Album Review: Ben Folds Five - Live

It's hard to believe this is Ben Folds Five's first official live album, but when you consider that 1998 odds-and-ends collection Naked Baby Photos included a slew of live tracks, Folds released a solo live album and the band also released a live DVD, it makes more sense.

This 14-song collection fittingly kicks off with a rollicking version of Jackson Cannery, the first song from the trio's 1995 debut, before fast-forwarding to the subdued Erase Me from last year's reunion album The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind. The jazzy Selfless, Cold And Composed is reproduced faithfully and Uncle Walter sounds as fresh today as it did upon its release. Curiously, they include Folds' solo track Landed, and although it's a fine song in its own right, it's a shame it's included at the expense of some of the trio's own strongest moments – including Kate, Julianne, Battle Of Who Could Care Less and Army. 

The medley of One Chord Blues and Charlie Parker's Billie's Bounce is a throwaway moment that chews up another few minutes that, likewise, could have been better utilised. Brick has aged surprisingly well, and the playful rendition of Draw A Crowd is superior to its studio counterpart. The nine-and-a-half-minute draw-out of Narcolepsy on the other hand tests patience. Thankfully, the best is saved for last, with breakthrough hit Underground, Tom And Mary, One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces and Song For The Dumped drawing this live collection to a close.

Despite the dubious track selection, there's still plenty to like about Live, but it's a shame the band couldn't have included a few more fan favourites.