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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: $1.94
You Save: $17.04 (90%)
Buy New/Used from $1.94
Avg. Customer Rating:  (62 reviews)
Sales Rank: 17072
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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| Customer Reviews:
 Beautiful, Inspired February 8, 2007
First, let me say that this album exceeds all expectations. Ben Harper has always tried something a little different with each album, and (in most cases) managed to improve on his formula. This album is the epitome of everything that I love about his music: Soulful, Inspired, and Sentimental. Don't buy into some of the more negative reviews on this page- this is Ben Harper at his best.
Both Sides of the Gun is a very SERIOUS album. Some people may have been let down by his lack of humor- for me, it was a breath of fresh air. Every song is very serious, and many have a political overtone. If you don't enjoy songs of protest- you better look somewhere else.
Disc 1 is mellow / melodic, starting with the touching "Morning Yearning". It is an exercise in simplicity / minimalism- and in this respect, I believe it is flawless. The sentimentality and nostalgia of tracks like "Morning Yearning", "Never Leave Lonely Alone" are typical of Ben's stripped down sound- but manage to surpass his previous works with an honesty that cannot be denied. Each track is overflowing with very real emotion. These are introspective, personal songs, ending with the love song: "Happy Everafter In Your Eyes", one of my personal favorites.
Disc 2 is a funk / soul. Most of these tracks are politically motivated, save "Get It Like You Like It" (the only real throw away track off this whole album). The rest of the tracks showcase Ben's versatility as a vocalist and guitarist. From his chilling scream on the final verse of "Better Way", the 70's soul of "Black Rain" (a protest against the Bush administration's failure in the Katrina incident), to Harper flawlessly flexing his Hendrix influence on the 8min, 22 seconds "Serve Your Soul", it's pure inspired experimentation.
If you're looking for a voice of love - current / future / past, Disc 1 will warm your heart.
If you're looking for an artist whose not afraid to experiment, speak his mind (politically / socially or otherwise), Disc 2 will satisfy your every need. All in all, Both Sides of the Gun is a beautiful and successful step forward for an artist who will always do what he wants to do.
Enjoy it.
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.
 Ok but not great January 12, 2007
0 out of 5 found this review helpful
I like Ben's previous work much better. But thats just my opinion.
Very chill, yet intelligently political! January 10, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
It's music that you can certainly relax to - yet there is an important undertone of activism in there, as well! A great cd set!
Great Music January 9, 2007
Truly a wonderful 2 disc set. Ben Harper's a great artist. This album isn't a huge departure, just further fleshes out the wide range of styles that he's been able to work with. Also, it's a ton of music, and, while not every song is a stand alone masterpiece, it's a great full double album. Just make sure you see him in concert, where he's truly one of the best!
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