Ben Folds Five releases expanded 30th Anniversary Edition of debut album

Ben Folds Five has released an expanded 30th Anniversary Edition of their self-titled debut album. The release, available on 2CD and 180-gram 2LP formats, includes the remastered original album alongside a mostly unreleased ‘Shelved First Attempt’.

The second disc features alternative and finished versions of seven tracks recovered from Ben Folds’ personal archives via DAT tape. These versions offer more piano-based arrangements and traditional presentations compared to the original 1996 release. The edition also includes expanded liner notes with rare photographs and commentary from Folds.

Other notable music reissues include a remastered edition of Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ 1974 album ‘Buddha and the Chocolate Box’ and a 6CD box set from Rhino celebrating the John Coltrane centennial, featuring original mono versions of his Atlantic albums released between 1960 and 1964.