Brendan Benson

Brendan Benson's Folk Singer EP features one of the best tracks from the Detroit popsmith's acclaimed Lapalco record and three non-LP sides as well. Folk Singer is a lyrically twisting slice of modern power pop that makes self-pity sound like a rollicking good time. The other three tracks are not quite as good, but are still worth having. "Son of a Welder" is a funky, lo-fi rocker with a great vocal. "Unfortunate Guy" is a Beatles-esque ballad with a soaring folk-rock chorus, and "Feel Like Myself" is a fine back porch country-rock ballad with nice female harmony vocals. Benson is one of the finest practitioners of guitar pop currently plying his trade, and this EP is well-worth the hunt containing, as it does, tracks you won't find elsewhere. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide