Ben Folds Five - Selfless, Cold and Composed (from Sessions at West 54th)

Music video by Ben Folds Five performing Selfless, Cold and Composed (from Sessions at West 54th). (C) 2001 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
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[@midkingsteve]

Darren Jesse is one of the most under talked about drummers in all of music history. Insane chops.

[@troyh1969]

Yeah...first time I heard him play, I was like how do i not know about this guy.

[@rickh.6976]

Insane chops.

[@coreybondurant]

I totally agree. Great feel. Not to mention the vintage kit and cymbals. Great drummer.

[@mpa1931]

One of my favorite drummers since I listened to Whatever and Ever Amen back in the day.

[@PedroPetracco]

@@coreybondurant I literally dreamt about these cymbals when I first got a hold of this DVD

[@danvorosmarty9854]

Amazing how full their sound is, you would never think they were just a trio.

[@widehotep9257]

Even more amazing how full Ben's pockets are. He got rich from songwriting royalties while the other dudes got a few pennies for performing.

[@danvorosmarty9854]

@@widehotep9257 huh, hadn't heard that.

[@captaincopyright2367]

especially since they're called the Ben Folds Five

[@widehotep9257]

@@captaincopyright2367 Van Halen is called Van Halen and most of their songs were written by Eddie Van Halen. But Van Halen wasn't a greedy d0uche and divided all songwriting equally among the 4 members of the band. If Van Halen had been like Ben Folds and kept all the songwriting credits, he would have made 50X more than his bandmates. Most money in the music industry is earned in the long term through songwriting royalties. Other D bags who refused to share songwriting credits with their bandmates are Rick Ocasek from The Cars, Billy Corrigan from Smashing Pumpkins, and Ozzy Ozbourne on his "Bark at the Moon" album.

[@Prellium]

23 years later and I still absolutely adore this song.

[@danielstevenson2772]

This song is a clinic on how to play jazz and rock effectively in one song. Darren Jesse is a beast on the drums.

[@max_mittler]

ridiculously under-rated band. One of my favorites from my childhood that still holds up to this day.

[@matthewpilon4422]

amazing 90's angsty s/sw types. He got ahead of himself and ditched the five.

[@SpookyLuvCookie]

only just noticed how Darren Jesse changes his grip between jazz and matched during this song. nice.

[@dennisbloomquist9220]

It always has weirded me out that I used both grips. I learned traditional grip but went into match grip during runs. Now that I see someone inestimably better than I could ever be mix it up. I feel better. It's like a breakup where I get to spill my guts.

[@guitarjag1]

The song where you realize they're basically a jazz trio that knows how to rock!

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

If you mixed The Beatles with The Dave Brubeck Quartet and moved them forward 40 years, you've got these guys. They'll be remembered for as long.

[@stuartjohnson9466]

Part of this song sounds just like Joe Jackson

[@gabe_s_videos]

Reminds me a lot of Vince Guaraldi. I love the fact that this band was basically a jazz trio who played punk rock and vice versa.

[@scottstewart1778]

Yes…in fact this tune reminds me of, “Cast your fate, to the wind.” 😎

[@damienstringer6495]

I bet they're so glad that they got the opportunity to record their stuff live in this environment. So many bands only have their music videos to look back on and they're just soulless compared to the magic of a live performance.

[@bobhope884]

Seems like they/he(...) Had the magic & opened those doors.

[@PedroPetracco]

Nicely put. Beautifull session!

[@ThePgranstrom]

Shades of Vince Guaraldi -- "Charlie Brown". Love it.🥰

[@winklestiltskin]

Our generations Elton John. Such a staggeringly great breakup song!

[@patriciofernandez2711]

winklestiltskin Elton John can’t write lyrics though

[@ckelco82]

I love Elton John, but Ben is better in every single way possible as a musician.

[@joatnm]

This was about his first major breakup, and it shows. The title is a direct quote from her.

[@ben-smith-music]

@@patriciofernandez2711 Most of this song (lyrically) comes from a letter than Folds's first wife wrote to him after he basically ditched her in NYC and left for Nashville by himself

[@ben-smith-music]

@@patriciofernandez2711 but yes, Ben Folds's lyric-writing is crazy good

[@benthomas1885]

Have seen them a few times and always been blown away by how good they are. Bass player is Just fucking great.

[@Rengray2]

How you know he's an amazing drummer? He makes it look easy - like it's an effortless, fun session where they're doing "whatever".

