You know - I hadn't had a chance to listen to this show yet... but I am now... they played 31 songs!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Greater stamina than our beloved PJ - amazing.
I'll post more thoughts when I'm done listening to it...
I like DBT but 31 songs is an average to short set for PJ.... :rolleyes:
Astoria Crew
Troubled souls unite, we got ourselves tonight...
Astoria, Dublin, Reading 06
Katowice, Wembley 07
SBE, Manchester, O2 09
Hyde Park 10
Manchester 1&2 12
This is just g'bye for now...
Somewhere in-between Mountain View, California and Maryland Heights,
Missouri
In this technological age of remote controlled warfare, wireless
mobile devices, governments with spying eyes, an endless amount of
digital information that is floating freely on the World Wide Web,
you would think that our music would mimic the culture that
surrounds it. Producing the cleanest of synthesized, metronomic,
drums beats and flawlessly executed guitar phrasing that would
transform the sanctity of American music to a so called "robotic"
level.
No longer will touring bands be needed as their jobs will be
replaced by "beat tapes" that will sit side by side with hip hop
stars as their empty buses travel across desolate highways for a
mere 100 dates a year. Record companies will no longer profit from
signing long-term recording contacts as downloadable media and file
sharing have made LPs accessible before scheduled release dates and
butchered these full length artistic efforts into two cut, iPod
friendly, entities.
The longevity of recording artists will quickly turn into brief
stints on the landscape of popular culture and in the hearts of
quickly revolving teenage generations. This very concept terrifies
some people and at the dismay of musical purists the age has already
arrived.
Fortunately, if you can manage to look past the mainstream
brainwashing of pop-culture television programs, Top 20 Countdowns,
and the almost religious following of the Abercrombie and Fitch
generation you will find, floating just below the radar, is still
the bombastic homegrown tradition and swagger of vintage rock n'
roll. Road warriors embarking on multiple legs of cross country
odysseys that stretch close to 300 dates a year. Drawing their
inspiration from blues, country, soul, and gospel music, which dates
back through the recordings of Jimmie Rodgers and Skip James;
stemming from the suffrage of slavery rooted deep in the heart of
the American South and the rise of Irish immigration.
If you truly believe the ideals of rock n' roll have long died and
been swept away by the blowing winds of evolution then you can ease
your worried mind and look no further than the Drive-By Truckers.
Originally formed in 1996 by Patterson Hood (Guitars/Vocals) and
Mike Cooley (Guitars/Vocals), the Drive-By Truckers have mixed a
sincere blend of roots rock, adoring melodies, and enough ironic
lyrics to keep them buried deep in a bottle of Jack Daniels for
probably the next decade. But while their characters are mainlining
intoxicants, contemplating suicide, and leaving lifetime lovers
standing alone, their music carries a message of hope in the midst
of a reckless state of desperation.
"A lot our records deal with dualities," says Patterson
Hood. "Pretty much anything good has its downsides, and as a writer
I have always been fascinated with that aspect; things aren't always
what they seem."
Released in the Spring of 2006, the band's seventh album, entitled A
Blessing and a Curse delivers a dark mix of country styled hymns
that touch textually on the sweetness of pedal steel arrangements
and three chief song writing geniuses that have channeled the spirit
and grace of a young hearted Gram Parsons.
"We made the record at a time when the band was going through a lot
of good times, but the times had their drawbacks and adjustments,"
says Hood. "For example I started a family very recently and I just
had a daughter which pretty much was the ultimate blessing. The
downside of that is that I am on the road a lot and away from her,"
shares Hood.
Featured tracks include Aftermath USA, which groove resembles that
of a Stones' Honky Tonk Women, Daylight, Little Bonnie, and most
notably A World of Hurt which exerts a Flying Burrito Brothers tone
and charisma.
"A lot of reviews I have read about the record have mentioned it as
being particularly dark, and at times it really is. But I want to
think that it has a happy ending," explains Patterson. "It does end
on a life affirming note."
While record players bleed dark overtones at the hands of the Drive-
By Truckers, their songs are transformed into a celebration of that
very emotional aguish when live audiences are exposed to the their
charming brand of rock n' roll.
