WHILE rock dinosaurs once again ruled the world as it

tilted on Live 8's axis, Brendan Benson briefly proved a true alternative.

The Detroit artist is probably best known for being a friend of Jack White from The White Stripes, and he is no stranger to hype and gnawing expectation, which have dogged him since his debut release, the exuberant One Mississippi. So far the critical garlands have borne no real commercial fruit, but he does command a loyal and growing following.

The lyrics, anthems for everymen everywhere, combined with his seemingly effortless knack with a melody mark Benson out. Songs like You're Quiet and Feel Like Myself managed to be honest, memorable and bluster-free.

Live, Benson cut a slight figure, which contrasted with the muscular edge given to his exemplary material - highlighting the riffs and choruses to good effect.

Between Us stretched out, while Folk Singer made

deprecating nods to John Lennon and came through with charm intact. Likewise rare early cuts like I'm Blessed. However, newer songs, so appealing on record fared less well.

The incessant Spit It Out was merely average compared to the rest and The Alternative To Love stole from every page in the rhyming dictionary.

There was however no denying Benson's ability to conceive a song such as the bona fide hit single Cold Hands (Warm Heart) in sadness and transform it into a feelgood anthem for the post-Friends generation.

Ultimately, Benson lacks the tiny extra spark necessary for stardom, but as a songwriter he takes some beating.

Updated: 11:17 Tuesday, July 05, 2005