Altsounds - The Black Crowes - Warpaint [Album]

I have a long personal history with The Black Crowes. Between Southern Harmony and Musical Companion and Amorica, it seems there was a Crowes CD in my 5-disc changer non-stop for about 3 years in the early 90s,which were the early years of my relationship with my wife. I’ve seen them live a bunch of times and generally been a fan of nearly all their work for years.

The Black Crowes have released 8 studio albums and with the exception of 'Three Snakes and One Charm', they are all packed with great music ('Three Snakes' had some good music on it, but also some bad music). Of course, even if you’re not a fan you’ve heard “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels” off their 1990 debut. “Remedy” was also inescapable for a while in 1992.

The band announced at the beginning of 2002 that they were taking a hiatus. Funny how “a hiatus” often lasts the rest of our lives. In this case, however, it was truly just a break, albeit a long one. The Crowes returned in 2008 with a revamped line-up and their first studio release in 7 years, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015BWWUE. On the whole, I think this album reminds me most of 'Southern Harmony', which is tied for my favorite Black Crowes album with 'Amorica', though in fairness, it’s not as good end-to-end as either of those epic releases. I did, however, rip 4 tracks to my iPod. Sadly, only live versions exist on iTunes, but you can listen to samples at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015BVDCC – The Black Crowes have always had the ability to toss off ballads like this. Heartfelt, soulful, and moving. It’s a pretty melody and they know this style so well (even with the new members) it’s like slipping on an old bathrobe. The bridge even rocks out a bit.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015C3UPY – This is another song that will feel familiar, but however much they’ve done this, it doesn’t feel tired or formulaic. It’s a cool song with a fresh feel. The chorus demands to be turned up but then they sink into an oozy bridge. It’s just really solid songwriting.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015C3TSC – The broad guitar chords, virtuoso soloing, and spirited vocals that have marked their whole career (or most of it anyway) are here in spades. Chris Robinson still knows how to turn a phrase as well. Solid Rock ‘n Roll lyrics.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015C3UJU – “If you need it, God’s got it.” They take this blues / gospel classic for a spin and do a great job with it. Next time I catch these guys live, I hope they bust this one out. I bet this is a very danceable at a show.

The bottom line is, if you’ve never been a fan of The Black Crowes, 'Warpaint' won’t convert you. If, however, you are a fan but weren’t sure whether you wanted to check out the new stuff, pick it up. You will like this album a lot. It’s good to see The Black Crowes back at it because they are dripping with talent. Listening to 'Warpaint' makes me look forward to their upcoming album 'Before the Frost' due to be available in September.

Interestingly, if you buy the disc, you will get a special code that will allow you to download the companion album 'Until the Freeze'.