By Chad Miller - Summit FM Music Director

What's everyone been listening to out there? There's been an AVALANCHE of great new songs coming at us to start the new year, as per usual, with STILL more to come! Easily the most exciting time of the year in our world of music, that I get to sort through and play them for you on the radio. So much new music coming at us, so little time...however, these songs that might fly under the radar to most are what I've been diggin' most especially these past few weeks!

Like what you hear? Please email me at chad@thesummit.fm and let me know what you think!

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Straight outta Columbus, Ohio, Twenty One Pilots have certainly made, and maintained, a name for themselves over the past fifteen years or so. After entering the game with a couple of independently released albums, the duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun got snapped up by a Warner Brothers subsidiary, which aided their ongoing ascension with their third release, ‘Vesser.’

Released in 2018, their second major label release, 'Blurryface,' put them over the top in a handful of ways, not only outselling their previous releases, scoring over a million copies sold, it also hit the top spot on the Billboard charts, and ultimately won a Grammy Award for “Album of the Year.” Not bad for a couple kids from mid-Ohio!

'Tear In My Heart,' 'Lane Boy,' 'Fairly Local,' 'Ride,' and 'Stressed Out' were all released as singles, each one generating a buzz with 'Ride' hitting Top 5 and 'Stressed Out' making it all the way to the top. Perhaps part of the secret in not even a secret, but simply the way their fans relate to their music and lyrics.

“Music can connect people on an intimate level. What Josh and I are trying to do is represent anyone who has some of the questions that we have,” Tyler Joseph told The Standard, back in 2015. “When you write music that expresses doubt or concern, or talks about some of the darker things that a developing human goes through, people will come out of the woodwork to listen to someone else say it out loud.”

While touring the album, the band went from playing clubs to hitting arenas around the world. “When you zoom out, you might think, ‘Oh that was pretty nuts’”, Josh told NME. “But we’d been on tour since 2011 playing shows every night so you’re too close to realize it." Though the two albums that followed were also big success stories, they failed to match the glory of 'Blurryface,' which seemed to have been the right album at the right time. Their tale is far from over, however, a new album, 'Scaled and Icy’ is set for release in May of 2024.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

What with it being 'National Women's Month' and all, though, come on, women should be celebrated each and every day of every month! I thought it a good time to mention a new book just out for space on your shelves. It's a book about a great rock and roll band who, yes indeed, were all women!

The Bangles burst out of an unassuming garage, in Los Angeles, back in 1981. It was an ad placed in the local music paper ‘The Recycler,’ which brought guitarist Susanna Hoffs together with sisters Vicki and Debbie Peterson (guitar and drums respectively), as well as bassist Annette Zilinskas. The four members had previously played in bands, but nothing ever caught fire. It all started to gel when Hoffs answered the ad and got immersed in conversation with Peterson about music, as they shared favorite songs and artists, as well as commiserating over the recent assassination of John Lennon.

Initially christened The Colours, the girls soon changed their name to The Bangs, and began hitting local clubs. Their seamless mix of 1960s pop and garage tinged rock and roll, spurred on by a punk inspired DIY energy, quickly became their signature. They used to say it was "the B bands" that really influenced them, those being Beatles, Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield, but it was their vocal abilities in spot on harmonies that added the right topping to the mix.

The band issued their debut single in 1981 on their own label, Down Kiddie Records. 'Getting Out Of Hand' b/w 'Call On Me.' After learning there was already a New Jersey based band called The Bangs, they decided to borrow a few letters from their beloved Beatles, to become The Bangles. The single received heavy airplay on the local KROQ, which was enough to catch the attention of Miles Copeland, of I.R.S. Records, who signed them to his Faulty Records imprint, and released their debut self-titled EP in 1982.

The five song EP was a mini masterpiece of sorts, each song a shimmering example of great Pop music, that was awash in the colors of a previous era, while simultaneously glowingly modern. They had their own sound and weren't a second tier Go-Go’s, or any such creation. They had discovered they weren't alone in their pursuit of a musical future that owed to the past, as other like-minded bands such as The Salvation Army (later the Three O'Clock), Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, and Long Ryders, were all thinking and creating along similar lines. An offhand quote in the local press from the Three O'Clock's Michael Quercio had this lot of bands labeled as 'the Paisley Underground,' a moniker that adheres to this day.

With the EP receiving heavy play from college radio, the band was soon snapped up by Columbia Records. At the same time, original bassist Annette Zilinskas left the band and was replaced by Michael Steele, a veteran of the LA music scene, having been a member of the very first line-up of The Runaways. 1984 saw the release of their major label debut, 'All Over The Place.' The album had a slightly harder edge and punchier production while retaining the 60s pop glow. Singles from the album 'Hero Takes A Fall' and 'Going Down To Liverpool' didn't sell in tons, but did get the ladies on to MTV, and ultimately to radio.

As all the original 'paisley underground' bands began to sign to the majors, and alter stylistic approach, so too did The Bangles. Two more albums followed, 'Different Light' and 'Everything', both hugely successful and adorned with hit singles like 'Manic Monday,' 'Walk Like An Egyptian,' 'If She Knew What She Wants,' and 'Eternal Flame.' The band had crossed over to the pop world with ease, though lost much of their own personality in the process. It all took its toll on them, and following the 'Everything' tour, The Bangles had called it a day.

All members have kept active in music along the way, working on a variety of projects. In 1998, a decade after packing it in, The Bangles reformed, sans Steele, and continue occasionally to this day, sporadically releasing new material - 'Doll Revolution,' in 2003, and 'Sweetheart Of The Sun' in 2011. To complete the circle, in 2014, Zilinskas rejoined as the original lineup lives on! Hoffs, meanwhile, has become an author. Her first book, ‘This Bird Has Flown,’ was published last year to rave reviews. A new book, 'All Over The Place – The Rise of The Bangles From the LA Underground' has just been released, by Hozac Books, and covers their complete history. Author, and unofficial band historian, Eric Shade started work on this project back in the 1990s. Seemingly every stone is unturned, and nook and cranny dusted for info here. His meticulous research and contagious enthusiasm provides a wide scope portrait of the band. Interviews with early bandmates, detailed information from forgotten fanzines, and overseas interviews, leaves no stone unturned.

By Marc Lee Shannon - Summit FM Feel Better-ER Host

It was a December day when the decision came to make a move and go on the search for the next best friend of the Shannon boys and their dad. Now divorced for seven years, the family had seen its share of ups and downs, and by then, everyone was ready for the next chapter. A new furry friend and hopefully some love and cheer brought to fix the melancholy in the family's broken-hearted house on Brentwood Blvd.

It was a chance online ad for the “Adopt-A-Thon,” on a Saturday at the Twinsburg Humane Society that caught our attention, and off we went in the black Ford Explorer, the family hauler, with some holiday music on the radio and very high hopes in hand.

When we arrived, we discovered long corridors lined on each side with many choices of canine companions ready to be adopted and escorted to a new home and life. I told my boys we should split up and meet at the end of the line to compare choices and impressions. We did, and two stood out: a beagle and a sad but curious, well-mannered shepherd shar-pei mix, which we all felt hit the mark and gave us the right feels. We headed back to find out that immediately the beagle was taken by way of an “on hold” to be adopted sign, so we made our way to the end of a row of barking jumping pitties and a big, brown-eyed soulful fellow down on all fours looking up.

As I got down on one knee and said, “Hey, dude.” he took his big paw and put it up in the chain link fence as if to say, “Please, man, get me out of here.” For the dog named Martin and the Shannon boys and dad, it was love at first sight.

So many stories followed from that first day. Like running out a somehow left-open front door and jaunting into the neighborhood barking, “Free at last, thank God almighty!” to the nights when he would slowly hesitate to come into my bedroom, a smoky, alcohol-fueled, depressed hiding sanctuary before I got sober. We eventually landed at the happy house two years into my sobriety in Cuyahoga Falls, and in the isolated days of the pandemic, we walked three or four miles daily. Always leading the charge, he would sniff and tinkle and look back with delight as if to say, “Isn't it great to be alive, Dad?”

He was and always will be the best friend ever for this writer—non-human or not.

Martin the Dog was there when I went to my first AA meetings, waiting for me in the parked Ford and sitting in the driver's seat. He was there when I needed a walk to air my regrets from Substance Use Disorder and my post-acute withdrawal confused brain. He was there when I sat up late playing guitar, writing songs, or up early writing the essays of Sober Chronicles for the Devil Strip magazine that eventually became the book I would publish in 2022. He was there throughout every step of the journey of discovery along the path to recovery. He was there for it all.

In November of 2022, he went down in the backyard of that house in C-Falls, unable to get back up. He had a melanoma removed in 2020 but had recovered and showed no symptoms of the Cancer lurking within. I took him to the vet, and it was clear that there was only so much time left for this brave warrior. The kind and compassionate professional explained that surgery was an option, but it might be hard for him, was not guaranteed, and was very expensive. In the end, after more discussion and tears, the suggestion was made to keep a close eye on my friend and to “Feed Him Steak and Eggs.”

