Brendan Benson
Encyclopedia
Brendan Benson is an American
musician
and songwriter
. He sings and plays guitar
, bass guitar
, keyboard
, and drums
. He has released four solo albums and is a member of the band The Raconteurs
.
. The album featured several contributions with Jason Falkner
and gained many favourable reviews in the music press but failed to sell in sufficient numbers and Benson was dropped by Virgin. Brendan toured the states with the first incarnation of The Well Fed Boys featuring long time friend Woody Saunders on the drums and Topper Rimel (Robots In Disguise, The Origin) on Bass. The group shared a headline spot on their second US tour with Heatmiser
, a Portland based group that included Elliott Smith
, Tony Lash, Neil Gust and Brandt Peterson. Brendan and The Well Fed Boys also played several shows in Japan and a live performance on television in Paris before disbanding in '97.
. Again the critical plaudits poured in, but this time the record enjoyed a certain degree of commercial success, selling more than three times as many copies than that of One Mississippi. The song "Good To Me" from this album appeared on the British show Teachers
during series three and was included on the series soundtrack; it was also covered by The White Stripes
for the B-side of the single Seven Nation Army
. The song "Tiny Spark" featured on an episode from the fourth series and was also played in the movies Along Came Polly
, and "World's Greatest Dad
"
While touring this record Benson played the Reading and Leeds Festivals
and finished his Leeds set with a performance of the track "Jet Lag" featuring guest appearances from Meg White
of The White Stripes
along with members of The Datsuns
and Soledad Brothers.
In 2003 Benson re-released his debut album along with bonus tracks including the unreleased six-track extended play
Wellfed Boy EP, featuring songs from a demo session with Falkner.
Also in 2003, Benson released an EP, Metarie, with his then band The Wellfed Boys. The EP featured a cover of Paul McCartney's
"Let Me Roll It" which featured back-up vocals by friend and later fellow member of The Raconteurs
; Jack White
. This was the first song written completely by another artist to be featured on a Benson release. Another cover, this time "Strong Boy", from Gram Parsons
International Submarine Band's 1968 album, Safe at Home
, was released as a b-side in 2005.
, and toured extensively in the US
, UK
, and Europe
with his new touring band, The Stiff Tissues.
"Spit It Out" was the first single and reached the UK Top 75 for the first time (peaking at #75 in April), and also generated some buzz for Brendan.
Two further singles were released from the album. "Cold Hands Warm Heart" has appeared in many commercials and TV shows and "What I'm Looking For" was used in multiple national advertising campaigns. This album charted at #70 in the UK Albums Chart
.
, a collaboration with Jack White
, of The White Stripes
and The Dead Weather
, and two members of The Greenhornes
, Jack Lawrence
and Patrick Keeler
. Benson and White work together in writing the songs. The group's debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers
, was released in the U.S.
on May 16, 2006, with "Steady, As She Goes
" the first single.
He has also worked as a producer
for The Greenhornes
, The Nice Device
, The Mood Elevator (a permutation of The Wellfed Boys), Whirlwind Heat
, and Stiff Tissues member Dean Fertita
's former band, The Waxwings
.
The Raconteurs released their second album, Consolers of the Lonely
in March 2008.
They have no plans for another record, but are not ruling out the possibility.
," has gone through a long process of discovery and change before coming to its current polished form.
In March 2007, a handful of demos from Benson's upcoming album were posted on his Myspace. "Feel Like Taking You Home" was the first of these demos to appear. Around the same time the demos of "Forget", "Poised And Ready" and "Go Nowhere" leaked onto the internet.
Later he posted more songs on his MySpace including "Lesson Learned," "Eyes On the Horizon," and "Untitled." Dean Fertita
, who played keyboards with the Raconteurs on tour and now is with Queens of the Stone Age
and The Dead Weather
, plays piano on all the Benson demos, with all other instruments played by Brendan.
