In a musical climate where one scarcely knows what alternative music is the alternative to--the Ben Folds Five is a welcome change of pace from whatever it is that causes us to need one. Folds crafts likable, catchy, more-or-less pop music, around an alternative instrument--the piano.

At the heart of it all, is a lively sense of humor and an even keener sense of the absurd--(the Ben Folds Five is a trio) They could be compared to They Might Be Giants, in that some of their songs are quirky and pack a punch-line. But the subject matter of the BFF is far more diverse--which keeps them from falling into the novelty-act trap that felled the mighty Giants. The same trap I foolishly figured that Beck would fall into.

The beauty of this album is the graceful way in which Ben manages to juxtapose both the humor and the pathos of our lives--particularly our love lives. The glib, humorous songs are a good bit of fun, but the real gems on this album are a handful of rueful ballads. Folds is a gifted lyricist and can evoke strong emotions with a simple observation, an everyday remark--creating imagery that can stun, amaze as well as haunt.

Though a good deal of the music is Jazz influenced--he doesn't overindulge and therefore shouldn't scare off those of you who may not care for Jazz. Folds is a terrific pianist but he knows how to rock--and only rarely does he use his technical prowess in order to be clever just for the sake of being clever. (Good Jazz is great--but about 17 minutes into a free form Sax solo and I'm ready to take my own life).

I guess the most apt musical comparison would be to the classic Joe Jackson sound immortalized by his big hit "Stepping Out." But this only a generalized clue I'm offering you--Ben Folds is a talented and funny man--it's worth buying the album just to read the liner notes. Whatever and Ever Amen may not be for everybody--but I think it's for you.