Recent Release:Drive-By Truckers - Go-Go Boots

*In the interest of full disclosure it should be noted that I am a major Drive-By Truckers fan. They are my favorite band working. I've attended many shows, bought all the records and a ton of merch, and even gave my son a name highly associated with the band. Just thought that should be said up front.

The Drive-By Truckers have released a new album entitled "Go-Go Boots", and it represents a side of the band not thoroughly explored on other releases. It is quite the change of pace. This is the kind of record that can really only be evaluated years after its release when taken in as part of the band's full catalog (like Zeppelin III-misunderstood at the time but classic now). But we're dealing with the here and now. And right now, it's a mixed bag.

The idea here is to tap into the country-soul and straight up country roots of the band. These qualities have always been present, but are expanded and focused on here, as are the "story" songs that make up a significant part of this record. Individually, there are a good amount of songs to please here, most of which would add to the color of any other DBT disc. However, when put together on the same disc the end result feels a little flat.

DBT are, at their core, a kick ass southern rock band. So there should be a few rock songs here, right? Nope. The album seldom gets above a mid tempo groove. Not that that's an entirely bad thing but it is unexpected and, for this fan, unwelcome.

The high point is an Eddie Hinton cover song called "Everybody Needs Love" which is fantastic. Most of the highlights belong to Patterson Hood who is all over this record from the opening charmer "I Do Believe", the Vietnam Vet inspired "Ray's Automatic Weapon", ex-record company basher "Assholes", and the sinisterly upbeat closer "Mercy Buckets". Unfortunately Hood is also responsible for the complete dud of a title track and a regrettable time waster called "The Thanksgiving Filter".

There are a few puzzling decisions made here as well. For example "Go-Go Boots" and "The Fireplace Poker" are both story songs that appear to be about the same story. While they are definitely different songs, did we really need them both (especially when the latter is so much better)? Also, in what could have been the best song here, "Used To Be A Cop", the song just begs to explode at the end into a guitar driven climax, but instead just limps out. Perhaps it was intentional. Since the song's character never goes over the edge, the music doesn't either. But it's a little disappointing.

The other Truckers check in here too. Mike Cooley, who can always be counted on to deliver comes through in a big way with "The Weakest Man" and "Pulaski", though just barely misses the mark with his "Cartoon Gold". And bassist Shonna Tucker delivers her obligatory two songs as well. I really like her voice (kinda Tammy Wynette-ish), but I've always felt her songs don't quite fit the band's style and slow down the proceedings. Here, however they fit in perfectly. Which tells you all you need to know.

Once again, I don't think "Go-Go Boots" is a bad record by any means, and it has the potential to grow into a favorite of the fan base over time. But as for now...

3 out of 5 Daves

Also released is the new Drive-By Truckers EP "Sometimes Late At Night". It consists of one Vic Chestnutt cover tune and five live songs. This is the release of choice. "When I Run Off And Left Her" would have been a fine addition to the "Go-Go Boots" record, cover tune or not. As for the live material, it only goes to show why DBT are such a great, vital band. Upon listening to the live tracks for songs that did make their new record, it's clearer as to what the band was trying to do and proves that these "Go-Go" songs may have life to them yet. Throw in an over the top version of Cooley's "Get Downtown" and a fun show closing trip to "Buttholeville" and this is a great collection that left me wanting more.

5 out of 5 Daves