Has Ben Folds become lame? Based on the material found on these two limited edition E.P.s, we must conclude that indeed he has. Where is the venom that made tracks like "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces" so memorable? Where is the wit that made "The Battle of Who Could Care Less" and "Rockin' The Suburbs" great, intelligent pop? Folds phones it in from start to finish on both discs, with the only exception being a reasonable cover of the Cure's "In Between Days." For fans of Folds' previous output, this kind of bland, inoffensive crap will be a real disappointment. Someone should tell him that evolving into a crappy combination of Elton John and Billy Joel is not a good idea. A waste of time and money, even for diehard Folds supporters. -Dave Mix, Apr.25.04

"Sunny 16" EP / "Speed Graphic" EP