Back in '03 or so, I saw the Drive-by Truckers and everybody was talking about "the fat kid," who had just joined the band. That fat kid was one Jason Isbell, who at the time was around 23 (but looked 17), had a propensity for trucker hats, and was a bit on the heavy side. He also happened to significantly raise the band's game with 2 or 3 exceptional cuts on each album over a 3 album stretch, including "Decoration Day," "Goddam Lonely Love," and the great "Danko/Manuel" (listen below). After a seemingly acrimonious split with the Truckers (and bassist-wife Shonna Tucker), Isbell has gone solo, releasing two albums to lukewarm critical acclaim.
I haven't been able to find the standout track on either album that compares to his better Trucker's work. New one, "Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit," is growing on me, and he plays live tonight here in Pigville. Naturally, I'll be there. Fancy are The Pants I'll have on!
Danko/Manuel, from "The Dirty South" (Truckers)
"Good" from the new album
Big Star Cover!
2 comments:
That Danko is a fine, fine song.
Excellent. Enjoy the show!
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