"While standing on stage I can see everyone having a great time and
kind of partying," says Hood, "it is only after the fact that some
of the lyrics and topics being talked about seem depressing. But
hopefully our sense of humor carries us through to a point where the
emphasis isn't on the downsides of life."
Recorded in Kernersville, North Carolina, and later mixed by John
Agnello back home in Athens, Georgia, A Blessing and a Curse proudly
sports the tag line of being "recorded on glorious two-inch analog
recording tape."
"It's a tone that we are very passionate about," explains Hood. "I'm
not going to put down digital technology because that type of
recording has enabled bands that never could have afforded to make a
record, make a record; just like us. I really appreciate some
aspects of digital recordings, but if you have a little bit of money
to spend there is no where else I would rather spend it than getting
some big two inch reel, sliding a tape across the head, and dropping
guitars over it," proclaims Patterson.
"Nothing sounds that good. To me it's the greatest sound in the
whole world," says the lifetime musician, "and we do it for the
fans."
Currently the band has embarked on nationwide roadwork with Robert
Randolph & the Family Band, and the Black Crowes, which started June
10th in Seattle; and is proving to be the most credible roots tour
of the summer season.
With the sounds of Neil Young & Crazy Horse, the Faces, and the Band
in constant rotation on Truckers' tour bus Patterson Hood commented
on the modern records that influence the band, most notably being My
Morning Jacket.
"There is a lot of great music being made today that would never get
played on the radio," says Hood, "the hard part is finding it; and
My Morning Jacket is just one of those bands. It's an issue of
spanning the gap between what is good and what is popular."
"We [the Drive-By Truckers] must drive industry people up a wall
because we don't really have a target audience," says Hood. "They
can't say this band attracts 15 to 32 year olds, or sells a lot of
records amongst teenage girls."
"It's a wide demographic," says Hood, "blue collar working class,
college professors, high school lovers, truck drivers, and even punk
rockers."
In a music industry where the question pinned on most artists, from
labels and radio stations, is usually, "which format?" the Truckers'
brand of spiritual transcendence can only be described purely
American. Residing in a classroom that has been holding sessions for
about 100 years, that mainstream artists in the modern era have long
forgotten. Taught by Robert Johnson, starring Muddy Waters as the
teacher's pet, Keith Richards as the class clown, Eric Clapton as
the asshole who could play everything just a little slower, and Bob
Dylan who, "never wanted to be the voice of the class."
"To me what we do is… well, we are just a rock n' roll band, who
believes in embracing the big picture, rather than sticking to a
specific sub genre," says Patterson Hood.
The Truckers' core songwriting trio finds their inspiration from a
handful of musical genres and an endless amount of stories they have
collected from their travels; which have brought them fame, success,
and a fan base that is growing each time they trade their glasses of
liquor for six stings guitars.
"We just hit the road," says Hood as the words begin to flow out of
his mouth while he quickly gasps for breaths of air. "We had a bunch
of songs, and believed in what we were doing; when no one else in
the business seemed to have much interest in us. So we took it to
the people," says Hood, "we booked our own shows and put out our
first four records on our own."
"I don't think that the industry knows how to market, or even what
to do with a band like us anymore," admits Patterson.
In an industry that is constantly changing and hunting for the new
trend that will increase the bank roll of major record labels the
Drive-By Truckers are exhibiting a level of uncompromised integrity
that can described as nothing short of heroic.
"We didn't event the wheel or make technologically groundbreaking
music or anything like that; but we have our roots," says Hood. "We
are just a rock n' roll band, and we aren't the only rock n' roll
band out there."
For more information on the Drive-By Truckers, including tour
information, discography, and biography their website can be view at http://www.drivebytruckers.com.
14 Macon, GA Capitol Theatre
15 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
17 Myrtle Beach, SC HOB
19 Northampton, MA Pearl Street
20 Boston, MA Avalon
21 New York, NY Webster Hall
22 Philly, PA TLA
23 Baltimore, Festival at Pimlico w/ The Who, et al
26 State College, PA Venue TBA
27 Norfolk, VA Norva
29 Raleigh, NC Carolina Theatre
30 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Look out Philly and State College...I hope they swing back up through Lancaster after the big festival in Baltimore
DBT Jen sent an email saying dates will officially be announced August 1st.
