Ben Folds

The bands' third album is more orchestrated and ambitious than previous efforts. Adventurous in a commercial sense, Ben Folds' lyrics jump from tender to acerbic while the music alternates spare with cluttered. Fans of smart, unpredictable piano pop will be pleased.

What jerks melody inflicts on us. With no connection to any human virtue of substance, the catchy tune ushers all manner of unpleasant personality traits into our lives. And if this smart aleck is less dangerous than Fred Durst, he also does less with what he was given. For sure he's less original musically (as opposed to melodically) no matter how many piano lessons he took, banging away like a garage guitarist with the occasional fancy stuff to prove he has a right--God, Joe Jackson was more fun. And although he also throws in the occasional well-turned sentiment to prove he has a right--"Don't Change Your Plans" and "Mess" are recommended to nice guys seeking covers--his basic program remains revenge-of-the-nerd. He al ways knew he was smarter than whoever and ever amen. He always knew there were people who'd admire him just because he was clever. And unfortunately, he was right. (Grade - B)