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.
