The Black Crowes (from The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (Super Deluxe))

The Black Crowes (from The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (Super Deluxe))

The Black Crowes (from The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (Super Deluxe))
 
With their second album, The Robinson Brothers, with their band The Black Crowes in tow, clearly came into their own. They took their classic Brit Rock influences, specifically, a conglomeration of The Stones and The Faces, and turn the clock forward to incorporate the sounds of Southern Rock ala Lynyrd Skynyrd. With this long overdue triple CD/4 LP set, fans get the opportunity to explore the Crowe’s early efforts, a ragtag sound as indebted to attitude as much as aptitude. The Robinson boys were born rockers, and The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion aptly proved the point.
 
Of course, the title of the album referenced both legacy and largess, sharing the fact that their instincts were primed from the get-go. So, while the original album and its essential songs — “Sting Me”, “Remedy”, “Thorn In My Pride” et al are all that are really needed for the casual collector, a second disc of outtakes and B-sides, as well as a third CD culled from a 1993 concert in Houston Texas enhances the enjoyment. As evidenced by the live tracks in particular, the band had emerged fully formed early on. Despite an obviously unhinged performance and a total sense of abandon, they clearly made a formidable impression, winning over new fans and followers in the process. It may sound sonically unstable but the delivery is decisive regardless.
 
The unreleased tracks are interesting, but not much more. The Crowes’ verve and versatility are demonstrated by well-intended covers of Ann Peebles’ “99 Pounds”, Ry Cooder’s “Boomer’s Story”, and Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35”, but by and large the other tracks pale compared to those that made the official cut. Still, it’s intriguing to hear how these other efforts fit the final tapestry.
 
Naturally, being a box set, extra accoutrements are absolutely mandatory, and in this case, the package includes a series of lithographs and a mini notebook with seemingly hand-written notes and typed lyrics to the songs. It’s less than compelling when justifying the purchase price, which suggests the packaging was designed solely for the completist in mind. As The Black Crowes fly, it’s merely a cool collectable. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of The Black Crowes from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit The Black Crowes website