A Whole Lot Better

Album: My Old Familiar Friend (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Nashville-based singer-songwriter Brendan Benson is best known as Jack White's co-frontman in The Raconteurs. This straight-up rocker is the opening track on his fourth studio album, My Old Familiar Friend.
  • On this track, Benson plays a Farfisa electronic organ. The Italian-made keyboard was a classic sound on many '60s recordings such as 96 Tears by ? & the Mysterians. Elvis Costello used it on many of his early tunes, because of its vintage '60s Rock feel. Benson told Rolling Stone: "It's a tough instrument to use - people instantly say, 'That sounds like Elvis Costello!' But I love the Attractions, so it's cool with me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.