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Post by dillwyn on Jan 24, 2016 11:03:30 GMT
As a relatively new member, first time for me doing this. I'm sure I'm not the only one to find this a little bewildering by the range of people I could added here as there are so may I could list among my personal favourites.
In the end I went with someone who for me, oozes musicality and a brilliant writer/player to boot. I appreciate he may be like marmite (loved or hated in equal measure). I first came across him in about 98/99, on hearing the lovely album 'whatever and ever amen' but I thought it would not translate live. I realised how wrong I was seeing him several months later in a small venue in London with what felt liked 200 Japanese tourists. I was blown away by this small group, they were simply brilliant. I've seen him live maybe three times and he never disappoints. He comes to my adopted now home town of Cardiff this year I am so chuffed. I could have put up dozens of songs as he already has an incredible amount of releases, backed up by equal number of smashing videos, here is a selection, hope you enjoy spending your time with them.
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Post by jrmugz on Jan 24, 2016 20:32:50 GMT
Nevet heard of him, but sounds ver interesting, dwillyn. Looking forward to playing the songs, and will send my thoughts in z,few days. Jim
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Post by Platypus on Jan 25, 2016 4:27:40 GMT
dillwyn, thanks for bringing Ben's output to my attention, I previously only knew of the name, as Ben Folds Five. Being something of a failed pianist, I enjoy the style, and I pick your reference to Dean Friedman, along with flashes of similarity to the likes of Elton John. The first track linked is my favourite, Elton/Billy Joel-ish, with Army being to me the most reminiscent of Friedman. Zak & Sara appealed to me next best, delightfully nutty - very closely followed by the strong contrast in the next, The Luckiest, a gripping rawness to the ballad! Brick is the one I can't get into, for me it feels forced, and repetitive without achieving anything that repetition could furnish like tension or a hypnotic quality. I haven't been able to sustain listening to the entire song. Landed I enjoy, even if I do catch hints of James Blunt! Capable of Anything is fun. Altogether, an artist I may look into more in the future, if my budget and frame of mind accommodates.
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Post by Chippa on Jan 25, 2016 6:16:40 GMT
Always loved Ben's work, since I first heard him around 1996-97. My favorite album is 2005's "Songs For Silverman". Fantastic stuff.
The songs
Still Fighting It - This has been a favorite of mine, for a while. "Everybody knows it hurts to grow up". Ouch. Right in the feels. Great melody. Great song.
Army - Great track from the album The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner. Hard to believe it's been almost 17 years since that came out! Christ, I'm old.
Zak and Sara- Billy Joel meets ELO! Bouncy and catchy.
The Luckiest- Deep and introspective, with some nice chords. The thing I've always loved about Ben, is the slight imperfection in his voice.
Brick- Definitely Ben Folds Five's biggest hit, even as depressing as the song subject is. Still, a very memorable song.
Landed - Love..love..love this song! His vocals, the melody, the words...everything. Just pure genius.
Capable of Anything - This one is new to me. Weird and interesting, with a a great arrangement and instrumentation.
I'll have to go through YouTube and find some more of my favorite Ben Folds songs, and add them here. Great choice this week!
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Post by queenofthehours on Jan 25, 2016 16:48:50 GMT
Ben Folds - haven't heard that name in a while.
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Post by unomusette on Jan 25, 2016 20:47:36 GMT
Good choice dillwyn, looking forward to getting to know Mr Folds this week
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Post by 88keys on Jan 28, 2016 6:37:08 GMT
Ben always had that Elton-Billy Joel appeal, even though I think his lyrics were a little more clever than either of those legends. These songs are a great representation of what he's all about. From the poignant and melancholy Landed, Brick, and The Luckiest, to the fun and rollicking Army, and Zak & Sara.
I happened to hear his last album, and just to be honest, it wasn't that great. I wish he'd go back to doing songs like the ones featured here.
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Post by sparky123 on Jan 29, 2016 16:34:39 GMT
Love, love, love Ben Folds always see him when he's over hear touring, he's a fantastic live act. His music style has changed slightly over the years, from alternative rock to almost classical.
Like Dillwyn, I first got into him in 98/99, his clever song writing and catchy tunes was and is so different from most other artists. Although I agree with 88keys, his latest album isn't his best but hopefully he'll go back to the style of music he's best known for.
Going to see him in June.
