Will I like 3 Snakes?

[Jet Age Eric]

Update: I got a chance to listen to the record and, on the whole, I liked it. Thanks! -E

Facts:

1. I really like Amorica (really dislike tracks 2, 7, and 10, but that leaves, like 8 great tracks)

2. I really dislike Southern Whatever Whatever Whatever

3. The Robinson bros. strike me as horrible poseur divas

4. Chris Robinson's dancing turns my stomach

5. I tend to hate retro boogie rock and definitely hate jam bands (but not rocking jams)

As you can see, I carry a lot of baggage here, but point 1 looms large. Thoughts? Thanks! -E

PS No offense to full-on Black Crowes fans.:mob

[OogieBoogieMan]

If you honestly like Amorica, then you will like 3 Snakes. It has more of everything and it is the best Black Crowes album. But those other points makes me wonder

[EricPeterson]

This has to be a joke, you seem to hate some of the best things about the Black Crowes, no big deal, just find another band.

[pickslide]

Wow, if you really dislike SHMC then I really don't know what to tell you. (one of my absolute all time favorite albums)

3 Snakes is a really good album and I find it to be somewhat different than Amorica. Only way to tell is to just try it and see.

Maybe the Crowes are just not your thing?????

[Jet Age Eric]

OK, which of you guys is right?

EP, I'm not joking; maybe I'm just unique. I agree, it's not a big deal if they only made one great record, but I'd rather have two great records than one. :)

OBM, I really do like Amorica a lot. This is why I'm asking; for all I know, they turned a corner with Amorica. I just think the songs on the first record are rehashed BS and the ones on the second record are tuneless (I realize others feel very differently; no prob). Amorica has great tunes and great tone and Chris Robinson is bearable. -E

[Jet Age Eric]

OK, I'm gonna guess if it's different that I won't like it, as I think it's fair to say that, broadly, the Black Crowes aren't my thing; Amorica must've just been a weird confluence. Thanks, guys! -E

Wow, if you really dislike SHMC then I really don't know what to tell you. (one of my absolute all time favorite albums)

3 Snakes is a really good album and I find it to be somewhat different than Amorica. Only way to tell is to just try it and see.

Maybe the Crowes are just not your thing?????

[EricPeterson]

Amorica was different, but I think snakes is different too, I bet you can get a used copy on amazon for 99 cents, give it a shot.

[Steve73]

Amorica and 3 snakes are my favourite two Crowes CD's so you'll probably like it.

[ethandt]

Just get it, what do you have to lose?

Great album. I think Amorica is their best, but 3 Snakes is my favorite. It's earthy, it grooves, it rocks and yes it's different than Amorica in sort of the same way Amorica is different than Southern Harmony.

[Jet Age Eric]

The thing I have to lose is money (of which I have almost none), 'cause I buy from the labels or bands. Yes, they're rip off artists but how else do people get paid for their records?

Ethandt, that's helpful.

So no one can verbalize the difference between Amorica and 3 Snakes? One rocks more? One is more retro than the other? Amorica is a little more stately, 3 Snakes is more boogie oriented?

Thanks! -E

[Dave2512]

Why not listen to the songs from 3 Snakes on youtube or the like. Hear what need from a band you don't really for free.

[Jet Age Eric]

I would, but I was having a hard time figuring out what songs were from what records (I know they have a bunch). Any tips? (I might be missing something totally obvious.)

Thanks! -E

Why not listen to the songs from 3 Snakes on youtube or the like. Hear what need from a band you don't really for free.

[FenderBigot]

2. I really dislike Southern Whatever Whatever Whatever

:huh <---- this was made perfectly for this post above

In the words of Joe Pesci ... "I'm done with this guy!" (My Cousin Vinny)

[Dave2512]

I would, but I was having a hard time figuring out what songs were from what records (I know they have a bunch). Any tips? (I might be missing something totally obvious.)

Thanks! -E

Just type 3 Snakes into the search bar, bound yield results.

[Jet Age Eric]

Duhhhhh. Thank you! -E

Just type 3 Snakes into the search bar, bound yield results.

