Black Crowes Return (Already!) With 2 New Songs, Announce New LP For March
“The good times never end…” – The Black Crowes, “Pharmacy Chronicles”
We had to wait 15 years between the Black Crowes 2009 LP Before The Frost…Until The Freeze and 2024’s Happiness Bastards. That was mostly because they broke up, but that feels like splitting hairs, right? Today I woke up to the wonderful surprise that the Crowes will be returning March 13th – which seems gleefully fast – with a new album entitled A Pound Of Feathers. I’ve also read the title might be A Pound Of Feathers Or A Pound Of Lead. I guess they’ve been teasing this on social media, but I’ve been avoiding the festering mess on the socials for a while now.
I guess that title, A Pound Of Feathers… is meant to symbolize, and this is according to the Crowes’ website, their ability to shift from “weightless beauty” (that whole “Pound Of Feathers” thing) to telling the “heavy truth” (of A Pound Of Lead). I am thrilled to see the Crowes (the brothers Robinson) back this fast. I’m thrilled that this great band is together and is really a working band again. By that I mean, album, tour, album, rinse, repeat. The Crowes are one of America’s best rock bands and I’ve thought so since Shake Your Money Maker.
The new album was produced in Nashville by Jay Joyce who also produced Happiness Bastards. The Crowes remain Chris Robinson (vocals), Rich Robinson (guitars), and I’m not sure who the other players in the band – bass, second guitar, drums – even are anymore (the website doesn’t say). I just know Steve Gorman, the original drummer, will likely never be back in the Crowes. According to Chris, again per the website, they recorded this album in 8 to 10 days which reminds me of the recording of Southern Harmony, which was recorded in a similar “bang it out” way. Again, per Chris, “Rich brought a spontaneity to the record that I can’t describe, but it’s the best shit he’s ever done.” These guys were “feeling it” from Happiness Bastards and they rode that into the studio and I, for one, am here for it!
To announce the new album the Crowes released not one, but two new songs! I love a Friday surprise…and I’m talking about music here. The two tracks are entitled “Profane Prophecy” and “Pharmacy Chronicles.” Here is a link to the new tracks:
“Profane Prophecy” is the Crowes patented nasty, bluesy, hard rock. It’s got a big riff and a delightful slide guitar…and yes, cowbell. This tune straight up rocks. You can tell these guys were really cooking here. It’s one of the hardest rocking tunes they’ve done. “Pharmacy Chronicles” is an acoustic ballad with echos of “She Talks To Angels.” Like that earlier track, this one is also about a girl with a drug problem. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I love this acoustic beauty of a song. The acoustic guitar starts strumming and we get stabs of slide guitar. Great stuff. While Chris sings, “The good times never end,” it sure feels like they already have.
According to the website, here’s the track list for the upcoming new disc:
- Profane Prophecy
- Cruel Streak
- Pharmacy Chronicles
- Do The Parasite!
- High And Lonesome
- Queen of the B-Sides
- It’s Like That
- Blood Red Regrets
- You Call This A Good Time
- Eros Blues
- Doomsday Doggerel
With a new Crowes album coming, we now know it’s going to be a great, rock n roll spring! I can’t wait for this one. I know they’re doing some headlining dates and also opening for GnR this summer… I’ve gotta get back out to see these guys. Who knew the Black Crowes would still be banging out this wonderful noise all this time down the road!
Turn this one up loud and scare the neighbors! Cheers!