the Australian single for Rockin’ The Suburbs. They played this song live at the concert I attended and it rocked. I was worried it would never get the full studio treatment but it has, and sounds even better. It’s well worth tracking down. Overall I’d rate the album in the B+/A- range.
Just bought it today; I was pretty bummed when I heard they broke up too, although I never did get the chance to see them in concert. I like the new album; doesn’t really sound all that different from the BFF stuff, which I suppose is a good thing. Let’s face it though, ANYTHING would have been better than TUBORM. Whatever and Ever is their best, I think, although their debut is a close second.
I was also very impressed that all the instruments were played by Ben Folds himself; not only can he play the hell out of a piano (and sing while he’s doing it) but he can drum and play bass as well. So yeah, I definitely liked it; hopefully I’ll catch him live sometime.
BTW, I enjoyed your site, as a piano player and a huge Billy Joel fan myself.