Benjy Ferree Review

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Ferree's Bobby Dee comes to life
Grade: B-

"Fourteen tracks of ’50s beats ring with a cold and bittersweet taste if Benjy Ferree has his say.

Washington, D.C. singer-songwriter Benjy Ferree’s latest opus, Come Back to the Five and Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee is a concept album based on the life of Bobby Driscoll. Don’t know him? Bobby Dee was once Walt Disney’s “Golden Boy,” claiming the voice of the animated Peter Pan character before a colossal career crash that led to his death at the age of 31.

Whether based on a Disney legend or not, the question remains: Does Ferree’s concept album make the musical cut?

The album’s first track is pure alternative rock, complete with the blended yet jarring background whirring noises from a seemingly broken synthesizer. So it’s a little odd when the second track goes into a softer song reminiscent of a 1960s Gospel prayer. Ferree’s voice is much more prone for this style, which gives the song “Fear” more strength than the opening track.

Most of Bobby Dee’s 14 tracks play like a less guitar-heavy White Stripes — there’s a garage rock thump to these tunes that place them well in a small, intimate club rather than a stadium. Ferree’s voice links him to the Stripes’ Jack White ever further, with a slightly dramatic and always delicate touch. The result is poignant both when the music is blaring and when it dances in the background.

Where the album strays from any Stripes comparison, though, is in subject matter. Writing an ode to a fallen child star isn’t exactly everyday rock ’n’ roll fare, but Ferree’s passionate touch makes for a heartfelt attempt — the record could arguably turn into a stage version of Bobby Dee’s sad life, as the lyrics and dramatics are all there.

The third track is another different spin, using the catchy beats from the 1950s behind the chorus, “Nothing is wrong. / Everything is fine. / Business is good. / Business is fine. / Business is so good.”

Ferree’s talent sings with a necessary hint of sarcasm that turns his lyrics into satire material. He gets bonus points for incorporating the line, “Bring out the pixie dust,” an obvious allusion to Bobby Dee’s role in Peter Pan.

The lyrics are incredibly well-crafted in “Blown Out (Gold Doubloons And Pcs Of 8).” With references to being a mother of several excited children looking for treasure that happens to be a boy and a girl, it’s hard to think of any reference other than the infamous Peter Pan yet again.

The album takes a turn for the odd when “Iris Flowers” starts up. At only one minute long, “Iris Flowers” is an insert, a poem read by a little girl.

There are sirens in the distance as the innocent voice recites, “All of the campfires of the world were left by themselves. So the world is still turning, and it burns like hell.” As with many poems, its meaning is wide open.

After the poem, the catchy and captivating music returns, so much so it seems the words are lost among the beats. It’s strong music at least, especially once listeners hit the love songs like “Whirlpool of Love.” The album ends with a bluesy, folk bang, so rockers beware.

What can listeners take from Ferree’s craft? A decent album with some old beats and some thoughtful words? A serious commentary of pop culture and the people who form such a thing?

Take what you will from Ferree’s music and occasionally clear words. Just try to go as deep as your heart allows."