I adore Ben Folds. Let's just get that out of the way. The only thing of his I can't listen to is "Brick," and that's just because it's so, so sad I begin to sob. "Songs for Silverman" was my birthday present to myself (along with The Bens EP) even though I'd only heard a snippet of "Landed." It's now on my obsessive repeat list (along with Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl," which I don't think I could ever grow tired of if I listened to it 15 times an hour, and Kathleen Edwards' "Westby").

I love piano-based rock/pop. At times Ben reminds me of early Elton John ("Madman Across the Water" era). And I would very much like to know if Ben is a fan of Vince Gueraldi, because I hear hints of it in his sometimes-blocky grace notes. I don't think this album's for everyone--just people with a well-developed pop sensitivity and a fondness for clever, heartfelt lyrics, serious piano chops and irresistable melodies.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor