The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Not exactly shy in attitude or musical attack on their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, the Black Crowes displayed a leap in confidence and imagination on their second, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. Inspired by a particular strain of ’70s hard rock, the group was developing a richer, even warmer sound. The addition of Ed Hawrysch to the lineup made keyboard textures a bigger part of the music than they’d been on Shake, and a wider rhythmic palette connected the record to the Allman Brothers Band’s eclectic meld. An almost eerie version of Bob Marley’s “Time Will Tell” looked forward to the Crowes’ status as a favorite of the jam-band crowd, while reaching back to the ’30s’ blues-preacher style. And “Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye” demonstrated Robinson’s ability with soul readymades: He could be in there pitching compositions to Solomon Burke or Howard Tate. This edition adds two bonus tracks, including a slower take on the opening slammer “Sting Me.”