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Average customer rating: what an incredible songwriter A great debut CD, with the best song of the year so far Amazing Album! One of Rock 'n Rolls Brightest today... Listen to this!

Sirens Of The Ditch Jason Isbell Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Icky Thump Killers and Stars The Salvation Blues Translated From Love ASIN: B000QUU2UW Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Brand New Kind Of Actress (5:31)
2. Down In A Hole (4:18)
3. Try (4:48)
4. Chicago Promenade (3:19)
5. Dress Blues (4:07)
6. Grown (3:42)
7. Hurricanes and Hand Grenades (5:07)
8. In A Razor Town (3:15)
9. Shotgun Wedding (3:45)
10. The Magician (4:16)
11. The Devil Is My Running Mate (3:45)

Amazon.com

Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Isbell was a driving force in the rousing postmodern Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Sirens of the Ditch is his solo debut. A resident of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Isbell clearly has Catholic taste in his roots rock. His backing band throws together a pleasant mélange of pedal steel, organ, strummed acoustic guitar, and heartfelt Americana vocals. At first, it sounds like something you've heard before a thousand times, by Ryan Adams or was that Bryan Adams. However, on closer inspection, there's a lot more going on. After rhyming "bitch" with "ditch" in the song "Ditch," Isbell throws in a line about "dancing to 'Purple Rain'" and you're drawn in, to a clearly delineated but poetic storyline and gorgeous melodies. Isbell's best songs will remind you of Richard Buckner, Raymond Carver, and Neil Young. "Dress Blues" might be the most sympathetic and awesome song about the Iraq war yet written. Huzzah. --Mike McGonigal

Product Description

Accomplished guitarist and songwriter Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive By Truckers (DBT), releases his debut solo album Sirens Of The Ditch.

The album rocks with 11 tracks all written by Isbell kicking off with "Brand New Kind Of Actress", followed by the rocker "Down In A Hole", a swampy number featuring Muscle Shoals natives Spooner Oldham and David Hood. Isbell s songwriting skills shine especially on "Dress Blues" a pensive ballad about a high-school classmate who lost his life fighting in Iraq and "Chicago Promenade" a tribute to his late Grandfather.

Listeners caught glimpses of Isbell s skills on Drive-By Truckers records with tracks like "Danko/Manuel" and "Outfit".

Sirens Of The Ditch's mystical quality can be partially attributed to the FAME recording studio (Aretha Franklin, Duane Allman, Otis Redding) in Isbell s hometown of Muscle Shoals, AL where the album was recorded. A lot of old soul musicians came through here in the late 60s and 70s and helped define the Muscle Shoals sound, the lifelong Alabamian explains, so that influence was always in my environment, but on this record I really tried to capture that.

Co-produced by Isbell and Patterson Hood (DBT), Sirens Of The Ditch features Isbell singing lead vocals and playing guitar throughout, joined by Shonna Tucker (DBT) on Bass and Brad Morgan (DBT) on drums. Several musicians pop in for cameos including Spooner Oldham and David Hood (Patterson s father) on "Down In A Hole", John Neff (DBT) on "Dress Blues" and Patterson himself guests on "Shotgun Wedding".

Customer Reviews:

what an incredible songwriter.......2007-07-17

This is one of the best albums I've heard this year. Almost every song paints a picture and you can almost imagine yourself there in the song. Dress Blues is definately the favorite, but Hurricaines and hand grenades, In a Razortown, and The Devil is my running mate are also equally amazing. You have to buy this album.

A great debut CD, with the best song of the year so far.......2007-07-15

If you were lucky enough to see DBT during the Isbell years, then you probably understand why he left the band: here was a talented, driven dude who had mastered his voice, his guitar, and songwriting -- and was restrained by playing third fiddle to Hood and Cooley, both fine musicians and songwriters in thier own right. It was easy even then to envision Jason heading out on his own for a legendary solo career. He's done so, and lived up to the promise of such great songs as "G'dammned Lonely Love," "Decoration Day," and the unforgettable "Outfit."

The whole album is great, but if there's a better song than "Dress Blues" released this year, I'll be monumentally surprised. If John Prine had grown up in Muscle Shoals and was beginning his career during Gulf War II, this is what his songs would have sounded like.

Great Job, Jason. Can't wait to see you and the band play in Cincinnati on July 26th!

Amazing Album!.......2007-07-13

I've been a fan of DBT and specifically of Jason's for a few years now, and am so happy this much anticipated album is finally out. Jason Isbell is an unbelievably talented song writer and musician, and this album reflects that talent. I've been listening to it non-stop since I picked it up July 10th. This album is a must have, and if you get a chance, go see Jason live. He puts on a rockin' show- you will not be disappointed.

One of Rock 'n Rolls Brightest today..........2007-07-11

I had the privilege to hear Jason with his band the 400 Unit debut this new material in Memphis a few weeks ago along with his DBT songs. I truly believe he's one of the brightest young singer/songwriters out there today and only seems to get better. This is a stew pot of influences, in particular, Neil Young,Dylan,the Stones,Springsteen,Ryan Adams,Jay Farrar stirred in with Booker T. & the MG's, Muscle Shoals rhythm and Haggard. "Dress Blues" is just one of the best songs I've ever heard period, but they're all excellent. I still love DBT but that's just too much songwriting talent for one band. If you get the chance go check out Jason and his stellar band. Rock on Jason and DBT.

Listen to this!.......2007-07-11

Jason Isbell is on the cusp of "majordom" A fine singer/ guitarist, quality songwriter, this is a great 1st cd, or any cd, if you love music, real music, buy this, and tell other people to buy it too!

Average customer rating: Love it! Countrified by Emerson Drive Best Album Yet! The Best Country cd i've Herd in a While Great!

Countrified Emerson Drive Manufacturer: Midas Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Emerson Drive What If? Pure BS 5th Gear Let It Go ASIN: B000H5VF4S Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

1. A Good Man
2. Testify
3. Moments
4. Sweet Natural Girl
5. You Still Own Me
6. Lucky Man
7. Everyday Woman
8. Countrified Soul
9. Painted Too Much of This Town
10. Boy Becomes A Man
11. Devil Went Down To Georgia (Featuring Charlie Daniels)

Product Description

I. AGoodMan
2. Testify
3. Moments
4. Sweet Natural Girl
5. You Still Own Me
6. Lucky Man
7. Everyday Woman
8. Countrified Soul
9. Painted Too Much of This Town
10. Boy Becomes A Man
11. Devil Went Down To Georgia (Featuring Charlie Daniels)


Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2007-07-20

I love this album! My favorite song is "I've had my moments". What fantastic lyrics!

Countrified by Emerson Drive.......2007-05-13

I really liked this CD. They are also great in concert. Vocals and music are outstanding.

