You had to expect it. Come on, after the endless shilling on my part, I don't think anyone expected me to do any different than do a review for the Black Crowes' first Live album on the day of release.

And you had to expect me to give it a high rating, as well, because, well, how many bigger Crowes freaks are there than me? But that's not the reason it gets a high rating. You ask, "Is it because you were at one of the shows used for this album?" And I reply, "No, that's not it, either. "So what is it, then? It's this: This is a hell of a quality live album from one of the best live bands on the 90's. Honestly, without hesitation or bias, I believe that this is an excellent live album.

Why? First, because it appeals to the casual fan and hardcore fans. Well, I take that last part back... I know of plenty of fans who dislike the idea of a live album, let alone one produced by Rich Robinson (check the message board at www.blackcrowes.net for proof). But it TRIES to appeal to all the fans, and, fact is, the album cooks.

From the opening notes of "Midnight from the Inside Out" to the final goodbyes on "Remedy," there is never a dull moment. Most of the albums are represented here. The final breakdown is as follows:

Shake Your Money Maker: 4 Songs
Southern Harmony & Musical Companion: 4 songs
amorica: 3 Songs
Three Snakes and One Charm: 1 song
By Your Side: 0 songs
LIONS: 6 songs
Rarities: 1

And thus, the first problem arises here... Too much of their last studio release, LIONS. But still, most of the songs come from their early, more financially successful era. All the hits (except "Jealous Again," oddly enough...) are included, but, as a gift to their hardcores, the rarity "Title Song" finally gets as release.

Speaking of which, it's the best song here. Nine minute epic, painful dark and beautiful all at the same time. The organ intro has some weird noise in the back... But it's easily overlooked.

As for the other songs, they all aged well. Yes, even the LIONS material that had only been released for less than a year. Everything here sounds at least a little different from its studio version. Just trust me on that -- I'm not going through 18 individual songs. The band is in top form after 4 years of adjusting to new members, and it shows.

Of course, there are still more complaints... The Crowes gained somewhat of a reputation for their jams in concert, specifically, on the songs "My Morning Song" and "Thorn in My Pride." There isn't much on here, forcing the album to fall JUST short of a real Black Crowes show. The lack of "My Morning Song" is a surprise, too. No matter how many times they played it, it NEVER failed to be a highlight.

But still, as far as live albums go (and they can go pretty far), The Black Crowes Live is almost as good as it gets. Even if the band's "haitus" winds up being forever, it will be a fitting swan song for a band whose true roost was on the stage and not the studio.