The Black Crowes. Four-hit wonders who faded out into virtual obscurity, with the exception of some highly-publicized events, by the late 90's. Often compared to the Faces, and the Rolling Stones, then later the Allman Brothers, they never had a 100% original sound.

But whatever sound they stole, they stole it well. Their first release, 1990'Shake Your Moneymaker, is pure, unbridled bar room boogey. From their first minor hit, "Jealous Again," to their only major hit, a cover of Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle," everything is about having a foot-stomping good time, and they know how to do it.

Most of the songs here are "rockers." The two aforementioned hits, plus fan-favorites "Twice as Hard," "Could I've Been So Blind," "Thick 'n' Thin," and "Stare It Cold." All of them just perfect in the context of the record. And there's also a song that get spat upon by fans and the band, "Struttin' Blues." Never understood why. It's a brainless headbanger. Tain't nuffin' wrong with that.

But, of course, a Black Crowes record would not be complete without some heart-wrenching ballads. "Sister Luck" is the perfect target for critics trying to prove that they're not original, and the perfect way to tell if a fan is biased. It's basically the Rolling Stones' "Sway," with new lyrics. No kidding, right down to the little piano break at the end. And some fans deny this. It's not a BAD song, though. It's desperate and murkey, and a good precursor to later masterpieces like "Cursed Diamond."

"Seeing Things" is easily the best song on Shake Your Moneymaker. Lead singer Chris Robinson belts out the lyrics with all he's got while the band crafts its first epic. Oh, and there's also that hit of theirs, uh, uh, uh… "She Talks to Angels." Quiet, dark, and full of regret and sadness.

The Crowes would do indefinitely better in the future, but this record remains a solid work and the perfect introduction to the band, especially since it's like a "Greatest Hits" albums with 3 of their 4 actual hits represented (while their actual "Greatest Hits" album is more of a singles collection, if anything).