The Steeldrivers is an eleven track collection released by Rounder Records. It is the group's debut album and also features a cover of Gary Allan's "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey." If you like good ole Bluegrass with a hint of Americana and Bluesy Roots Music thrown in, then try this album.
It was that voice, heard in the first song "Blue Side Of The Mountain," which instantly drew me in to this album. Taking a trip to the only place he can get some peace is the man's objective. "Gotta find some peace before I lose my mind," he says. Maybe when he gets there he'll find a sign, or something to heal his heart.
When I looked over the track listing and saw "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey," I was hoping it would be a cover of the Gary Allan tune of the same name - and it was. There's no way to compare the two versions against each other but I must say The Steeldrivers deliver it in a fantastic way! They really made it their own.
"To Be With You Again" is about a man who feels like it's necessary to become a fugitive before a judge and jury "close their eyes to true justice." When he leaves, he kisses his wife goodbye and then hopes and prays he'll be able to see her someday.
A song with lyrics that do more than tell a story, "Sticks That Made Thunder" paints a picture. The lyrics are beautifully descriptive, yet they also allow your imagination to roam free. With the slow tempo, there's no rush getting to the end result. A second song that tells a story is "If It Hadn't Been For Love," only it's pretty dark and involves some jail time for the man who is praying for the Lord to have mercy on his soul. These two songs, and the other ones mentioned all prove that The Steeldrivers' self-titled album is wonderful and should be on every music fan's list.
Release date: January 15, 2008 - Rounder Records
Song List:
- Blue Side Of the Mountain
- Drinkin' Dark Whiskey
- Midnight Train To Memphis
- Midnight Tears
- If You Can't Be Good, Be Gone
- If It Hadn't Been For Love
- Hear the Willow Cry
- Sticks That Made Thunder
- East Kentucky Home
- To Be With You Again
- Heaven Sent