In October 2007 two new songs, "Purely Automatic" and "Will it Keep," were published on Brendan's official web site, presumably finished songs from the album. In November 2008, Brendan uploaded a new song entitled "Playdown" on his myspace, but it was quickly taken down. He soon put it back up along with another new song called "No One Else But You." Soon after, the songs "O My Love" and "New Words Of Wisdom" were added to his page. Later he added "I'll Never Tell", "Happy Most of the Time", "Only In A Dream" (cover of Young Hines), and "Diamond" on his official MySpace page and he also added "Open Your Eyes" on his Reverb Nation page. In mid March 2009 Brendan put a collaboration with his girlfriend Britt entitled "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game
" (cover of The Marvelettes) on his Myspace page. On March 18, 2009 KRCW played a new song "A Whole Lot Better" and on May 10, 2009 KRCW played another new song entitled "Garbage Day" both presumably finished songs off his fourth album. The title "My Old, Familiar Friend
" and the track list were revealed on June 4, 2009. The album was released on August 18, 2009.
"My Old, Familiar Friend" was produced by Gil Norton
according to his MySpace page. He is backed by the Features
on some of the record.
collaborated with The Raconteurs
and Ricky Skaggs
on The Raconteurs single, "Old Enough", which was released in bluegrass form, and as a music video
which is currently in rotation on CMT
.
Then in early February 2009 two songs entitled "The Things I Do" and "Grey" appeared on Monroe's MySpace
along with this message:
In March 2009 Benson posted more collaborations with Monroe on his official MySpace entitled "Ballad of Pretty Baby", "Consider Me", and "On The Fence". Around the same time, he put up one more collaboration entitled "I Don't Want To See You Anymore" on his Reverb Nation page.
, Loudermilk
) in October 2010 to release a single as the fictional duo "Midas Well" and "Upton O. Goode". Well & Goode's debut single was a 7" vinyl record and digital download, and featured the songs "Spray Tan" and "Two Birds".
, David Bowie
, Electric Light Orchestra
, Elvis Costello
, The Kinks
, Robyn Hitchcock
, Paul McCartney
, The Who
, and Todd Rundgren
.
. They welcomed son Declan April 21, 2010.
Acoustic guitars:
Amplifiers:
EPs
Singles
Videos
Steady as she Goes (2006)
Broken Boy Soldier (2006)
Hands (2006)
Level (2006)
Salute your Solution (2008)
Old Enough (2008)
B-sides and covers
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
. He sings and plays guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, keyboard
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, and drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
. He has released four solo albums and is a member of the band The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
.
One Mississippi
His debut album, One Mississippi, was released in 1996 on Virgin RecordsVirgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
. The album featured several contributions with Jason Falkner
Jason Falkner
Jason Falkner is an American pop and rock musician. Active since the late 1980s, he has performed with several bands. In addition to releasing several albums as a solo artist, he is a prolific session musician and producer who has contributed to dozens of other recordings by other bands and...
and gained many favourable reviews in the music press but failed to sell in sufficient numbers and Benson was dropped by Virgin. Brendan toured the states with the first incarnation of The Well Fed Boys featuring long time friend Woody Saunders on the drums and Topper Rimel (Robots In Disguise, The Origin) on Bass. The group shared a headline spot on their second US tour with Heatmiser
Heatmiser
The Music of Heatmiser is a six-song demo cassette, recorded on April 29 and 30, 1992, at Sound Impressions in Milwaukie, Oregon. It was made available only at shows or by mail order....
, a Portland based group that included Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith
Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity...
, Tony Lash, Neil Gust and Brandt Peterson. Brendan and The Well Fed Boys also played several shows in Japan and a live performance on television in Paris before disbanding in '97.
Lapalco
In 2002 the follow-up to One Mississippi was released, LapalcoLapalco
Lapalco is the second album by American singer-songwriter Brendan Benson, released in 2002. The name "Lapalco" is in reference to Lapalco Boulevard, a major highway which runs through, Harvey, Louisiana, where Benson spent part of his youth...
. Again the critical plaudits poured in, but this time the record enjoyed a certain degree of commercial success, selling more than three times as many copies than that of One Mississippi. The song "Good To Me" from this album appeared on the British show Teachers
Teachers (UK TV series)
Teachers is a British television sitcom, originally shown on Channel 4. The series follows a group of secondary school teachers in their daily lives....
during series three and was included on the series soundtrack; it was also covered by The White Stripes
The White Stripes
The White Stripes was an American rock band, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of the songwriter Jack White and drummer Meg White . Jack and Meg White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced...
for the B-side of the single Seven Nation Army
Seven Nation Army
"Seven Nation Army" is the first track on the album Elephant by American alternative rock band The White Stripes. It was released as a single in 2003. "Seven Nation Army" reached #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks for three weeks and won 2004's Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. The song is known for its...
. The song "Tiny Spark" featured on an episode from the fourth series and was also played in the movies Along Came Polly
Along Came Polly
Along Came Polly is a 2004 American romantic comedy film written and directed by John Hamburg, starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston in the lead roles.-Plot:...
, and "World's Greatest Dad
World's Greatest Dad
World's Greatest Dad is a 2009 American black comedy film written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. It stars Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, and Alexie Gilmore. The film was released on July 24 on video on demand providers before its limited theatrical release on August 24, 2009...
"
While touring this record Benson played the Reading and Leeds Festivals
Reading and Leeds Festivals
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are a pair of annual music festivals that take place in Reading and Leeds in England. The events take place simultaneously on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend, sharing the same bill. The Reading Festival is held at Little John's Farm...
and finished his Leeds set with a performance of the track "Jet Lag" featuring guest appearances from Meg White
Meg White
Megan Martha "Meg" White is an American drummer best known for her work in the Detroit rock duo The White Stripes.-Early life:...
of The White Stripes
The White Stripes
The White Stripes was an American rock band, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of the songwriter Jack White and drummer Meg White . Jack and Meg White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced...
along with members of The Datsuns
The Datsuns
The Datsuns are a hard rock band from Cambridge, New Zealand, formed in 2000. To date they have released four albums and several singles, most of which have charted in New Zealand and/or the United Kingdom...
and Soledad Brothers.
In 2003 Benson re-released his debut album along with bonus tracks including the unreleased six-track extended play
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
Wellfed Boy EP, featuring songs from a demo session with Falkner.
Also in 2003, Benson released an EP, Metarie, with his then band The Wellfed Boys. The EP featured a cover of Paul McCartney's
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
"Let Me Roll It" which featured back-up vocals by friend and later fellow member of The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
; Jack White
Jack White (musician)
Jack White , often credited as Jack White III, is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and occasional actor...
. This was the first song written completely by another artist to be featured on a Benson release. Another cover, this time "Strong Boy", from Gram Parsons
Gram Parsons
Gram Parsons was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist. Parsons is best known for his work within the country genre; he also mixed blues, folk, and rock to create what he called "Cosmic American Music"...
International Submarine Band's 1968 album, Safe at Home
Safe at Home
Safe at Home was the 1968 album by The International Submarine Band, led by the 21-year-old Gram Parsons. Featuring four of Parsons' originals surrounded by six covers of classic country and rock and roll music, it helped to forge the country rock movement of the late 1960s and early...
, was released as a b-side in 2005.
The Alternative to Love
In 2005, Benson released his third album, The Alternative to LoveThe Alternative to Love
The Alternative to Love is the third album by American singer-songwriter Brendan Benson, released in 2005. The song Cold Hands was featured on the Bones episode A Boy in the Tree and the Smallville episode "Exposed". The song "What I'm Looking For" was sampled on an iPod touch commercial, as well...
, and toured extensively in the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
with his new touring band, The Stiff Tissues.
"Spit It Out" was the first single and reached the UK Top 75 for the first time (peaking at #75 in April), and also generated some buzz for Brendan.
Two further singles were released from the album. "Cold Hands Warm Heart" has appeared in many commercials and TV shows and "What I'm Looking For" was used in multiple national advertising campaigns. This album charted at #70 in the UK Albums Chart
UK Albums Chart
The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
.
The Raconteurs
Benson is also a member of The RaconteursThe Raconteurs
The Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
, a collaboration with Jack White
Jack White (musician)
Jack White , often credited as Jack White III, is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and occasional actor...
