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Whatever and Ever Amen [Remastered Edition]

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5 Jul 10th, 2007 

11 Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful

Advantages:
Lyrics, great indie - pop, remastered and bonus tracks

Disadvantages:
Not entirely justified for already firm Five fans

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Originality

Lyrics

Quality and consistency of tracks

How does it compare to the artist's other releases

Value for Money

chrismcgarry88

chrismcgarry88

About me:

I'm Chris McGarry! Music student, avid music lover, musician, etc. From West Coast of Scotland. Lov...

Member since:10.07.2007

Reviews:1

When I put Whatever and Ever Amen in my cd player I get hit with nostalgia and happiness. I spent a good deal of high school listening to these records with Amen definitely ranking up there.

The band, self-described as 'punk rock for pussies', accurately reference this in the opening track 'One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces' with incredibly aggressive piano playing and distorted bass. Folds' lyrics may see his tongue stuck firmly in his cheek for a good deal of the time, but his references are so cleverly ironic while being brutally honest they hit remarkably close to the heart.

Obvious standouts on 'Amen' here are 'Song for the Dumped', radio hit 'Brick' and 'Kate' but there is not one weak track on the entire album. In fact after repeated listens I'm sure most will find the album-only tracks surprisingly stronger. 'Selfless Cold and Composed' is probably one of their most underrated songs and only after consistent listening and seeing it live [See: Ben Folds Five's Sessions at West 54th St DVD] will many understand how well arranged and written it is along with, quite frankly, just about every track on 'Whatever and Ever Amen'.

What is special about this Remastered Edition of 'Whatever and Ever Amen' is not just the fantastic remastering of the tracks (audiophiles will notice the difference easily) but the addition of several rare recordings. Standouts from this are the bouncy cover of 'Video Killed The Radio Star', the faux-showtune 'Theme from Dr Pyser' and the absolute standout cover of Flaming Lips song 'She Don't Use Jelly'. This song is a perfect example of Folds' masterful arrangements and the powerhouse performers this trio really are.

If you are new to Ben Folds Five then this is the perfect place to start, right in the middle of their entirely short lived career. If you own just the original 'Whatever and Ever Amen' LP then this is definitely a genuine buy for you as the bonus tracks and extra artwork/inlay make it worth it. 

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Comments about this review »

Miskah 10.07.2007 22:43

a bit short, i would have liked to know more detail ♥Beth

nathaninnit 10.07.2007 21:42

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More reviews »

Whatever And Ever Amen [Remastered] [PA] - Ben Folds Five - review by katebug

Advantages: Unbelievably catchy and the best
Disadvantages: Not enough ballads

Whatever And Ever Amen [Remastered] [PA] - Ben Folds Five - review by katebug katebug 30.11.2006 (30.11.2006) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Whatever And Ever Amen [Remastered] [PA] - Ben Folds Five



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