212. Deadstring Brothers – “São Paulo”

This album (on vinyl no less) has been in my possession even less time than the Dead Weather effort.  I picked it up online (from the mighty Bloodshot Records) along with Justin Townes Earle’s latest release.
These guys share a lot more in common with Justin’s pa Steve’s rockier work than with that of his progeny. 
Their sound’s well [...]

73. The Black Crowes – “War Paint”

This was supposed to be the big comeback album for the Crowes after a Kate Hudson-caused hiatus (well I think was the explanation I heard).
It caused a bit of an internet furore, when one magazine reviewed it without hearing it. The review was unfavourable, and I guess it serves as a reflection of the low [...]

72. The Black Crowes – “Live”

Live albums serve a weird function in the world of musical recordings. Attempting to capture the essence of live performance, but without the visuals, the atmosphere, the alcohol etc. renders the endeavour a far from adequate substitute.
Indeed, the fact that most music goers will happily pay upwards of 3 times the cost of an album [...]

70. Black Diamond Heavies – “A Touch of Someone Else’s Class”

We interrupt our Black Crowes run with a short stroll over to the record rack for our weekend vinyl spinning session.

Here’s an album which just wouldn’t sound right delivered via CD, or heaven forbid, as a download.
This duo from somewhere in the south of the US have been hailed as doing for soul what The [...]

69. The Black Crowes – “By Your Side”

Things that put me off in the rock world part 1 – backing singers.
I don’t mean a bit of harmonising (or not quite harmonising) by the guy on rhythm guitar, or the drummer piping up during the chorus. 
I mean a line of formation-dancing, gospel choir-trained ladies providing soaring arias alongside the less capable lead singer and clogging [...]

68. The Black Crowes – “Amorica”

Ahhh, Amorica. The land of love, where undergarments aren’t quite large enough.
This album cover caused a bit of a furore in the land of puritans and free speech, showing as it does some oh-so-taboo short and curlies.
I see the pic as reflective of the Crowes strong connection to a more carefree early 1970s, when [...]

67. The Black Crowes – “Shake Your Money Maker”

Finally, after 66 reviews, we get to some genuine, no holds-barred, straight ahead rock’n’roll!!
And this is pure, unadulterated rock with swagger. And that swagger isn’t some snooty, indie-rock, cynical sway, but instead a long-haired, dirty-jeaned, straight from the heart hip shake.
I’m a bit of a latecomer to the Black Crowes. These guys were the teenage [...]