Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson recalls the recording sessions for the band’s 1990 debut, “Shake Your Money Maker”, ahead of next month’s release of a series of expanded 30th anniversary editions of the project.
“Looking back, the funniest thing is it’s a very sober record,” Robinson tells Rolling Stone of their work with producer George Drakoulias. “We hadn’t any money even for a 12-pack. We ate off of George’s leftovers. We didn’t have a food budget. We didn’t have money for weed or anything, you know? So it’s all going into the work.”
The young band took direction from the producer as they worked to hone their live energy in the studio environment, especially with one of the tunes that would go on to become one of the Atlanta band’s signature songs.
“George had to curtail some of our indie-punk vibes,” says the rocker. “‘Can we try it with a click track?’ Like, what? Joe Strummer never used a click track! ‘Twice As Hard,’ we probably played that song 40 times to get it right.”
“Shake Your Money Maker” went on to reach No. 4 on the US Billboard 200 while selling more than 5 million copies in the region thanks to extensive touring and radio support.
Due February 26 and first previewed with the previously-unreleased track, “Charming Mess”, the record has been expanded into multiple packages, including 4LP and 3CD Super Deluxe versions that include a remastered version of the original album; three never-before-heard studio recordings; 2 unreleased demos from the band’s early incarnation as Mr. Crowe’s Garden; B-sides and an unreleased 1990 concert recording in their hometown of Atlanta, GA.
A 2CD Deluxe version has the remastered album along with the unreleased studio songs, demos, and b-sides; there are also standard 1CD and 1LP versions with the remastered record, as well as streaming and digital options.
Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson will lead a new lineup of The Black Crowes when they plan to launch a rescheduled reunion tour in Tampa, FL on June 25.
See also:
The Black Crowes preview expanded Shake Your Money Maker reissues
The Black Crowes postpone 2020 reunion tour
The Black Crowes stream live acoustic footage
VIDEO: The Black Crowes perform NPR Tiny Desk Concert
Search The Black Crowes at hennemusic
