Or is it,
Ben Folds is "way too normal?" We guess we'll find out, come September.
Way To Normal is the new album from Folds, who has earned himself a style moniker and a loyal following of fans who chant his piano-twinkling sing-alongs. However, we could see Ben in a whole new, expressive light; with
Dennis Herring producing (
Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse, The Hives), as well as guest vocals from
Regina Spektor. The release date is set for September 30th.
Don't worry Folds Fans, longtime buddies
Jared Reynolds and
Sam Smith return to rock the rhythm section. But we may be hearing a different tune come September, one a little more upbeat than
Songs for Silverman. We're particularly interested in a track called "Bitch Went Nuts," which harkens Fold's trademark humor.
From Folds: "The songs are no topical. I was not interested in making a record about the D-Word" (the album has a few tracks tainted with the end of Fold's two-year divorce). "I got all that stuff out of my system on the last record [2005's pensive Songs for Silverman], which was deliberately stoic. This new album is really about me being free, which is why it feels cathartic and expressive. It's about me coming back to being myself." (ah, we get it now) "I came out of the courthouse, kissed the ground, and walked straight into the studio. I felt like a bottle of champagne that had been shaken for 18 months and popped open in the studio. That's why this record has so much energy."
Big words... sounds like fun Benny, count us in. See you in September.-
joe puglisi* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ben Folds on Myspace