Drive-By Truckers 12th album, “English Oceans” is one of the most anticipated releases of 2014 (March 4 to be exact)
Of the album co-lead singer/songwriter and guitarist Mike Cooley says “It can go from this chainsaw rock ‘n’ roll to this very delicate, pretty-sounding stuff.” Cooley fans will be happy that he brought six new songs to the sessions and this record marks the first time that Cooley sings a song penned by Patterson Hood on “Til He’s Dead or Rises.”
The album follows narratives from a cast of characters. “Pauline Hawkins,” is based on a new novel by Willy Vlautin. A Political edge is shown in two songs on the record. Cooley’s “Made Up English Oceans” and Hood’s “The Part of Him.” “It’s about political assholery — there’s someone new playing that role every few months,” says Hood. “Grand Canyon,” the final song on the album, is an emotionally overwhelming tribute to Craig Lieske, a longtime member of DBT’s touring family. Lieske died suddenly in January and the album is dedicated to him.