, of The White Stripes
The White Stripes
The White Stripes was an American rock band, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of the songwriter Jack White and drummer Meg White . Jack and Meg White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced...
and The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather is an American alternative rock supergroup, formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. Composed of Alison Mosshart , Jack White , Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence , The Dead Weather debuted at the opening of Third Man Records' Nashville...
, and two members of The Greenhornes
The Greenhornes
The Greenhornes are an American garage rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1996 by vocalist/guitarist Craig Fox, bass guitarist Jack Lawrence and drummer Patrick Keeler. They released their debut album Gun For You in 1999, followed by a self-titled album in 2001. A third studio album, Dual...
, Jack Lawrence
Jack Lawrence (bassist)
"Little" Jack Lawrence is a musician from Covington, Kentucky, currently living in Nashville, Tennessee.- Career :Lawrence plays bass guitar in The Raconteurs, The Greenhornes and The Dead Weather, as well as the autoharp and banjo in Blanche...
and Patrick Keeler
Patrick Keeler
Patrick Keeler is an American rock music drummer from Cincinnati, who best known for playing in The Greenhornes and The Raconteurs. He plays with both traditional and matched grips.-Recording career:...
. Benson and White work together in writing the songs. The group's debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers
Broken Boy Soldiers
Broken Boy Soldiers is the debut album of The Raconteurs, released on May 15, 2006 in the United Kingdom and May 16, 2006 in the United States. The album was generally favored among critics and spawned the #1 hit single "Steady, As She Goes"...
, was released in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on May 16, 2006, with "Steady, As She Goes
Steady, As She Goes
"Steady, As She Goes" is the debut single by the rock band The Raconteurs from their first album Broken Boy Soldiers. It has also been covered by such artists as Corinne Bailey Rae for BBC Radio 1's Live lounge....
" the first single.
He has also worked as a producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
for The Greenhornes
The Greenhornes
The Greenhornes are an American garage rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1996 by vocalist/guitarist Craig Fox, bass guitarist Jack Lawrence and drummer Patrick Keeler. They released their debut album Gun For You in 1999, followed by a self-titled album in 2001. A third studio album, Dual...
, The Nice Device
The Nice Device
The Nice Device was a four-piece, female-fronted Indie rock band from Detroit, Michigan formed in 2001. Their musical style is primarily edgy pop influenced indie rock with some electronic overtones...
, The Mood Elevator (a permutation of The Wellfed Boys), Whirlwind Heat
Whirlwind Heat
Whirlwind Heat is a three-piece band from the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although they are avid genre-hoppers, they are often categorized as alternative rock.-History:...
, and Stiff Tissues member Dean Fertita
Dean Fertita
Dean Fertita is an American rock musician and multi-instrumentalist. Fertita was the lead singer and guitarist of The Waxwings from the band's formation in 1997 to its breakup in 2005...
's former band, The Waxwings
The Waxwings
The Waxwings are a rock band from Detroit, Michigan, United States, formed in 1997.The band's lineup consists of Dean Fertita on vocals and guitar, James Edmunds on drums and percussion, and Kevin Peyok on bass guitar...
.
The Raconteurs released their second album, Consolers of the Lonely
Consolers of the Lonely
Consolers of the Lonely is the second album of The Raconteurs. It was released on March 25, 2008 on Warner Bros. Records in most parts of the world, and a day earlier on XL Recordings in the UK....
in March 2008.
They have no plans for another record, but are not ruling out the possibility.
My Old, Familiar Friend
Brendan Benson's most current release, "My Old, Familiar FriendMy Old, Familiar Friend
My Old, Familiar Friend is the fourth album by American musician Brendan Benson, released August 18, 2009. The first single "A Whole Lot Better" was released the on the same day.The album debuted at #110 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums in the US....
," has gone through a long process of discovery and change before coming to its current polished form.
In March 2007, a handful of demos from Benson's upcoming album were posted on his Myspace. "Feel Like Taking You Home" was the first of these demos to appear. Around the same time the demos of "Forget", "Poised And Ready" and "Go Nowhere" leaked onto the internet.
Later he posted more songs on his MySpace including "Lesson Learned," "Eyes On the Horizon," and "Untitled." Dean Fertita
Dean Fertita
Dean Fertita is an American rock musician and multi-instrumentalist. Fertita was the lead singer and guitarist of The Waxwings from the band's formation in 1997 to its breakup in 2005...
