Volume CXXXIII, Number 7 October 26, 2001 f

Rock out to Ben Folds's Rockin' the Suburbs
BRIAN DUNN
STAFF WRITER

The "geek-rock" scene of the mid 90's took off with the likes of Weezer and Ben Folds Five, the leader of the genre, but after Weezer's temporary hiatus and the Five's disappointing record sales, little was heard from the preppy-punk rockers. Now, with Weezer's Green Album holding somewhat true to its old form, one would expect Folds to follow suit with a similar power-pop album filled with off-beat humor and cynicism. However, after only a brief listen, it becomes clear that much of Rockin' the Suburbs is both poignant and meaningful.

Ben Folds. ( )

Most of the album follows the same style that Folds established with the other two members of the Five - a piano-driven sound with bass and drums and the occasional acoustic and electric guitar (On Rockin' the Suburbs, Folds actually plays every instrument on every song).

The opening track, "Annie Waits," along with the closing song, "The Luckiest" are balladic numbers that resemble the sounds of "Brick" and "Mess," works from his previous efforts. The album's highlight, "Still Fighting It", a beautifully crafted pop song about growing old, is made for radio play. The sincerity and subtle cynicism in Rockin' the Suburbs' lyrics are a well-needed breath of fresh air in the modern rock scene today.

The title track and first single, "Rockin' the Suburbs," proves that Folds isn't quite ready to make it through an album without a few smirks, but there's much to be said about the only electric guitar driven song on the album. Stylistically and lyrically, the song parodies many of the mainstream rap-rock groups like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Folds wants to the world to know about all his "white boy pains," as he complains over people who "break in the McDonalds line," or when those "Preparation H" trips to the store become such a burden.
Fold's first solo effort, Fear of Pop: Vol. 1, was a bold step into the world of electronic music. It's good to see that he has gotten over his "fear," and with this, has made a brilliant album without the other members of the Five.

Rating: 3.5 Polar Bears (out of 4)