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Ben Harper - Both Sides of the Gun Audio CD

A fair review of the Ben Harper "Both Sides of the Gun" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Ben Harper reviews here, or go back to the Ben Harper tabs.

Ben Harper Band: Ben Harper
Title: Both Sides of the Gun
Rating:
Release Date: 2006-03-21
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Morning Yearning 2: Waiting For You 3: Picture In A Frame 4: Never Leave Lonely Alone 5: Sweet Nothing Serenade 6: Reason To Mourn 7: More Than Sorry 8: Cryin’ Won’t Help You Now 9: Happy Everafter In Your Eyes 10: Better Way 11: Both Sides Of The Gun 12: Engraved Invitation 13: Black Rain 14: Gather ‘Round The Stone 15: Please Don’t Talk About Murder While I’m Eating 16: Get It Like You Like It 17: The Way You Found Me 18: Serve Your Soul

Excellent, with a few exceptions


Not quite as masterful as his "Fight for Your Mind" days, "Both Sides" certainly is ambitious and rich in melodic texture. Anyone who has spent any time with Ben's music knows that he has the tendency to wax strange now and again, and "Both Sides of the Gun" is no exception. The mellower second disc does tend to lose unique identity from one song to another, making a more appealing background set rather than a compelling can't-turn-it-off ride from beginning to end.

The first disc, with the single "Better Way" and many other powerful, catchy tunes, is definitely the most distinctive half of this collection. Harper lays down his thick, soulful grooves in a number of tunes, and his arrangements are fresh, yet still trademark Ben Harper.

There are a few jarring moments, such as the shouting bit in "Better Way" and the fairly obnoxious "Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating," but they hardly outweigh the artistry and feel of the rest of the double disc. Not the best place for Ben Harper newbies to start, but a definite must-buy for any long-time fans. .


Half and Half
I'm not crazy about disc 1 (the softer acoustic). This is a very interesting cd. I know Ben has a tremendous musical gift and is very versatile. I prefer his upbeat funk music like on disc 2. I think "Better Way", "Gather 'Round the Stone", and "Black Rain" are my favorites on this cd due to their overall message.

"Black Rain" particularly hit me in an amazing way because of my political stand point on the current administration. I think its great that such a name as Ben Harper is making such an honest and truthful message. The song gives me the chills and 'pumps me up' every time I hear it.

Worth buying the CD, and you have the option of the softer disc 1 or the heavier bold disc 2.


Not that great
The album design is awesome, but the songs need a little more energy. To tell the truth, the only song i ever really liked by ben harper was "Faded" which is on a differant album. Sure, i liked some of them, but overall, its not something i would want to listen to more than once. If you are a young person, like me, and desires music with a BANG, to it, don't buy this album.


No one is more consistent than Harper
Consistently, he brings eclectic and genre transcending albums that stand alone in music today. If there is any other artist that continues time and time again to produce quality CDs on the level of Ben Harper, please let me know. His lyrics never fail to reach a depth that challenges the listener to go back and listen for the 50th time in order to squezze yet another drop of his insight. Simply put, Ben Harper is the prophet of our age. .


cheaper than itunes!


Just noticed it's cheaper here than on itunes. I like this album a lot, 4 stars. Dang, why not just buy the actual CD!.


You can see a complete list of all Ben Harper discography, or go back to the Ben Harper tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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