Ben Folds: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watching Ben Folds perform his songs on piano at the Tiny Desk, there seems to be a direct line between thought and expression, except perhaps when he stumbles or forgets a line or two. Folds has a knack for plainspoken, smartly crafted words that sometimes sting and always seem to speak the truth - like these words from "Phone In A Pool":
"Seems what's been good for the music
Hasn't always been so good for the life"
At the Tiny Desk, Folds opened with three sharp songs from his most recent album So There, a collaboration with six musicians who straddle the line between pop and classical music; they're known as the yMusic Ensemble. When he finished those tunes, he asked the crowd for requests, at which point he banged out two favorites on piano: "Emaline," which dates back to the '80s, and a foot-stomper from his second album with Ben Folds Five, "One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces." It's a memorable performance recounting memorable moments from second grade and beyond, as simple and direct as its closing line: "Kiss my ass."
So There is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/so-there/id1018447558
Amazon: www.amazon.com/So-There-Ben-Folds/dp/B011KF8BJK
Set List:
"Phone In A Pool"
"Not A Fan"
"Capable Of Anything"
"Emaline"
"One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Julia Reihs; Photo: Jun Tsuboike/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/tiny-desk-concerts-video

[@robinamoruso7410]

When I saw Ben Folds live he must've forgotten his lyrics 3 or 4 times. This man is my spirit animal lol

[@tylerchristman1104]

I mean when you've written as much music as he has, you're bound to forget a word or two 😂😂

[@justingroff3682]

yes mine is a Sloth but Ben is my Hedgehog Hermione of choice that is why my wife has 2 big front teeth...it is my type I love great jazz Ben along w DMB Phish Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and Jon Batiste my top 5 at the moment but my favorite band Phish is passing Billy Joel soon as most MSG residencies for a reason

[@christopherfederici2776]

He treats the piano like punk guitarist treats their guitar, I love it.

[@SmoothTurtle840]

He’s been known to destroy several piano benches at the end of his concerts.

[@heyheyitsJoanna]

My parents picked out their piano specifically so my brother could play Ben Folds's songs without ruining it.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Except for that part where he knows how to play it extraordinarily well, but yeah, agreed.

[@sirlantzolot]

Yes!

[@thebrutusmars]

@@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney Punk guitarists know how to play the guitar well, too.

[@bdfpgirl]

Even his fuck ups are spot on.

[@interstellish]

Ben Folds has it all. Absolute fluency on the keys, a gorgeous voice, and lyric writing that defined a whole generation of nerdy 20-somethings in the mid to late 90's. The guy is a treasure.

[@elsamp]

He's really old and his voice is off.

[@Boogers32150]

Anthony Francisco - wut

[@jamieknowles625]

I think you mean stylistically it seems off. In terms of pitch the guy is nearly perfect all the time and it still baffles me. Stylistically I would agree with you though. Sometimes his voice clings to the way he used to describe his music as "punk rock for sissies." That style is definitely dwindling, but certain songs he does, especially lyrically, are transcendent of his vocal style. Songs like Still and Luckiest will always be timeless regardless o how he sings them. Try listening to him through the lens of piano punk and it might help you enjoy it a bit more. Papa bless!

[@indubitablyzara]

Believe me, he continues to define nerdy 20-somethings. ;)

[@willritter4076]

I'd greatly appreciate it if some 90s fans of the piano & vocal genre would check out my acoustic interpretations of LONG DECEMBER by the Counting Crows and BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY by the Verve on my channel. Live acoustic with no digital editing. Thanks and peace out.

[@comstock79]

That dude that blurts "Emaline" right away is now my favorite dude

[@tonycampbell1424]

He was ready for his cue, for sure.

[@roshan7623]

Hi Ben

[@bjojo7188]

And the one who insisted on brick over missing the war is a tool

[@gwicks]

One of the lastgreat rock stars who really genuinely understood the legit rock spirit. Not about image, not about conformity,notabout trends, all about enjoying playing good music for the sake of it. Ben and Robert and Darren always felt genuine.

[@anotherfolk6016]

Few artists are quite charming enough to take the ultimate disaster of forgetting your own lyrics on tape and make it an endearing moment instead. Great job, Ben.

[@bullerfugl]

and you'll realise that you are an ass, grow up.

[@Beltesassar_]

+McLovin You You shouldn't use other peoples opinions to argumentate your own opinion

[@anotherfolk6016]

+Buller I'm honestly concerned for the guy since I really didn't use any words beyond a high school vocabulary.

[@TheGalwayFarmer]

Ella Fitzgerald famously "forgot" the lyrics to Mack the Knife...

[@John-nk3ej]

fukkkking omega lul

[@hiddeninthesnowwe]

I love that he's just a talented dude with a piano. He's not pulling a diva act when he messes up or whatever, just figures it out and keeps going.

[@RhapsodyinGlue]

Can’t believe it’s been 7 years already, this is properly timeless. Plus he played Emaline.

[@jeremy1392]

0:09 Phone In A Pool 5:05 Not A Fan 9:35 Capable Of Anything 14:53 Emaline 18:47 One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces

[@andresluz4973]

You the real mvp

[@Lucasryan]

Wheres the mark for the piano punch? 😂

[@jeremy1392]

@@Lucasryan lol wut? I received no comment or like notifications on this. I guess after so many likes, it disables them. Just looked back at the comments for the first time in ages and see 160 likes. Glad to have made things easier for people. 20:54

[@yurapishwall621]

no brick smh

[@MrJustSomeGuy87]

Lucas Robertson 2:47

[@SpikeShooter92]

With a new album on the way, we need another Tiny Desk concert

[@brrrrharrr]

my man

[@cafe_y_crema]

If Ben says your piano is out of tune, it is.

[@matthewsimkins]

If Ben punches your piano, it's out of tune.

[@isaacrobertson4374]

If Ben plays your piano, it will be

[@MythicGuitarCompany]

@@isaacrobertson4374 If ben plays your out of tune piano, it would immediately be worth more than one in tune.

[@closebits]

cafe.y.crema out of tune AF!

[@willritter4076]

Folds is a very skilled piano player and his lyrics are brilliant, but his voice has a whining quality of white privilege about it that can be grating to listen to.

[@tremode3]

"phone in the pool" has become one of my favorite songs as of late!

[@JakeBoof438]

when it came out i couldnt stop listening to it lol

[@pboplatypus]

I just fell in love with Ben Folds all over again

[@JULIAtalk]

As a young piano player/ amateur song writer, I have never been so inspired by someone's songwriting as much as I am by Ben

[@michakowalski2930]

I just discovered him. Just this morning I was thinking how everything starts to sound the same to me. And he inspired me now. I'm mesmerized.

[@AdamTLive]

His solo performances are some of the best live music I’ve ever seen.

[@gabe_s_videos]

Liked his little story about using words from his everyday life in songs. I really feel like that's what's made him such an enduring songwriter.

[@sammichelson4716]

Robogabriel I think you meant endearing, but yeah I totally agree!

[@marone0324]

yeah, most of his songs sound like a real conversation you'd have with a friend where pretense and formalities are lifted. The best thing about his work

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

That's what got me. He's just an everyday guy.

[@user-zu8kk4zk3r]

him messing up is honestly refreshing... reminds that hes human/live idk... also as a piano player myself who messes up

[@user-eb6xu4pv8d]

And there’s beauty in it :) it’s unique and almost the version of current truth? and it’s special bc the ppl there got to experience it. They’re lucky to me😭

[@christinakraftician]

This what true artists go through. Forgetting lyrics, being in the wrongs key, when the setting is different wondering if can pull off a flawless performance. He is an amazing performer.

[@KristinEFia]

His voice is so honest, familiar and lovable.

[@gkftndlTdj247]

In 2023, still amazing. Love all the single words in his songs.

[@kadencaudle9871]

Oddly enough, I love these versions of his songs more than the official versions, I like the way the different instruments sound and I like ymusic but I love the way he plays piano and the way he fills in for the other parts more

[@TheNumberScott]

He absolutely KILLED One Angry Dwarf. Dang that's a good song.

