Ben Folds Songs for Silverman
Where our parents had Etton John, Liberaci, and, to a lesser extent, Billy Joel, our generation has Ben Folds. His emergence and bulk of success were in the later half of the '90s with songs such as "Underground" and "Brick" with his piano, bass and drums trio Ben Folds Five. Now the band has broken up and he's on his second solo album, Songs for Silverman.
Folds hasn't lost his touch either; he still noodles out beautiful and intricate to loud and irreverent piano music which couples with memorable melodies and then is deliciously soiled with his signature, slightly off and at times crass, brand of songwriting. This formula has elevated
him to the status of "geek-rock god" and all without ever touching a guitar. Songs for Silverman, however, carries more on more in a tone of solemn poignancy while still going off on some pretty rock'n'琴 solos and creative and original lyrical styles. His diverse topics go from requiems ("Late"), social commentaries ("Jesusland"), and even a song for his daughter ("Gracie"). This album is a definite must for newcomers and fans alike who may be getting a little tired of hearing song after song of repetitive power chords which are only occasionally peppers with rather lackluster piano riffs.
Grade: B
Joe Sibinski
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