Ben Folds Five - Ben Folds Five

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Music reviews of Ben Folds Five

Music Review: Unknown classics on the piano
Rating: 4 Stars

The first song also happens to be one of the best: "Jackson Cannery". I'm not sure if it's a personalized song, but shouts the line `big brother got the keys / and I got Jackson Cannery'; some bitterness towards a brother or not it's still a joyous song. "Philosophy" is certainly a song that should not go unheard. It is an excellent song, perhaps the best on the CD and best of Ben Folds Five. Its ending is awesome; from the jamming on the piano to the `1-2-3-4' chant (somewhat uncharacteristic of BBF) that leads right into "Julianne". "Julianne" is one of those `I'm-over-you-and-loving-it' songs. Hand's down, it's my favorite song on the disc. It starts brilliantly: `I met this girl / she looked like Axel Rose'. It could be dubbed as annoying, since the end hangs onto the `anne' a bit too long. But nonetheless it's an exceptional song; one that shouldn't go overlooked. When it comes to "Where's Summer B.?", there is not much that can be said. The B stands for been, but still you may not get into this one as easily as the previous three. Also, I'm not quite sure if summer is a person or the just season; it's hard to tell. "Alice Childress" is probably the low point of the CD. The lyrics seem to flow through the music in a way that's not all that pleasing. Yet it's definitely not bad. "Underground" has a fantastically bizarre start; one that'll make you wonder what the heck they're talking about (`hand me my nose ring / show me the moshpit'). But it develops into a truly good track after about 35 seconds. It's pretty much a song about being different; nothing more, nothing less.

"Sports & Wine" is another weird-starter. It's a fast-paced song, and to be honest I usually skip over it--only to get to "Uncle Walter". Which is probably Ben Folds Five's most heard of unheard song (if that makes any sense). I think we all know that scornful relative who tells bullcrap stories and is a bit uncomfortable to be around. It's a very likable song. It uses some entertaining lyrics and good music to really stand out as a hit on the second half of the CD. Along with "Uncle Walter", "Best Imitation Of Myself" is another admirable track. And as I mentioned above, it's one of the best songs BBF have ever produced. Enough good cannot be said about the song; the lyrics, again, are genius and hilarious at the same time. The song "Video" also could be considered a low point, but once more it's not bad at all. It's an average tune, but does have some good lines. I think, when we come to the final two songs, it's safe to say Ben Folds Five saved their best for last. "The Last Polka" and "Boxing" are both distinguished songs. There's not much to "The Last Polka", but its simplicity is what adds to its endless greatness. If you liked Whatever & Ever Amen's "Fair", then you will simply love it. It's a good song, and much different from the closer, "Boxing". Again, I don't think Ben Folds ever took up boxing or deemed it to be a career choice, although he did almost enlisted in the army ("Army"; on The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner). But that doesn't matter. And its finish really leaves you feeling pleased with the entire album; as the fading piano will take your breath away.

Ultimately, you will have no trouble loving this CD. Ben Folds Five struck gold (although not with some reviewers) with this 1995 debut statement. It may not be a perfect 5 stars, but it is more than just plain four. I'd give it around 4.5. And although Whatever & Ever Amen may be what put them on the map; just remember where their road to success began. Which is right here. With tracks like "Philosophy" and "Best Imitation Of Myself", you have songs that could've easily become big hits. And with "Julianne" and "Uncle Walter", you have two songs that have become many fan's favorites. So don't miss out on one of the better CDs in the piano-based music industry. It's extremely amazing and does not deserve the horrid title of a forgotten debut album.

Description of Ben Folds Five

Alternative Rock CDs

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