Mmm, southern rock. A contribution from the lower latitude states, up there with barbecue, cowboy boots, and the gumption to fry anything that'll stand still. Now, I happen to be a proud lover of southern rock in its pure form (cough cough Lynyrd Skynyrd), so when I came across the Drive-By Truckers a few years back, I was sold instantly. Southern twang, slide guitars, and indie sensibilities? Yes, please
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The Truckers's latest effort, Go-Go Boots, plays like a retrospective - each track hearkens back to nuanced sounds of the musicians who came before them. This isn't to say they're unoriginal; picking up on the best of their predecessors is an essential part of the band's DNA. They're steeped in Muscle Shoals, and to deny their roots would suck the life force from their songs.
Considering that, listening to the album causes me to draw comparisons almost measure by measure. The title track is straight Tom Petty. Duane Allman-style slide guitar weaves in and out of the gritty vocals on "I Do Believe." These references cause the album to play as timeless, rather than redundant. Trademark Drive-By Trucker's touches keep it fresh - my personal favorite being the occasional vocals of Shonna Tucker, badass bass player on whom I have a total girl crush.
Overall, Go-Go Boots didn't have the "killer single after killer single" feel of 2008's Brighter Than Creation's Dark, but the more I listened, the more I found myself responding to the album as a whole. You can stream it in full over at Spinner, but for now check out the opening track "I Do Believe." It's a swelling, driving anthem - full of heart and southern soul.
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