Best Album Yet!.......2007-03-08

I would have to say this is Emerson Drive's best album to date. I own (and love) both of their other CD's, but this one rocks! I am listening to it constantly. I don't think that I will ever get sick of it. The lyrics of most of the songs is just so profound, and they just speak to me. If I had to pick a favourite song, it would be a tie between "Moments" and "Everyday Woman." These are both slower songs on the album, but the lyrics are just so poignant and it just gets to you nand makes you think. Also, the songs are even better when you hear them live, so if you get a chance to, see these guys in concert! I had the pleasure of seing them play at a small bar in town, and I think it's was more intimate than it would have been in a huge arena, so that made is so much better. I love this CD and would totally reccomend it to anyone! (Even if you're not a big fan of country music in particular)

The Best Country cd i've Herd in a While.......2007-02-06

This was a good cd. This was just good all around. it was different, but a good different. I was very pleased. I love the deep voises of country. this was one of the greats. i enjoyed it very much. I'm a new fan of Emerson Drive. I shall collect all of their cd someday. One at a time. I love the song " Moments" & " A Good Man". So Great Job. A lot of Stars to go around. See ya soon.

Great!.......2006-10-29

This is a great CD from top to bottom. By far the best song is "A Good Man."

Average customer rating: What a cool surprise! FUN CD Hello to Hellogoodbye! This CD is awesome! sugary sweet yum yum.

Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! Hellogoodbye Manufacturer: Drive Thru ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Don't You Fake It Infinity on High The Black Parade Sam's Town Everything in Transit ASIN: B000GG4XCO Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

1. All Of Your Love
2. Here (In Your Arms)
3. All Time Lows
4. Stuck To You
5. Homewrecker
6. Oh, It Is Love
7. Baby, It's Fact
8. Figures A and B (Means You And Me)
9. I Was It On Your Keyboard
10. Touchdown Turnaround (Don't Give Up On Me)
11. Two Weeks In Hawaii

Amazon.com

Like that attention-getting title, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!, this Huntington Beach quartet brings on the musical exclamation points. Following a self-titled EP in 2004, Hellogoodbye debuts with a sugary dose of synth-pop. Then, once you think you've got the foursome figured out, they put Jesse Kurvink's hyperactive keyboard playing aside for mandolin-bedecked ballad "Oh, It Is Love" ("Baby, It's Fact" is another rare mid-tempo tune). The group is rounded out by Marcus Cole (bass), Chris Profeta (drums), and Forrest Kline (vocals, guitar). According to the liner notes, all songs were written by Mr. Kline... and his dog. And those songs include lyrics like "Oh girl it's true; I can never be away from you / It's like you gloss your lips with glue / Oh we kiss and I am stuck to you" ("Stuck to You") and "Present for a presentation presented presently" ("Figures A and B"). In album closer "Two Weeks in Hawaii," he even uses the word "rad." Twice. Okay, so Kline isn't Cole Porter, but his yearning tenor and playful tales of puppy love are a perfect match for Hellogoodbye's pep rally anthems. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

What a cool surprise!.......2007-07-17

I heard "Here in your arms" on a random internet radio station and went looking for the band. The track samples sounded really promising and I got the album - it's been a long time since I was actually able to say having an entire CD wasn't a waste of money, but this one was just track after track of stuff I have been enjoying the heck out of.

FUN CD.......2007-06-12

This CD is a combination of really fun and some sweet songs. I'd recommend it! The style of music is unique.

Hello to Hellogoodbye!.......2007-06-09

Hellogoodbye are a synth dance/rock act from the US, despite sounding very British, and "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!" is their full-length debut CD. It came out in the US last August, but only last month in the UK.

Opening cut "All of our love" (which reminds me a bit of UK group Bloc Party) perfectly captures their sound; a synth driven stomper, with vocodered vocals, digital bleeps and tweets, and ultra catchy hooks. In a similar vein are "Here (in your arms") (US top 20, currently in the UK top 5), and "Touchdown Turnaround (Don't Give Up On Me)".

Deviating from this template are straight ahead electro rockers "All time lows", "Stuck to you", "Homewrecker", the frenetic paced, "Figures A And B (Means You And Me)" with pulsing synths, and the sunny electro pop of "I saw it on your keyboard".

The ballad "Two weeks in Hawaii" wouldn't sound out of place on a My Chemical Romance album, with its gentle-to-raging-chorus style.

My favourite track is the Beatles-esque piano driven "Baby it's a fact", a charming midtempo sing-a-long with lovely harmonies, and lead vocalist Forrest Kline declaring puppy love in a charming innocent-like voice.

The UK edition of the album comes with 3 bonus tracks; live versions of "All of our love" and "Baby it's a fact", and the rocker "Shimmy shimmy quarter turn".

This CD is awesome!.......2007-05-13

I love this CD- from start to finish- highly recommended to all!!

sugary sweet yum yum. .......2007-05-08

i bought this cd because i have way too many dark songs on my regular playlists. ie. morrissey, bauhaus, skinny puppy etc. which are awesome bands that have really stood the test of time with me, but i needed something a bit more upbeat and happy. this cd is perfect for that. happy upbeat catchy tunes with semi cheesy and a little bit sappy songs about love. great cd to get if you need a musical pick me up.

Average customer rating: Musical Genius... Southern Rock Rises Again I Was Robbed! Keep listening The Best Hard Rock Album of the New Millenium

Southern Rock Opera (Dig) Drive-By Truckers Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Decoration Day The Dirty South A Blessing And A Curse Pizza Deliverance Gangstabilly ASIN: B000068FUS Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

1. Days Of Graduation
2. Ronnie and Neil
3. 72 (this highway's mean)
4. Dead, Drunk, And Naked
5. Guitar Man Upstairs
6. Birmingham
7. The Southern Thing
8. The Three Great Alabama Icons
9. Wallace
10. Zip City
11. Moved

Tracks:

1. Let There Be Rock
2. Road Cases
3. Women Without Whiskey
4. Plastic Flowers On The Highway
5. Cassie's Brother
6. Life In The Factory
7. Shut Up And Get On The Plane
8. Greenville To Baton Rouge
9. Angels And Fuselage

Amazon.com

You don't need a bottle of Jack or even a trace of Southern lineage to appreciate the genius of Drive-By Truckers' Southern Rock Opera. Without a hint of irony, the Athens, Georgia, quintet creates a fast-driving, hard-living tribute to the indelible music and legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Like any good concept album, there's a modicum of plot and a theme to these 20 songs (loosely based around the rise and fall of fictitious Southern rock band Betamax Guillotine), but the best tracks make you forget the story line altogether: "Birmingham," "Zip City," and "Let There Be Rock." The "opera" aspects bog things down a bit--you probably only need to hear the spoken-word track "The Three Great Alabama Icons" once--but the overall concept still comes off without a hitch. The lyrics are great, the trio of electric guitars is blessed with raw production, and the tunes--though lacking the pop sensibility of, say, "Gimme Three Steps"--will have you cranking up the album for your friends. And, after a few spins of Southern Rock Opera, you might even find yourself digging out those old Skynyrd LPs to hear the real thing again. --Jason Verlinde

Album Description

A southern rock opera about growing up in the south in the 70's, the rise and fall of arena rock, the mythology surrounding the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and common misconceptions about the south.

Customer Reviews:

Musical Genius..........2007-07-11

...may be a term which is overused, however Southern Rock Opera comes close. I am a recent traveler into the realm of alt. country and have fallen head over heels for the stuff. Southern Rock Opera transends the genre and take us back to the late 1970's when Lynard Skynard broke out of the South and took rock and roll by storm. The live album was in just about evryone's collection. It was played at dances, keg, parties etc. Even though I was not from the South, Lynard Skynard spoke to me and my friends.

