NO MERCY IN THIS LAND
| Ben Harper and charlie Musselwhite
NO MERCY IN THIS LAND
No Mercy in This Land is the fourteenth studio album by American artist Ben Harper and the twelfth studio album by the American electric blues harmonica player and bandleader, Charlie Musselwhite released by Anti- on March 30, 2018 -Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
Show All-
American Song Writer
Both artists approach the music from different perspectives, which makes this collaboration so vibrant.
-
Albumism
another diamond in the rich mine of his work
-
All Music
Ultimately, No Mercy in This Land is solid if not (quite) as strong as Get Up! That said, it is more diverse, immediate, and instinctive, making it a worthy listen, and provides further evidence that this pair should work together more often.
-
Glide Magazine
the collaborative duo reaches even deeper into spare, haunting country blues, with touches of soul, gospel, and shuffling blues
-
Music OMH
The soulful tunes and melancholy narrative of the album tie these two musicians together seamlessly and transport listeners to the heyday of blues music.
-
Cryptic Rock
The strength of No Mercy In This Land is its simplicity, its forthright sincerity and its phenomenal musicianship.
-
Digital Journal
a well-crafted studio effort from start to finish, with no filler tracks.
-
Black Grooves
No Mercy In This Land is excellent work from Harper, and once again, he has found a great compadre in Musselwhite. For this album, and this iconic blues duo, there literally is no comparison.
-
Independent
Moments of disconnection were wholly forgotten however in others where Musselwhite’s harmonica solos demonstrated his legendary status as a powerful blues musician and Harper’s voice soared.
-
Chicago Sun Times
All Musselwhite does is play the harmonica and intone some emotional verses on the title track. Just like all Shakespeare did was write plays and poems.
-
The Young Folks
From the first few notes, No Mercy In This Land transports you down south to the Mississippi Delta, and the feeling sticks throughout all ten tracks, mostly aided by Musselwhite’s prolific harmonica playing and the rawness of the electric guitar and slide.
-
Culture Fly
There’s plenty for blues enthusiasts here ... but by keeping a tight leash on the usual excesses of latter-day blues, Harper and Musselwhite have made No Mercy In This Land accessible to newcomers. Instrumental breaks just ain’t hip, kids, but good tunes never go out of style.
-
Vintage Vinyl News
This is an album that is classy from start to finish.
-
Music Connection
This is music that resonates long after the last note is played.
-
The Fire Note
There’s a transcendent quality in the instrumental interplay that comes from the natural ease these veteran players find in each other’s company that is communicated through the way the music moves so naturally.
-
Renowned for Sound
more than a blues album: it’s a visceral and emotional record which features both uplifting and playful melodies, and slower tunes.
-
Mix Online
No Mercy puts a little twist—an ever so slightly more modern rhythmic approach—on the sound of vintage blues records.
-
Forbes
a stunning collection that merges blues and rock into a powerhouse of gritty, authentic and timeless songs
-
Staccatofy
Harper and Musselwhite continue to bring us blues with feeling that furthers the legacy, while still maintaining that undeniable rightful blues sound.
-
American Highways
The music is languid and grounded, ambient and real, raw and true. Harper’s ear for blues songwriting and his adept instrumental abilities are mature and poised.
-
Yuppee
‘No Mercy in This Land’, a musical expression of the affinity between the duo, serves as 10 (13 if you count the digital deluxe version) separate diary entries that tell the bittersweet story of struggle and survival.
-
Record Dept.
When the two come together they produce a rich and vibrant bluesy roots music combination that melds both of their backgrounds. The duo is supported again by Harper collaborators Jesse Ingalls (bass), Jason Mozersky (lead guitar), and Jimmy Paxson (drums)
-
Otago Daily Times
No Mercy in this Land reeks of tough Chicago blues but has a thoroughly modern feel. On paper they may be twenty five years apart, but in the studio no way.
-
The Music Hall
And with those words, that weary voice, you can hear it all—the highs and lows, the adventures, the sadness and all the loss.
-
Spirituality and Health
gritty blues that shakes, rattles, and rolls. The beat is even and slow as Harper’s voice glides over Musselwhite’s electrified, hair-raising harmonica, sounding like an electric guitar swinging and churning up and down these tunes.
-
Get Ready To Rock!
The blues played and performed in one its simplest forms by two musicians who love and respect the blues, plus write and perform damn fine songs.
Rate This Album and Leave Your Comments