record collection revisited: The Black Crowes "Warpaint"

In 2008, the Black Crowes (after a couple of hiatuses during the 2000s), completely solidified a new lineup and made a very rootsy sounding, bluesy record entitled “Warpaint”.  Added to the band were guitarist Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All Stars, and keyboardist Adam MacDougall, to join an already strong lineup including Chris Robinson on vocals, guitar, and harp, as well as his brother, guitarist, Rich Robinson.  Whereas much of their earlier records focused on a psychedelic vibe and styles of rock hearkening back to the ‘70s and bands like The Faces or the Rolling Stones, “Warpaint” (while still retaining such an aura), also delved into American roots music. 

Some of the cuts off this album really reflect that.  “Walk, Believer, Walk” (the album’s second track), sounds like an old field holler or a blues penned by one of the founders like a Charley Patton or a Robert Johnson.  The Crowes lyrics are interesting, representing things that are dark and deceitful, sometimes, or other times, grotesque.  …And yet, there are other lyrics that show a happy, tender side to the band. Furthermore, these guys (despite being labeled an alternative rock band early in their career), are totally bluesy and can jam like no one’s business!  Refer to a blog entry I wrote about them in October.  It’s dated October 2, 2011.

The chemistry of the band on this album is really great.  All the elements fit, from MacDougall’s soulful B3 playing to Luther Dickinson’s guitar work (although, his slide playing, at least the tone of it, seems to be a little less aggressive on the album than it was when I saw and heard the Crowes live, twice).  Drummer Steve Gorman and bassist Sven Pipien (who have been with the band for quite a while, Gorman since its inception), provide a rock solid rhythm section. 

The writing on this record is some of the best  by the Robinson brothers who are tandem songwriters and do a good job.  On the DVD of “Warpaint” where the band played this whole album as part of their set in San Francisco, California in 2008, Chris Robinson introduced “Evergreen” (track four on the record), as a “phosphorescent love song”.  So, they’ve got the psychedelic idea down and though they have their own sound, they really are somewhere between bands like the Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead.

What I mean by those comparisons is that they can jam and improvise so well, and still have a raunchy, raw edge to their writing and playing.  Definitely check them out.  More Black Crowes recordings will be blogged here in the future.  Stay tuned.

"Warpaint" track listing

1. Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution
2. Walk Believer Walk
3. Oh Josephine
4. Evergreen
5. We Who See The Deep
6. Locust Street
7. Movin' On Down The Line
8. Wounded Bird
9. God's Got It
10. There's Gold In Them Hills
11. Whoa Mule