Now I'm wondering why the floor has become a moving target.

(February 16, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA - Club Zoo)

I have to start by being perfectly honest: never have I considered myself a “fan” of Ben Folds, per say. I absolutely respect him as a musician, his following is faithful, his tunes are solid, and his staying power is solidified. That said, before Valentine’s Day, I had never delved much further than his (hilarious) cover of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” and the Ben Folds Five staple “Army.” But when I got the call Saturday morning that I had a ticket and a ride to see him at Club Zoo on the approaching Monday with a girl I can’t deny being into, I jumped at the opportunity, and the standard pre-concert buildup ensued.

I placed Way to Normal, Folds’ 2008 album, in frequent rotation after glimpsing a setlist on AbsolutePunk. It’s certainly an enjoyable album, though it has its dull moments. Of course, Rockin’ the Suburbs, Songs for Silverman, and Ben Folds Live were all played at least once throughout the course of the weekend. I wanted to be relatively familiar with the songs; I didn’t expect to know every word though.

President’s Day arrived, and my enthusiasm peaked. I arrived at my ride’s house, and soon enough we were on our way, a significantly polite mix of Ben songs in the minivan’s stereo. We reached the venue, and waited anxiously until we were let inside. After far too long of a wait (a typical experience at Club Zoo), Miniature Tigers took the stage.

A short but sweet indie-pop set ensued. A cross between of Montreal and, as my female friend pointed out, I’m From Barcelona, certainly made my night a whole lot more lighthearted. Had I any money in my wallet, I would have left the venue with the vinyl copy of Tell It to the Volcano, an album that very well could have cracked my top ten of 2008 had I given it the chance sooner. Definitely an enjoyable live show, worth whatever the price may be. Also, Charlie Brand, the band’s chief frontman, is far too comfortable on stage (not a bad thing), and a very genuine guy, grateful for any appreciation he is shown.

When their set ended, Charlie announced, to the audience’s surprise, that they would be followed by an a capella group. Confusion and mild anticipation showed all across the crowd’s collective face. When 15 or so college-aged boys took the stage overdressed, as an assembly of their kind should be, our surprise was met head first, with a downright good rendition of Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero.” The Originals, from Carnegie Mellon University, as they introduced themselves, followed that up with a very well arranged version of the Plain White T’s “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You).” After that they did Ben Folds’ “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” a bizarre decision considering the crowd observing. I think it’s safe to say everyone was impressed.

So following an a capella group, you would imagine the set up would be quick, and Ben would be quick to get on stage. Not the case, but I blame the venue. When Ben finally did take the stage, the audience lost it, and the band blasted through “Effington,” “Brainwascht,” and “You Don’t Know Me,” all of which translate very well live. Ten more songs followed and I couldn’t help but feel like I was on a cloud, at one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Staples of this third of the set were “Landed,” “Cologne,” and “Free Coffee” (a song that proves incredibly impressive live).

Another staple in a Ben Folds live show is a few solo songs, and the four he played did not disappoint. “Brick” and “Fred Jones Part 2” were without question the highlights of the show for me. He followed those with six more outstanding songs with the band. For whatever reason, “Kylie From Connecticut” is probably my favorite song on the new album (something a lot of people don’t agree with), and I couldn’t help but love it live. “Zak and Sara” was rousing, as was “Kate,” the perfect way to end the set. “ONE MORE SONG” chants ensued, and of course Ben and the band came back and gave us a classic encore, closing the show with “Not the Same,” and composing the audience in a choral singalong.

All in all, this is the best show I can remember going to. It’s not my typical crowd, the average age was probably 23-25, but that maturity only added to the experience. Folds’ is an unbelievable pianist, something you cannot agree with until you’ve seen him. The band though, was flawless. As the set started, I was a little worried about the mix (way too much bass), but that can also be blamed on the venue. In the end though I was stunned by the talent the stage held. Definitely go see Ben Folds & co. if you ever get the chance.

set list:
Effington
Brainwascht
You Don’t Know Me
Annie Waits
Alice Childress
Way to Normal
Lovesick Diagnostician (fake Dr. Yang)
Dr. Yang
Before Cologne/Cologne
You to Thank
Landed
Free Coffee
Hiroshima
Where’s Summer B.?
*solo set*
Fred Jones Part 2
Brick
Lullabye
Emaline
*full band returns*
Kylie From Connecticut
Zak and Sara
Rockin’ the Suburbs
Bitch Went Nutz (fake)
Army
Kate

encore:
Fair
Not the Same