When Ben Folds Five broke up after their release, "The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner", fans of the group were left with a hollow feeling. Personally, I felt that one of the most unique bands in the music world had drifted apart leaving the music pool ever more shallow. Ben Folds had assembled the band for mainstream attention in 1995 and since that point released a total of 4 albums. In each album Ben Folds shadowed the album by influencing a majority of songs and instrumentation. For that fact I found a sliver lining in the bands break. Folds released a solo album in 1998, but he doesn't claim that album in his discography (I am not sure why), so I will not include it in this review. It was known that Ben Folds would be exploring the music scene solo, which left the opportunity that a time would exist in which Folds himself would assemble an album entirely of Ben Folds classics. That time is now.

On October 8th 2002, Ben Folds released his first live solo album in an attempt to recreate previously released titles. The album consists of 17 tracks none of which are exact replicas. Each song on the 71 minute set list is performed by Folds on piano. When Ben Folds Five decided to split up, Ben Folds had 2 options. First, he could find other members to record and perform with or secondly, he would have to leave the depth that Ben Folds Five brought to the table behind. Of course Folds chose to begin his endeavour solely by himself. This live set is just that; Ben Folds by himself. Each track is a rendition that combines Folds and a piano, nothing more nothing less. While it may seem as though a massive amount of sound would be left out of the works, the reality of the matter is just the opposite.

Ben Folds departed the group under the assumption of dismal album sales and a move to Australia. Ben Folds Five never found themselves selling millions of records, however their second album did end up with relative success. Thanks to the hit single 'Brick' the band would find themselves and their music recognizable by a broad category of listeners, to a point. Unfortunately, the band would see their next 2 albums to be their last. The band saw extremely poor album sales despite the mediocre hit 'Army'. Shortly after the bands break, Folds drifted out on his own and released his first solo album "Rockin The Suburbs"; A collection of 12 original songs. Folds wasn't shot into megastar status, but he did cause sceptics to overlook any idea that had involved the thought that his music couldn't survive without the addition of a band. Instead, Folds released the album with decent success and has since released the album in question: Ben Folds - " Ben Folds Live".

Like stated above, this live set doesn't contain any new songs, but what it does do is bring the best songs from Ben Folds Five onto one album. The album is particularly solid from top to bottom leaving no stone unturned. During the set you will hear short excerpts from Folds describing song origins to Folds directing the crowd to sing along. Folds is both humorous and serious, but at no time does he forget why he is on stage; the fans.

This album has numerous bright spots. For starters, the set list is well above average. Each song was carefully chosen for inclusion. The album brings all of the songs that caught the attention of many and throws in several songs that have been over looked. I have often felt that Emaline was the best Ben Folds Five song ever recorded, but I am not sure that it had ever met the limelight. Emaline, as well as several other 'sleeper' picks, are indeed included. A second bright spot shines on the excellent piano work accompanying the 'catchiness' of the tracks. Ben Folds Five were never advertised as the best band on the planet, but if they ever had a staple it would have been the creation of entertaining songs. It is very true that a BFF album would have a difficult time rising to the top of the Billboard, but we all know that the albums sitting atop that chart are not always must-haves. The third and final attribute of the album is something that I often dwell on; The love for the music. It is clearly evident that after 5 main stream albums, Folds is having as much fun playing music as ever. I am certain that some reviewers would disregard this aspect of Folds, but I, as an inspiring artist, find it as a breath of fresh air to hear the excitement in an artists music, especially after they have tucked a few albums under their belt. I can name countless artists that give the impression that making music is nothing more than a job. To Folds, making music is more than a hobby, it is a passion and it shows.

I was able to pick out one aspect that I didn't find appealing. The collection of live tracks are pulled from various venues during various stops on his tour. "Ben Folds Live" is not one continuous show, but rather a plethora of tracks stitched together digitally. You can hear a few seams as you pass from track to track, but if you didn't have prior knowledge you could almost be certain that this was one show played straight through. Even so, this is a minor complaint, but indeed a complaint. It would have been nice to hear a full length show from one stop on the tour, but as I have recently been told, 'Beggars cant be choosers." That would be the only gripe that I have with the album and a petty one at that.

In conclusion, this album is worth every cent on its price tag. The album is not only entertaining, but it is a vivid look into the passion that Folds contains. Each song is a great rendition, although some tracks do stand out more than others. Although Folds has exited his Ben Folds Five project, he takes those older songs to the crowds with a refreshing twist. It is true that each song sounds less full then their album counterparts, Folds manages to captivate listeners offering them versions that are not riddled with an overwhelming sound. If you have liked any Ben Folds Five music in the past then you should pick this up, but if you have found yourself in a state of disgust then by all means stay away.

For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to hear Folds or cant recognize Folds and company then I would label this a safe risk. The music can be described as piano pop that is generally upbeat. Even the songs that creep along at a slow pace are mind boggling catchy. Folds (and Folds Five) are unique in their style and overall sound.

While it isn't likely to see your CD player everyday, it most certainly will fill the void if you are ever in search of something fun. I donate 4 solid planets, removing one based on the assumption that this isn't likely appeal to the majority. My definition of a 5 Planet album would be one that can influence a vast majority of those who listen, knowing that no album will please everyone. This is not an album that will take the world by storm, but one that does deserve more attention than it is currently getting. 4 Planets enough said.


Track Listing:
01. One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces
02. Zak And Sara
03. Silver Street
04. Best Imitation of Myself
05. Not The Same
06. Jane
07. one down
08. Fred Jones Part 2
09. Brick
10. Narcolepsy
11. Army
12. The Last Polka
13. Tiny Dancer
14. Rock This Bitch
15. Philosophy
16. The Luckiest
17. Emaline

Ramz Rating: 4 out of 5 Planets


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