Lions

Black Crowes | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: V2 North America
• ASIN: B00005B19O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (115 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,348 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #92 in Music > Rock > Jam Bands > Rock Jam Bands

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

"Now I've traded my black feathers for a crown," sings Chris Robinson, and the vibrant, roaring music on Lions supports his claim to rule the jungle. Working with producer Don Was, the Robinson boys and crew make bold sonic leaps forward, sounding both heavier and more nuanced simultaneously. In the mid-1990s the Crowes' attempts at experimentation were much less successful, often sounding forced or, worse, underdeveloped. With 1999's By Your Side, the band seemed to make a conscious attempt to strip it all down and get back to basics. Lions continues that resurgence, and thanks to Was's influence, builds mightily on that foundation. The good-time swampy swagger is still the defining factor, but for the first time the sonic coloring enhances the tunes as opposed to sapping them of their energy. All the songs flow together, giving the album a cohesion that previous efforts have lacked, and Was generates a bold, vivid sound. And yes, it does seem quite conducive to loud volumes. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description

Import pressing of their 2001 album Lions. Includes the song's 'Midnight From the Inside Out', 'Lay It All on Me', 'Greasy Grass River' and more. V2. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Crowes' most diverse, yet cohesive effort yet., June 23, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (Three Rivers, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lions (Audio CD)

After 1998's dismal effort "By Your Side," it appeared that The Black Crowes were desperately trying to gain new fans in today's catchy-hook-based music scene. The result was bland, soulless rock; albeit a good party album, "By Your Side" lacked soul. The reason, as it turns out, that the album was so soulless, was not an attempt at gaining back fans, but rather the almost dictatorial production of the album, run by Kevin "Caveman" Shirley and Columbia Records, who basically TOLD the Crowes what to put on the album.

Enter V2 Records and producer Don Was. 2 1/2 years after the BYS disaster, the Crowes "finally had complete control over everything" while recording "Lions", according to Crowes frontman, the long-haired Chris Robinson. This freedom was thanks to the production style of the brilliant Don Was, who merely made suggestions to the Crowes rather than bossing them around. The result was The Black Crowes' most diverse, yet cohesive effort ever; Lions contains as many influences as 1994's eclectic masterpiece, "amorica." Yet, in its flowing-from-song-to-song style, "Lions" is more of a single musical statement than the sometimes broken "amorica." (Try the Wiser Time/Moneywaster/Descending sequence in amorica. for this broken-ness.) In addition, Was brought an air of professionality to "Lions" with his production; production is brilliant, with effects and overdubs in all the right places, while still managing not to sound over-produced, unlike the squeaky-clean, sparkly "By Your Side."

The album opens up with a wave of feedback from Rich Robinson, guitarist and songwriter extraordinaire (and Chris's brother), which segues into "Midnight From The Inside Out," a full-throttle rocker which echoes influences obviously picked up from the Crowes' recent tour with former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. "Midnight" then flows into the album's first single, "Lickin." With its catchy riffage (produced by a toggle-switch technique on Rich's part) and vocals that follow and therefore enhance the riffs, "Lickin'" is one heck of a funky good time. "Lickin'" ends with a power-chord blast from Rich, and is immediately followed by the sports-anthemic "Come On," a classic 70's-esque rocker with a very Aerosmith-esque midsection. "Come on, come on, let's get this thang started," Chris sings in it, because "Lions" is really just getting started at this point. Next up is "No Use Lyin'." With its rather abrasive crunchy guitars and equally abrasive chorus, ("There's no use in lying, because I've heard all your bull**** before!) "Lyin'" contains an almost modern-rock vibe, very unlike the Crowes' past efforts. However, a deeper glance into the lyrics reveal the inspiration for this track's harshness: knowing a girl like the one Chris is singing about brings about feelings just as if not more so abrasive as "Lyin'." "Losing My Mind" follows, which is a great, mellow song that contains flourishes of orchestral strings, a new musical concept for the Crowes. It's lyrical paradox ("...yes I love you, even though I know I should stay away, because I hate you...") deserves careful analysis. Next up is the screwball of the album, the delightfully funky "Ozone Mama." At first listen you may think that Chris trying to rap. However, any music lover worth their salt in jazz and funk knowledge will immediately appreciate the lyrics of "Ozone Mama" as playful, funky scatting. Following "Ozone" is the albums most Crowes-esque track, the psychedelic "Greasy Grass River." Containing a virtuoso soloing performance from Craig Ross of Lenny Kravitz's band, "River" is a Hendrix/Beatles-influenced guitar-rock romp. "River" then fades into the wonderful "Soul Singing." "Singing" is just one of those songs that makes one smile upon listening to it; it's a beautiful, gospel-influenced affirmation of one's soul. Up next on "Lions" is the beautiful "Miracle to Me," the perfect love song. While not overly cheesy as a love song, (try "By Your Side" for PLENTY of that!) "Miracle" shines as the Crowes' most beautiful effort yet. Chris is in top form on "Miracle," belting out soulful, passionate lyrics that express the very essence of the feelings he's singing about. Next up is the Sly and the Family Stone-esque "Young Man, Old Man." Groovin' and downright funky, if YMOM doesn't make you Shake Your Money Maker, nothing will. YMOM segues into the delightfully trippy, Beatles-esque intro to "Cosmic Friend." The intro, complete with multiple sounds and marching-drum beat, brings to mind the Sgt. Pepper's album. Then, just when you're about to be lost in a purple haze of psychedelia, the song blasts off into its crunchy, catchy riffage, spacey, rocking choruses, and backwards guitar solo. Wonderfully 60's. "Friend" fades into "Cypress Tree," which contains a wonderfully dynamic mix of acoustic-laden verses and hard-driving choruses, (Listen to "No Speak No Slave" off the Crowes' second album, "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion," and note the similarities in choruses.) further enhanced by more orchestral strings, which give the song flair and dramatics. Finally, "Cypress Tree" flows into "Lay It All On Me," which could possibly be the Crowes' "Free Bird." Anthemic and beautiful, the song builds and builds into a glorious crescendo, made possible by a brilliant, soul-grabbing solo from Rich Robinson, and the soaring orchestral strings accompanying it. After the last notes of "Lay..." fade out, one is left in a sense of awe at what they've just heard.

