I always liked Ben Harper. Very eclectic dude. His new album, "Give till it's gone" got me from the opening riffs. I might be going out on a limb here, but I think of anything I have heard by him, the MMJ fans here would like this album. It is not folksy or R&B or Reggae, like much of his stuff, but for a lack of better way to simply sum it up, it sounds "Indie Rock". I have listened to it a few times, and regardless of the lukewarm reviews I have read, I like it.
I never give reviews much weight - unless it's "my" review. Ben can do no wrong.
I saw him playing on Letterman, never heard him before but he sounded pretty good :thumbsup:
I got forced into going to a DMB show in Philly about 10 years ago (it was at the Vet) and Ben Harper was the opening act. I had never heard of him at the time, but he completely stole the show for me! I went out and scarffed up his entire collection the week after that show and have been a fan of his ever since! :thumbsup:
I bailed on Ben around 5-6 years ago, about the time he started playing more standard guitar (instead of his trademark and innovative Weissenborn lap-slide) and was fronting an expanded band. He stepped back a bit too much and let his band share alot of the spotlight. Didn't work, and the music was fucking boring. I hear he's got some of his old mojo back and has assumed playing the Weissenborn more often. All good. Now, let's hope he NEVER collaborates with Jack Johnson ever again.
Quote from: iLikeBeer on May 21, 2011, 11:00 AM
I got forced into going to a DMB show in Philly about 10 years ago (it was at the Vet) and Ben Harper was the opening act. I had never heard of him at the time, but he completely stole the show for me! I went out and scarffed up his entire collection the week after that show and have been a fan of his ever since! :thumbsup:
I was there too. Both nights, actually.
Quote from: lucylew on May 20, 2011, 11:48 PM
I never give reviews much weight - unless it's "my" review. Ben can do no wrong.
I thought this for awhile, but Lifeline was terrible. Its got a couple decent songs, but Paris Sunrise #7 > Lifeline is the only great thing that album has to offer. Ive liked all his albums besides Lifeline to varying degrees, but he hasnt had a great album since Burn To Shine.
Just my thoughts, who knows if its right, but I kind of think BH (Ben Harper, not our BH) realized his sound was getting stale and thats why he ditched the Innocent Criminals and made the Relentless7 album (which are the backing band on Give Til Its Gone though its credited as a solo BH album), and as much as I love the IC's, so far Id say it was a good decision. The Relentless7 album is pretty damn good, and Im really liking GTIG.
I won't say Lifeline is my fave, but it has it's place in my collection. It's pretty damn good Sunday morning music in my opinion.
Quote from: lucylew on May 21, 2011, 06:54 PM
I won't say Lifeline is my fave, but it has it's place in my collection. It's pretty damn good Sunday morning music in my opinion.
If Im listening to some sunday morning BH, its the album with Blind Boys of Alabama, There Will Be A Light...I cant compare it to his other albums because its a collaboration and purposefully gospel rooted, but I really like that album. The Live @ Apollo album from that tour is great as well.
TWBAL also kind of has a special/disappointing place in my mind/heart, because I remember my mom driving me back from college sophomore year in '04, and telling me they were getting divorced, and really the only thing I remember from that car ride besides the sadness was listening to There Will Be A Light
Quote from: rincon on May 20, 2011, 01:57 PM
I always liked Ben Harper. Very eclectic dude. His new album, "Give till it's gone" got me from the opening riffs. I might be going out on a limb here, but I think of anything I have heard by him, the MMJ fans here would like this album. It is not folksy or R&B or Reggae, like much of his stuff, but for a lack of better way to simply sum it up, it sounds "Indie Rock". I have listened to it a few times, and regardless of the lukewarm reviews I have read, I like it.
