Ben Folds, from Songs for Silverman
Though he started with a reputation for silliness, Ben Folds has become an accomplished writer and performer. His first big hit was "Brick", a story of taking his girlfriend to the clinic on Christmas for an abortion. Yeah, heavy, but a strong emotional grounding, and an engaging subtlety.
Songs for Silverman is a beautifully produced record, and choosing a song to share was difficult. "Jesusland" almost won out, but "Landed" hits me harder. Between the melodic piano and the lush strings and the high tenor, this sounds like vintage Elton John. If Gus Dudgeon wasn't dead, I'd swear he had produced it. The longing and regret of the lyrics always grabs me where I live. The bridge always makes me well up.
If you wrote me off, I'd understand it,
'Cause I've been on some other planet,
So come pick me up, I've landed.
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This sweet little ditty is blocked in the UK!
ReplyDeleteCaroline xxx
Good stuff, Leslie. The only work of Ben Folds I have been exposed to before was his role as producer on William Shatner's Has Been. However, as a major coincidence, my student assistant just had me download his entire catalog for her and it is now on my iPod. Perhaps I'll spend some time with it.
ReplyDeletexoxo
@ Caroline -- Now we will never be able to complete the musical education of Caroline. I do wish there were some way to know of these content blocks outside of trial and error! Sorry, Europe!
ReplyDelete@ Gin -- You are in for a treat. Definitely worth some of your time.
Hey Leslie!
ReplyDeleteLike Gin, I managed to miss this artist altogether until stumbling on to his mighty collaboration with an epically free, irony drenched Bill Shatner.
He was channeling such diverse muses, Henry Rollins, Todd Rundgren, Seals and Crofts, Barry White it was clear the man had talent.
Beautiful song. Thanks.