Customer Reviews

Lions

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

After By Your Side's regression to the catchy, hook-laden stylings of their debut "Shake Your Moneymaker", the Black Crowes return to further expand upon the boundless musical horizons they had so vividly opened up on "Amorica" and "3 Snakes" without totally abandoning the strait-edged blues rock sound of "Southern Harmony". The result is a career sampler of sorts; there are bits and pieces of every album, every stage of this amazing bands' career. I will now proceed to give this album the track-by-track rundown it deserves:

1. Midnite From The Inside Out: Opens up the album with a slow psychedelic grind, full of squeally guitar feedback and trippy references. 9/10

2. Lickin: The albums' first single. Tries to be a rocker, but sort of falls flat. 6.5/10

3. Come On: Racous energy. Fun to listen to. 7.5/10

4. No Use Lying: Excellent. The vocals ooze genuine, sincere emotion. This song is a testament to the staggering depth of Chris Robinson as a wirter and lyricist. 10/10

5. Losing My Mind: One of several acoustic tracks. The Crowes are really opening up that side of their personalities on this album. A great song, nice harmonizing by Rich & Ed. 10/10

6. Ozone Mama: Very funky & bluesey. I like it. 8/10

7. Greasey Grass River: Could have been an outtake from Southern Harmony. Very cool. 9/10.

8. Soul Singing: The 2nd single. Check out the video. Aside from all that, this is one of the Crowes finest compositions. 10/10

9. Miracle To Me: My fav on the album. I copied down the lyrics and gave them to my girlfriend. Lovely in every way imaginable. 10/10

10. Young Man Old Man: Awful. Easily the worst song in the entire Crowes catalog.0/10

11. Cosmic Friend: Dazzling display of musicianship. Good lyrics too. 8/10

12. Cypress Tree: Another all-around good song. 8/10

13. Lay It All On Me: Simply beautiful. Great closer. 10/10

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

There's a definite Zep-ish strut to a lot of the songs on this album, possibly left over from the Crowes' stint with Jimmy Page. A lot of the riffery recalled the Crowes/Page live album but it is mixed a LOT better on this record.

Don Was' production is varied and interesting . . .one of the things that turned me off about Three Snakes and a Charm and By Your Side was there wasn't much variation in tones on any of the songs on those albums. Lions has more texture & mood, or light & shade if you prefer, than either 3S&AC or BYS.

The tracks that stood out on first listen were Lickin' & Greasy Grass River & Cosmic Friend . . .the rest of the album didn't grab me at first although on repeated listenings it's getting better.

Overall I would rate this as much better than By Your Side, about equal to Three Snakes, but nowhere near as good as Amorica, my personal favorite, or Southern Harmony.

Still, it's good to hear the Crowes back & rockin' away. This album has less of a Southern rock feel than Zep/Soundgardenish pure muscle. It's the closest thing to a metal record they've done, and I'm cool with that. I'd like to see them pursue this new direction & roll with it -- the band has a clear handle on the heavy rock sound & Chris Robinson still sounds great.

It has taken me at least five full listens to get into this album. That is rare for me and the Crowes. I was on these guys from day one. Lions is very different. That's is exactly why this album is so cool. I just listened to Soul Singing loud in the headphones and it gave me goosebumps. I am telling you, if you are a fan, buy this album now! If are looking to explore The Crowes, buy Shake your Moneymaker or Amorica and then buy this album. Either way, give a few spins to sink in and enjoy... Sun, stars, earth, moon, sky, tide...

Simply Amazing!
Great stuff, they really pulled it off this time. The songs range from hard rockin' anthems to mellow rock ballads. In comparison to other crowes works, not as good at Southern Harmony (a all-time great) and better than Money Maker or Amorica. This one'll be in my CD player a long time. The best songs are Lickin', Ozone Mama, Greasy Grass River, Soul Singing, Cypress Tree, and Young Man Old Man. Hope they play a nice selection when I see them live at the end of this month. The Crowes are certainly one of the all-time best rock bands and the only one today that can fill the void of blues-laden classic style Rock N' Roll! If you like the Crowes, you'll love this album. If you don't, then you just don't know good music.

The Black Crowes know how to make real rock and roll... Not the stuff that the MTV cartel cooks up to sell to the gullible kiddies, but real, good, old-fashioned Zep/Stones/Beatles we-will-make-the-music-cum-what-may tracks. You know... Rock and Roll!

This diverse release plays well from front to back. It's raw and loose and beautiful and will have you all over the map. From an opener that recalls the classic Crowes blues-rock from albums past to toe-tapping, can't-stop-smiling tunes like Soul Singing and Ozone Mama to extended jam-and-reflect-on-life tracks like Miracle to Me and Lay It All On Me, every track on this album is pure sugar.

If you play Exile on Main Street and Physical Graffiti from front to back and love every minute of them, then this disc is for you. If on the other hand you enjoyed "Kickin My Heart Around" and are looking for similar singles, you might want to look into earlier Crowes albums, especially "Shake Your Money Maker," because Lions just isn't a singles-oriented disc.

Lions starts out as a bit of a departure for the Crowes. Midnight From the Inside Out and Lickin' have an almost grunge feel and combined with bland, but upbeat rocker Come On, it almost sounds as if the Crowes are trying to fit in with the current music climate for the first time. However, the album stretches out after that to include an array of funky tunes, psychedelic songs and ballads, giving the whole disc a fresh, scattered feel to it, even if the production is a touch glossy.

As the spectrum of great sounds is the strength of the album, the band seem more into stretching out and playing than in songwriting. Soul Singing stands out as as good a song they've written in several years, but much of the rest of the album feels unfinished and really for the first time, the band sounds a bit too casual. Still, it's a reassuring feeling in the end to get the impression the Crowes are doing what they want just for the fun of it and while not up to their normal standards, Lions does emit plenty of good vibes.

Lions, the Black Crowes' 6th album, ranks up there among their best. After releasing three wonderful studio albums in the early 90's, "Shake Your Money Maker" (1990), "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion" (1992) and Amorica (1994), the Crowes released two lesser albums. The uneven, experimental "Three Snakes and One Charm" (1996) and the hard-rocking but not entirely satisfying "By Your Side" (1999). Now, however, the Crowes have returned to form with a wonderful release "Lions". It sounds different at first listen, than what you'd expect, but the Crowes' distinct style is very much audible. "Lions" takes a few listens to really get into, so don't be turned off on the first listen. You must give it a chance. I wasn't crazy about the album on the first listen, but loved it on the second. The songs flow into one another with true cohesion and the album manages to be inventive yet hard-rocking at the same time. Take the second track, Lickin' for example. It starts out with an odd guitar riff, but soon turns into a tasty hard rocker. Overall, Lions is a great album that demands several listens to really appreciate, as many truly great records do.