But did we really understand the South through Skynard's music? Did we understand anything that came out of that region? Southern Rock Opera get's to the core of the"Southern Thing". I'm still not sure I get it 100%, but I do get that there is alot more than meets the eye. And DBT get that across with intelligent and artful lyrics and kickass music

Southern Rock Rises Again .......2007-06-08

I really like the lyrics to this. That is what drew my attention to this cd. The vocals of one of the lead singers may take a bit to used to...
but this is rock after all. This cd inspired me to go out & purchase some
old Skynyrd cd's. After all ... "I DID SEE LYNYRD SKYNYRD". And after listening to the cd, you will understand what i'm talking about. For any Skynyrd fan this is a must hear. Ronnie would be proud. This cd is geat on many levels... check it out.

I Was Robbed!.......2007-03-30

After reading the other reviews of this two disk set, I thougt I'd add this to my collection. What a huge mistake. To say that these guys sound anything like Lynyrd Skynyrd or any other quality Southern Rock Band of the 70's era would be a total put-down of all the true musicians of that era. When I received this set in the mail, I first pulled out the liner notes and lyrics and read the whole "book". I liked the lyrics and the theme of most of the songs. Then I put the disks in and listened to this mess. I have never been more disappointed in my life. The longer I listened the more angry I became. Why? These guys suck. They are bad musicians, the production is bad, as far as the general sound quality, it is a muddy mess. If you are looking for good musicians with good tone that understand how to weave three guitars into well written, intricate songs with the sweet twang of southern rock guitars, look elsewhere. These hackers missed the mark by a long shot. They play out of tune, sing out of key and the production is bad. I can't believe I was suckered into actually paying for this garbage.

Keep listening.......2007-03-02

My only problem with the dbts is tring to figure out which album is there best,I have 4 and love them all. S R OPERA takes a little more time to appreciate than there other records, but is well worth the time, These guys are outstanding, wide variety of sounds, great song writing, Remind me of early Wilco, bottlerockets, and other bands from the heartland,if you love the grit and grind of exile on main street. you will love these guys. My favorite albums never sounded good to me at first, So keep listening!!!!!!!!

The Best Hard Rock Album of the New Millenium.......2007-02-19

The Truckers are simply one of the worlds most criminally under appreciated bands. Southern Rock Opera is nothing short of an American masterpiece. It's the Truckers magnificent opus that marks the change from a smart but ultimately campy southern rock group into a southern rock group of rare emotional depth, intelligence, and diversity.

Southern Rock Opera is not exactly an opera. It's more of a concept album--part history lesson, part autobiography, part fiction that loosely follows a character with dreams of becoming a rock star. It explores his musical ambition and sense of identity, beginning in high school all the way up to a tragic ending mirroring the fate of one of his musical idols, Ronnie Van Zandt of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Along the way he redicovers what it means to be from the South and regains his pride for his southern heritage. Musically this is a hard rockin album that slow's down occasionally without ever sounding tired. It allows the listener to catch his breath and enjoy the variety between the bands primary two songwriters Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley. The longtime friends and musical collaborators have in Southern Rock Opera a record to be immensly proud of. Uncompromising, yet earthy and earnest, the album only kicks off a series of DBT records that follow, each one in their own right rock masterpieces. After Southern Rock Opera the band went through some line up changes and added singer songwriter Jason Isbell. Isbell's contributions have been incredibly important, adding yet another dynamic, one of an incredibly talented and soulful musician, to the already unique duality of Hood and Cooley. The band followed Decoration Day with their equally powerful albums The Dirty South and 2006's Blessing and a Curse. Truly a great rock n roll band of monumental proportions, it's a crying shame not more have been fortunate enough to hear them or have the guts to appreciate them.

Average customer rating: Add to your collection immediately Must Have The best band out there...Meet the DBTs One Of Their Best... The Masterpiece ****1/2

Decoration Day Drive By Truckers Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Dirty South Southern Rock Opera (Dig) A Blessing And A Curse Pizza Deliverance Gangstabilly ASIN: B00009M8IA Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

1. The Deeper In
2. Sink Hole
3. Hell No, I Aint Happy
4. Marry Me
5. My Sweet Annette
6. Outfit
7. Heathens
8. Sounds Better In The Song
9. (Something's Got To) Give Pretty Soon
10. Your Daddy Hates Me
11. Careless
12. When The Pin Hits The Shell
13. Do It Yourself
14. Decoration Day
15. Loaded Gun In The Closet

Amazon.com

They earned wide acclaim with the double-disc Southern Rock Opera, a sprawling concept album about Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their three-guitar lineup and greasy look signify big, dumb rock in the minds of many, but their songwriting is relentlessly whip-smart. And what may be their greatest song, "The Living Bubba," is an ode to a righteous, hard-rocking redneck felled by AIDS. No, the Drive-By Truckers never do anything by the book, so it's no surprise that with Decoration Day, the band's first release for indie New West Records, Patterson Hood and his mates take another rewarding left turn. The album boasts a handful of crowd-pleasing, party-starting cuts, like the brash, cranky rocker "Hell No, I Ain't Happy" and the Stones ringer "Marry Me." Yet more common are moments of startling beauty (the steel solos on "The Deeper In" and "Loaded Gun in the Closet" and the jangling guitars, rolling melodies, and soulful fiddle breaks of "Heathens" and "My Sweet Annette") and heavy doses of recrimination and regret, as in the back-to-back suicide tunes "When the Pin Hits the Shell" and "Do It Yourself." --Anders Smith Lindall

Customer Reviews:

Add to your collection immediately.......2007-01-06

I just learned of the DBT's within the last 6 months, now they are one of my favorite bands. Combine Marshall Tucker, Asleep at the Wheel, maybe Jerry Jeff & you get the Drive-by's.

Awesome lyrics, some very powerful songs mixed with some foot-stompers.

Must Have.......2006-12-26

If Southern Rock Opera was a turn in direction, this is the fine-tuning of said turn. Just an excellent disc full of piss and fury that gets better like fine wine. This was actually the first one that I bought, and now that I own all six of 'em, I have returned to this disc to find more gems that I somehow overlooked in my rush to purchase the entire DBT catalog.

Decoration Day should simply be the next one that you buy!

The best band out there...Meet the DBTs.......2006-07-04

There are all sorts of reasons why I shouldn't think the DBTs are the best band out there. For instance, I don't listen to rock anymore except for the odd excursion down memory lane listening to early Little Feat or Don Van Vliet or whatever....

But these guys have tapped the motherlode of everything that is non-stupid about rock.

I have never heard a band be so relentlessly high-quality, intelligent, thought-provoking, fun and just wonderful to hear, musically solid, and never-ever boring.

As somebody once said about the blues, if you don't like the Drive-By Truckers, you've got a hole in your soul.

