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Brendan returns with his fourth solo album. Taking a break from writing, recording, and touring with the Grammy-winning Raconteurs, Benson went into the studio with producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Maximo Park, Foo Fighters, Gomez, etc.) and mixer Dave Sardy (Rolling Stones, LCD Soundsystem, Oasis). My Old, Familiar Friend is Brendan Benson's first album since becoming Jack White's lieutenant in the Raconteurs but the group's raucous classicist guitar rock isn't much heard on this, Benson's fourth collection of precisely practiced pop. If anything, the higher profile he's received as part of the Raconteurs has offered Benson the opportunity to ratchet up his perfectionism and indulge in a bit of retro fantasia, allowing him to pair the bright, neo-Motown of "Garbage Day" with "Gonowhere," a rather brilliant pastiche of prime Wings. All the extra time and budget on My Old, Familiar Friend do result in a record where it's easier to admire Benson's reach and skill, even if his power pop isn't quite as powerful, something that's evident when the music is at its liveliest, as on the opener "Eyes on the Horizon" or the cheerful, not entirely ironic breakup stomp "Don't Wanna Talk." Such is the trade-off of working on a grander scale: the ambitions are realized at the expense of energy. Fortunately for Benson, his taste and melodic skills are suited for this bigger scale, so My Old, Familiar Friend winds up as an effective showcase for his craftsmanship. [A bonus 7" LP/CD version was also released.]180 Gram LP + CD & Exclusive Full-Color Insert
Condition:NEW. Marked upc
TRACK LISTINGS
1. MY OLD, FAMILIAR FRIEND
2. A WHOLE LOT BETTER
3. EYES ON THE HORIZON
4. GARBAGE DAY
5. GONOWHERE
6. FEEL LIKE TAKING YOU HOME
7. YOU MAKE A FOOL OUT OF ME
8. POISED AND READY
9. DON'T WANNA TALK
10. MISERY
11. LESSON LEARNED
12. BORROW
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