Amen.

The following April, he went down again in the afternoon on the 2nd night of my run of the sold-out stage presentation of “Sober Chronicles” at the Akron Civic’s Wild Oscars. I was not able to be with him on that last day at the last moments as there was no time to cancel, but my son and soon-to-be wife were able to hold his gaze and his paws as he crossed over. His last and final wish for me was to be happy, as I knew he knew I was finally okay, with a new life and season beginning as a happily married man. Somehow, he knew I would finally be ok, so his departure was OK. Dad will be fine. Anyway, I am sure that’s what I saw in his eyes as he raised his head for my hand to touch his warm, wet nose for the very last time.

I am curious to know how they know. Those mystical creatures that somehow make their way into our lives when they are needed the most. How do they know when to comfort, to saunter over to our side to rub against our thigh when our spirits need that rise and lift? How do they know?

Well, maybe there is something in the fact that DOG spelled backward is….

Miss you, buddy. I will see you again someday; I know it. Till next time, Stay Standing, Steady On, and Feel Better-ER™.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Robert Plant Looks Back While Moving Forward On 1988's 'Now And Zen'

Norah Jones is not your average, everyday performer. People picked up on that fact from the start, as her 2002 debut album, 'Come Away with Me,' proved in numbers. Born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar, in 1979, Jones was born into a very musical family, her father being the legendary Ravi Shankar, who was a key figure and influence on many rock and roll musicians during the 1960s. His sitar playing forever connected to artists like George Harrison and countless others during the psychedelic revolution.

Instead of directly following in her father's footsteps, she struck her own unique chord by combining jazz, folk, blues, and pop into one, and in the process, taking it to the top of the Billboard pop and jazz charts, not just in the U.S. but around the globe. It's no surprise that she found a home on Blue Note Records, home of so many jazz classics over the years.

in 2002, Jones described her music this way, "Sparse. It's simple music. I find beauty in simple music. I find when you're beat over the head, it turns me off." Her unique vocal style was just a natural place for her to land. "I grew up listening to singers who, a lot of jazz singers, who had a lot of nuance which you don't always find in pop music.” Critics were quick to compare her style to that of everyone from Billie Holiday to Dusty Springfield, both of whom had a unique approach to pop music via jazz and soul as well.

To add to the array of influences, Jones debut also includes her take on the Hank Williams' classic 'Cold Cold Heart' and Hogy Charmichael's 'The Nearness Of You.' Her sublime take on all these styles led to the album ultimately going on to sell more than 27 million copies worldwide, and easily considered an essential of both pop and jazz.

By Matt Anthony - Summit FM Digital Media Specialist

I had already plowed through a half-pack of cigarettes, and it wasn’t even noon yet. The workday traffic on Michigan Avenue was consistently heavy and loud, making downtown Chicago feel as though it was audibly inhaling and exhaling on its own.

I was left with my own devices, as it were. Donna was embedded in a nursing conference. So, I’d decided to entertain myself in the heart of ‘The City With The Big Shoulders,’ as any red-blooded Midwesterner would, at least before the bars open: by plowing through stacks of vinyl at a record store.

Before diving in, I stood outside of the entrance and sucked in a couple more drags off my Marlboro Light. Just then, a taxi pulled up, and out of it sprinted a short man in a long black trench coat, his dark mane blowing madly in the morning air of the Windy City, and into the record store he went.

Was that Richard Lewis?

I rudely flicked the butt into the street and peered inside the glass. The man in the black trench coat handed a store employee a sheet of paper, and the employee hurriedly made his way through the store with it.

That is Richard Lewis.

I walked in, immediately slammed in the nostrils with that glorious aroma of vintage decay that can only be experienced inside a record haunt. That store employee was literally running through the store, snatching up various album jackets and placing them under his arm. I moved closer to the man in the black coat, where I received indisputable confirmation.

I was a fan of Richard Lewis’s comedic patois because I probably felt similar bouts of anxiety and neuroses, and the very topic that comprised much of his routine seemed to be in abundant display that morning. He nervously bounced between fixing his gaze on the waiting taxi to checking on the status of the store employee’s search-skills to frantically glancing at his watch.

Sheepishly, I walked down the aisle next to where he stood, and then he suddenly turned around and made eye contact with me. I reached over the rows of vinyl and extended my hand. He clasped on.