One Of Their Best..........2005-05-17

Decoration Day is an awesome rekkid from start to finish, not a dud track to be found just killer songwriting/storytelling & playing until the end...
Patterson Hood,Mike Cooley & Jason Isbell are some of the finest songwriters & guitar players I have heard & they're all in the one band, makin everybody else jealous I guess
I wanna see DBT live desperately but I'll have to make do w/ DBT-Dirty South:Live At The 40 Watt for now

The Masterpiece ****1/2.......2005-03-31

Most breakthrough albums are a surprise to most bands, if it isn't their debut. And while the Drive By Truckers and the world at large were certainly stunned at the success of "Southern Rock Opera," it was still a calculated move. So, who would have expected "Decoration Day" to take them a step further despite the odds? Unlike "SRO," "D Day" isn't soaked in preperation - the band had only a year to turn out these 15 songs, and many of them were written on the road. In short, if "Southern Rock Opera" put people in the seats, "Decoration Day" kept them there.

Unlike 2004's "The Dirty South," Patterson Hood is the unequivical leader. His name is attached to all but a select few of the songs here. His songwriting has never been better - his tunes for "SRO" sound like they were discovered before they were ready, and "Dirty South's" Patterson songs sound a bit tired. Here they reach a DIY perfection; "My Sweet Annete," "Careless," "Heathens," and "The Deeper In" are Southern Rock classics. Mike Cooley and Jason Isbell (who would shine on "Dirty South") pitch in with "Outfit" and "Mary me," among others. Southern Rock could be on a rebound, spearheaded by DBT. The band as a whole haven't to this day risen so high. Maybe they never will.

Overall: 9 out of 10.

Average customer rating: SoCo's Finest Showing its not for everyone but that doesnt mean it sucks. Amazing Punk? Not A Chance Groundbreaking

Leaving Through The Window Something Corporate Manufacturer: Drive-Thru ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: North Everything in Transit Audioboxer Something Corporate - Live at the Ventura Theater Say It Like You Mean It ASIN: B000066B4V Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. I Want To Save You
2. Punk Rock Princess
3. I Woke Up In A Car
4. If You C Jordan
5. The Astronaut
6. Hurricane
7. Cavanaugh Park
8. Fall
9. Straw Dog
10. Good News
11. Drunk Girl
12. Not What It Seems
13. You're Gone
14. Globes and Maps

Customer Reviews:

SoCo's Finest Showing.......2006-08-09

I first stumbled across Something Corporate with the new musical stylings of Jack's Mannequin and what I found was music that that was just as good as JM but also had a nice flair of harder rock with a little punk edge. This album is SoCo's best work. 'North' is a very good album in itself but just isn't comparable to LOTW. 'I Woke Up In A Car', 'Punk Rock Princess', 'Fall', and many others make this a must have for any JM or SoCo fan.

its not for everyone but that doesnt mean it sucks. .......2006-07-29

ok...so here it goes...this is my last review for a while. if you think about it...reviews are kind of pointless. everyone has different taste even in the same genres. for example..i happen to like some (dare i say it?) emo music, but i dont really dig this album. i mean its a nice piece of work. i respect the talent and effort that went into it..and there are some catchy songs. i dig hurricane...and thats why it was a single. and FYI...just listen to the samples...if they dont grab you...dont buy it. i mean...surely if you've been dumped enough to the point where you listen to deat metal you wont like this album at all...thats a no brainer. and by the way...death metal is the PERFECT music to listen to if you want to prevent being dumped again because noone will want to come near you anymore if they hear you listening to it. (but thats just my opinion...im entitled...right?) so...while this review wasnt really about the abum...i hope it helps people to realize that they need to trust their own tastes...and not the taste of others. i know what i like..so i buy it...im not going to tell you to buy anything i like...because you might not. and...for the record..(pun intended)..i know that if i was a musician...i would LOVE to sell as many copies of my album as humanly possible. besides...if im going to spend so much time making music for people to listen to..im gonna need to make money. i would still love doing it...money just helps. so...selling out aint that bad. or i could just write death metal and have some lonely overly dumped tortured souls at my concert. that would rock. try before you buy....reviews cant help you choose.

Amazing.......2006-05-25

I sometimes have to moderate how much I listen to this cd because if I don't, I would listen to it all the time. There's nothing like a sweet piano solo in the middle of a punk song! I saw these guys in concert back in 2002 and ever since then I have been a big fan.

Punk? Not A Chance.......2006-05-20

I had to find this album in the "punk" bins, likely owing to the fact that this album was released on Drive-Thru records, a haven for Southern California punk bands. As soon as you hear the opening chords of "I Want To Save You" you know this is not a punk album. Like, I mean, who ever heard of a piano in a punk band?

This is the inaugural full-length release from the Dana Point, CA group, having released several of the songs on the album on an earlier EP called "Audioboxer". One more thing that is apparent right from the start of the album is that the writing is not typical of a bunch of 19 year-old kids. It is smart, sexy, and melodic, influenced by years of Elton John and The Beach Boys yet definitely sporting a large dose of New Found Glory and Simple Plan. Most of the writing is done by pianist/frontman Andrew McMahon. McMahon has a way of taking the experiences, the positives and negatives of his everyday life and turning them into engaging and sometimes uncomfortable anecdotes, the verbage put to music with a definite hook. Guitarist Partington has his say on the album as well, his edgier music providing a great counterbalance for some of McMahon's softer offerings.

This album has everything from pure pop, to punk, to heart-wrenching ballads about the effect being on the road has on a relationship. "Cavanaugh Park" is a gentle reflection about growing up in suburban southern California, while "Drunk Girl" is a somewhat embarrassed look at the consequences of overindulgence. All in all, this is a good addition to any music collection, with enough angst to satisfy the teenage crowd yet enough intelligence to please any adult listener. Based on this album, Something Corporate holds the promise of great things to come.

Groundbreaking.......2006-05-18

By far one of the emo CD's made (in the category of Taking Back Sunday's "Tell All Your Friends", Matchbook Romance's "Stories And Alibies", Dashboard Confessional's "The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most" and Fall Out Boy's "Take This To Your Grave"), I'm actually amazed that this release did not become a mainstream success, espicially with it being as appealing as it is to younger audiences with its cathcy hooks and at times "pop" sound.

Singer/Songwriter Andrew McMahon went above and beyond on this release, perfectly expressing the emotions that make the genre as popular as it is. From love and loss to anger and frustration, to even just a few wierd lyrics about child hood bullies, the lyrics of this album are just as dynamic as the hypnotizing sound placed to them.

Track Ratings (1 being the lowest grade, 10 the highest)

1. I Want To Save You (8 - 10): Perfect begining to the CD, espicially with the simple piano opening, then blended in with a drum and guitar line. Opening lyric of "standing on the edge of morning, scent of sex and New Found Glory, playing as she's pulling back her hair" is perfect. Song's about trying to save a modern girl, the mentioning of sex involved in why she needs to be saved is essential really. Song and guitar picks up for chorus throughout the song... simply a perfect opening.

2. Punk Rock Princess (7.5 - 10): I dont know why, but I really couldn't ever get into this track. The guitar riffs are great, pounding throughout. McMahon's lyrics of "You could be my punk rock princess, I could be your grage band king. You can tell me how you just dont need this and your going to be something" is great and placed perfectly in the song. I'd like for the piano to take more of a prominiant role inthe song, but other then that, my complaints are at a minimum and I still dont like the track. Wierd...

