Ben Harper Contest Winner

Thanks for all the great entries for the CD and poster. Lots of different songs and reasons to choose from, but here is your winner from Jihan Mandilawi....

My favorite Ben Harper cover is John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy." When I
first heard this cover (which was released quite recently), I was
overwhelmed with emotion. Ben's voice in the song is painstakingly
genuine and honest. There are times when you know he is smiling
because you can hear it in his voice: "Every day in every way it's
getting beter and better." But at the same time, there are moments in
the song where his voice is overwhelmed with emotion, creating a
melancholy tone: "Life is what happens to you when you're making other
plans."

Ben has a multifaceted, versatile voice that is whimsical and romantic
in some ballads such as "She's only Happy in the Sun," or "Happily
ever after in Your Eyes.", while powerful and demanding in more
political tunes such as "Black Rain" and "Like a King."

What I find so brilliant about the "Beautiful Boy" cover is the fresh
sound of the recording. It is as if Ben is sitting right in front of
a small, intimate audience playing the song live.

In addition, the work is a creation of John Lennon, one of the most
meaningful songwriters of all time. Finally, this cover is of special
significance because it was created and produced for such a needed
cause, the conflict in Darfur.

Last Chance To Win - Ben Harper CD & Poster Giveaway

I'll be selecting a winner later on this afternoon for the Ben Harper CD & Poster giveaway, so there is still time to email me at hitsfromthebloggiveaway@yahoo.com and tell me about your favorite Ben Harper cover song. Gotten some great responses so far, so keep them coming.




Also for more on Ben and his music Heather of I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has a fantastic post up on him - give it a read here.

Real People Do Win - Ben Harper CD & Poster Giveaway

I'm very excited to present to you my first contest here at HFTB and it really doesn't get much cooler then to start with with an artist like Ben Harper. So here's the deal I've been asked to give away 1 copy of Ben's new album Lifelines - which hits stores next Tuesday - as well as this very cool limited edition poster, check it out....

I know what you're saying to yourself - "What do I need to do here, because I really want to win." So here's the deal simply email me at hitsfromthebloggiveaway@yahoo.com and tell me what your favorite cover tune that Ben does and why you dig it (I have a feeling a lot of you will be going with "Let's Get It On" - so surprise me). One winner will be chosen a week from today and his/her response will be posted, so start thinking.

For more info on Ben and his new album - head here.

Albums In The Stream

Can't wait till next Tuesday to hear Ben Harper's new album Lifeline? Well you're in luck as it's streaming exclusively all week over at MSN - head here and give it a listen. While I usually reserve music videos for Mondays, I'll buck the system a little and offer up the first single off the album "In The Colors", enjoy.....



Ben along with the fantastic Innocent Criminals hit the road next month a lengthy North American tour with Piers Faccini and Donovan Frankenreiter splitting opening duties throughout. To find out when he's hitting your town check out the dates here.