I think similar to MMJ, Ben Harper's sound really spans a lot of different genres. Based on that, its hard to say what BH album I would recommend to a MMJ fan who hasnt listened to him (which Id guess are few and far between because it seems most big MMJ fans listen to a lot of music, so Im guessing theyve heard of BH), but if Im recommending Ben Harper to any Jacket fan, it starts and ends with Fight For Your Mind...Thats simply 1 of the best albums ever made, and if you dont like a band/artists best album, more often than not you arent gonna like that band
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 21, 2011, 11:14 AM
I bailed on Ben around 5-6 years ago, about the time he started playing more standard guitar (instead of his trademark and innovative Weissenborn lap-slide) and was fronting an expanded band. He stepped back a bit too much and let his band share alot of the spotlight. Didn't work, and the music was fucking boring. I hear he's got some of his old mojo back and has assumed playing the Weissenborn more often. All good. Now, let's hope he NEVER collaborates with Jack Johnson ever again.
Mostly because of my age, I didnt get into Ben until around 2000 (26 now, 16 then, mostly listened to classic rock or alt rock, angry teen music, etc back then). What really first drew me in was the Weissenborn and electric lap slide, as well as his voice/emotion that he put into the music. By the point I got into him, he really had pushed the weissenborn to the side, and the electric lap slide to a lesser degree. Back then, it didnt bother me much because he still played predominantly songs from his first few albums at shows (i think i first saw him in 03), but from Diamonds On The Inside to today, I wish he went back to what made him so special in the first place, and thats the voice + weissenborn/electric lap slide.
Up until the late 90's, I think he basically sat in a chair because of the guitars he played during shows, but still put on killer shows. Now, he rarely plays lap guitars and tries to create energy by his actions, not the music. Still a good concert though
For me, you nailed it. His vibe just isn't the same and i don't think the songs are as good either. After the diamonds album, i think he had some good unreleased songs but they never ended up coming out. I now am pretty nonchalant about trying to see him live.. i didn't love the relentless 7 shows i saw either. hopefully he is writing better music now and doing what he does best on the slide.
another lame move was that they ended up completely revamping the Ben site to focus more on him after the ICs were disbanded and in the process they removed the forum which was a great community. that was pretty sad to me...
I also hate jack johnson!
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 21, 2011, 11:14 AM
I bailed on Ben around 5-6 years ago, about the time he started playing more standard guitar (instead of his trademark and innovative Weissenborn lap-slide) and was fronting an expanded band. He stepped back a bit too much and let his band share alot of the spotlight. Didn't work, and the music was fucking boring. I hear he's got some of his old mojo back and has assumed playing the Weissenborn more often. All good. Now, let's hope he NEVER collaborates with Jack Johnson ever again.
Quote from: ChiefOKONO on May 24, 2011, 01:22 PM
another lame move was that they ended up completely revamping the Ben site to focus more on him after the ICs were disbanded and in the process they removed the forum which was a great community. that was pretty sad to me...
THIS!
i was very active on the benharper.net board for several years ('98-'03) and was very sad too to see it gone after returning from an absence. i had the opportunity to meet ben a few times and he knew what a great community of caring, loyal fans he had there, which confused me even more that he would allow it to be disbanded.
as for ben, his music fell out of favor with me when he stood up. he seemed stiff and unnatural and the music lost quite a bit of its 'soul'. the energy the man could project while sitting down playing his lap-slide was ten-fold what he projects now live.
as far as the quintessential 'must have' ben album, or the one to introduce people to ben, it would be 'fight for your mind'. an amazing album all the way through.
It's totally unacceptable for Ben to defer solos to a standard lead guitarist. It's like going to see B.B. King and then having one of his bandmates do all the leads. And Ben just ain't that interesting as a standard player whether he solos are not.
Holy Crap! Such opinions about sitting down and other band members. I just thought it was a cool album.
Quote from: rincon on May 26, 2011, 03:12 AM
Holy Crap! Such opinions about sitting down and other band members. I just thought it was a cool album.