3. I Woke Up In A Car (10 - 10): First single from the album, is the defination of 'piano rock'. More fast paced paino opening from McMahon, again with the start of the song with only his voice and piano (similiar to track 1). What gets me about the track is the chorus, by far one the best I have ever heard (one of the reasons why SoCo is such an amazing band are their chorus's). Building guitars to the lyrics of "Well I woke up in a car, I traced away the fog so I could see the Mississippi on her knees. I've never been so lost, I've never felt so much at home. Please write my folks and throw away my keys". Fast paced song, exceptional lyrics of moving on, and amazing instrument plays makes this one a classic.

4. If U C Jordan (6 - 10): I'll give the band credit for writing a song about a childhood bully, plus putting pop sounding instruments to the song, but as a whole I'm not a fan of this track. In a way, its too poppy and McMahon's vocals go from edgy to plain whiney on this one. Always skipped...

5. The Astronaut (7 - 10): First true ballad on the CD, but one that does fall short on some levels. My biggest problem with this track is comparing ones self to a space traveler, how tackful is that? Its a shame becase the piano on this track is excellent, along with the drums and McMahon's lyrics hit perfect pitch on the chorus, espicially when saying "I need to be high". If you take out the stupid comparison, its a great song, so if one can get past that then I'm sure you'll enjoy the song much more then I do.

6. Hurricane (10 - 10): Best song on the CD, would be the top SoCo song if not for that pesky old "Konstantine" song. Great monotone opening, giving into heavy guitars and a perfect drum line. McMahon basically ditches the piano on this one (except for the small solo near the end) to focus on keeping up with his band mates thriving guitars throughout. Make no mistake, this one is a rock song that will get you off your ass. Slow break of McMahon on the piano to the lyrics of "You don't do it on purpose, but you make me shake. Now I count the hours 'til you wake with your babies breath, breathe symphonies. Come on sweet catastrophe." to a final pounding chorus is amazing.

7. Cavanaugh Park (8 - 10): Much better ballad then the first one on this track, about childhood reflection and what we all once had innocence wise before growing up. Is perfectly placed on the CD to go after the up-tempo 'Hurricane'. McMahon again shines on this, his work on the piano is amazing. Only thing keeping from it getting a better grade is the lyrics are subpar in my opinion.

8. Fall (10 - 10): Another one of my favorites. Again McMahon ditches the piano to focus only on singing, although this is a much slower song then 'Punk Rock Princess' and 'Hurricane'. Very slow begining to the track with only vocals over a blase guitar and drum line, however both picking up to McMahon's pleading chorus of "And so I fall...". The lead into the second chorus of "I was so close,that was the most that i have ever been through. Now old cassettes and cigarettes will be the ones to save you. How can you ask for me to stay when all you ever do is go? Just go!" is one of my favorites on the CD. This one gets in your head like 'Hurricane", another great one.

9. Straw Dog (9.5 - 10): If you ever get your hands on a live perfomance of this song, cherish it because its amazing live. That said, this is one of their more poppy songs, however the guitar riffs are simply addictive and will have your head swaying back and forth through out the entire track. Song about confusion and trying to figure out what to do next, the fast paced guitars and extrememly catchy (once again on this CD) chorus make this one another great one.

10. Good News (6 - 10): Really nothing special about this track, lyrics and instruments are very bland and lacking any sort of direction on this track. I really see this one simply as a filler track without any sort of purpose or audience to enjoy it. Shame because its really on the only track on the cd that isnt aimed to anyone or different enough to give credit for at least attempting to write. Always skipped.

11. Drunk Girl (8 - 10): Haha, as a guy who has done this way too many times, I always laugh at this song. Very poppy, but they lyrics are just plain funny to me, espicially simply saying "I kissed a drunk girl on the lips" as part of your chorus. Brings me back to some questionable calls of my own drinking life! Great boozing song!

12. Not What It Seems (8 - 10): I want to like this song a lot more then I actually do. The message of ones life being worse then what people actually thinks it is is an intriguing topic to write about. Chorus is great, as usual, but the insrumentals leading into it are lacking any sort of buildup. Most tracks also feature a great fast paced section to the song, which would have been great on this track, however is absent.

13. Your Gone (10 - 10): I'm shocked more people dont like this song. I think the mixture of acoustic and electric guitars throughout the song fits the song perfectly, espicially when the emotions are suppose to be one of sadness and anger at the same time. What makes this track though are McMahons pleas of "Your gone... your gone... your gone... your gone... your gone... your gone... your gone away. If you don't like being hurt then please dont stay." The raw emotion going into each 'your gone' makes shivers go down my spine each time.

14. Globes and Maps (9 - 10): Best piano ballad on the CD. Only the piano and McMahon vocals on this one, where he is simply spilling his hear about missing someone. I'll always give massive credit to anyone who has the courage to write a song that exposus themselves down to their core, which this track absolutly does. The final chorus and meloncholy piano base can invoke some tears.

"I Woke Up In A Car", "Hurricane", "Fall, "Straw Dog", "You're Gone", and "Globes and Maps" are all amazing tracks and will get into your head for days on end. As is not the case with most CD's in this genre through, there really aren't too many tracks that need to be skipped each time (with the exception of one or two)... in a 14 track album that is impressive. McMahon is one of the top individual performers of this time and his musical and lyrical prowess are on amazing display on this release.

Average customer rating: Good but not classic Really dern good DBT at their finest... Thank God! top notch

The Dirty South Drive-By Truckers , and Drive By Truckers Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Decoration Day Southern Rock Opera (Dig) A Blessing And A Curse Pizza Deliverance Gangstabilly ASIN: B0002E5OIW Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. Where The Devil Don't Stay
2. Tornadoes
3. The Day John Henry Died
4. Putting People On The Moon
5. Carl Perkins' Cadillac
6. The Sands Of Iwo Jima
7. Danko / Manuel
8. The Boys From Alabama
9. Cottonseed
10. The Buford Stick
11. Daddy's Cup
12. Never Gonna Change
13. Lookout Mountain
14. Goddamn Lonely Love

Amazon.com

The Dirty South is the sixth album by Muscle Shoals, Alabama-based Drive-By Truckers. While previous Southern rock bands have celebrated certain regional mythologies, this quintet revels in the towering glory of small, gritty realities. They can kick up a righteous storm, as on the country lick-filled opener "Where the Devil Don't Stay," or the swamp and fuzzy "Lookout Mountain." However, within the latter is a daunting verse: "If I throw myself off Lookout Mountain, No more for my soul to keep, I wonder who will drive my car, I wonder if my Mom will weep." It's clear these guys deliver emotional wallops at every turn. "Carl Perkins' Cadillac" honors the honesty of Sam Phillips, while writhing in the melancholy of changing times and circumstances. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Good but not classic.......2007-05-18

I know that average reviews are not viewed as all that "helpful", but, like the previous reviewers from Indianapolis and Scotland, I thought I'd offer one anyway.

