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| Both Sides of the Gun | 
 enlarge | Artist: Ben Harper
Label: Virgin Records Us
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $3.41
You Save: $15.57 (82%)
Buy New/Used from $3.41
Avg. Customer Rating:  (42 reviews)
Sales Rank: 8751
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 5 x 0.2
MPN: 57446
UPC: 094635744620
EAN: 0094635744620
ASIN: B000EGEKWE
Release Date: March 21, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
Disc 1
| • | Morning Yearning | | • | Waiting For You | | • | Picture In A Frame | | • | Never Leave Lonely Alone | | • | Sweet Nothing Serenade | | • | Reason To Mourn | | • | More Than Sorry | | • | Cryin? Won?t Help You Now | | • | Happy Everafter In Your Eyes |
Disc 2
| • | Better Way | | • | Both Sides Of The Gun | | • | Engraved Invitation | | • | Black Rain | | • | Gather ?Round The Stone | | • | Please Don?t Talk About Murder While I?m Eating | | • | Get It Like You Like It | | • | The Way You Found Me | | • | Serve Your Soul |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
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
Fight for Your Mind | 
Diamonds on the Inside | 
Welcome to the Cruel World |
Amazon.com
Split onto two discs, these 18 songs could have fit on one. It's a testament to Harper's aesthetic sensibilities that it is so configured, thereby both avoiding the scourge of the overly long album and dividing the raw, pummeling rockers from the ballads. With his band, the Innocent Criminals, he tears into such songs as "Get It While You Like It" and "Engraved Invitation" with Rolling Stones Exile-era verve. Their finely honed interplay allows the disc-closing "Serve Your Soul" to truly soar. The quieter disc makes its intentions clear from the outset, as a lightly fingerpicked guitar is enveloped by a string section. Within the two discs' separate identities there is variety and dramatic contrast, each one functioning as its own statement. Harper continues to embrace a variety of influences and genres. Lyrically his songs stretch from matters political to introspective emotions. --David Greenberger
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| Customer Reviews: Read 37 more reviews...
Excellent, with a few exceptions May 8, 2008
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.
Not quite as masterful as his "Fight for Your Mind" days, "Both Sides" certainly is ambitious and rich in melodic texture. 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 April 22, 2008
This is a very interesting cd. I'm not crazy about disc 1 (the softer acoustic). 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.
 No one is more consistent than Harper July 10, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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. Consistently, he brings eclectic and genre transcending albums that stand alone in music today. 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! February 8, 2007
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
I like this album a lot, 4 stars.
Just noticed it's cheaper here than on itunes. Dang, why not just buy the actual CD!
Amazing album..very moving January 25, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Why wouldn't you get this album? It's full of amazing songs with very powerful meaning and not to mention the genius behind all the songs, Ben Harper. Even if you're not a big fan of his, I think this album will convert you.
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