[@arieslove6144]

my favorite song off that album

[@arieslove6144]

Right beautiful 💓 at is best

[@mstob1969]

@@arieslove6144 Damn straight. This and Sentimental Guy probably my two favorites.

[@arieslove6144]

@@mstob1969 Yess sir

[@Train115]

2nd favorite for me, Stevens Last Night In Town is 1st

[@joshkirkwood8945]

Ditto. One of the best songs ever. Period

[@TandemKnights]

What is the opposite of love? It's not hate, it's indifference. Hate shows emotional investment by the other party and there is often a thin line between love and hate. Indifference is cold and detached. This song is the perfect embodiment of this sentiment, a break-up where one party shows complete indifference in order to injure the other party with maximum effect.

[@connormitchellmusic]

Well said

[@Alientank]

I never fully understood the meaning of this song, but you put it perfectly. Thanks.

[@hklinker]

Another name for that might be withholding.

[@ScoreFromAugusta]

17 years later with the primo upload of golden live material! This song gives beautiful chills

[@josephwilson1175]

This is my favorite song. Since being on a charter bus in 6th grade and stealing the whatever & ever amen cd from my sister for a trip to space camp bac in '98. Thinn it's my fav album too. Shouts to these 3.

[@nicolemonade]

this live performance is a GIFT. this has always been one of my all time fav songs by them. the complexity musically and lyrically continues to move me.

[@kittenblossom2794]

Is humanity even aware of how insanely TALENTED this band is? Absolute Mastercraft!

[@Ataribot]

Love Ben Folds. I wish we could get a new album. We could use more Ben Folds in the world

[@ezrac704]

I only got into him a few months ago, but it feels like a long time now. I can't believe I haven't felt the feeling of a new album release from him. It would be really exciting.

[@alon9328]

Rage300 Well, he’s writing a new album. Your wish is being granted.

[@ezrac704]

@@alon9328 Let's hope. I thought he posted on patreon that he was thinking about it, but that may have been a while ago and i do not look at his patreon.

[@alon9328]

Rage300 Yeah he did a live streaming where he talked about it like two days ago. He’s stuck in Australia due to the quarantine from that virus so he said since he can’t tour anymore he’s gonna spend the next couple months working on a new record.

[@ezrac704]

@@alon9328 Yeah i watched the stream. That kind of makes sense. Also, bass ukelele for the win.

[@LewisDragisic]

my favourite ben folds song

[@gregrosen9616]

Ben is the best thing that’s happened in music since 70s .

[@tullsterx]

That song is a piece of art. Timeless. Ben Folds Five were amazing at this time. Watching them play that live they remind me of Rush even. I can't imagine having to play that live night after night.

[@Partybob1]

It was amazing

[@jeffa4110]

Ben has always been amazing. Different genres, but he's up there with Mike Patton

[@matthewpilon4422]

as someone who loves both, patton's voice is unrivaled by anyone not named mercury. Ben is a better song writer.

[@matthewpilon4422]

He will always have a special place but, he needed the five. I will always get Van Morrison singer/songwriter vibes

[@silkysmoothsound]

Cried to this last night

[@arieslove6144]

Madame why were you crying

[@silkysmoothsound]

Aries love short answer: Divorce

[@arieslove6144]

aww im sorry sweetie.

[@arieslove6144]

where you from 'im want to get to know you

[@marby.]

I hope every day is a little easier for you. You'll survive ✌🏾❤

[@chrishenson4450]

Robert Sledge kickin' in the fuzz and the whole world feels it.

[@jordanfast673]

Ah man so sweet. And then dazzles the jazzy feels. Locked in.

[@pashanon]

Always have goosebumps listening to this..brilliant

[@kevinlofstrom1799]

This concert is so true to the album, what a joy to see it played live.

[@EBUNNY2012]

This man is totally underrated.

[@just4unyc]

Most milodically/beautifully composed songs ever. SELFLESS, COLD AND COMPOSED!

[@oktg91]

absolutely wonderful performance

[@marby.]

This version is amazing, even without strings

[@Waderader]

best song on the best album by the best band

[@alessandrovich]

i had a friend, who presented me John Mayer and Ben folds Five in the mid of 2000s......Since then i cant imagine any playlist without such a great musicians. True music!

[@andersjohnson9565]

Of all the songs in the world that I never heard on the radio, this one is my favorite.

