Band of the Week: Ben Kweller

[November 24-30]

Ben Kweller
Sounds Like: Alt-Country / Indie-Pop
Drinking Buddies: Ben Folds, Andrew Bird, Sondre Lerche

Synopsis: That good ol' Texas boy type of indie rock.

Makes You Want To...: Get lost in Hill Country; Two-step; Sing
[Myspace]

One week, one band. You know the drill.
This week, the featured artist is Ben Kweller.


Thanksgiving time. Autumns definitely here, and it's chilly wind is striking down upon the entire North American continent with a vengeance. All the coats in your wardrobe have no doubt been brought out of mothballs, or at least from the back of your closet, and if you haven't shoveled the white stuff in those places fortunate enough to see the freezing water, you won't have to wait much longer now. But let's think southern for a minute, more specifically, to the one and only Republic of Texas. Sure, in the big cities like Dallas, Houston, or Austin, you'll find modern metropolises filled with diversity and progressive living, with luxury downtown condos and sophisticated local news stations.

But if you look about ten miles out of any of such big city lives, you'll find a completely different world; a world that not only can be recognized by its sprawling ranches, cowboys, and big belt buckle with accentuating boots/hat/pick-up truck, but you'll find a world that prides and defines itself in such recognition. This is a world where the west never really changed, and a laid back country lifestyle that is perfectly content with that. A world of neighing horses, dirty country roads, barbed wire, and twangy guitars. This also happens to be the residence of the one and only Ben Kweller.

50 miles east of Dallas is Greenville, where Ben Kweller spent his formative years. From personally experience, I can happily say Mr. Kweller grew up in a world of musical contradiction (I say this in a very complimentary way). Surrounded by the latest and most modern alt-rock on FM 102.1, drifting into the realm of rap on FM 97.9, while still being able to catch a glimpse of some country on FM 93.3. North Texas offers an invigorating, eclectic mix of music. So why exactly am I talking about the local D-FW radio stations? Because it accurately pinpoints Ben Kweller's style.

Many have since hailed Kweller's musical stylings since his debut album, Sha Sha, and he only gained more acclaim after the release On My Way and his self-titled album in the following years. He was touted as an indie-pop superstar in the beginning across the blogosphere, and as he matured, so did his music. Drifting slowly from an indie-pop bearings that bring vivid memories of Ben Folds performances (hey, they were in The Bens together - it counts), Kweller has slowly been adopting an exemplary mix of good ol' Texas country. Kweller hasn't lost his unique appeal of homemade, homegrown singer-songwriter which fans have adored from the beginning of his career.

Beyond his insatiable mixing of modern genres, Ben Kweller has built of a collection of accomplishments. Whether you're applauding his performances at Austin City Limits, his tours with major international acts including Death Cab for Cutie, Gomez, not to mention the aforementioned tour with The Bens (AKA: Ben Kweller + Ben Folds + Ben Lee), or his excellent musicianship on every instrument of his self-titled album, you'll definitely find yourself applauding if Kweller is filling your speakers with perky poignant pop.

It seems that the Texas boy will be travelin' a'far and wide, as Ben Kweller is romping across the pond to Europe for December. He'll be back before Christmas, and just in time, because as slated by a few sources, word is that Kweller is going to be releasing his latest musical endeavour, Changing Horses, sometime in January 2009. The new album is said to be quite the departure from Ben's previous works, embracing the alt-country feel more fully.

For a taste of Ben Kweller's repertoire, you can always snag his wonderful collection of albums, Sha Sha, On My Way, and Ben Kweller, at any online or offline retailer in your local vicinity. May I sincerely suggest listening to the song "Commerce, TX"?; you won't be disappointed. If you're in the mood for something a bit more social though, feel certainly free to wander on down to Ben Kweller's Myspace, for some nifty country ditties and friendship!

And with a smile and a tapping foot, I wish you all a wonderful week, and of course, a happy Turkey Day later this week. Peace, folks.