By: Sean R. Grogan



What happens when Tom Petty's tour bus collides with Lynyrd Skynyrd's? After the smoke clears the Drive-By Truckers emerge. Full of whiskey-fueled energy, these hard-drinking Southern rockers thunder down the road and unload A Blessing and A Curse. This seventh release from the Drive-By Truckers shows enormous growth and a vigor unheard in their previous records.

Fronted by not one but three singer/songwriters (Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley, and Jason Isbell) the poignant songs resonate with emotions rare in this generation's collection of Rebel Rock artists. Songs like "Aftermath, USA" and "Little Bonnie" deal with real American issues minus the candy-coated sweetness of the major label stars. "Aftermath, USA" tackles the South's crystal meth addiction head on, while the striking "Little Bonnie" deals with the death of a four year old child the singer never knew. The Drive-By Truckers pave new routes to the soul without shortcuts, opting for the most direct route to your heart and your feet. Be prepared to be bowled over by the Drive-By Truckers as this isn't a record meant for a hit and run.