Twice as Hard

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Twice as Hard" by The Black Crowes, a gritty, soulful track from their debut album Shake Your Money Maker, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, the album’s opener, was a bold statement for the band in 1990, blending raw rock energy with Southern swagger. According to Chris Robinson in a 2021 Rolling Stone interview, recording "Twice as Hard" was a grind—they played it around 40 times to nail the take, working with producer George Drakoulias in Atlanta. The band was broke, surviving on Drakoulias’ leftovers, with no budget for extras like weed or beer, making the sessions a focused, almost sober effort. This hustle paid off, as the track hit number 11 on the Mainstream Rock charts, setting the stage for their breakout success.

The music video for "Twice as Hard," directed by Pete Angelus, adds a layer of visual lore. Shot in 1990, it shows the band rocking out at night in a mansion, with a quirky daytime lunch scene spliced in during the guitar solo. The video’s raw, unpolished feel matched the song’s vibe and helped it gain traction on MTV. A 2023 post from the band’s official X account shared a live performance clip of "Twice as Hard" from their Shake Your Money Maker Live album, highlighting how the song remained a fan favorite during their 2021-2022 reunion tour. Fans on the Black Crowes Fans Facebook group often cite its opening riff and Chris Robinson’s snarling vocals as a perfect encapsulation of the band’s early, rebellious spirit.

The Black Crowes started in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1989, led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. Originally called Mr. Crowe’s Garden, they played a mix of jangly college rock and punk, influenced by bands like R.E.M. and The Replacements. According to a 2020 Albumism retrospective, producer George Drakoulias transformed their sound, introducing them to the Rolling Stones’ open G tuning and classic records by The Faces. This shift gave birth to the bluesy, soulful sound of Shake Your Money Maker. Drakoulias also convinced them to change their name to The Black Crowes, a nod to their edgier, rock ‘n’ roll identity. With drummer Steve Gorman, bassist Johnny Colt, and guitarist Jeff Cease, they signed to Def American Recordings and released their debut in 1990, which sold over 5 million copies.

The band’s early days were marked by a DIY ethos and a fierce commitment to authenticity. Chris Robinson’s larger-than-life stage presence, often compared to Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger, and Rich’s mastery of open G tuning gave them a distinctive edge. Despite their youth—Chris was just 23 during the album’s recording—they channeled the spirit of 1970s rock with a modern twist. Their 1990 tour, including opening slots for Robert Plant, as noted in a 2020 X post by the band, cemented their reputation as a must-see live act. Over the years, they’ve faced breakups and lineup changes but remain a beloved force in rock, with fans still raving on sites like Reddit’s The Black Crowes community.

Stay connected with The Black Crowes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Zoo Freaks can also join the conversation with fellow fans on the Black Crowes Fans Facebook group or check out Reddit for deep dives into the band’s legacy. For more Crowes content, fan-run sites like CrowesBase offer detailed archives of their discography and live shows.