, who played keyboards with the Raconteurs on tour and now is with Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
and The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather is an American alternative rock supergroup, formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. Composed of Alison Mosshart , Jack White , Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence , The Dead Weather debuted at the opening of Third Man Records' Nashville...
, plays piano on all the Benson demos, with all other instruments played by Brendan.
In October 2007 two new songs, "Purely Automatic" and "Will it Keep," were published on Brendan's official web site, presumably finished songs from the album. In November 2008, Brendan uploaded a new song entitled "Playdown" on his myspace, but it was quickly taken down. He soon put it back up along with another new song called "No One Else But You." Soon after, the songs "O My Love" and "New Words Of Wisdom" were added to his page. Later he added "I'll Never Tell", "Happy Most of the Time", "Only In A Dream" (cover of Young Hines), and "Diamond" on his official MySpace page and he also added "Open Your Eyes" on his Reverb Nation page. In mid March 2009 Brendan put a collaboration with his girlfriend Britt entitled "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game
The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game
"The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" is a 1966 song recorded by The Marvelettes for the Motown label, from their self-titled album released that year....
" (cover of The Marvelettes) on his Myspace page. On March 18, 2009 KRCW played a new song "A Whole Lot Better" and on May 10, 2009 KRCW played another new song entitled "Garbage Day" both presumably finished songs off his fourth album. The title "My Old, Familiar Friend
My Old, Familiar Friend
My Old, Familiar Friend is the fourth album by American musician Brendan Benson, released August 18, 2009. The first single "A Whole Lot Better" was released the on the same day.The album debuted at #110 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums in the US....
" and the track list were revealed on June 4, 2009. The album was released on August 18, 2009.
"My Old, Familiar Friend" was produced by Gil Norton
Gil Norton
Gil Norton is a British record producer known for his work with such bands as Pixies, Echo & the Bunnymen, Foo Fighters, Tribe, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, Feeder, The Distillers, Maxïmo Park, Counting Crows, Terrorvision, The Triffids, Del Amitri, James, The Feelers, The Beekeepers,...
according to his MySpace page. He is backed by the Features
The Features
The Features are an American indie rock band from Tennessee. Though they have had limited success in the United States, they have been very well received in the United Kingdom and have a very loyal following in the Southeastern United States.-Early years:...
on some of the record.
Collaboration with Ashley Monroe
In late 2008, Ashley MonroeAshley Monroe
Ashley Monroe is an American country music singer-songwriter. She has released two solo singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The singles "Satisfied" and "I Don't Want To" reached #43 and #37, respectively...
collaborated with The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
and Ricky Skaggs
Ricky Skaggs
Rickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
on The Raconteurs single, "Old Enough", which was released in bluegrass form, and as a music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
which is currently in rotation on CMT
CMT
- Medicine :* California mastitis test* Certified Massage Therapist* Cervical motion tenderness, a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease* Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease* Chemically modified tetracyclines* Circus Movement Tachycardia...
.
Then in early February 2009 two songs entitled "The Things I Do" and "Grey" appeared on Monroe's MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
along with this message:
"Hey everyone!
I just wanted to write ya a quick note to tell you I have put up some new songs you guys haven't heard. I have been working with Brendan Benson ... who I met on the set on The Raconteurs video shoot... and I am SOOO EXCITED about the music we have been making. I can't wait to share more! The two songs I posted of ours are "The Things I Do" and "Grey"... hope you love them as much as I do!"
In March 2009 Benson posted more collaborations with Monroe on his official MySpace entitled "Ballad of Pretty Baby", "Consider Me", and "On The Fence". Around the same time, he put up one more collaboration entitled "I Don't Want To See You Anymore" on his Reverb Nation page.
Well & Goode
Benson teamed with Raconteurs touring member Mark Watrous (GoslingGosling (band)
Gosling was an American alternative rock band formed in Tri-Cities, Washington. The band was composed of Davey Ingersoll , Mark Watrous , Shane Middleton and Isaac Carpenter...
