BEN HARPER Both Sides Of The Gun
Virgin (2006)
This is the sixth album by Ben Harper, who has more musical ideas and styles than most people have hot dinners! A double CD roughly split between a lighter, acoustic singer songwriter disc and a more, guitar led second disc. There are some cracking moments on here be it the funky bass on 'Better Way' or the very Stones like 'Get It Like You Like It' - superb song.
Harper also tackles big issues head on with 'Black Rain' dealing with the New Orleans disaster of last year. On the acoustic led disc 'Morning Yearning' and 'Reason To Mourn' stand out. Harper really does trawl through many musical styles – blues, jazz, funk, soul, rock - to create a very enjoyable and varied aural feast.
Most listeners would find something to enjoy on here, although the sheer breadth of musical styles can be a slight downside to less adventurous music fans.
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Review by Jason Ritchie
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