But I'd imagine these are legit to some extent.
yeah i need to get this album.. i love all their other stuff
i dont know if they relize it or not but they have a following up in this part of canada..not sure about out east... they should tour up here
Apparently they like them back east as well.........I wore my "Dirty South" tee to the Halifax PJ show and got a large number of compliments. A bunch of folks echoed your statement that they should tour your fine country.
All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a thousand enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
Apparently they like them back east as well.........I wore my "Dirty South" tee to the Halifax PJ show and got a large number of compliments. A bunch of folks echoed your statement that they should tour your fine country.
Somewhere in-between Mountain View, California and Maryland Heights,
Missouri
In this technological age of remote controlled warfare, wireless
mobile devices, governments with spying eyes, an endless amount of
digital information that is floating freely on the World Wide Web,
you would think that our music would mimic the culture that
surrounds it. Producing the cleanest of synthesized, metronomic,
drums beats and flawlessly executed guitar phrasing that would
transform the sanctity of American music to a so called "robotic"
level.
No longer will touring bands be needed as their jobs will be
replaced by "beat tapes" that will sit side by side with hip hop
stars as their empty buses travel across desolate highways for a
mere 100 dates a year. Record companies will no longer profit from
signing long-term recording contacts as downloadable media and file
sharing have made LPs accessible before scheduled release dates and
butchered these full length artistic efforts into two cut, iPod
friendly, entities.
The longevity of recording artists will quickly turn into brief
stints on the landscape of popular culture and in the hearts of
quickly revolving teenage generations. This very concept terrifies
some people and at the dismay of musical purists the age has already
arrived.
Fortunately, if you can manage to look past the mainstream
brainwashing of pop-culture television programs, Top 20 Countdowns,
and the almost religious following of the Abercrombie and Fitch
generation you will find, floating just below the radar, is still
the bombastic homegrown tradition and swagger of vintage rock n'
roll. Road warriors embarking on multiple legs of cross country
odysseys that stretch close to 300 dates a year. Drawing their
inspiration from blues, country, soul, and gospel music, which dates
back through the recordings of Jimmie Rodgers and Skip James;
stemming from the suffrage of slavery rooted deep in the heart of
the American South and the rise of Irish immigration.
If you truly believe the ideals of rock n' roll have long died and
been swept away by the blowing winds of evolution then you can ease
your worried mind and look no further than the Drive-By Truckers.
Originally formed in 1996 by Patterson Hood (Guitars/Vocals) and
Mike Cooley (Guitars/Vocals), the Drive-By Truckers have mixed a
sincere blend of roots rock, adoring melodies, and enough ironic
lyrics to keep them buried deep in a bottle of Jack Daniels for
probably the next decade. But while their characters are mainlining
intoxicants, contemplating suicide, and leaving lifetime lovers
standing alone, their music carries a message of hope in the midst
of a reckless state of desperation.
"A lot our records deal with dualities," says Patterson
Hood. "Pretty much anything good has its downsides, and as a writer
I have always been fascinated with that aspect; things aren't always
what they seem."
Released in the Spring of 2006, the band's seventh album, entitled A
Blessing and a Curse delivers a dark mix of country styled hymns
that touch textually on the sweetness of pedal steel arrangements
and three chief song writing geniuses that have channeled the spirit
and grace of a young hearted Gram Parsons.
"We made the record at a time when the band was going through a lot
of good times, but the times had their drawbacks and adjustments,"
says Hood. "For example I started a family very recently and I just
had a daughter which pretty much was the ultimate blessing. The
downside of that is that I am on the road a lot and away from her,"
shares Hood.
Featured tracks include Aftermath USA, which groove resembles that
of a Stones' Honky Tonk Women, Daylight, Little Bonnie, and most
notably A World of Hurt which exerts a Flying Burrito Brothers tone
and charisma.
"A lot of reviews I have read about the record have mentioned it as
being particularly dark, and at times it really is. But I want to
think that it has a happy ending," explains Patterson. "It does end
on a life affirming note."
While record players bleed dark overtones at the hands of the Drive-
By Truckers, their songs are transformed into a celebration of that
very emotional aguish when live audiences are exposed to the their
charming brand of rock n' roll.
