In Cahoots: Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers

In Cahoots with Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers

Last month, on Valentine's Day as a matter fact, the Drive-By Truckers rolled their rock show into Knoxville to the Bijou Theatre. The Truckers are currently touring in promotion and preparation of their upcoming release this week of their tenth studio album, The Big To-Do.


We caught up with Patterson Hood, the long hauler and lead Trucker, to discuss the new album, a summer tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and a few bands that we all need to know about.

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Saints Don't Bother: How would you describe the newest album The Big To-Do (your first release on ATO Records) to your older fans that have been listening for a while and to those newer fans that aren't as familiar with the progression and history of the band and album flow? In short- how does TBT-D lineup in comparison to the previous albums and to further the sound and 'agenda' of the Truckers?

Patterson Hood: It's probably a bit more concise and Rocking than some of our later records. Definitely more melodic, a little more attention paid to musical structuring. I think it's a really good sounding record sonically, definitely our best sounding record. I'm very proud of the songs and the way we played them. All of our records have been recorded more or less live in the studio and this one isn't an exception, but the band is really playing great right now.

SDB: Right off the bat, before a note is even heard on DBT albums, y'all have some of the most interesting song/album titles ("The Wig He Made Her Wear", "The Flying Wallendas", The Big To-Do ). Are your titles a conscious part of songwriting and putting the album together, or are they after thoughts that just seem to really compliment the songs/albums nicely?

PH: I often have a title before actually writing the song. I usually think about an idea for a long time before actually writing the song, then actually write the song very quickly. Finding the right title is sometimes the impetus or way into the actual song. In the case of this album, we had
the album's title before most of the songs on it.

SDB: What's your favorite track on The Big To-Do and why?

PH: I'm really proud of them all but "Birthday Boy" is probably my favorite. I always love Cooley's songs and this is one of his very best ever.

SDB: The DBTs are touring with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers this summer (one of my all time faves, and the most under-rated American rock musician). How did this come about? Did it have anything to do with your cover of his song "Rebels" (it's one of my favorites) on last year's rarities and b-sides collection The Fine Print? Why, of all of his songs, did y'all pick that one? How did he respond to y'all wanting to cover it and to the finished product?

PH: I have no idea if that had any direct affect. We're all HUGE Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers fans from way back. They're probably collectively our favorite band on earth so it's a real honor to open for them. We recorded "Rebels" for the TV show King Of The Hill. We were asked to for that specific song because they wanted a more guitar rock version of that song for the show. Tom Petty played a character on that episode (which became a reoccurring role for him) and they told us he had signed off on us performing his song on the show. That was also exciting because we all loved that show.

SDB: Y'all were in Knoxville a couple weeks back on Valentine's Day, and played one of the better shows I've seen from y'all in some time. Is there a different approach to tours with a new album to promote, is there something we don't know or is everything really clicking right now? I would say it must be that y'all are well-rested, but 2009 was one of the busier years of recent past with Booker T's album and tour, your solo album, a dvd, a movie soundtrack that was shot just outside of here in Knoxville, a little bit of regular touring, etc...what else did I miss? What's different than a year ago? Two years ago?

PH: The band is in an especially good place right now. we have our magic lineup and everything is just clicking like it's supposed to be, We all loved The Bijou.

SDB: I see that y'all have several projects and another album this year, so 2010 doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. What can we expect for this year from the DBTs?

PH: We'll be touring extensively behind The Big To-Do and at some point releasing a second album from the sessions called "Go-Go Boots" which is the polar opposite version of what we do. I really like it too, but for different reasons.

SDB: Couple more things- What are 5 bands, acts, groups or singers that you are digging now that we all need to know about?

PH: Spoon, Iron and Wine, Bloodkin, Collin Hering, and Glossary all have exceptional new albums. David Barbe (who has produced our last 7 or so albums) also has a fantastic new album with his band (David Barbe and The Quick Hooks) called "Love It, Don't Choke It To Death" which is coming out this week and I really love.

SDB: What excites you the most about this year professionally and personally?

