The Black Crowes Should Herald In New Fans With "Before The Frost" Album

The Black Crowes released their eighth studio album late last month, "Before the Frost...Until the Freeze." It's their second release in just over 15 months and it's a double album too. The physical release, "Before the Frost...," includes a download code for another 9 tracks of "...Until the Freeze," while all 20 tracks can be purchased on iTunes for one low price as well.

Together, the album is over 100 minutes of pure harmony-filled Southern rock. The funny thing about this studio album is that it was actually recorded in front of a live audience and their cheers can be heard at the end of certain tracks. But the recording is pitch perfect, although the live playing just adds to the Crowes' freewheeling, unpolished sound.

The result is a mix of crunching, hook-laden rockers, like the nearly 8-minute highlight "Been A Long Time (Waiting On Love)," which helps kick off the album with the band at their heightening, jam-filled best. "A Train Still makes A Lonely Sound" oozes desperate angst from frontman Chris Robinson's rich vocal, while the surprising disco of "I Ain't Hiding" never lets up its Rolling Stones-style funk.

The album also touches on hardcore blues on songs like "Kept My Soul," country-style balladry with songs like "Appaloosa," and the acoustic folk of "The Last Place That Love Lives" and most of the songs on "...Until the Freeze," like the bluegrass-inspired "Garden Gate" and "Shine Along."

"Before the Frost... Until the Freeze" is a treat for fans of the Black Crowes, who score them at their best and should also herald in new fans with a release which should cement them as one of the best live rock bands currently touring. My pick goes to the physical release, which comes in a digipack which features the self-written lyrics, a rustic looking paper sleeve with the CD and digital download code, and impressive artwork which makes the disc look like vinyl.

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