[@jordanfast673]

Brings me back. Cannot contain the joy this band brought to me back then! What a perfect storm of musicianship, passion, 90s angst, innovation grounded in the past. Could go on but I won’t, will just make me sad they aren’t together.

[@jaredmckiernan9514]

What an absolute bop

[@pashanon]

But you just smile like a bank teller telling me have a nice life -❤❤❤

[@chaleureusenikolai3741]

I said what you wanted to hear And what I wanted to say So I will take it back Are all the dishes intact? Let them be broken, broken It's easy to be Easy and free When it doesn't mean anything You remain selfless, cold and Composed You've done me no favor To call and be nice Telling me I Can take anything I like You don't owe me to be so Polite You've done no wrong You've done no wrong Get out of my sight It's easy to be Easy and free When it doesn't mean anything You remain selfless, cold and Composed

[@betterlatethannever4536]

Come on baby, Throw me a right to the chin! Just don't stare like you never cared, I know you did! But you just smile Like a bank teller Blankly telling me, "Have a nice life." Come on baby, And throw me a right to the chin! Just one sign that would show me That you give a shit But you just smiled Politely And I grow weaker and I.... Said what you wanted to hear And what I wanted to say So I will take it back. It's easy to be Easy and free When it doesn't mean anything When it doesn't mean anything You can take anything You could take anything You're so selfless, cold You're so selfless, cold So selfless, cold, and composed.

[@hklinker]

That’s where the other half of the song got to!

[@SRlikethetoothpaste]

Watching an interview with Ben Folds recently, I was shocked to learn that he really doesn't like the album (Whatever and Ever Amen) from which this is taken. He's FAR too hard on himself. It's full of absolute bangers, top to tail. This song being a prime example.

[@matthewpilon4422]

artists are weird in that aspect. Some of the most basic rock songs of time are instant classics. Smoke on the Water and Iron Man. They are the most basic guitar riffs of all time despite how simple they are.

[@maninacave]

He said he hated a lot of the BFF stuff, and that's a shame, because I really think he went off the boil when they split up. To each their own, I suppose.

[@notillustrated]

One of my all time favorite songs

[@kimcordetti984]

Genius with words and musical skills. I an in awe So glad I got tickets to Columbus commons show..

[@theVHSvlog]

This is my favorite version of the song

[@tvscribe]

My dad introduced me to Ben Folds Five back in 96'. He had a real knack for identifying musical talent, I'm sure he would've been an incredible executive and could've sold his soul, but he didn't. I grew up in jersey, and when we took the long drive up to the baseball hall

[@tvscribe]

Baseball hall of fame, he played the Beatles A-Z, and the complete Ben Folds Five. I've been hooked ever since.

[@poolhall9632]

I saw this when it aired. I went out and found their music the next day. I never heard anything like them. Very fortunate to catch a show in Atlanta after they hit the big time with Brick. Thanks PBS!!!

[@Earwitness75]

Please tour again

[@jeffa4110]

I will ALWAYS support Ben

[@brindsbackpack]

One of.my favourite songs of all time! So, so good!

[@hklinker]

I bought this whole set on DVD around 2004. And I played it endlessly. It was always really hard to say which of the songs they played that day I liked the most...cuz I liked so many of them, and for different reasons. I think this one hits the hardest though, because the piano is delicate and gorgeous and the lyric shows a guy raging and trying to fight against being shut out and shut down. ‘Throw me a right to the chin.’ Great line.

[@michael.wiegand]

One of the best bridges of all time.

[@hklinker]

Came back for another visit to this tune and I was thinking just the same thing about the bridge!

[@bphilippe3352]

Great musicians !

[@Boylieboyle]

"...so I WILL take it back..." Didn't know about music till this guy and his f-ing talented cohorts.

[@arieslove6144]

Man haven't heard this in years, still my favorite from bff

[@Harleyriderds1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGnVp5Jsha9qbq8&list=PLMWTI3IYFKBsFiPYwuuD-PIWFY389Ns2H

[@hyerconscious4]

Brilliant. I will always love this song. Outstanding piano

[@xhrrdg]

Pure pleasure

[@aagrape3377]

beautiful piano strings…I'm deeply touched.

[@gayluinstra1396]

This is such a cool band!

[@nightwatcher]

Awesome music fellas, keep it up!

[@radiomondo]

Adoro.