PH: Personally, my family. We have a 5 year old little girl who is my pride and joy and a 5 month old little boy who is super cool. Professionally it's the band that I'm most excited about. Looking forward to going out and playing this album live a few hundred times.

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Again, you can pick up The Big To-Do on Tuesday at your local (preferably, but not mandatory) independent record store. In the meantime, you can listen to The Big To-Do online at the DBT myspace page and download Patterson's favorite song on the record, "Birthday Boy", at the DBT page. Also, tickets are on sale now for the Truckers' summer tour dates with and without Tom Petty here, which include nearby shows in Lexington, Asheville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis and Cincinnati (with Tom Petty).

Other notes:

Here is a list of The Big To-Do listening parties. Go listen to the new album with other fans this week and see what you think...and make some new Trucker friends.

Download the DBT's cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Rebels".

Also, the DBT appeared on Letterman on Friday night. If you missed it, you can see it here:



What do you think about the new album? Let me know! As Patterson says, "See ya at the rock show!"

Waking up the sleeping giant

Obviously it's been quite some time since we've had any kind of semblance of consistent work, updates, ramblings, posts, rants or whatever. Yeah, sometimes, life gets in the way...and sometimes life takes up about a year of your time. In this case, it was my life, and my time. But here we are, halfway through the second month of 2010, and we're getting a post in now.


It helps to be motivated sometimes...and to be motivated by the reason that this blog was started...music. Rock and Roll to be specific, but any music will do, as long as it meets my standards and and has my seal of approval.


Which brings me to last night's events at the Bijou Theatre here in Knoxville. The Drive-By Truckers returned to Knoxville for the first time since January 2009...and they were long overdue. Let's see, what's happened since they were here? They put out a Grammy-winning album with Booker T. and played Bonnaroo (and a tour) with him, released a rarities album, a live dvd/cd from Austin, made a documentary, Patterson released his long-awaited second solo album and contributed songs to another unrelated movie, and much more I'm sure.


Oh, and they have a new album due out next month (more to come on that later though) with their new label ATO Records.


So the DBTs played the Bijou for the first time, and of course didn't disappoint, even showcasing more than a handful of new tracks off the upcoming album. You can see the set list here, but a few highlights (read: rarities) to me and our crew were: Women Without Whiskey, The Company I Keep, 18 Wheels of Love and 72 (This Highway's Mean). Other favorites were Zip City, The Living Bubba, Sink Hole and A World of Hurt (which we discussed and believe that we've never actually heard that live...)


Being that several new songs were played, and I haven't been on top of things as much as I have in the past, I was unfamiliar with the lot of them except for This Fucking Job, thanks to the local college station WUTK. As with many Truckers' songs, it sometimes takes a few listens to really start to hear their songs...especially when the first time is live, it's loud, it's exciting and a few too many beers have been consumed already to be a stickler for all the details and nuances of the new songs. That's why they make albums, folks, so we can sit and home and dissect them in the comfort and privacy, as well as the sanctity and solitude, of our homes, or headphones, or wherever you do your "study-listenin'" at.


I'm not gonna bore you too much more with anymore details...but I have to be honest: this show renewed my faith in the DBTs, and here's how and why. With all their side projects and movies, and solo records, and staff changes in the last couple of years, I was beginning to be concerned about the direction of the band...and if their heart was still in it, as well as the fire of previous years (2001-2005/06). Their focus hadn't been there on the songs as much as the albums in the years mentioned, and the shows just seemed like they were becoming just another night at the office...which is bound to happen to everyone sooner or later. Being such a big fan and follower since 1999, I was hoping that maybe I was just being paranoid about my guys (and gal). After the show (actually, about four or five songs into it), I realized it was just me. They were out there with smiles on their faces and fires on their asses. And it showed, thankfully.


My only complaint, however, was that I wish my pictures turned out better from our amazing Statler and Waldorf seats in the box overlooking Cooley and Shonna. My camera is new to me, and I'm still working out the kinks (i.e. operator errors...if you know anything about a Nikon D80, holler at me). Needless to say, pictures aren't good, memory is fuzzy...hazy at best, and we had a great time. Once again, all is right with the world....sounds like a Truckers show to me.

I guess their giant has woken up too...but I doubt that it was ever asleep.

