b. Detroit, Michigan, USA. This multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter settled in Los Angeles, California during the early 90s. It was on the west coast that Benson began demoing original compositions, and through a mutual acquaintance, became good friends with another power pop aficionado, Jason Falkner (ex-Jellyfish and solo recording artist). Benson and Falkner began collaborating shortly thereafter, which resulted in a recording contract with Virgin Records. Falkner helped co-write nearly half the songs on Benson’s debut recording, and also produced the album, but Virgin Records was not enthusiastic about the end product and had Benson re-record the songs with another producer (Ethan James), resulting in 1996’s One Mississippi. Although containing some expert power pop craftsmanship, the album sank without a trace, resulting in the artist being dropped by Virgin Records.
Benson relocated to Detroit, Michigan, and spent the next few years guesting on recordings by other artists (Dan Castellaneta, the Mood Elevator, They Come In Threes), before hooking up once more with Falkner and working on a second album. In 2002, Benson finally released his follow-up, the excellent Lapalco, on the Star Time label. An expanded version of his debut album was also released by Star Time, featuring additional material recorded with his band the Wellfed Boys. Ironically, Benson then signed a new recording contract with the Virgin Records offshoot V2, making his debut for the label in March 2005 with The Alternative To Love. This charming, melodic power pop album was backed by a more substantial promotional campaign than Benson had received during his original spell with Virgin Records. In 2006, Benson teamed up with Jack White of the White Stripes and Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence of the Greenhornes in the Raconteurs.
