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Ben's Career really started to take off in the early 90's he released his first album ''Pain and Pleasure'' in 1992 on the small Cardas label, with his friend Tom Freund. The album was a good start largely acoustic with bongo drums for backing. Unfortunately it's very rare only 1500 copies were made. This led to the deal with Virgin, the label he still records for today, to date he has recorded a further six albums. Although Ben is an established artists with an international following this was no over night success. Over the last decade Ben has regularly played over 300 live shows a year, his success is well earned and well deserved. Check out the review page for a description of his latest album ''Diamonds on The Inside'', which is out now.
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Diamonds on The Inside - Virgin 2003 See Reviews Pages
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Live From Mars - Virgin 2001
A bountiful 25 song set, a two discs collection of live recordings, recorded over a two year period. It takes takes from all five studio albums recorded with virgin. His band The Innocent Criminals must be applauded for taking the songs in a different direction and not just reproducing album tracks live. They often succeed in surpassing the emotion and intensity of previous versions. Side one the key tracks are Sexual Healing, Steal My Kisses and Women in You. Side to is mellower stripped down acoustic affair recorded in small clubs. Look out for Waiting on An Angel and in The Lords Arms, Harpers versatile and moving voice is brought to good effect.
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Burn to Shine - Virgin 1999
Eclectic is the best word to describe this album ranging from the almost Dixie land jazz feel of ''Suzie Blue'', to the harder rock punch of of ''Less''. There are angry rants, deep southern soul tracks and more reflective mellower tracks like ''Two Hands of a Prayer''. The band the Innocent Criminals are more then capable of capturing the rich tapestry of emotions presented here. When this is combined with the sympathetic production of JP Plunier this album is a real treat.
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The Will to Live 1997 - Virgin
The Will to live is another great Ben Harper album, here his rock leanings come to the fore. On faded and ''Glory and Consequence'' he puts down the Weissenborn to pick up the Fender, the results are startling, great rock music loud ad roucus. The mark of a great artists is his abilities to stretch his/her boundaries without losing his/her roots. So even on the 'Marlyesue' ''Jah Work'', the Ben Harper emotive vocals are still the dominant feature. The diversity is continued when horns are brought in on Mama's tripping and ''Roses From My Friends'' sways between stripped down ballad and rock blast in the space of a few bars. Well worth investigating. |
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Fight for your Mind 1995 - Virgin
This is Ben Harpers second album for virgin, the one thing that distinguishes him from other artists is his willingness to tackle social and political issues in his songwriting. Take for example the ''Oppression'' which focus's on inequality and injustice, '' I don't see how you sleep, for you bleeding conscience I weep, you may have the dollar on your side but from the gospel truth you cannot hide. Whether personal, spiritual, political or love Harpers songs are unique mini master pieces.
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Welcome to The Cruel World 1993 - Virgin
Many peoples favourite album his first for Virgin, it includes great songs such as the ballad ''Waiting on an Angel'' and ''Forever'', which are really delightful. Ben's first album ''Pleasure and Pain'' was a largely acoustic affair this is different including rockier numbers such Like a King and Mama's got a girlfriend. In truth though Ben never lets rip as he does on proceeding albums such ''Burn to Shine'' and ''Diamonds'' on the inside. This makes ''Welcome to the Cruel World'' the perfect chill out album for the more discerning listener.
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Pain and Pleasure in 1992 - Cardas
This was Ben's debut album incredibly rare only 1500 copies were ever made. It features some Harper originals and some cover versions. Largely acoustic it was recorded with Ben's friend Tom Freund.
Useful Link
Watch Ben Harper Listen to Ben Harper Tracks Now www.benharper.com
Ben Harpers Official Website www.benharper.net
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