Ben Folds + Nick Hornby = Lonely Avenue

johnny_ultimate

I don't get quite as obsessive and excited about Ben Folds albums anymore - he was my favourite artist for a long time, being a stepping stone from the likes of Green Day and Blink 182 to more alternative stuff - but I still thoroughly look forward to his new material. His latest is with lyrics by Nick Hornby (who I tend to enjoy, even if has latest stuff isn't as great as High Fidelity). Since Folds' last album was criticised by some as being a little cynical and angry lyrically - although I must say I liked it - this should be a nice change from that bitter divorce album!

I've only heard a handful of songs, and seems decent so far. Albums out tomorrow, anyone had a chance to hear it yet? Hopefully a gig will follow soon too - seen him twice, and the man puts on one hell of a fun show.

lordgoat

Heard a song on phantom one morning during the week, sounded ok, thought it was death cab actually. Need to hear it a few times though.

Never really got into Ben Folds. Although his cover of B!tches is a good laugh.

johnny_ultimate

Bitches is great alright. His solo albums - barring the fantastic EPs he released, later combined into SuperSunnySpeedGraphic - have been a bit hit and miss - usually some great songs amongst some ho-hum stuff. Whatever and Ever Amen with Ben Folds Five is still one of my favourite albums though - song Smoke off that was featured in Hornby's 32 Songs (or however many it was) hence leading to this unusual collaboration!

donutheadhomer

lordgoat wrote: »

Heard a song on phantom one morning during the week, sounded ok, thought it was death cab actually. Need to hear it a few times though.

Never really got into Ben Folds. Although his cover of B!tches is a good laugh.

rockin the suburbs was the first song on the "legal" phantom as far as i remember

Miguel_Sanchez

EurasianBadger wrote: »

rockin the suburbs was the first song on the "legal" phantom as far as i remember

I think it was Today by Smashing Pumpkins.

I like Ben Folds myself but haven't really listened to any of his last few releases.

donutheadhomer

Jeff_Lebowski wrote: »

I think it was Today by Smashing Pumpkins.

I like Ben Folds myself but haven't really listened to any of his last few releases.

have to agree to differ on this one..... but I remember it quite unclearly I was in bed at the time.

DBIreland

I've had a chance to listen to the album a few times now and I like most of it.

The subjects of some of the songs are interesting/unusual but lyrically some of the songs don't feel complete somehow (like a singer/songwriter wouldn't have done things in the same way). I'm not sure if knowing that Hornby wrote the lyrics is colouring my opinion or not.

Not too fond of 'Password' but 'From Above', 'Belinda' and 'Picture Window' already feel like Ben Folds staples.

Miguel_Sanchez

EurasianBadger wrote: »

have to agree to differ on this one..... but I remember it quite unclearly I was in bed at the time.

We can differ all you want. I am however still right.

johnny_ultimate

DBIreland wrote: »

I've had a chance to listen to the album a few times now and I like most of it.

The subjects of some of the songs are interesting/unusual but lyrically some of the songs don't feel complete somehow (like a singer/songwriter wouldn't have done things in the same way). I'm not sure if knowing that Hornby wrote the lyrics is colouring my opinion or not.

Not too fond of 'Password' but 'From Above', 'Belinda' and 'Picture Window' already feel like Ben Folds staples.

Yeah, it's far from amazing but a number of excellent songs on it. I love Picture Window, Your Dogs and Saskia Hamilton (it really is a great name!), I like Belinda, From Above and Levi Johnson Blues (which is a great concept but too long at 5:16) and am relatively indifferent to the rest.

Nick Horny points out in the liner notes that you shouldn't give away the chorus in the verse, or something along those lines. And I must say, some of the choruses on this album kick ass - Your Dogs particularly.

It's an interesting experiment anyway - I'd agree some of the songs lack the polish a more experienced lyricist might bring to the table, but overall I'm digging it.

RichieMc

Jeff_Lebowski wrote: »

We can differ all you want. I am however still right.

Can't stand to see people argue. Especially not on Boards of all places :rolleyes:

I can categorically tell you that the first song on Phantom 105.2 was indeed "Today" by The Smashing Pumpkins. Closely followed by The Chalets fact fans.

Peace out, Ben Folds ftw

Richie

donutheadhomer

RichieMc wrote: »

Can't stand to see people argue. Especially not on Boards of all places :rolleyes:

I can categorically tell you that the first song on Phantom 105.2 was indeed "Today" by The Smashing Pumpkins. Closely followed by The Chalets fact fans.

Peace out, Ben Folds ftw

Richie

was this late at night? as I was sleeping as far as i remember

RichieMc

EurasianBadger wrote: »

was this late at night? as I was sleeping as far as i remember

Nope. 12 midday, October 31st 2006.

You could well have been listening in French Polynesia though, in which case it probably would have been dark at the time

Miguel_Sanchez

RichieMc wrote: »

Can't stand to see people argue. Especially not on Boards of all places :rolleyes:

Arguing is what made Boards great I'll have you know.

DBIreland

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Hopefully a gig will follow soon too - seen him twice, and the man puts on one hell of a fun show.

He was doing a webchat thing last night and said he would be coming to play in Ireland Feb/March 2011. I'm really looking forward to it, i have never seen him before. What venue did he play when you saw him?

johnny_ultimate

DBIreland wrote: »

He was doing a webchat thing last night and said he would be coming to play in Ireland Feb/March 2011. I'm really looking forward to it, i have never seen him before. What venue did he play when you saw him?

Vicar Street both times - first in either '05 then '07. One in '05 was meant to be a solo gig, but was delayed for like six months and ended up being with a band. Excellent live musician, had a blast both times. I was a much more obsessive BF fan back then, but would still jump at the opportunity to see him again

calex71

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Vicar Street both times - first in either '05 then '07. One in '05 was meant to be a solo gig, but was delayed for like six months and ended up being with a band. Excellent live musician, had a blast both times. I was a much more obsessive BF fan back then, but would still jump at the opportunity to see him again

Was at both of those, saw weezer the night before at the 2005 one, was not a big ben folds fan and was super tired when I arrived, I remember getting home and raving about it to my housemate, Awesome gig.

Not much love for Lonely Avenue from me at the moment though, just can't get into it.

Qprmeath

Ben Folds plays Vicar Street on Feb. 18th. Tickets €36 plus service charge. I like his music but does anyone know is he worth seeing live??

johnny_ultimate

Qprmeath wrote: »

Ben Folds plays Vicar Street on Feb. 18th. Tickets €36 plus service charge. I like his music but does anyone know is he worth seeing live??

He's a fantastic live performer. Will be getting tickets to this, but I've seen him twice in Vicar Street and both times have been great nights. Lots of energy on stage. Depends how big a fan of his music you are in the end, but he puts on a great show IMO if you're on the fence about it.

DBIreland

Got tickets this morning and I can't wait to see him based on reveiws of his live performances. I wonder will Nick Hornby be there too?

calex71

DBIreland wrote: »

I wonder will Nick Hornby be there too?

I hope not, couldn't get into that stuff at all.