That's the way it goes with BH. Perhaps Ben has been taking his lap-slide for granted, but his old fans don't. He's be better off in a trio of four-piece. Keep the focus back on him moreso. Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding are cool, but they ain't Jimi Hendrix.
the benharper.net forum is really the only other band's forum besides the Jacket Ive ever really been one (though certainly not as much as here..I remember there being a Dillsnufus there I think, but I dont think Ive ever seen the Dills here pop up in a Ben thread)). I also was blown away they just got rid of it for seemingly no reason. In a vacuum, I liked the R7 album and change because Lifeline was alarmingly bad and I think he needed the change. I think the vibe was purposefully different at those shows. Time will tell if its the same for the upcoming tour (I dont think Im seeing any shows), but I thought he still put on a great showwith a good vibe the last time I saw him (probably 07). I fully agree he's best suited on the slide, he should never have another guitarist in the band, and they were best as the quartet, but he still puts on a great show.
Now I dont by any means think his music is as good today as his first few albums, but Im amazed at how many people here arent even giving him a chance any more because he might only be sitting 50% of the time at his shows. I find his and MMJ's career arcs to be pretty similar. Is the vibe at Jacket shows the same now as it was in '03 - small venues and setlists where you loved every song? No, and neither is Ben Harper now compared to '97, but that doesnt mean they both dont put on a good show still. MMJ has the now classic that put them on the map (At Dawn), as does Ben (WTTCWorld), the albums that gained them big critical acclaim, a larger fanbase, and that many consider their best album and sound (ISM and FFYMind), and the still great album that really made them blow up (Z and BTShine) on the music scene. Neither band has released albums or maintained a sound that rivals their first few albums, nor shown any hints of doing so in the future, but theyre still putting out good music. I doubt many of you expect the Jacket to ever release an album as good as AD, ISM, or Z (if you do, you shouldnt), yet youre still here and excited for Circuital. I dont get it.
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Based on this post, I would not get my hopes up. The best thing about the new album is it is Jim singing, and that makes it good. I personally don't see it as any better than EU, which I like.
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Oh, come on now. I'll admit when an artist I like releases a shit album (see Lifeline, John Butler Trio's latest April Uprising (also a shame that he's gotten away from the slide guitar),or Phish's last 3), but Diamonds on the Inside, Both Sides of the Gun, the album with Blind Boys of Alabama, and this new one are 75% solid. I understand they dont stand up to his first 4, but who outside of like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, or the Stones are releasing their best album on their 10th album or over 15 years after their debut??? I dont see how you can have standards like not liking a band anymore if they release a few bad albums and still like more than a handful of bands.
Quote from: capt. scotty on May 26, 2011, 03:39 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Oh, come on now. I'll admit when an artist I like releases a shit album (see Lifeline, John Butler Trio's latest April Uprising (also a shame that he's gotten away from the slide guitar),or Phish's last 3), but Diamonds on the Inside, Both Sides of the Gun, the album with Blind Boys of Alabama, and this new one are 75% solid. I understand they dont stand up to his first 4, but who outside of like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, or the Stones are releasing their best album on their 10th album or over 15 years after their debut??? I dont see how you can have standards like not liking a band anymore if they release a few bad albums and still like more than a handful of bands.
Because he never reached a level of consistent greatness over a long period of time a la The White Stripes. He flamed out pretty fast. His work with the Blind Boys was a collaborative. I hope he has more greatness in him.
Quote from: rincon on May 26, 2011, 03:01 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Based on this post, I would not get my hopes up. The best thing about the new album is it is Jim singing, and that makes it good. I personally don't see it as any better than EU, which I like.
MOF restored some of my faith. I'll keep an open mind.
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
i loved evil urges from the first listen, so it baffles me to often read that the album is considered a 'failure' by some fans... but, then again, i do know some people who hated Z!? it's hard to believe they're hearing the same albums i am, but music is so subjective.
but if you strongly disliked evil urges, i dont see you liking circuital.
