Drive By Truckers Fans

The most recent one, if only because it doesn't take their sound in any new direction (even incrementally) the way their last few records have.

I've only heard Nos. 4 -- 6 above. Of them, I think The Dirty South is the weakest album, even though it features two of the strongest, most moving songs in the DBT catalogue: Danko/Manuel and Goddamn Lonely Love (both of which were written by the band's most underrated member, Jason Isbell). I just think the rest of the album doesn't have the hooks of Southern Rock Opera or Decoration Day. Also, I don't think the lyrics fit comfortably with the music on the Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley songs. They are both great songwriters, but I felt like their songs on The Dirty South were always trying to squeeze in an extra syllable where it didn't fit.

Haven't heard Gangstabilly, but yeah, I'm inclined to say the new one's the most disappointing. Still better than a lot of albums (lemme tell ya, as I sit here in a hut made of promos.) A little too becalmed,resigned middle-aged, I guess. Although young Jason adds some compelling moments; they all do, at times. But somehow less than the sum of its parts. Cooley's and Patterson song's new songs sounded better live, on Turner South's "Music Road." (But they didn't perform this whole album, just newbies in with strong oldies, maybe propped up a bit).But, I still play it for pleasure, even past review possibilties, which certainly isn't always the case, no matter how much I think I like something. Heck,get this one too (from the Used bin).