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Both Sides of the Gun
Home > Complete List of "h" Artists > Ben Harper > Item 35
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Both Sides of the Gun
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by Ben Harper
Sales Rank: 817840
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List Price: $38.99
$38.99
At Amazon
on 11-19-2008.
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1. Morning Yearning
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2. Waiting for You
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3. Picture in a Frame
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4. Never Leave Lonely Alone
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5. Sweet Nothing Serenade
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6. Reason to Mourn
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7. More Than Sorry
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8. Cryin' Won't You Now
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9. Happy Everafter in Your Eyes
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10. Gather 'Round the Stone [Live Acoustic]
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11. Better Way
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12. Both Sides of the Gun
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13. Engraved Invitation
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14. Black Rain
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15. Gather 'Round the Stone
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16. Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating
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17. Get It Like You Like It
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18. Way You Found Me
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19. Serve Your Soul
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20. Get It Like You Like It [Live Acoustic]
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With the release of his seventh studio album, the double-disc Both Sides of the Gun, Ben Harper offers his signature mix of rock, soul, and folk music, while also venturing into new territory. "I was hoping I could come back to the root of my earlier records, the sparseness and intimacy," he says, "and also branch out further in a produced sound than ever before." From the blazing Curtis Mayfield/Stevie Wonder-style funk of "Black Rain" to the gentle sway of "Morning Yearning" to the full-on power ballad "Waiting for You," the eighteen songs on Both Sides reveal a master stylist at the peak of his game.
Special Edition includes Bonus CD featuring four alternate mixes and two live tracks.
Ben Harper Photos
More from Ben Harper
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
Editorial Reviews
Given that Diamonds on the Inside was an inconsistant album at best and There Will be a Light was essentially a gospel album (though a good one) Both Sides of the Gun is in some sense a return to roots for Harper. This album is also, in my opinion, Harper's most mature album to date. The musicianship and song-writing is consistantly excellent throughout, and is a firm declaration of a musician at the top of his game. The album, of course, is broken into two discs that capture different moods (the third disc is a "bonus," see below). The first disc, "Morning Yearning" is full of slow and melancholy songs about love and lonliness. Although, a few of the songs on this disc drag a bit (especially if played alone) they all add to the mood, have excellent lyrics, and beautiful instrumentation. Harper sings well on all the songs, but in some ways I can't help comparing him to Bob Dylan, who wrote so many good songs that were sung better by others. Nevertheless, there are some real gems on this disc, including "Morning Yearning," with its wonderful atmosphere and "Cryin' Won't Help You Now," which soars with help from some solid backup vocals. The second disc, "Better Way," to put it simply, ROCKS! The disk is full of hard rocking, funk tinged and blues inspired numbers that are so consistantly energetic that it's hard not to set this disc on constant repeat. The song, "Better Way" is the most original and addictive song that Harper has crafted in a long time. Several others deserve mention as well. "Black Rain" is a Katrina-inspired protest song that is very well done. "Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating," is catchy and fun all the while talking about some very serious matters. Lastly, "Serve Your Soul" evokes the true rock and roll trips of yore, and has some of the best guitar work on the album. The third disc is a collection of accoustic versions of songs from the other two discs, plus a live version of Beloved One. These are nice to have, but they don't add a great deal of value to the of the special edition as a whole. The packaging for the three disc special edition is a bit nicer than the two-disc set alone, so it would make a nice gift. However, unless your set on owning every version of every Harper song out there the special edition set may not be worth your money. Overall, this is a very fine album and well worth purchasing (even if you only get the two-disc set). It should please old fans and possibly bring in some new ones.
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Both Sides of the Gun
Available from Amazon
Price: $38.99
Updated on 11-19-2008.
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