The Sound of the Life of the Mind

I really enjoyed most of this album. Michael Praytor, Hold that thought, erase me, do it anyway, and thank you for breaking my heart are all fantastic and very memorable tunes. I really wish they did not write draw a crowd. That song is a total troll to the music business, but I kinda feel like it aimed for the bullseye but hit way off to the left side of the target. I really enjoy Ben's sense of humor, but for some reason I listen to Draw A Crowd and I kinda feel like I got slapped in the face with a rancid fish. I know that sounds kinda harsh, but the lyrics are childish and dumb. The lyrics in older songs like Army and even song for the dumped had some cleverness to them where this song is no where near subtle. One thing I really want to see in the future is more Pink Floyd sounding stuff. Like the organ in hold that thought or the vocal harmonies in ben's solo song 'prison food'. I know he is not going for that, but it's creates such an enjoyable atmosphere. Please keep making records guys! we have missed yall!

It's hard to have too big of a problem with anything Ben produces. This album does not deviate from what I love about his music. Good and intelligent lyrics, great sense of humor. But you have to be a fan of his vocals to really like this album. A lot of the songs don't really grab you or hold the attention for long. This album often seems like background music to have on during conversation. After a short while, it becomes easy to ignore as your mind trails off after about 20 seconds into most of the songs. Also, there's only 1 standout hit that compares to my other favorite Ben Folds songs in Draw a Crowd. Despite this, the album is pleasant at its worst. It is mellow and great for a rainy day with a big cup of coffee. Like I said, you can't go wrong with him, even if you can't always go extremely right with him.

It is a shame that I have just discovered Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five. This is fantastic music that I could have been enjoying all these years! These are really creative and talented guys. I realize that everyone's musical taste is unique but I can't imagine anyone who appreciates great music and songwriting would not enjoy this immensely. I saw them perform on Acoustic Sessions and now I am hooked!

Something about BFF has always reminded me of the late 70's even though it was the late 90's when I first heard them. The Rockford Files, brown plaid upholstered furniture with chunky wood frames and orange plastic lampshades all jump to mind - especially on the more melodic parts. It's that unpretentious, quirky and rough around the edges but still graceful and beautiful combination that keep me hooked and fascinated. It wasn't love at first listen with this album. I didn't know what to think about it. I wasn't sure if I liked it or just the idea of it. After a few months of simmering I gave it another chance and it's grown on me quite a bit. Sky High, On Being Frank and Hold That Thought gently wash over you and are comforting like a cup of warm tea. Michael Praytor, The Sound of the Life and Mind and Do it Anyway are more upbeat and energetic, Do It Anyway has almost a Devil Went Down to Georgia catchy pop feel, and some awesome lyrics. Away When You Were Here and Thank You for Breaking My Heart are unsurprisingly sad songs, but very touching in the signature BFF honest and tear jerking sad song way. Erase Me and Draw a Crowd are a bit edgier and more playful than the rest of the album and serve up a nice bit of variety. Draw a Crowd is one of my favorites on the album - "So smooth you can hear the beard.." is one of my favorite lyrics. Overall the album as a whole is cohesive and yet offers enough variety not to feel stale or repetitive. One of the best albums I've heard, no song feels like filler. Impressive for a reunion album. Nice work fellas.

Best new music I've heard in years.

Can't stop listening to it. I hope this isn't a one and done.

Another great album. I've been a fan since 1998 and I have never been dissapointed in anything Mr. Folds has done on his own or with his "five". True artists are never afraid to try new things and these guys have proven that. And to the band I say from the bottom of my heart "The songs you wrote got me through a lot, just wanna tell you that".

Listening to this I feel 13 again listening to Whatever And Ever Amen, and The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner. Ben Folds Five was my favorite band through my entire adolescence and they haven't lost it in the last 13 years. They're still the same old fun sounding, heartfelt band, with a twist of depressing lyrics, and it's all still top notch!

I only listened to one song and am so psyched that they're back. Has been way, way to long. One of my all-time favorite bands. Pls. come to SF!!

The whole cd is great. If you liked Ben's older albums check out Draw A Crowd, it is vintage Ben.