We got excited when Harper's 'Both Sides of the Gun' box set landed into the office, promptly unleashing its (many) contents (consisting of three CD sleeves, two lyric books, some sheet music and, finally, a sticker - for someone who could be considered a generation's political spokesperson you'd think he would've spared a few thoughts for the trees) and popped the first CD into the player. Where it stayed stationary after the third listen. Harper has often been described as "too eclectic" (hence the multiple discs).This time he's kindly split his work into two. Not because, and I quote, he "can't edit his work" or has "fallen into the trap of a meglomaniacal mid-career artist not knowing when to shut up." Lord no. The simple reason is cause the styles are "more polarised then they have ever been." Thanks for clearing that up Ben. Disc one is his signature 70s strut funk punched with folk pop and raw guitar rock, with a layer of social/political commentary. In other words; The Stones and Dylan, with a smattering of Hendrix and Kravitz, and a micro film of Mayfield congealing on top of this musical casserole. There's also a side of gospel. Eclectic, yes. Derivative? Definitely. Disc one is a fine album (especially tracks 'The Way You Found Me', 'Engraved Invitation' and opening track 'Better Way') but it made me crave the music that clearly inspired it. Not necessarily a bad thing. Disc two is all piano, strings and melodic laments. The musical arrangement is often beautiful but the repetitive lyrics and his vocal tone left me with a Blunt feeling. It would be a wonderful instrumental collection, a sentiment highlighted for me by 'Sweet Nothing Serenade.' Although, instead of enjoying the reprieve that track provided, I spent its duration wondering what song it reminded me of... (Creep - Radiohead).