"While standing on stage I can see everyone having a great time and
kind of partying," says Hood, "it is only after the fact that some
of the lyrics and topics being talked about seem depressing. But
hopefully our sense of humor carries us through to a point where the
emphasis isn't on the downsides of life."
Recorded in Kernersville, North Carolina, and later mixed by John
Agnello back home in Athens, Georgia, A Blessing and a Curse proudly
sports the tag line of being "recorded on glorious two-inch analog
recording tape."
"It's a tone that we are very passionate about," explains Hood. "I'm
not going to put down digital technology because that type of
recording has enabled bands that never could have afforded to make a
record, make a record; just like us. I really appreciate some
aspects of digital recordings, but if you have a little bit of money
to spend there is no where else I would rather spend it than getting
some big two inch reel, sliding a tape across the head, and dropping
guitars over it," proclaims Patterson.
"Nothing sounds that good. To me it's the greatest sound in the
whole world," says the lifetime musician, "and we do it for the
fans."
Currently the band has embarked on nationwide roadwork with Robert
Randolph & the Family Band, and the Black Crowes, which started June
10th in Seattle; and is proving to be the most credible roots tour
of the summer season.
With the sounds of Neil Young & Crazy Horse, the Faces, and the Band
in constant rotation on Truckers' tour bus Patterson Hood commented
on the modern records that influence the band, most notably being My
Morning Jacket.
"There is a lot of great music being made today that would never get
played on the radio," says Hood, "the hard part is finding it; and
My Morning Jacket is just one of those bands. It's an issue of
spanning the gap between what is good and what is popular."
"We [the Drive-By Truckers] must drive industry people up a wall
because we don't really have a target audience," says Hood. "They
can't say this band attracts 15 to 32 year olds, or sells a lot of
records amongst teenage girls."
"It's a wide demographic," says Hood, "blue collar working class,
college professors, high school lovers, truck drivers, and even punk
rockers."
In a music industry where the question pinned on most artists, from
labels and radio stations, is usually, "which format?" the Truckers'
brand of spiritual transcendence can only be described purely
American. Residing in a classroom that has been holding sessions for
about 100 years, that mainstream artists in the modern era have long
forgotten. Taught by Robert Johnson, starring Muddy Waters as the
teacher's pet, Keith Richards as the class clown, Eric Clapton as
the asshole who could play everything just a little slower, and Bob
Dylan who, "never wanted to be the voice of the class."
"To me what we do is… well, we are just a rock n' roll band, who
believes in embracing the big picture, rather than sticking to a
specific sub genre," says Patterson Hood.
The Truckers' core songwriting trio finds their inspiration from a
handful of musical genres and an endless amount of stories they have
collected from their travels; which have brought them fame, success,
and a fan base that is growing each time they trade their glasses of
liquor for six stings guitars.
"We just hit the road," says Hood as the words begin to flow out of
his mouth while he quickly gasps for breaths of air. "We had a bunch
of songs, and believed in what we were doing; when no one else in
the business seemed to have much interest in us. So we took it to
the people," says Hood, "we booked our own shows and put out our
first four records on our own."
"I don't think that the industry knows how to market, or even what
to do with a band like us anymore," admits Patterson.
In an industry that is constantly changing and hunting for the new
trend that will increase the bank roll of major record labels the
Drive-By Truckers are exhibiting a level of uncompromised integrity
that can described as nothing short of heroic.
"We didn't event the wheel or make technologically groundbreaking
music or anything like that; but we have our roots," says Hood. "We
are just a rock n' roll band, and we aren't the only rock n' roll
band out there."
For more information on the Drive-By Truckers, including tour
information, discography, and biography their website can be view at http://www.drivebytruckers.com.
thanks
i love this paragraph...
"There is a lot of great music being made today that would never get
played on the radio," says Hood, "the hard part is finding it; and
My Morning Jacket is just one of those bands. It's an issue of
spanning the gap between what is good and what is popular."
I live in Birmingham, Alabama.............just went to Halifax to see PJ. DBT does make an annual day after Thanksgiving trip here to Birmingham.....can't wait.
