Brendan Benson: the Alternative to Love

Interview, March, 2005 by Dimitri Ehrlich

Brendan Benson The Alternative to Love (V2)

Like a distressed Xerox version of Rubber Soul--era Beatles or Alex Chilton on antidepressants, Benson is an old-school pop hookmeister. He, however, infuses his cheerful melodies with a rushed, offhanded attitude, which gives even the prettiest parts an air of aggression. The Detroit resident (and friend and collaborator of Jack White) has taken cues from the masters. He has a knack for lyrics that brim with wit without being too clever, and the album sounds like he spit it out while an egg timer was running--nothing is precious or overwrought, and you start to miss the songs before they're even over.