This album hasn't left my CD player/laptop/mp3 player since the day I got it. Categorised as "prog-rock" by many, In Absentia is not not full of pointlessly widdly guitar solos, or self-indulgent nonsense. Rather, it showcases the songwriting skills of Steven Wilson, and the musicianship of all five of the band. There are some very heavy passages including chugging guitars, and pounding drums, but these are contrasted by some achingly beautiful songs with gorgeous keyboards and vocals.

Drummer Gavin Harrison's playing is astounding throughout. I love his navigation through odd time signatures, rock-solid grooves, speed-of-light fills and creative use of double bass drum and effect cymbals.

Anyone who knows me will have realised that I am a huge Ben Folds fan. I've seen him live 3x solo and twice with Ben Folds Five.

To be honest, I wasn't sure about this album when I first heard it, but after a few listens it really grew on me. Ben's skill is writing great pop songs, and arranging and performing them equally well.

What also endears me to this album is that Ben played ALL the instruments on the album aside from cello and a few guitars and backing vocals. He takes care of piano, drums, bass, vocals, backing vocals, percussion, some guitars and everything else! Now THAT'S a musician!

funky funky funky!

New Orleans funk by British-born Jon Cleary. Jon's first instrument is actually guitar, but on tour with The Gents he sticks to keyboards and vocals, leaving Big D Perkins to take over guitar duties, and is also joined by Cornell Williams on bass and Jeffrey Alexander on drums.

Tasty playing throughout, and again, if you can get to see them live in concert, DO IT! His new drummer, Eddie Christmas, is a MONSTER!