Ben Harper — Number With No Name
Album: White Lies For Dark TimesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1885
Length: 3:05
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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I'm serenaded by a chorus
Of a thousand burning cigarettes
You've been taking chances mama
While I've been placing bets
So tell it to the ashes
They know we served
It may be good for the soul
But it's hard on the nerves
The very thing that drives you
Can drive you insane
Got a head full of thought crimes
And a number with no name
Got an eleventh hour Jesus
And a mouth full of blame
A casket lined with silver dollars
And a number with no name
There's nowhere to run
I've got no one to tell
My face has become a mask
And I'm not wearing it well
For five days straight
I've been breathing fire
Don't have room on my body
For another scar
The very thing that drives you
Can drive you insane
Got a head full of thought crimes
And a number with no name
Got an eleventh hour Jesus
Trying to explain
A casket lined with silver dollars
And a number with no name
Of a thousand burning cigarettes
You've been taking chances mama
While I've been placing bets
So tell it to the ashes
They know we served
It may be good for the soul
But it's hard on the nerves
The very thing that drives you
Can drive you insane
Got a head full of thought crimes
And a number with no name
Got an eleventh hour Jesus
And a mouth full of blame
A casket lined with silver dollars
And a number with no name
There's nowhere to run
I've got no one to tell
My face has become a mask
And I'm not wearing it well
For five days straight
I've been breathing fire
Don't have room on my body
For another scar
The very thing that drives you
Can drive you insane
Got a head full of thought crimes
And a number with no name
Got an eleventh hour Jesus
Trying to explain
A casket lined with silver dollars
And a number with no name
Comments (137)add comment
yeah, i never answer those kind of calls.
sheeelaaa wrote:
It does!!!
Opening Reminded Me Of Lucinda Williams ... (Since She Was On Earlier) . This Must Sound Nice With Good Speakers!
It does!!!
GREAT!!
Groovy
jberko wrote:
I know right? I went 8->9 when I found myself hollerin'
I've gotta up this to an 8...
I know right? I went 8->9 when I found myself hollerin'
yes!I've gotta up this to an 8...
THIS SONG JAMS; among the very best ever extracted from a tortured guitar!
This song reminds me of Sons of Anarchy 
Thought it was R.L. Burnside for a sec....Nice juke joint feel...
https://skateboarding.transworld.net/photos/interview-ben-harper-learning-switch-360-flips/
Excellent! He is such a killer (slide/lap) guitarist! Great to see live.
The album cover looks like a Little Feat album (Hoy Hoy, Waiting for Columbus).
great tune , reminds a bit of some little feat
Good raw noisy messy fun
Geeze Ben,
Lighten up buddy.
Those are some grim sentiments!
Lighten up buddy.
Those are some grim sentiments!
Definitely got that chooglin' ol' southern-fried sound to it; makes me wanna hear Black Crowes, Creedence, Feat, but whoah the guitar!
kcar wrote:
That Skynyrd plane crashed a shade over 36 years ago. Does the band have sole permanent rights to a certain sound?
Also, this sounds like any number of bands from that era; it was obviously done on purpose as some sort of noisy homage. It's not as if he's trying to fool anyone, and copyright laws probably do not protect "a certain sound". The vocals do sound "Skynyrd-inspired" though.
That Skynyrd plane crashed a shade over 36 years ago. Does the band have sole permanent rights to a certain sound?
Also, this sounds like any number of bands from that era; it was obviously done on purpose as some sort of noisy homage. It's not as if he's trying to fool anyone, and copyright laws probably do not protect "a certain sound". The vocals do sound "Skynyrd-inspired" though.
Great song. I actually own this album but didn't give it a proper listen. It's been packed away for a few years - I'll have to dig it out and give it another chance. Thanks for playing it!
shellbella wrote:
This does have a Little Feat feel to it, but with a nice twist....
Yeah, sweet!
This does have a Little Feat feel to it, but with a nice twist....Yeah, sweet!
This does have a Little Feat feel to it, but with a nice twist....Feats Don't Fail me Now. Meh. Sounds like post Lowell George Feat.
Ben, Convair CV-300 called, they want their f**ckin' sound back.
I tend to err on the side of expressing gratitude for all the great stuff played on RP. But I just had this profound disgust reaction to that B Harper song. Is that the worst derivative piece of drivel in history? Please NEVER play that again Bill
kcar wrote:
Gosh, I just have to visit!
Actually, almost all of the people from Kentucky whom I've met are very nice, with one major exception (Oh Carla Curry, you know it's true). I've never been to the Bluegrass state but I'm sure it's a great place. What's with the dental deficiency, though?