Brilliantly eclectic, "Lions" stands as the result of 11 years of musical development since the Crowes' massively popular debut "Shake Your Money Maker." When Chris recently stated "We've finally tuned into the song; the bigger circle of music guided by a higher power," about the Crowes, he was correct in saying so, as "Lions" is indisputable proof.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MOTTS, February 1, 2002

By 

Kim Fletcher (Pattaya, Chonburi Thailand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lions (Audio CD)

Chris and Rick Robinson of the Black Crowes have never been shy of wearing their hearts on their Rock n Roll sleeves proudly showing off their influences. The Rolling Stones (Keith not Mick), The Faces (Ronnie Wood not Rod Stewart), Humble Pie (Steve Marriot not Peter Frampton), and now after touring the states with Jimmy Page they have released Lions with a heavy Led Zeppelin Presence era feel to it.

It may be clichéd, but for the Black Crowes it really has been a long strange trip. They completely startled the world with their 1990 debut Shake your Money Maker, and now in 2001 it looks like they are going to do it again with Lions. In the years in between they have released 4 very varied albums, both in critical acclaim and sales. They have been kicked off a worldwide tour with ZZ Top for not towing the Budweiser sponsorship line. Their story has ranged from the ridicules to the sublime, heady and dangerous, a line up of changing musician that would make Spinal Tap look stable, and sometimes thrillingly out of control. Musically its been peaks and troughs, but Lions finds them on the very crest of a wave.

On the opening track Midnight from the inside out Chris Robinson blares forth after the guitar feedback locks into a guitar chugging rhythm with an opening salvo of Here where angels never sleep / The waters dark and deep / and you breath molasses. The effect is excruciating, clammy, sweaty, exhilarating - all rolled into one. It sounds like Walking Street should do at midnight.

For its part in the proceedings, Lions is a wholly remarkable C.D, mostly recorded in rehearsals, so it has a very live sound. Right up there in your face, it captures the Black Crowes vitality and indubitable spirit from the heavy imagery of its psychedelic third eye lion head cover artwork to the bold grooves of Soul Singing, the uplifting evocation of Cosmic Friend, or the lingering refrain of the anthemic closing ballad Lay it all on me where the Robinson brothers really stretch out. The whole album has a rock solid groove that locks you in at the beginning, and doesnt let you out until the dying notes ripple from the guitars. It embraces the bands impure soul (in a very worts and all way) and gloriously ragged Rock n Roll. Its full of fervor and heart, reminding you why everybody falls so heavily for them the first time you hear them.

Producer Don Was sprinkles his magic over the tracks, but never taking away the roughness which is all part of the Crowes charm.

Lions are kings of the jungle, how very apt. A great Rock n Roll record, lets just hope that the Crowes stay on these rails.
Mott the Dog.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but missing that spark, May 10, 2001

By 

Chris (Point Pleasant, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lions (Audio CD)

The newest from the Black Crowes is a good modern rock record, but doesn't stand up to the Crowes at their best (their first two records, and By Your Side). It doesn't have the same swagger and whiskey soaked soul that these releases had and actually harkens back to Three Snakes (Steve Gorman said in an interview that a lot of these songs have been floating around on demos since 97). The melodies and lyrics are reminicient of that album, but with a contemporary sound that really doesn't fit the band.

None of the songs are as good as what was on By Your Side. There's none of that casual, good time R&B. It sounds like Don Was's talent for taking perfectly good artists and steering them perfectly clear from whatever magic filled their finest work (think the Stones Voodoo Lounge and Dylan's Under The Red Sky). Rich Robinson's guitar is swamped with so many effects there's none of that trademark tone or Stones-style stomp. Don't get me wrong. This isn't a bad album over all, but it doesn't sound much like the Crowes. There are defenetly some hints that they can still get into that groove, but do yourself a favor, and if you don't have them already, pick up Southern Harmony, By Your Side, and Shake Your Money Maker first.