The Drive-By Truckers have been around since 1998 and they’re still making music that the alternative crowd loves. Described as an alternative country band, this group released their eighth studio album, “The Big To-Do” March 16. I got to listen to some music that I’ve never actually given a chance. So far, The Drive-By Truckers’ style is unique and incomparable to anything else I’ve heard, in my opinion. I wanted to make note of the change in the record label. This is their first time that their album was released for the ATO record label, founded by Dave Matthews.
They start the album off with a song, “Daddy Learned to Fly,” which sounds to me like a classic rock song. It has some sadder lyrics but the beat remains upbeat and alternative, pretty much like the rest of the album.
The most known song from the album, “This F---- Job” is a song where lead singer Patterson Hood vents about his job. “It ain’t getting’ me further than this dump that I live in/ It ain't gettin' me further than the next paycheck.” While the verses seem negative, the chorus turns the vibe around lyrically to a more optimistic perspective about learning and living.
“Birthday Boy” is another good one. The guitar is catchy and the drumming gets you moving. Up to this point already, I’m loving these guys’ lyrics. They’re just interesting. “Working for the money like you got eight hands, flat on your back under a mean old man, just thinking happy thoughts, breathing in.” This is a song referring to the acts of prostitution. Kind of a depressing song with a misleading beat.
“Get Downtown” was entertaining and funny lyrically, the vocals sung by Mike Cooley are edgy and semi-country. Different from the others, this song used quite a bit of piano to make it even more appealing to the ears.
“The Flying Wallendas” was too slow for my likings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to hear a slow song from them for once, but while all the other songs are lyrically depressing, I couldn’t handle it tempo-wise for this song. It kind of reminds me of one of those depressing country songs that you get scared to even listen to. It might be a song that would grow on me after a few listens, but for this listening round, I didn’t really make it through it all. Sorry.
“After The Scene Dies” is another fast tempo song that utilizes the guitar awesomely. The singing is whiny, in a good way, and interesting, combined with the guitar solos, this song is great.
“Grab the Lake Charlie” is another song that begs you to listen to it. It’s kind of funny again, and has a unique style. A lot of these songs remind me of some classics, and that’s always nice to come across. I can tell that Lynyrd Skynyrd had to have been an influence on these guys.
When I came across the track listing, it’s obvious why “The Wig He Made Her Wear,” was the first track name I actually remembered. It starts off with some laughter in like a studio. The whole song sounds amazing right off the bat. It’s a different kind of beat but it’s great. Once the singing starts, I was even more interested. This song for sure is one of my favorites on this album. There’s a huge guitar solo towards the end that puts the cherry on top. It’s awesome.
“The Forth Night Of Drinking,” was another song I was intrigued by the title. It’s embarrassing to admit but I am pretty sure I’ve had moments like this. “I was looking for my keys, I was half blind and stinkin’ and bloody at the knees.” Well if you know me, you know that I’m the type of person who needs a key whistle.
While the lyrics were a little depressing throughout the album, the upbeat tempo on the album created a perfect balance. On iTunes discussion boards people compared this album to Drive-By Truckers’ album Southern Rock Opera from 2001. I am definitely interested in these guys now that I gave them a chance, buying this album was a good decision.
