Shelved First Attempt

by Ben Folds Five

Shelved First Attempt cover art
  • Type: Compilation
  • Released: 4 September 2026
  • Label: Sony Music
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 39:14
  • Community rating: 3.05/5 from 1 rating

Artists on this release: Caleb Southern, Lorenza Ponce, Antoine Silverman, Kristin Wilkinson, Tom Maxwell, Chris Eubank, Darren Jessee, Christian Teal, Jane Scarpantoni, Robert Sledge, Matt Darriau, Joe Pisapia, David Davidson, John Catchings, The Love Sponge Strings, Anna Goodman, Mark Feldman, Ken Mosher, Alicia Svigals, Aunt Ro, Paul Shapiro, Frank London

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Beloved alternative trio Ben Folds Five presents 'Shelved First Attempt', a compelling archival release compiling early, unreleased studio sessions. The collection captures the raw, kinetic energy of the band's initial chemistry before they finalized their classic debut. Dominated by aggressive piano pounding, fuzzy bass tones, and sharp lyrical wit, it offers fans a crucial piece of the band's history.

Genres

Tracklist

  1. Underground - Shelved First Attempt (4:28)
  2. Julianne - Shelved First Attempt (3:14)
  3. Uncle Walter - Shelved First Attempt (2:56)
  4. Alice Childress - Shelved First Attempt (4:30)
  5. Evaporated - Shelved First Attempt (4:19)
  6. Dick Holster (0:25)
  7. Philosophy - Shelved First Attempt (4:08)
  8. Boxing - Shelved First Attempt (4:35)
  9. Emaline - Shelved First Attempt (3:30)
  10. The Last Polka - Shelved First Attempt (3:48)
  11. Eddie Walker - Shelved First Attempt (3:16)

Credits

More from Ben Folds Five: full discography