I think I was.

Booker T & the DBTs

We are getting closer and closer to the release of Potato Hole, Booker T's first album in quite some time. As if Booker T is not enough, the Drive-By Truckers and Neil Young make appearances on Potato Hole as well! See more here about the record, and mark your calendars for its April 21st release.

And if you are in Atlanta tonight, go see the Booker T and the DBTs at the Variety Playhouse. I promise you will not be disappointed. You'll see one of the best bands going these days, and a legendary member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! This is not an April Fools joke either!

New Jason Isbell - "Good"

Head over to Stereogum and snag "Good", another new track off of ex-Trucker Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's self-titled upcoming album. You can see their tour dates there too.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit comes out on 2/17 on Lightning Rod Records.

DBT & Ryan Bingham on ACL TONIGHT!

My boys, and girl, the Drive-By Truckers and one of my newest favorites of the last year or two, Ryan Bingham, will be making their debuts on Austin City Limits tonight on PBS. Check your local listings for time and channel.

The ACL Festival is scheduled for October 2-4. No lineup has been released yet, but I'm sure details will start leaking out soon. Stay tuned...

TONIGHT: Drive-By Truckers @ the Valarium

Tonight, oh yes, tonight! It's finally here. The Drive-By Truckers finally return to Knoxville after nearly a year and a half since Sundown in the City '07. This time, they are breaking in the Valarium, and bringing along their hometown buddies from Athens, Bloodkin. You do not want to miss this show, as it will be the show of the season!

The DBT are still on tour supporting 2008's Brighter Than Creation's Dark, before they release their new collaboration, Potato Hole, with Booker T. this April. Neil Young makes an appearance on the record too. Find out more about the album here.

The Rest of the Best of 2008: Top 6

Review albums #13-7 here.

#6. Hank III - Damn Right Rebel Proud - Curb Records

If you haven't heard Hank III yet, you are missing out...maybe. You will either love him or hate him. You can guess where I stand. Hank's blend of honky-tonk, country ballads, rock, punk and metal make for a very interesting, entertaining and unique brand of music. He looks and sounds like Grandpa and enjoys the night life and social activities like both his Pops' and Gramps' younger days, but plays music that both would say "Turn that down!". I say turn it up!

With songs like "Six Pack of Beer", "The Grand Ole Opry (Ain't So Grand Anymore)", "P.F.F.", Hank takes the listener on a wild midnight ride (with the headlights off) of drugs, sex, booze, fighting, and more drugs, all while still championing his grand-daddy's longstanding blacklisting at the Opry. You have to hear it to believe, and probably see it in person to understand it.

+++++

#5. Jamey Johnson - That Lonesome Song - Mercury Nashville

Jamey Johnson is not new to country music. He's been around for a while, but has never been a household name or really be on country radio (for a multitude of reasons...). He's written some of the biggest songs in country music of the last few years- I will not list them out because it hurts my argument here, but hey, you gotta get paid I say...especially these days. But this album is a welcomed return to actual country music that sounds like actual country music. Johnson's got loving, cheating and leaving, drugs and drinking, and a sense of humor...all sang with a smug smirk and a chip on his shoulder, as if he is daring Nashville to cross the line drawn on the ground by accepting him into Nashville's High Society and mixing him in with the slick sounds of today's country (or Pop, with a cowboy hat).

Johnson sounds like Waylon if Waylon was to come out today. He sings about substance abuse like Cash might do today. He tells tales of rowdiness like Paycheck use to and would still be doing today if he was still around. And he sings stories of love and loves lost like Possum is still singing to this day...all with a sound of his own...

See previous Jamey Johnson posts here.

+++++

#4. The Whigs - Mission Control - ATO Records

Athens, Georgia's The Whigs burst onto the scene in 2007 with their killer debut Give'em All a Big Fat Lip, and follow it up in 2008 with this knockout of a sophomore effort. This is a solid album all the way through from this trio. The Whigs have one of the biggest sounds coming from just three guys playing simple, but confusingly complicated riffs and rhythms from frontman Parker Gispert, with one of the best and heaviest rhythm sections going today with Tim Deaux on bass and Julian Durio on the skins. And you should hear their lyrics, too.