Quote from: beatnikdaddio on May 26, 2011, 04:53 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
i loved evil urges from the first listen, so it baffles me to often read that the album is considered a 'failure' by some fans... but, then again, i do know some people who hated Z!? it's hard to believe they're hearing the same albums i am, but music is so subjective.
but if you strongly disliked evil urges, i dont see you liking circuital.
I respect experiments, even ones that don't work such as EU. I don't strongly dislike EU, but most of the songs don't stack up against older material, especially live.
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 04:33 PM
Quote from: capt. scotty on May 26, 2011, 03:39 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Oh, come on now. I'll admit when an artist I like releases a shit album (see Lifeline, John Butler Trio's latest April Uprising (also a shame that he's gotten away from the slide guitar),or Phish's last 3), but Diamonds on the Inside, Both Sides of the Gun, the album with Blind Boys of Alabama, and this new one are 75% solid. I understand they dont stand up to his first 4, but who outside of like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, or the Stones are releasing their best album on their 10th album or over 15 years after their debut??? I dont see how you can have standards like not liking a band anymore if they release a few bad albums and still like more than a handful of bands.
Because he never reached a level of consistent greatness over a long period of time a la The White Stripes. He flamed out pretty fast. His work with the Blind Boys was a collaborative. I hope he has more greatness in him.
I see what youre saying, but Im not sure Id even put the Stripes on that high a pedestal as much as I love them. Half their albums have at least a few songs I dont care for. Not to mention, Pleasure & Pain->Burn To Shine was a 7.5 year period, The White Stripes->Icky Thump was 8 years. But thats neither here nor there. I understand the Blind Boys album was collaborative, but I dont find that album to be any better than Both Sides of the Gun or the new one.
Anyway, here's a couple cuts off the new one for you to get a little listen. I also dont think it was mentioned in this thread, but I hear more emotion and soul in the vocals than recently probably thanks to many of these songs having some sort of relation to his recent divorce with Laura Dern
Ben Harper - Dirty Little Lover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytLlrW5uMPY#ws)
Ben Harper - I Will Not Be Broken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rkcf3fy1yI#ws)
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 05:13 PM
Quote from: beatnikdaddio on May 26, 2011, 04:53 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
i loved evil urges from the first listen, so it baffles me to often read that the album is considered a 'failure' by some fans... but, then again, i do know some people who hated Z!? it's hard to believe they're hearing the same albums i am, but music is so subjective.
but if you strongly disliked evil urges, i dont see you liking circuital.
I respect experiments, even ones that don't work such as EU. I don't strongly dislike EU, but most of the songs don't stack up against older material, especially live.
I gotta disagree with rincon and beatnik on this one, especially if you liked MOF (despite few similarities). IMO, Circuital is significantly closer to being great like Z than mediocre like EU. Now Im not saying its Z, as no matter how good of an album they release here on out, I dont think it can compete with AD, ISM, or Z because of what landmarks those albums are in the band's career (plus theyre all fantastic). To put it in other words, in a Post-Z Era, I think Circuital could end up being #1 contender for awhile.
Quote from: capt. scotty on May 26, 2011, 05:52 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 04:33 PM
Quote from: capt. scotty on May 26, 2011, 03:39 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Oh, come on now. I'll admit when an artist I like releases a shit album (see Lifeline, John Butler Trio's latest April Uprising (also a shame that he's gotten away from the slide guitar),or Phish's last 3), but Diamonds on the Inside, Both Sides of the Gun, the album with Blind Boys of Alabama, and this new one are 75% solid. I understand they dont stand up to his first 4, but who outside of like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, or the Stones are releasing their best album on their 10th album or over 15 years after their debut??? I dont see how you can have standards like not liking a band anymore if they release a few bad albums and still like more than a handful of bands.
Because he never reached a level of consistent greatness over a long period of time a la The White Stripes. He flamed out pretty fast. His work with the Blind Boys was a collaborative. I hope he has more greatness in him.
