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Grade: B
Music • The concept behind Ben Folds' new release, "Lonely Avenue" — Folds wrote the music and English author Nick Hornby (About a Boy, High Fidelity, Fever Pitch) supplied the lyrics — is slightly more exciting than most of the music within it.
The creativity is there, but the album is not among Folds' best.
Some songs, including "Levi Johnston's Blues" and "Doc Pomus," are standouts, showcasing Folds' usual blunt wit and bright musicality, but others fall short of what fans might expect.
— Lisa Schencker