[@miguela.contreras4076]

hands down Not a Fan is one the best songs he's ever made

[@drkside76]

Dude is so in my top three that the rest of the list doesn't pick up again until twenty.

[@rustysmittyful]

That's legit praise

[@ccrider8277]

That's, like, math.

[@liammcmillan3061]

Donald King he should be in your top 5 (;

[@Margar02]

Seriously. Ben Folds and Steely Dan. Top two.... they battle day on the list.

[@VeggiesOutFront]

Are you talking tiny desk line ups?

[@ReinhardScheibe]

Geez, how has this slipped past me for three years? What a gem, both Ben and this tiny desk concert of his.

[@microflyyer13]

Been a fan of ben since I was only 9 years old and I first heard his music on Over the hedge :)

[@thelowlybard]

I didn't realize he made the music for Over the Hedge, but it makes so much sense now.

[@isaacrobertson4374]

Me too

[@jessewestbrook9816]

My daughter is obsessed at 7 yrs old. I have to say im quite proud

[@SquiggyLives]

That Lost in the Supermarket cover is top-notch!

[@varsguevara1952]

Over the hedge!

[@HadleyUnited]

In my first ever guitar lesson, I was told that no one who is listening to your music knows when you fuck up, so pretend like you didn't. The fact that ben stops and aims for perfection is just a testament to his talent.

[@DOC4724]

tbh no one gives a fuck

[@grileably4465]

+McLovin You you are a poor person

[@DOC4724]

Sorry m8

[@EvilAntic]

+McLovin You try harder don't be a bitch

[@BGroothedde]

Exactly

[@reniisgod]

14:53 instantly transports me back to my youth. Friends and family who are long gone. It’s hard to think about how the years fly by without even realising. Life is really tough, nothing will ever come to close to those carefree days.

[@technophobespain]

Ben is just a musical genius, and that's that.

[@maxexodus]

Never heard of this guy but i liked his music a lot

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

I hope by now you are a fan and know all his music. For your sake I hope so.

[@matchbox3eb]

It's always a treat to hear his stuff. This is one of fav tiny desk. Whatever and ever amen is an incredible intelligent album that got me hooked back in the 90's. For any music nerds you need to do yourself a favor and listen to his stuff throughout the years. His musical brilliance is super dynamic

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

Live In Perth Trust me... It's just great.

[@urgentlyDuck]

He's got a very clear pronunciation

[@TheCartoonCatastrophe]

The stecatto section in Emaline gives me goosebumps

[@aname3017]

We all forget the words sometimes. He's so human and relatable, and his voice sounds like a comfy sweater in December.

[@Hypn0tyque]

Jesus, Ben Folds plays the goddamn piano.

[@DOC4724]

Really? Didn't even notice Tbh

[@mindlesshyena8245]

Shut up and stop spreading rumors, he doesn't play piano

[@christopherkessler4827]

Oscar Hernandez he's not playing.

[@Spuds3432]

nah hes lip syncing the piano. i am a chef, I can confirm

[@Mr_Mooo]

He doesn't play it...he OWNS IT!

[@askrhonnie6356]

Been a fan since 1998. There's nobody like Ben (Folds Five).

[@isabelmarques1840]

You just cannot be cooler than this.

[@SilvethTheRadiant]

But there's always someone cooler than you...

[@EffingtonCouldBe]

Emaline - NICE! It melts my heart.

[@MrJackso25]

I love that song and Annie waits

[@jedoyle6]

Emaline and Kate were the coolest girls I ever imagined when I was 14 and heard these

[@benfirkus74]

Named our Dogs Emaline and Fred Jones... we debated between effington and Fred Jones landed on Fred

[@EffingtonCouldBe]

@@benfirkus74 LoL - great names! Nice.

[@Deepthoughtsabound]

Luckiest makes me shed man tears

[@ToriAnneNH]

I have watched One Angry Dwarf from this video about 1500 times. Simply amazing Ben. I never get enough of you!

[@NotSoRusty1]

I can't listen to this enough times. Every time makes me smile so big. Thanks for years and years of great music Ben! And thanks NPR for bringing this amazing man on for everyone to enjoy!

[@darkwaterblue]

Ben Folds fuck yeah!

[@zam5487]

Oh god, I've ben waiting for a Ben Folds tiny desk as long as I've known about the series

[@shewasjustso]

"Not A Fan" is hugely reminiscent to his earlier "Boxing". It is great!

[@tessmullen9948]

Still here, June 2021. Saw him live 3 years ago and it's still the best show i've ever seen. Love this guy!!!

[@stevenanderson4553]

How can your favourite part of this brilliant performance not be when he forgets the words to one of his own songs??? How human are we huh?? 🤩

[@unplaceableface]

Everyone saw him punch that piano, right? He punched it right in the face! We need to get the word out: Ben Folds is a piano puncher. People, don't let your pianos outside until this man is caught, and if you see him don't try and apprehend him yourself. As far as we know he only punches pianos, but it's possible he'll punch more than that... like a guitar or a violin. A violin can't take a punch like a piano can; we have to stop him before it comes to that.

[@DOC4724]

just shut the fuck up

[@MissNatalonga]

lol

[@yovitamamam5981]

hahaha

[@channongogue]

My Pineapple Gets WiFi I really like his compositions but my wife was once so appalled by his piano abuse that I daren't not even mention his name, let alone suggest playing a CD of his! Tim Minchin worth a listen.

[@annieausten1784]

Arthur Thornborough I love Tim Minchin but I'd give Rock N' Roll Nerd a skip then seeing as Tim Minchin says, "he loves Ben Folds" in on of the verses.

[@nezalok270]

he punches the god damn piano, its great

[@cariad123]

TheESB1138 What did he do?

[@gerrowilliams]

Al Funcoot belt it repeatedly with the stool

[@Luis-fl3kz]

wait, when does he do that? I was just listening

[@justmebeingbored1794]

Luís 2:47

[@SlightlyBlue]

Ben Folds will always be my favorite artist

[@rhi1989]

One of his index fingers does a crazy bending thing. Everyone else has said what I originally wanted to say so this is all I have left to contribute.

[@alexandermarcus1497]

Insufferable Know-It-All lol I think he's just double jointed, and possibly started to do that when he learned to play to make sure his index finger didn't hit a key

[@lawrenceglista]

This is about the 20th time I've come to this performance and I'm beginning to think it might be my favorite Tiny Desk

[@treygeier386]

One of the best concerts I have seen. He is super talented.

[@max_mittler]

this is the first tiny desk concert where I've actually seen the audience

[@weirdo337]

This, Tyler the creator and the blue man group are the only ones I’ve seen the audience in and I’ve seen a ton of these

[@kingcouth8888]

DAN DEACON

[@goldenboy8334]

This kid has been in my playlist since the early 90's 😎

[@allyoursphotography1]

Best version of Emaline I've ever heard.

[@garyspianocovers6684]

I just found him a few months ago. I find him so deep and mysterious yet his lyrics telling it like he sees it. So enjoyable to listen to his variety and mastery on the keys.

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

Get his EPs...trust me.

[@victorcouwenbergh8892]

Thank you NPR Music to make these Tiny Concerts happen with all these fantastic musicians from all over the world. I discovered this channel recently and I am hugely enjoying it (and in the meantime discovering new musicians as well!)

[@michaelmcguire650]

Ditto - and discovering old musicians too!

[@nickbiere4158]

I am so glad he did one of these. This is definitely my favorite tiny desk concert so far!

[@mrcn119t6]

Seen him live many times - when it comes to one man and a piano banging it out - the only man who can touch him is Elton. Awesome.

[@littlelamb2112]

Ben’s great, but you’ve got to put Billy Joel there too.

[@chris.bcfc.keeprighton.5685]

You can keep Elton John and Billy Joel, give me the music of Ben Folds any day.

[@JacobMindes]

Not many people can forget the words to their song and still be awesome haha

[@fattmusiek5452]

Anyone else notice the strange overtones during the intro to Emaline? Right around @14:57. I don't know why but I LOVE it. Song kills me.

