Ben Folds Five announce a 30th anniversary reissue of their 1995 self-titled debut album, set for release on Sept. 4. Along with the reissue, the group includes unearthed material from an earlier, unfinished recording attempt. Multiple outlets report that listeners will be able to hear “Underground (Shelved First Attempt),” described as an original version recorded during initial sessions before the band later teamed with producer Caleb Southern. Stereogum adds that the early sessions involved Dave “Stiff” Johnson and that the recordings were not released at the time.
The reissue is previewed with the track or project “Underground (Shelved First Attempt),” which is positioned as a previously shelved first attempt at the debut album. In addition to the reissue announcement, at least one source states that the band will share tour plans, including first tour dates in more than 13 years, though specific dates were not included in the provided excerpts.
Overall, coverage centers on the anniversary release, the inclusion of newly surfaced early recordings, and forthcoming updates related to live performances.
