Audio-Visuals

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS: THE DIRTY SOUTH LIVE AT THE 40 WATT
Directed by Eleanor
(New West)
The faithful already know this, but for the uninitiated, we should point out that the Drive-By Truckers are one of the best live rock & roll bands in these here United States. Between a tireless touring ethic and way too much talent in one foutfit, the Athens, Georgia-based quintet has proven itself over and over and over again. For those unable to catch the band in their hometown or unwilling to put up with the cigarette smoke and drunken revelry, there's The Dirty South Live at the 40 Watt, a DVD documenting a pair of live shows in celebration of the band's 2004 record The Dirty South. In front of an adoring hometown crowd, the Truckers rock, roll and at times ravage their tales of Southern hard living, letting the three guitars speak when the voices crack and the words fail. Few groups combine incisive, often moving storytelling with barely-controlled rock & roll fury as well as this one, and any chance to experience the DBTs' live power should be taken, even if it's on DVD. As is the band's wont, the setlist for these concerts consisted of almost the entire new album, with only a few scattered songs from prior platters, so if you're looking for a career overview, this ain't it. But if you want smart, passionate songs played as if they're the only things in the galaxy that matter, The Dirty South Live at the 40 Watt is what you need. Michael Toland [buy it]