Rabid Fandom

July 26, 2003

When Ben Folds Five's Whatever and Ever Amen was released in 1997 I became an instant fan. I heard the first single, "The Battle of Who Could Care Less," on the radio and I immediately went to Borders to pick up the CD. I don't know where I was supposed to go but I couldn't help but buy the album immediately. My love-at-first-site blossomed into a more matured, ever-lasting love. I was completely hooked as I'd never heard anything like BFF and it totally changed my perspective on music.

I remained a rabid fan up until the band split up in October of 2000. After that I remained a devout follower of Ben Folds in his solo form. This week I realized that things have changed. I still love Ben Folds and all his projects, but my obsession has clearly waned. I think of it as a marriage after the honeymoon period has ended.

My realization came when I noticed that a new EP had been released without me knowing about it. Two years ago, or even one year ago, that wouldn't have happened. I used to check Frank Maynard's site daily. It was a rude awakening, to say the least.

I know that it is impossible to be a groupie forever but I am disappointed that I let things fall so far, so fast. If this were a marriage, I would be the husband sitting on the couch in a wife-beater, hand in my pants, yelling for my lady to get me a beer as she sobs into her apron. I said I would never let this happen, which is why I vow to begin checking the Ben Folds sites more regularly now.

The new EP, which is the first of three and entitled Speep Graphic has already been ordered and I can't wait to hear it. It's not all new stuff but I'm still very excited.

On another note, Ben is self-releasing this material which many point to a sign that he has grown tired of the major label shenanigans that go on. Once of his best songs as of late, "One Down," also points to this fact. It's cool to see major artists trying alternate avenues for releasing their music.

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