Black Crowes Metromixtape

This much can be said about Chris and Rich Robinson: No matter what the state of their relationship has been, the brothers have never reached a point where each one had his own version of the Black Crowes.

Sure, the Atlanta-bred has gone through its share of second guitarists, bassists and keyboardists since breaking big in 1990. But the core of the Crowes has stayed the same -- singer Chris and guitarist Rich, plus drummer Steve Gorman. And that stability has been the chief reason why Black Crowes albums all have their merits.

With that in mind, here are a dirty dozen tracks from the Crowes catalog to check out while making your way to Atlantic City for the band's Borgata show on Oct. 10.

1. "Jealous Again" (from 1990's "Shake Your Money Maker"): The grunge explosion of 1991-92 gets all the credit for crushing hair metal, but the Crowes did their share to clean up the radio airwaves with this song, a refreshing jolt of Stones/Faces-type swagger.

2. "Hard to Handle" (from 1990's "Shake Your Money Maker"): With all due respect to Otis Redding's original, this version is king.

3. "Seeing Things" (from 1990's "Shake Your Money Maker"): Forget about "She Talks to Angels." This is not only the best ballad on the band's debut, it's the Crowes' best ballad, period.

4. "Twice As Hard" (from 1990's "Shake Your Money Maker"): Rich Robinson's creeping slide guitar intro serves as a perfect example of how an economical approach can be powerful and effective.

5. "Remedy" (from 1992's "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion"): Gorman's knack for feel and well-placed fills drive this one.

6. "Sting Me" (from 1992's "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion"): Cranky guitars, soul sister backing vocals and Chris Robinson's taunt make for a winning recipe.

7. "High Head Blues" (from 1994's "Amorica"): While many Crowes songs are locked into a singular, steady groove, this tune makes distinct shifts from verse to chorus to guitar solo.

8. "Wiser Time" (from 1994's "Amorica"): Crowes tunes aren't known for their vocal harmonies, but on this hazy tune, the brothers Robinson are locked in and on the money.

9. "Good Friday" (from 1996's "Three Snakes and One Charm"): A moaning harmonica and stinging slide guitar make this the best moment on an otherwise so-so album.

10. "By Your Side" (from 1999's "By Your Side"): A tasty slice of Southern soul, with great rhythm work by Rich Robinson.

11. "Lickin' " (from 2001's "Lions"): Chris Robinson gets his evil on and explores his lower range in the verses, with great results.

12. "Oh Josephine" (from 2008's "Warpaint"): This country-flavored Crowes tune clocks in at more than six minutes, but at no point does it get boring.

From left: Chris and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes (Associated Press)