Dental probs ? you mean England?
Gosh, I just have to visit!
Actually, almost all of the people from Kentucky whom I've met are very nice, with one major exception (Oh Carla Curry, you know it's true). I've never been to the Bluegrass state but I'm sure it's a great place. What's with the dental deficiency, though?
Dental probs ? you mean England?
Every time I hear this song, I think, "I gotta get this!!!!" I think I will this time. :)
Little Feet 'ish.
cafortier wrote:
That Skynyrd plane crashed a shade over 36 years ago. Does the band have sole permanent rights to a certain sound?
what a rip off of Lynryd Skynrd..... How about trying something original
That Skynyrd plane crashed a shade over 36 years ago. Does the band have sole permanent rights to a certain sound?
cafortier wrote:
more Little Feat to me, but not that bad.
what a rip off of Lynryd Skynrd..... How about trying something original
more Little Feat to me, but not that bad.
what a rip off of Lynryd Skynrd..... How about trying something original
Not a Ben Harper fan but this one friggin' rocks with great lyrics; just bumped it up to 8.
Rebeca strikes deep....
Hey Ben,
Lynyrd Skynrd (sp) wants their riffs back.
Lynyrd Skynrd (sp) wants their riffs back.
Pretty much in the same camp. Not a Ben fan but this tune has some irresistible lines.
MojoJojo wrote:
MojoJojo wrote:
Literally the only Ben Harper song I have ever liked. True story. 
Opening Reminded Me Of Lucinda Williams ... (Since She Was On Earlier) . This Must Sound Nice With Good Speakers!
This CD has several tasty tunes -- like this one. "Got a head full of thought crimes and a number with no name."
bhambaker wrote:
I can hear that.
Makes me think of Little Feat.
I can hear that.
Tasty.
Makes me think of Little Feat.
nice rocker
ALWAYS welcome, Ben!
PS
Show this "Elliott Brood's" how music works!
PPS
Zappaesk cover!
kcar wrote:
Gosh, I just have to visit!
Actually, almost all of the people from Kentucky whom I've met are very nice, with one major exception (Oh Carla Curry, you know it's true). I've never been to the Bluegrass state but I'm sure it's a great place. What's with the dental deficiency, though?
The dental issues are usually related to income. The more rural a place is, the lower the average income, and most employers don't provide dental coverage.
With a few exceptions, food in some areas of Appalachia falls into 3 categories. Sweet, salty, and mushy. There is a good chance that everything fixed in that area will exist in at least one of those categories.
Gosh, I just have to visit!
Actually, almost all of the people from Kentucky whom I've met are very nice, with one major exception (Oh Carla Curry, you know it's true). I've never been to the Bluegrass state but I'm sure it's a great place. What's with the dental deficiency, though?
The dental issues are usually related to income. The more rural a place is, the lower the average income, and most employers don't provide dental coverage.
With a few exceptions, food in some areas of Appalachia falls into 3 categories. Sweet, salty, and mushy. There is a good chance that everything fixed in that area will exist in at least one of those categories.
Literally the only Ben Harper song I have ever liked. True story.
Coming in a stretch of impressive Guitar Numbers, this one still rocks pretty solidly!
I like Justified too, thanks to RP I now know who's responsible for the theme.
My only problem with Justified; I sometimes have to pause, rewind, turn it up and play it back a few times so I decipher what the hell they are all talking about.
No wait. its these guys.
My only problem with Justified; I sometimes have to pause, rewind, turn it up and play it back a few times so I decipher what the hell they are all talking about.
No wait. its these guys.
Byronape wrote:
I'm a big fan of Justified too... but there are a few problems I have with that show. I lived close enough to those areas to know that 1) NO ONE talks like that down there. The accent isn't too bad, but most of the main characters are way too eloquent for your normal KY resident. 2) Everyone has all their teeth. This isn't a stereotype here, this is reality.
Gosh, I just have to visit!
Actually, almost all of the people from Kentucky whom I've met are very nice, with one major exception (Oh Carla Curry, you know it's true). I've never been to the Bluegrass state but I'm sure it's a great place. What's with the dental deficiency, though?
I'm a big fan of Justified too... but there are a few problems I have with that show. I lived close enough to those areas to know that 1) NO ONE talks like that down there. The accent isn't too bad, but most of the main characters are way too eloquent for your normal KY resident. 2) Everyone has all their teeth. This isn't a stereotype here, this is reality.
Gosh, I just have to visit!
