The Black Crowes - Three Snakes and One Charm

A unique gem in the Crowes catalog, and unjustly forgotten. Screw the naysayers.

When this album came out, it was sorely dismissed as a rather bland and boring psychedelic rock album by a band who has seen their rise and peak 4 years earlier. Tis a shame, becuase I think this is the best Crowes album yet. It doesn't get more free-flowing and more beatiful than this. On this album, the Crowes get a little more versatile and a little softer than previous releases. While Amorica was loud and harsh, this album is more laid-back and easy going. Right from the get go, Under A Mountain takes a while to get under your skin, but when it does, it's quite amazing. Good Friday sets the "Sunday Afternoon" vibe with lap steel, stinging harmonica, and banjo, a bit reminescent of Harvest-era Neil Young. Of course, they haven't forgotten how to rock on this album, as it contains some of the best bluesy-based southern rock the band has ever created. Share The Ride plows on with a Bo Diddley-type groove, One Mirror Too Many and Evil Eye throw Beatles-psychedelia into their tapestry, and (Only) Halfway To Everywhere and Blackberry bring in a Sly and the Family Stone funkness to the mix. There's also some beautiful uplifting balladry, whether it's the Zeppelin-esque Bring On, Bring On or the sheer hippie beauty of How Much For Your Wings? These guys are all over the place on this album. It's a shame it got terrible reviews, as it is a real peak in the band's canon and creativity. They wouldn't shine like this for a long time (Lions comes a bit close, and Warpaint only works half the time). Get it if you're a true Crowes fan and a true believer of rock and roll. October 22, 2008

Compression and diminishing Marc Ford

You should own it if you like the Black Crowes. It's a good record. Marc Ford seems to be further into the mix and less flashy this time around and the production begins a more compressed sound continued on 'By Your Side' which sounds a little too glossy for the Crowes - compared to the organic sound of much of 'Southern Harmony'. Still, it has some interesting moments and good songs. June 23, 2008

Great Stuff for a Departure

This album was yet another departure for this dynamic and innovative band. And it is awesome. Under A Mountain, Good Friday then Nebakanezer is a hugely strong start to the album.

The remaining songs are a mixed lot of different styles, some quite lo-fi with others being vivacious as ever. Three Snakes and One Charm takes a bit of getting used to at first, but once you get there, it is a brilliant outing. February 27, 2008

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