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Post by unomusette on Jan 30, 2016 20:25:51 GMT
Still Fighting It - First impression, what a lovely voice he has. I like the way this song starts off quietly and grows bigger, nice melody too, this is a very impressive introduction to Mr Folds. Army - Reminiscent of Dean Friedman, this is a great lively song with some sparkling piano work (and a fab video, love it!). The lyrics have had some thought put into them, I noticed that with the last song too, looks like it's going to be one of his strong points. This song finished far too soon for me. Zak and Sara - Good to have the lyrics spelled out, and once again they're entertaining and clever. Even the backing vocals, heh! Another bouncy song with lots going on and the piano well to the fore, winner. The Luckiest - Slowie that shows off his voice well. I like the way he sings with no vibrato so it's very smooth and strong. Sounds almost hymn-like, love the strings and piano right up front. Brick - Bit bland to start with, could be in comparison with the previous songs though, which were so good. The chorus does lift it but it's my least favourite so far. Landed - Ooh, this is very familiar, is it a recent single? It's been all over Radio 2 recently. Huge sound bolstered by the strings, and some good contrasts between the overblown parts and the quiet introspective bits. Looking like a young Elton John in parts of the video Another winning track. Capable of Anything - The strings and interesting instruments make this track. Something a bit different, bops along nicely and I think they enjoyed themselves making the video in spite of their deadpan expressions. I've heard of Ben Folds here and there, mostly when he's praised up other bands I like, so enjoying his work should have been a foregone conclusion. This proves to be very true. On hearing these songs his voice is quite familiar, he must be played quite a lot on the radio but I've not caught on it was him. This collection impressed me mightily and I'm definitely going to investigate further. Best parts are his vocals, piano work and interesting lyrics, but he also has a nifty way with a video. I'd give this collection 9 out of 10, many thanks for introducing us properly dillwyn
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Post by dillwyn on Jan 30, 2016 22:05:42 GMT
Given the heart-breaking subject matter, I did give Brick a second thought but as it was written from his personal experience I thought it worth including (interestingly it seems the chorus was written by the drummer).
I had forgot to add he also worked with regina spektor and had his music in a few films... for me he is a real talent
Thank you all for your views, seems for the most part enjoyed, which i'm glad he has had a wider audience. There are plenty of albums to chose from that is for sure!
I look forward to the next artist
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Post by jrmugz on Feb 2, 2016 20:17:16 GMT
01. "Still Fighting It" - Nice song and chorus, universal sentiment of it being tough to grow old, though the one silver lining is we obtain more wisdom as we go, so don't let the little stuff bug us as much on focus on the more important stuff better, it seems.
02. "Army" - Adam Ant meets Alan Jackson, with a side of Supertramp.
03. "Zak and Sara" - Elton John's "Grey Seal", with more of a pop feel. Nice.
04. "The Luckiest" - Nice lyric about how are imperfections sometime bring us to where we need to be. Like it. Very inspired, my favorite so far.
05. "Brick" - Guess like someone else said, memorable for all it's being depressing. Guess when two people feel like they are just kind of stuck with each other.
06. "Landed" - Nice, feels like it would fit in good on Elton John's "Madman Across the Water" album. Like the chorus. The strings really make it very powerful.
07. "Capable of Anything" - Nice song, thinking of the Moody Blues the whole time. Really like the arrangment and instrumentation, and the enthusiasm. Awesome break.
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5 Prime Cuts: "The Luckiest", "Brick", "Landed" Bottom Line: Very good songs of a dynamic artist I had never heard of before.
Thanks dillwyn, great choice. Will mark you down for the next open slot!
Jim
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Post by queenofthehours on Feb 3, 2016 19:33:06 GMT
Still Fighting It – A lovely song. I wouldn’t have thought this was a Folds track after hearing what I have of the “Five”. Yet the voice and the piano is a dead giveaway for Ben himself. Reminds me a little of the Flaming Lips
Army – As a ‘Mr Blue Sky’ fan I’m also a fan of upbeat piano intros. Great track. Tracks with brass get extra points from me.
Zak and Sara – Best intro so far. This sounds properly like how I remember Ben Folds music. One of the best songs ever.
The Luckiest – Lovely minimal song. Better still for the singer actually being able to play his own piano.
Brick – This one I know. A classic. I think I’ve had this on tape since it came out.
Landed – Another great song, my least favourite so far but for no reason of lesser quality.
Capable of Anything – Best track because Ben’s doing what he does best – something different.
I’ve known the Ben Folds Five for a long time but haven’t heard much of Ben alone. I'll definitely be listening to his music more now. I've realised that he's got that rare quality that ELO have - great sense of the pop song.
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