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 As Motor City Rocks mentioned last week, The Bosco in Ferndale is the scene of Tuesday night's big listening party for Brendan Benson's forthcoming V2 album, Alternative to Love. If checking out an advance opportunity to hear the record wasn't enough incentive to get out on the town on a weeknight, Benson will be playing an acoustic set after the record spins. MCR recently had a chance to toss a very busy Benson a few questions about the new record. ********** MCR: 'One Mississippi' was gritty, and 'Lapalco' was quite sugary-sweet ... Any big changes/stylistic departures audiences can expect with 'Alternative to Love'? BB: Not really, except for this record, unlike the others, was made over a short period of time which makes it a more cohesive album. And it was mixed by Tchad Blake who really made it sound kind of "tougher". MCR: I recently read that you were actually personally responsible for playing pretty much every note on 'Alternative to Love' - is there any particular reason you chose to record that way, rather than having a studio backing band? BB: I do things myself because it's the quickest way to get what's in my head onto tape. I've since changed my views and will be (I think) working with a band and a producer in the future. I don't like the idea of spreading myself so thin. Also, for the record Matt Aljian did some drumming on some songs and Chris Plum and various friends sang a bit. MCR: On the production side of things, you've been fortunate enough to work with some great artists. Do you feel that your experiences producing other acts have affected your own recording habits at all? BB: Yes. It can't be helped. I've learned all sorts of methods of working which have helped to keep things moving. MCR: 'One Mississippi' was a major label album that just didn't seem to draw the attention it deserved, while 'Lapalco' was an indie record that seemed to draw boundless attention (from media props to song usage in car commercials). Does it feel like 'Alternative to Love' is the album that could finally tie everything together and serve as a breakthrough to a much larger audience? BB: It does feel that way. At the risk of jinxing it; I have high hopes for this record. And I have a team of experts on the case (management, band...etc.) so I'm more confident than ever. MCR: What's the best unappreciated band/record you're listening to these days? BB: I've been listening to Graham Nash "Songs for Beginners" lately. I'm not sure that it's underrated, but regardless, it's a really beautiful record. Also I worked on the new Greenhornes' record recently and I really think that they are a seriously unappreciated band. In fact, I'm afraid that it might never come out as they have no label support (hint, hint). It would be a shame. ********** Interview by Gary Blackwell The details, once more, for the sake of posterity: Brendan Benson 'Alternative to Love' Listening Party/Acoustic Performance Tuesday, February 15th, 2005 9 p.m - 11 p.m. The Bosco 22930 Woodward Avenue Ferndale, MI 48220 (The Bosco is located next door to the Magic Bag) |
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