CD may be a little disappointing, but DVD offers some intere
Joel Cieslak | Canton, MI, USA | 10/03/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ben Folds' third solo album 'Way To Normal', though not necessarily bad, is probably his weakest effort to date. The songs are pretty hit or miss: there's the melodically pleasing single 'You Don't Know Me' featuring the talented Regina Spektor, and the fun & catchy 'Errant Dog', but some tracks, like 'Hiroshima', which came from an improv-ed song at a concert in Berlin, and the fairly bland 'Kylie From Connecticut', are pretty forgettable. One that was particularly disappointing was 'Free Coffee', a potentially cool jamtronica tune that's almost ruined by liberal use of a grainy effect. Still, it's a decent CD, and is worth buying if you're a fan of Folds. If you consider yourself among the hardcore, however, I recommend getting the special edition CD/DVD combo.
The main feature, an hour-long behind-the-scenes documentary, contains interesting interviews with Ben's parents, tour group, and even former teachers & principles. You get kind of a mini-biography of Folds as told by his friends and family, a look at the recording in Dublin of the fake leaked songs, and some extra tour footage (Tambo-cam :) ), all with studio recordings of 'Effington', 'Errant Dog', 'Frown Song', and 'Kylie From Connecticut' mixed in. The DVD also contains a somewhat-bizarre, but interesting recording of 'Cologne' featuring a "piano orchestra" and Ben's kids (awwww), filmed on a strange German music show [look for the cat-lady], and the music video for 'Hiroshima' by Corn Mo. Unfortunately the video for 'You Don't Know Me', done by Tim and Eric of "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job" was not included, presumably because it wasn't finished in time for the DVD's release.
All in all:
CD: B-
DVD: A-"
Nostalgic fun for uber-fans and traditionalists
gobluegirl | MI | 10/13/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There are several versions of "Way to Normal" being offered. This, the "Super Deluxe" version, includes the 12-track CD, the DVD performances, an extra CD with improv songs recorded live, and a vinyl double album of the same songs on the CD.
I have to say, it was a lot of fun opening up the huge, bright red-fabric covered boxed set album with gold lettering and dig through to find all the cool stuff inside. I think a lot of the whole experience of buying an album has been lost now that we can all download MP3s and don't have to listen to an album in its entirety. This bundle, including the double albuum, kind of brings that back somewhat, and it's nice.
This edition is the only place to get the improv songs, I believe, although folds will be releasing additional improv songs exclusively through online retailer iTunes.
So, if you're an uber Ben Folds fan, or really love his improv songs like I do, or are fan of vinyl, this is worth buying. If not, stick with the regular edition or perhaps the Bonus DVD limited edition. It is kind of expensive for what you're getting.
"
Different
ClockMan | 10/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Before I comment, I'd like you all to know that I'm a huge BF fan and was anticipating this release anxiously. I have all his piano transcription books and enjoy playing along with his tunes whenever I can. That being said, I was a bit disappointed in the selections from this album. Like the previous reviewer mentioned, it seems a bit weak, and certainly not one of his better releases. There are two selections which follow the same vein as his earlier albums which I really like - Cologne & Kylie, but the rest were somewhat reminiscent of Naked Baby Photos. Bottom line is, I will still support his work, and purchase his future stuff no matter what :) Haven't had a chance to look/listen at the DVD & live CD yet."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1