I see what youre saying, but Im not sure Id even put the Stripes on that high a pedestal as much as I love them. Half their albums have at least a few songs I dont care for. Not to mention, Pleasure & Pain->Burn To Shine was a 7.5 year period, The White Stripes->Icky Thump was 8 years. But thats neither here nor there. I understand the Blind Boys album was collaborative, but I dont find that album to be any better than Both Sides of the Gun or the new one.
Anyway, here's a couple cuts off the new one for you to get a little listen. I also dont think it was mentioned in this thread, but I hear more emotion and soul in the vocals than recently probably thanks to many of these songs having some sort of relation to his recent divorce with Laura Dern
Ben Harper - Dirty Little Lover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytLlrW5uMPY#ws)
Ben Harper - I Will Not Be Broken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rkcf3fy1yI#ws)
Pretty good stuff. Things are looking up.
With regards to The White Stripes, I was mainly pointing out that they never had a creative drop off. All their albums are great (even experimental Get Behind Me Satan) while remaining relevant and they were arguably at or near the top of their game during the Icky Thump swansong. As for not liking songs, I dislike songs from many great albums. Heck, I don't like classic Who tunes "Long Live Rock" and "Squeeze Box" - and they are my favourite band. Even ISM drags, but that's what makes albums great: sum of all the parts.
Quote from: capt. scotty on May 26, 2011, 05:52 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 04:33 PM
Quote from: capt. scotty on May 26, 2011, 03:39 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on May 26, 2011, 02:50 PM
I'm teetering on the brink of bailing on MMJ for good if the new album isn't at least above satisfactory (I've heard two tracks; I liked the title song). EU was a failure with a few good moments. I don't know if I can take 2 or more albums in a row of mediocrity. Ben put out a few great early albums, then started to stink out the joint. I don't care about him anymore; I've moved on (I did the same with Phish). I hope MMJ are different, but nothing off EU has continuted to grab my attention, which is truly sad.
Oh, come on now. I'll admit when an artist I like releases a shit album (see Lifeline, John Butler Trio's latest April Uprising (also a shame that he's gotten away from the slide guitar),or Phish's last 3), but Diamonds on the Inside, Both Sides of the Gun, the album with Blind Boys of Alabama, and this new one are 75% solid. I understand they dont stand up to his first 4, but who outside of like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, or the Stones are releasing their best album on their 10th album or over 15 years after their debut??? I dont see how you can have standards like not liking a band anymore if they release a few bad albums and still like more than a handful of bands.
Because he never reached a level of consistent greatness over a long period of time a la The White Stripes. He flamed out pretty fast. His work with the Blind Boys was a collaborative. I hope he has more greatness in him.
I see what youre saying, but Im not sure Id even put the Stripes on that high a pedestal as much as I love them. Half their albums have at least a few songs I dont care for. Not to mention, Pleasure & Pain->Burn To Shine was a 7.5 year period, The White Stripes->Icky Thump was 8 years. But thats neither here nor there. I understand the Blind Boys album was collaborative, but I dont find that album to be any better than Both Sides of the Gun or the new one.
Anyway, here's a couple cuts off the new one for you to get a little listen. I also dont think it was mentioned in this thread, but I hear more emotion and soul in the vocals than recently probably thanks to many of these songs having some sort of relation to his recent divorce with Laura Dern
Ben Harper - Dirty Little Lover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytLlrW5uMPY#ws)
Ben Harper - I Will Not Be Broken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rkcf3fy1yI#ws)
24 posts into the thread, and someone actually addressed what it is supposed to be about.
Quote from: rincon on May 26, 2011, 06:07 PM
24 posts into the thread, and someone actually addressed what it is supposed to be about.
No problem my man :thumbsup:
I had wanted to do that sooner but Ben Harper & the IC's were my favorite band before MMJ, and although Ive repeatedly said his 90's music trumps the last decade for me, he's never fallen out of favor to me has has still consistently made albums I like (sans Lifeline). So with all the people ripping on him - when they havent even heard the new album - while he's still been putting out good music IMO - bothered me (clearly ;D).
I think it also took me longer because I wanted to copy and paste my iTunes review of it (all the people giving it 1-2 stars there also pissed me off, 1st itunes review from me!), but for whatever reason you cant, so hear it is...I still think its pretty fair after listening to it more than 10 times...
Track order makes Give Til Its Gone sound "Gone" before it can "Give""At first impression looking at the 20 or so reviews posted so far, it makes me think of 2 things. One, I cant give Ben Harper 5 stars until he releases an album as good as 1 of his first 4. Secondly, for those of you giving this album less than 3 stars, you should come to the reality like I did nearly a decade ago that he is simply is not going to release another Fight For Your Mind. You need to love that album for the greatness that it is, but dont expect a Ben Harper in his 40's to write the same album he did in his mid-20's.
The negative reviews make me think some people haven't listened to this album enough or gave up on it too soon. In my opinion, 3 of the first 4 tracks are the weakest of the album, with I Will Not Be Broken being the only saving grace early on (and a song that at times reminds me of Roses From My Friends and Alone, which is a good thing). To me, it feels like Don't Give Up On Me Now was the opener because of the title or message, but it really doesn't suit the album there. Rock N Roll Is Free borders on pop-rock a la My Morning Jacket's Im Amazed, but its hard to really hate the latter and the former has grown on me as a result (plus Ben wrote it after opening for Neil Young and getting a thought from Keep On Rockin In The Free World). The beginning of the album left a bad taste in my mouth at first, but once I realized how good the 2nd half was it bothered me much less. From Clearly Severely (track 5) on, Give Til Its Gone really flows perfectly and feels like Im listening to the musician that grabbed me from first listen many years ago. Spilling Faith > Get There From Here is a great psychedelic segue we haven't heard from Ben in awhile, if not ever. Pray That Our Love Sees The Dawn is a classic slow BH ballad with a sped up rhythm section. For me, the highlight of the album are the closers, Dirty Little Lover > Do It For You, Do It For Us. On these two, Ben not only sounds most energized but also arguably most sincere.
People calling this Ben Harper's worst album must not have heard Lifeline. That album is easily his worst, and really worried me about where this great artist was heading. I think he might have seen the same warning signs, and thats why we got the Relentless7 album. While some R7 influences can be heard on Give Til Its Gone (not surprising, since they are still backing him and not the Innocent Criminals), this album is undeniably Ben Harper, and I dont see how any Ben fan won't welcome this addition."
I am a very casual fan of his, really know little about him. I have rhapsody linked to my mp3 player, so I can listen to just about anything. I will download his early stuff, because I don't think I have tried it yet.
Quote from: rincon on May 26, 2011, 07:16 PM
I am a very casual fan of his, really know little about him. I have rhapsody linked to my mp3 player, so I can listen to just about anything. I will download his early stuff, because I don't think I have tried it yet.
If I were in your position (envious), Id start with Burn To Shine and then backtrack. Meaning, start with Burn To Shine, give it time to sink in, go to Will To Live next..let it marinate....then go to Fight For Your Mind, and then Welcome To The Cruel World.
You are in for a treat, but dont go album to album too fast :)
I bought Will to Live several years ago. I actually like the new one better.
Like Capt. Scotty, Ben and the ICs were my favorite band prior to MMJ. I have been fading on his music over the past decade. However, I still feel he is an awfully talented musician and songwriter and probably one of the greatest of this generation. Ben has never fully gotten the recognition he deserves. Ben is gonna be an artist that makes music for years to come. He's the Neil Young of this generation. Ben may have gone through a dip in the greatness of his music, but Ben will be around for a long time and will make more outstanding records. I haven't bought the new one yet but I've listened to a couple that were free downloads from Ben's website and I can tell the soul is coming back in his music as mentioned by someone above, maybe it was Scotty.
UPDATE: Buying new album right now from amazon, only $5.99.
Man, reading back in this thread I had thought it felt like he ditched the Innocent Criminals because he needed to reinvent himself, and while I really liked the Relentless 7 album and Give Til Its Gone, I was not expecting this!! Ive been wishing since I started listening to him in the 10th grade that he would release an album that was entirely reggae or blues as he sounds so great in those genres, but I never thought it would happen, especially where the music was at 5 years ago.
Get Up! is a masterpiece, not just a blues masterpiece. Not a song I dont like on it. Ive listened to it about a half dozen times now and over half the album is contending for my favorite song. Charlie Musselwhite sounds great. Without a doubt I already think this is Ben Harper's best album in over 15 years. Its only January and Id be shocked if this isnt my album of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndfhwNMniI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndfhwNMniI)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc17h6z6d64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc17h6z6d64)
Quote from: capt. scotty on Jan 30, 2013, 02:05 PM
Man, reading back in this thread I had thought it felt like he ditched the Innocent Criminals because he needed to reinvent himself, and while I really liked the Relentless 7 album and Give Til Its Gone, I was not expecting this!! Ive been wishing since I started listening to him in the 10th grade that he would release an album that was entirely reggae or blues as he sounds so great in those genres, but I never thought it would happen, especially where the music was at 5 years ago.
Get Up! is a masterpiece, not just a blues masterpiece. Not a song I dont like on it. Ive listened to it about a half dozen times now and over half the album is contending for my favorite song. Charlie Musselwhite sounds great. Without a doubt I already think this is Ben Harper's best album in over 15 years. Its only January and Id be shocked if this isnt my album of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndfhwNMniI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndfhwNMniI)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc17h6z6d64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc17h6z6d64)
very excited about this, too!
I've been waiting to hear this album as well. Really like it when Ben gets into the blues groove, so I'm expecting great things with this collaboration. I read where they worked together over 5 years (?) ago on a song for a John Lee Hooker album and he said they need to work together as they just fit perfect. Hopefully Charlie joins him on a tour of this album and they dig into some other blues.
Quote from: Jeff Murray on Jan 30, 2013, 03:05 PM
I've been waiting to hear this album as well. Really like it when Ben gets into the blues groove, so I'm expecting great things with this collaboration. I read where they worked together over 5 years (?) ago on a song for a John Lee Hooker album and he said they need to work together as they just fit perfect. Hopefully Charlie joins him on a tour of this album and they dig into some other blues.
I read that too and never knew about it, I think it was actually over a decade ago IIRC, but looking now I can find no song or JLH tribute album with Ben Harper on it on Amazon, iTunes, or Spotify - sorta weird. However, their was a deluxe edition of Both Sides of the Gun that I got and on a bonus CD it had Why Must You Always Dress In Black (which was actually released on the Relentless 7 album) and Gather Round The Stone versions featuring Musselwhite. Also, when I saw Ben Harper on that albums tour in 2005 in DC Musselwhite came out and played those songs as well as Homeless Child with the band. Thats actually by far my favorite Ben Harper show that Ive been to out of around 8 or shows, not particularly because of that but it didnt hurt.
They actually played in NYC last night and have 4 US dates announced, but Im really hoping they do an actual tour. I think on his site or somewhere else it said to expect more dates, but I already talked to a friend in Memphis about going to New Orleans Jazz Fest because I dont want to miss them playing this album, and Im guessing a lot of other stuff including blues covers.
They announced 3 more shows in May - DC, NYC, and Boston...Gots me a ticket to DC! So psyched, May feels so far away though hah.
