My PO8:
Let there be rockAngels and fuselageDead drunk and nakedMy sweet AnnetteHeathensOutfitWomen without whiskeyThree dimes down
― calstars, Thursday, 30 January 2020 14:31 (four years ago) link
New album could use more rock, but still sounded alright on first listen. The lyrics are perhaps even more on the nose re: their subject matter than usual (song titles include "Thoughts and Prayers" and "Babies in Cages") but I get that America in 2020 might not be the time and place for subtlety.
― Maria Edgelord (cryptosicko), Friday, 31 January 2020 16:21 (four years ago) link
They always write good songs but they're so boring when DBT play them these days.
― TikTok to the (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 31 January 2020 16:32 (four years ago) link
I've missed out on their last couple of records but I'm trying to start rectifying that now, starting with this new one. Agreed about the relative lack of rock (I do like the riff to Armaggedon's Back in Town), would add that the rekkid needs more Cooley too. Lyrically though it's definitely hitting me right in the gut this morning, in concert with the impeachment cover-up plus my viewing last night of the American Factory documentary.
― Evans on Hammond (evol j), Friday, 31 January 2020 16:33 (four years ago) link
I've only listened to the closer once so far but it seemed pretty fluid musically.
― Evans on Hammond (evol j), Friday, 31 January 2020 16:34 (four years ago) link
Cooley was apparently struggling with writer's block so severe he thought he was done for good.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 31 January 2020 16:40 (four years ago) link
I've been listening to the last two recently. At the time they kind of underwhelmed me but when I listen to them now, with fresh ears, I feel bad for ever doubting them. I suppose it's easy enough to describe the albums as musically boring, but I feel they've always been lyrically driven, with hooks and riffs nice bonuses.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 31 January 2020 16:42 (four years ago) link
A good example of what bores me about them since 2010: "21st Century USA." Every detail so creative-writing-seminar perfect, and the arrangement so enervated that all I feel is trapped by bric-à-brac.
― TikTok to the (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 31 January 2020 16:44 (four years ago) link
Musically I can't figure out what's changed, exactly. I've seen them live a million times, and new songs and old songs alike kick ass. My only theory is that they are an awesome rock band approaching the studio like session musicians might, except they are not awesome session musicians.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 31 January 2020 16:47 (four years ago) link
I think it's the same thing that has hurt a lot of recent Springsteen records, but these guys have better songs.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 31 January 2020 16:49 (four years ago) link
"Armageddon's Back in Town" is definitely the album highlight for me.
― Maria Edgelord (cryptosicko), Friday, 31 January 2020 16:50 (four years ago) link
Second close listen of "The Unravelling" reveals more of the depth of this record, the lyrics are killer and both of Cooley's songs are strong, though "Grievance Merchants" is the better of them. "Babies In Cages" is surprisingly catchy for what it's about. A more consistent record than their last one though the highs are not quite as high ("Surrender Under Protest" is monumental).
― Gerald McBoing-Boing, Wednesday, 5 February 2020 20:11 (four years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIN-CUBhhHc
― Josh in Chicago, Sunday, 8 March 2020 20:46 (four years ago) link
"I never saw Lynryd Skynyrd, and I never saw the Clash. But I ran monitors for fuckin' Fugazi, motherfuckers!"
― Josh in Chicago, Sunday, 8 March 2020 20:51 (four years ago) link
Fumes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQelOp8oEJU
― Josh in Chicago, Sunday, 8 March 2020 20:53 (four years ago) link
They need more guitar players
― calstars, Sunday, 8 March 2020 21:13 (four years ago) link
Impressive album imo: https://humanizingthevacuum.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/ranking-drive-by-truckers-brighter-than-creations-dark/
― TikTok to the (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 6 May 2020 03:20 (three years ago) link
If Karen was music, it would be Jason Isbell
― Paul Ponzi, Thursday, 21 May 2020 19:37 (three years ago) link
Given most of Isbell's views on societal issues and politics, I'm not sure how that take could be more wrong.
I mean, he's often heavy handed with some of his messages but, uh, really struggling to understand the leap to being a Karen.
― soaring skrrrtpeggios (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Thursday, 21 May 2020 19:49 (three years ago) link
If We Were Karens
― "...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Thursday, 21 May 2020 19:51 (three years ago) link
Everything I have read about or from Isbell has made me like him more and more, no matter how I feel about his music.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 21 May 2020 19:59 (three years ago) link
I didn't say he was a Karen. I said he makes Karen music.