“Hey, man, I really enjoy your stuff,” I mumbled.

“Appreciate it, man, thanks,” he replied. 

And then, as if on cue, the store employee appeared with a stack of 8 or 9 albums and a credit card.

“Hey, thanks a lot,” Richard Lewis murmured, tucking the vinyl under his arm, sprinting through the front door, and into the cab, where it raced off into the late morning air.

The brush with fame. Why do we remember it? Why does it make such an impact?

In this business of broadcasting, many of us have been in the presence of artists, bands, and sports-figures, and interacting with them is, in some ways, a perk of the position. Interviewing Tom Hamilton, of Aerosmith, before a show. Doing a ‘phoner’ with Gregg Allman.  Asking Meatloaf to record some liners. Or talking to John Riggins about his farm in Kansas. I’m grateful for all those experiences.

But why was it necessary for me to feel compelled to walk into Richard Lewis’s frantic, chaotic world to express my appreciation of his work? Was this a bad thing? It was the same inclination I felt when seeing Sheryl Crow in the produce section at a health-food store in Nashville. It’s almost as if some mystical, unexplainable force pushed me in the direction of ‘fame’ so that I might brush against it briefly.

But why?

One of the lessons of gratitude that I will take with me to the grave was the one given to me, indirectly, by the late, great Jim Chenot. We would sometimes meet for lunch every couple of months, and I marveled at the way he interacted with the hoi polloi. Whether it was a server, a hostess, or a guy selling hot dogs at his favorite Progressive Field stand, Jim spoke with them and listened to their responses, as if that person was Richard Lewis or Sheryl Crow or Gregg Allman.

It's a question I’ve asked myself repeatedly since Jim’s death: “Do I assign the same degree of importance with experiencing a ‘brush with the ordinary’ as I do the brush with fame?”

Yes, I’m grateful to have had those encounters, however short and brief they may have been. (and, by the way, Sheryl Crow was gracious, friendly, and seemingly a huge fan of endive!) But my goal is to better recognize the same electrical charge of energy that can be experienced everyday with the commonplace, everyday encounters, those that are uniquely designed to sustain us and truly give our lives meaning.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Robert Plant Looks Back While Moving Forward On 1988's 'Now And Zen'

When Led Zeppelin fell apart following the death of drummer John Bonham, in 1980, there was little, if any, serious talk about continuing. The brotherhood that was Led Zeppelin was done. A new decade always presents problems for artists who came into their own during the previous era. Even the best of artists have regularly floundered at the drop of a decade, so often due to not wanting to get in a rut, but looking for new adventures.

Robert Plant was, and has remained, one of the best examples of how to do things right. After having been in arguably the biggest band of the 1970s, and with times changing as they were, how and where was Plant going to fit into the new era. From the big left turn with The Honeydrippers, to his first two post-Zeppelin solo albums, 'Pictures at Eleven' and 'The Principle of Moments,' Plant brought in varied influences, styles, and sounds, and though his voice was instantly recognizable, he wasn't attempting to carry on the standard Zep sound, instead, taking fragments of the past and merging with where he was at during that time.

Both albums, along with a third, 'Shaken 'n' Stirred,' were successful, and proved that there was still a demand for Mr. Plant, so by the time he set to work on album number four, he was, perhaps, a bit more comfortable with being Robert Plant, and began to reach back a bit to his oh so glorious past.

'Now And Zen' was the sound of Robert Plant still moving forward, while giving a nod and a wink to Led Zeppelin-esque bravado. Songs like 'Tall Cool One,' with its Johnny Burnette 'Train Kept A Rollin',’ vibe found Plant back in true rock and roll mode. Hitting No. 35 on the Billboard charts, the song even contained samples of a few Zeppelin classics like 'Black Dog,' 'Whole Lotta Love,’ and 'The Ocean.' Hey if Led Zep samples were good enough for the Beastie Boys, why not for the man himself!

Elsewhere, the album continues Plant's forward motion in both production and song craft, while mixing in his love for a wide array of musical styles from middle-eastern and folk to a more contemporary pop vibe, 'Heaven Knows,' 'Ship Of Fools,' and 'Helen Of Troy' all stand out here. The band in tow with Robert were a basic guitar, bass, drums and keyboard style lineup, adding to the more traditional vibe of the sounds here.