, Loudermilk
Gosling (band)
Gosling was an American alternative rock band formed in Tri-Cities, Washington. The band was composed of Davey Ingersoll , Mark Watrous , Shane Middleton and Isaac Carpenter...
) in October 2010 to release a single as the fictional duo "Midas Well" and "Upton O. Goode". Well & Goode's debut single was a 7" vinyl record and digital download, and featured the songs "Spray Tan" and "Two Birds".
Current Projects
Brendan is currently at work on a new solo album due out in 2012. The album is being recorded at "Welcome to 1979" Studios in Nashville, TN and is being recorded via analog.Influences
Benson's major musical influences include The CarsThe Cars
The Cars are an American rock band that emerged from the early New Wave music scene in the late 1970s. The band consisted of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson...
, David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra were a British rock group from Birmingham who released eleven studio albums between 1971 and 1986 and another album in 2001. ELO were formed to accommodate Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne's desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones...
, Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
, The Kinks
The Kinks
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock acts of the era. Their music was influenced by a...
, Robyn Hitchcock
Robyn Hitchcock
Robyn Rowan Hitchcock is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. While primarily a vocalist and guitarist, he also plays harmonica, piano and bass guitar....
, Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
, The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
, and Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren
Todd Harry Rundgren is an American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer. Hailed in the early stage of his career as a new pop-wunderkind, supported by the certified gold solo double LP Something/Anything? in 1972, Todd Rundgren's career has produced a diverse range of recordings...
.
Personal
Benson and his wife Brittany (née Harris) currently live in Nashville, TennesseeNashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. They welcomed son Declan April 21, 2010.
Musical equipment
Electric guitars:- 1959 Guild AristocratGuild Guitar CompanyThe Guild Guitar Company is a USA-based guitar manufacturer founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge, a guitarist and music-store owner, and George Mann, a former executive with the Epiphone Guitar Company...
- 1965 Epiphone CasinoEpiphone CasinoThe Epiphone Casino is a thinline hollow body electric guitar manufactured by Epiphone, a branch of Gibson. It is essentially Epiphone's version of the Gibson ES-330...
- Fender TelecasterFender TelecasterThe Fender Telecaster, colloquially known as the Tele , is typically a dual-pickup, solid-body electric guitar made by Fender.Its simple yet effective design and revolutionary sound broke ground and set trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music...
- James Trussart SteelCaster
- Gibson Flying VGibson Flying V-External links:*, , , , and , from the Gibson website*, a June 2001 article from Guitar Collector magazine*, a tribute site that lists all models and re-issues and most notable players**...
- Vox Guitars
Acoustic guitars:
- Gibson Country and WesternGibson Guitar CorporationThe Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
Amplifiers:
- 1963 Vox AC30Vox AC30The Vox AC30 is a guitar amplifier manufactured by Vox and known for its "jangly" high-end sound. First introduced in 1958 due to the growing demand for higher-wattage amplifiers, it became an iconic amplifier for British musicians and soon for others....
Discography
Albums- One Mississippi (1996)
- Listen Up! (as part of The Mood Elevator) (2000)
- LapalcoLapalcoLapalco is the second album by American singer-songwriter Brendan Benson, released in 2002. The name "Lapalco" is in reference to Lapalco Boulevard, a major highway which runs through, Harvey, Louisiana, where Benson spent part of his youth...
(2002) - Married Alive (as part of The Mood Elevator) (2003)
- The Alternative to LoveThe Alternative to LoveThe Alternative to Love is the third album by American singer-songwriter Brendan Benson, released in 2005. The song Cold Hands was featured on the Bones episode A Boy in the Tree and the Smallville episode "Exposed". The song "What I'm Looking For" was sampled on an iPod touch commercial, as well...
(2005) #70 UK - Broken Boy SoldiersBroken Boy SoldiersBroken Boy Soldiers is the debut album of The Raconteurs, released on May 15, 2006 in the United Kingdom and May 16, 2006 in the United States. The album was generally favored among critics and spawned the #1 hit single "Steady, As She Goes"...
