Andrews Rock Blog

The Black Crowes

Warpaint

Red Ink 

Unlike the folks at Maxim Magazine, I decided to take a few listens to the new Black Crowes album “Warpaint” before I wrote about it. Though to be honest, I was skeptical that the Brothers Robinson could come up with anything memorable for their first new studio album in nearly 7 years. Following the release and lacklustre response to “Lions”, the Crowes went their separate ways, releasing various solo albums to minimal acclaim and even less interest from the public.

The band’s return to live duty in 2005 was met with great reaction from their fans, who flocked to concerts and watched as The Black Crowes jammed, covered classics, and reclaimed their standing as one of rock’s great live bands. But just as momentum seemed on their side, longtime keyboardist Eddie Harsh and revered guitarist Marc Ford were sent packing. Fans were pissed, and wondered what the Crowes would be able to come up with when they announced they were heading into the studio. Would they have the goods, or would be it be a last hurrah?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Have you got a favourite Sunday morning album? Something that just goes well with your mood, that feels like a lazy Sunday morning, sitting around the house? Maybe you’re sipping your cup of coffee with the tunes going, reading the newspaper, staring out the window at the sky? After a few listens, that’s what “Warpaint” feels like to me. A Sunday morning.

Like your or I on a Sunday morning, tracks like “Oh Josephine” take their time; at nearly seven minutes long the song isn’t in a rush. And neither is “Warpaint”. That doesn’t mean the album doesn’t rock, for it most surely does, most notably with first single “Goodbye Daughters of Revolution”.  “Evergreen” rocks andswings, and the repetition of the title in the chorus makes it’s way into your brain. “Movin On Down The Line” starts off eerie, but after a minute hits with a bounce and some very cool riffing from Rich Robinson and new Crow Luther Dickinson. Album closer “Whoa Mule” is acoustic and relaxed, almost like a look back at the past 50-odd minutes of music.

Unlike earlier, straightforward and classic albums like “Shake Your Money Maker” or “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion”, feel is the key word for Warpaint. Song for song is it as strong as either of those albums? No, not at all. If you’re looking for hits or radio friendly tunes, I don’t think you’ll find them here. If you’re hoping for something that immediately grabs you and unveils all its gifts, you’d best look elsewhere. The Black Crowes “Warpaint” isn’t immediate, to be sure. But if you give it time, you’ll rediscover the nearly lost joy of listening to an album, front to back. It flows, it gels, it makes you feel good.

Like a Sunday morning.  

Today’s bonus word is: WARPAINT