See previous Whigs posts here.

+++++

#3. Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life - Bloodshot Records

Simply the coolest sounding old-timey styled music going today. JTE stands front and center like a balladeer of the 30s, 40s and 50s, with original songs that sounds like they were indeed from the 30s, 40s and 50s. He's further away from his last name than he is from his middle name, and that is not a bad thing in the least. It actually works better for him, and he knows it. We don't need (or want) another Steve, but maybe a new age, or a modern student of Townes is what we all need just a bit more of in our music listening circles and patterns. Justin tells stories, an art that seems to be forgotten in modern music today. And he tells them with such confidence, experience and charm that we believe every word he sings and hang on each one as we wait for the next.

Seriously, pick up this album ASAP if you haven't heard it or do not already have it.

See previous Justin Townes Earle posts here.

+++++

#2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago - Jagjaguwar Records

So I missed out on this record the first time through: Justin Vernon and company originally released this own their own in 2007. It was so good that Jagjaguwar picked it up and re-released it with bigger distribution and promotion behind it in 2008. And we are all glad that they did, for we might not have heard this somberly gorgeous and haunting piece of work. This album is on most everyone's top of/best of lists of '08, and for good reason.

I don't think that I have ever heard an album that is so mournful, or and makes me feel anxious and alone as this album does. Someone somewhere said that this album track by track isn't very good, excluding "Skinny Love", but as a whole, this album ebbs and flows up and down and weaves through Vernon's sorrow-tinged falsetto, sang so softly that he is barely audible at times, and then crashing back in as his heart (and mine) breaks with every word.

See previous Bon Iver posts here.

+++++

#1. Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark - New West Records

The Truckers' latest release did not impress me upon first listen. Or fifth listen. Or even tenth listen. I don't know what it was that finally grabbed ahold of me. I was honestly disappointed with the album when it came out. It was too laid back. Too pretty. Too much of a continuous piece of art that moved in and out of emotions and stories and humor and peril and paranoia. I guess it was too perfect for me.


BTCD is not the big rock album of the Truckers' past. It's not even a half rock/half soft album that has become one of their trademarks. This album is a stark contrast from 2006's A Blessing and a Curse, and rivals 2003's Decoration Day as the DBT's most beautiful album, and is absolutely a work of perfected art, with many mini-masterpieces within. Songs like "The Opening Act", "The Home Front" and "Monument Valley" showcase Patterson Hood's softer side and introspective lyrics, while "That Man I Shot" and "You and Your Crystal Meth" are the only really loud and raucous tunes on the album.


BTCD also debuts bassist Shonna Tucker's first lead vocal outings with three of her own tunes, which hold their own on the album which has historically been a "boy's club" as far as singing and songwriting goes. Check out "The Purgatory Line" to experience Ms. Tucker at her best.


Of course there are the Cooley songs, which never let the listener down. Cooley has really stepped up and written his songs from the inside out while looking back in on the soul of the songs' subjects. "Checkout Time in Vegas" is just a beautiful song. Patterson claims that "A Ghost to Most" is Cooley's best song that he's written. Patterson would know as they have been playing and writing together since the Eighties.


All in all, this record is a definite creeper. But it's a different kind of creeper than one that just has to grow on you as a listener. This one is a creeper because it is so deep, and so beautiful, that it just cannot be consumed without multiple listens. Five, ten, twenty times? Keep going. I am still listening to it, and hearing parts I have never heard before, and picking up things that one will not hear upon the initial listenings. If you tried this album, and gave up on it, try it again. Maybe a few more times. I'm glad I did. BTCD really deserves it, as this may be the best put together album of the Drive-By Truckers ten year career. It certainly is the most beautiful record that they have done.


I can't wait for what's next, because the Truckers just keep getting better and better, and continue to break new ground and push the boundaries to the next limit and more. Here's to 2009!


See previous DBT posts here.

See what you missed with albums #13-7 here.

