Drive-By Truckers write good songs. Instrumentally, they're a tight band, with each player backing off at just the right time to let their collaborators shine. When, in "The Opening Act," they all cut out for the vocals to take over, the timing is impeccable. This is true of most of the songs on the album. The only downside is that it's a really long record.
Great Songs
It's hard to describe Drive-By Truckers' music. It ranges from straight-up country to alt-country and indie rock. Highlights on this album include the reflective "The Home Front" (Download from Amazon) where the steel guitar plays heavily and dreamily along the same plane as the vocals."Checkout Time in Vegas" (Download from Amazon) captures a story that could pretty much only happen in Vegas. Referencing things like a "bloody nose, empty pockets / a rented car with a trunk full of guns," the tune is a real downer of a murder ballad, in the best possible way.
Good Old Downer Songs
In fact, one thing the Truckers do best is encapsulate the goold, old-fashioned downer song. Another splendid country-themed tune is "Lisa's Birthday" (Download from Amazon), where again the steel guitar plays heavily, fondly. It's joined by other wonderful, sad drinking songs, like "Daddy Needs a Drink" and "Self-Destructive Zones."If you need a pick-me-up, toward the end of the disc comes "You and Your Crystal Meth." "Self-Destructive Zones" is another highlight, although this time a little less of a downer. It pays a rocking tribute to the early '90s and the turning over from pop music to the grunge era.
One Big Downer Disc
This album isn't called Brighter Than Creation's Dark for nothing. These are some dark tunes, but it seems the band would like to remind us that there are far darker things. The album is a bit long and, if you're in the wrong mood, can seem to drag on forever and a day. But, given the right mix of dreariness or delirium, the right amount of darkness and despair, the songs measure up to some of the best downer tunes available.
