Album Review: The Black Crowes - 'Before the Frost'

Definitely an inspired move put forward by the guys in The Black Crowes. For a band that’s been going for over 20 years, they’ve definitely surpassed my expectations. For those of you who weren’t familiar with the unorthodox recording sessions of this album; let me fill you in. The idea is brilliant:  gather an intimate audience of your biggest fans and put them in Levon Helm's studio (Located in Woodstock, New York) to watch you record your new material, in live format, over 5 nights.

And that’s exactly what The Black Crowes did with their 8th album, ‘Before the Frost’ as well as recording 9 extra tracks (Until the Freeze…) which you can download after purchasing the physical disc.

Whilst majority of the recording was written by the Robinson brothers, the groups founding members, the album was produced by ex-member Paul Stacy. And they have managed to deliver, once again, their perfected southern-blues rock sound, however, this time with some blue-grass thrown into the mix. As some fans put it; “It’s the best of the 1970s rolled up and ready to smoke.” 

The album features a mix of grungy guitars and ragtime-y piano in the opening track “Good Morning Capitan” as well as a solid rock-country ballad in the form of “Appaloosa”. 

Although, the track "I Ain't Hiding" is an attempt disco-rock song that, in this reviewer’s opinion, really shouldn’t have been recorded – that is basically the only dud in the record.

If you’re a blues fan, this album will definitely deliver. The Black Crowes are a terrific band, and always manage to put on great live performances and record fantastic songs as well.  Perfect Sunday night record, and is just as capable to make you dance, as it is at telling a great story.

Before the Frost... [CD]

1. "Good Morning Captain" – 3:24
2. "Been a Long Time (Waiting on Love)" – 7:47
3. "Appaloosa" – 3:35
4. "A Train Still Makes a Lonely Sound" – 4:23
5. "I Ain't Hiding" (C. Robinson) – 5:57
6. "Kept My Soul" – 5:23
7. "What Is Home?" (R. Robinson) – 5:13
8. "Houston Don't Dream About Me" – 5:05
9. "Make Glad" – 4:18
10. "And the Band Played On..." – 4:12
11. "The Last Place That Love Lives" (C. Robinson) – 4:57

...Until the Freeze [download]

1. "Aimless Peacock" – 6:40
2. "The Shady Grove" – 4:42
3. "The Garden Gate" – 4:21
4. "Greenhorn" – 7:12
5. "Shine Along" – 4:47
6. "Roll Old Jeremiah" (C. Robinson) – 4:40
7. "Lady of Ave. A" – 5:20
8. "So Many Times" (Chris Hillman, Stephen Stills) – 4:53
9. "Fork in the River" (C. Robinson) – 4:11