"Ben Folds Five" by Ben Folds Five (1995) Folds characterises his music as "Punk rock for sissies" and my copy of the album has a sticker on the front that says "The best thing to come out of America since Star Wars." It might appeal to fans of Elton John and Todd Rundgren and Randy Newman who are open to a more raucous sound. Most people would probably be unable to tell that there are no guitars to be found anywhere on the record. For the uninitiated, the gag is there are just three of them: Ben Folds: Piano Robert Sledge: Bass Darren Jessee: Drums One - Jackson Cannery This ...  Read the complete review

Ben Folds Five are a breath of fresh air to pop music. They have a unique sound that‘s nearest comparison is Elton John pre cheese. They consist of a piano, bass and drums. All the members of the group are brilliant musicians, sing-amazing harmonies and are definitely worth seeing live. Have I also mentioned the fact that Ben Folds is a brilliant lyricist. Well he is. Their self-titled debut album show’s them in a more poppy upbeat mood to their later albums. Song’s like Uncle Walter and Summer B can’t help but make you smile. They also produce excellent ballads like boxing. This album also contains the live favourite ...  Read the complete review

When ben folds five first appeared they used to call their music "punk rock for sissies". While the music contained on this album retains much of the punk rock attitude (an attitude i find sadly lacking on ben folds later, more radio friendly works) it is also influenced heavily by queen, elton john, little richard, chuck berry, thelonious monk and everyone in between. The band is actually a three peice, consisting of Ben Folds on piano and vocals, drums and bass (both adding harmonies to the sound). The sound is much bigger than a lot of four or five peice bands, due to every band member giving it their most, and the use of fuzz bass to thicken up ...  Read the complete review

Fans of the piano have been sorely neglected over the years - Ivory twinklers have been few and far between, with (unfortunately) Billy Joel and Elton John dominating the genre like two ageing gods. Thankfully, Ben Folds is here to ruffle a few feathers. An accomplished pianist, with an offbeat sense of humour, indie credibility and a clutch of tales relating to growing up/finding love/fitting in - Mr Folds and his band (Only three of them in total by the way) charm their way into the listeners hearts with three-part harmonies and rolling drums, dirty basslines and delightfully varied lyrics. First single 'Underground' is about as kooky as they ...  Read the complete review

Now that this band are no more, with only Ben Folds seeming to remain in the public eye, the eponymous "Ben Folds Five" stands as this band's finest work. Ben Folds Five produced an eclectic mix of piano, bass and drums with the piano taking the place of the lead guitar to create a very new take on the traditional and somewhat tired formula of the three piece band. Undoubtedly it is Ben Folds' own creativity not only as a song writer but also at the piano keyboard and as a sometimes harsh yet engaging vocalist that is the centre piece of this work. Mixing beautiful set pieces with some hardcore ivory pounding, Ben Folds proves that you can ...  Read the complete review