saddyboy | indianapolis, in United States | 12/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One Mississippi is one of the most criminally overlooked debuts of the 90's...it took several years for BB to be free of his contract so he could follow it up w/2002's masterful 'Lapalco'--now, thanks to the success of that record, Star Time International has reissued BB's first record w/bonus tracks (previously unavaible in the US) and the Wellfed Boy ep (recorded w/Jason Falkner)...the ep is totally worth buying this again...these recordings will knock you off your feet...kudos to STI for making this domestically available again...enjoy!"
I'M DRINKING TEA WITH ONE MISSISSIPPI !!!!!!!!
A. Bilal | Washington DC | 01/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is not just one of the best albums of 1994-2004, it is a true testament to artistry in an industry of clones and phonies. I am so impressed with Brendan Benson and his talent, that he has not only gained a fan for life, but I am bringing anybody I can on board. Its not hard to get people to like you or your music when its this good, I mean, all you've gotta do is get em to do is listen to it. My personal favorites are "Tea", "Bird's Eye View', "Emma J", "Me Just Purely (Demo Version)" and "The Swamp". There isnt even a "best song" on here, everyone just has their personal favorites. I'm eagerly anticipating the new album, Brendan, keep the good work up."
WHY is there only ONE review for the phonomenal record?
toona | Connecticut | 12/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was referred to Brendan Benson by someone who had seen him in 2002 opening for the White Stripes and promoting his other, newer record "Lapalco" ... and he has, effortlessly, become one of my favorite artists.
This album is power pop in its finest. The lyrics completely quirky, and the melodies infectious. The first three tracks are my absolute all-time favorite opening to an album. Brendan Benson does what all of those pseudo quirky alternative pop artists WANT to do but never come anywhere near achieving.
I would also like to note that I lost my Out-Of-Production copy of this album (which I bought on Ebay promptly after seeing him live in 2002 before this rerelease was available) in Germany and just recently bought the re-release with the EP, and I was very pleased to find new joy in an album I have almost worn out in listening over the years. I especially like the raw-er demo version of "Sittin' Pretty" ... the harmony at the chorus almost makes you wish it had ended up that way in the final cut... and "Christy" is just... one of the coolest tracks by anyone, anywhere.
Brendan Benson is a funny, genuine, and well-honed song writer. You will NOT regret a second of this album. From beginning to end, it is an absolute pleasure :)"
Masterpeice of the deep down Ally's of Detroit
G. Zuker | Detroit, MI | 01/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is my new favorite album, with a sound simular to ben folds, but with guitar, and awsome lyrics. This album will have you strutting in a new kind of way. Its a feel good album. The first time you hear it, you will like it. Seriously Try the first 3 tracks out of this album. If you dont like it email me..... i would like to meet someone who does not like this album."
Power pop masterclass. In the same league as McCartney
David OBrien | Dublin | 08/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You'll probably all know Brendan Benson from his successful incarnation in the supergroup Raconteurs which he formed with his friend Jack White of White Stripes. As accomplished as this music is, it is not in the same league as Benson's superb solo stuff which preceded it. Jack White himself considers Benson a genius. He's not wrong.
'One Mississippi' is Brendan Benson's debut album. It shows an astonishing maturity and musicality for a debut. Benson had help from his friend Jason Falkner (ex-Jellyfish and Grays). Falkner co-wrote seven of these songs. Highlights for me are many. "Tea" is a nice brief Beatlesque ramble. "I'm Blessed" is a power pop headrush. "Got No Secrets" is one of the many highlights. The guitar hook is amazing. The lyrics are very serious compared to the music. 'Emma J' is another highlight. The acoustic guitar work is exceptional. Very Spanish feel to it. Of the rest of the tracks, I enjoy some of the more frantic rockers like "I'm Blessed" and the exceptional "Christy". This album is well worth the money as it contains 22 great songs. It's comprised of "One Mississippi" and "The Wellfed Boy EP" (Wellfed Boys was the name of an incarnation of his backing band) and is great value. Overall, it's brilliant. I would have to say that the follow up album "Lapalco" is even better - but this is just trying to compare two masterpieces to each other. It's like trying to decide which of your children you love better. Get both and enjoy !"