Ben Folds' new album "Songs for Silverman." Even though this musician just happens to be my favorite, this effort was not his best. I have listened to it twice so far and still have not gotten "into" it. It seems forced. Instead of a coherent effort, this feels like the past four years (his last album was put out on the dreaded September 11th) have been nothing but him banging on the piano. The musical harmonies of his best, even his best solo efforts, just aren't there. I wanted this to be good. I am probably being overly nice and giving it the C- grade. But maybe I am giving that grade because I expected more. I don't see what new musical ground he was supposed to accomplish here. I can tell it is a haphazard conglomeration of tracks, especially with the release of the song "Give Judy My Notice," which appeared on one of his recent EPs. Even subpar U2 albums like "Zooropa" and "Pop" had a musical agenda. Even one of Mellencamp's worst commercial releases, "Human Wheels," is a kick ass album. This album by Ben Folds left me wishing the money was back in my wallet. It's a shame. The really sad part is, with my current lack of any real musical following (I am getting into Interpol and Bowling for Soup though), what do I listen to now? Final grade: C-. And that's being generous.