[Jet Age Eric]

YouTube is an imperfect solution, but thus far two nice ballads (and I typically don't like ballads) and one crap rocker (I usually like rockers). :) Will keep digging. Thanks again, guys! -E

[BrainDamage]

2. I really dislike Southern Whatever Whatever Whatever Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and all, but that's uh...interesting :messedup

Three Snakes is a weird album. I think it's great, but it's definitely different from anything they had done up to that point. Lots of layers to the sound...acoustic guitars, slide, pedal steel, horns, prominent background vocals, etc, and the songs range from ballads to funky to psychedelic. You can always check it out on grooveshark to decide whether or not to buy it: http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/album/Three+Snakes+And+One+Charm/184263?src=5

[Jet Age Eric]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm the only person to ever dislike the Black Crowes. :P

I've never heard of grooveshark; thanks for that link! (A lot of their videos have been blocked on YouTube.) One of the things I love about Amorica are the textures/production so I'll remain optimistic; the other thing(s) is/are the tunes. Thanks again! -E


Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and all, but that's uh...interesting :messedup

Three Snakes is a weird album. I think it's great, but it's definitely different from anything they had done up to that point. Lots of layers to the sound...acoustic guitars, slide, pedal steel, horns, prominent background vocals, etc, and the songs range from ballads to funky to psychedelic. You can always check it out on grooveshark to decide whether or not to buy it: http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/album/Three+Snakes+And+One+Charm/184263?src=5

[Jet Age Eric]

OK, really disliked 5-7, 10, and 12, and thought the rest was really good. (Man, their verses are long.) Looks like an iTunes purchase. Thanks, guys! -E

[DrumBob]

This is really dumb. How the heck can we possibly know what you'll like? You seem to hate the blues/rock genre, so why bother? Go listen to something you'll be sure to like instead.

[wesv]

So far you dislike the following songs from their first four albums:

Blackberry
Girl From A Pawn Shop
(Only) Half Way to Everywhere
Let Me Share the Ride
Evil Eye
A Conspiracy
P.25 London
Downtown Money Waster
Twice as Hard
Jealous Again
Sister Luck
Could I’ve Been so Blind
Seeing Things
Hard to Handle
Think N Thin
She talks to Angels
Struttin’ Blues
Stare it Cold
Sting Me
Remedy
Torn In My Pride
Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
Sometimes Salvation
Hotel Illness
Black Moon Creeping
No Speak No Slave
My Morning Song
Time Will Tell

Best you stay away from ‘By Your Side’, ‘Lions’, ‘Warpaint’ & ‘Before the Frost’ then also…

[Jet Age Eric]

You're right, DrumBob: What kind of moron goes on an internet forum and asks strangers for their opinion/advice? Color me stupid.

This is really dumb. How the heck can we possibly know what you'll like? You seem to hate the blues/rock genre, so why bother? Go listen to something you'll be sure to like instead.

To people who understand what internet forums are for, I will share this story:

As noted above, 3 Snakes strikes me as pretty good. I also was listening to the 2-hr live show someone posted on YouTube the other day (I guess the one rockfnrol posted) and I was pretty impressed (80% good rockin', at least).

So I went to my local Border's as it's closing and thus having a sale, and there was a double CD called Crowesology, which clearly is a best of. $15 list, 40% off that, 20 songs, I figure at this point it's a pretty safe bet. So I bought it. WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND RE-RECORDS ALL THEIR SONGS AS ACOUSTIC DITTIES AND THEN DOESN'T PUT A GIANT STICKER ON THE CD SAYING AS MUCH! Man, am I unhappy. Anyhow, thought some of y'all would enjoy that. -E

[Jet Age Eric]

I like Twice as Hard and Jealous Again. There might be a couple of songs I like from the second record, but, on the whole, I thought it was horrible. I'm recognizing some of these titles from the Crowesology CD I bought out of stupidity. Uh oh ... -E

PS Thanks for keeping a list for me.

So far you dislike the following songs from their first four albums:

Blackberry
Girl From A Pawn Shop
(Only) Half Way to Everywhere
Let Me Share the Ride
Evil Eye
A Conspiracy
P.25 London
Downtown Money Waster
Twice as Hard
Jealous Again
Sister Luck
Could I’ve Been so Blind
Seeing Things
Hard to Handle
Think N Thin
She talks to Angels
Struttin’ Blues
Stare it Cold
Sting Me
Remedy
Torn In My Pride
Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
Sometimes Salvation
Hotel Illness
Black Moon Creeping
No Speak No Slave
My Morning Song
Time Will Tell

Best you stay away from ‘By Your Side’, ‘Lions’, ‘Warpaint’ & ‘Before the Frost’ then also…

[sanhozay]

Try this:

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search?q=Black%20Crowes%3A%20Three%20Snakes

[Jet Age Eric]

Thanks, man! That was suggested a little earlier and, obviously, was a big help. :) Thanks! -E

PS I think 3 SNakes is pretty good!

