Breathing Tornados [Import]

Okay it's 1999, just about every artist now days want to add some drum loop or some crazy computer effect in their songs. Now former Noise Addict Aussie (and Double Dare contestant!) is one of those artists who follow in that direction. But unlike other artists who uses the drum loop and samples as something "now "or gimmicky (like the awful Sugar Ray... "Every Morning" I have to listen to that ....ha ha), Ben Lee really uses it to it's advantage, breathing new life in his songs. These are not your basic four-track Ben Lee acoustic albums (Grandpaw Would and Something To Remember Me By) The opener, "Cigarettes Will Kill You", starts off with piano very reminiscent to Fiona Apple's "Fast As You Can". And has a great chorus, "I wish everyone was wrong." On song two, "Nothing Much Happens" features a monologue by Kids and Sonic Youth`s "Sunday" video director Harmony Korine. When song three comes, it sounds like Ben is getting his groove on "I Am A Sunflower" that sounds a bit like Barry White. Maybe it's the fact he's getting some from ex-My So-Called Life Star Claire Danes that Ben's lyrics sound more sensual than the other albums. Another factor in the writing of Breathing Tornados was that it was recorded in some guy's house that made some ...!? (Yes it's true, go to some site and read about it.) There are some classic Ben Lee songs "The Finger and the Moon" featuring very minimal organ and acoustic guitar with slow drumbeats. "Birthday Song" and "10ft. Tall" is just Ben with his guitar with barely any accompanying percussion. Want something jazzy or funky? Listen to "Nighttime" "Burn to Shine" or "Sandpaperback" (with Sean Lennon on guest vocals) Throughout the 12 songs on this album, Ben searches for someone he could be intimate with. Using "organic" or "electronic" methods, he sings with the passion to grab anyone listening. Sure, he does have some weird nasal thing in his voice, which may be hard for people to listen to. (C'mon he's Australian!) But give it a chance please.... This is one talented young man who may be the future of rock and roll!

Having been a Ben Lee fan for a few years, I bought this album sight unseen (or sound unheard as it were) right when it came out. From the first notes of "Cigarretes Will Kill You," the opening track on this amazing disc, I was taken aback. Where was the acoustic guitar? The simple melodies? But the more I listened to Breathing Tornados, the more I was able to appreciate the complexity of the sounds Ben Lee has created for this album. He continues to grow and evolve on this, his third album as a solo artist, and yet he's only 20 years of age.

Breathing Tornados, despite the use of drum machines and distortion, maintains the simplicity and earnestness of Lee's previous work. His songs lyrically remain tales of love lost and love found, and of searching for himself. Lee's music speaks of himself, and that communicates with the listener. I can find many connections with his stories and my own life. Standouts on this album include the first single "Nothing Much Happens," the extremely catchy "Nighttime," and the sonic-busting "Ship My Body Home."

Quick Picks: If you like these, you might like Ben Lee (and vice versa): Luscious Jackson, Rufus Wainwright, Lotion

I have been a hard-core ben lee fan for many years now and I can tell you that this one is a lot different than his previous records. I was surprised at first because it was a lot less acoustic but a lot of complex sounds. The lyrics are deep, and his voice has really changed for the better. I bought this album in march of 1999 and I still listen to it all the time. This one is a masterpiece. really.