― Paul Ponzi, Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:16 (three years ago) link
I wished I liked him more cuz he seems like a cool guy!the song Ronnie and Neil is like someone reading a Wikipedia page over a bar band
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:17 (three years ago) link
Karen as a concept is at the point where it's losing any meaning
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:18 (three years ago) link
otmplz elaborate on what him “being a Karen” actually means in this context
― terminators of endearment (VegemiteGrrl), Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:30 (three years ago) link
or “making Karen music”
I'm p sure a "Karen" would be the type telling Isbell to "shut up and sing" when he talks or tweets about politics, which he very specifically addresses on the new one.
― soaring skrrrtpeggios (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:46 (three years ago) link
I view Karen Music as any bland, toothless NPR bullshit that makes John Mellencamp sound edgy. Alt country pumpkin spiced latte music.
― Paul Ponzi, Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:51 (three years ago) link
oh man you played the pumpkin spice card
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 May 2020 21:09 (three years ago) link
actual Karens listen to dude modern country singers who I've never heard of but they sellout hockey arenas
― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Thursday, 21 May 2020 21:15 (three years ago) link
I was reading some past interviews with him, and there are a few where he confesses his only real indulgence since hitting it big was buying Ed King's' famed '59 Les Paul "Red Eye." I don't remember if King's wife offered to sell it to him, or just care for it first, but apparently at some point it went up for sale and he called his accountant and asked if he could afford it and his accountant said "absolutely not." So he called his manager and explained the situation to her and then asked her to book him as many weirdo private parties as she possibly could to pay it off. I know the original asking price was $650k ...
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 21 May 2020 22:32 (three years ago) link
the song Ronnie and Neil is like someone reading a Wikipedia page over a bar band
I was confused for a second - that's not an Isbell song, I think that's Hood.
― Greta Van Show Feets BB (milo z), Thursday, 21 May 2020 22:42 (three years ago) link
Isbell has a few anthemic political songs that get heavy handed but mostly he just writes great short narratives IMO. I don't think Karens are lining up to hear songs about a guy's friend who's dying of cancer?
― Greta Van Show Feets BB (milo z), Thursday, 21 May 2020 22:44 (three years ago) link
huh, i really dig isbell doing stretched out marvin gaye jams
― Heez, Friday, 22 May 2020 04:29 (three years ago) link
every thread gets the troll it deserves
― Larry Elleison (rogermexico.), Friday, 22 May 2020 16:24 (three years ago) link
https://www.npr.org/2020/06/17/879393187/now-about-the-bad-name-i-gave-my-band
AFAICT there is not a single mention of the band's name, positive or negative, in the 16-year span of this thread
― k*r*n koltrane (Simon H.), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 20:27 (three years ago) link
Drive By Wokesters
― "...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 20:53 (three years ago) link
dont really want to read that whole thing whats the gist if you dont mind?
― Spottie, Wednesday, 17 June 2020 20:54 (three years ago) link
It's actually a decent read, but pretty well summed up by the last paragraph:
Our name was a drunken joke that was never intended to be in rotation and reckoned with two-and-a-half decades later, and I sincerely apologize for its stupidity and any negative stereotypes it has propagated. I'm not sure changing it now serves any higher purpose, but I'm certainly open to suggestions. In the meantime, you're welcome to just call us Lady DBT.
― soaring skrrrtpeggios (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 21:07 (three years ago) link
After all that I don't even understand what he's apologizing for. Or if it was worth taking up so many words if he's not changing it.
― k*r*n koltrane (Simon H.), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 21:56 (three years ago) link
Pat's been in Portland too long
― alpine static, Wednesday, 17 June 2020 22:24 (three years ago) link
yeah, it's a stupid name, but most band names are pretty stupid. I'm not sure what there is to apologize for.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 17 June 2020 22:34 (three years ago) link
sorry for having such a bad name for such a cool band?
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 17 June 2020 22:35 (three years ago) link
"I'm woke too!"
― Night of the Living Crustheads (PBKR), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 22:52 (three years ago) link
very weird
― Spottie, Wednesday, 17 June 2020 23:05 (three years ago) link
xpost Eh, this band has been in the woke zone for some time now. That Black Lives Matter sign has been a stage fixture for at least 4 years.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 17 June 2020 23:16 (three years ago) link
No one was asking them.
― Night of the Living Crustheads (PBKR), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 23:18 (three years ago) link
Maybe NPR asked them?
― "...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 23:21 (three years ago) link
Sorry, these guys have always seemed like try-hards to me.
― Night of the Living Crustheads (PBKR), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 23:29 (three years ago) link
I like this band, but their stupid—stupid like “Goo Goo Dolls” is stupid, not stupid because I assumed anything malicious on their part—name kept me from paying any attention to them for years.
― A White, White Gay (cryptosicko), Wednesday, 17 June 2020 23:47 (three years ago) link