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intereact!Ben Folds
Retail Price (not our price): $11.98
Release Date: 2001-09-11
Manufacturer: Sony
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...
| Disc 1 |
Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
1) Amazon.com
On the evidence of Rockin' the Suburbs, Ben Folds's decision to jettison the two-piece Five that had backed him on four largely excellent albums has not resulted in any significant shift in trajectory. The Ben Folds Five were only getting better, gradually discovering the confidence not to hide their musical uniqueness (there have been too few piano-led power trios) and lyrical intelligence behind undergrad Barenaked Ladies-style gags. Songs like "Mess" and "Brick" signaled an extraordinary new songwriting talent worthy of comparison to Folds's obvious idols, Elvis Costello and Paul Simon. Only this album's title track harkens back to Folds's fondness for comedy, and it is by far the weakest track here. The rest is mournful, reflective, and, at best, quite magnificent. Folds's hymns to his family, "Still Fighting It" and "The Luckiest" are shot through with an honesty that's rare in alternative rock. The acerbic essence of character sketches such as "Carrying Cathy," "Losing Lisa," and "Zak & Sara" are leavened with a generous compassion. Folds's second solo effort is his best album yet. The remainder of his career must be anticipated with equal parts expectation and impatience. --Andrew Mueller
Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
1) Fun in the suburbs [Rating: 4 out of 5]
First solo album for Folds is mostly in the same vein as his full band efforts, even while often sounding very different. Don't come expecting another "Whatever & Ever"; Ben's already proven he's a constantly changing artist. If "Reinhold Messner" was about horns and strings adding to the sound, then "Suburbs" throws in all the sweet sounds he can come up with that defined plastic pop of 70s AM-rock. But with his rich piano and a sharp lyrical mind bending between the sincere and the sarcastic, it is far more charming than syrupy. It's actually almost on a par with his best work when he was in the trio. Folds' wry way of fusing the poetic with the paeanic is in typically strong form--it's his ventures in new musical directions that gives "Rockin'" its juice. Most surprising of all is the hit title track that replaces his signature piano pounding with (gasp) guitars. The track, like most of the second half, only half works--in this case, for the goofy rhymes and undeniably big fat hooks, but it rings of shallow irony. Folds at his worst is still usually pretty satisfying, though. Also, it's notable that the album was released on 9/11/01--we NEEDED joyous and fun music like this.Best cuts: "Fred Jones Part 2," "Gone," "Annie Waits," "Still Fighting It," "The Ascent of Stan," "Rockin' the Suburbs," "Zak and Sara," "The Luckiest," "Not the Same"2) Brilliant [Rating: 5 out of 5]
What can I say? The man is brilliant, his songs are achingly beautiful and his music is just the soundtrack to my life.3) Great CD [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I bought this CD after purchasing Ben Folds' SUPERSUNNYSPEEDGRAPHIC, the lp. I was only exposed to Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five within the past 3 years after I started listening to Satellite Radio. The two tunes "Zak and Sara" and "Fired" are my favorite from this CD but the others on it aren't hurting for quality.4) Awesome [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Funny, thought provoking, inspiring.True poetry put to music, so hard to find these days.5) One of the best abums that I own! [Rating: 5 out of 5]
A friend of mine owns this cd and one day she was listening to it in the car while we were driving around. I was immediatly floored with this album. Mainly because I remember when "Brick" first came out and I absolutely hated the song and just could not get into Ben Folds Five. (Strangely enough, it has since launched to one of my favorites). As soon as I could I purchased "Rockin' the Suburbs" I did and I listened to it 24/7. Ben Folds' songwriting is amazing. He has this amazing sense of humor, but a great ability to write seriously. In my opinion, his piano playing is unmatched. The work that goes into "The Acent of Stan" is incredible. In fact, thats the song that really sealed my interest. There are no words to describe that song. I would encourage anyone to buy this album. It is one of my absolute favorites (which is amazing because I am a pretty critical person when it comes to movies and music). If you buy this album you will not be disappointed!