TODAY: Ben Folds, Nick Hornby, Magic

Can it possibly be? Ben Folds and Nick Hornby wrapped up together? In a FULL-LENGTH album? Not only confirmed, but out today. Lonely Avenue is a monumental collaboration from two artists who always rock and rarely-to-never stray from their (hilarious and scintillating) voices. Including the blues of Levi Johnston, the CD also features four stories by Nick Hornby. Even the pop hit, "From Above," is cool:

"Maybe that's how books get written, / Maybe that's why songs get sung..."

Eamonn McCabe

Sample the tracks at Nonesuch, and buy the album at benfolds.com.