Black Crowes: The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion

The Black Crowes: The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion

Released as the Black Crowes’ second studio effort, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion marked a pivotal chapter for the band, introducing Marc Ford’s searing lead guitar and Eddie Harsch’s rich keyboard textures. Drawing its title from William Walker’s 1835 hymnal, this 1992 album didn’t just pay homage to Southern roots—it carved its own legacy.

It became a benchmark in album-oriented rock, boasting four number-one hits: the swaggering “Remedy,” the introspective “Thorn in My Pride,” the rollicking “Sting Me,” and the feverish “Hotel Illness.” No surprise, then, that it stormed to the top of the Billboard 200. Over the years, its stature has only grown—landing at #477 in Rock Hard magazine’s The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time (2005) and #100 on Guitar World’s list of the greatest guitar albums (2006).

The Vinyl Verdict
When it comes to the 2015 vinyl reissue of Southern Harmony, the results are a mixed bag—leaning toward disappointment. This pressing feels like it’s had the soul squeezed out of it. The sound is heavily compressed, draining the record of its vitality. For a rock album that thrives on raw energy, the low end is shockingly absent, leaving the foundation hollow.

Up top, the highs veer into shrill territory, lacking the warmth and dynamism that define the Crowes’ signature sound. Stereo separation is a bright spot—Time after time, it offers solid channel distinction, but the soundstage and 3D imaging are just… fine. It still carries the album’s gritty, soulful vibe, but without the punch and fire you’d expect from a band like the Black Crowes.

If you’re hunting for a vinyl experience that does this classic justice, skip the 2015 reissue 💸 and track down the 2023 pressing instead. It’s got the depth, energy, and analog warmth this record deserves. Your turntable—and your ears—will thank you. 💰

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