Try this:

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/search?q=Black%20Crowes%3A%20Three%20Snakes

[dmb70]

Facts:

1. I really like Amorica (really dislike tracks 2, 7, and 10, but that leaves, like 8 great tracks)

2. I really dislike Southern Whatever Whatever Whatever

3. The Robinson bros. strike me as horrible poseur divas

4. Chris Robinson's dancing turns my stomach

5. I tend to hate retro boogie rock and definitely hate jam bands (but not rocking jams)

As you can see, I carry a lot of baggage here, but point 1 looms large. Thoughts? Thanks! -E

PS No offense to full-on Black Crowes fans.:mob


I also hate jam bands, the Crowes are the best when they have their rockin hat on. I like 3 Snakes better than Amorica, but I also love Southern Harmony. Why not go listen to the clips on itunes or Amazon & see if you like it.

[Jet Age Eric]

An excellent suggestion. The only reason I didn't check iTunes and Amazon is because BC have a tendency to have long intros that bear little resemblance to the songs, or they'll have songs with a horrible verse and great chorus (e.g., Remedy). Basically, with this band, I didn't trust clips to give me an accurate picture. Thanks! -E

I also hate jam bands, the Crowes are the best when they have their rockin hat on. I like 3 Snakes better than Amorica, but I also love Southern Harmony. Why not go listen to the clips on itunes or Amazon & see if you like it.

[colin617]

For future reference, go to Amazon and look at the track listing. Then go to Youtube and type the track titles into the search bar. Simple way to hear music before buying.

[Ziggy AngelDust]

For future reference, go to Amazon and look at the track listing. Then go to Youtube and type the track titles into the search bar. Simple way to hear music before buying.

Where's the passive agressive trolling fun in that?

[agradywills]

How could a guitarist possibly dislike the Black Crowes? It's logically impossible.

[sausagefingers]

I suggest checking out By Your Side too. Some really good rocking tracks.

[Jet Age Eric]

That's simple?! As it happens, most of their songs were restricted by Sony. No, asking here worked out fine. -E

For future reference, go to Amazon and look at the track listing. Then go to Youtube and type the track titles into the search bar. Simple way to hear music before buying.

[Jet Age Eric]

Where's the passive agressive trolling fun in that?

Seriously? :facepalm

Sausagefingers, thanks for the tip! -E

[ethandt]

Man, how can you not like Girl From a Pawnshop.... one of their best ballads.

[sonicD]

I kinda run hot and cool about the Crowes, too. Some stuff I like, some stuff I don't. IMHO, that's exactly what i-tunes is for. Go find the tracks you like, pay for 'em (legally supporting the band) and be done with it.

The days of buying CD's filled with stuff you don't want are over.

[JRC4558Dude]

If you like the Black Crowes, yet dislike the Southern Harmony record, you should seek medical attention immediately.

And Three Snakes is a wicked album...

[ethandt]

If you like the Black Crowes, yet dislike the Southern Harmony record, you should seek medical attention immediately.

And Three Snakes is a wicked album...

Amen

Kind of like saying "I love to run but I hate running"... huh?

[pickslide]

Jet Age - just out of curiosity, what bands do you really like?

[Jet Age Eric]

Some faves:

The Who
Swervedriver
The Wedding Present
The Verlaines
Ride
Silkworm
Bowie
American Music Club
David Kilgour
Dinosaur Jr.
Sonic Youth
Wilco
The Faces

-E

Jet Age - just out of curiosity, what bands do you really like?

[Jet Age Eric]

Definitely. I got an iPod and I plan on using it, I just find the Crowes have intros that are misleading, weird bridges, so I wasn't sure I could trust a 30-sec. preview online. -E

I kinda run hot and cool about the Crowes, too. Some stuff I like, some stuff I don't. IMHO, that's exactly what i-tunes is for. Go find the tracks you like, pay for 'em (legally supporting the band) and be done with it.

