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 ...

Another slow week, so this does have some catch-up. Artist : Punch Brothers Album : All Ashore Quick Description : Latest from the inventive bluegrass group. Why You Should Listen : Punch Brothers have yet to do any wrong whatsoever. Overall Thoughts : Punch Brothers are effectively the 1995-2005 era Radiohead of bluegrass at this point. What they do transcends their early work, transcends their genre, and exists on a plane of its own. This may be their most musically challenging endeavor, and yet it still feels fresh and accessible. I don't know what else to say about it at this point, as they're just too good for words. Recommendation : Punch Brothers should be automatic at this point. Artist : Pram Album : Across the Meridian Quick Description : First album in ten years from the British act. Why You Should Listen : You enjoy the odder things in life. Overall Thoughts : For all my music immersion over the years, I seemingly missed Pram, an experimental group...