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The Black Crowes Deliver With Before The Frost...Until The Freeze

The Black Crowes are back with another new record filled with tunes that will blow you away. Their songwriting has matured and working up in New York with Levon Helm has had a positive effect on the Robinson boys and their crew.

The album was recorded live at Levon's studios in Woodstock with a few of the Crowe's closet fans in attendance. What I would have given to be a part of that audience.

Before the Frost is an 11 song disc with all new songs that totally kick ass. From the start with "Good Morning Captain" to the last track "Last Place That Love Lies" this album is some of the best work they have done since The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion album. The highlight of the whole thing may be the 7+ minute long jam fest "Been A Long Time (Waiting On Love)"

OHHH but the Crowes are not through there. There is a second disc that will be available for free download, Until The Freeze. This offers another 9 songs, 8 originals and a sweet Stephen Stills cover, "So Many Times".

This is definitely a must have when it hits stores this Monday, August 31st.

ROCK OUT WITH CHICKENFOOT

FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!

The more I listen to this the better it gets. Pretty much every song kicks ass.

Sammy's vocals are on the money, Chad and Michael power through the tunes adding slamming rhythms and Joe is probably the most surprising. He has abandoned his perfectionist technical styles and just rocks out on guitar. All four come together as if they have been playing together for years and years.

With the exception of "Learning To Fall" the entire album effing rocks.

Hopefully they have a few more albums in them before they call it quits.

Cheap Trick: The Latest

Cheap Trick is a band that has been around forever. They have a handful of hits, mostly in their earlier years, but due to their loyal following they have managed to stick around mostly surviving on their live shows and live albums. Every so often they release some new music, and while not always hits it is usually pretty entertaining.

Their newest album, "The Latest" is another good record from the Illinois quartet. There are no chart toppers or radio hits, but it is a solid group of songs that are enjoyable to the ear.

Many downplay the band as has beens, but these are the people who never listened past the 70's or were only fans of the "Flame" in the 80's. This is their 4th album in the 90's & 00's and most likely the best. The band shows how good they really are with Zander’s impeccable vocals on a slamming version of Slade’s “When the Lights are Out,” an opulent psychedelic pop ballad “Miss Tomorrow” and then the smack to the face “Sick Man of Europe,” with Petersson’s predatory bass leading the way.

Always one of the best live bands around, their studio albums rock just as much...well most of them. This new one is definitely a must have, not only can you get the cd, you can download it, buy the record or 8-track. Yes I said 8-track, they released this album on 8-track, not sure why this was done.

Also, be on the lookout for a new live release recorded in Vegas when Robyn, Rick, Tom and Bun E. performed the Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Band" album in it's entirety.

Patterson Hood: Murdering Oscar (and Other Love Songs)

Patterson Hood is one of the best song writers around these days. Just listen to the tracks he has penned with the Drive-By Truckers and tell me any differently.

Here is his second solo album, "Murdering Oscar (and Other Love Songs), which is filled with a mix of brooding dark troubled tunes as well as some light hearted upbeat ones. With each track Patterson is able to tell a story in such great detail that the listener is transformed into his world and gets a glimpse of what he has experienced and what his life is about. Marriage, children, bad experiences litter the songs of this record.

To the DBT fan this album will come easy, but if you are new to Hood you may have to give it a few listens to really grasp how good this album is.

Levon Helm is Electric

Levon Helm, mostly known for his work with the Band, has released a new album, 'Electric Dirt'. It is the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2007 album 'Dirt Farmer'.

Where 'Dirt Farmer' had a rustic intimacy about it, 'Electric Dirt' brings out the soulful side. Filled a mix of folk, blues, soul and gospel tunes it is a great listen from start to finish.

It starts strong with a version of the Grateful Dead's tune "Tennessee Jed", one of the best versions my ears have had the pleasure of listening to. From there it just gets better.

With songs from such artists as Muddy Waters, "You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had" and "Stuff You Gotta Watch", The Staples Singers, "Move Along Rain" and Randy Newman, "Kingfish" to name a few you can't not help but to enjoy this record.

If you are looking for good music, not the usual crap record companies are pedaling out there these days, then check this album out. Definitely one of the best releases this year.

Drivin N Cryin; Back and Kicking Ass

Drivin N Cryin are back. They are out on the road in support of their new album 'The Great American Bubble Factory' which hits stores September 29th.

This will be the first studio album from these guys since 1997's 'Drivin N Cryin' album.

From what I have heard so far they have not lost anything from their earlier work. The songs rock, they kick ass and the lyrics are pretty damn good too.

Here is a track from the album, it is a song that has been around but is finally getting the proper treatment of being on an album.



This song and others such as 'Pre Approved, Pre Denied', 'Let Me Down', 'I Stand Tall' and 'I Se Georgia' are all great tunes.

Enjoy and check back for an official review of the album.