Ben Folds - "Way To Normal" review

Ben Folds returns to (fun-loving) form with his third solo release "Way To Normal." Folds picks up the pace and delivers more of the irreverent humour we've come to expect that was more or less absent from the second and more mature album "Songs For Silverman" but frequently showcased on the 2001 offering "Rockin' The Suburbs" and of course a big part of the Ben Folds Five catalogue.

With so many varying styles and approaches, it's safe to say that Folds is many things to many people and "Silverman" may be a favourite to some, but I prefer the Ben Folds who likes to hammer out peppy tunes and have a good time, and that certainly seems to be the case this time around.

That doesn't mean there's a shortage of down tempo numbers with startling candour, like the 1997 hit "Brick" that put Ben Folds Five on the map. "Cologne" is the new standout track in that vein, and for the iTuners, for whom Folds has been an early adopter, the 'deluxe' edition includes an odd video for the piano orchestra version including a choir and ten pianos (plus an audio-only version). The deluxe treatment is recommended for any fan, as it also includes some studio rehearsal versions of four more songs.

One July 11, Folds and his crew decided to record alternate versions of six of the songs from the album with totally different lyrics and arrangements from the official release. Some wound up being drastically different. Then they anonymously released it into the world with three real tracks and a fake album cover, disguised as an internet "leak."

Those with a modicum of internet savvy could probably still find it, but if not, you'll be able to hear at least two of the songs on Ben's Myspace page. There's an alternate version of the "Bitch Went Nutz" and the aforementioned piano orchestra link for "Cologne" leads to the other. They apparently are present as bonus tracks on a Japanese release, and we're told they'll be made official b-sides in other parts of the world in the near future.

Rolling Stone Magazine interviewed Folds about the reasons for doing it as well as the distinctions and the article can be read here. The story behind each track and a sampling of each can be heard as well.

At first listen, the official album can be a bit disorienting. The styles and production vary from track to track. For example, the first track "Hiroshima" has a layer of adoring fans at a live concert to set the stage of the story, and then it comes to an abrupt end as Folds asks the audience, "Does This Song End?" before launching immediately into the frenetic pace of "Dr. Yang." As "Free Coffee" ends, a Confucious-type character spouts some wisdom about the nature of break-ups and then again, the jarring opening chords (and line) of "The Bitch Went Nuts" begins without warning.

Other songs get different levels of treatment, but the "alternate" versions stripped down to the bare essentials in some cases may trump the official releases, depending on your own taste. The only 'official track' I take issue with the production is on "Free Coffee" which has added noise of static and mild distortion that persists throughout, which initially made me wonder if my headphones had been blown. It was a relief to find that wasn't the case, but it didn't endear the song to me, and the static to me had a grating effect. I couldn't tell you what they're thinking when they did that, ruins the song for me. Perhaps I can enjoy it live, or maybe a no-static version will be forthcoming... anything's possible. Taking requests, Ben?

Fortunately, it's the only problem I had with the whole album. Recommended in every other regard, and looking forward to the day the not-so-Normal Folds makes a stop in town. You can check out the official Ben Folds site for tour details but at the time of this writing, there's nothing set for North America in stone yet.