As far as anyone can tell us, Ben Folds doesn't have a history of schizophrenia, which is why his new project, Fear Of Pop, is a little surprising. Temporarily free from the confines of his piano/ bass/ drums combo, Folds explodes in an excited frenzy of creativity, committing to tape 40+ minutes' worth of unpredictable, spaztic experiments.

No, friends, there's no lack of weirdness here. The opening track, "Fear Of Pop," sounds like a gothed- out Cars number during which Folds alternates between Trent Reznor- influenced spoken verses and maniacal screaming fits. "In Love" is the closest thing to a pop song the album possesses-- a total easy listening gem with vocals by William Shatner. Later, we encounter "Avery M. Powers Memorial Beltway," which is a bizarre, bossa nova experiment with decidedly '70s- sounding three- part- harmonies, whirring keyboard noises, and possibly, bird calls. In the meantime, "I Paid My Money" sounds like an homage to inane new-wave disco songs, and "Rubber Sled" is dialogue between a shopkeeper and a guy that wants to buy a bike, backed up by soulful vocals and music that sounds like it was penned by a Casio-- at the end it even turns into a full- blown "Proud Mary"-ish gospel number.

The problem with the record is that it doesn't have a very high replay value. What I mean is, it's fun the first time through, but unless you're mentally deranged, it's not something you'll probably listen to time and again. So, heed these words: if you want pop, you're gonna have to settle for your trusty Ben Folds Five albums. If you want Folds' kitschy sense of humor in all its unstoppable glory, there's nothing better than Fear Of Pop.

-Ryan Schreiber

"In Love" (featuring William Shatner)

[Real Audio Stream]