‘Burn One Down’ – Ben Harper, 1995
Like some of his contempories Ben Harper seems to have much more success in the US than Europe, I’m thinking of Dave Matthews here. I’m not sure why that is except that it may simply be the fact that musical tastes differ somewhat when it comes to jam bands. The Grateful dead could also be included here.
I like Ben Harper, especially his acoustic, laid back stuff as his voice really complements that musical genre, I’m thinking of his live album Live From Mars here. When he gets into the Guitar driven songs, his musical style can be very varied, I think his voice is a bit weak to successfully pull it off. A more baritone voice is needed but then that’s just my musically taste. I would definitely go see him concert.
Generally his music references religion to some degree which reminds of another American band called Iron and Wine but the similarities end there. The song is taken from Ben Harper’s third album Fight the Power – the album title informs you of much of the lyrical content of that album. I’m going to avoid the obvious suggestions of drug use in the song and instead take it in a general context kinda way which he is basically saying be who you want and if you cause no one harm then “your alright with me” which is fair enough with me too. I especially like the lyrics in the second verse
‘My choice is what i chose to do
and if I’m causin no harm,
it shouldn’t bother you.
Your choice is who you chose to be,
and if your causin no harm,
then your alright with me.’
Acompanied by some bongo’s or similar percussion instrument and an acoustic guitar, it is this genre of style that really lends itself to Harper’s voice but I commend his creativity and bravery in attempting various other musical styles. Have a listen for yourself and let me know what you think.
