New Music Tuesday: Reviews for Switchfoot and Ben Folds

SWITCHFOOT
Vice Verses
(lowercase people records/Atlantic)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

After hearing much of Switchfoot’s new album during the OU/Florida State game coverage on ESPN, I had to give it a second look when my mind wasn’t clouded by football.

During my listen, I was impressed with the Christian rock group’s follow-up to their Grammy winning record “Hello Hurricane.”

The first single, “Dark Horses,” is a true rebel’s anthem, exclaiming “We’ve been running up against the crowd/Yeah, we are the dark horses.”

Another must-hear is “Selling the News,” which rails against much of modern America, where “the lowest common denominator prevails." “Selling the News” is also Switchfoot’s take on a rap song, and it works surprisingly well.

Sydney Allen, Life & Arts Reporter

BEN FOLDS
The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective
(Sony)
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Ben Folds’ new three-disc set is the perfect blend of Folds’ favorites plus some new gems, just in time for his upcoming visit to Oklahoma City in November.

The set “The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective” is full of unreleased Folds’ songs ranging from live versions of popular songs such as “Brick” to demos like “Rock Star.”

Some of my personal favorites are his cover of Ke$ha’s “Sleazy” (which he recorded and released via YouTube as part of a Japanese relief effort post-tsunami) and his cover of “Carless Whisper” with Rufus Wainwright.

Both are great takes, if not improvements (Ke$ha!), on the original song.

Favorite songs such as “Landed” and “Annie Waits” have their same great tune but are revitalized by either live or more upbeat makeovers.

With over 60 songs in the set, this is more than enough music for Folds’ fans. Whether you’re taking a chance on a live recording of an old favorite or trying out a cover or demo you’ve never heard, the set is a great compilation of music.

Lindsey Ruta, Multimedia Editor