You don’t have to wait until Tuesday to hear the new Drive-By Truckers album. The guitar-slinging masters serve up a fine preview of their forthcoming release: A Blessing and a Curse.
A few early test spins show the Trucker’s expanding their sound. Whereas their recent albums have clearly been lyrically and musically inspired by the South, portions of this new release channel Sticky Fingers-era Stones. Tracks like “Gravity’s Gone” and “Aftermath USA” have a glorious swagger while ballad “Goodbye” has a soaring chorus that will make many a top 40 emo band shutter. But don’t fret, the band hasn’t forgotten their origins — Jason Isbell’s “Easy on Yourself” and the title track hearken back to The Dirty South.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.