The days of buying CD's filled with stuff you don't want are over.

[Jet Age Eric]

It's too precious, it's trying too hard (notably the lyrics and mandolin) and this is my thing with the Crowes: They're like the Mariah Carey of rock, in that they can be so hamfisted as to be insulting. Think about how Ronnie Lane/Faces or the Stones would handle a song like this; there'd be some restraint, they'd give you room to get into the song. That said, I'm finding that sometimes the Crowes get it just right (Nonfiction).

My other big beef is that some of their boogie rockers just totally lack tunes, like they found the groove and forgot to write the song (I think the verse to Remedy is atrocious, for example, although the chorus is really good).

I'm interested in getting a hold of more of their "good" stuff, but I dislike a lot of what I've heard, so I'm being cautious. -E

Man, how can you not like Girl From a Pawnshop.... one of their best ballads.

[ethandt]

Ok, I'm not slagging on you for your opinion, just hard to discern what you may like or hate.

One more suggestion. Since you really like Amorica I would check out The Lost Crowes 2-disc set. One disc is alternate tracks and unreleased stuff from the Amorica time period, specifically stuff they recorded before Amorica that was never released or re-worked for Amorica. The other disc is a full unreleased album that they shelved, eventually coming out with By Your Side instead. Some great stuff there.

[Jet Age Eric]

No, I didn't think you were slagging, and I'm happy to explain where I'm coming from. I'm getting the impression that maybe they had some growing pains (from my POV) on the first two record, hit their stride with Amorica (imo), and, y'know, they're not gonna be my favorite band but they're worth investigating and I can stop dismissing them out of hand. Thanks for the tips! -E

Ok, I'm not slagging on you for your opinion, just hard to discern what you may like or hate.

One more suggestion. Since you really like Amorica I would check out The Lost Crowes 2-disc set. One disc is alternate tracks and unreleased stuff from the Amorica time period, specifically stuff they recorded before Amorica that was never released or re-worked for Amorica. The other disc is a full unreleased album that they shelved, eventually coming out with By Your Side instead. Some great stuff there.

[ethandt]

Personally, here's my breakdown:

When you think of the Crowes on the surface most people think of that boogie retro rock (Faces, Stones etc.). In that sense they hit their stride with Southern Harmony. Amorica was taking all of those influences and making it into a more mature sound of their own. But, commercially it never flew. A lot of this was the timing of it all. Chris Robinson has admitted that Amorica and Three Snakes were very selfish records, and in my opinion the best stuff they have done. Then you see them come out with By Your Side, which is most definitely them trying to recapture the more simplistic boogie straight up rock of their first album. If you want to hear some atrocious lyrics look no further.

Lions may be an interesting album for you to check out. It has a few clunkers but there's some great stuff on there as well and it is heavily Zeppelin influenced since they just had toured with Page. Just another thought.

[katuna]

I understand your issues with the Crowes. There are things I think are rippin about them and things I don't like either. I think some of their choruses ruin a lot of otherwise great songs, for example. Some of their songs annoy the crap out of me, yet some are great, etc etc.

[Jet Age Eric]

I thought Southern Harmony was very leaden, but I think you're talking perception.

Great tip on Lions, as I was really impressed by their live stuff w/Page, and my least fave part of Zep is Plant. I'll hit that up after I download the tunes I dig from 3 Snakes.

Thanks, Ethan! -E

PS Katuna: Word. :)



Personally, here's my breakdown:

When you think of the Crowes on the surface most people think of that boogie retro rock (Faces, Stones etc.). In that sense they hit their stride with Southern Harmony. Amorica was taking all of those influences and making it into a more mature sound of their own. But, commercially it never flew. A lot of this was the timing of it all. Chris Robinson has admitted that Amorica and Three Snakes were very selfish records, and in my opinion the best stuff they have done. Then you see them come out with By Your Side, which is most definitely them trying to recapture the more simplistic boogie straight up rock of their first album. If you want to hear some atrocious lyrics look no further.

Lions may be an interesting album for you to check out. It has a few clunkers but there's some great stuff on there as well and it is heavily Zeppelin influenced since they just had toured with Page. Just another thought.

