The Black Crowes : Happiness Bastards

Sibling rivalry in rock bands is a long-standing tradition in the pantheon of rock and roll. The Kinks, The Jesus Mary Chain, Beach Boys, The Breeders and Oasis are just a few examples where siblings in a band had issues with each other from time to time. Something about that sibling rivalry, it would either fuel some great rock and roll or it would fuel the fire that would all but consume the band. You had some instances where brothers made it work for 40+ years, but it was a rarity to have the bond that Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC had and have it not cause issues.

The Black Crowes’ Chris and Rich Robinson have taken the sibling rivalry thing to new heights. They debuted in the late 80s with Shake Your Money Maker and became the darlings of Bud Light-sponsored concerts all across stadiums in the US. They were a great bar band that hit it big with a cover and a ballad. But then they released their follow-up, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion which revealed the Black Crowes to be more than just a great bar band. There was real potential for a long career and artistic growth. Two more albums to follow, the excellent Amorica and 70s-influenced Three Snakes And One Charm solidified the Brothers Robinson as a real voice in modern rock.

But then started the cycle of breakups and reunions that would follow for the next 20 years. Releasing records that landed somewhere between decent and just okay as the brothers did their own things and battled over who knows what. But now Chris and Rich seem to have gotten things worked out for good and have released their best record since the 90s. Happiness Bastards has The Black Crowes back in the game, and in a big way.

“Bedside Manners” comes blasting from the speakers pedal to the metal. Slide guitar, honky tonk piano, and Chris Robinson’s well-aged pipes giving it their all. Big, bluesy, soulful rocker that let’s it be known the Crowes mean business. “Rats and Clowns” doesn’t let up; nasty fuzz-drenched riff and Chris’ all sass and attitude vocal delivery brings the Sticky Fingers vibes front and center. “Cross Your Fingers” opens with bluesy acoustic and soulful vocals but quickly turns into an absolute funked-up rocker. You can feel that Georgia humidity emanating from this excellent track.

The Black Crowes always seemed to be bringing together the soul and mystique of the Stones, the power riffs of Zeppelin, and the bluesy jams of the Allman Brothers, but giving it all their own modern twist. Blue-eyed soul meets a Marshall stack and a Les Paul crunch. “Wanting and Waiting” brings it all home in a groove-filled crescendo. Chris’ voice hasn’t sounded this good in years, and with the tasteful background vocals and big riffage this is primo Black Crowes.

From the jangly acoustic of “Wilted Rose(featuring Lainey Wilson)” to the dirge-y blues of “Bleed It Dry” to the acoustic and harmonica-led closer “Kindred Friend” the Black Crowes prove they can put the sibling rivalry to bed and make one of the best albums of their nearly 40 year career.