Along with the Waco Brothers, the Blacks (a.k.a. the Black Family) are among the more compelling bands on the far irreverent left of alternative country. With bass bang, guitar scrape, and drum quake, these Chicagoans seem to pick up...more.
This is hardcore cowboy jazz, with ample flourishes of cabaret, Doors-like rock 'n' roll, ragtime, and primordial country blues. It manages to simultaneously spiral back to the beginnings of American roots music as well as rocket to a grimy, lurid...more.
To lable anything by The Blacks as alt. country is to narrow their scope quite drastically. Their appeal for me lies in there originality. They will eventually lie in the same ditch with Tom Waits and Nick Cave. The songs on...more.
New to the land of insurgent country, my first foray was The Blacks, and I would recommend the same introduction to any music lover -- a mix of country twang, off-kilter punk, and hearty "rawk", the Blacks are both sincere and...more.
If Gram Parsons and Kurt Cobain were married and capable of having offspring, their son would be Danny Black; lead vocals and guitar for The Blacks. This is a crucial recording for those seeking a double shot of hillbilly with a...more.
This CD is a great alt country album that truly rocks. Gritty and moody, it's has a unique quality all its own. The Blacks live are also an extreme pleasure. Don't miss them if they come to your town...more.