Ben Folds - Superspeedgraphic

Genre rock Publisher Epic Records External Links Official Ben Folds Website Official Epic Records Website

Like any self-respecting Foldsophile, I already owned 90% of the songs on this LP, seeing as most of the tracks have already been released on a series of EPs between Rockin' the Suburbs and Songs For Silverman, including one from his side project, The Bens. If you missed the EPs this compilation covers those save six tracks ("Hiro's Song," "Protection," "Wandering," "Kalamazoo," "Rockstar" and a non-album version of "Give Judy My Notice"; Hey, I'm nothing if not thorough) and the balance of The Ben's EP. Most all of the songs are certainly worth owning if you missed the EPs, but the covers especially shine, both in the uniqueness of their selection and the creatively original treatments.

In pure theory, a cover of "Get Your Hands Off of My Woman" sans guitar yet with a piano shouldn't work but Ben not only does it justice - with the help of a satisfyingly punchy bass line - but rocks it just as hard the original. His uber-white, adult-contemporary treatment of "Bitches Ain't Shit" is legendary live-show fodder finally committed to studio tape. The ballad feel is priceless and has to be heard to be fully appreciated. The "In Between Days" cover is also one of my favorites because frankly, I'd rather hear Ben's vocals than Robert Smith's pinched wail any day.

A few songs have slightly altered treatments; an extra vocal effect here or alternate voice on a chorus there. I'm so fond of the EP versions I felt mildly betrayed that he did anything to alter them. (I miss the phone call on "Dog") I'm sure it's strategic marketing to make the purchasing of duplicate tracks "worth it" to the fans who faithfully collected the EPs but with a song like "All U Can Eat" criticizing blatant consumerism it's more than a little ironic. The changes are mildly interesting but not striking enough to justify buying all over again.