- Audio CD (8 Oct 2002)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Live
- Label: Epic
- ASIN: B00006L3QM
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 99,592 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces |
| 2. Zak And Sara |
| 3. Silver Street |
| 4. Best Imitation Of Myself |
| 5. Not The Same |
| 6. Jane |
| 7. One Down |
| 8. Fred Jones Part 2 |
| 9. Brick |
| 10. Narcolepsy |
| 11. Army |
| 12. The Last Polka |
| 13. Tiny Dancer |
| 14. Rock This Bitch |
| 15. Philosophy (Inc Misirlou) |
| 16. The Luckiest |
| 17. Emaline |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Live albums are rarely worth owning--they're usually contractually obliged stocking fillers bunged out by acts who have spent the previous year too drunk to write anything new, but nonetheless want to finish paying for the yacht before Christmas. However, Ben Folds Live is a stellar exception to this rule. It is arguable that Folds is at his best on stage with only a grand piano for company. He is as compelling a showman as he is a songwriter, blessed with an unforced charm that complements, rather than distracts from, the anger and melancholy that informs most of his songs: the self-lacerating "Army" loses nothing here by having a hall of people bellowing the saxophone and trumpet parts as Folds conducts them.
The material selected here spans Folds's work with the three-piece Ben Folds Five as well as 2001's excellent solo debut. The readings of "Fred Jones", "The Luckiest" and "Brick" included here are possessed of an immediacy and intimacy that transcends the recorded versions, and there are a couple of worthwhile curiosities, including a minor chord rearrangement of "Song for the Dumped" and a faithful, and surprisingly affecting, version of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer". Folds is a live performer of something approaching genius and this is an impeccable document of him at work. --Andrew Mueller
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Ben Folds is highly geared for entertainment, and from his live CD, you truelly can feel the energy of this very tallented man and the entertainment he gives. Considering its one man, he does a marvelous job. A good collection of songs from Ben Folds, and Ben Folds Five. If you have seen him live then this is a must purchase. I recently went to his gig in manchester, and the CD and especially the DVD, help re-live the night. I would have paid the money for the bonus DVD itself. His music is great but to experience his performances live, or as near as on a DVD is supurb. An excellent buy...with the DVD its an extra treat!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
You get a lot for your money with this combined CD and DVD. The CD alone contains over 70 minutes of live music recorded live this summer in the states, and Ben's set encompasses both early work with Ben Folds Five and his recent solo efforts.
The big selling point is that the album is entirely acoustic, just Ben and his piano. This makes even the familiar songs sound crisp and fresh. But to say 'acoustic' suggests a quiet, sluggish effort. This album is neither, and is toe tappingly vibrant throughout. Ben provides his own percussion, and it seems he enjoys constantly reinventing his older material.
Also, if you have a DVD player you're in for a treat. You can see and hear him sing! Most generous live album of the year. Buy it and love it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
this is a great album yeah its not as good as seeing them live but it just backs you want to go and see ben folds live set. You also get the DVD and at the price that amazon's charging its like buy one at one free.
This album is cheaper here then most of the high street shops in the UK, and only 24 hours till deliverly.
Buy this along with Rockin the suburbs...
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Ben Folds Live
What an amazing album. You simply don't realise that it's only Ben playing (solo). A "must have" album for any lover of real music; an outstanding talent, who excites and motivates... Read more
Published 6 months ago by B. McGOWN
Perfect
I purchased the Album online and 2days later it was delivered to my house, in great quality...what more could I ask for!
Published 23 months ago by Ullo33
Simply brilliant
In terms of an exciting live performer and a true virtuoso master of an instrument, look no further than Ben Folds. Read more
Published on 24 Nov 2008 by Dobbins
!!!
What really amazes me, is how a genius like this guy managed to stay out of the limelight, despite being extraordinarily gifted and having already written so many great songs. Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2007 by givolini
Ben Folds = Brill!
I would definitely recommend this album if you have recently heard of Ben Folds or even a life long fan but yet to buy this album! Read more
Published on 10 April 2006
Much Better Than I Expected
I've been a Ben Folds fan for many years and have seen Ben Folds Five play live several times and rate them as just about the best live act I've ever seen. Read more
Published on 29 Aug 2005 by Paul Johnson
More genius that Dr. Evil, more pretty than something pretty
The man is a genius - lets cut through the crap. He can get any emotion out of you he wants with a chord change, for me at least he can write lyrics that'll make you think "amen... Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2003 by MR
the voice of dissent....
Sorry, but I have to disagree hugely with the others here. Yes, the songs are great, but then they're great on the studio albums too. Read more
Published on 4 Oct 2003 by "rosmond"
A great performer
I'm always apprehensive about live performance releases, especially one man shows, but this really offers something different and the addition of the DVD is a masterstroke and I'm... Read more
Published on 2 May 2003 by Wicker-king
What an introduction
Although I had heard of Ben Folds (Five) i had never actually listened to any of his material. Why did it take me so long? Read more
Published on 14 April 2003 by Mr. C. Knights
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