[@izaakdaviddiggs]

I don't think there has been a rock trio this talented since the Police.Honestly, I have no idea how they get this full of a sound from a piano, bass, and drums. Like the Police, they had a very talented songwriter---like Sting, Ben Fold's solo work pales in comparison to what he did with Ben Folds Five much as Sting's solo work pales in comparison to the Police. Sometimes you need two other highly talented and unique musicians to bring your songs to optimal life...

[@kimcordetti984]

BEN FOLDS, brilliant troubadour You are so fresh and raw. I fucking love you and your mind. K

[@kimcordetti984]

That is.Kim C

[@justinbrink7425]

My goodness its so damn good

[@jmcieslak0]

Thank you for re-uploading this. I think 4:48 is the best rim shot I've ever heard. All that's missing is the strings, but i think it's well made up for by all 3 of them working their asses off yet making it sound effortless.

[@Harleyriderds1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGnVp5Jsha9qbq8&list=PLMWTI3IYFKBsFiPYwuuD-PIWFY389Ns2H

[@amipro380]

jmcieslak0, good observation!

[@maninacave]

I love love love this song. For me, and i know this will be unpopular, but Ben Folds solo was never as good as Ben Folds five. I think the conflict gave the music an edge.

[@PedroPetracco]

This session is sort of perfect

[@johannesmertens7028]

AWESEOME SONG but am I the only one who gets some Christmas vibes listening to this music?

[@fatheroforphans6214]

Charlie Brown Christmas and Shroeder is tickling the ivories. Probably Linus and Lucy is the song but the great Vince Guaraldi Trio is the magic behind the music. Yes I'm almost 60 and my Christmas isn't Christmas until I hear this and watch it on my still functioning VCR. Several other excellent little ditties in there as well. Get down Charlie Brown!

[@modalmixture]

It's the 6/8 feel. Like Vince Guaraldi's 'Skating'

[@johannesmertens7028]

@@modalmixture ah crazy thank you for this information

[@Tracey..H]

Reminds me of when i was young

[@Delta9Soundproduction]

The song of light inspiration !

[@NAIVADA]

Perfection~

[@TheJFerg24]

Musically, I think of this song and Carrying Cathy as sister songs.

[@haha_hollie]

me too, they're in the same scale and have similar instrumentation and melodies

[@tommatthews1761]

Love this song.

[@coasterairtime]

Quite a speedy version, I like it, makes it so youthful

[@jordanfast673]

Yeah Darren was pushing those tempos the whole show... awesome

[@hklinker]

Yes, I noticed… and have often wondered what drummers think of that part of Darren’s playing.

[@TimeNfeel91]

I love Darren Jesse and his vintage drums and cymbals

[@jimvinespresents...8463]

Great song! Just love it!

[@dakotajames_music1619]

Somebody took Jazz classes in college!

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

Intelligent melodies.

[@pinkpolly88]

❤️

[@Parrish_Muhoberac]

Awesome.

[@geno121]

The drums in this song are so so so good. Darren fuckin rules.

[@jorgefuentes8912]

3:46 a fly pass in front Ben

[@BrondrumsMusic]

At 1:52 also.

[@dynaboyjl.4220]

Not the same without the lush orchestrals of the studio version but jesus. So much raw emotion here

[@hklinker]

I really came to know the song from this live version. From a pure audio point of view, I wish the BF and BFF albums were better recorded.

[@andrewnance2156]

I bought the DVD....am I that behind? Excellent

[@rdon3575]

2024

[@shadygroves8252]

genius

[@Boylieboyle]

BFFFTW

[@alexjames4064]

39,000th view 🙌

[@fatheroforphans6214]

Unfuckingreal

[@AARONH85]

I said what you what you wanted to hear

[@Meltedcheese567]

Why do bands always speed songs up when they play live :(

[@adamhagen5704]

performance anxiety, excitement and an unconscious sympathetic reaction to the audience.

[@dawnrichardson8234]

It is so damn hard to restrain yourself coming out of a bridge.

[@Anjianie]

0:44 diIiIishes

[@teddyb4168]

Their timing is hanging by a thread... good in theory though... see what I did there?

[@widehotep9257]

Trivia fact: That is the BTK killer in the background at 5:22. He had planned to murder the drummer after the show, but his cab driver took him to the wrong hotel.

[@blackmarketbingo]

?? Do you have any proof of this? It kinda looks like the guy, but how do you know he was plotting to murder Darren?

[@jeffa4110]

Why, when I'm watching this, do they try to force me to watch billie eilish? Like I'm interested in her "music"? Lol

[@renderquick913]

The tempo is too fast! The album version is more “composed”. 😅