If It's Too Loud...

Photo courtesy of The Alan Wolmark Archive As I previously stated , Ben Folds Five's 1995 self-titled first album was wildly important and vital to who I am today, and why I'm probably/definitely overly obsessed with music. Last month, Ben Folds announced they were issuing an expanded version of the album with alternate takes. It's mostly their first attempt at recording the album, which was shelved and re-recorded as the version we all know and love. They just released the Shelved First Attempt of "Philosophy," and with this one I can truly hear the difference. The Shelved First Attempt is a much cleaner and produced version. For me, the rougher aspect of the album was always one of my favorite parts, especially how they always made what I can now see as piano pop sound more punk and indie rock. This unreleased version of "Philosophy" is good, but it's a little too polished. If you were lucky enough to see them play live during this period, you know...

Photo courtesy The Alan Wolmark Archive Ben Folds Five was a wildly important band in my early adulthood, particularly their 1995 self-titled album. Getting anything new to us from that band, and that album, is going to be especially thrilling for us. To celebrate the band's thirtieth anniversary (albeit late), Ben Folds is releasing a remastered and expanded version with previously unheard alternate takes and versions. The first one we can hear is "Underground (Shelved First Attempt)." I'm not sure if the casual BFF fan will notice the differences, but if being a fan in 1996 was a big part of your personality, you definitely will. In my opinion, the album version we all know and love is the superior version, but hearing this early take is a fun experience for the diehards.  You can listen to "Underground (Shelved First Attempt)" below. Ben Folds Five (30th Anniversary) is due out September 4 on Capitol/UMe, and is available for pre-order here . For more on ...

Photo by Dustin Condren I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I had no idea Darren Jessee (the drummer for Ben Folds Five) has a solo career dating back to his 2018 album The Jane, Room 217. His latest single, "Wild Ascending Blue," is a quiet, orchestral folk/rock song. The sound makes perfect sense once you remember he co-wrote BFF's biggest hit, "Brick." This new song is a delicate and intimate song that is also fully fleshed out and has the kind of sound that could end up actually breaking out into the mainstream. If you only know his previous work in Ben Folds Five, chances are you're going to enjoy his solo music. This is adult contemporary with a mature sound but a classic indie rock sensibility. Darren Jessee says of his new single: "I wrote this in open D and it created an interesting tonality. The lyrics are connecting with the natural world and getting support from the natural world. It’s the emotional center of the album. Trey Poll...

Maybe 10-15 years ago, all the 80s hair metal bands started banding together in package tours, where 4-5 bands well past their prime would reunite (some with only one original member) and head out on the road together. This was done because Poison and Ratt might not be reason enough to shell out for tickets, a babysitter, parking, etc., but Poison, Ratt, Winger, AND White Lion? Now, that’s a bargain! Well, get ready aging Gen-Xers, because we’re now at the age when bands feel the need to do this. I present to you this summer’s 90s package tours.                                                       Summerland 2013: Alternative Guitars Everclear, Live, Filter, and Sponge Probably one of the oddest sets to tour togeth...