It was weird, I guess when I first set up an account at BH.net in like 2003 or 2004, I used my Penn State email, which you only can access as a student and for 6 months after graduation. Coincidentally Im still in the 6 month period (for the 2nd time) and have only been checking my email because of an incorrect grade on my transcript from last semester. I have been getting emails from Ben's people about the new album and such, then got an email last night saying there would be a pre-sale for these shows this morning. Bam, scored a ticket today! After seeing so many complaints from people about Roll Call - which fans have to pay for - that made my day to score a pre-sale ticket, hassle free, for no extra charge! :bath:
Love this new album. Have to miss him this go round again (saving my pennies for JJ shows)..love the guitar..lots of it..
Quote from: Mr. White on Feb 05, 2013, 10:32 PM
Quote from: capt. scotty on Jan 30, 2013, 02:05 PM
Man, reading back in this thread I had thought it felt like he ditched the Innocent Criminals because he needed to reinvent himself, and while I really liked the Relentless 7 album and Give Til Its Gone, I was not expecting this!! Ive been wishing since I started listening to him in the 10th grade that he would release an album that was entirely reggae or blues as he sounds so great in those genres, but I never thought it would happen, especially where the music was at 5 years ago.
Get Up! is a masterpiece, not just a blues masterpiece. Not a song I dont like on it. Ive listened to it about a half dozen times now and over half the album is contending for my favorite song. Charlie Musselwhite sounds great. Without a doubt I already think this is Ben Harper's best album in over 15 years. Its only January and Id be shocked if this isnt my album of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndfhwNMniI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndfhwNMniI)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc17h6z6d64 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc17h6z6d64)
Thanks for posting about a new Ben Harper album! I don't get on his Interweb site much or read up on new releases these days, so I was glad to find out this was out there. (I try to get everything he puts out. I love all of his music.) Your praise for Get Up! got my hopes up for it to be a killer album. I got it 2 days ago, and I believe your impressions of it are correct. It may very well be "a masterpiece". I only wish it were a song or 3 longer.
I have only seen him once and may look into catching a show on this tour. A friend I turned on to Ben Harper thinks she is in love with him, and she tries to go to at least 4 or 5 shows each tour.
I wish it were a few songs longer as well, but its a tight album, albeit a little short. I think JJ's album is about the same run time. That album leaves me feeling like I want more, because Im still waiting for something. This Ben Harper album left me wanting more, but because I was so blown away and was wishing for another song or 2.
No clue where u live man, but I wouldnt miss this tour if theyre coming near you (which considering the few dates announced thus far, they might not be). Musselwhite will kill the harp, and certainly Ben will bust out some of his tunes. I cant wait to see them this tour, I havent seen Ben Harper since the Lifeline tour like 5 years ago and that was when I started to sour on him.
I'll be in Nashville when he plays the Northeast shows... so I'm hoping they come back to play Philly or Baltimore later in the year.
Anyone else really dig the bass line in Get Up? I like how they put the bass in the forefront of that song, reminds of Fugazi's The Waiting Room in how the bass is driving the song and is essentially the main focus for once. That is how you showcase your bass player!
I'll be at that show too Mr White.
I'll be up top on the first row, left side of the stage, first seat next to the wall. I bought my ticket after they had been on sale while and got what possibly might be the worst best seat the Ryman has. I'll be solo at this show.
Quote from: Mr. White on Sep 16, 2013, 10:18 PM
Here is You Found Another Lover (I Lost Another Friend). This last of the 3 videos I was able to record is a little shakey, but the sound is still pretty good.
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite - You Found Another Lover - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRN823bWL2g#)
I'm so glad you got this one! It's my favorite song off this album.
Glad you enjoyed the show Mr. White. I guess I never posted in here when I saw this your in May, but it was fantastic. Hard to compare it to the other Ben shows Ive seen, but it really was a once in a lifetime show (unless you saw more than 1 show from this tour).
My set looked pretty similar to yours besides order. When The Levee Breaks was sick.