Brendan Benson - The Alternative to Love

In the circles which artists and devoted consumers of art travel, no term has quite as much stigma attached to it as the most dreaded of all three-letter words: Pop. Anything popular or exhibiting characteristics of something popular, as the logic goes, must be devoid of integrity and, in all likelihood, inherently evil. Music snobs time and again have had to invent genres and employ a host of adjectives that will allow them to enjoy their favorite pop records without succumbing to the judgment of their peers (see any artist who’s ever been labeled “power” pop). Fortunately for those of us who have ever wilted in shame at the thought of our musical duplicity, Brendan Benson has come along and made The Alternative to Love, an album of pop gems even the most superior of indie rockers can listen to guilt-free. Much has been made in the rock press of Benson’s friendship with fellow Detroit resident Jack White. If White has been heralded as the 21st century equivalent to the guitar rock gods of the late 60’s, then Benson is the successor to the same era’s throne of sad-eyed pop. Benson sings melancholy lyrics of romantic failure and confusion with such spirited melodic energy one will be apt to forget that the sprightly tune they find themselves whistling throughout the day is one of love lost. In fact, Benson delivers lines like “You love me and I love you/So what's the problem?/Can't you see that I'm sinking fast/And I'm near the bottom?” (from “Get It Together”) so cheerfully, it’s tempting to give in and adopt his decidedly charming view of heartache. Standout tracks like “Gold Into Straw,” “Spit It Out,” “Cold Hands (Warm Heart)” and “The Pledge” (the last recalls Phil Spector at a time when he was more musical genius than alleged criminal) are buoyed by lively guitars, cleverly double-tracked vocals, and a percussive drive that keeps the record from lagging at any point. For those looking for a fresh, inspired record to raise the bar for (insert your favorite adjective here) pop music, look no further than The Alternative to Love. Go ahead and tell your friends about it, too. It’s ok. For once, nobody’s here to judge. [www.brendanbenson.com]