Only two albums into his solo career, geeky-cool Yank songwriter Ben Folds already has and album s worth of flotsam and jetsam. This cut n paste collection of songs come from internet-only EPs, B-sides, cover versions (including The Darkness Get Your Ha

Only two albums into his solo career, geeky-cool Yank songwriter Ben Folds already has and album's worth of flotsam and jetsam.

This cut'n'paste collection of songs come from internet-only EPs, B-sides, cover versions (including The Darkness' Get Your Hands Off My Woman and a deadpan, angel-voiced take on Dr Dre's B*tches Ain't Sh*t) and film soundtrack appearances.

Straight-laced and bespectacled, Folds has long been a mainstay of the US indie scene. His pop-piano pieces, with measured use of orchestra here and there, combine open-wound emotion, tongue-in-cheek humour and surging instrumentation to thrilling effect. This gem should help plug the gap while the world awaits album number three. 4/5