The Black Crowes “Before the Frost…” Review
OK, the Black Crowes still have it, and with Before the Frost… they have remained true to their roots by releasing another straight-ahead blues rock album. What I find amazing and most notable about the album is that it was recorded before a live audience in New York. As such, the sound, arrangements and feel are amazing. It’s a warm recording that not only retains its live edginess but couples it with perfect production. While most of the recording was written by the Robinson brothers, the band’s core and founding members, the album was produced by ex-member and constant collaborator, Paul Stacy
Above all, it should be noted that this is a fan album. We all know what to expect from the band, and they have once again delivered with their southern-blues rock sound, this time with blue-grass thrown in the mix. It’s the best of the 1970s rolled up and ready to smoke.
The album begins with the classic Black Crowes-sounding “Good Morning Captain.” The song boasts warm fuzzed-out guitars supported by an upbeat piano track and a kick drum pounding out a catchy rhythmic beat. When the lyrics begin you are immediately brought down to the gutter, and you feel like you’re waking up from a night of whiskey and cigarettes wondering where your girl is. The sun is baking your skin and you can barley open your bloodshot eyes. But when you do, a stoic figure hovers over you and all you say is, “good morning captain.”
“A Train Still Makes a Lonely Sound” is the next standout track on the album and is defined by that quintessential Black Crowes guitar line: descending to ascending notes, and of course, a warm analog feel that is the staple of ’70′s Southern-blues-rock. The lyrics are typical of the Black Crowes and it falls in line with their ability to pack a great narrative and love story into a four minute track.
[uncredited photo of Rich and Chris Robinson via MySpace]
And no Black Crowes album would complete without the use of a wha-wha peddle and cowbell (can I get a huge fucking hell yeah for the cowbells?). When the bass line in “I Ain’t Hiding” mixes with the single-note guitar solo, processed through the wha-wha and layered with the pitter-patter of the cowbell, I want to grab my girl and get down; it’s just that type of song. The references to coke parties and general rock-n-roll debauchery elevate the song to the mythical blues-rock status it deserves. The lyrics are raw and are fitting for the emotion evoked via the musical arrangement.
The Black Crowes have been making classic rock-n-roll for over two decades and Before the Frost… is no exception to their formula: it is just as capable of making you dance, as it is at telling a great story.
[Note that the band recently released the following statement: Before the Frost... A CD purchase of the album is accompanied with a download code to receive the album's companion release, Until the Freeze. The download portion is available in mp3 and FLAC formats.]
[This article was written by guest contributor Kevin Farr.]
I couldn’t get into this album at all… yeah, it remains true to the band’s formula (at least it’s formula this past decade), but it failed to reflect the sharpness that I still (not sure why) associate with the Black Crowes. I think the last song by the band that I really liked was 1998′s “Kickin’ My Heart Around” (from By Your Side)… which probably helps explain my perception of “Before The Frost.”
Very true Chris, they have a comfort zone and they stay well within the safety that formula provides. The potential for them to remain true to their roots but, as you say, “…express their sharpness.” is always there. Perhaps it’s lazy writing. Perhaps it’s routine…
I liked it a lot & was surprised.I didn’t know it was recorded live.
It reminded me of the recent dinosaur jr comeback record in that it played to their strengths & seemed to avoid the pitfalls of past records.
True,the songwriting could’ve be a bit edgier,but this is their style.It sounds very early 90′s to me.
I’m going way out of my range here, and am fully exposed because I don’t really know much about bands like Gov’t Mule… but what I have listened to of theirs hasn’t really blown me away. I put this album in a similar grouping of those that really play to established personal taste.
Think of it like this, I’m not sure that the band is going to gain as many new followers as it did with even its least-unique album in the ’90s… I’d like to think (other than the band not being on a major that will push it on modern & classic stations) that’s because the band isn’t doing something entirely unique. I said the same thing about AC/DC’s last album and got my ass chewed… but I never said it sucked (I actually said I kinda liked it)–here though, it doesn’t feel like the band is going back to a blueprint that really works, it kinda feels like it’s just going back to what they know their long-time fans will buy.
i think the fact that it’s recorded live makes it a warmer recording. that said, this won’t win any new fans – it’s a solid album by a band that makes solid albums for people that are still paying attention to the new stuff they do. all i expect out of them is some good rock and roll though, and i think they deliver here.
Best Crowes effort in years.
For all those out there who are giving this album poor reviews please please keep listening to this album. It took me many listens to enjoy how organic and rich this gem is. I hated it upon first and second listen expecting another “Warpaint”. When I first heard the free download album “Untill the freeze..” I was amazed. I hate country but this is what country music should sound like. The arrangements just work and the twangy blue grassy steel guitar somehow blends in perfect with each track. Give it some time to grow on you and like me….you will be listening to this dude on your way to work and in the gym……
I agree with Jasen, I “place swearword here” love the Black Crowes but this album took time for me to get into. Now I can’t get enough of it. The throw back to seventies grove that is in I Ain’t Hiding is contrasted greatly by the east Indian Sitar focused Aimless peacock. I think that they are broadening their horizons with these types of songs. I also agree though that this album will not win any new fans but I really don’t care about other fans. If the Crowes made this album for dudes like me, then thanks a lot guys, you delivered.
I don’t understand why they scrapped the tunes they had been working on before the release of Warpaint such as Cold Boy Smile and Magic Rooster Blues amongst others just to go a bit country with Warpaint.
Then Before The Frost has alotta resemblances of Warpaint and After The Freeze to me is a flat out a country cd.
Ive been a fan since I first saw them in 1990 at the Ritz and I have always been a fan but I am thouroughly dissapointed with this last release. And since they skipped playing Detroit this year didn’t bother me. Now if they woulda done a rock and roll cd that had some actual hooks in the music I woulda made the trek to Grand Rapids (Yes they played to a 1000 fans in Grand Rapids instead of 3000 in Detroit!?) and caught the show.
I am fairly sure I am in the majority of how alot of TBC fans feel.
Perhaps limp sales is why their double cd is selling for only $5 now?
`Cheers
Having been a baseline Crowes fan that owns virtually everything they have recorded, I can sincerely say that “Good Morning Captain” is one of the 10 best songs they have ever written, IMHO.
The accompanying DVD of the recording sessions (“Cabin Fever”) offers up another nugget in their, as always tasteful, cover selection of the Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” – featuring Rich Robinson on lead vocal – that didn’t make the cut.
Honestly, one of the best releases I’ve heard in a long time. I like that the Crowes went with a more rootsy sound on the last two releases. But I can’t think of a bad track on either part of this release. I enjoy it and can immerse myself in this better than anything they have released since Amorica. That says something because I still like 3 Snakes, Warpaint and the Band disc. But this is better than those even.
black crowes, mother hips can give me that Blind Faith, CSNY,Band feel
anything they do is them, so its great. Chris could simg the phone book and it would have soul. How can black keys and drive by truckers ever do what the crowes do.
The only great meaningful rock n swagger happened in the 60′s-70′s and the crows get us there every time and it still has relevance. I will always see their shows and by their records.
i like Marc Fords attack and edge,swagger, Aura while Luther is also a star as adept but lighter and slippery touch but works brilliantly.
Audely is is also ultra tasty guitar player and fits right in with Jakob Dylans band,