Ben Kweller
Thu 29 Jan 2009
Ben Kweller live on Letterman
I always considered Ben Kweller to be just as talented as Ryan Adams, but not as literary or self-affirming or attention-seeking. Ryan Adams was one of the first people I ever interviewed, and the experience scarred me for life. He was so abrupt and unrelenting and unforgiving. I still love the guy, but his latest ventures have done little to stir any interest in me, compared to his offerings around his last NZ visit. Now his more unknown musical cousin has come out with a similarly country venture. Ben Kweller’s new album Changing Horses is out next week on February 3rd, on a sweet looking vinyl that comes with a massive poster of the cover art inside. I’m glad to see another example of the ever-enduring grandeur of the music industry; screw the recession, we’re going vinyl! Everyone knows it always sounds better. Ben’s latest (you can preview three tracks on his myspace) aren’t the type of thing I’d normally dig, but his charisma and natural style just reeks of genuine storytelling and has quite a calming effect. When you’re downing coffee and trying to go a hundred miles an hour on all the work you’ve been lumped with after the holidays, Ben’s simple country odes have a really nice soothing effect. Take a dose, you’ll marvel at the effects.
Also, check out the video above of Ben performing on Letterman on Monday night, with special guest Paul Schaffer on keys!
Posted by Sarah Gooding under U.S.A
