The Black Crowes - Souled Out Live

keepers - 2
This Japanese import EP single thing from what is arguably their worst period also has the most inaccurate title, or at least the 'soul' part. From the start the senseless thwack of Steve Gorman's drums is the sound of a band trying to just get it over with. That said the hyperspeed energy does serve the big rock riffs of "Kickin My Heart Around"**** well, and the gloriously excessive jam "My Morning Song"**** touches on the time that the band would spend touring immersed in the iconic Zeppelin catalog with Jimmy Page. However, cherished classics "No Speak No Slave" and "Remedy" have no feel whatsoever due to the over-distorted guitars and drums without a hint of dynamic, and "Blackberry" is sorely lacking in the grit on which its whole existence depends. It's professionalism, but in a way so was Rolling Stones 'Still Life'. Even in 1998, by 8 years into their career, The Crowes had made their three (some would say 2 or 4) most powerful and nuanced albums, but by by now these are relics of the past. Fortunately I've moved on from this ancient betrayal, but listening to this is still depressing for anyone who really loved the Crowes in the 90's.

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