CD Review of...
Ben Folds
Songs For Silverman & Songs For Goldfish
Two and a half years after his debut as a solo artist, Ben Folds is back with two full-length CD releases.
Songs For Silverman is the primary release, featuring eleven studio produced songs that were written by Folds, with Jared Reynolds on the bass and Lindsay Jamieson on the drums. At first listen, Silverman has a mellow feel to it. However, once you live with this CD for a little while you can appreciate the power and emotion in each of the songs. The first single, Landed, is the story of a man who is finally coming up for breath after disentangling from a dysfunctional relationship – this is also the theme of Give Judy My Notice, Trusted and You To Thank. Jesusland is theological food for thought – what would Jesus think if he came to earth to see how his name was being misused and abused by those who are too self-righteous to truly understand his message. The sentimental song Gracie is also a standout – a beautiful and thoughtful reflection inspired by Folds’ five-year-old daughter.
Songs For Goldfish, a limited release, is the evil flipside of Silverman. Most of the tunes are live recordings. There are cover songs (The Cure’s In Between Days and Lucinda William’s Side of the Road), some songs that Folds previously recorded, and language that you just aren’t going to want the kiddies to hear. If Silverman is the culmination of Folds’ efforts to put out as polished a CD as possible, Goldfish is the CD that true Folds fans will appreciate for its rawness and imperfections. As opposed to Silverman’s striving for perfection, Goldfish is Folds just cutting loose and having a f—king good time.
With this dual release, Folds is sure to gain a new following while simultaneously pleasing his hardcore fans. Silverman and Goldfish succeed in providing something for everyone.
Songs For Silverman and Songs For Goldish may be purchased onlineat www.attackedbyplastic.com or from select independent record stores such as Vintage Vinyl (www.vvinyl.com).