Ben Folds Five - "Philosophy (Shelved First Attempt)"

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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 that their live shows were epic and more than a little chaotic. "Philosophy (Shelved First Attempt)" is a fascinating look at what could have been for Ben Folds Five.

You can listen to "Philosophy (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 the release, check out Ben Folds' website.

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Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures - "Hollow Choir"

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Photo by Gia Smith There's prolific, and then there's Derek Smith. The Boston musician's latest single with the Cosmic Vultures, "Hollow Choir," is his eightieth song in the past eight years. It also helps explain the genre psychedelic folk-rock. The song is a little over three minutes, but the genre makes it feel much more epic. It's smooth sounding with trippy little flourishes, particularly in the guitar. At times, it sounds almost Adult Contemporary, but it's far too psychedelic for that. It's the play between the mainstream and the alternative side of folk that makes "Hollow Choir" work so well. Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures have long had this ability to provide a little something for everyone, and their latest proves that more than previous ones have. Derek Smith says of his latest single: “This song sums up the feelings I have had towards my music career for the last few years. I am always being told what I should do or what I sh...
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