Always someone who kept his ear to the ground as a genuine music fan, Plant was often singing the praises of other acts that were inspiring him. "I'll be raving about Let's Active one minute and the Swans the next. I want to cut through radio with a hot knife. I wanna stretch it out some. People like Tom Verlaine and Husker Du are making quite important music now, and people aren't hearing it because it never gets played." All in all, it was a crucial step on the path of Plant's amazing solo career. For a guy who certainly could have rested on his past glories and regurgitated lesser interpretations of the signature Zep style, he has been an artist constantly on the move, looking for new paths to take. Honestly, Plant is one of a precious few of the old guard who are still engaged with music as their lifeblood. 'Now And Zen' was an essential piece of the Plant puzzle that continues to this day!

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

So often, time dictates a storyline regardless of the truth and the way things actually happened. It's all for the "good of the story." That's my main issue with 'biopics,' as they attempt to tell the tale of historical figures of varying significance. Hollywood will dictate how the tale is told. While that's just the way it's all played out, at least stories are being told, and with any luck, exposing these stories to a public that will go on to investigate further.

So what's this rant all about then? Well, a brand new biopic of Bob Marley titled ‘One Love’ has just been released. Like so many stories told before, the man at the center here; singer, songwriter, prophet, and musician,  was far more complex than can be unraveled in the two hour film, but let's hope his story has been well told here, the most significant aspect of which, was his music.

Bob Marley was immersed in music from his teenage years until his untimely death, forming the legendary Wailers, in 1963, with friends Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Several recordings onward, and Marley had become the last man standing and leader of the band, going on to record a run of classic reggae albums. In the mid 1970's reggae was being talked about by music industry insiders as a possible “next big thing,” and Marley was right at the front of it. Eric Clapton had a hit with his "I Shot The Sheriff," and his records kept reaching a larger audience, until cancer claimed his life in 1981. He was only 36 years old.

A decade later Island records issued a best of called 'Legend,’ which would ultimately sell over 22 million copies. It has become the one reggae album people feel the need to have in their collection, much like even those who aren't into jazz own a copy pf Miles Davis' 'Kind Of Blue.' While 'Legend' is a wonderful collection of some of Marley's best known songs, there are so many more just under the surface to be heard!

So, in honor of the new biopic, 'One Love,' here is a list of some fantastic Bob Marley tracks you may never have heard, but should!

'Keep On Moving' (1970)

The pure sounds of early reggae are hard to top. From ska through rocksteady on to reggae, roots, dub, and more, Jamaican music is a fascinating thing to explore. 'Keep On Moving' is pure sweet Jamaican soul music

‘Stop The Train’ (1971)

Originally released as a single in 1971, 'Stop That Train' would find a second chance at life when re-recorded for the Wailers' 1973 album 'Catch A Fire.' There is something more engaging and dynamic about the original version, with its punchy American soul vibe still intact, showing the early Wailers in top form.

‘Concrete Jungle’ (1973)

Haunting, driving, and hard to shake, 'Concrete Jungle' ranks among Marley and the Wailer's finest recordings. It's everything great about those early years, condensed into one track. You can hear from this what all the fuss was about.

‘Burnin' and Lootin'’ (1973)

From the 1973 ablum “Burnin', 'Burnin' and Lootin'” is prime Marely. That constant, engaging rhythm, deep warm production, and ace lyrics make for an early classic.

‘Lively Up Yourself’ (1974)

‘Lively Up Yourself' was a celebratory jammer that kicked off his 1974 'Natty Dread' LP. Setting the tone, it helped the LP become an underground classic of the era. Marley's message was starting to cut through.

‘Roots, Rock, Reggae’ (1976)

By the release of 'Rastaman Vibration' in 1976, Marley's fame was growing. The album reached into the US Top 10, and this track, released as a single, jumped all the way up to No.51. Though credited to Vincent Ford, years later it was noted by Marley's Widow, Rita, that Bob had written the track, but it, along with a few others, was credited to Ford for various reasons.

‘Natural Mystic’ (1977)

The 1977 album 'Exodus' ranks among Marley's finest moments, perhaps his definitive statement.  Full of great songs from open to close, it's easy to see why this is a go to favorite for fans over the past several decades. 'Natural Mystic' is but one of the classics here with its genre defining groove and mood.

‘Punky Reggae Party’ (1977)

A large contingent of the punk crowd loved reggae music. From The Clash to The Slits to Mr. Lydon, it was a soundtrack to life. Aware of the connection, Marley penned this club classic, even name checking The Damned, The Jam, The Clash, and Dr. Feelgood! Originally issued as the b-side to the Top 10 UK hit single, 'Jamming,' it became a classic all its own. "It takes a joyful sound to make the world go round" indeed!

