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Ben Harper — Number With No Name
Album: White Lies For Dark Times
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1869









Released: 2009
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
Comments (136)add comment
yeah, i never answer those kind of calls.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 sheeelaaa wrote:

Opening Reminded Me Of Lucinda Williams ... (Since She Was On Earlier) .  This Must Sound Nice With Good Speakers!



It does!!!
Posted 2 years ago by pgibat856    [ Reply ]
GREAT!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Groovy
Posted 3 years ago by noe.architecte169    [ Reply ]
 jberko wrote:
I've gotta up this to an 8...
 

I know right? I went 8->9 when I found myself hollerin'
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
 yes!
Posted 4 years ago by sjmorrison2    [ Reply ]
I've gotta up this to an 8...
Posted 6 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]
THIS SONG JAMS; among the very best ever extracted from a tortured guitar!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
This song reminds me of Sons of Anarchy {#Motor}
Posted 7 years ago by aspalathin    [ Reply ]
Thought it was R.L. Burnside for a sec....Nice juke joint feel...
Posted 8 years ago by IndyDoug    [ Reply ]
https://skateboarding.transworld.net/photos/interview-ben-harper-learning-switch-360-flips/
Posted 8 years ago by Mattan    [ Reply ]
Excellent!  He is such a killer (slide/lap) guitarist! Great to see live.
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
The album cover looks like a Little Feat album (Hoy Hoy, Waiting for Columbus).
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
great tune , reminds a bit of some little feat
Posted 9 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
Good raw noisy messy fun
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Geeze Ben,

Lighten up buddy.

Those are some grim sentiments!
Posted 9 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Definitely got that chooglin' ol' southern-fried sound to it; makes me wanna hear Black Crowes, Creedence, Feat, but whoah the guitar!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 9 years ago by neutronstar    [ Reply ]
 shellbella wrote:
{#Daisy}  This does have a Little Feat feel to it, but with a nice twist....

 
Yeah, sweet! 
Posted 10 years ago by FrankDebbieCote    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}  This does have a Little Feat feel to it, but with a nice twist....
Posted 10 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
Feats Don't Fail me Now.  Meh. Sounds like post Lowell George Feat.
Posted 10 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
Ben, Convair CV-300 called, they want their f**ckin' sound back.
Posted 10 years ago by richlister    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 10 years ago by mcklein18    [ Reply ]
 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?
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear this song, I think, "I gotta get this!!!!" I think I will this time. :)
Posted 10 years ago by jtomato    [ Reply ]
Little Feet 'ish.
Posted 10 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
 cafortier wrote:
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? 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 cafortier wrote:
what a rip off of Lynryd Skynrd.....  How about trying something original

 
more Little Feat to me, but not that bad.
Posted 11 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
what a rip off of Lynryd Skynrd.....  How about trying something original
Posted 11 years ago by cafortier    [ Reply ]
Not a Ben Harper fan but this one friggin' rocks with great lyrics; just bumped it up to 8.
Posted 11 years ago by zoopmama    [ Reply ]
Rebeca strikes deep....{#Cheers}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Hey Ben,

Lynyrd Skynrd (sp) wants their riffs back.  
Posted 11 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 Pretty much in the same camp. Not a Ben fan but this tune has some irresistible lines.

MojoJojo wrote:
Literally the only Ben Harper song I have ever liked. True story. 

 


Posted 11 years ago by zoopmama    [ Reply ]
Opening Reminded Me Of Lucinda Williams ... (Since She Was On Earlier) .  This Must Sound Nice With Good Speakers!
Posted 11 years ago by sheeelaaa    [ Reply ]
This CD has several tasty tunes -- like this one.  "Got a head full of thought crimes and a number with no name."
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 bhambaker wrote:
Makes me think of Little Feat.

 
I can hear that.  {#Yes}
Posted 11 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
Tasty.
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of Little Feat.
Posted 11 years ago by bhambaker    [ Reply ]
nice rocker
Posted 11 years ago by atthetone    [ Reply ]

ALWAYS welcome, Ben!

 PS

Show this "Elliott Brood's" how music works!

PPS

Zappaesk cover!


Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 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.

 
Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
Literally the only Ben Harper song I have ever liked. True story. 
Posted 12 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Coming in a stretch of impressive Guitar Numbers, this one still rocks pretty solidly!
Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 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? 


Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Rockin'. Had no idea it was Ben Harper.
Posted 12 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
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.
 
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.

Posted 12 years ago by ydjb    [ Reply ]
 michaelgmitchell wrote:
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. 

Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
I need to dust of my old Ben Harper cd's and give them some listening time.  I like!
Posted 13 years ago by jberko    [ Reply ]
Like this also !!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 gypsyman wrote:
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.


Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
{#Bananasplit}{#Drummer}{#Bananasplit} Yeah, Ben...I dig.
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
 o o o oo o o o ooooooooooooooooOOO{#Motor}
Posted 13 years ago by leap    [ Reply ]
I feel like I should be watching 'Justified' when I hear this. Cool track. Even cooler show.
Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
He still be awesome ... Laura, eat your heart out!

Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Its Bynyrd Skynyrd again! {#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}
Posted 13 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
Go for it Ben.........just give me back my bullet

Posted 13 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Definitely heard me some Lynyrd in this—thats what made me look to see who this was....
Posted 13 years ago by tlew    [ Reply ]
Bynyrd Skynyrd
Posted 13 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
ditto

 nicolewe wrote:
I think I'll bump this up to an 8...{#Wave}

 


Posted 13 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
I think I'll bump this up to an 8...{#Wave}

Posted 13 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
 xtalman wrote:
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there. 
 

First thing I thought too!{#Yes} That's a damn good thang too!
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Misterfixit wrote:
The Weisenborn lives under Ben's audacity!
 
Amen bro!  Had to add 1 for Bill playing it again.
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
The Weisenborn lives under Ben's audacity!
Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Skynyrd? Sure.

Little Feat?  No way.  Don't dis Lowell George like that.
Posted 13 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
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.
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Some people think this sounds like Lenny Kravitz, others say Little Feat and some people hear Lynyrd Skynyrd. I agree with you all! 
Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 I love the guitar work and I'm sure it's just this song but Ben sounds like, gulp, Lenny Kravitz on this.
Posted 13 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
"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...
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 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


Posted 13 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
One of the good guys of modern music...
Posted 13 years ago by pkahl    [ Reply ]
 nicolewe wrote:


absolutely! i couldn't put my finger on it, but you're right!
 
This is a good one!

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 Jeff09 wrote:
...channeling Little Feat.
 
I FEEL it to bro!
Posted 14 years ago by sailorgirl    [ Reply ]
Dang, I didn't even realise Ben Harper released a new album last year. This is totally Rockin'! {#Guitarist}
Posted 14 years ago by Zigi    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I really liked this one very skynard like anyone know if their other songs sound like this?
Posted 14 years ago by Musicprodigy95    [ Reply ]
 xtalman wrote:
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! 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
sneakin' sally through the ally style riff
 

absolutely! i couldn't put my finger on it, but you're right!
Posted 14 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
 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"?

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 xtalman wrote:
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there. 
 
++
Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
I am hearing some vintage Skynard in there. 
Posted 14 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
sneakin' sally through the ally style riff
Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:

Never heard this one, me likey!{#Bananajam}


 
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.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:
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!{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]

Never heard this one, me likey!{#Bananajam}


Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 14 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
I like it when Ben snarls.
Posted 14 years ago by poetista    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 14 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
...channeling Little Feat.
Posted 14 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:

Ben has to be a huge Lowell George fan.


 
Or maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd.


Posted 14 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 14 years ago by mamerjamer    [ Reply ]
 Felix_The_Cat wrote:

WATCH OUT! {#Eek}
 
You , by your own admission,by omission of the rest of my statement, have ignorantly missed my point and the truth  .
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
give me back.....give me back (wait for it)...my bullet
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
for some reason when I heard this begin I thought it was going to be "Give Me Back My Bullet"!  ha
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
 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.
 
Don't mind 'em, Sloggy, it's just folks without enough harmony in their heads. It must be these weird times we're living.
Posted 14 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

War ISN'T wrong. 

 
WATCH OUT! {#Eek}
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
 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.
 
War ISN'T wrong. 
MOST of the reasons for it are though. 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
me likey
Posted 14 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
B.  Thanks for the new tune.
Posted 14 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
Sorry neighbors.
Posted 14 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
Alright!  So Ben does have a voice.  Best Ben Harper I've heard to date. 
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Rocky and Rolly!!
Posted 14 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 14 years ago by biomedvgh    [ Reply ]
 Leslie wrote:
Oh yeah, this is good!

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?
Posted 15 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
{#Curtain} is Bob gone?
Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I got your back Sloggy... Old hippy here!
 
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.
 


Posted 15 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
I can't believe that this has been around since May and this is my first listen!!!        9

Posted 15 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
I'm with you, gurly {#Bounce}

 newwavegurly wrote:

 
Lovin' the crunchy guitar in this one. 
 


Posted 15 years ago by ChrisL    [ Reply ]
Ben is amazing!!!!!  Ben could make Yankee Doodle Dandy sound amazing, or anything else for that matter.
Posted 15 years ago by Nhodson22    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 15 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
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:
wow - didn't know there were so many Ben haters out there
 


Posted 15 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]

Bill, you got us a good groove goin' on.  Keep up the good work!

Posted 15 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 15 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
 1wolfy wrote:
{#Yes}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.

 
"Gimme Back My Bullets!"
 


Posted 15 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
{#Yes}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.

 


Posted 15 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]

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.


Posted 15 years ago by hahindy    [ Reply ]
I guess this one is in heavy rotation ... don't need to hear it two days in a row 
Posted 15 years ago by Dalebarely    [ Reply ]
 jeepstir wrote:
Never been much more than a lukewarm Ben Harper fan, but this is pretty good.

The first couple times I heard it, listening to it in the background while working, I thought it was Little Feat.

 
{#Clap} Nice call!
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]