The Drive-By Truckers and their Southern Rock Opera: Part One (Introductions)
The first time I heard the Drive-By Truckers, I wrote them off as just another band in the long line of Uncle Tupelo wannabes. My girlfriend's cousin had given me a copy of Decoration Day saying it looked like something I would like. He was a big fan of mainstream country, and Columbia House had given him a free copy. On first listen I thought the band was copying the tried and true Americana formula, sounding very much like Uncle Tupelo with a greater southern flair. I thought they were just another in a long line of Tweedy and Farrar copycats, writing songs about their working-class roots and love of alcohol. The record just didn't speak to me. I filed it away with my other CDs, never expecting to return. I'm sure I went back to Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Whiskeytown, and other similar bands for my rootsy needs. I was late to the party on Steve Earle as well. A few years later, A Blessing and A Curse came out a...