Ben Folds' newest album, University A Capella!, is the latest in the recording artist's string of unusual releases that began with Fear of Pop, Vol. I. The first rumblings regarding Folds' latest album began with an e-mail he sent his fans via the Ben Folds Official Fan Club (which I can unabashedly admit I am a part of). In this e-mail, Folds humbly described how much he loved seeing and hearing the youtube.com videos of collegiate a capella groups performing his music. He claimed this new dynamic brought his songs to life in a new way and therefore devised a plan - he would hold a competition. Groups across the country were encouraged to submit videos of their renditions of any Ben Folds or Ben Folds Five song, and he would choose the best to go onto an album. Ben himself would craft the album; he'd fly to wherever the group met, record with them, and in a few months they'd get the CD. I'll admit I was skeptical even at this early stage - it didn't seem feasible. Yet here I am, months later, enjoying perhaps the most talented group of a capella groups in the country (Boston College is not included.)
Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of University A Capella! is the broad range of Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five songs the groups chose. Only two songs on the album originate from Way to Normal, Ben's most recent traditional album, so it's not just another promotional tool. In fact, my three favorites are all Ben Folds Five songs. Without a doubt the best song on the album, the Sacramento State Jazz Singer's rendition of "Selfless, Cold, and Composed," is an unbelievable display of arranging and vocal prowess. I came across this on youtube.com before the album was released, and it blew me away - search it, you won't be disappointed. "Magic," a beautiful piece of music whichever way you slice it, is equally as beautiful when performed sans instruments by the University of Chicago's Voices in Your Head. "Boxing," one of the two songs on the album arranged and vocalized by Ben Folds himself, is stunning; and "You Don't Know Me," performed by The University Of Georgia's With Someone Else's Money, features a lead singer who consistently out-belts Folds himself. The album isn't immune to the occasional flop; UNC Chapel Hill's Loreleis's rendition of "Jesusland" leaves something to be desired, as does "Time," performed by the Princeton Nassoons. Generally speaking, however, this is an incredibly strong musical compilation.
The best aspect of University A Capella! is its ability to transcend. Many people aren't necessarily fans of Ben Folds or of a capella, but the music Folds and the collegiate groups provide is so beautiful that everyone can find something to enjoy. Every piece of this project screams production value, from the way every track was recorded live, with individual splicing of audio tracks, to the fact that Ben and his production team sought out these groups individually. "I'm incredibly proud of this album," Ben said, recalling his coast-to-coast excursion. "If this were 'Ben World,' this would be my greatest hits album. I'd rather this be my greatest hits record than someone collecting my masters and slapping on a photo of me leaning against a piano. This is a better way. I'm a songwriter, and these are my songs."
Enjoy the greatest hits of Ben Folds, performed by your extraordinarily talented peers - you won't regret listening. B+
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