The Drive-By Truckers have now been making music for over 14 years. That’s longer than 13 years, people.
My first exposure to the Truckers was when a buddy of mine recommended their 2001 album, Southern Rock Opera. Since my buddy was usually right about things, I took his recommendation and bought it. At first I dismissed them as a Lynyrd Skynyrd knock-off, and I told my buddy that. Well, we argued for days on this… he called me some names, I called him some names, we threw things at each other, and he even went so far as to threaten to burn my Star Wars videos. That was the last straw and it made me see just how serious he was.
So I gave the Truckers another listen and saw the wisdom of his ways.
My fandom of The Drive-By Truckers was solidified by their next album, Decoration Day. This record did everything I had hoped it would…. this was because I started to really pay attention to their stories. I’ve known a few Southerners in my lifetime, and I have to say that they are some of the best storytellers around. I hope you don’t think I’m stereotyping them… it’s just a characteristic I’ve noticed… a wonderful characteristic that, unfortunately, did not rub off on me during my time in the South.
My storytelling pales in comparison to that of the Truckers. Check out the lyrics to “Daddy’s Cup” off The Dirty South:
See how Mike Cooley sets it all up there? You know that the story is from the kid’s point of view, you know that his dad used to be a racer but got in an awful accident (are there good ones?) thus ending his career, and you know that the father still dreams about racing and cars.
Now, if I were to write that story, I’d start it like this:
And that, my friends, is storytelling.
Here’s a Truckers show from 2008. I’ve ZIPPED it all for you… you can thank me later!!!!
Your Dig-It Downloads:
Drive-By Truckers Live at Pabst Theater on 2008-02-28
Download: Two Daughters
Download: Daddy Needs a Drink
Download: Three Dimes Down
Download: That Man I Shot
Download: The Home Front
Download: A Ghost to Most
Download: Sinkhole
Download: Marry Me
Download: Dead, Drunk and Naked
Download: Guitar Man Upstairs
Download: I’m Sorry Huston
Download: The Opening Act
Download: Gravity’s Gone
Download: Putting People on the Moon
Download: Checkout Time in Vegas
Download: You and Your Crystal Meth
Download: Goodes Field Rd
Download: Shut Up and Get on the Plane
Download: Lookout Mountain
Download: Buttholeville
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Zippity Doo Dah…you are the best! I'm sending thanks from everyone…nothing better than one simple zip download, makes life sweeter.
I can't download these just yet cause I am at work but I am looking forward to it. Thank you! :)
LOL everybody loves the ZIP file!!!!
You're very welcome!