Seeing Things

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Seeing Things" by The Black Crowes, a soulful track from their debut album Shake Your Money Maker, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, one of the deeper cuts from the 1990 release, showcases the band's ability to blend raw emotion with bluesy rock. In a 2018 interview with AL.com, Chris Robinson, the band’s charismatic frontman, reflected on the recording process, noting that the sessions were a "do-it-yourself" effort with borrowed guitars, giving tracks like "Seeing Things" a gritty, authentic edge. The song’s lyrics, steeped in themes of heartbreak and revelation, resonate with Chris’s whiskey-worn vocals, which uDiscoverMusic praised for their weary lyricism. Interestingly, "Seeing Things" was one of the charting singles from the album in the U.S., alongside hits like "Hard to Handle," though it often flies under the radar compared to the band’s bigger anthems.

Another tidbit about "Seeing Things" comes from the band’s early live performances. During their 1990 homecoming concert in Atlanta, captured in the 30th anniversary deluxe edition of Shake Your Money Maker, the band played a seven-minute version titled "Seeing Things for the First Time," with Chris breaking up a crowd fight mid-song, as noted by Rolling Stone. This raw energy defined their early shows and made the song a live favorite. On X, fans like @crockpics have celebrated the album’s anniversary, with posts highlighting "Seeing Things" as a standout track for its emotional depth. The song’s introspective tone, paired with Rich Robinson’s open-G tuning guitar work, creates a haunting atmosphere that’s perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlist.

The Black Crowes began as a group of music-obsessed teens in Atlanta, Georgia, originally named Mr. Crowe’s Garden in 1984. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, the heart of the band, were heavily influenced by classic rock like The Rolling Stones and The Faces, as well as punk and alternative bands like The Replacements, according to Rich in a 2021 AL.com interview. Their early gigs up and down the East Coast built a loyal following, and by 1989, producer George Drakoulias discovered them, signing them to Def American Recordings. Drakoulias introduced Rich to open-G tuning and encouraged a raw, soulful sound, shaping their debut album. The lineup, including drummer Steve Gorman, bassist Johnny Colt, and guitarist Jeff Cease, gelled in the studio, with Allman Brothers’ Chuck Leavell adding keys to tracks like "Seeing Things." Shake Your Money Maker exploded in 1990, selling over five million copies, cementing the band’s place in rock history.

Fans can connect with The Black Crowes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and behind-the-scenes content. The band’s official website, theblackcrowes.com, offers access to their discography, tour dates, and exclusive fan club content via Crowe-Mafia. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Black Crowes Fans Facebook group is a vibrant hub for fans to discuss songs like "Seeing Things," share concert memories, and trade rare vinyl. Another fan site, CrowesBase, is a treasure trove of setlists, lyrics, and band history, perfect for diehard listeners tuning into THE ZOO.