Actually, almost all of the people from Kentucky whom I've met are very nice, with one major exception (Oh Carla Curry, you know it's true). I've never been to the Bluegrass state but I'm sure it's a great place. What's with the dental deficiency, though?
Rockin'. Had no idea it was Ben Harper.
cc_rider wrote:
I'm with cc. my, i am old, and this track is fine, but Ben is no comparison with LS. Having seen them 3 times in small auditoriums before the tragedy, they were ever so impressive in person. I believe they actually opened for Marshall Tucker 1 show, and they just rocked the house. Great live band, and tight.
I'm okay with that characterization, although L.S. had some borderline-barrelhouse piano licks, and four lead guitars.
But hey, this is from a guy who still loves to hear 'Freebird'. I know, I know.
But hey, this is from a guy who still loves to hear 'Freebird'. I know, I know.
I'm with cc. my, i am old, and this track is fine, but Ben is no comparison with LS. Having seen them 3 times in small auditoriums before the tragedy, they were ever so impressive in person. I believe they actually opened for Marshall Tucker 1 show, and they just rocked the house. Great live band, and tight.
michaelgmitchell wrote:
I'm a big fan of Justified too... but there are a few problems I have with that show. I lived close enough to those areas to know that 1) NO ONE talks like that down there. The accent isn't too bad, but most of the main characters are way too eloquent for your normal KY resident. 2) Everyone has all their teeth. This isn't a stereotype here, this is reality.
I feel like I should be watching 'Justified' when I hear this. Cool track. Even cooler show.
I'm a big fan of Justified too... but there are a few problems I have with that show. I lived close enough to those areas to know that 1) NO ONE talks like that down there. The accent isn't too bad, but most of the main characters are way too eloquent for your normal KY resident. 2) Everyone has all their teeth. This isn't a stereotype here, this is reality.
I need to dust of my old Ben Harper cd's and give them some listening time. I like!
Like this also !!
gypsyman wrote:
But hey, this is from a guy who still loves to hear 'Freebird'. I know, I know.
Bynyrd Skynyrd
I'm okay with that characterization, although L.S. had some borderline-barrelhouse piano licks, and four lead guitars.But hey, this is from a guy who still loves to hear 'Freebird'. I know, I know.
Yeah, Ben...I dig. o o o oo o o o ooooooooooooooooOOO
I feel like I should be watching 'Justified' when I hear this. Cool track. Even cooler show.
He still be awesome ... Laura, eat your heart out!
Its Bynyrd Skynyrd again! 
Go for it Ben.........just give me back my bullet
Definitely heard me some Lynyrd in this—thats what made me look to see who this was....
Bynyrd Skynyrd
ditto
nicolewe wrote:
nicolewe wrote:
I think I'll bump this up to an 8...
I think I'll bump this up to an 8...
xtalman wrote:
First thing I thought too! That's a damn good thang too!
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there.
First thing I thought too!
That's a damn good thang too! Misterfixit wrote:
Amen bro! Had to add 1 for Bill playing it again.
The Weisenborn lives under Ben's audacity!
Amen bro! Had to add 1 for Bill playing it again.
The Weisenborn lives under Ben's audacity!
Skynyrd? Sure.
Little Feat? No way. Don't dis Lowell George like that.
Little Feat? No way. Don't dis Lowell George like that.
kcar wrote:
Lenny Little Skynyrd.
Some people think this sounds like Lenny Kravitz, others say Little Feat and some people hear Lynyrd Skynyrd. I agree with you all!
Lenny Little Skynyrd.
Some people think this sounds like Lenny Kravitz, others say Little Feat and some people hear Lynyrd Skynyrd. I agree with you all!
I love the guitar work and I'm sure it's just this song but Ben sounds like, gulp, Lenny Kravitz on this.
"Gimme' back my bullet"...
Actually it's nice hearing Ben awake when he sings for once.
Edit: oops. seems I said the same once before. Still holds...
Actually it's nice hearing Ben awake when he sings for once.
Edit: oops. seems I said the same once before. Still holds...
fredriley wrote:
What's a "tigerpillar"?
It's a funky little garden critter.
Image source: https://rookery.s3.amazonaws.com/722500/722872_3bb3_625x1000.jpg
One of the good guys of modern music...
nicolewe wrote:
absolutely! i couldn't put my finger on it, but you're right!
This is a good one!
absolutely! i couldn't put my finger on it, but you're right!
This is a good one!
Jeff09 wrote:
I FEEL it to bro!
...channeling Little Feat.
I FEEL it to bro!
Dang, I didn't even realise Ben Harper released a new album last year. This is totally Rockin'!
Nice!
