Thorn in My Pride

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Thorn in My Pride" by The Black Crowes, a track from their 1992 album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its soulful Southern rock vibes. This song, one of four singles from the album to hit number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, showcases the band’s ability to blend raw emotion with bluesy grooves. In a 1992 interview, Chris Robinson described the song as a reflection of personal struggles, with its lyrics exploring themes of inner conflict and redemption, like “angels and devils” wrestling within. The song’s extended instrumental outro, driven by Marc Ford’s searing guitar and Eddie Harsch’s soulful keyboards, was a live favorite, often stretching into epic jam sessions, as seen in their 1993 Pinkpop performance captured on YouTube. A fun tidbit: the band recorded the album in just eight days, with "Thorn in My Pride" capturing their spontaneous, live-in-the-studio energy, a hallmark of their early sound.

Another layer of trivia comes from fan discussions on platforms like TDPRI’s Telecaster Guitar Forum, where guitarist Rich Robinson’s use of open-E tuning is praised for giving the song its distinctive, resonant bite. Fans on Reddit’s r/90smusic have called it a standout for its “tasteful and dynamic” groove, with some noting its emotional depth resonated during their own turbulent teen years. The song’s lyrics, like “Lover, cover me with your sleep, let your love light shine,” were interpreted by Chris in a 1990s Rolling Stone interview as a plea for connection amidst personal chaos. The Black Crowes’ 2023 live performance at The Village Studios, shared on YouTube, shows the song still carries that same raw power, with the band reworking it for their deluxe reissue of The Southern Harmony. For Zoo Freaks craving more, sheet music for guitarists is available at FreshSheetMusic.com, perfect for jamming along.

The Black Crowes started as Mr. Crowe’s Garden in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984, formed by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson while they were still in high school. Inspired by 1960s psychedelic pop, Southern rock, and local acts like R.E.M., the band—named after a children’s book—played small clubs around Atlanta, honing a raw, bluesy sound influenced by The Rolling Stones and The Faces. Chris, the charismatic frontman, and Rich, the riff-crafting guitarist, were the driving force, with Chris’s high tenor and bluesy vocal runs setting them apart. By 1989, they’d signed with Def American Recordings, changed their name to The Black Crowes, and released their debut, Shake Your Money Maker, in 1990. The album, featuring hits like “Hard to Handle,” went five times platinum, launching them into stardom. Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, the Robinson brothers’ commitment to 1970s-style rock kept the band’s spirit alive, as detailed on their Wikipedia page.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with The Black Crowes through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and discography details. Follow them on Facebook, with over 720,000 likes, for updates on new releases like their 2024 album Happiness Bastards. Their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwback photos, while their X account shares tour announcements and fan interactions. Fans can dive deeper at CrowesBase.com, a fan-run site with detailed show archives, or join the True Fans of the Amoricans Facebook group to connect with others who love the Crowes’ classic sound. For a tribute experience, check out Amoricans, a band recreating the Crowes’ 1990s glory days.