/devices/pseudo/bitbucket@0:bitbucket: Musings from the bitbucket

I also picked up Ben Folds' latest album (including NTSC dvd ;< ) called Songs for Silverman and it too is on high rotation right now. It's a disc that builds on his previous solo work more so (in my opinion) than when he was part of Ben Folds Five.

One thing about this album that annoys me somewhat is the inclusion of an NTSC dvd rather than a PAL dvd. There's a wealth of good reasons why NTSC (aka Never The Same Colour --- try googling for "ntsc never the same color" and hit "I'm feeling lucky") should not be used, starting with the fact that Australia (where I live) just doesn't use NTSC. Makes me think that this is either a straight import from the US (unlikely given the price), or that the local distributor was unwilling to do any thinking about what was being packaged up. Much more likely...

Still, the music displays Ben Folds' expansion and development into what might be called larger works. There are a variety of other instruments, some other people providing backing vocals (including his wife Frally), and some complex rhythms and harmonies. And (I've just noticed after listening to it 10 times) that there are little interlude bits too --- quite soft background-style music with muted keyboard, drums and (I think) string bass. Interesting!

I really like this album. Now I just need a few spare cycles to sit down and look at the DVD as well.

Actually, there isn't any background-style music on this album --- just The Cat Empire's website hijacking my /dev/audio. Hmmmm not very nice!