(as part of The RaconteursThe RaconteursThe Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
) (2006) - Consolers of the LonelyConsolers of the LonelyConsolers of the Lonely is the second album of The Raconteurs. It was released on March 25, 2008 on Warner Bros. Records in most parts of the world, and a day earlier on XL Recordings in the UK....
(as part of The RaconteursThe RaconteursThe Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
) (2008) - My Old, Familiar FriendMy Old, Familiar FriendMy Old, Familiar Friend is the fourth album by American musician Brendan Benson, released August 18, 2009. The first single "A Whole Lot Better" was released the on the same day.The album debuted at #110 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums in the US....
(2009) #110 US
EPs
- Folk Singer (2002)
- Metarie (2003)
Singles
- "Folk Singer" (April 22, 2002)
- "Tiny Spark" (July 8, 2002)
- "Good To Me" (October 28, 2002)
- "Metarie" (April 14, 2003)
- "Spit It Out" (March 28, 2005) – UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#75 - "Cold Hands (Warm Heart)" (July 4, 2005)
- "What I'm Looking For" (November 7, 2005)
- "A Whole Lot Better" (August 2009)
- "Feel Like Taking You Home"
Videos
- "Crosseyed" (1996)
- "Tiny Spark" (2002)
- "Metarie" (2003)
- "Spit It Out" (2005)
- "Cold Hands (Warm Heart)" (2005)
- "A Whole Lot Better" (2009)
Steady as she Goes (2006)
Broken Boy Soldier (2006)
Hands (2006)
Level (2006)
Salute your Solution (2008)
Old Enough (2008)
B-sides and covers
- Son Of A Welder (B Side from Folk Singer 7" / EP)
- Unfortunate Guy (B Side from Folk Singer EP)
- Feel Like Myself (B Side from Folk Singer EP)
- Metarie (Wellfed Version from Metarie EP)
- Metarie (Uk Version from Metarie EP)
- Alternative To Love (Early version from Metarie EP)
- You're Quiet (Well Fed Boys Version from Metarie EP
- Let Me Roll It (Cover of Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
from Metarie EP) - Meaning To Write (B Side from Tiny Spark Single)
- No Dial Tone (Recorded Live @ Bowery Ballroom 8/04/2002 from Tiny Spark Single)
- Old Fashioned (B Side from Good To Me Single)
- Pleasure Seeker (Recorded Live @ Bowery Ballroom 8/04/2002 from Good To Me Single)
- Left And Right (B Side from Spit It Out Single)
- Baby On A Rug (B Side from Spit It Out Single)
- Some Day (B Side from Cold Hands (Warm Heart) Single)
- Christopher's Revolt (B Side from Cold Hands (Warm Heart) Single)
- Cold Hands (Warm Heart) (Live Acoustic Version from Cold Hands (Warm Heart) EP)
- Cold Hands (Warm Heart) (Chris Shaw Mix from Cold Hands (Warm Heart) EP)
- Strong Boy (Gram Parsons Cover from Cold Hands (Warm Heart) Single)
- What I'm Looking For (Michael Brauer Mix from What I'm Looking For EP)
- Them And Me (Alternative Version from What I'm Looking For EP)
- Floating (JapeJape (band)Jape are an Irish electronic–rock band from Dublin. Formed as a side project by Richie Egan whilst part of The Redneck Manifesto, they have released four albums to date; Cosmosphere , The Monkeys in the Zoo Have More Fun Than Me , Ritual and Ocean of Frequency...
Cover Recorded Live in Newcastle, 22/03/06) - I'll Never Tell (iTunes Bonus Track)
- New Words of Wisdom (Bonus Track from My Old, Familiar Friend)
- Playdown (Bee Gee's Cover, from Feel Like Taking You Home 7")
- Maybe So Hard (Lapalco era outtake, bundled with the 2011 Lapalco reissue.)
External links
- Brendan Benson at MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- Brendan Benson at V2 RecordsV2 RecordsV2 Records is a record label that is owned by Universal Music Group as of October 2007. The label was founded in 1996 by Richard Branson, five years after he sold Virgin Records to EMI....
- Brendan Benson at VH1.comVH1VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
- Brendan Benson at MTV.comMTVMTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
- Brendan Interview with Jarrod Dicker (2010)