The Black Crowes - Three Snakes And One Charm

The Black Crowes - Three Snakes And One Charm
After home runs on their first three albums, the question was whether that run would come to an end here. At one time, I thought so but these slow burning country rock songs take a number of plays to reveal their charms.

Good Friday is fantastic, with the harmonica, slide guitar and picked banjo making this mournful country rock of the highest order. Girl From A Pawnshop finishes with a gospel flavoured climax whilst (Only) Halfway To Everywhere's horns even add a '20s speakeasy touch. The horns also give Let Me Share The Ride an old fashioned rock and roll vibe, like the Stones in their RNB days.

There is a more psychedelic influence to this album compared to their earlier releases. Under A Mountain's chorus has a hypnotic, psyche rock quality while One Mirror Too Many has an eastern influenced, '60s psychedelic pop feel.

This is a very good album if you have the patience.