Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds Five

Currently doing one album for each year, 1960-2020. Today: 1995.

Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds Five, 1995, :46

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

I'm familiar with most of Ben Folds Five's work but never got around to their first album, even though "Uncle Walter" was a minor hit on MTV. Since then, I've heard most of these songs in live or demo versions. However, the originals are superior, bright and energetic. Excellent piano-driven power-pop. It's clear from this album that this talented quintet would be going places. Favorite tracks: the beautiful "Alice Childress," "Best Imitation of Myself" (sounds like a lost They Might Be Giants song), "Uncle Walter."

Dirt Track Date, Southern Culture on the Skids

Dirt Track Date, Southern Culture on the Skids, 1995, :49

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Country surf rock with a twang and a "if we think it’s fun we'll do it" attitude.  These guys are the musical grandsons of Jimmy Buffet. They blend solid musicianship with knowing winks and goofiness.  Toe-tapping, catchy, and funny.  "It don’t matter if your pants are shiny / If your dick is big or your dick is tiny.” Come on, who wouldn’t love that? Well, lots of people, but this isn't for the kind of people who take offense a little desultory vulgarity.  Sure, end the album with five full minutes of the sound of cars roaring around a racetrack. Why not? Favorite songs: "Soul City," "Greenback Fly," "Whole Lotta Things."

Everything Sucks, Reel Big Fish

Everything Sucks, Reel Big Fish, 1995, 1:03

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Exuberant ska.  Apparently their debut album; some of the members were teens when this came out.  It shows. At an hour, it's way overlong.  Dare I say... an aptly named album?  Favorite Track: "Sell Out," maybe?  They're all pretty much the same.