All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a thousand enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
So far this is my favourite album of the year Little Bonnie, Dont Be So Easy On Yourself and the title track are outstanding and the rest is bloody good too.:)
Last night I went to see DBT, they opened for The Crowes along with Robert Randolph. They only played for an hr but they were really good! Pine Knob was EMPTY...I mean in the pavilion there was maybe 30 people. It has just stopped pouring out so I think that maybe had an effect, but the sun came back out for them and they were insanly good, really high enery and they rocked out even thou the place was empty.
At the end of their set they said that they are headlining their own tour and are goign to back in Detroit really soon! It'll be great to see them at a smaller venue..oh and they came out and played w/Robert Randoloph as well...I have pic's I'll post them once I get them uploaded....sorry for the half ass review I'm really tired today and the draft beer has taken it's toll
Last night I went to see DBT, they opened for The Crowes along with Robert Randolph. They only played for an hr but they were really good! Pine Knob was EMPTY...I mean in the pavilion there was maybe 30 people. It has just stopped pouring out so I think that maybe had an effect, but the sun came back out for them and they were insanly good, really high enery and they rocked out even thou the place was empty.
At the end of their set they said that they are headlining their own tour and are goign to back in Detroit really soon! It'll be great to see them at a smaller venue..oh and they came out and played w/Robert Randoloph as well...I have pic's I'll post them once I get them uploaded....sorry for the half ass review I'm really tired today and the draft beer has taken it's toll
god damn you! i was at that show but we got hung up in detroit rush hour traffic and missed their set :( i was SO looking forward to seeing them too... it was depressing.
but robert randolph was pretty good and the black crowes were on top of their game as always. definitely lived up to my expectations. only slightly disappointed that soul singing wasn't played also, was that an instrumental 'gone' jam they played in the early set with chris on harmonica? it soudned similar...
I'd like to caravan with my buddies to that Knoxville show...however, if it's a game weekend...I may abstain.
Too many UT fans in one place is a tad overwhelming.
PBM
"We paced ourselves and we didn't rush through it and we tried to be as creative as our collective minds would let us be over some course of time instead of just trying to rush through a record"
Too many UT fans in one place is a tad overwhelming.
PBM
Amen, Brother PBM..............one UT fan is too many.
All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a thousand enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
god damn you! i was at that show but we got hung up in detroit rush hour traffic and missed their set :( i was SO looking forward to seeing them too... it was depressing.
but robert randolph was pretty good and the black crowes were on top of their game as always. definitely lived up to my expectations. only slightly disappointed that soul singing wasn't played also, was that an instrumental 'gone' jam they played in the early set with chris on harmonica? it soudned similar...
I LUV Robert Randolph! I haven't seen him since they opened for Clapton yrs ago. I thought he was great last night for the time he had...they really let it go a lot more at at their own shows, but hey nothing to complain about here. I thought that they might get into a good jam when DBT came back out but they were still good!
I liked the Crowes covering The Seeker and Let it Bleed....yah Soul Singing woulda been nice but I just got it in London a few months ago so I was okay and the covers at the London show was a Dylan and a Traffic so I got a great mix between the two shows.
Hey the DBT said they'd be back to Detroit headlining their own gig so u can catch them then!!! I can't believe how empty the place was!?!
I LUV Robert Randolph! I haven't seen him since they opened for Clapton yrs ago. I thought he was great last night for the time he had...they really let it go a lot more at at their own shows, but hey nothing to complain about here. I thought that they might get into a good jam when DBT came back out but they were still good!
I liked the Crowes covering The Seeker and Let it Bleed....yah Soul Singing woulda been nice but I just got it in London a few months ago so I was okay and the covers at the London show was a Dylan and a Traffic so I got a great mix between the two shows.
Hey the DBT said they'd be back to Detroit headlining their own gig so u can catch them then!!! I can't believe how empty the place was!?!
yeah, the covers were good. i liked robert randolph but i think i was so anxious to see black crowes i couldnt focus, plus i was bummed about missing the truckers. much as i enjoyed him though, all the songs kinda blended together for me... might just be cos im not familiar with his work. loved their funk sound though.
anyway, im moving to chicago in a week so no way can i make a truckers show in detroit next tour. hopefully they'll hit chicago though and ill catch them then.
