reviews
MUSIC: Ben Kweller, Changing Horses
Ben Kweller takes a musical turn back to his roots in South Texas on his latest release, Changing Horses. Though Kweller's earlier work features alternative rock similar to Ben Folds, Changing Horses is strongly influenced by Kweller's country western heritage and is reminiscent of '90s Wilco.
Fans of Kweller's earlier music may be alarmed by the drastic difference in tone and genre. They can rest assured, however. The music on Changing Horses is a big change for Kweller, but is definitely not a bad one. Kweller's soft spoken voice and rhythmic piano work are still spectacular; but are mixed with the twangy sounds of slide guitar and some country western lyrics.
The album's only issue is its plethora of mellow songs. There are some great tunes on Changing Horses, but they are few in number and are accompanied by too many slow ballads.
The album's opening track, "Gypsy Rose," is excellent. The smooth acoustic guitar is layered nicely with Kweller's laid back vocals and southern rhythm.
Tracks such as "Fight" and "Wantin' Her Again" are fast-paced country jams
filled with excellent steel pedal and slide guitar solos. Kweller's vocal range is also impressive on both tracks.
Overall, the album is good, but it lacks the exciting piano build ups and rock'n' roll that Kweller's other music is best known for.
Danny Nordstrom
$.50 JELLO SHOTS
$2.75 DOMESTIC
BREWTUS BEERS
SUNDAY-
THURSDAY
1/2 PRICE APPETIZERS
9PM - CLOSE
w/ BEVERAGE PURCHASE
MONDAY-FRIDAY
943 MASS LAWRENCE KS 785.823.1085
THU 26 HOT MESS
W/JOHNY QUEST
FRI 27 ORGANIC PROOF W/ MILES BONNY
SAT 28 SMOOV CONFUSION
STICK FIGA • SOUL SERVERS • ROYCE DIAMOND
SUN 29 CLAYTON
LONIE FISHER & THE FUNERAL
WED 4 NAQMI WHAT?
MONDAY'S MILLIONAIRES • BOOT BOOT
NOSCHOOLOGETFUCKEDUP
THU 5 MARTYS 47 AGAIN?
THE FELT SHOW • WATERFOWL HABITAT
DUTCH NEWMAN • SNUGGLEBUGS
FRI 6 SPIRIT OF THE STAIRS
AMPLE BRANCHES • ECHO OF THE ELMS
SAT 7 THE APPLESEED CAST COWBOY INDIAN BEAR • THE SAILOR SEQUENCE BEEF SAUCE
THU 26 THE VISITATION
BABYBIRDSDONTDRINKSPERM
ROOFTOP VAGILANTES
FRI 27 ARTHUR DODGE & THE HORSEFEATHERS RED KATE
SAT 28 BROKEN SPINDLES THE GLOVES
MON 2 THE FOUNDRY FIELD RECORDINGS TBA
TUE 3 THE POINTS TBA
February 26, 2009
17