TONIGHT: The Dirty Guv'nahs free show @ Valarium

Catch local up and comers The Dirty Guv'nahs at the Valarium. The show is free, as a thank you to Knoxville from the Metro Pulse, the local weekly. The Guv'nahs have been drummin' up support along the trail with their campaign of classic Stones-y rock and Black Crowes-y blues sounds, mixed with a bit of funk, with about six parts of high-energy. They are in the process of recording a follow up to 2007's The Dirty Guv'nahs Don't Need No Money, at Chase Park Transduction Studios in Athens, Georgia with producer David Barbe (Drive-by Truckers, Son Volt, Bright Eyes, Whigs).

Be on the lookout for these guys as they come to your town. They'll shake your hand (and your ass) and kiss your baby (and your ol' lady too). Watchout.

DBT - "Perfect Timing" video

The Drive-By Truckers premiered their new video yesterday for "Perfect Timing", off of Brighter Than Creation's Dark. The video features Scott Baxendale, maker of Baxendale Guitars at the Colfax Guitar Shop in Denver, as he rushes to finish his Wes Freed-inspired guitar for Cooley...it turns out to be a beautiful guitar too. Check it out, along with a special appearance by The King.

Check out Baxendale's work here...and his very impressive client list. Some of the notables, along with DBT and Jason Isbell, are Hank III, Joe Walsh, James Burton, Willie Nelson, Guided By Voices, Nashville Pussy, Steve "The Colonel" Cropper, Travis Tritt and a ton more.

By the way, did I mention that the DBT are coming to town...in January...on the 29th...to the Valarium...?? Hmmm...I believe I did.

Truckers in Knoxville - January 2009

As reported last week, the Drive-By Truckers posted a new song "UNCLE PHIL AND AUNT PHYLLIS IN THE MONTH AFTER THE ELECTION" on their website and on MySpace in honor of the election (Yeah, we had one last week apparently. Who knew?). Again, you can grab it here on the free-free...

Or...more favorably, as it was just announced, you might be able to hear it live here in Knoxville at the Valarium on Thursday, January 29th. Openers have not been named yet, but my wishlist is a 4-band-banger that night with the DBTs, Glossary, Lucero and local Black Crowes-meets-The Band-meets-The Truckers rockers Garage Deluxe.

We'll see what happens and of course keep you updated.

ELECTION DAY!

Well, we are finally here. Tuesday, November 4th. Election Day. I didn't think we'd ever get here. This is the most important election in at least two generations. I'm not here to preach politics, nor will you probably ever hear me do that. I don't care what side you're on, or who you are supporting.

However, I will preach about doing your part as a citizen of this great, and soon to be even greater country, by taking part in the democracy that this wonderful country was founded on over 200 years ago by exercising your right to vote today.

You want change. Are you willing to make it?

Take pride, be proud, get out there today and make a difference.

We've touched on the election before here on SDB,

but I wanted to give you one more chance to grab a couple of tunes in the spirit of voting.

The Drive-By Truckers posted this one yesterday for everyone. Here's Wilco's plea to vote, and James McMurtry's as well. There are many others, too, if you'll search for them (I won't do all the work for you).

But don't spend all your time today searching. Spend it by bettering our country. She needs all the help she can get right now.
And she needs it from you.

Go vote. Please.

DBT Patterson Hood on Mog.com

Check out the interviews with Drive-By Truckers' Patterson Hood on Mog.com.

Patterson discusses:

DBT on their latest album

DBT on the Americana revival

DBT on fave sounds

DBT on fave '08 albums

DBT on Squires of Jack Daniels

Truckers concert in Amsterdam

Click here to watch the Truckers' show at Paradiso Hall in Amsterdam on August 18, 2008.

(picture taken by me at their Nashville show in March)

Rock and Roll Means Well...

Welp, here it is, in all it's (hopefully not finalized and totally unfulfilled) glory:

The Drive-By Truckers fall tour, perfectly named "The Rock and Roll Means Well Tour" with The Hold Steady. Tour dates are here. Pre-sale tickets go on-sale tomorrow here.