I really liked this one very skynard like anyone know if their other songs sound like this?
xtalman wrote:
That's what i thought as well.
It seems someone taught Ben how to open his mouth and use his lungs when he sings too!
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there.
That's what i thought as well.
It seems someone taught Ben how to open his mouth and use his lungs when he sings too!
scrubbrush wrote:
absolutely! i couldn't put my finger on it, but you're right!
sneakin' sally through the ally style riff
absolutely! i couldn't put my finger on it, but you're right!
Cynaera wrote:
Probably failing miserably, and no, I don't have a swastika burned into my forehead. I'm hoping for a tigerpillar on my ankle.
What's a "tigerpillar"?
Probably failing miserably, and no, I don't have a swastika burned into my forehead. I'm hoping for a tigerpillar on my ankle.
What's a "tigerpillar"?
xtalman wrote:
++
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there.
++
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there.
sneakin' sally through the ally style riff
sirdroseph wrote:
Me, too. I like this - I like most of what I've heard from Ben Harper - and once I get a new MP3 player (my MP3-player-gift from Mick finally shot craps, but I loved the hell out of it, just like I love the hell out of RP music), Ben Harper will be on my list.
Music, people. MUSIC! Not politics, racism, economy - MUSIC. There are other forums for the by-blows of music with politics/racism/economy/other stuff. I'm trying to adhere to the rules.
Probably failing miserably, and no, I don't have a swastika burned into my forehead. I'm hoping for a tigerpillar on my ankle.
Never heard this one, me likey!
Me, too. I like this - I like most of what I've heard from Ben Harper - and once I get a new MP3 player (my MP3-player-gift from Mick finally shot craps, but I loved the hell out of it, just like I love the hell out of RP music), Ben Harper will be on my list.
Music, people. MUSIC! Not politics, racism, economy - MUSIC. There are other forums for the by-blows of music with politics/racism/economy/other stuff. I'm trying to adhere to the rules.
Probably failing miserably, and no, I don't have a swastika burned into my forehead. I'm hoping for a tigerpillar on my ankle.
Randomax wrote:
I knew there was some reason I liked it! What a great song that one is too!
for some reason when I heard this begin I thought it was going to be "Give Me Back My Bullet"! ha
I knew there was some reason I liked it! What a great song that one is too!
Never heard this one, me likey!
Jelani wrote:
War ISN'T wrong.
MOST of the reasons for it are though.
The fact you rated 'Nights in White Satin' a 10, puts this comment in context.
War ISN'T wrong.
MOST of the reasons for it are though.
The fact you rated 'Nights in White Satin' a 10, puts this comment in context.
I like it when Ben snarls.
Jelani wrote:
War ISN'T wrong.
MOST of the reasons for it are though.
God and I do not agree with you.
Take that! Manbirdexperiment.
War ISN'T wrong.
MOST of the reasons for it are though.
God and I do not agree with you.
Take that! Manbirdexperiment.
...channeling Little Feat.
buddy wrote:
Or maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Ben has to be a huge Lowell George fan.
Or maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd.
This song personifies what I love about Ben Harper - the guitar solo at the end is completely over the top, but it sounds just right. That guy's slide playing is so radical, it's like controlled mayhem! I love it. I have been trying to make some guitar solos more exciting lately, and what Ben does here is at the far end of what I want to add into my solos. It takes some imagination to stand out from the crowd these days.
Felix_The_Cat wrote:
WATCH OUT!
You , by your own admission,by omission of the rest of my statement, have ignorantly missed my point and the truth .
WATCH OUT!
You , by your own admission,by omission of the rest of my statement, have ignorantly missed my point and the truth .
give me back.....give me back (wait for it)...my bullet
for some reason when I heard this begin I thought it was going to be "Give Me Back My Bullet"! ha
Sloggydog wrote:
Don't mind 'em, Sloggy, it's just folks without enough harmony in their heads. It must be these weird times we're living.
Love ben and this album but i would definitely being playing "Lay there and hate me" instead of this one. Oh and where are the other hippies RP regulars? You don't back my ben, you won't hail the franti-man and someone even had a go at that new Heather Nova track because it rightly states that war is wrong.
Don't mind 'em, Sloggy, it's just folks without enough harmony in their heads. It must be these weird times we're living.
Jelani wrote:
War ISN'T wrong.
WATCH OUT!
War ISN'T wrong.
WATCH OUT!
Sloggydog wrote:
War ISN'T wrong.
MOST of the reasons for it are though.