Holy cripes!!! I can't believe I've never heard this band before. Awesome stuff. Wow!! I can't wait to check out their other albums - what should I get next?
Holy cripes!!! I can't believe I've never heard this band before. Awesome stuff. Wow!! I can't wait to check out their other albums - what should I get next?
The Dirty South
Decoration Day
A Blessing and a Curse
Live @ the 40 Watt (live DVD)
All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a thousand enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
I want that Live @ the 40 Watt...I was hopign to find it at the show but all they had was A Blessing and a Curse.
I ordered it from their web-site................I have seen it at Best Buys.
All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a thousand enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.
The Dirty South
Decoration Day
A Blessing and a Curse
Live @ the 40 Watt (live DVD)
Also check out their first two albums, Gangstabilly and Pizza Deliverance. They have more of a country rock flavor than the all-out rock they now deliver. They also have many excellent songs such as The Living Bubba, Uncle Frank, One Of These Days, and Nine Bullets among others.
Also check their site for fall tour dates this Tuesday. http://www.drivebytruckers.com
You see me empty, Sir, do not pause and inquire, simply assume and refill.
- Al Swearengen
Comments
I like DBT but 31 songs is an average to short set for PJ.... :rolleyes:
Troubled souls unite, we got ourselves tonight...
Astoria, Dublin, Reading 06
Katowice, Wembley 07
SBE, Manchester, O2 09
Hyde Park 10
Manchester 1&2 12
This is just g'bye for now...
Ah yes... right... I mean...uh....
Vedder is great.
Jason who?
i dont know if they relize it or not but they have a following up in this part of canada..not sure about out east... they should tour up here
08/02/07 - LOLLA!!!
~it is shining it is shining~
The Aquarian (NJ)
Carrying on the Tradition
by Martin Halo
Somewhere in-between Mountain View, California and Maryland Heights,
Missouri
In this technological age of remote controlled warfare, wireless
mobile devices, governments with spying eyes, an endless amount of
digital information that is floating freely on the World Wide Web,
you would think that our music would mimic the culture that
surrounds it. Producing the cleanest of synthesized, metronomic,
drums beats and flawlessly executed guitar phrasing that would
transform the sanctity of American music to a so called "robotic"
level.
No longer will touring bands be needed as their jobs will be
replaced by "beat tapes" that will sit side by side with hip hop
stars as their empty buses travel across desolate highways for a
mere 100 dates a year. Record companies will no longer profit from
signing long-term recording contacts as downloadable media and file
sharing have made LPs accessible before scheduled release dates and
butchered these full length artistic efforts into two cut, iPod
friendly, entities.
The longevity of recording artists will quickly turn into brief
stints on the landscape of popular culture and in the hearts of
quickly revolving teenage generations. This very concept terrifies
some people and at the dismay of musical purists the age has already
arrived.
Fortunately, if you can manage to look past the mainstream
brainwashing of pop-culture television programs, Top 20 Countdowns,
and the almost religious following of the Abercrombie and Fitch
generation you will find, floating just below the radar, is still
the bombastic homegrown tradition and swagger of vintage rock n'
roll. Road warriors embarking on multiple legs of cross country
odysseys that stretch close to 300 dates a year. Drawing their
inspiration from blues, country, soul, and gospel music, which dates
back through the recordings of Jimmie Rodgers and Skip James;
stemming from the suffrage of slavery rooted deep in the heart of
the American South and the rise of Irish immigration.
If you truly believe the ideals of rock n' roll have long died and
been swept away by the blowing winds of evolution then you can ease
your worried mind and look no further than the Drive-By Truckers.
Originally formed in 1996 by Patterson Hood (Guitars/Vocals) and
Mike Cooley (Guitars/Vocals), the Drive-By Truckers have mixed a
sincere blend of roots rock, adoring melodies, and enough ironic
lyrics to keep them buried deep in a bottle of Jack Daniels for
probably the next decade. But while their characters are mainlining
intoxicants, contemplating suicide, and leaving lifetime lovers
standing alone, their music carries a message of hope in the midst
of a reckless state of desperation.
