Greatest Hits 1990-1999: A Tribute to a Work in Progress

The Black Crowes: Chris Robinson (vocals); Rich Robinson, Jeff Cease, Marc Ford (guitar); Eddie Harsch (keyboards); Johnny Colt, Sven Pipien (bass); Steve Gorman (drums).
Producers: George Drakoulias, The Black Crowes, Jack Joseph Puig, Kevin Shirley.
Compilation producers: Nick Pirovano, John Jackson, Darren Salmieri, Patti Matheny.
Throughout the '90s, The Black Crowes steadfastly clung to a straightforward rock & roll sound, drawing on blues, soul, and country roots, while steadfastly ignoring trends such as hair metal, grunge, Britpop, and electronica. Led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, this group of rebellious Atlanta natives managed to create a passionate canon of music amidst a wealth of debauchery, internal conflict, and critical brickbats.
Culled from all five of the band's studio albums, this 16-track collection starts with the band's hit debut SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER and continues through 1999's vibrant BY YOUR SIDE. Although early songs such as "Jealous Again" and their saucy smash cover of Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle" got them labeled as Faces wannabes, later songs found the band ranging beyond mere boogie. On "Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye," female background singers touch on the band's gospel roots, while the steel guitar and clavinet of "Wiser Time" owe a debt to Gram Parsons' idea of Cosmic American Music. Elsewhere, The Black Crowes show an affinity for R&B that comes across on the hard-hitting soul of "Remedy," the playfully funky "Blackberry," and the Al Green-flavored pleading of "Only a Fool."