Gorman has been very careful to say this is not the history of the Black Crowes, but his history. It’s one of the reasons the book works so well. You won’t read much about those amazing songs being written, because Gorman didn’t write them, and there’s little projection to be found in the course of the book. But Gorman’s decision to largely stick to what he personally has seen and heard doesn’t mean he is without insight ... If you’re not a die-hard fan of the Crowes, there’s still much to enjoy.
A raw, intimate portrait of the band vividly unfolds as Gorman recounts his history with the Crowes, from their conception to their final days. While this is a familiar tale in some ways, Gorman sidesteps the usual clichés. The book is a reminder of the band’s wide-ranging talent and great music. But Gorman barely dials back his frustration with the Robinson brothers, which grows tiresome after a while. Ultimately, however, he takes readers on a thrilling musical journey ... Gorman has written a brutally honest, deeply personal memoir of the group he helped to create. A must for fans of the Black Crowes and American rock and roll.
... insightful and explosive ... Written with music journalist Steve Hyden, it seems almost every page has some sort of jaw-dropping revelation or anecdote that explains why the Black Crowes are probably – next to the Replacements – the most self-sabotaging band in rock history.