[ethandt]

I really think your best bet is The Lost Crowes. Have fun and keep an open mind... the Crowes have a huge catalog and there are gems in all of it... even for you :).

Peace

[Jet Age Eric]

I wouldn't be here if I didn't have an open mind. :) Thanks! -E

I really think your best bet is The Lost Crowes. Have fun and keep an open mind... the Crowes have a huge catalog and there are gems in all of it... even for you :).

Peace

[pete692]

I loved Amorica, maybe my favorite (along with the two "lost" albums recorded at that time).

I hated 3 Snakes.

[Jet Age Eric]

NOoooooo!!!! Why are you complicating everything?! :) I got a chance to listen and thought there was a fair amount of good stuff on there. Yeah, gonna check out the "lost" record, too. -E

I loved Amorica, maybe my favorite (along with the two "lost" albums recorded at that time).

I hated 3 Snakes.

[sanhozay]

Some faves:

The Who
Swervedriver
The Wedding Present
The Verlaines
Ride
Silkworm
Bowie
American Music Club
David Kilgour
Dinosaur Jr.
Sonic Youth
Wilco
The Faces

-E

All great music!

But, man, I gotta say - I don't get the angle you're taking. Why not start a thread about one the bands you totally dig than slag on a band that you are so critical of? There's so much toxicity on these types of threads. I just don't comprehend the desire to deflate somebody else's party ballon. It's odd phenomenon methinks...

[jacksparks]

It's good you're approaching this debate with great good humour, and your favourite bands show you to be a man of taste, so all the more reason I am dumbfounded that you don't rate Southern Harmony, one of the great rock albums ever and surely one of the records of the 90s. Each to his own I guess!

[Jet Age Eric]

What?! This thread is ASKING FOR ADVICE ABOUT THE BLACK CROWES! I had a question: I asked what other record I'd like by a band I don't typically like. I really like Amorica but I really dislike the first two records. It seemed a lot easier to ask people here if 3 Snakes was just more of the stuff I don't like, rather than more of the stuff I do like, esp. since, as I noted above, I didn't trust snippets of songs to tell the whole story.

I explained why I disliked the Crowes to give some context for people who might advise me to look for/ignore 3 Snakes. If someone said "I hate Who Are You? and Face Dances, but love Who's Next, should I get Quadrophenia or is it more the same," well, then, I can give them some advice. I was just looking for the same kind of advice. I think more than half the respondents understood the question even if they disagreed w/my POV, so I'm assuming my initial post wasn't TOO confusing. -E

All great music!

But, man, I gotta say - I don't get the angle you're taking. Why not start a thread about one the bands you totally dig than slag on a band that you are so critical of? There's so much toxicity on these types of threads. I just don't comprehend the desire to deflate somebody else's party ballon. It's odd phenomenon methinks...

[Jet Age Eric]

Thanks, man. It didn't even occur to me that so many (not all!) Black Crowes fans would object to me only liking ONE of their records. I was really just trying to be clear about where I was coming from so I'd get good advice. I reckon good humor is a must for the more sensitive among us. :) -E

It's good you're approaching this debate with great good humour, and your favourite bands show you to be a man of taste, so all the more reason I am dumbfounded that you don't rate Southern Harmony, one of the great rock albums ever and surely one of the records of the 90s. Each to his own I guess!

[slimjw]

An excellent suggestion. The only reason I didn't check iTunes and Amazon is because BC have a tendency to have long intros that bear little resemblance to the songs, or they'll have songs with a horrible verse and great chorus (e.g., Remedy). Basically, with this band, I didn't trust clips to give me an accurate picture. Thanks! -E

While I couldn't disagree more regarding "Remedy," you should revisit iTunes as they have lengthened their preview clips considerably on pretty much everything I've checked out lately. If you can't get a sense of the songs from the new lengthy clips you probably just don't like the number.

Also, don't be surprised if you get a lot more kickback about not liking those early Crowes albums. BC fans are about as passionate as it gets and the Marc Ford era albums are pretty much universally accepted as the pinnacle of the band, even amongst hard-core fans who still dig the newer stuff. I have to admit I don't see how anyone could dig the Crowes and dislike Southern Harmony, but to each his own...

[Jet Age Eric]

Thanks, Slim. I literally just got an iPod a few months ago and have been loading my record collection (hence the recent interest in Amorica, which I hadnt listened to in ages) but I still haven't visited iTunes, so that's news to me.