I went out and bought The Dirty South after I read the rave reviews on Amazon. From most of the reviews here, you would think that the Drive By Truckers rival the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, and early ZZ Top. According to one reviewer, they are the "saviours of rock." IMO, that's going way too far. The DBT are probably more on par talent-wise with the VRoys (from the late 90s), the Old 97s, and the North Mississippi Allstars - all decent bands, all with a good deal of talent, but ultimately one Duane Allman or Billy Gibbons short (in other words, a long way away) from being the next great Southern rock band.

Still, the Dirty South is a pretty decent album. "Lookout Mountain", "Never Gonna Change" and "Where the Devil Don't Stay" showcase the DBT's driving, dense guitar sound. "The Day John Henry Died" and "Carl Perkins' Cadillac" show that the band can write good music to go along with their strong lyrics if they put their mind to it. And "Danko/Manuel" is a great, slow country song.

For me, the main problem with The Dirty South is when the band uses their music simply as background to their vocals, which is the case on nearly half the songs. Too few hooks or changes in tempo makes for a rather bland and repetitive listening experience after awhile. "Cottonseed" and "Daddy's Cup" are songs that do absolutely nothing for me because of this.

A decent album, yes. A classic? Far from it.

Really dern good.......2006-12-26

A logical progression from Decoration Day to A Blessing and a Curse, the lyrical content is actually stepped up a notch by all three of the fellas on this one. It's hard to point out a lousy song here, and there are a handful that are truly works of art. Patterson- always a favorite, but the Cooley tunes on this disc really knock me out.
If ya love the other 2 I mentioned, you'll love this one too.

DBT at their finest..........2006-12-21

I have a tendency to ramble on, so I'll just do a little breakdown of the album.

1. Where The Devil Don't Stay - 4/5
2. Tornadoes - 4/5
3. The Day John Henry Died - 4/5
4. Puttin' People On The Moon - 4/5
5. Carl Perkin's Cadillac - 4/5
6. The Sands Of Iwo Jima - 2/5
7. Danko / Manuel - 5/5
8. The Boys From Alabama - 4/5
9. Cottonseed - 3/5
10. The Buford Stick - 4/5
11. Daddy's Cup - 5/5
12. Never Gonna Change - 5/5
13. Lookout Mountain - 5/5
14. Goddamn Lonely Love - 5/5

All in all, this is a great album. The boys from Alabama don't disappoint...

Thank God!.......2006-08-29

And just when I thought rock'n'roll was dead. DBT really are the savers of rock, they're all we've got now, and The Dirty South is simply amazing. Hard, fast, real, and most importantly fun, The Dirty South is an album to just shove in the cd player, and not have a need to skip a track. The perfect highway companion.

top notch.......2006-08-01

the best band you've never heard of...my first taste of DBT - will certainly be going back for seconds, thirds,....

Average customer rating: for anyone who is alive great first LP Really catchy work...arguably Modest Mouse's best Best Modest Mouse album Fantastic album

This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About Modest Mouse Manufacturer: Up. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Moon & Antarctica Good News For People Who Love Bad News We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Everywhere and His Nasty Parlour Tricks Keep It Like a Secret ASIN: B000003L1P Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

1. Dramamine
2. Breakthrough
3. Custom Concern
4. Might
5. Lounge
6. Beach Side Property
7. She Ionizes & Atomizes
8. Head South
9. Dog Paddle
10. Novocain Stain
11. Tundra/Desert
12. Ohio
13. Exit Does Not Exist
14. Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset
15. Make Everyone Happy/Mechanical Birds
16. Space Travel Is Boring

Amazon.com

Frontman Isaac Brock's claim that he's being stalked by his own alter ego was not the first bit of evidence that Modest Mouse isn't your usual pop band. Witness the entirety of this 1996 indie debut from the Washington trio that inspired a major-label bidding war. This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About finds Brock cruising with cohorts Eric Judy and Jeremiah Green (plus an occasional cellist) through a landscape of intoxicatingly original lo-fi tunes. Sure, Brock's early vocals make Nikki Sudden sound like one smooth crooner, but their strained quality offset the primitive elegance of his guitar work, giving a passionate vulnerability to "Breakthrough," "Custom Concern," and other treatises on life in the lost lane. --Bill Forman

Customer Reviews:

for anyone who is alive.......2007-07-07

This is, overall, my favorite Mouse album. The first three tracks work together so well, with the looping meandering guitar riffs and the lyrics that sound like the life of every disenchanted teenager or young adult that's ever lived. As always with Mouse there are some tracks that get a little noisy or sound a little incomplete, but that's part of the charm. Brock doesn't write consistently perfect songs, but he writes so many perfect songs that it's almost a relief to realize that he's not flawless. Perhaps the most gifted lyricist in alternative rock, some of the wordplay is pure poetry.

great first LP.......2007-06-16

I am a huge modest mouse fan. but i know this record is not for everyone.
please start with the new modest mouse this stuff might turn you off to them at first listen. I love this CD! it has so many great qualities that dont show up on other modest mouse records.

1.Dramamine- great opening song awesome guitar rift. 5/5
2.Breakthrough- good song nice odd vocals.BUT THATS WHAT WE LOVE 4/5
3.Custom Concern- good lyrics slide guitar this one stands out 5/5
4.Might- short simple song 3/5
5.Lounge- starts fast pace ends in a slow rock jam. 4/5
6.Beach Side Property- features some screaming vocals which you dont find often in modest mouse a great song. 5/5
7.The Ionizes and Atomizes- sounds very bipolar- 3/5
8.Head South- More screaming in chorus and nicole johnson with backup vocals. really good song. "Struck by being ashamed of your old space" 5/5
9.Dog Paddle- screaming cool little song with coughs and wheezes through it. 4/5
10.Novocain Stain- a really really good song! 5/5
11.Tundra/Desert-One of their hardest hitting songs. 5/5
12.Ohio- right now im obsessed with the great lyrics in this song. "I'm upset and i leave the door open wide our hearts are used up cracked and dried." Amazing 5/5
13.Exit does not Exist- cool title blazing drums. 4/5
14.Talking shit about a pretty Sunset- one of the best songs on the album. 5/5
15.Make Everyone Happy/Mechanical Birds- starts off kinda sweet then goes full blown guitar jam. 4/5
16.Space Travel is Boring- nice song but not to special to me. 3/5

I love this cd but its not their best work.
i definitely recommend it to anyone likes Building nothing out of Something or Lonesome crowded west.

Really catchy work...arguably Modest Mouse's best.......2007-02-13

I really enjoy the overall dry twangyness in this album. The opening tracks are instant indie/alternative classics. Very quirky, laid back material that could easily please any Modest Mouse fan. I also recommend Lonesome Crowded West for more wonderful work.

Best Modest Mouse album.......2007-01-31

Here is what I have to say: This is my favorite Modest Mouse album. This album captures to total perfection what it feels like to be sad and cold but at the same time filled with a sweet appreciation for your own existence. There is such a fantastic reality to be found here. This will always be at the top for me. There is a good section of my life in which this is the definitive soundtrack. The music can be so bare but masterfull it makes you want to scream. Like living in a sparse cold room that you still find beautiful. If you want good music then, here, take this.

Fantastic album.......2007-01-21

As much as I wanted to diss them for being too heavily indebted to the Pixies, I could not resist the magnificence of this album. It blew me away when I first heard it, and it continues to.

