I’m going to see him (them?) in concert next Friday, and don’t want to go in blind (deaf?). I’ve most likely heard something by him/them, but couldn’t pick it out of a lineup (playlist?) if my life depended on it.
So, is there an essential Ben Harper album that would help me out? A quick intro course at the local community college? What am I in for?
His double live album Live from Mars has a very good mix from all of his albums. Also has a few covers he usually does at concerts, but never includes on normal albums.
His covers are actually very good and include:
Sexual Healing
Voodoo Chile
Whole Lotta Love
I hope you enjoy the show! Him and his band, The Innocent Criminals, put on one hell of a live show, and he usually plays smaller venues (at least around here) which make for an intimate experience.
Hope this helps.
Mooch
Thanks for the advice, Mooch.
Anyone else have Ben Harper advice/suggestions?
Yeah.
When he plays “Burn One Down”, you know what to do. Everyone in the whole place does the same thing on cue. You might want to be prepared if you are into that sorta thing.
“If you don’t like my fire,
then don’t come around.
Cause I’m gonna burn one doooooooowwwwn.”
BTW, the song you have most likely heard by him is “Steal My Kisses”, as that is his big “radio song”. It’s also by far his weakest song, IMHO. A lot of people probably got turned off to him because of that. If you can, listen to the song “Woman in You”.
Have fun! (I’m going to see him on Aug 9th with Jack Johnson!)
You see, the point of asking for advice is actually receiving it. I don’t “know what to do” as, as indicated in the OP, I’ve never seen Ben Harper in concert.
His fans, they likes the pot. Hence, “burn one down”.
Seriously, all you need from Ben Harper is Live From Mars. It collects all his best songs, and shows you two different styles (plugged-in and acoustic). Most of his other albums are hit-or-miss, so the double-live CD is a good compromise.
(I’ve actually got tickets to see him at the Metropolis here in Montreal, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it. A shame, since he’s great in concert.)
Yea, Live from Mars rocks, all the good stuff and the covers.
I’ll second (or third, for that matter) the Live From Mars suggestion. It’s a fantastic collection of songs.
I would avoid buying his newest CD first. If you know and love Ben Harper, it’s a great record. But you might not dig it so much if you’re not familiar with his previous work.
I’m seeing him Sunday with Jack Johnson … Ummm Jack Johnson, so I’ll check back in with what you can expect.
And, I actually like Steal my Kisses, but agreed that it’s not his best (Ben Harper that is).
I hope Jack boy does his Sublime Melody cover.
Anyone else going to Bull Run this Sunday?
Sorry, not me. 
Clearly, since you aren’t familiar with the phrase “burn one down”.
To each his (or her) own.
No, I’m Mooch, not Munch. I “get” the song.
And I’m Munch, not Mooch. I “haven’t heard” the song.
So, just to get this whole mess straightened out…
When he plays Burn One Down, we’re all supposed to light up?
FWIW I didn’t know that phrase either.
-scout, naive gal extraordinaire
Just read the lyrics.
Yep. I’ve seen him 6 times, both indoor and outdoor, big venue and small venue, and that has always been the case. Quite the Pavlovian response, if you ask me.
I saw him in his hometown of Claremont, CA and he did a duet with his mom on guitar. Someone yelled out “PLAY BURN ONE DOWN!!”, and he was like “I can’t. Not with my mom right here!”
Ben Harper starter kit? No problem. Go down to the corner of 5th and Main. Ask for Eddie O. Try not to look like a cop.
If you’re interested in his albums, Fight For Your Mind and Burn To Shine are generally regarded as his best. But yeah, Live From Mars will get you started.
Well, typhoon beat me to it. I have Fight for Your Mind and Burn to Shine, and they’re both great. Have fun at the concert.
The Jack Johnson, Ben Harper bill sounds like fun. 
The show yesterday was great!! The weather cooperated and it was such a beautiful day (after all the rain we’ve had) Jack Johnson kicked butt, and the crowd was very much into it. I can contest that almost everyone lit up during “burn one down”, but then again they were lighting up during all the other songs too!!
I’m glad I took the tarp, as we were on a mud hill. Anyway I’m still a bit hung over so I’ll get back to you later.
Kicked butt though, Ben Harper is way more funky then I thought and I was pleasently surprised by him.