The technical design of the show seemed rooted in Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In -styled psychedelics and bright colors, swirly designs and effects, vividly employed by an artistic, mixed media display on the back curtain as images, videos, words and other stimuli were thrust at us directly in rhythm with each pound of the key or beat of the drum.
Since the tour is supporting his new album, the bulk of the performance consisted of what Folds described his “new shit,” including the gorgeous composition, “Cologne,” on which he showed his sensitive, romantic side, as in the chorus when he counts down until he's "letting you go."
Yet, he and the band returned (as promised) for their announced “surprise encore” of “old shit.” However, he never managed to fully lose sight of his Beck or Weezer -like persona — capably shoving aside his inner Rufus Wainwright and Damien Rice at a moment’s notice — to “get the party started” in the enormous three-tiered theatre.
Implementing classical piano technique and that great Pulp Fiction homage in “Philosophy,” Folds gleefully launched into some of his most famous works, like the big audience participation number, “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” which could’ve earned a well-deserved standing ovation had he not moved directly into “Kate,” which was nearly upstaged by two of the worst dancers in the orchestra pit (who felt the need to shake it like Seinfeld’s Elaine).
Thankfully, Folds worked in the moving epic (and one of my favorites), “Still Fighting It,” which also seemed to play directly into the demographic of the crowd: a mix of “Suburbs” -like people, "male, middle class and white” and "Fighting" -styled others who know "it sucks to grow up.”
And, while part of me still misses Ben's Five, especially their performance that first hooked me — “Missing the War” on Sessions at West 54th — there is no substitute when it comes to Ben Folds live.
Arguably my generation’s Jerry Lee Lewis — minus that whole creepy, marrying his thirteen-year-old cousin thing — Folds reminded me once again of not only my weakness for piano players, but also of men unafraid of embracing their inner-dork. And sure enough, I realized in looking around the theatre, there was indeed strength in numbers. Together, it seemed, enough like-minded people could sing (in harmony) and cherish a man who jokes that he forged his college advisor’s signature to get into advanced composition courses, for which he didn’t receive credit.
Article comments
1 - Lisa Solod Warren
Your review DEFINITELY made me wish I had been there.........
2 - El Bicho
See, I knew you would do just fine. You did a great job of capturing the show. Although it's unfortunate to learn you are one of those people. Glad you weren't in front of me. Get a photo pass or stop ruining the show for everyone else. One demerit.
3 - Jen
Thanks for the compliments! That's okay, Bicho, I'll take the demerit because man, do I love geeky piano players and my phone is smaller than an iPod. Plus, he totally dug it, smiling and posing for some of us-- he seriously lives to entertain. It was a great, great show! :)
4 - Jordan "Boss" Richardson
Nicely done!
5 - Pico
Sounds like a fun time was had by all, but I'm a little surprised he didn't play "Hiroshima (B-B-B Benny Hit His Head)"?
6 - Jen
Good call, Pico-- I was hoping for that one myself!
7 - Mat Brewster
Nicely done.
8 - Pico
I was remiss in failing to mention myself that this is a nicely done article. Thanks for a good read :-)
9 - Tom Johnson
Damn, that sounds like a great show. Great write-up, Jen, it was almost like being there. So good it actually makes me want to break down and pick up the album, despite not being totally thrilled with about half of what I've heard off of it so far (and really disliking Silverman as a whole.)
10 - tink
Hard to believe this is your first live concert review. Has everything in it that makes it a good read for me...links to info, pix, insight into his tunes and the overall performance.
GREAT stuff!!!
11 - Mark Saleski
yeah, i have to say that this was a great concert review, first time or not.
heck, it almost makes me want to buy a Ben Folds cd, despite disliking (almost) everything he's ever done.
12 - Jen
Wow, thank you so much to all who've read the piece and/or taken time to comment either here, on my site, or via e-mail. It means a lot. Having studied, lived, breathed, and written about movies for fifteen years, it's been a wild adventure moving into music this year but I'm loving it.
Also, for those of you guys on the fence about Folds-- he's one of those musicians best appreciated live but luckily, in addition to the YouTube bootleg concert footage you can see here, there's also a cool Live album, DVDs, and for this tour, he's recording a number of singles live from various cities you can find right here via iTunes.
I actually ended up buying the new album right off iTunes since it came with some hilarious music videos in the Deluxe version (little did I know some of them were also on his MySpace page)!
Again, I really appreciate all the feedback and am looking forward to tackling another concert soon should another cool one hit the Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale area. :)