Modest Mouse has released a slew of great albums, so I can't say this is my favorite, but it might be....

Average customer rating: well, it looks like the NME got something right For once, the hype is deserved. The last great album I discovered in 2006 Have to buy it all over again.

Someone to Drive You Home The Long Blondes Manufacturer: Beggars Banquet Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Reminder Favourite Worst Nightmare Icky Thump Our Earthly Pleasures Sound of Silver ASIN: B000PSJCSI Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Lust In the Movies
2. Once And Never Again
3. Only Lovers Left Alive
4. Giddy Stratospheres
5. In the Company Of Women
6. Heaven Help the New Girl
7. Separated By Motorways
8. You Could Have Both
9. Swallow Tattoo
10. Weekend Without Makeup
11. Madame Ray
12. A Knife For the Girls

Tracks:

1. Fulwood Babylon
2. Five Ways To End It
3. Never To Be Repeated
4. All Bar One Girls

Customer Reviews:

well, it looks like the NME got something right.......2007-06-29

I think this album, and this band, are fantastic. They are the perfect mix of dancy, girly, and British-ness. Having heard a bunch of the singles, I was not disappointed in this at all. This band mixes all sorts of genres together, from post-punk to disco to britpop to 60s girl groups, etc. They mix all these together to make something that works QUITE well in both studio and live setting.

The singles on this LP are all great: once and never again, giddy stratospheres, and separated by motorways. However, I think the songs "Lust in the Movies" and "You Could have Both" are better than any of those songs. I think that is a rarity these days in our Ipod / Youtube music business.

By the way, this band was GREAT at the Subterranean in Chicago. Their singer is a total fox. I eagerly await something else from this band and hope they are not a Northern English amalgamation of some fads. It's really a shame that Jarvis Cocker does not like the singer's voice. I love it...she is one of the few singer currently that sounds better live than on vinyl (or CD).

For once, the hype is deserved........2007-06-09

The Long Blondes' Someone To Drive You Home is consistently catchy and enjoyable all the way through. "Lust In The Movies" starts it off with a kick and things don't let up until the CD ends. The four singles are:

1. Once And Never Again
2. Giddy Stratospheres
3. Separated By Motorways
4. Weekend Without Makeup

These four songs were all previously available on UK singles. The versions on Someone To Drive You Home are all rerecorded. This may come as a frustration to people who fell for the original single versions (as I did). It doesn't take long to appreciate these new versions, though. Either way, the songs are catchy and fun to sing along with. The music is poppy, but there's a lyrical dark streak lurking just beneath the surface.

This CD would be worth it for those four songs alone. My personal favorite song isn't one of the singles, though; it's "You Could Have Both", which features male and female voices singing simultaneously. It's got a very Pulp-y sound to it. (It's also nice to hear a reference to The Apartment in a pop song.) The remaining songs are all highly enjoyable, so what we're left with is a rarity in modern music...a CD that is solid all the way through without any of the duds and throw-away tracks that plague so many releases these days.

For once, the hype is deserved.

The last great album I discovered in 2006.......2007-06-07

This was not only the last great album I discovered in 2006 but it turned out also to be one of the best. This album is not widely known in the US due to it still not being available as anything other than an import. It is not even available on iTunes and other music download services. Hopefully 2007 will see a correction. I have to confess to not knowing a whole lot about the band. Most of the songs are credited to guitarist Dorian Cox and The Long Blondes, which probably means he writes the songs, presents them to the band, and they all hash out the final form. What is surprising about this is that the band has a distinctly feminist slant on things. They seem in many ways to be the English answer to the Riot Girl bands in the U.S. You could easily do a triple bill of Le Tigre, Sleater-Kinney (alas, if only they were still together), and The Long Blondes and have no clash of values or viewpoint. The band has much of the same brassiness of Third Wave inspired feminist rock, yet the songs are written by a guy. Well, perhaps not so bizarre. The turning point in strongly empowered female characters on TV occurred with BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, created by a male feminist, Joss Whedon. So why can't a guy write songs that represent a female take on things?

If Dorian Cox writes the songs, Kate Jackson sells them. And man, does she ever sell them. With this album she instantly joins the ranks of the most compelling female frontwomen in rock. She has a great voice, with plenty of power when she needs it, but capable of subtlety as well. They have her voice far forward in the mix, where it belongs. I love the way she manages to do so many things vocally in "Heaven Help the New Girl," and does them all well. If you compare her with, say, Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kate doesn't have all the tricks that Karen can pull off, but she has a much more powerful voice and a wider effective range.

But what really puts this band over the top for me is not just that they come with a great set of well-written songs and a phenomenal singer to sing them, but that the Long Blondes are a great band. Screech Louder on drums, Emma Chaplain on guitar (and back up vocals), Reenie Delaney on bass (how refreshing to have a chick on guitar and a guy on bass for a change), and Cox on lead guitar are a tremendously tight, inventive, and skilled. Sometimes when you have someone as good as Kate Jackson, there is a talent gap between singer and band, but that certainly is not the case here. This truly is a band, with everyone contributing enormously to the final project.

The highpoint of the album for me is "Weekend without Makeup," in which a woman chronicles how stale her relationship has grown. It is a subject that has been dealt with in countless songs, but it seems so fresh here and the notion of defining a weekend by the fact that she doesn't need to put on any make up really speaks volumes. All in all, though, the album has a number of really strong cuts. "Lust in the Movies," "Once and Never Again" (in which the singer tells a 19-year-old that she really doesn't need a boyfriend but should instead focus on life without the need of one), "Giddy Stratospheres," "In the Company of Women," "Separated by Motorways," and "Heaven Help the New Girl." The album may fade ever so slightly by the end, but these days most bands put their strongest material in the first two-thirds of the disc.

I do want to quibble with a criticism that the previous reviewer made of the album. He or she indicated that this album is "derivative." This is a criticism that is frequently made by people of one album or artist or another. But I have to confess that it is a criticism I've never been able to make any sense of. There are two sides to my perplexity, one general and one specific. Take the specific first, I listened to this album multiple times and not once thought "Wow, this is derivative." Of course there are a host of moments where the album recalls other performers. At various points the band reminds me of outfits as diverse as the Smiths, Pulp, Joy Division, and Blondie, but sometimes even some sixties girl groups. But I absolutely promise any prospective listener: you will not listen to this and think that they are ripping off any other bands' riffs. They certainly are not more "derivative" than any other band at work today. Which leads to the more general side of my perplexity: given the fact that we now have over fifty years of rock and roll informing any rock album today, how is it possible for any band to be anything other than derivative? Even the Beatles were derivative, aping a host of American R&B bands and artists. Later they came under the spell of Bob Dylan, who was himself inspired by a score of American folk, blues, and rock performers. Everyone borrows from everyone else. The question is not whether something is "derivative" but whether their particular derivation is any good. And this stuff here is dynamite. If it were boring, that would be another matter. I really don't intend to jump all over the previous reviewer. Honest, I don't. But this is an instance of aiming a largely irrelevant criticism at an absolutely first rate band. At least he and I can fully agree on one thing: this is one of the best albums of 2006.

