DISCLOSURES:
1. I know every word to every song on this album.
2. I bought this CD in limited edition gatefold packaging on the day it came out in may of 1992.
3. I have defended myself multiple times to many people over the years for not only just my love of this album, but of this band.
4. I still have the same CD of this album that I bought in 1992, meaning it's crossed the atlantic a few times to get into the office here in fort lauderdale.
5. I proudly saw The Black Crowes for the first time in Tampa in 1991. I've since seen them at least 5 other times. One of these included driving in my '86 Mustang down to Gainesville in early 1993 to see them support this album during the High as the Moon tour at the O Dome. I had to get back to Tallahassee immediately after because I had an 8am Latin lecture the next morning.
6. My husband may just love this band more than I do. One of my lord JCE's favourite albums ever ever ever is "Amorica", the follow up to this one.
7. My natural singing inflection is with a Southern accent, possibly because I'm a redneck from central Florida. What this means is that various songs from this album pop up while I'm singing in the shower, especially 'Sometimes Salvation' and 'Hotel Illness'.
8. Chris and Rich Robinson are two of the very few "rock and roll" people I'd like to meet. Possibly for some B&B and a little weed, just like in 'Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye'.
So you know what I'm going to say about this album -- I'd recommend it to just about anyone who has ever liked a Rolling Stones or Faces or Jeff Beck Group or Allman Brothers song. When the Crowes are good, they're very good... Most people just dropped off after this album, but after a bad period which seemed to coincide with Chris Robinson marrying Kate Hudson, the new stuff the boys have been doing has been just wonderful to hear. 'Warpaint' from a couple of years ago is really worth your time. So, yeah, I love this album. No shame, no excuses, no regrets -- Hammond organ, electric piano, slide guitar, everything that makes me feel like an album is worth my time. Since this one's been around the world a couple of times with me, it sure as hell wouldn't mind coming to a desert island with me, if asked.
It's no Amorica but it's a close second. Comes from the era where two brothers who hate (and love) each other could get a little frosty and spend a couple of weeks knocking together a classic.
ReplyDeleteI think this album is like those old antiques you see on the roadshow when they remind you that the patina of time, the rough dirt are what provide the value... the worst thing you could have done is polish it and clean it up... that sums this album up to me. It's rough, it's dirty and all the better for it.