Rolling Stone, Relix, Paste (a cover story no less!)…here’s a link to Google search for more… the list is long and deep.


Most agree that Drive-By Truckers new album “English Oceans” released the first week of March is a huge accomplishment for the band.


Lisa-Marie Ferla wrote “the five piece band specializes in catchy melodies with more than a hint of the southern gothic, vivid characters and wickedly witty lyrics.”


Though…Spin Magazine doesn’t think much of this release and equates it to ex-DBTer Jason Isbell’s solo release “Southeastern” …a “solid collection of sketches that didn’t turn into watercolors.” (What a great phrase from writer Alfred Soto.)


I suggested you listen to “English Oceans” like you would read a good book.  Take your time.  Follow the words, and anticipate what happens to characters next.


I’ve listened to the album beginning to end at least once a day for last 10 days.  Like most quality albums, it has grown on me and keeps pulling me back for more.


Several themes run through the articles…


1. The song writing duo of Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood reminds many of other celebrated rock band duos (most notably) Jagger/Richards.


I’m not sure that having two guys share the writing duties is really that important.  BUT, what is relevant is that the band has captured that “Exile on Main Street” sound without copying the Stones.  In that respect, comparisons with Mick and Keith should be the topic of conversation.

2. After two releases (“The Big To-Do” in 2010 and “Go-Go Boots” in 2011) both dominated by Hood songs, Cooley got his mojo back and contributed half the tunes (writing and singing) on the new offering.


BTW…I like “Go-Go Boots” very much.


In an interview with the UK-based The Arts Desk, Mike Cooley shares a very interesting view on The Kinks when asked “why the America-brand of rock music that Drive-By Truckers represents to a tee …translates so well with the English”…


“A lot of our stuff is really directly tied to, not just America, but specifically our culture, and our region (the South) – but there’s always been that in rock music.  


All of the bands of the 60s from over there (England) were drawing everything from American jazz and blues and soul music, and then they exported it back here (America) by putting their own twist on it.


I always think about The Kinks – their stuff is way more British than the Beatles or Stones; it’s a lot more specifically about things that you’d almost have to be there, and part of that culture, to understand.” 
    — Mike Cooley

3. It’s easy to say (and much too cliche for my taste) Lynyrd Skynyrd passed the grande Southern Rock torch to Drive-By Truckers.

BTW…in their staple anthem song’s “Let There Be Rock”…DBT expands Skynyrd comparisons to Molly Hatchet, 38 Special and more.


Back to the new album and state of affairs…. My opinion is that they have evolved further and further away from that specific sound.  I think the way the band has evolved is unique and commendable. They are not looking to appease everyone, they seem focused on keeping themselves relevant: engaged, challenged and fresh.