Remedy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Remedy" by The Black Crowes from their iconic album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. This track, released in 1992, is a gritty, Stones-inspired anthem that hit number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for an impressive 11 weeks. According to lead vocalist Chris Robinson, "Remedy" is a song about freedom, written as a defiant response to the war on drugs, which he called "silly." The music video, directed by Pete Angelus, was an MTV exclusive in May 1992 and quickly moved to heavy rotation, cementing its place in rock history. Fun fact: the band recorded the entire album in just eight days, with most songs, including "Remedy," captured in one or two takes, showcasing their raw, live energy. Chris and Rich Robinson, along with producer George Drakoulias, revisited the archives for a 2023 box set, unearthing unreleased studio recordings that reveal the song’s creation as part of a magical moment in 1992, as Chris noted, “the music was made of a certain magic that was in the air for us.”

The Black Crowes’ journey began in Marietta, Georgia, where brothers Chris and Rich Robinson formed the band as high school students in the mid-1980s. Originally called Mr. Crowe’s Garden, they drew inspiration from Southern blues, the Rolling Stones, and bands like Humble Pie, crafting a sound that blended hard rock with soulful, swampy vibes. Their big break came with their 1990 debut album Shake Your Money Maker, fueled by hits like “Jealous Again” and a cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle.” The album went multi-platinum, selling over five million copies, and earned them the title of “Best New American Band” in a 1990 Rolling Stone readers’ poll. Despite their rapid rise, the band faced challenges, including being fired from a ZZ Top tour in 1991 after Chris’s outspoken criticism of the sponsor, Miller Beer. Their second album, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, marked a creative peak, introducing guitarist Marc Ford and keyboardist Eddie Harsch, and debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.

Want to dive deeper into The Black Crowes’ world? Check out their official website for the latest news, tour dates, and exclusive merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and updates. Fans, or “Crowe-Mafia” as they’re sometimes called, can connect on the Black Crowes Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing memories, photos, and concert stories. For more fan-driven content, visit Classic Rock Forums, where devotees discuss the band’s discography and legacy. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up “Remedy” and let The Black Crowes’ soulful swagger take you away!