Album Review: Drive-By Truckers - It's Great To Be Alive
By Van Williams, Contributor
[ATO; 2015]
Rating: 2/5
Key Tracks: “Women Without Whiskey,” “Runaway Train”
Drive-By Truckers have been making their own personal brand of country rock since they formed in 1996. Most are not completely unfamiliar with the group; they’ve put out 10 records since their origin. At the heart of this group are singer/songwriters Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood. Hailing from Athens, GA, it did not take them long to garner a following with their catchy mix of southern rock and alternative country.
Now, in 2015 they have released their third live record, It’s Great To Be Alive. As far as live records go, this record is okay, but that’s it--just okay. Making a live record is a tricky endeavor because the artist either has to be incredible live, or there has to be something really memorable or sincere about the way the music is portrayed. This record has neither.
It’s Great To Be Alive starts out with a concert staple, “Lookout Mountain.” The song is there, but the energy--the magic--is not. Another problem with this recording is the subpar mixing; zero instruments stand out, but not in a well blended way--in a boring and dry way.
There are some exceptions. “Women Without Whiskey” and “Grand Canyon” stand out due to the crowd’s obviously joyous response to the songs, along with the personality that pours through the chords and vocals. “Grand Canyon,” after all, is a 13-minute epic to close the set.
Overall, there is just nothing new or exciting to be heard here. Bands like Drive-By Truckers get compared to other country rock greats like Lucero, who have much more intimate and inspiring live performances. This is a decent live record, but if you’re not a die hard Truckers fan, it’s definitely something to pass up.
