Black Crowes double down with "Frost" and "Freeze"

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Fans of the Black Crowes will get a double dose of the blues-rock band's music this fall, when the group releases the album "Before the Frost ..."

Fans who purchase the September 1 release will receive unique download codes with which they can obtain a second Crowes record, "... Until The Freeze."

Both new studio albums were recorded at the Woodstock, New York, studios of Levon Helm (The Band) and produced by Paul Stacey, who worked with the Crowes on 2006's "The Lost Crowes" and 2008's "Warpaint."

The combined 20 tracks also will be available together on one vinyl version, also slated for September 1 release.

Other than a cover of Stephen Stills' "So Many Times," all the songs are originals by the band.

In a statement on the unique recording setup, as well as the release method, Black Crowes lead singer Chris Robinson said, "I think we fulfilled a musical commitment to continue on the golden road of artistic independence. Approaching 20 years into our careers, we still are ambitious enough to push ourselves to create something unique that we have never done before."

Over the past few years, the Black Crowes have undergone a number of changes in their touring and recording lineups, with the notable addition of North Mississippi All-Stars guitarist Luther Dickinson.

The band resumes touring Thursday (June 18) in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)