As noted, I don't really dig the Crowes (yet), but the last 24 hours have shown me there's more of the Crowes for me to dig. :) -E

While I couldn't disagree more regarding "Remedy," you should revisit iTunes as they have lengthened their preview clips considerably on pretty much everything I've checked out lately. If you can't get a sense of the songs from the new lengthy clips you probably just don't like the number.

Also, don't be surprised if you get a lot more kickback about not liking those early Crowes albums. BC fans are about as passionate as it gets and the Marc Ford era albums are pretty much universally accepted as the pinnacle of the band, even amongst hard-core fans who still dig the newer stuff. I have to admit I don't see how anyone could dig the Crowes and dislike Southern Harmony, but to each his own...

[Jet Age Eric]

Just to update: Was loaned a few BC discs by a client and found some more great tunes among the dross. Next time they release a record, I'll definitely check it out. -E

[mertzy]

I usually borrow a CD from the library to give it a listen before I buy it, but

Marc Ford + Rich Robinson = You're not risking anything buying the CD without listening, it will be worth it.

[Jet Age Eric]

I guess you haven't read the thread :P (and that's cool); BC and MF are by no means slam dunks for me, but I got some good tips from this thread so I feel like I've cherry picked some great stuff from the band's catalog and I'm really enjoying it. -E

I usually borrow a CD from the library to give it a listen before I buy it, but

Marc Ford + Rich Robinson = You're not risking anything buying the CD without listening, it will be worth it.

[AtomicAlive]

...Southern Harmony is one of the best rock albums ever put out in modern times.

Amorica rocks, 3 Snakes Rocks.

By Your Side is sorely missing Marc Ford's guitar ideas and exploits, but it still has some great tracks (but those tracks would have been better with Ford).

One of the few semi-modern bands that actually goes into a recording studio and puts out a product that actually showcases real playing and singing sans modern piece-meal autotune snippets molded together into one song from 20+ takes.

Live, they bring the goods big time.

They are not the be all end all, but I love the 'Crowes (but prefer their earlier stuff).

Good post, BTW.

[Jet Age Eric]

Honestly, "real" singing and playing aren't at the top of my list of concerns; if both are attached to exciting, meaningful songs with good (and interesting melodies) and interesting (not necessarily good) sonics, then that's a plus, and I'm really glad I dug deep enough (again, thanks in part to this thread) to find the songs where the Crowes hit all these bases. I think Amorica grabbed me because it wasn't the obvious pastiche that I'd expected from the Crowes; the songwriting was unusual.

For the record, I got 6 songs from By Your Side, 5 from Three Snakes, 2 from Until the Freeze, and 5 from Warpaint.

I'm really glad you understood the spirit in which I started the thread; thanks! -E

...Southern Harmony is one of the best rock albums ever put out in modern times.

Amorica rocks, 3 Snakes Rocks.

By Your Side is sorely missing Marc Ford's guitar ideas and exploits, but it still has some great tracks (but those tracks would have been better with Ford).

One of the few semi-modern bands that actually goes into a recording studio and puts out a product that actually showcases real playing and singing sans modern piece-meal autotune snippets molded together into one song from 20+ takes.

Live, they bring the goods big time.

They are not the be all end all, but I love the 'Crowes (but prefer their earlier stuff).

Good post, BTW.

[jiml]

It took a few sessions with Amorica before I liked it, then loved it, same with 3 Snakes. For me, the later part of SHMC, Amorica and 3 Snakes were the Crowes at their best. I do love the whole Before the Frost stuff though, great tunes..

[Jet Age Eric]

I've always loved Amorica, but it seemed like an aberration. What I've learned is that only part of their catalog/songwriting appeals to me, and it seems like that part is underrepresented insofar as they have a public face. Add that to the fact that their image is, to me, pretty grotesque I just really saw no reason to dig any deeper until a) I found this forum and then, much later, b) I revisited Amorica. Without TGP, I doubt I would've done any digging. :) -E

It took a few sessions with Amorica before I liked it, then loved it, same with 3 Snakes. For me, the later part of SHMC, Amorica and 3 Snakes were the Crowes at their best. I do love the whole Before the Frost stuff though, great tunes..