In my mind, this was the absolute perfect time that this album could have been released. It was released at a time when the music world was DEFINITELY in need. Sure, MTV was keeping busy, but we needed something real. Some quality rock music that we've heard in the past, but haven't heard in a while. The Black Crowes had our answer, and their answer was their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker.

The Band:
-Chris Robinson: Vocals
-Rich Robinson: Guitar
-Jeff Cease: Guitar
-Johnny Colt: Bass
-Steve Gorman: Drums

The Tunes:

1. Twice As Hard
What a way to start. With its simple but very good guitar and (Chris) Robinson's vocals, especially good in the chorus. It has a great southern feel and and catchiness to it, which is probably why it was released as a single, and why it was very successful.

2. Jealous Again
Another single. The piano is very evident which gives it a bluesy sound. Chris's vocals are especially good here. You can't help but to sing along to its catchy chorus. Solid song.

3. Sister Luck
They tone things down a little for this one, and succeed mightily. Its probably my personal favorite. There is some beautiful guitar and piano that go right together. The chorus is also great. There are also some good lyrics, which is not really what they are known for. This is definitely one of the best on the album.

4. Could I've Been So Blind
Not their best, but still a solid track. Once again some good guitar from Rich Robinson going right along with brother Chris's bluesy singing. Not a stand-out song, but definitely worth a listen.

5. Seeing Things
Whew, talk about SOUL. Sounds perfect to go along with a sad part in a movie (it may have been..or maybe I'm making that up). But anyways, Chris's vocals are definitely the highlight of this one. They give it some organ to give it even more of a blues feel, not to mention some more piano. The last chorus is probably the most soulful music that I've ever heard. Once again, definitely a must-listen.

6. Hard To Handle
Now we've got the song that made them big, on a cover of Otis Redding. Definitely the most catchy chorus on the album. There's nothing complicated about this, it's just pure fun.

7. Thick N Thin
Yet another solid southern rock track. Features some great guitar and strong drumming, and even the bass sticks out in some places. More piano and more good vocals make this one another fun song.

8. She Talks To Angels
The last single, and a great one. Very good lyrics along with very good acoustic work from Rich Robinson. The organs give it the signature blues feeling again. Chris belts out some soulful notes yet again. He just seems so into these songs that no matter what he sounded like, you catch yourself going right along. (Not that it is most evident on this particular track, I just happened to put this here.

9. Struttin Blues
Another one of my favorites. It features some strong pounding guitar going along with Chris's powerful vocals. The popping drums get your head bobbing right along. Rich also puts in a nice solo at the end to wrap it all up.

10. Stare It Cold
They close it off with the mid-tempo rocker, Stare It Cold. Not one of my favorites, but still a strong way to finish. You won't want this album to end anyway, so there's really no good way of closing it. It features some good guitar once again and also great vocals once again. (The tandem of brothers Chris and Rich is hard to beat.)

Shake Your Money Maker is definitely a classic and one of my all-time favorites, and has never failed to entertain me. If you're a rock fan of any kind, I strongly recommend this to you. You may not like it all as I do, but I'm sure you'll enjoy a healthy portion of it.

Here's to an album that we should all thank. For unofficially starting a great decade of rock music. (I know that the probably didn't REALLY do that, but I couldn't help myself.) Here's to you Shake Your Money Maker........... *Cheers*

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving