The Black Crowes: Before the Frost…Until the Freeze

With the band’s eighth album, double LP Before the Frost…Until the Freeze, the Crowes have fully settled into their role as keepers of the ’70s rock ’n’ roll flame. Frost captures the best aspects of one of rock’s finest eras: a balance of structured songwriting and loose grooves, catchy choruses and meandering solos, hard rocking songs and easy-going attitude.
While 2008’s Warpaint, the band’s first album since 2001’s underwhelming Lions, had moments of greatness, Before the Frost feels better suited as The Black Crowes’ true return to form. And considering the story behind the record, its quality isn’t such a surprise. Setting up in Levon Helm’s Woodstock, N.Y. studio in front of a small group of friends, the album was recorded live, complete with audience applause.