Before the Frost

Before the Frost, the Black Crowes latest release, was recorded live in drummer Levon Helm's home studio in Woodstock, NY. A few fans sat in on the session, providing applause between tracks. The vibe throughout is fun and light, as the Crowes blast through 11 well-crafted songs ranging from country to folk and rock tracks.

Chart success for the Black Crowes may have ended in the early '90s, but since then, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson have carved out a cult following around their legendary live shows. This collection showcases that strength effectively. Singer Chris Robinson sounds as vibrant as ever, and the sextet is in rare form.

The upbeat tone of the album is established right out of the gate with "Good Morning Captain" and "Been a Long Time" before slipping into the more soulful "Appaloosa." From there the party vibe picks up until concluding the disc with somber acoustic ballad "Last Place that Love Lives."

The Black Crowes are the link between early southern rockers like the Allman Brothers and current chart toppers Kings of Leon, and Before the Frost is a fitting addition to the southern rock canon.

The Black Crowes appear at the House of Blues on November 22.

Album title: Before the Frost (2009)
Artist: the Black Crowes
Songs: (1) Good Morning Captain (2) Been a Long Time (Waiting On Love) (3) Appaloosa (4) A Train Still Makes a Lonely Sound (5) I Ain't Hiding (6) Kept My Soul (7) What Is Home (8) Houston Don't Dream About Me (9) Make Glad (10) And the Band Played On (11) Last Place that Love Lives