Brendan Benson - My Old, Familiar Friend album

One Mississippi is the debut album by American singer and songwriter Brendan Benson, released in 1996 in America and 1997 in Great Britain. All songs written by Brendan Benson unless otherwise stated. Bird's Eye View" – 1:28. Sittin' Pretty" – 2:53 (Benson/Jason Falkner). I'm Blessed" – 3:00 (Benson/Falkner). Crosseyed" – 4:22 (Benson/Falkner). Me Just Purely" – 2:44 (Benson/Falkner). Got No Secrets" – 3:22. How 'Bout You" – 3:02.

Having released three terrific power-pop albums that enjoyed critical and hipster acclaim but not as much commercial success, Brendan Benson has earned a significantly higher profile of late as the second-billed star behind Jack White in the Raconteurs. The classic guitar-rock aesthetic of the supergroup doesn’t necessarily give Benson an opportunity to show off his exceptional ear for vintage, Beatles-inspired pop, so he seems to have taken his fourth album, My Old, Familiar Friend, as an opportunity to expand the scope of his trademark sound. Benson’s songwriting is on point for much of the record: Opener A Whole Lot Better strikes a tricky balance between post-breakup rage and romantic infatuation as he sings, I fell in love with you/And out of love with you/All in the same day. Lesson Learned and Poised and Ready find Benson at his wittiest and his most intense.

With Benson neither a melancholy dreamer like Elliott Smith, nor a jaunty genius like Edwyn Collins, My Old, Familiar Friend is bereft of a distinct personality that you can love, hate or even barely notice. What he does have in abundance, however, is a sharp ear, a head full of hooks and a hefty supply of killer one-liners that baffle, charm and touch. If she throws her heart away, I’ll be there on garbage day, To sift through what’s left, I guess, To sort through the loneliness" is particularly telling

Judging by My Old, Familiar Friend, that situation is unlikely to alter significantly: like those cult favourites par excellence Big Star, he deals in a form of crossover pop-rock whose pop elements are not quite catchy enough to satisfy pop fans, and whose rock elements are nowhere near bruising enough for hardcore rock fans. It's a situation not helped by his tendency to mix and match 1970s vintage influences in unappealing combinations: the last thing you want to hear while listening to a slight Wings soundalike like the aptly-titled "Gonowhere" is a burst of nasty ELP-style.

My Old, Familiar Friend was the first Brendan Benson studio album I bought new when it was released, and it really didn't disappoint. In fact, I think it may just be my favourite of all of his releases. Listening to My Old, Familiar Friend really provides a masterclass of catchy, infectious songwriting and, with this album, Brendan Benson has delivered a fresh slice of power-pop which has echoes of Todd Rundgren, Paul McCartney & Wings, . and many other melodic giants of the seventies, whilst still retaining the individuality of the work  . My Old Familiar friend wraps up in the blustery outro of Borrow, its 11 tracks over without a minute wasted. Let's hope Benson isn't away for quite so long this time.

Songs from My Old, Familiar Friend by Brendan Benson. Free download and listen My Old, Familiar Friend. My Old, Familiar Friend. Brendan Benson - Eyes On The Horizon 03:53. Brendan Benson - Donââ¬â¢t Wanna Talk 03:48. Brendan Benson - O My Love 02:54. Brendan Benson - Happy Most Of The Time 03:49.