Ben Harper And The Blind Boys Of Alabama - Live At The Apollo (DVD)

Advantages: Warms the cockles of your soul
Disadvantages: You need a soul in the first place

...As the winter months draw in it?s good to tuck oneself on bed with a flask, in a wood cabin, and authentic Deep South gospel blues to warm the cockles of the heart. This year my musical and spiritual heat is being provided by the soulful hauntings of Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama with There Will Be A Light. We are hearing the union of a combination of artists at their peak. The Blind Boys bring the raw Negro Spiritual tradition and decades of blended hymnal harmonising. Harper and his band bring the stripped down arrangements to vocals aged in oak caskets for generations, soaking up decades and life experience. As you expect there is variety without vanity. The lonely slide guitar in Dylan cover Well, Well, Well seems to be fighting for empathy whereas accapella lament Mother Pray is touching enough to bring... Read review

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Advantages: Brilliant Music!
Disadvantages: None

...Track listing 1. With My Own Two Hands 2. When It's Good 3. Diamonds On The Inside 4. Touch From Your Lust 5. When She Believes 6. Brown Eyed Blues 7. Bring The Funk 8. Everything 9. Amen Omen 10. Temporary Remedy 11. So High So Low 12. Blessed To Be A Witness 13. Picture Of Jesus 14. She's Only Happy In The Sun This is another great work from the delectable Ben Harper, who has to be one of the most blessed musicians and songwriters of our time. He has treated us to one of his most eclectic mixes with Diamonds on the Inside. This album is full of something for just about everybody. It jumps straight into the uplifting, "With My Own Two Hands" a classic reggae track.. "When It's Good" has the Southern feel of classic acoustic blues. "Amen, Omen" is my favourite track, sends tingles through me when I hear it. "Brown... Read review

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Advantages: Classic Ben Harper with a choice of chilled out or rockin'!
Disadvantages: The all-paper sleeve is a bit flimsy

...This live double album is the best Ben Harper album ever...and Ben fans will know that there is some stiff competition! Anyone who has ever seen Ben Harper in concert will know that he is a spectacular and spellbinging live artist. This album captures the live experience brilliantly and would also be the perfect introduction to Ben Harper for those who are new to his music. This all-live album is spread over two discs - one of which showcases the band's funky rock sound and an acoustic album that lets Ben's smooth, beautiful voice shine through. The album features great renditions of all his classic tracks, including 'Excuse Me Mr', 'Steal my Kisses' and 'Another Lonely Day'... and many, many more. The album also features two brillant covers, a soulful version of the Marvin Gaye song, 'Sexual Healing' and a mellow take on the Verve... Read review

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