Black Crowes: Shake Your Money Maker

Black Crowes' Debut Pressing: Does It Still Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to capturing the raw, bluesy rock spirit of The Black Crowes' groundbreaking debut, nothing beats the original 1990 pressing of "Shake Your Money Maker." While newer anniversary editions have attempted to recapture the magic, our hands-on comparison reveals why collectors continue to seek out these first-run vinyl treasures.

The Band That Revitalized Rock
Formed in Atlanta in 1984, The Black Crowes burst onto the national scene when producer George Drakoulias signed them to Def American Recordings in 1989. Their 1990 debut "Shake Your Money Maker" would go on to sell over 5 million copies, peaking at #4 on the Billboard 200 and launching multiple #1 Mainstream Rock hits including "Hard to Handle" and "She Talks to Angels." The success continued with their sophomore effort "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion," which topped the Billboard charts in 1992.

The Vinyl Verdict
While the 30th anniversary reissue from 2021 offers vastly improved sound over the disappointing 2015 release, our extensive listening sessions confirm that the original 1990 pressing remains the definitive way to experience this classic album.

Here's why serious vinyl enthusiasts should hunt down an original:
The original pressing captures a tangible presence in the Robinson brothers' guitar work that later editions simply can't match. The Hammond B3 organ parts leap from the grooves with a warmth that's noticeably diminished in subsequent pressings. Chris Robinson's bluesy howl maintains its gritty texture without the sometimes overly polished approach of reissues. The rhythm section hits with genuine punch and dynamic range that later masterings compress. Perhaps most importantly, the original vinyl creates a wider, more immersive listening experience that places you right in the studio.

For collectors wondering which version to add to their collection, the verdict is clear: the 2021 anniversary edition is respectable, but the 1990 original pressing remains the gold standard for experiencing the album that revitalized American rock and roll at the dawn of the '90s. 💰

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