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Ben Howard — Small Things
Album: I Forget Where We Were
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2142









Released: 2014
Length: 5:40
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Oh my mind
I walk down Mayflower Road again
the waning sun
echoes from the park seem so absurd
the bus takes hours
I knew it would but I cant shake the stand
can't spend my time on everybody else

If buildings fell
At least we'd be in matrimony
I can't control
The words kaleidoscope inside my head

Has the world gone mad
Or is it me?
All these small things
They gather round me
gather round me
Is it all so very bad
I can't see
Oh all these small things
They gather round me
Gather round me
and I can't see

Saw The Police
screaming something trivial like
'keep the peace'
the world moves on and you can't shake the sound
I know she's home
leaning on somebody loving life
all in my mind the anvil and the weight on my back

Has the world gone mad
Or is it me?
All these small things
They gather round me
Gather round me
Is it all so very bad
I can't see
Oh all these small things
They gather round me
Gather round me
And I can't see

Has the world gone mad
Or is it me
All these small things
They gather round me
Gather round me
Is it all so very bad
I can't see
All these small things
They gather round me
Gather round me
And I can't see my love
mmm
I can't see my love
mmm
Comments (77)add comment
I first learned about Ben Howard watching the doc "Austin to Boston", following a cross country tour with him, Nathanial Rateliff, the Staves, and others...  Gotta watch that again.
Posted 4 weeks ago by annieb63    [ Reply ]
Ooo man.  He put his back into that song.  Unstoppable like the sea.
Posted 1 month ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
This is a remarkable piece of art. His solo session on youtube is mesmerizing. First rated 8, then 9, and now 10. I now stop doing whatever I am doing when I hear this piece because it needs a careful listen. In fact, his youtube solo is better than this album version.
Posted 6 months ago by pyocin    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Enjoy his Solo Session
Posted 7 months ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
It is not just you Ben, it feels like the world has gone quite mad
Posted 1 year ago by pennstatejimboh    [ Reply ]
 dischuckin wrote:


a little, but i mostly hear dave matthews


Robbie Robertson vibe to me.....
Posted 1 year ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
 walchenbach wrote:

Does anyone else hear a strong Tracy Chapman influence? 



a little, but i mostly hear dave matthews
Posted 3 years ago by dischuckin    [ Reply ]
"Has the world gone mad......".  I think 2020 has answered that question

Posted 3 years ago by redart    [ Reply ]
When I need reassurence....I play this.
Beautiful
Posted 3 years ago by vlale    [ Reply ]
Just finished a binge of listening to this guy.  I think he's brilliant.  Wikipedia says he started writing songs in his youth.  They are in depth, reflective, and full of meaning.  And the music just adds to it.  My new favorite obsession.  
Posted 3 years ago by rlr511    [ Reply ]
Just so bloody good
Posted 4 years ago by cloudymcloudface    [ Reply ]
Love this guy, Thanks rp.
Once again you have enriched my musical taste.
I am only 3 songs in so far but if it holds up I will be very happy, if it gets better, I cannot wait.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGfWLWqkshg   Ben Howard - Glastonbury Festival 2015 Full Show.
Posted 6 years ago by number7    [ Reply ]
It might have happened like this....

God is an Astronaut were in the next recording studio and when Ben's session musicians didn't turn up at the allocated time slot Ben tapped the window to next door and mouthed... "Guys can you help me out on this track?".
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
love this song
Posted 6 years ago by rlr511    [ Reply ]
 8->9

mesmerizing peace of art, never tired of it
 


Posted 7 years ago by whomhow    [ Reply ]
 kimschoice wrote:
When this song comes on, I have clicked to see who it is multiple times....but still not sure if I enjoy the song.  Perhaps its just his voice.
 

 
Same here, but definitely because I do enjoy the song.
Posted 7 years ago by eroz    [ Reply ]
really good song
Posted 7 years ago by rlr511    [ Reply ]
 jbuhl wrote:
{#Bananasplit}

 
heyduke2 wrote: 
Damn good song imo (doesn't cause banana splits though)

LOL we do agree on the song. but i was  just being facetious.
Posted 7 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
When this song comes on, I have clicked to see who it is multiple times....but still not sure if I enjoy the song.  Perhaps its just his voice.
 