"A lot our records deal with dualities," says Patterson
Hood. "Pretty much anything good has its downsides, and as a writer
I have always been fascinated with that aspect; things aren't always
what they seem."
Released in the Spring of 2006, the band's seventh album, entitled A
Blessing and a Curse delivers a dark mix of country styled hymns
that touch textually on the sweetness of pedal steel arrangements
and three chief song writing geniuses that have channeled the spirit
and grace of a young hearted Gram Parsons.
"We made the record at a time when the band was going through a lot
of good times, but the times had their drawbacks and adjustments,"
says Hood. "For example I started a family very recently and I just
had a daughter which pretty much was the ultimate blessing. The
downside of that is that I am on the road a lot and away from her,"
shares Hood.
Featured tracks include Aftermath USA, which groove resembles that
of a Stones' Honky Tonk Women, Daylight, Little Bonnie, and most
notably A World of Hurt which exerts a Flying Burrito Brothers tone
and charisma.
"A lot of reviews I have read about the record have mentioned it as
being particularly dark, and at times it really is. But I want to
think that it has a happy ending," explains Patterson. "It does end
on a life affirming note."
While record players bleed dark overtones at the hands of the Drive-
By Truckers, their songs are transformed into a celebration of that
very emotional aguish when live audiences are exposed to the their
charming brand of rock n' roll.
"While standing on stage I can see everyone having a great time and
kind of partying," says Hood, "it is only after the fact that some
of the lyrics and topics being talked about seem depressing. But
hopefully our sense of humor carries us through to a point where the
emphasis isn't on the downsides of life."
Recorded in Kernersville, North Carolina, and later mixed by John
Agnello back home in Athens, Georgia, A Blessing and a Curse proudly
sports the tag line of being "recorded on glorious two-inch analog
recording tape."
"It's a tone that we are very passionate about," explains Hood. "I'm
not going to put down digital technology because that type of
recording has enabled bands that never could have afforded to make a
record, make a record; just like us. I really appreciate some
aspects of digital recordings, but if you have a little bit of money
to spend there is no where else I would rather spend it than getting
some big two inch reel, sliding a tape across the head, and dropping
guitars over it," proclaims Patterson.
"Nothing sounds that good. To me it's the greatest sound in the
whole world," says the lifetime musician, "and we do it for the
fans."
Currently the band has embarked on nationwide roadwork with Robert
Randolph & the Family Band, and the Black Crowes, which started June
10th in Seattle; and is proving to be the most credible roots tour
of the summer season.
With the sounds of Neil Young & Crazy Horse, the Faces, and the Band
in constant rotation on Truckers' tour bus Patterson Hood commented
on the modern records that influence the band, most notably being My
Morning Jacket.
"There is a lot of great music being made today that would never get
played on the radio," says Hood, "the hard part is finding it; and
My Morning Jacket is just one of those bands. It's an issue of
spanning the gap between what is good and what is popular."
"We [the Drive-By Truckers] must drive industry people up a wall
because we don't really have a target audience," says Hood. "They
can't say this band attracts 15 to 32 year olds, or sells a lot of
records amongst teenage girls."
"It's a wide demographic," says Hood, "blue collar working class,
college professors, high school lovers, truck drivers, and even punk
rockers."
In a music industry where the question pinned on most artists, from
labels and radio stations, is usually, "which format?" the Truckers'
brand of spiritual transcendence can only be described purely
American. Residing in a classroom that has been holding sessions for
about 100 years, that mainstream artists in the modern era have long
forgotten. Taught by Robert Johnson, starring Muddy Waters as the
teacher's pet, Keith Richards as the class clown, Eric Clapton as
the asshole who could play everything just a little slower, and Bob
Dylan who, "never wanted to be the voice of the class."
"To me what we do is… well, we are just a rock n' roll band, who
believes in embracing the big picture, rather than sticking to a
specific sub genre," says Patterson Hood.
The Truckers' core songwriting trio finds their inspiration from a
handful of musical genres and an endless amount of stories they have
collected from their travels; which have brought them fame, success,
and a fan base that is growing each time they trade their glasses of
liquor for six stings guitars.
