The Black Crowes: Chris Robinson (vocals, harmonica, percussion); Rich Robinson, Marc Ford (guitar); Ed Harsch (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Johnny Colt (bass); Steve Gorman (drums).

Additional personnel: Chris Trujillo (congas); Barbara, Taj (background vocals).

Recorded at Southern Tracks, Atlanta, Georgia.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

The Black Crowes: Chris Robinson (vocals, harmonica, percussion); Rich Robinson, Marc Ford (guitar); Ed Harsch (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Johnny Colt (bass); Steve Gorman (drums).

Additional personnel: Chris Trujillo (congas); Barbara, Taj (background vocals).

Recorded at Southern Tracks, Atlanta, Georgia.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

The addition of the more technically gifted guitarist Marc Ford and a full-time organist gives the Black Crowes room to stretch out on The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, perhaps the band's finest moment. Using Rich Robinson's descending chord progressions as a base, the band grooves its way through a remarkably fresh-sounding collection of Faces-like rockers and ballads, tearing into the material with flair and confidence and really coming into its own as a top-notch rock & roll outfit. But while the focus is undeniably on the band's musical chemistry, Southern Harmony also boasts a strong collection of songs, striking a perfect balance between the concise Shake Your Money Maker and their later, more jam-oriented records. While there aren't as many obvious singles as on their debut album, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion is the best expression of the Crowes' ability to take a classic, tried-and-true sound and make it their own. ~ Steve Huey

Given the sub-Stones boogie of their debut, SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER, THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION came as a quietly accomplished body of work, apparently way beyond their relative youth and experience. The EXILE ON MAIN STREET references were still intact, but the predominant swagger and sashay had been abandoned in favour of a soulful interpretation of their roots, rather than a parody of their influences. Chris Robinson's Jagger pastiche was replaced by a more gutsy, honest strut, while brother Rich plays with an aplomb and spirit that struck darkly at the heart of their songs. A very grown-up record indeed.