RICH ROBINSON

Through a Crooked Sun

[Circle Sound/Thirty Tigers]

This second solo album from Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson finds him drawing from the usual sources—the Stones and Faces, in particular—but more dominant are some old-school rock influences that rarely surface in the Crowes’ music. The strummy “I Don’t Hear the Sound of You” evokes the breezy shimmer of the Hollies, but mostly Robinson works in darker colors. “Follow You Forever” could have fit snugly alongside the pastoral pop on Big Star’s Thirdalbum; likewise, “Bye Bye Baby” wouldn’t sound out of place on a Daniel Lanois disc. Fans of Robinson’s stinging electric guitar will find moments to savor as well. The jazzy, ethereal “It’s Not Easy” is equal parts Santana, Traffic and the Doors, while his cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Station Man” incorporates the best aspects of Mick Taylor-era Rolling Stones. Robinson’s voice, while lacking the serrated edge of older brother Chris, gives everything here an offhand charm. –Russell Hall