My GramCat warned me about crows. She said, "They look small and tasty from a distance, but as you creep up closer, they get much bigger. Trust me, and leave them alone." GramCat was very wise, so I've always taken her advice. I write all this to explain how nervous I was when I saw the pile of Black Crowes CDs. My person has all their albums, and she's always going on about "Chris Robinson this and Chris Robinson that," so I feared it would be a long, difficult afternoon.
I stopped worrying about two songs into the first album, Shake Your Money Maker, and by the time we got to the gospel-flavored "Seeing Things (For The First Time)," I was hooked, and it just got better and better.
Check out this Three Snakes and One Charm cover.
I love snakes!
I did worry a little about Chris Robinson's voice, because he always sounds like he's getting a sore throat, and right in the middle of "Remedy", there's a growl that sounds pretty painful. Hear "Remedy" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qD72NCJSkk and watch Chris Robinson channel Mick Jagger on stage.
You know when we cats run through the house like mad and then stop and crouch down and look around sorta paranoid-like? These lines from "Cursed Diamond" convinced me that The Black Crowes know all about that.
I lose myself
I forget myself
Sometimes I fault myself
I might fight myself
But then I make amends
And, oh sweet goddess Bastet! The harmonica on "P. 25 London," mewls just like a basketful of kittens! Take a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6PK29LWG6I
The Black Crowes have been recording for 20 years (their most recent release, Croweology, came out in 2010). If you're not already acquainted with them (like if you were just born this year), start with their Amorica album; it'll show you what they can do.
I say The Black Crowes are the best of the new-wave Southern Rock bands, and I think that my GramCat would agree.
Peace out!
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