‘Sun Is Shining’ (1978)

A brilliant and lovely track from the 1978 'Kaya' LP, 'Sun Is Shining' is a glorious production enhanced by clever percussion and sweet guitar licks. One of Bob's most glowing moments.

By Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LSW, Summit FM Wellness Coordinator

You're likely aware of the incredible power of music to uplift and inspire, but were you aware that music can also have positive effects on your mental health and wellness? So, crank up your favorite song and explore the surprising health benefits that music has to offer!

1. Helps improve focus

Do you often listen to music while studying or working? If the answer is yes, you are among many who find it helpful. According to a 2007 study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine, music engages areas of the brain which are involved with paying attention, making predictions, and updating events in our memory. Other studies have suggested that music affects cognitive development in children resulting in “sharper minds” as older adults.

2. Regulates or alters mood

If you are feeling down, consider creating or tuning into your favorite feel-good playlist! Research featured in Frontiers suggests that tuning into music has the potential to alter your mood. Individuals struggling with uncomfortable emotions, such as anger or anxiety, found relief through soothing sounds of calming music. Similarly, those experiencing feelings of depression found solace and comfort when listening to music that resonated with their current emotions. Dr. Oliver Sacks, best-selling author, physician, and professor of Neurology writes, “Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears - it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more - it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.”

3. May ease pain

Studies suggest that music can trigger the brain to release chemicals that redirect the body's focus away from pain. Music has also been found to significantly reduce perceived intensity of pain, particularly within geriatric care, intensive care, or palliative medicine. Rebecca Jenkins- Swirsky, Summit FM member, shares with us that when her husband was hospitalized with Leukemia, registered music therapists helped him to cope with the mental and physical pain by playing his favorite music live in his hospital room.

4. Stimulate Memory

Have you ever been amazed by the way a song can whisk you away to a specific moment in your past? According to Harvard Health, music triggers parts of the brain associated with memory, acting as a potential key to unlock your "memory vaults." This phenomenon isn't limited to the general population; it also extends to individuals with dementia, providing a pathway to access forgotten memories. A study carried out at UC Irvine revealed that Alzheimer's patients experienced improvements in memory test scores when they listened to classical music.

To make the most out of music for wellness, we recommend increasing listening time to your favorite music, as well as discovering new music! Tuning into the Summit FM on the radio, or app, is a great way to discover new music to elevate your mood.

Research from this article was taken from the National Association of Music Merchants

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Ben Folds Five Make Their Debut LP Back In 1995

29 years ago, during that post-Alt Rock hangover, there seemed to be room for just about any style of music, from the angst soaked leftovers and hip hop mongers, to disposable pop music and the imminent rise of Britpop. So then, why not a modern day piano man with songwriting chops, style, and a melodic sensibility? Come on in Ben Folds, the water's fine!

Hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ben Folds Five was a lie! They were actually a trio, but Folds liked the way 'five' sounded better, so, why not confuse everyone. Joined by Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee, their style may have glanced back to a singer songwriter ethic of the early 1970s, but was firmly planted in the mid-90s. Armed with a stash of catchy songs and lively production, courtesy of Caleb Sothern, the Ben Folds Five proved a welcome addition to the musical landscape at the time.

In an era where loud guitars set the standard so often, Folds was not only the piano player, but the band leader, instantly setting a different template away from the Soungarden/Alice In Chains axis. 'Philosophy,' 'Underground,' and 'Uncle Walter,' all released as singles, grabbed the attention of listeners with their melodic hooks and clever lyrics. 'Underground' pokes fun at the hipsterism of the era with references to 'nose rings' and 'mosh pits.'

"It's a minefield of dead ends," Folds said about songwriting. "I write something that ‘feels’ right, syllables, rhymes, a happy sound over an unhappy lyric. You maneuver yourself around and you get caught in the maze of 'how do I make this feel right?' And then I throw it out there to other people and they can feel what they want to."

Traces of Todd Rundgren, the Kinks, and Elton John can be heard throughout, but the album never comes off as retro, and 29 years on, maintains a freshness about it. Part of his secret here is that, many of his songs are deceptively simple, giving them a lasting flavor. “Songs can do so many things,” said Folds. “They can literally tell a story, or they can very abstractly tell a story.”

So this is where it all started for Folds and Co,. and if anything, it sounds better three decades on.