Friday, October 25, 2013

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Live From Mars (disc 1)

This live recording was released in 2001, two years before the highly successful Diamonds on the Inside. It is a huge album, cramming 25 songs (all quite long, too) onto 2 CDs.

In fact, it's a bit of a marathon for me, so I'll split it into two posts. Because, as much as I want to like this album, unfortunately it often leaves me cold. It's quite strange, I do believe it's an excellent album, but often I just can't get into it.

The recording quality is excellent, especially considering it's a live recording. All the instruments sound nicely crisp, and kudos for the meaty kick-drum sound.

The funk and psychedelic influences on Glory and Consequence, Ground on Down, Forgiven and Faded/Whole Lotta Love remind me of Red Hot Chili Peppers, with a dash of Led Zepplin thrown in.

At the other end of the intensity spectrum are the gentle "adult lullabies" of Excuse Me Mr, Alone (except for the out of place heavy guitar solo section), Sexual Healing, Woman in You (if you skip the grating psychodelic 2nd half) and Welcome to the Cruel World. These are all nice, relaxing songs with some nice spice in the lyrics.

My favourite songs tend to be the folk(ish) ditties, which perhaps says a lot about my maturity level! The cheesy rap interludes of Steal My Kisses are a particular highlight (and it is also a great catchy song). Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now is similar but doesn't do it for me somehow.

For a campfire singalong, Burn One Down works a treat, mainly due to the lyrics.

Favourite songs

Excuse Me Mr, Steal My Kisses, Burn One Down

Worthwhile?

I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's not really for me.

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