Ben Folds
Supersunny-speedgraphic The LP
Columbia
By Eavvon O'Neal
There is something wholesome and endearing about the way Ben Folds makes music. This formerly self-proclaimed peddler of "punk rock for sissies" has evolved his sound from what used to be clever, yet almost juvenile piano ballads, into a deeply contemplative musical arrangement while remaining just as cheeky. With each successive album, he has continued to cultivate his ideas, showing signs of maturity not only through lyrical content, but also in musical structure. Supersunnyspeedgraphic, The LP displays this with a comedic flare that is Ben Folds’ calling card.
Supersunnyspeedgraphic, The LP is not necessarily new material. The liner notes inform those curious enough to actually read them that this album is comprised of b-sides and singles that have been sporadically released during the past two years via the interweb. That being said, the product of Folds’ labors presents us with an excellent addition, that seems like forward progress, but is ultimately a glance back which will hopefully be followed by a leap forward.
Each song on this album has its own unique construction, coupled with a lyrical cynicism that strengthens the original arrangement. Since the album is a compilation of older songs, it makes it decidedly more difficult to pull the best songs to the foreground, without overlooking one or two almost equally appealing pieces. Songs such as “All U Can Eat” and “There's Always Someone Cooler Than You” provides both Folds aficionados and those newly exposed to Folds with clever narratives of the American human condition. Luckily he presents such messages in a down to earth manner, which is far from offensive, but does help to alert the listener to social mannerisms that we overlook at times. In a few places, Folds adds orchestral elements, which have marked some of his past work. “Learn To Live With What You Are” contains violins that are married nicely to a boisterous piano, providing an extra dimension to an already remarkable song.
Despite the “b-sides collection tag,” Folds presents a collection that is rife with all of the reasons why people love this man – he puts a ton of effort into his work and will stop at nothing to make a great pop song. We are left with a conceptual and musical symposium that isn’t so intense that it becomes intimidating which is accessible to he-men, motivated women and sissies alike. Thank the heavens!
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