Not wasted, still ready: Ben Kweller

By Sam Fran Scavuzzo
Collegian Editor
November 1, 2006

You think you know Ben Kweller? Well, Mister Music Critic, I have something to say — you are probably right.

However, just because singer/songwriter, guitarist/pianist, philosopher/stoner Kweller hasn’t changed his live act that much in two years doesn’t mean he can’t put on as good a show as anyone else modern rock has to offer. Quite the contrary, Kweller’s silly, energetic sets give hope to many years for quality rock and roll.

Touring on his new self-titled album, Kweller headlined the Electric Factory Oct. 19. Opening for the former Radish leader were two acts of much less talent. Hymn left the audience praying for their departure, while The Sam Roberts Band would have been better labeled as “The (Supreme Court Justice) John” or “(ActionNews weatherman) Dave Roberts Band.” Both wasted a lot of time, and many in the crowd grew weary for BK.

When Kweller finally got on stage, he did not disappoint. At first, he took care of business by playing some songs from his new album. “Penny on the Train Track” and “Run” opened his set with a bang and highlighted the fact that his new songs could be fun too.

After getting those out of the way, he launched into some favorites that electrified the slightly undersized, yet still vocal crowd. One may have thought they were at a Dashboard Confessional show by the sing-along nature of the audience. Everyone there was a loyal follower of Kweller.

“Hospital Bed,” “My Apartment,” “Family Tree” and “Walk on Me” successively drew the crowd into a state of euphoria. Touring with a different line-up than most Kweller fans were used to, the band featured an organ player, in addition to the usual guitar, bass, drums and piano roster. Some songs had a different feel than usual; most additions were well-received.

After a good deal of fan favorites, Kweller slipped in new song and lead-single “Sundress.” The song looks to be another Kweller classic. This is when the band walked off stage, and the front man was left alone.

His next three songs displayed the heart he puts into all his lyrics, how desperately he believes in his music and the new found softer sound that dominated his new album. They also showed his sense of humor. Strapping on an acoustic, Kweller was met with pleas for his version of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice, Ice Baby,” to which he answered, “Too cold to hold, baby.”

BK standard loud rocker “Commerce, TX” got a new sound in the acoustic set. Traditional acoustic song “On My Way” drew a loud applause from the crowd.

One down moment came when Kweller moved to the piano to play his self-proclaimed “greatest song” he’d ever written, “Thirteen.” Despite his desperate belief in the tune, the number never takes off and bored many in the crowd.

After the band rejoined him, another less than stellar moment occurred. Kweller played “Believer,” a song he introduced by saying, “We don’t play this one very much.” After hearing it, many understood why. Like “Thirteen,” it never quite peaks. It ended with a rare jam, which could have been entertaining, except all solos were done by instrumentalists with their backs to audience.

Not forgetting his grunge roots, Kweller followed his sub par stuff with ripping renditions of “The Rules” and “Wasted and Ready” to close his normal set. They left the audience wanting more, and Kweller, not one to disappoint, came out and finished the night with the classic “I Need You Back.” This version featured Kweller sans-instrument, dancing around in a James Brown fashion.

Kweller may not be as popular or polished as some bands today, but the raw emotion and energy he puts into his sets would bring a smile to the face of even the most serious naysayer. Sure, his act may not change all that much, but Kweller entertains, and that’s what you pay to see.

pelonej1@lasalle.edu