Contrast Podcast All-Star Edition
Today the contrast podcast pays tribute to those bands that have been chosen most frequently throughout its history. To see who made the cut, go here and listen to or download this episode. I had the privilege of introducing one of my all-time favorites, Ben Folds.
I chose a Ben Folds Five song from long ago, "Alice Childress." It's off Naked Baby Pictures and I do believe it was the first BFF song I ever heard. I remember hearing it on the radio and thinking, I have GOT to know who sings that. I've been a huge fan ever since.
Ben Folds Five--"Alice Childress" mp3 off Naked Baby Photos (buy)
In fact, I'd pick Whatever and Ever Amen as one of my "desert-island" discs. I can listen to it in its entirety to this day and still love every track (of course "Brick" has been completely overplayed, but even it sounds good every once in a while). My children were raised on this album. I used to feel guilty about playing it, what with all the swear words, etc., especially "Song for the Dumped," but I got over it. I think it's the one album the whole family can agree on hearing when we're all together in the car.
Ben Folds Five--"One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces" mp3 off Whatever and Ever Amen (buy) This was my runner-up pick.
Like I say in my introduction, I think the thing I like most about BF is his way of portraying the unlovable, darker, even seedier parts of a person with humor, honesty and vulnerability. He's not afraid to admit his mistakes and failings and he makes you laugh at the same time. And of course, there's his fantastic, phenomenal piano playing. I've always been in awe of that.
Ben Folds Five--"Underground" mp3 off Naked Baby Photos This one's for Tim.
He's got a solo album coming out Sept. 30th, Way to Normal, which I'm really looking forward to. It's been a while since he's put out anything new. He's also playing with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia at the Mann Center on Sept. 6th (tickets).
Did you know you can listen to all the previous episodes of the contrast podcast if you go here? Also, next week's theme is "Sport," so if you're interested in playing the game, now's your chance.
Awwww .. thanks Marcy. :) ... you know that we ARE all happy underground!
I love Ben Folds - have seen him several times and he's one of my favorite
live performers. He lived in Adelaide for a while, and has a great song by
that title on one of his EPs. I don't think there's a thing in the world
wrong with raising your kids with BFF as a soundtrack. I claim, though my
partner disagrees, that our son is named after a Ben Folds song ;)
you are most welcome, tim! thank YOU for everything you do to make the
contrast podcast so amazing. it really is a privilege to be a part of it.
:)
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