Them Crooked Vultures

Lore & Background

The formation of this trio was born from mutual respect and shared history within the underground and mainstream rock scenes. Josh Homme brought his signature desert-rock aesthetic, while John Paul Jones contributed decades of experience from classic British rock history. Dave Grohl served as the rhythmic anchor on drums and percussion, also providing backing vocals. The album received a Metascore of 75 from review aggregator Metacritic, based on 23 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. Chicago Tribune reviewer Greg Kot praised multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones, saying his "mastery of texture, whether on funky Clavinet for 'Scumbag Blues,' classical piano on 'Spinning in Daffodils' or slide guitar for 'Reptiles,' is the band's secret weapon." The A.V. Club's Steven Hyden said the group's album "doesn’t equal the considerable awesomeness of its ancestors (the aforementioned Led Zeppelin, Nirvana and Queens of the Stone Age); it sounds like a second-tier Queens Of The Stone Age record," but commended it for being "a hell of a lot of fun" and awarded it a B+. David Quantick of BBC gave the album a highly favorable review saying "Their debut album is very good indeed."

In Their Own Story

The studio lights hummed low as the room filled with the scent of old wood and amplifier heat. Dave sat behind the kit, eyes closed, feeling the vibration of Josh's guitar through the floorboards. John Paul Jones leaned into his bass, fingers finding a groove that anchored the chaos around them. No one spoke; they didn't need to. The rhythm built slowly, like a storm gathering over the desert, until the final chord crashed out with a roar that shook the glass on the walls. The album was first released on November 13, 2009, in Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Australia. It was then released by DGC/Interscope in the United States on November 17, 2009; it was released in the United Kingdom by Columbia a day earlier. Prior to release, the album could be viewed on the band's YouTube channel. The song "Scumbag Blues" was released as a playable track on the 2010 video games Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and Gran Turismo 5, while "Dead End Friends" is playable in Rock Band 3 and featured in Skate 3.

Reader's Guide

This supergroup represents a pivotal divergence in Dave Grohl’s creative output, existing parallel to his primary band. While Foo Fighters often explore melodic rock and anthemic structures, this project leaned heavily into experimental noise and heavy riffs. The collaboration allowed Grohl to step behind the drum kit more frequently, reinvigorating his rhythmic approach when returning to lead vocals for the main group. Josh Homme handled vocals, guitars, and production. John Paul Jones played bass guitar, keyboards, piano, clavinet, optigan, mandolin, and provided backing vocals and production. Dave Grohl played drums, percussion, and provided backing vocals and production. Alan Moulder handled recording and mixing. Alain Johannes contributed recording and guitar overdubs on "Dead End Friends," "Reptiles," and "Interlude with Ludes," plus additional vocals recording. The album was mastered by Brian Gardner with assistance from Mike Bozzi. Liam Lynch created artwork and graphic design, while Morning Breath handled art direction. Though the project remained short-lived compared to its parent band, it cemented Grohl’s reputation as a versatile collaborator rather than just a frontman.

Did You Know?

• The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling 70,000 units in the US in its first week.
• The first single 'New Fang' was released on October 26, 2009, followed by 'Mind Eraser, No Chaser' on November 3 via free download on iTunes.
• The album was first released on November 13, 2009, in Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Australia.
• The song 'Scumbag Blues' was released as a playable track on the 2010 video games Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and Gran Turismo 5.
• The album received a Metascore of 75 from review aggregator Metacritic, based on 23 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews.