Search - The Ben Taylor Band :: Famous Among the Barns

SUPER SUPER SUPER album!

Catherine S. Vodrey | East Liverpool, Ohio United States | 11/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, I was just knocked out by The Ben Taylor Band's "Famous Among the Barns"! Shame on me--when I first listened to it, I thought, "Hey, his voice sounds like his dad [James Taylor], but his songs have a harder edge"--and that was disappointing to me. By the second, third and fourth listens though, I was really intrigued and hearing new things to listen to all the time. There is no denying that Ben is James' and Carly's son--his voice sounds eerily, scarily like his father's--but he is a musician and songwriter in his own right, and bully for him. This is one terrific album--he deserves all the accolades that come his way for his own work, not for his familial background.The album opens with "Island," a thought-provoking slower tune about how we do and don't affect other people. "Let It Grow," the next tune, is positively intoxicating with a wonderful and musically sophisticated chorus. "I Am The Sun" may or may not be about Taylor's relationship with his parents, but it's easy to read it that way. From all accounts, they have a loving and respectful bond, but the strain of breaking free from one's parents is evident in these astute lyrics. "Day After Day" has a Lennon/McCartney vibe that's amazingly great to listen to (think "Lovely Rita Meter Maid" with a sped-up rhythm). "Time of the Season," a musically complex remake of that classic 1970s tune, is a real treat and rewards repeat listens. "Just Like Everyone Else" has a Jerry Jeff Walker or Jimmy Buffett feel to it with wonderful rollicking guitar. "Mushroom Dance" is a light, playful meringue of a pop song with splendid guitar work. "Rain" is a subtle, minor-key song that sticks in your mind long after the album is over. I really can't get over the musical sophistication and maturity Taylor brings to this terrific album--not to mention the fact that the other musicians are top-notch--but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Buy it and hear for yourself."

The Baby Of The Family's Stunning Debut!!

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 12/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've waited years for this CD to be released (O.K., O.K., it's only been four years, and it was actually another album that never saw the light of day, first because of label downsizing, then due to major label politics): I've always respected the dad (James Taylor), adored the mom (Carly Simon) and been knocked out by the big sister (Sally Taylor), so I knew that, when the time came, Ben Taylor would blow everyone away with his musical debut. Guest spots on some of his mom's most recent cds and an occasional solo spot hinted at this. Well, not only is FAMOUS AMONG THE BARNS a debut album of absolutely authoritative rock, it has to be one of the best releases of 2002! The disc opens with "Island", a gentle, swaying ballad. With it's airy keyboards and soft, yet assured, vocal, this is pop music at it's best. "Let It Grow" is obviously a song about the legalization of pot, but I'd like to think there's also a sub-text to the song about being kinder to all things green and alive on the planet. Here, on the CD's hardest rocking track, the band presents itself as a tight, polished unit. In other words, they kick booty! "I Am The Sun" is another hypnotic ballad. With it's stripped-down production and floating chorus, I certainly could see Taylor's mom covering this thoughtful, introspective gem. When he sings "I am the sun/That's all I've ever been/Since I've begun" you can just hear his spirit soar....and we, the listeners, soar with him! With it's retro 60's beat, "Day After Day" sports an innocent beauty. All about the wonderous mystery that is love and trying to understand this other being who has taken control of your life, the lyrics exhibit an intelligence far beyond Taylor's 25 years. "No More Running Away" has to be one of my favorite tracks. There have been very few songs written about commitment, and all that goes with it, that are as achingly beautiful as this one. It's a scary thing to try it again after being burned ("We understand that you've tried it before/And it froze you alive"), but it pays off in the end ("There would be no more running away/And no more missing that midnight train"). A classic waiting to be heard! There are numerous traces of James Taylor throughout FAMOUS AMONG THE BARNS, and "Safe Enough To Wake Up" has to be one of the prime examples. This "Sweet Baby James meets Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles and covers Edie Brickell's "What I Am'" rocker chugs along, sporting a lazy groove and a honey-coated vocal that just wraps around you like a warm shawl. It really is an accomplishment to take a cover song and present it in an original light. To do it on your debut release, and to do it to the point where you almost best the original, is almost unheard of. Not since Fanny covered Cream's "Badge" on their debut album in 1970 has a group taken another act's song and so convincingly made it their own. With it's ethreal, other-worldly mix and sensual vocal, the track is truly haunting. "Just Like Everyone Else" takes a 180 degree turn, with it's light, sunny vibe and toe-tapping groove. This is joyous, back porch rock & roll! "A Good Day To Be Alive" has an eerie, forboding quality that belies it's positve message, while "Mushroom Dance" is just good, goofy fun, albeit with some deep, insightful lyrics. Musically lifted from Carly Simon's 1980 classic "James", "Rain" showcases some of Taylor's most nakedly candid lyrics yet: "Maybe I'm only dreaming/Maybe I'm only foolish/Maybe I'm only deceiving myself/And I'm not really ready to do this." Is he talking about love? A career in music? Whatever the case may be, this is a young man who's not afraid to bare his soul, and we're all the better for that. "Tonight" closes the disc on a delicate, atmospheric note. This quirky, yet tuneful, instrumental allows the listener to come down and absorb everything they've just heard. Brilliant! So do yourself a favor and pick up this baby! It's always fun to be there in the beginning and see a career take off! With a voice hauntingly similar to his dad's, yet richer and fuller, like his mom's, Ben Taylor's potential was never in doubt. Now, with FAMOUS AMONG THE BARNS, he has laid the foundation for a career that (hopefully!) will challenge, soothe, amaze and amuse us for years to come."

The Real Deal

Ken Merrell | Eugene, OR United States | 05/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently saw the Ben Taylor Band in concert, as the opening act for Dar Williams. I bought tickets to the show not even knowing there was an opening act--I wanted to see Dar live. When I found out it was the Ben Taylor Band, the only thing I knew about them was that Ben Taylor is JT and Carly Simon's son. Well, let me tell you--this kid is the real deal! As far as I am concerned, the Ben Taylor Band stole the show that night--they put on an awesome 45 minute performance, mainly playing material from "Famous Among the Barns." I purchased the CD and it has been getting lots of time on my CD changer ever since then. It is an outstanding debut album. Hard to classify the music--a mixture of pop, rock, folk, even hip-hop. My wife watched BT dance around and do karate kicks on stage during his songs, and labelled the style "folk rap." Whatever you call it, it is great music, and Ben Taylor and his band are going places. I feel fortunate to have caught them in a small theater as an opening act--it won't be long and they will have a big following and be headlining big venues. BT's songwriting is very advanced, his voice is great (yeah, he sounds like early JT), and the band plays as one great organic whole...it's not just Ben's show. I highly recommend this album to music fans of all styles and generations. I recently read that Sony Music signed him to a record contract three years ago, recorded it, an never released it. How stupid! Now I understand why the big labels are in trouble. I hope the Ben Taylor Band makes it big time and stays on a small label."