Have to buy it all over again........2007-06-07

First Jarvis Cocker's solo CD and now Kate Jackson's band? What is with these Sheffield groups and bonus stuff on domestic releases? Well, I bought this in January thereabouts on the strength of their reviews in the British rags. If you like Alex Turner's ilk, you'll like this. The music is very similar except with Nico/Justine Frischmann (hence a lot of Elastica comparisons, mostly bad, sad to say as I like both groups) vocals. The lyrical content is the same. All in all, if the journos aren't grouping the two in with Jarvis for "The Sheffield Sound," give it time.

Will it be big here? Doubtful. It, like so many previous bands (the Kinks, the Jam, Blur) is way too English and unless you're an Anglophile, it won't be very interesting. If you are though, have a butcher's.

Signed,
epsteinsmutha

Average customer rating: big disappointment... What??? A Worthy Album Different, Deeper, and Really Good Great band, only so-so album

A Blessing And A Curse Drive-by Truckers Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Dirty South Southern Rock Opera (Dig) Decoration Day Pizza Deliverance Drive By Truckers - Dirty South - Live at the 40 Watt ASIN: B000E97X6G Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

1. Feb 14
2. Gravity's Gone
3. Easy On Yourself
4. Aftermath USA
5. Goodbye
6. Daylight
7. Wednesday
8. Little Bonnie
9. Space City
10. A Blessing And A Curse
11. A World Of Hurt

Amazon.com

Known for two big-idea concept albums, Southern Rock Opera (dedicated to Lynyrd Skynyrd) and The Dirty South (a 70+ minute exploration of their Alabama roots), the Drive-by Truckers here go economical with a 45+ minute rock album. Three singers (all guitarists, to boot) ensure that moods shift often, even with every voice bearing a sand-blasted quality that grit-pocks everything. Patterson Hood tackles most of the tunes, sounding like a roughed-up Faces on "Aftermath USA," detailing drugs and deterioration against boogied-up guitars, and sounding a more sensitive side on "Goodbye" and "Little Bonnie" (another in a line of Truckers' funeral tunes). With a barrel-chested croak of a voice, Mike Cooley runs down the rudderless-ness of love and desperation on "Gravity's Gone" and slow, acoustic tenderness on "Space City." The loudest guitarist, Jason Isbell, takes on two tracks: "Easy on Yourself" and "Daylight," where he alternates between wry fury and a yearning pine for more time, more space. Isbell basks in an array of slide-guitar throwdowns, always leaving a signature sound the way Skynyrd's Allen Collins and Gary Rossington did in their glory days. All in all, this is a calmer Truckers set, less ragged and more polished--but rest assured: Their live sets still smoke like their 40 Watt Club DVD from 2005. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

You hear about "the greatest band in the world" being dropped on many a group, desperately given this medal in hopes they'll use it to "save rock-n-roll," whatever that means. But no band that has had to suffer under this artificial responsibility has succeeded so triumphantly as Drive-By Truckers. Equal parts back porch historians, runaway drunken firecrackers, and poets of the hard life and how to live it; they came on the scene and set the bar higher for what you can do with the music we love. The songs on this record illustrate the triumphant struggle it is to survive and thrive in this world. It's not only a great record, but an important statement delivered honestly and passionately without any sugar coating or details spared. It's a refinement, a honing, and a focusing of what you've always loved about them, what makes this band the greatest band in the world.

Customer Reviews:

big disappointment..........2007-02-01

after reading glowing reviews of the DBTs I picked up three of their cds. While some of the lyrics are strong, the songs have no melodies whatsoever. Most of the arrangements consist of guitars blaring over a terrible singer. They're reputed to be carrying on the tradition of Skynyrd and the Allmans. But those bands weren't just loud guitars...they had memorable tunes and great singers. DBTs are a huge letdown.

What???.......2006-12-26

I don't get these other reviews. This disc if beautiful, deep, and clearly fits into the direction that the band is heading. There are several poignant songs (check out Gravity's Gone, Goodbye, Daylight, and ESPECIALLY Little Bonnie). To say that these are poorly written songs is unbelievable.
DBT continues to look at real life situations straight in the eye, and lay all of the emotional cards on the table.
Clunkers on this disc? There may be a couple- I don't like Track #1.... And if you like the really hard stuff (Sink Hole, Careless, Lookout Mtn), you might be put off- it might be a bit mellower than what you're used to.
Overall, though, just another masterpiece from the boys from Alabama.

A Worthy Album.......2006-11-17

Most of the reviews here make a whole lot of sense to me, even the bitter ones. This is NOT in the same league as SRO, Decoration Day nor Dirty South. I was expecting something of that calibre but was very dissapointed when I heard it for the first time. Not a heck of alot of depth here, what happened to the songwriting? I couldnt believe all 3 DBT songwriters went into the songwriting tank at the same time. How could this happen to 3 brilliant writers simultaneously?

What I am finding now after about the 50th listen is that although the songwriting is not as interesting, its a fun album to groove to for music itself. The playing on this album is WAY beyond any of there previous outings, it is slick and polished but it sounds great. The guitars duel the drums kick and the vocals are first rate. The songs are good... not great... but you get used to them after a while and find yourself singing along.

Check it out

ML

Different, Deeper, and Really Good.......2006-10-09

Here DBT experiments a little with being mature. Which means more reflection and, this is the key to why many didn't like this album, more 1st person and less stories, the latter of which has made for some of their better stuff. The music is also notably discordant, almost grating in places, but musically so. The strong hooks and licks are still there. Especially the multi-guitar work that helps define their sound.

The songs may be missing that little bit of wrong that their earlier albums have, but there's little playfulness ('Valentine' and 'Gravity's Gone' and places in others). That said, once you listen to this album a few times, you can't turn it off. It's sad, it's different, but it is darn good and chokes me up a little. Not much music can do that to me. Isbell's two songs in particular ('Daylight' and 'Easy on Yourself') really get me. His work usually does (can you seriously sit through 'Outfit' or 'Emmanuelle' without feeling something). I know fans might have been expecting something else, but stop looking for gold and appreciate the gems. Hood contributes the bulk as usual, and a good bulk, but Cooley shows well, especially on 'Gravity's Gone'.

All in all, a must for DBT fans. For others, start with Decoration Day, move onto the others (Southern Rock Opera and Gangstabilly I recommend second) and eventually get to Blessing and a Curse. By then you'll love DBT too much to ignore it.

Great band, only so-so album.......2006-08-28

This album is not nearly as strong as the three that came before it, but it is still pretty solid. I agree with the reviewer before me in regards to Jason Isbell: what was he thinking with these songs? Compared to the classics he contributed to the last two albums, his additions to this album are pretty lame. I can only guess he is planning a solo album and saving his good stuff for that. Mike Cooley has slowly become the best songwriter in the group, and his two songs on this disc rank with its best material. Again, not a bad album, but by DDT standards, it's pretty forgettable.

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2. Eddie Heywood [Import] [Limited Edition]
3. Enlightment
4. From the Age of Swing
5. Gettin' Together
6. Glenn Miller Orchestra
7. Greatest Hits
8. Greetings From the Other Side
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