Love ben and this album but i would definitely being playing "Lay there and hate me" instead of this one. Oh and where are the other hippies RP regulars? You don't back my ben, you won't hail the franti-man and someone even had a go at that new Heather Nova track because it rightly states that war is wrong.
War ISN'T wrong.
MOST of the reasons for it are though.
me likey
B. Thanks for the new tune.
Sorry neighbors.
Alright! So Ben does have a voice. Best Ben Harper I've heard to date.
unclehud wrote:
From another old hippie: Yeah, this IS good, and yeah, it reminds me a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and yeah, I find that pretty funny, too. I have some stuff Ben did with the Blind Boys, and THAT'S also good. Is everything Ben Harper good?
Along with Skynyrd, I hear a bit of It's Breaking Me Up from Jethro Tull's This Was LP.
From another old hippie: Yeah, this IS good, and yeah, it reminds me a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and yeah, I find that pretty funny, too. I have some stuff Ben did with the Blind Boys, and THAT'S also good. Is everything Ben Harper good?
Along with Skynyrd, I hear a bit of It's Breaking Me Up from Jethro Tull's This Was LP.
Rocky and Rolly!!
unclehud wrote:
From another old hippie: Yeah, this IS good, and yeah, it reminds me a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and yeah, I find that pretty funny, too. I have some stuff Ben did with the Blind Boys, and THAT'S also good. Is everything Ben Harper good?
Yup, pretty much everything Ben does is worth a listen.
From another old hippie: Yeah, this IS good, and yeah, it reminds me a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and yeah, I find that pretty funny, too. I have some stuff Ben did with the Blind Boys, and THAT'S also good. Is everything Ben Harper good?
Yup, pretty much everything Ben does is worth a listen.
Leslie wrote:
From another old hippie: Yeah, this IS good, and yeah, it reminds me a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and yeah, I find that pretty funny, too. I have some stuff Ben did with the Blind Boys, and THAT'S also good. Is everything Ben Harper good?
Oh yeah, this is good!
It reminds me a teensy bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is pretty funny.
It reminds me a teensy bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is pretty funny.
From another old hippie: Yeah, this IS good, and yeah, it reminds me a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and yeah, I find that pretty funny, too. I have some stuff Ben did with the Blind Boys, and THAT'S also good. Is everything Ben Harper good?
is Bob gone?I got your back Sloggy... Old hippy here!
Sloggydog wrote:
Sloggydog wrote:
Love ben and this album but i would definitely being playing "Lay there and hate me" instead of this one. Oh and where are the other hippies RP regulars? You don't back my ben, you won't hail the franti-man and someone even had a go at that new Heather Nova track because it rightly states that war is wrong.
I can't believe that this has been around since May and this is my first listen!!! 9
I'm with you, gurly 
newwavegurly wrote:
Lovin' the crunchy guitar in this one.
newwavegurly wrote:
Lovin' the crunchy guitar in this one.
Ben is amazing!!!!! Ben could make Yankee Doodle Dandy sound amazing, or anything else for that matter.
Love ben and this album but i would definitely being playing "Lay there and hate me" instead of this one. Oh and where are the other hippies RP regulars? You don't back my ben, you won't hail the franti-man and someone even had a go at that new Heather Nova track because it rightly states that war is wrong.
I doubt you would find many "Ben haters" here on RP. People who don't care to listen his music, sure, but I think you are over reacting. Play nice.
jonahboo wrote:
jonahboo wrote:
wow - didn't know there were so many Ben haters out there
Bill, you got us a good groove goin' on. Keep up the good work!
wrangler wrote:
haha - BINGO. i'd love a day on radio paradise without having to hear this guy
wow - didn't know there were so many Ben haters out there
try:
Burn to shine album
haha - BINGO. i'd love a day on radio paradise without having to hear this guy
wow - didn't know there were so many Ben haters out there
try:
Burn to shine album
1wolfy wrote:Ya, kinda like Give me back my bullet. Leslie wrote:
"Gimme Back My Bullets!"
Ya, kinda like Give me back my bullet. Leslie wrote:Oh yeah, this is good!
It reminds me a teensy bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is pretty funny.
It reminds me a teensy bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is pretty funny.
"Gimme Back My Bullets!"
Ya, kinda like Give me back my bullet. Leslie wrote:Oh yeah, this is good!
It reminds me a teensy bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is pretty funny.
It reminds me a teensy bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is pretty funny.
at first I thought it was tv on the radio. it's raw ben harper...I love it ...just as much as "morning yearning" .
thank you for playing it.
I guess this one is in heavy rotation ... don't need to hear it two days in a row
Gimmee back. Gimmee back. Gimmee back my bullets.