The Black Crowes released “I Ain’t Hiding” as a free download a few weeks back and, as a result, my expectations for Before The Frost¦ lied somewhere between zero and negative three on a scale of one to ten. I reserved my opinions on the track when we posted it, but it’s a disco tune that falls flat on its ass. Well I’ve got great news. That track is not representative of what is otherwise very good album from one of America’s greatest rock n’ roll bands.
For the band’s eighth studio album, they gathered some of their most devoted fans and invited them to join the recording sessions in Levon Helm’s barn studio and you can hear them cheering between songs. It’s a nice touch for this backyard, southern rock party album. And “Good Morning Captain” kicks the party off with sounds from an Old West saloon. Piano and banjo begin before the electric guitar and slide provide a backdrop for a story about an outlaw trying to avoid a guilty verdict and mob of townspeople trying to murder him.
The country ballad, “Appaloosa,” is the next highlight on the album. It’s a song for the homesick and the pedal steel is sure to bring a tear to your eye. Following that you’ll find “A Train Still Makes A Lonely Sound,” a southern rock gem with the entire band playing at full tilt, highlighted with guitar solos from Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars).
With the exception of “I Ain’t Hiding,” the rest of the album is sure to please any Black Crowes fan and Chris Robinson’s final solo acoustic track, “The Last Place That Love Hides,” is the sleeper on the album. Its lyrical beauty and bluegrass stringed arrangements will stop you in your tracks. If you aren’t a die hard fan, you’ll find the album a good listen, but would be better served cherry-picking four or five tracks.
As a bonus when you buy the album, you’ll receive a code to download the companion album, ¦Until The Freeze. At first blush, it feels more country and bluegrass and less rock and roll. Even if it turns out be nothing but B-Sides, it makes Before The Frost¦ a really great value.
The Black Crowes – I Ain’t Hiding
Yes, unfortunately this is the only track that is released for free to the public. I’d recommend just sampling the tracks mentioned above.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I guess it’s up to me to defend “I Aint Hiding.” I actually like this track a lot- and have had fun playing it for people with the preface: “Can you guess who this is?” No one can. But they dig the tune nonetheless. It’s definitely a departure for The Black Crowes but in my opinion they needed a detour. Plus it has great lyrics: “Dust on the pickups/And blood on the stage…Seeds in the ashtray/And coke on the blade.”
C’mon, it doesn’t get much more rock ‘n roll than that!
P.S.: Keep doin’ what you’re doin’- HearYa is great!
This album is fantastic. If some indie band from Brooklyn put this out, the indie blogs would be, to use a phrase from That Drinking Buddy Guy, creaming their skinny indie jeans. The jam at the end of Been A Long Time is worth $10 alone. As for the disco infused Crowes. I guess if the Stones and The Dead can dip their toes in the disco wading pool, then so can The Crowes. And I agree with you Oz, that last tune is great.
I Ain’t Hiding… sounds Modest Mousey to me. Iactually like it a lot. A real lot and I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve said that about one of their songs. It also gave me a brief flashback to Kiss’ disco-era “I Was Made For Lovin’ You.” Ah, memories. Anyway, I haven’t cared about the BCs for a while now but this new album I’m very curious about. It’d be nice to have them live up to that billing, “one of the greatest American bands.”
I’ve been listening to this album nonstop since it was released. I’m not a fan of I Ain’t Hiding either but the rest of the album is so strong I can look past it.
@Joe I don’t think they need to live up to the billing of “one of the great American bands.” They already earned it with Shake Your Moneymaker, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion and Amorica.
Nice review, glad to see you guys are still kickin. This is my favorite album this year…wonder if it makes your top whatever list for 2009?
PS…Hi Woody!
Gaffney, as you’ll see Warpaint made our list last year, so I could see no reason why this wouldn’t make our top 50. You might want to check out The Deep Dark Woods session as that is right up your alley.
Before the Frost is a great album. “Kept My Soul” in my opinion is one of the best songs they have ever made, and one of the best songs I have ever heard period….I don’t know why more people aren’t mentioning it.