Ben Folds :: Wessex Scene Online

Ben Folds

31st October 2005
TW

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Songs for Silverman
(Sony)

Ben Folds is an American songwriter and pianist. ‘Songs for Silverman’ is his second solo album. On this record, he demonstrates his talent for continually refining and re-inventing his music. It bears all the hallmarks of its predecessor ‘Rockin’ the Suburbs’. It is a collection of bombastic rock songs fully laden with thoughtful and quirky lyrics, intermingled with beautifully poignant ballads, the best example of which is ‘Late’, a moving tribute to his friend and singer/songwriter Elliott Smith.

One feels that this collection of songs represents his maturing and coming of age as a musician. Since disbanding Ben Folds Five some years ago he has moved away from the exhilarating yet raw sound to more finely-crafted and more subtle song writing. His penchant for using lyrics to illustrate a fleeting story is used to great effect. Displacement, loneliness and mortality are reoccurring subjects throughout ‘Songs for Silverman’. This pessimism is surprising, given the upbeat nature of his music.

‘Songs for Silverman’ was recorded in an arduous six-week session, emphasizing the importance of encompassing the energy of live performance. This is especially noticeable on the tracks ‘Bastard’ and ‘Landed’, stressing the musicality and tight playing of Folds and his rhythm section.

Fold’s influences are quite clear throughout. For example the opening of ‘Jesusland’ has the unmistakeable ring of the Beach Boys to it. This record is fully recommended for both those who were fans of Fold’s previous work, and for those who have the misfortune of never coming across him!

7/10