"We just hit the road," says Hood as the words begin to flow out of
his mouth while he quickly gasps for breaths of air. "We had a bunch
of songs, and believed in what we were doing; when no one else in
the business seemed to have much interest in us. So we took it to
the people," says Hood, "we booked our own shows and put out our
first four records on our own."
"I don't think that the industry knows how to market, or even what
to do with a band like us anymore," admits Patterson.
In an industry that is constantly changing and hunting for the new
trend that will increase the bank roll of major record labels the
Drive-By Truckers are exhibiting a level of uncompromised integrity
that can described as nothing short of heroic.
"We didn't event the wheel or make technologically groundbreaking
music or anything like that; but we have our roots," says Hood. "We
are just a rock n' roll band, and we aren't the only rock n' roll
band out there."
For more information on the Drive-By Truckers, including tour
information, discography, and biography their website can be view at
http://www.drivebytruckers.com.
DBT Jen sent an email saying dates will officially be announced August 1st.
But I'd imagine these are legit to some extent.
http://www.drivebytruckers.com/stories_whiteknuckle.html
Maybe next spring...
thanks
i love this paragraph...
"There is a lot of great music being made today that would never get
played on the radio," says Hood, "the hard part is finding it; and
My Morning Jacket is just one of those bands. It's an issue of
spanning the gap between what is good and what is popular."
charlotte00-26 songs
charlotte03- 25 songs
Ashville04-21 songs
Pearl jam only plays long sets at their "favorite" places.
I'd love to catch a good truckers show i've missed them when they were playing here last year.
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
I know I give JAson the most props as a songwriter - but here's what I actually look forward to the most:
When PAtterson decides he wants to write a book.
Dude's an amazing fucking writer. Period. That story is not only awesome, but extremely well written (as are all of his stories on their home page).
"What's the deal with all the goddamn train songs?"
I'll be there Sunday in Saratoga.
At the end of their set they said that they are headlining their own tour and are goign to back in Detroit really soon! It'll be great to see them at a smaller venue..oh and they came out and played w/Robert Randoloph as well...I have pic's I'll post them once I get them uploaded....sorry for the half ass review I'm really tired today and the draft beer has taken it's toll
god damn you! i was at that show but we got hung up in detroit rush hour traffic and missed their set :( i was SO looking forward to seeing them too... it was depressing.
but robert randolph was pretty good and the black crowes were on top of their game as always. definitely lived up to my expectations. only slightly disappointed that soul singing wasn't played
Too many UT fans in one place is a tad overwhelming.
PBM
Wishlist Foundation: http://wishlistfoundation.org
I LUV Robert Randolph! I haven't seen him since they opened for Clapton yrs ago. I thought he was great last night for the time he had...they really let it go a lot more at at their own shows, but hey nothing to complain about here. I thought that they might get into a good jam when DBT came back out but they were still good!
I liked the Crowes covering The Seeker and Let it Bleed....yah Soul Singing woulda been nice but I just got it in London a few months ago so I was okay and the covers at the London show was a Dylan and a Traffic so I got a great mix between the two shows.
Hey the DBT said they'd be back to Detroit headlining their own gig so u can catch them then!!! I can't believe how empty the place was!?!
yeah, the covers were good. i liked robert randolph but i think i was so anxious to see black crowes i couldnt focus, plus i was bummed about missing the truckers. much as i enjoyed him though, all the songs kinda blended together for me... might just be cos im not familiar with his work. loved their funk sound though.
anyway, im moving to chicago in a week so no way can i make a truckers show in detroit next tour. hopefully they'll hit chicago though and ill catch them then.
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gvn2flyy/album?.dir=309escd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos
Gonna go to the track and gamble some...head over to SPAC and watch DBT rock the hell out.
Decoration Day
A Blessing and a Curse
Live @ the 40 Watt (live DVD)
I want that Live @ the 40 Watt...I was hopign to find it at the show but all they had was A Blessing and a Curse.
Also check out their first two albums, Gangstabilly and Pizza Deliverance. They have more of a country rock flavor than the all-out rock they now deliver. They also have many excellent songs such as The Living Bubba, Uncle Frank, One Of These Days, and Nine Bullets among others.
Also check their site for fall tour dates this Tuesday.
http://www.drivebytruckers.com
- Al Swearengen
http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com