THE piano man for a new generation? After gaining a reputation as a smart-Alec and keyboard wizard, Ben Folds burst on to the stagnant mid-1990s scene with playful, clever songs like Philosophy and Alice Childress.
Now married with a child, Folds is more temperate these days - but the opening Bastard shows he still has barbs if provoked. Complete with trademark souped-up bass, it recalls his debut.
Elsewhere, well-produced pop songs speak of love for his daughter or lament the loss of a friend (Late, for Elliott Smith) and sit just the right side of MOR.
The songs are shot through with a "let's do it right now" spirit which, combined with a more developed sense of tune structure, make this perhaps his best in some time. A guilty pleasure.
Updated: 12:43 Thursday, May 26, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article