The Black Crowes - Shake Your Money Maker
Band
Chris Robinson - Vocals
Rich Robinson - Guitar
Jeff Cease - Guitar
Johnny Cult - Bass
Steve Gorman - Drums
Released: 1990
These days, "Classic" isn't a common word. Nor was it really heard in the mainstream during the 1990's. It was very uncommon to see an album or particularly a band in mainstream that 90's/2000's that always makes great, and timeless music and albums. I believe the Georgia quintet, known as The Black Crowes, were consistently classic.
Many people label(ed) The Black Crowes as a revival or clone band of groups from the early sixties British invasion. Being that their strait up Blues Rock sound was commonly seen then. The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Faces, The Yardbirds, ect, were at the forefront of that movement. And though, The Crowes were heavily influenced by them, they were without a doubt their own band, and were definitely unique in their own way.
The Black Crowes surprising stood out in 1990's. You would never think a bunch of Alternative/Grunge/Pop fans would be into a not so heavy Roots band. Though, it was rare to find a five piece Blues band. So, in a way they were possibly refreshing. Perhaps their fame grew out of their overall instrumental talent. It couldn't have been their jam qualities, because they wouldn't show those skills till their album
Amorica. It may have been their talent to take a simple riff or beat, and build on it till had a very technical sound and feel. Or finally, it may have been their ability to write simple catchy songs, which probably brought them into the charts and mainstream. Either way, it's irrelevant. Look past their fame, their slightly arrogant ways, and their revival like sound. Because anyway you put it, they are a exceptional band.
Twice as Hard
What a fabulous intro to a debut album! So guitar led, and built up. "Twice as Hard" as I said before, is a guitar lead track, that is kept strong by it's basic drum beat. Rich and Jeff kind of both play lead on this track. Both bouncing off of each others solos, and interludes. They do both play a fantastic riff together. I believe the riff is done with a slide, as are the guitar parts completely. The song is a bit jagged and ruff edged, but not in a bad. In a way that adds style. Also, Chris' vocals could not be better. He and his voice remind me of a mix of Mick Jagger and Robert Plant. Which together equals an ugly skinny guy who can belt out notes. Other than those high points, the track is flawless. And surprising wasn't a single. 5/5
Jealous Again
Here's a catchy tune. Not as heavy or technical as the previous track, but it does contain better melodies and drum beats. The guitar playing sounds like it's strait from 1968. Chuck Leavell adds his greatly needed and wonderful piano skills, that add a nice element to an already good song. The bass lines match up great with the drum beats. That's quite surprising, being around the late 60's, after Entwistle and Bruce spread their talent of lead bass skills, bass lines where usually played in a lead fashion. Unlike this late 60's sounding track bass line. Which once again shows that The Black Crowes are not clones, or at least the bass lines aren't. 4.5/5
Sister Luck
I really like the overall composition of "Sister Luck". Everything is piled over another perfectly. Instrumentally, it's great and flawless. I don't care for the lyrics though, or just the overall sound. But it is very hard to make a follow up to "Twice as Hard" and "Jealous Again". Leavell sits in on this track also. Of course adding to the sound greatly. The solo Rich plays really suits the music great. But the song just doesn't really deliver. Though, not really bad, but definitely nothing special. 2.5/5
Could I've Been So Blind
I really like the main riff on this track. Especially how it sounds with the drums by it. The song always seems to be moving, and never lagging on. So, it's kind of exciting and never really gets boring. I also am fond of the solo Rich throws out. The bass lines are also pretty good. Technically the song isn't amazing, but it's catchy, has a good, flow and remains exciting. So, overall it's a pretty good song. 3.9/5
Seeing Things
Here's a slower, power ballad like song. Of Course the first on the album. the vocals and the bass playing really stand out to me. The melodies are fantastic, and the bass lines match up with the drumming great. It's quite epic. Big production, great organ solo, women on backing vocals, Chris yelling powerful notes, ect. All needed elements to make this song great. Fantastic song. 5/5
Hard to Handle
This Otis Redding cover is without a doubt the climax of the album. And was
Shake Your Money Maker's biggest hit. The song is really chaotic, and sharp edged. Chris does a great job with the vocals, Rich plays a fantastic solo. And the rythm section is flawless. And the chorus, definitely one of my favorites I've heard. It includes tons of attitude. On top of all of that, the song flows great. Such a strong cover. I would even say they do it better than Otis Redding, and better than any other cover of this track I've heard. 5/5
Thick N' Thin
"Thick N' Thin" opens with the sound of a car crashing into a dumpster. From their the main riff comes in. It's rapidly played. Each instrument quickly adds in, and just the overall sound is great. It always remind me of "Johnny B. Goode". Chris' vocals are great, as are the lyrics. But I do wish they were louder, they're kind of hard to hear. The song runs at two minutes and about forty two seconds. Definitely doesn't completely satisfy me. but it's a great energetic song none the less. 4.9/5
She Talks to Angels
"She Talks to Angels" is probably the most popular Black Crowes song. I always found that it was a great song, but there are much better songs. The song opens with some beautiful acoustic guitar playing. You are all probably familiar with the song, even if you think you haven't heard it. The lyrics and Chris' voice are also very beautiful. And I really like the song quickly changes up, when the rythm section adds in. The drums add so greatly to the whole feel. Which I would say is spectacular. The highlight of the track in my opinion is definitely whenever they almost go over the top, and then bring it back down. They have a great talent for building songs up, and then bringing them down, but still keeping them interesting. Just a great song :) 5/5
Struttin' Blues
Here's a track that reminds me of an AC/DC song. Really fast, strait forward, simple playing, Blues orientated, ect..The track is very upbeat, fast and slightly heavy.Everything flows and bounce off the other instruments nicely. But the song isn't very exciting. It's very boring compared to the other tracks. Nothing special at all. 2/5
Stare it Cold
Once again, this track sounds like it's from AC/DC. Just a bit more technical, and doesn't stick to one formula. Definitely not the track I would pick for closing a great album. But the track does have it's high points. For instance the chorus is pretty catchy. And the solo isn't too great. It's pretty good, but definitely doesn't compare to the others. Too much AC/DC, not enough Black Crowes. Just a bit better than the previous track. 2.9/5
Well, overall I think the album has such great highlights they completely overshadow the low points. you also have to keep in mind this is The Black Crowes' debut album. Definitely a great album. I would surely recommend it to all. 4/5
