Black Crowes - Lions
Label: BMG / V2 Records
Rating: 
 

With The Black Crowes, you never know for sure what to expect when you first pop in a CD. In 1996's "Three Snakes and One Charm," the Crowes were too far in their own little universe, while their follow-up, 1999's "By Your Side" was too much an obvious attempt to appeal to commercial radio. Now in May of 2001, The Black Crowes are back with a new label, a new member, a new album, a new producer, and undoubtedly some renewed confidence after touring with rock legend Jimmy Page. So how does Lions measure up?

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite Black Crowes albums. It kicks off with the intentionally unpolished but likeable "Midnight From The Inside Out" and then flows into the lead off single, "Lickin'," which is the one of the coolest, most attention grabbing songs I've heard, thanks in no small part to Rich Robinson's unusual feedback-saturated riffs. The third track "Come On" has great arena rock potential, while the band slows it down with the cynical, bitter, and wonderful "No Use Lying." Next up is the radio friendly love/hate power-ballad "Losing My Mind." Few bands other than the 'Crowes could pull off or even try to  make the 70's funk-laiden "Ozone Mama," but thankfully they make this one a beauty and a personal favorite... their diversity makes them one of my favorite bands. Speaking of diversity, what other rock band could use a deep-Southern Gospel style background vocal as a chorus, like on "Soul Singing?" Without a doubt, this song (and much of the album) showcases Chris Robinson's emotional, soulful voice. Another personal favorite is the epic hippie/stoner track "Cosmic Friend," which starts out light & wistful and transforms into a great hard rocker. With "Cypress Tree," the band turns into storytellers, telling the listener about a killer about to be hanged. Closing the album is the somber and striking ballad "Lay It All On Me."

Also on Lions is the too sappy Rod Stewart rip-off "Miracle To Me." Hey, who didn't expect a track like this from the newly married frontman? Equally skippable is the boring "Greasy Grass River," as well as "Young Man, Old Man," with it's annoying chorus. I wouldn't be surprised if fans like those songs, but as part of the MTV generation, my brain is too rotted to find value in them.

This CD is highly recommended. It has great vibe, great attitude. It's cool today, and it will be cool 20 years from now when your kids are borrowing this along with your old Grateful Dead LPs. Hopefully the public will get sick of boybands so that a change in programming will expose great rock like this again.
 
 

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