The wait is over. The Black Crowes are back at it.
“Warpaint” is the first album from the Crowes in seven years; their previous disc “Lions” was released in 2001.
All of the album’s tracks were written by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, except “God’s Got It” which was penned by Reverend Charlie Jackson.
“Warpaint” is the first album featuring new Crowes guitarist Luther Dickinson (of the North Mississippi Allstars) and keyboardist Adam MacDougall.
The first track, “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” sets the entire tone for the album. The band’s Southern roots are noticeable, as well as their soul influences.
Singer Chris Robinson is most proud of the track “Oh Josephine” because it reflects the band’s attitude: not holding back and letting it ride.
This album will be the first release from the band’s newly formed record label, Silver Arrow Records.
The Black Crowes will support their March release with “One Night Only” shows, in which they will play all of “Warpaint.” This is the first time the group will play a full album in concert.
Flogging Molly
“Float”
March 4
Side One Dummy Records
Flogging Molly is releasing their latest album just in time for their favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day.
The band’s sound can best be described as Irish-punk. The group blends traditional instruments with staple rock pieces like drums, guitar and bass.
Singer David King said the band “can’t be bothered being labeled” but admits their sound is a mixture of music from his childhood in Dublin and adulthood in Los Angeles.
A septet from Los Angeles, Flogging Molly recorded all of “Float” in Ireland.
The disc has a wide range of sounds. The title track is a slow tune with a persistent beat, while songs like “Paddy’s Lament” heat things up with its punk-rock feel. This will be the band’s sixth album.
Flogging Molly will support the release with its fourth annual Green 17 tour. The tour started on Feb. 1 and will continue until St. Patrick’s Day.
Moby
“Last Night”
April 1
Mute Records
This bald guy with glasses is going back to his old school roots.
“Last Night” is Moby’s sixth studio album. The entire album was recorded in Moby’s home studio in New York City.
The electronic sound recalls Moby’s days on the ‘80s dance scene. The energetic and positive tracks on “Last Night” contrast the dramatic tunes of his popular disc, “Play.”
On Moby’s Web site, he notes that the album is “basically a love letter to dance music in New York City.” Moby hopes “Last Night” will recreate the feeling of a night at a club in the city.
The disc features vocals from Sylvia Gordon of Kudu, old-timer MC Grandmaster Caz and the Nigerian hip-hop group 419 Squad.
The album’s single, “Alice” features the rhymes of the 419 Squad. The bass line of the tune was created by accident. Moby says he played the rhythm track through a broken distortion pedal and kept the sound, even though it was a bit off.
