One would think that in the land of Madonna, Eminem, and The White Stripes we would give a chance to artists who may very well be the next great thing to come out of the state. Michigan hasn’t been so kind to Brendan Benson. Sure he’s had a major label deal for a while and sure he’s earned praise around the world, but in the mitten state he’s still something of an underground phenomenon.

Born in Royal Oak (a “hip” Detroit suburb), Benson’s family relocated in lieu of work to the New Orleans area. After his parents split, Benson returned to Royal Oak with his mother but still loved the music his father had shown him. T. Rex, David Bowie, and The Beatles were among the most important to the young music man. From his early love of glam, he soon turned to punk. He played with a variety of bands for about ten years never really getting a break and never really taking it too seriously.

Benson skipped town for Florida in 1995. It has less to do with the incredibly uncool nature of Detroit at the time and more to do with a girl. That of course didn’t last, but in that time he got the inspiration to record a demo. That demo got in the hands of the right people (aka Virgin records). The time seemed right for another alt-power-pop act and Benson’s 1996 debut One Mississippi. The victim of major label shakeups and unexplainable bad sales, the Michigan native became separated from Virgin. Doing what he wanted without pretense or expectation he returned home in the late 1990s to Detroit and recorded 2002’s Lapalco for the Brooklyn (New York) indie StarTime. The hype returned and labels once again were seeking out his talents. First they were just foreign (i.e. UK) labels and then it was V2.

The Alternative to Love is the work of a man who has long wanted to make an impact. He’s done so in many corners around the United States and UK, but I will guarantee that he can still wander into most any haunt in the Detroit area completely unnoticed. This refreshing modesty he exhibits in his music, dedication to the area, and various interviews makes Benson seem like a real guy and not just the typical rock star. Of course, it helps that his music is palatable.

While it seems that I’ve known the name Brendan Benson for a while, it’s only recently that I’ve actually picked up The Alternative to Love. Let me just say—if this album is any indication of how good One Mississippi and Lapalco are, I’m ready to shell out the cash immediately for those probable gems. As it stands, this 2005 album is easily one of the most compelling offerings of the year. It’s dynamic and rich, emotional and creative—Benson clearly knows how to make a special album. Screw the crazed hype machine, this guy is for real.

The Alternative to Love is an incredibly natural album. At the same time I find it exciting, Benson makes me feel comfortable with the material. I can’t say that Benson reminds me of anybody in particular; rather it’s the combination of rock, pop, glam, and folk elements that makes his music so very appealing and original. Plus, I have problems faulting any artist when they include a clarinet in their arrangement like on Get It Together. Clarinets are much more than just high school band instruments. They belong in pop. Viva la clarinet!

Of course the appeal of The Alternative to Love extends far beyond a simple woodwind. It’s in the heart and soul of the album, woven into the arrangements, and dripping from Benson’s crystalline voice. The consistent high quality of the tracks also comes as a surprise. Early songs like Cold Hands (Warm Heart) and Spit It Out are on par with later tracks like Get It Together and What I’m Looking For. There are very few discs that are this good from start to finish. Benson does the impossible and what most artists struggle a lifetime to accomplish.

Because Benson’s third album is so strong, I struggle in trying to identify most and least favorites. The excellent opening song Spit It Out is as good a place as any to start I suppose. What comes immediately to mind is that Benson is like a less affected version of power-pop pioneer Matthew Sweet. His arrangements are surprisingly mellow. Spit It Out is one of the most immediately satisfying offerings with its quick pace and open sound. It draws the listener in and primes them for the outstanding album that’s about to transpire. I can’t imagine listening to this first song and deciding that the album isn’t worth checking out.

The excellence drips over into Cold Hands (Warm Heart) which slows things down and exposes Benson’s heart. It’s a lovely song with an acoustic feel. The delicate nature of the song is refreshing and Benson’s listless voice reminds me ever so slightly of another power pop singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips. It’s all good though, Benson certainly carves out his own identity. Feel Like Myself introduces heavy synthesizers in the beginning followed by a catchy verse bolstered by a tambourine and lightly strummed guitars. Benson’s boyish voice is at the center of the song. It all feels so right.

Title track, Alternative To Love is oddly enough not one of my favorites. I appreciate the acoustic folk (and, oddly enough, glam) slant and clap-along style, but in the end it doesn’t seem quite as focused as the best songs on this album. This isn’t to say it should be skipped—listen all the way through so you don’t regret missing anything. The Pledge is next up. With an early 1960s teenage angel sort of sound, it stands out as both different and outstanding. Benson’s ability to meld the old and new to create something entirely new and original is truly amazing.

Biggest Fan is the next song that really draws me in. Beautiful, humble, intelligent, rich, and magical it proves to be one of the best songs on the entire album. I like it when Benson steps over the precipice into ballad territory. It works for his lyrics:

A distant stab and gas ignites
The wind in your face, warm summer nights
So take me along just for a ride
Remember, I'm on your side
On your side

I’m also pleased to say that the sing-songy Flesh and Bone works wonderfully in much the same way as the preceding song. Get It Together on the other hand picks up the pace and returns to the catchy melody that drew me in to the album initially. It’s not as memorable as Spit It Out, but it still is pretty amazing stuff. Oh yes, and there is that prominent clarinet. Clarinets rock. Gold Into Straw has its own smooth, unique feel. However it is What I’m Looking For in the eleventh spot that positively reeks of brilliance. Taking a cue from Rufus Wainwright, he does the tin pan thing perfectly. This is the pinnacle of pop music. It’s timeless, bouncy and catchy. Benson makes sure that there’s a reason to stick around to the very end of The Alternative to Love.

Obviously I love this album although I wish I had a better idea of Benson’s musical career. Fortunately it’s not necessary to have heard and loved his earlier albums in order to appreciate The Alternative to Love. It’s modest, stylish, and happy—everything alt-power-pop should be without any pretension. Benson could very well be the future of music, are you listening?

Rating: 5/5 stars

Track Listing:
01. Spit It Out
02. Cold Hands (Warm Heart)
03. Feel Like Myself
04. Alternative To Love
05. The Pledge
06. Them and Me
07. Biggest Fan
08. Flesh and Bone
09. Get It Together
10. Gold Into Straw
11. What I'm Looking For
12. Between Us

Recommended: Yes