Brendan Benson - Spit It Out

February 4th, 2005 by EJ

It’s a mystery to me how some of the most talented people can fly so deep in the radar yet still be mistaken for just another blip. Brendan Benson is no stranger to being a critic’s darling, and his newest release, The Alternative To Love is unlikely to change anyone’s mind. One of the catchiest, most fun, melodically complex and well-made records of the year, The Alternative to Love is the record that I hope will at last make Brendan Benson a household name to music fans the world over. Easily one of the most enjoyable pop records I’ve ever laid my ears on, Brendan proves he is at the height of his creativity as a a pop songmaster, evoking shades of the best songs ever recorded by The Cars, Jellyfish, The Hollies, and an array of other pop glitterati. Throughout this CD, Brendan aches out every note with a sincerity and devotion to sonic excellence that places him in the peer group to which he has long aspired. If I had my way, by this time next year Brendan’s picture would take his rightful place in high school lockers, replacing glossy photos of the johnny-come-latelys who never worked a hard day in their lives. In my ideal world, Brendan would be the hearthrob romance of every teenage girl, the ultimate conveyor of the teenage symphony to God whose picture graces the desktop of every girl’s computer, whose poster hangs on walls and invokes mailbags filled with kisses and forget-me-nots to be sent out by the millions. This record is a triumph on so many levels, all I can do is sit back, watch, and wait.

For more about Brendan, be sure and check out my interview with him the left sidebar, and do not miss a live performance by him when he comes to your town. The Alternative To Love is a magical journey through pop music, and one you would do well to add to your collection.

Tour Dates for Brendan Benson:

Courtesy of brendanbenson.com, Billboard, and Badgegirl

February 21: Edinburgh (the Venue)

February 22: Leicester, England (Charlotte)

February 23: London (100 Club)

February 24: Stoke, England (Sugarmill)

February 25: Liverpool, England (Zanzibar)

February 26: Cardiff, Wales (Barfly)

March 7: Dublin, Ireland (Doyle’s (acoustic performance)

March 10: York, UK Fibber’s (Barfly York)

April 7: Cleveland (Grog Shop)

April 8: Chicago (Abbey)

April 9: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Blind Pig)

April 11: Toronto (Lee’s Palace)

April 13: Boston (Middle East)

April 14: Philadelphia (Theater of Living Arts)

April 15: New York (Bowery Ballroom)