THE BLACK CROWES: “Amorica” (American)

WITH THIS, their third album, the Black Crowes have concocted a perfect follow-up to their two previous efforts – and a perfect stake through the heart of any accusations regarding a lack of originality. The recipe which made Shake Your Money Maker and The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion so successful has been altered considerably, to give what is undoubtedly the best all-round collection of songs of the three.

The arrangements are multi-layered, yet still lean, with nobody getting carried away and rambling on for ages. Hammond Organ, slide guitar and piano are Crowes regulars, but here they have a lot of help from more inventive arrangements, percussion and various other instrumentation. Lead guitarist Marc Ford keeps the reigns on tight but when he does let go, always produces the goods, keeping his parts inventive while still complementing whatever else is going on.

Piano man Ed Harsch does likewise whether he’s playing straight piano, Hammond, or one of the many quirkier keyboard parts on the record. Adding his own tuppence worth to the mix is guest percussionist Eric Bobo, who helps provide some of the much vaunted different rhythmic influences on the album. These variations are present without being forced or gimmicky.

The result: songs mixing funk, gospel, country rock, and typical Crowes r’n’b. Vocally, Chris Robinson is on top form and doesn’t let the side down lyrically either. He doesn’t concern himself with the woes of the world preferring to keep to personal themes. No theme is more personal to the band than having a good smoke, so it’s no surprise that the first song, ‘Gone’, involves him being “Gone, gone in a wasted way”.

The “therapeutic” influence of the ol’ weed can be seen throughout the rest of the album – but who gives a fuck when every song is so good? Highlights include the first single ‘A Conspiracy’, ‘High Head Blues’, ‘Cursed Diamond’, ‘Wiser Time’ and the aforementioned ‘Gone’.

In ‘A Conspiracy’ Chris asks “Didn’t I always try to stay away from this year’s big thing?” Let’s see him try and avoid his own album!

• Graham Neilan