With The Raconteurs, his side-project with friend Jack White, on a hiatus, Brendan Benson returns to his solo roots to unleash a power pop bonanza with My Old, Familiar Friend. Opener “A Whole Lot Better†sets the tone with a rash of electric guitars powered by an urgent beat and walking baseline. “I fell in love with you, and out of love with you, and back in love with you all in the same day,†sings Benson against some sugary harmonies. “Don’t Wanna Talk†is a front-runner for song of the summer. A steady drum beat kicks off the party before the boisterous guitars join in the fun as Benson declares, “…don’t wanna talk about it, you go on and on and on about it.†The surprise track on the album is “Garbage Day.†I was initially a little skeptical about the song’s 1970’s style strings set against a healthy bass back-beat. The uncertainty didn’t last. By the time Benson hits the chorus – “and if she throws her heart away, I’ll be there on garbage day†– I was hooked. Even when things look bleak, as on “Misery†where Benson implores “put me out of my misery,†he delivers the line with a melody that’s downright intoxicating. And isn’t that the way power pop is supposed to be?
You can stream the entire album for a limited time here, courtesy of NPR.
Indie Hour is a new series highlighting some of the best in indie rock and power pop. ‘Cause (this) man was not made for Twang alone.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.