The Bens - Self- Titled EP (2003)What do you do when you throw three nerd-icon super musicians with the same name in one room???
Well, The Bens, of course.
Seems simple enough, but can you even imagine what that first conversation was like? Here you have three geeky guys [Kweller, Lee and Folds] who have gained success from their individual awkwardness, forming what can only be called a "super group" for nerds. I only bring up the "nerd" fact as much as I have because it truly is what sets it apart from most other super groups. Most of those are led by ego, but I'd imagine this was truly just for the fun of it and for the fans. What was just a fun idea to go alongside an Australian tour of these Bens turned into a short, but thoughtful, EP that for the most part glided under the radar in the US except for some of us die-hard Ben fans (each Ben, respectively).
The tracklist consisted of an original track from each Ben, with the other Ben's backing them up. The first track, "Just Pretend", featured each Ben doing a solo and harmozing in collective geek-dom that is optimistic and makes me instantly happy each time. The other tracks became a treat for longtime fans who could pick out each Ben's musical style as they took the lead. Lee's track "X-Fire" featured some of his trademark synth, while Kweller's "Stop!" brought his more simple, spoken voice tone. However, the standout track was definitely Folds' "Bruised", a beautiful piano ballad that begins with what sounds like a rainstorm and features one of my favorite lines, "The world won't turn until something breaks." It's a track that could have easily been featured on one of his full length record, but I think needed to exist on this record for a reason.
There's really not much more to say. Just wanted to make sure this wasn't forgotten.
No comments:
Post a Comment