I’ve always liked Ben Harper, but never loved him. I saw him a few years ago at Bumbershoot and thought the whole lap guitar playing thing was fun and it was a boppin’ show, but never felt the urge to get his music. That’s changes with his new album – Lifeline. He’s a talented guitar player for sure, but his voice has gotten more textured and his music has a nicer groove – he sounds a lot more like Otis Redding than ever before. Less is more for Ben. Songs you have to hear are: Needed You Tonight (slow burner), Say You Will (great summer song) and Put it on me (major taste of funk and Ben’s guitar playin’ – hot!). Check him out on Rhapsody