Marc Ford - It's About Time

Marc Ford, the talented former/current/former guitarist for the Black Crowes, put out this collection of classic rock-inspired songs in 2002. It doesn't sound like he's just trying to emulate rock music from the early 1970's, it actually sounds like it was recorded in the 1970's. The flavors of the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, James Gang, Allman Brothers, Tom Petty, The Faces, etc are all there. There's a little hint of The Replacements too.

I've mentioned before that my favorite Crowes album is Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, the first one that included Ford. He is an excellent guitarist and his skills shine through on It's About Time (especially some tasty slide playing - check out "California"). Beyond Ford, this album includes some cool horn arrangements and background vocals. The piano throughout the album just hits the spot.

Among my favorite tracks are "When You Go" and "Two Mules and a Rainbow", both total homages to Neil Young in their own way. If you're going to listen to just one song, check out "Shining Again." I don't know if I've ever used this description on Best Album of the Day before, but that song is just beautiful...in a classic rock, smoky-bar-last-call kind of way.

Listen to this album