Music Review

09 January 2009 23:03 BST

Benji Hughes: A Love Extreme

New West Records, out now.

In a nutshell…

Fluent music, heinous vocals.

What's it all about?

I couldn't really say what this music is about because it doesn't seem to bear any real significant subjects. There are 25 songs here, on two begrudging CDs, all of which are a chore to listen to, unless of course you are an over-arching Indie kid.

With songs titled Tight Tee Shirt, and Why Do All These Parties End The Same Way, to I Went With Some Friends To See The Flaming Lips, and finally, the deeply insightful Vibe So Hot, one begs to question why these songs are being produced in the first place.

While the musical sounds remain eclectic and flavourful, Hughes' voice remains slurrishly monotonous and doesn’t quite fit in with the music he is pouring out.

Who's it by?

Hughes is a 'singer/songwrite' from North Carolina, in the US. He has recently toured the UK with the likes of indie goddess Jenny Lewis, of Rilo Kiley fame.

Hughes has received critical acclaim from the omnipotent source of Rolling Stone, being cited as 'Album to Buy'. However, the reviews among music consumers remain mixed between a pure love, or an undying hate.

As an example...

"That girl is hot she's so hot/That girl is fine she's so fine/How did she get what she got?/She's such a very rare find/I think she might be a witch/The way that she casts her spell/It's true I really miss her/But I only wish her well." - Tight Tee Shirt

Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys

Absolutely not. And if for some unbeknown reason this man makes any nomination lists, I will personally lose faith in the music industry and their judgement of esteemed talent as a whole.

What the others say

"I'm sure this guy is a nice fellow, but it sounds like he is plugging his nose when he is singing. I find it really annoying." – Lisa P, Amazon User Review

"Hughes' logic — like his tunes and his wit — is unimpeachable." - Rolling Stone

So is it any good?

Hughes is trying too hard. It's plain and it's simple, and while others may state that he can blissfully describe loves tales from happier times to dreaded feelings of hopelessness, it just does not connect for me.

Perhaps it does for the hipster toting around Williamsburg, Brooklyn, trying so hard to be unique or original and liking music that no one should like, or maybe it pleases the artist crowd, but other than that, this music does not translate into everyday situations.

While the acoustics flow well, Hughes basically destroys any chance of having a solid record with his monotonous, slur-filled voice. Save your money, and your time.

3/10 (and that's being kind)

Valerie Haberman