Music Review
Both Sides of the Gun
Ben Harper
Ben Harper has one of those ?almost? careers here in the U.S. not quite a mainstream following but not really a cult one either. His brand of folk/rock/funk falls in between so many styles and genres, it?s hard to define him and that usually means that his music doesn?t often fit on the very demographically delineated play listing.
Both Sides of the Gun is an attempt to appeal to both of his major markets. It is basically a double album made into one CD. The first ?side? is full of his sweet folk-style songs, pretty lyrics, lovely guitar sounds and lots of longing. The second part of the cd rocks out a bit more - it sounds like the Stones as much as it sounds like anything else.
Harper's own musical inspirations come from all sides of the musical spectrum and he mines them all continually. As usual his longtime band The Innocent Criminals, who seldom put a foot wrong, ably supports him. I don?t know if this will broaden Harper?s appeal but it will surely satisfy those of us who are firm fans.
Both Sides of the Gun is an attempt to appeal to both of his major markets. It is basically a double album made into one CD. The first ?side? is full of his sweet folk-style songs, pretty lyrics, lovely guitar sounds and lots of longing. The second part of the cd rocks out a bit more - it sounds like the Stones as much as it sounds like anything else.
Harper's own musical inspirations come from all sides of the musical spectrum and he mines them all continually. As usual his longtime band The Innocent Criminals, who seldom put a foot wrong, ably supports him. I don?t know if this will broaden Harper?s appeal but it will surely satisfy those of us who are firm fans.