[@DarwinDrake]

i love ben and also chet baker

[@Daiyamaruu]

This guy is so carismatic and funny, ben folds is a legend :')

[@jamesfield2442]

I just love his style

[@ngc6027]

Thanks Ben Folds and Tiny Desk! I've been wanting this for a long time. I'm so glad to see my favorite artist on my favorite internet series :)

[@JohnCampos062298]

An excellent performance. Longtime Ben Folds fan.

[@weirdo337]

I haven’t really listened to Ben folds much cause like the only times I’ve seen him were like classical music things and so I thought he was just a classical pianist but I’m very glad I saw this video so I know that’s absolutely not true and I’m now lowkey obsessed with this man

[@RO-py2xh]

Was just listening to him and I get this notification, damn thankyou universe

[@willamsage9553]

I loved ben at 13 and I still do. His music has helped me so much :')

[@Nono-hk3is]

Thank you, NPR and Ben!

[@mattman402]

Ben Folds is the definition of a musician. I fucking love this man.

[@CriterionCafe]

Thank you. Thank you so much NPR!

[@stevenstuckey5571]

He has always been one of my favorite song writers; music so thick and rich with melody and meaning and hook lines and genuine humanity. Great Job and much love!!

[@tristansummers9486]

So refreshing to see a bunch of lovely people all together. It's been a tough year.

[@pacosquire7427]

i love how Ben Folds forgets the lyrics to his own song

[@marysmusicaljourney2.0]

I will always love Ben Folds.

[@spinningtowinning2104]

I love ben folds ben folds because i dont think he ever plays a song the same way, he always manages to change what he is playing a little bit to make it more interesting. I can safely look up ben folds concerts and never hear the same exact song within two concerts.

[@mydestinyaw8tsme09]

Ben was adorable as always. Thanks NPR~

[@yvonnealley5357]

Cannot believe I missed this on radio. Thank you for post! I so LOVE brilliant Ben - he is my favorite by far - and the piano is lucky to have him touch it in any manner. LOL!

[@slickabe]

What a brilliant pianist, performer, and lyricist. Wow!

[@bubblesvampire7575]

Just awesome. Thanks, NPR!

[@steveshea9448]

I could watch that every day.

[@laurapittenger8902]

yeah his fingers on one angry dwarf are absolutely sick

[@laflama.]

Vulfpeck should make a cover of "phone in a pool"

[@letitbegin1012]

I don't think that song matches their style

[@3xStampA2xStamp]

@@letitbegin1012 vulfpeck matches everything

[@isaacrobertson4374]

3xStampA2xStamp yes but there are better Ben folds songs they could cover

[@lucascruz3512]

@@letitbegin1012 i swear I can hear Joe slapin' this now ngl

[@hayleyb467]

Mmm hmm

[@s1ygirl]

Great stuff! This is where it's at! Heart and soul and a piano.

[@nirekaro2240]

歌詞飛んでから魂入る。

[@mikefelber5129]

Such an amazing talent, I can’t say enough !!

[@ethanaxler]

One of my all time favourite tiny desk videos a great artist and performance!!!

[@themeanderings9280]

One of the best Tiny Desks! Bens amazing - huge inspiration on our piano-driven indie rock music.

[@Calciumchlorid]

this video is a national treasure

[@sarasweightlossjourney1432]

This is great ❤️

[@aidencunha735]

I love Ben. this video is so great, thank you.

[@batsnake]

I was surprised to see this in my subscription box! Love Ben Folds ^^

[@borjonx]

Come back every few months to this vid - LOVE IT!!!

[@user-yj7iq6um8g]

Very good, I love his sense of humor, thank you Ben.

[@haleypalten2352]

I've fallen in love with this guy before I fell in love with his music....this dude is GOLD. Can't wait to get into this music.

[@juliannemclaughlin6352]

I am so fond of that little smirk he does before going into a piano solo.

[@cweezy64]

He literally forgot the words to his song and still had an amazing performance. amazing. lol

[@EeePee13]

One of the greatest things I've seen in a long time!

[@webgirl]

Thank you for re-minding us of this gem

[@davevanfunk8917]

He can flub up all he wants. He is immensely talented.