Ben Ballinger

Something to Show for It (Mr. Pink)

Texas Platters

A songwriter's songwriter, Ben Ballinger resists being easily penned in. After returning to the Northwest for a couple of years, the troubadour resettled in Austin and his new EP indeed offers Something to Show for It. The six tracks showcase his ranging styles, opening with the bluesy, moaning "Mosey" into the joyous and rocking "Homestead," featuring Carson McHone's harmonies and Jon Dee Graham on guitar. Contemplative ballad "Wait for You" and bittersweet lament "Beer for My Birthday" highlight Ballinger's tender, Andrew Bird tenor, but "Little Professors" winds provocatively philosophical and pulsing as the collection's highlight. This extended-play marks a major evolution from 2014 LP The State I'm In, and a welcome local return.

***.5


A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

Support the Chronicle  

READ MORE
More Ben Ballinger
Texas Platters
Ben Ballinger
The State I'm In (Record Review)

Jim Caligiuri, Oct. 31, 2014

More Music Reviews
Texas Platters
Daniel Johnston
Chicago 2017 (Record Review)

Raoul Hernandez, Feb. 21, 2020

Texas Platters
Kinky Friedman
Resurrection (Record Review)

Rick Weaver, Jan. 3, 2020

More by Doug Freeman
Crucial Concerts for the Coming Week
Crucial Concerts for the Coming Week
The Linda Lindas, Momma, Caramelo Haze, JaRon Marshall, and more highlight our recommended shows for the week

Jan. 13, 2023

The Austin Songwriters Group Symposium Returns With Country Hitmakers
The Austin Songwriters Group Symposium Returns With Country Hitmakers
Including Russell Sutton, who got his start at the gathering

Jan. 7, 2023

KEYWORDS FOR THIS STORY

Ben Ballinger

MORE IN THE ARCHIVES
NEWSLETTERS
One click gets you all the newsletters listed below

Breaking news, arts coverage, and daily events

Can't keep up with happenings around town? We can help.

Austin's queerest news and events

Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news

Behind the scenes at The Austin Chronicle

Information is power. Support the free press, so we can support Austin.   Support the Chronicle