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Tribute albums seem to be everywhere nowadays.  Some go to deserving and influential artists (“We’re a Happy Family”, the Ramones tribute, leaps to mind), while others (yes, there is a Limp Bizkit tribute album) make you wonder exactly the qualifications of “tribute” the contributors had in mind when conceiving the project, other than making a quick buck.

Pickin’ on Ben Harper plants itself firmly between these two parameters.  Harper is probably best known for two radio hits – “Steal My Kisses” and “Diamonds on the Inside,” while forging a solid career with his band the Innocent Criminals, doing solo work, and also as a member of side project The Bens, comprised of himself, Ben Lee, Ben Folds, and Ben Kweller.

Old School Freight Train is a string sextet, featuring guitar, upright bass, mandolin, banjo, and two fiddles.  At their best (“When It’s Good”) they sound like a cross between Nickel Creek and Bela Fleck.  “Diamonds on the Inside” fares well, remaining faithful to the original while adding a banjo subtext not previously heard.  “Steal My Kisses” opens wonderfully, then careens headlong into a Flatt and Scruggs “Theme of Jed Clampett” soundalike.  

“Homeless Child” and “Excuse Me Mr.” should draw some notice, while casual Harper fans will have to pull out their CDs to recognize “Oppression,” which bears slight resemblance to its inspiration.

Old School Freight Train may want to study other purveyors of similar albums, such as Hayseed Dixie, who have done several albums of this genre.  Ben Harper may have been an odd choice for tribute but most of the songs here hold their own, if not living up to the original versions.

Brian A. Smith
14 February 2005