Blu-ray Specs
Video: 1080i High Definition
Audio: LPCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Master Audio
Chris Robinson and brother Rich first hit the music scene in 1984 under the original group “Mr. Crows Garden” then in 1989 recorded a demo for American Recordings and were signed as a result. In 1990 they released their first album and they have been going ever since. Although they have had many band mates come and go Chris and Rich have been the constant. This group is a great tribute to the styles of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and the culture of Southern Blues Rock.
After many years on the music scene, this group has continued a genre of music that is very heartfelt, down home, intense and wholesome. With this release of Warpaint, The Black Crowes perform amazingly. The set list is a culmination of variations of their styling with the southern twang that made them so popular. From the first song “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution” the audience is enthralled and enchanted by the mastery set on stage. You can tell by looking at all of the band members that they get such enjoyment performing the music they love. Well the is one exception, for whatever reason, Rich Robinson looks as though he is a job he hates and doesn’t seem to have any passion for the talent and artistry that he possesses. I think the addition of Luther Dickenson to the band was a great step to preserve and grow The Black Crowes as a whole. Luther really has a spark about him as he plays and is amazing to watch. The set list is very impressive and spans 17 songs, of which all but 5 of them were written by Chris and Rich.
The usage of Blu-ray is amazingly well used here with the crisp sounds that emanate thru the speakers of a great surround system. I felt like it was a better experience than being at the show in person. Yes the visual aspect is great as always, but there is nothing visually spectacular that would capture your eyes to need the HD version, but audio alone should count for a majority of why this is a must have on Blu-ray.
I must admit, in my musical journey over the years, I have missed out on a lot that this band has to offer and this was a great way to be reintroduced to The Black Crowes. And if you have never listened to these guys, I would strongly recommend picking this up. Of all the 17 tracks, there was only 1 track I disliked, which is pretty dam good. The only criticism I would say is that aren’t we all on to the whole encore thing, do we really need to chant to get you to play more. The crowd didn’t really chant for the encore and they band was barley off stage when they showed back up. If you plan to play anyway, just do it and spare the theatrics of the encore.
Reviewed by Michael Albaugh
