Top tracks — play these first
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Brick — This poignant ballad reflects on loss and heartache, resonating deeply with listeners through its raw emotion and lyrical vulnerability.
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One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces Start here — Opening the album with high energy, this track combines catchy melodies with sharp wit, perfectly encapsulating Folds' unique blend of humor and introspection.
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Philosophy (Inc Misirlou) — This song showcases Folds’ playful yet critical examination of life’s complexities, blending clever lyrics with an infectious piano riff that engages audiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The live setting enhances Folds' storytelling and musicality, though the repetition of tracks affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- The setlist includes fan favorites and lesser-known tracks, creating a balance that appeals to both casual listeners and dedicated fans.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- witty storytelling with humor
- intimate live performance energy
- dynamic pacing with ebbs
- sing-along participation with friends
- nostalgic reflections on relationships
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio polish over live
- want immediate gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Highlights engaging live performances and beloved tracks, resonating with dedicated fans.
- Themes
- live concert energy· post-band identity· heartbreak narratives
- Career context
- Released in 2002, Ben Folds Live captures the artist during a period of reinvention following the breakup of his band, Ben Folds Five. This album came after his transition to a solo career with the release of 'Rockin' the Suburbs' in 2001, marking a pivotal moment as he sought to establish his identity outside the group dynamic.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Rufus Wainwright· Regina Spektor· Andrew McMahon
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces Start here 4:17
- 2 Zak And Sara 3:24
- 3 Silver Street 3:41
- 4 Best Imitation Of Myself 3:13
- 5 Not The Same 4:31
- 6 Jane 2:34
- 7 One Down 4:03
- 8 Fred Jones Part 2 4:39
- 9 Brick 4:45
- 10 Narcolepsy 6:04
- 11 Army 3:41
- 12 The Last Polka 3:55
- 13 Tiny Dancer 5:23
- 14 Rock This Bitch 1:17
- 15 Philosophy (Inc Misirlou) 7:16
- 16 The Luckiest 4:39
- 17 Emaline 3:48
Disc 2
- 1 Not The Same
- 2 Philosophy (Inc Misirlou)
- 3 Army
- 4 "Album Art Antics"
- 5 Eddie Walker
- 6 The Ascent Of Stan
- 7 Tiny Dancer
- 8 Song For The Dumped
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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