Music Blogs

Let's talk about hip music makers this week. You'd have to put North Carolina's Ben Folds Five near the top of the list, if for no other reason than they were a trio. But there's more.

The Five, who got together back in 1993, were fronted by Ben Folds, a jazzy indie pianist who has a flair for exploring the woes of everyday folks. Ben speaks directly to guys who can't get the girl and are lucky if they can even get her phone number. And, although they broke up in 2000, Ben has continued as a solo artist whose most recent album, Way To Normal, was released in a few months ago. The BFF did reunite for a charity gig in Chapel Hill, NC, back in September.

This week's video, "Song For The Dumped," is from their 1997 album, Whatever And Ever, Amen. Cleverly, it cuts between shots of the band singing the very, very straightforward tune--"Give me my money back, you bitch"--with a little girl playing with her dolls. Aw. That the little girl's dolls are playing in an extremely violent way only adds to the charm of the whole thing.

We hope you enjoy this slice of music vid history and, as always, welcome your comments!

Important Blog Note! It's been awhile since we responded to your comments, so let's take a few minutes to engage in some meaningful dialogue. Because we've been asleep at the switch, we'll have to do this in two installments. But we'd be nothing without you, our great readers, so many thanks for all your posts!

From the "Kid Rock Framed":

"Look at the dude that 'writes' this drivel. I think I saw him in a police lineup last week. He was standing between 2 other sex criminals."--Yahoo! Music User

Framed replies: Well, in that case, heck.

From the "Cute Is What We Aim For Framed":

"John, I feel terrible for trashing you in the past. You did a good job with this one. Great work. You actually are a witty guy."--Yahoo! Music user

Framed replies: And surprisingly good-looking, we might add.

"This video is utterly amazing and it does have a point. i hate how it's FRAMED. Obviously CIWWAF is more than a "flash-in-the-pan" since this is their second CD and people have continued loving them."--alexandra.lomas

Framed replies: You really are several times a lady.

From the "Miley Cyrus Framed," in reference to many other posts:

"Wow! These kids are almost completely illiterate. These days, teachers do not teach anything!!!"--Yahoo! Music User

Framed replies: What do you mean, "almost?"

From the "Alicia Keys Framed":

"I didn't get it at first but...but after I did it was FUNNY!!!!"--RB77

Framed replies: Well, THANK YOU!

From the "Natalie Grant Framed":

"How sad it is that it has become 'politically correct' to openly persecute faith based initiatives such as Natalie's artistic expression/ministry and pass if off as satire. Based on the overwhelming response, it would appear that Mr. Kordosh's attempt to defile an artist's attempt at a positive and uplifting message, aimed at comforting the hurting, has backfired. By attacking Natalie, he has inadvertently attacked the Body, Christ's Church. Nice to see the positive response."

Framed replies: What do you mean, "inadvertently?"

From the "Mariah Carey Framed":

"I am surprised that this dupe even reads the comments we put on here. (I am the first 'yahoo music user poster' he mentions in his rant) Now that I know he can actually read what we say. Screw the racism! Listen to all the people who say your stupid, not funny, and should lose your job... note to yahoo: comon guys give us a break he can easily be replaced..."--Yahoo! Music User

Framed replies.  And by "replaced," you mean "given a big raise," right?

1 -- Governor Palin returned to Alaska in style!

2 -- "And, after this, you fight dinosaurs!!"

3 -- Sure, they were just playing a living room. But a pretty big living room.

4 -- Would the dolls' pending nuptials threaten traditional marriage? Yes!

5 -- "Hello, readers. I'd like to interrupt this very special Framed to remind you that Y! Music features other blogs, too. Blogs that, you know, talk about music. Instead of bubbles and such."

6 -- Although well-written, Yahoo!'s letter to Framed was, in many ways, hurtful.

7 -- Talking about getting laid is now--amazingly!--subtitled in real life!

8 -- The runaway heat vision could only be explained by the presence of doll red kryptonite!

9 -- "Not into angst-driven pop! J'accuse!"

10 -- Hey! All the guys in Ben's band can play a little guitar! 

11 -- "Um... where the heck are the other two guys in this band, anyway?"

12 -- "I tell you guys, after little girl's rooms, the next step is arenas!"

13-- "I think I'll file you under 'finished,' pretty boy!"