Sadly, no Knoxville dates (as of now... ...I hear the DBTs don't like to play here for a few reasons stemming back to some clubs dates a few years ago...) and no Chattanooga dates. Nashville is in there, at the Ryman no less, which I have no doubt will be a great show! But after seeing the DBTs at the Tennessee Theatre a few years back, I'd rather stand the whole time, get pushed around, fight and elbow for position and get beer spilled all over me at a club show, rather than sit in a nice theatre setting and know that someone once sat where I was sitting and saw Michael McDonald and probably Yanni too. Kenny G? More than likely as well. And the symphony.

But I takes what I's can gets. At least the Nashville and Atlanta dates are on the weekend.

Friday @ Bonnaroo

...is coming soon, as well as Saturday and Sunday...There was just so much that went on there that it has taken a while, and is still taking a while, to get it all put together, especially sifting through 400+ pics and videos from the 'Roo.


Upcoming Friday highlights, for better or for worse:

Drive-By Truckers
Tegan & Sara
Les Claypool
The Raconteurs
Willie Nelson
The American Plague
Chris Rock
Metallica
My Morning Jacket


Meanwhile, check out My Morning Jacket's already legendary, 4-hour late night set on Friday night in the rain-soaked fields of Manchester, Tennessee.

**Thanks to The Steam Engine for the MMJ link and graphic

A Ghost to Most

The Truckers posted the first song off of their upcoming album, Brighter Than Creation's Dark, on their Myspace page on Friday. It's another gem from Cooley (third from left in the picture above), harking back on his long, detailed story-songs, backed by a vintage quasi-ballad Trucker-jam song with John Neff's trademark steel work in the background that moves the tune along as it cries and whines, and wonders why. As is the case with many of Cooley's songs, "A Ghost to Most" has an eery feeling, with a dark overtone that casts a shadow on the mood of the entire track, whether or not the content is on the darkside.


Fortunately it is, and Cooley delivers...as he always does. Because he's Mike Cooley.

The Southern Thing

SDB is growing week by week already. We have fellow non-Saints around the country looking in from time to time making sure that we haven't turned from our ways (just so everyone knows- we haven't!).

But also, these fellow non-Saints send in info from their corners of the globe from time to time, such as:

Lucero in their hometown (more or less) of Memphis for their annual New Year's Eve show at the famed Young Avenue Deli! With them is another one of my favorite bands, and on the forthcoming Best of 2007 list, Glossary!


Glossary will also be here in the big town on Saturday night at the Corner Lounge with Ghostfinger and local legend Carl Snow's Summer of Love. Both shows will prove to be absolutely crazy, with the Lucero NYE show to be positively R-O-W-D-Y!

Also to our attention, is the listing of the Drive-By Truckers upcoming album "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" on Amazon. In addition to pre-sale info, there are snippets of each song...Check'em out. The album is due out on January 22 on New West Records.

While on the Truckers, our friends at Southern Shelter posted this from Patterson's recent AIDS Benefit in Athens, Georgia. And to top that off, SS provided at link to a September DBT show which showcased a bunch of the new songs. Listen here.

It's Great to be Alive!

"It's Great to be Alive" is one of the DBTs hallmark one liners, and today is no different, for it certainly rings true. The DBTs recently released the track listing for their upcoming album Brighter Than Creation's Dark, set for release on January 22 on New West Records. Head over to their website for a track by track write-up from Patterson himself. Some of the descriptions aren't exactly about the songs, but hey, it's close enough, and the blurbs will surely match the songs, as Patterson usually hits the nail on the head. In this case, the DBTs hit all 19 songs (!!!) on the head! Patterson wrote nine of the songs, Cooley wrote seven, and Shonna Tucker contributed her first songs to the DBT catalog with three.

While there, check out their new bio too. Patterson dishes on what was a very exciting and tumultuous year for the Truckers, with the departure of Jason Isbell for his solo jaunt and debut album (which is well worth the time and money), the collaboration with legendary soulstress Bettye LaVette on her new album, Scene of the Crime, which I just picked up today (I'll let you know what I think), and an extensive acoustic cross country tour that kept going and going and going. Subsequently, it led to the new album as they auditioned and worked on new songs nightly right there on the stage. So they went right into the studio mid-tour and recorded this new album that will be out in just over two short months...

It is definitely "Great to be Alive"!