Live
Ben Folds Five · 2013
73 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A spirited collection of piano-driven alt-rock anthems imbued with wit and emotional depth, capturing the essence of a live performance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Brick — This poignant ballad captures the emotional weight of personal loss, resonating deeply with audiences through its haunting melody and raw lyrics.
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One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces — The track exemplifies the band's signature blend of humor and introspection, showcasing Folds' sharp lyrical wit and energetic piano riffs.
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Landed — With its uplifting chorus and themes of hope, this song encapsulates the band's ability to balance melancholy with optimism, making it a fan favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The live format captures energetic performances but lacks a strong narrative arc across its diverse setlist.
What we noticed
- The setlist includes fan favorites and lesser-known tracks, balancing well-known hits like 'Brick' with deeper cuts like 'Tom and Mary'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- engaging live performance energy
- witty storytelling and humor
- for group listening
- emotional highs and lows
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio-polished recordings
- want consistent tempo throughout
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Live is Ben Folds Five's first album after reuniting for their 2012 album The Sound of the Life of the Mind. This live recording showcases their dynamic stage presence and highlights the band's return to the forefront of alternative rock after a decade-long hiatus. The album serves as both a celebration of their past hits and a testament to their enduring appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- They Might Be Giants· Fountains of Wayne· Cake
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Jackson Cannery 3:47
- 2 Erase Me 5:17
- 3 Selfless, Cold and Composed 6:05
- 4 Uncle Walter 4:01
- 5 Landed 4:26
- 6 Sky High 4:56
- 7 One Chord Blues / Billie’s Bounce 3:48
- 8 Do It Anyway / Overture‐Heaven on Their Minds 5:11
- 9 Brick 4:41
- 10 Draw a Crowd 4:54
- 11 Narcolepsy 9:33
- 12 Underground 4:35
- 13 Tom and Mary 3:02
- 14 One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces 4:15
- 15 Song for the Dumped 5:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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