Posted 7 years ago by kimschoice    [ Reply ]
Transitioning into this song from Mike Scott's "Bring 'Em All In" was thematically clever and inspiring.
Posted 7 years ago by ericeobrien    [ Reply ]
 jbuhl wrote:
{#Bananasplit}

 
Damn good song imo (doesn't cause banana splits though)
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Just garbage really.
Posted 7 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
Wow, really great stuff
Posted 7 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Fabulous. Definitely channeling Robin Trower on the guitar.
Posted 7 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
Man this is good.
Posted 8 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 CaffeineSam wrote:
This song made me quite sad about the potatoes I was putting in the oven.

I felt like I was committing a terrible injustice, an act of cruelty, a despicable heresy...

 
And then you chopped the broccoli, didn't you? Bastard!

Maybe it's just my hunger talking but this sounds like indigestion echoing in my gut... 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 fussel78 wrote:

so true. 8 with an edge to 9.
have to hear it again to know for sure :-)

 
I MADE THE CALL TODAY. 9 IT IS.
Posted 8 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
I've heard this a hundred times and today it hits me like I'm just hearing it for the first time.
Posted 8 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
"Has the world gone mad
Or is it me?
All these small things
They gather round me
gather round me
Is it all so very bad
I can't see
Oh all these small things
They gather round me
Gather round me
and I can't see"

Seems especially prescient given the events of the past week here in America.{#Frown}{#Cry}
Posted 8 years ago by ProjectGemini07    [ Reply ]
 MayBaby wrote:
Beautiful. Perfect for the days we've been forced into living.

 
so true. 8 with an edge to 9.
have to hear it again to know for sure :-)
Posted 8 years ago by fussel78    [ Reply ]
Wear it out already....variety please!!
Posted 8 years ago by nealperkins    [ Reply ]
{#Bananasplit}
Posted 8 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
Earlier I said that I like it, but now I lurve it!  It's eerie, beautiful, deep, moving. 9 from me!
Posted 8 years ago by itstamzin    [ Reply ]
Boooooooooooooring.
Posted 8 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
Very unlikely, un-melodic tune which would probably be largely intolerable on its own, but which happens to work very well with the vocals and ends up being quite stirring if darkly moody. I wonder how someone creates such a combination? It would be interesting to observe the process.
Posted 8 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:
I like it and I liked most of his stuff, non-live - — live he is depressing and morose... we walked away crying early from his headline show last summer. Mind you, at least there were trained therapists on hand to help you out (ex-hedge fund managers or bankers) and into special ambulances with ATMs installed..... GRAND!

 
Thanks for amusingly stated 'heads up'.  Some studio loveliness turns out to be sleep-inducing. (Sorry Calexico.) And I've had surprisingly sad experiences at shows but, alas, no therapy afterwards. 


Posted 8 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
BIG FAN. Let's have more BH  

Burgh Island would be my choice. So atmospheric    
Posted 8 years ago by Ydesign    [ Reply ]
It sounds like Tyco were in the recording studio next door and helped him out on the backing track.
Posted 8 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
I like it and I liked most of his stuff, non-live - — live he is depressing and morose... we walked away crying early from his headline show last summer. Mind you, at least there were trained therapists on hand to help you out (ex-hedge fund managers or bankers) and into special ambulances with ATMs installed..... GRAND!
Posted 8 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Beautiful. Perfect for the days we've been forced into living.
Posted 8 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
He always make me  take notice
Posted 8 years ago by Ishwara    [ Reply ]
8 -> 9 {#Clap}
Posted 8 years ago by Karhu    [ Reply ]
10 {#Heartkiss}
Posted 8 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
 Stephenater wrote:

Totally agree, 7 -> 8!

 
i too agree, bumping it up from a 7 to 8.
Posted 8 years ago by walchenbach    [ Reply ]
 MrCreepy wrote:
The more I hear it the more I like it.

 
Totally agree, 7 -> 8!
Posted 8 years ago by Stephenater    [ Reply ]
The more I hear it the more I like it.
Posted 8 years ago by MrCreepy    [ Reply ]
The build up in this song is impressive.  It sneaks up.  What seemed to be a quiet song gets really busy and intense.
Posted 9 years ago by Hey_Porter    [ Reply ]
First listen and I'm loving everything about this.  Solid 8 so far.  
Posted 9 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
Work of art.
Posted 9 years ago by Athyrius    [ Reply ]
   Thanks God for the small things.
       Small letters, mmm
Scrolling down like there's no tomorrow.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Too much drone.
Posted 9 years ago by Dosequis    [ Reply ]
This grabs my attention... also some really low bass in the second half. Interesting instrumental texture.
Posted 9 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
hem isch Zeitgeist.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Grooovy, moody, deeper vibe. A bit Dan Auerbach-ish.
Posted 9 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
Yep, Tracy Chapman influence.  I had to come look to see who was singing but nowhere close as good for me.
do love the music though
 
Posted 9 years ago by Djoy    [ Reply ]
 Toke wrote:


AND did you cruelly peel them alive ??

 
No of course not.

The nutrients are all in the peel.

However I did slice them into nice little cubes and covered them in oil, spices and herbs.

Boy were they baked ! 
Posted 9 years ago by CaffeineSam    [ Reply ]
 CaffeineSam wrote:
This song made me quite sad about the potatoes I was putting in the oven.

I felt like I was committing a terrible injustice, an act of cruelty, a despicable heresy...

 

AND did you cruelly peel them alive ??
Posted 9 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
This song made me quite sad about the potatoes I was putting in the oven.

I felt like I was committing a terrible injustice, an act of cruelty, a despicable heresy...
Posted 9 years ago by CaffeineSam    [ Reply ]
Not familiar with him, but like this track!
Posted 9 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 walchenbach wrote:
Does anyone else hear a strong Tracy Chapman influence? 

 
That's who I thought it was but knew it wasn't.  Great song.
Posted 9 years ago by Marcuse    [ Reply ]
 walchenbach wrote:
Does anyone else hear a strong Tracy Chapman influence? 

 
More like Luka Bloom.
Posted 9 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
wow, what an album cover
Posted 9 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
 davboz wrote:
It has AND it's you! Gawd, the sampling and build-up to nothing.

 
Perhaps you are responding to the previous repetitious effort by Mike Scott?

Or were you actually talking about small things?
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
liking this more with every new listening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwfU5UuP5K8
Posted 9 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
 walchenbach wrote:
Does anyone else hear a strong Tracy Chapman influence? 

 
I don't know about anyone else here, but I do not hear very much Tracy Chapman influence in this song. The tempo and production (guitar sound, etc.) are unlike any recording of hers that I have ever heard.  This sounds more dark and spooky.  There are obviously a lot of folk, singer-songwriter influences here but I don't hear her much more than any other.  I guess the phrasing, or  warbling and enunciation (or lack thereof) sound similar to Tracy in some spots.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 davboz wrote:
It has AND it's you! Gawd, the sampling and build-up to nothing.
 
Huh?
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
It has AND it's you! Gawd, the sampling and build-up to nothing.
Posted 9 years ago by davboz    [ Reply ]
Well, I like it. The guitar and his voice match very well in this bluesy song... This one got me to turn up the volume, not down.
Posted 9 years ago by itstamzin    [ Reply ]
 beinder wrote:
His live performance in a big arena can put you in the mood for a sleep with these sorts of tracks.

 
Agreed.  Even a small venue on this current tour does that.  I saw him at the Ryman last month.  Fell asleep twice.

Is he normally an asshole?  He was almost out of control during the performance. Seemed as if he was trying to play his slowest, most dissonant, and unappealing songs.  Crowd seemed to leave the concert pretty upset at sitting through all of that.

Anyone else seen him live?  Was this out of character? 
Posted 9 years ago by percheron    [ Reply ]
His live performance in a big arena can put you in the mood for a sleep with these sorts of tracks.
Posted 9 years ago by beinder    [ Reply ]
Oh, I thought it was Damien Rice...
Posted 9 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
What happened to Ben Howard in the past year? This album is very dark and dissonant.  
Posted 9 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
First listen ... a little too heavy on the reverb ...
Posted 9 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else hear a strong Tracy Chapman influence? 
Posted 9 years ago by walchenbach    [ Reply ]
Thank you ... hauntingly  truthful and beautiful....

"Has the world gone mad
Or is it me?" 
Posted 9 years ago by kennewicksheri    [ Reply ]
 not bad on first take.. {#Think}
Posted 9 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
Spooky...I like...7.
Posted 9 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]