Music Review-Black Crowes "Before The Frost...After The Freeze"

The Black Crowes disappeared from the music scene for seven years prior to releasing last year's "Warpaint." Now they seemed poised to make up for lost time. The Robinson brothers have release a double album of new material recorded live at Levon Helm's Woodstock, NY facility. There's even a new marketing strategy-all customers who buy "Before The Frost" will receive a password to download the digital version of the companion album..."Until The Freeze." This is an unexpected modern turn of events from a band so firmly rooted in the past glory of British Blues.

The sound of applause on several tracks reminds you that this is a live recording in a way the excellent playing does not. The opener "Good Morning Captain"immediately puts you in familiar territory with the Crowes enthusiastically riding a ragged roadhouse blues groove punctuated by slide guitar. The fun factor is still present, but with a profound lyrical depth. "I Ain't Hiding" is reminiscent of the Rolling Stones circa "Some Girls" with a gritty disco vibe that channels 'Miss You." "Appaloosa" is a rustic romp that woulda made Levon Helm proud. This record shows off the complex interplay you'd expect from such a seasoned group of performers without the weariness that so often creeps into the performances of established groups. This band performs with a high energy and enthusiasm that is infectious. These old road dogs sound enthusiastically alive and comfortable in their own skin-and that is a darn good thing.

"Before The Frost...After The Freeze" 4 out of 5 stars