MUSIC REVIEW: BEN KWELLER - 'GO FLY A KITE'

Progress Into Songwriting Independence, Determination & High Ambition

By: Jess Gronewold

February 8, 2012

(The Noise Company) Ben Kweller continues down the road into alt-country with his fifth studio album, Go Fly a Kite. He still focuses heavily on piano parts, but blends them beautifully with slide guitars and a rock-and-roll country vibe. His lyrics are equally as endearing as his previous releases, as are his sweet vocals. Ben Kweller keeps growing up, and so does his sound. Where he started with a much poppier sound, he is now able to tell his tales with more grit and rock power. In line with this growth, Go Fly a Kite is also the first release on Kweller’s own label, The Noise Company. But don’t let any of this transition deter you -- he still keeps the feeling light and the rock-and-roll impossible to resist, all while charming the pants off of you.

Go Fly a Kite seems to hold a double meaning, as part kiss-off and part telling people to just do what makes them happy. And the opening track, “Mean to Me,” appears to go with the theme of this with its chorus of “You don’t know what you mean to me.” It’s all in your perception. The song sets the tone nicely for the rest of the album with rock and roll guitars and hard-hitting drums accents. It moves into an extremely catchy rock/pop song, in true Ben Kweller fashion. Tempo changes, guitar solos, and even changes in the volume levels make this song truly memorable and danceable. Throw in a couple piano slides and multiple opportunities to add in your own hand claps, and you’ve got a hit.

Delving a little deeper into the dark, “Gossip” takes on the rumor mill and gets you into that dark place with steady, repeated, low piano phrases. The music and the vocals are moody and grim and put a sense of secrecy and “gossip” into your head as you listen. The backing vocals also help set the tone and the sense of people talking about you behind your back. The piano riffs are beautiful, standing with the vocals and simple drums beats. “Everybody hears what they want to hear,” and this song will take you deep into that place in your brain.

“Free” gives off a '70s sound, with sliding guitar riffs and a laid-back sound. Even the lyrics “be sure that you want to be free” match up to an earlier, simpler time. The guitar solos are frequent and force you to put on your air guitar so you won’t miss any of the fun. Again, the backing vocals sway behind Kweller’s yelps and howls during this rock-and-roll jam. Lyrically, it’s sort of a “the grass is always greener” tale. Each time you get what you think you want, there is another obstacle. So just keep keeping on and things will be fine. And feel free to rock out a little while you are on the ride.

Kweller gets down and dirty and a little more country on the final song of the collection. “You Can Count on Me” is an upbeat story of being there for the ones you love no matter what. Even though your friends change, you will be there. The acoustic guitar is up-tempo and drives the song. It’s a toe-tapping good time with an uplifting message innocently delivered. Everyone needs a friend who is there through anything. And you might just want it to be Ben Kweller after you hear this album.

Go Fly a Kite is not a change of direction for Ben Kweller, but another progression in his more than 10-year solo career. He continues to write catchy songs filled with good faith and good humor. He warms your heart and fills your head with songs that put a smile on your face. And who doesn’t want that?

Standout Tracks: “Mean to Me,” “Gossip,” “You Can Count on Me,” “Free”

For Fans Of: Ben Folds, Craig Finn