With all sorts of bands releasing albums after long breaks (Counting Crows, B52s, Lenny Kravitz), one band has finally taken its recording hiatus and actually improved. Maybe it's the addition of North Mississippi All-Stars guitarist Luther Dickinson that makes the new Black Crowes album, "Warpaint," one of the best roots-rock albums in years. Songs like "Walk Believer Walk" have enough 12-bar blues grit to survive the toughest music joint around, while keeping the rock riffs and big B-3 organ fills throughout. And the band slows it down with songs like "Oh Josephine" and "Locust Street," which are infused with finger-picking and slide sounds. "Warpaint" is a fresh take on the classic rock genre, drawing on its blues, country, and gospel roots.