Ben Folds
Biography
Singer/pianist Ben Folds (born September 12, 1966, in Winston-Salem, NC) is best known as the leader of the power pop trio Ben Folds Five, but has also struck out on his own as a solo artist. Despite playing in bands in high school, his musical career didn't really get off the ground until the late '80s, as a bassist for Majosha (the outfit issued such obscure releases as Party Night: Five Songs About Jesus and Shut Up and Listen to Majosha). Proving his multi-instrumental talents, Folds also played drums as a session musician in Nashville. After relocating to New York, Folds started acting again (he'd done some theater in high school previously) and signed a publishing deal with Sony Music.
Moving back to North Carolina, Folds in 1994 formed Ben Folds Five, a trio that also included bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jessee. Whereas most alternative bands of the '90s specialized in distorted teen-angst rock, the guitarless trio was a refreshing break from the norm, their sound akin to such past power popsters as Todd Rundgren, Jellyfish, early Joe Jackson, and such piano-driven artists as Billy Joel and early Elton John. But like punk bands, Ben Folds Five put on a high-energy, blistering live show.
Selected Discography
If this is stems and seeds -- I'd like to see the "bud" album. Maybe that is next?
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His quirky lyrics and spontaneous attitude is spectacular. . . l o v e it...an inspiration for any musician...g o o d times indeed! IamCaveman
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Chris, I think he means that some people hear his sarcastic, swearing words and shut him off, without genuinely listening to the message or song itself.
I, personally, love his songs, and the sarcasm is what at first drew me in. I stayed after listening to "Landed" and "Hiroshima." |
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since i live in charlotte, i've seen ben folds a lot. you only need to see him once live to be drawn in. his lyrical prowess is undeniable! some people can't get past his vocals, but i implore you: give him a chance naysayers! there aren't many artists who wear their heart on their sleeve the way folds does. his tunes are well crafted pieces of art.
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FYI....it doesn't matter what station your listening to this Ben Folds guy starts crying on my stations.... . U g h .
Thats all! |
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Such an epic piano player. One of the best in the business, thats for sure.
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He was in concert w/ John Mayer and John Morrison and I LOVED his show as much as John Mayer's...he is amazing! He has fun and has quirky lyrics and amazing music! I love this guy!!
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I personally like him as much as Billy Joel, but they're not very alike.
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Personally I think he is his own musician. Not one to be compared to that of another. He does his own things with his music to make them very unique. Its Great!
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I'd venture that Folds is well over half the musician that Billy Joel is, and every bit the musician that Billy Joel was.
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I like Ben Folds for what he is, but comparing him to Billy Joel??? He's not half the musician Joel is.
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Actually, Warehouse, Whatever and Ever Amen was recorded in his living room, and is arguably his best album. Ben Folds is easily one the most creative and original singer/songw r i t e r s of my generation. He is also hilarious and not afraid to make fun of himself.
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warehouse, I'm not sure what song you listened to that formed your opinion, but he's incredibly talented. His songs are often ridiculously hard to play, and he's a pretty decent singer. But even if his voice sounded bad on one song, that wouldn't necessarily make him crap. Depending on the song, he breaks his voice or doesn't sing with the same intensity and pureness because it gets the message of the song across. It's a technique that Bob Dylan created to add to the artistic depth of his work.
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did this guy record this in his bedroom???? crap,crap,cr a p . I was however enjoying the piano untill he started singing, sory just think he's crap.
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The only thing I don't like about Ben Folds is the info on the top of the page- "better known for Ben folds Five"? Seriously? He rocks even harder as a solo artist. New album drops 9/30!!!
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