Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Review: Warpaint by The Black Crowes

Warpaint, released March 4, 2008, is The Black Crowes’ 7th studio album and their first in seven years. In that time, they’ve seen the breakup of the band, solo projects, reconciliation, reunion, and the subsequent loss and replacement of their well-loved veteran keyboard player and lead guitarist. In the wake of all that drama, it wouldn’t be surprising if their comeback album showed signs of identity crisis, desperation, over reach, or simply fatigue. Fortunately, Warpaint is a solid Black Crowes album and one would be forgiven for thinking the band had been chugging along all this time with nary a pause.

The Black Crowes play in the sonic tradition of Rod Stewart/Ronnie Wood and The Band. Their formula is simple: a wooly, saturated rhythm guitar alternately sparring with and supporting the wailing lead singer and the wailing lead guitar (often slide guitar) over a rock solid blues bass guitar and drums rhythm section, with an organ and/or piano filling in all the cracks. It’s an organic, honest sound in evidence more on the Crowes’ first three studio albums than on their last three. In this, Warpaint is a welcome return to form.

Chris Robinson is in fine voice, continuing his stint as the High Hippie Brother Love, Preacher, Seeker and Prophet. He sounds relaxed, and seldom lapses into the shouting which has marred some previous efforts. Mr. Robinson’s lyrics retain his usual impressionistic flourishes, but for the most part are compelling and clear enough to follow without a lyric sheet.

The addition of Luther Dickinson (of The North Mississippi Allstars) nudges the Delta Blues back into the mix. To my ear Mr. Dickinson’s warbling slide work is a little less focused and a bit more tentative than the past lead guitarists, but is nonetheless excellent and overall quite at home on the album.

Warpaint is produced by Paul Stacey, who previously worked with Chris Robinson in New Earth Mud, and a couple tunes open sounding more like Mr. Robinson’s solo project than the Crowes proper. However, as I said before, Warpaint is a solid Black Crowes album, and compares favorably to the band’s best work. Any fan of Amorica or The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion will be very happy with this album.