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August 24, 2009

Brendan Benson Gets "A Whole Lot Better" With Letterman

thumbnail icon: Brendan Benson Gets "A Whole Lot Better" With Letterman

Surprising nobody, folks are more keyed in to the fact that Brendan Benson has released a solo album this time around. His last three LPs paved the way for successful runs with the Raconteurs, and in turn that fun with Jack has paved the way for the Michigan songsmith's appearance at the Ed Sullivan Theatre Friday under his own name. A few notes: Brendan and band make good work of "A Whole Lot Better"'s '70s feeling, sweet-laced classic/power-pop; his voice gets some great showcasing in the second half of the song; he is a very thin man with sharp suits; and this is precisely the sort of music that steams Dave's specs, so both he and Paul give the band a nice endorsement after it's through. Which is deserved.

My Old, Familiar Friend is out via ATO.

Posted at 9:34 AM by amrit in
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7 Comments

Love BB! The new album is great. Picked it up last week and have been listening pretty nonstop since.

Posted by: Matt at 08/24/09 10:26 AM  | Reply
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This performance showcases Brendan's talents. Pop classism, power pop balladry, whatever the hell it is it's great. Here's to hoping Benson rises above the anonymous acclaim of Apple jingles people can't get out of their heads and being the skinny guy back and a little bit to the right of Jack White.

Posted by: Chris at 08/24/09 11:09 AM  | Reply
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You guys are both right! Brendan Benson is absolutely amazing. I didn't think he could top Alternative to Love. I have to admit he may have with this album, if not equaled it. By chance I caught the Late Night show and the next morning ran out to but it. It has been on constant rotation in the car.

Posted by: d o n at 08/24/09 1:05 PM  | Reply
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Brendan Benson fans check out Twitter.com/Brendan_News

Posted by: Will Candon at 08/24/09 1:10 PM  | Reply
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Dave gives props to every act that plays a note on his show. Not that Benson doesn't deserve it, the new album is great. Dave is just so phony with every musical guest that it's nauseating.

Posted by: Patrick at 08/24/09 2:15 PM  | Reply
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Wow that song has more hooks than most songs released this year,combined...cant wait to dl this! thanks brendon!

Posted by: highroller at 08/24/09 6:58 PM  | Reply
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I was just listening to his new album on my way to work this morning and love the first part of the album so far. Very talented musician with very nice voice and good song writing.

Posted by: RonaldSays profile link at 08/25/09 6:26 AM  | Reply
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