As noted, Drive-By Truckers will release their new album, English Oceans, on March 4th via ATO Records. The follow-up to 2011’s Go-Go Boots is said to be a return to form, reminiscent of the band’s 1999 live album, Alabama Ass Whuppin’. It was recorded with longtime producer David Barbe at Chase Park Studios in Athens, GA.
Our first look at the LP comes courtesy of “Pauline Hawkins”, a track that was inspired by Willy Vlautin’s new book, The Free. “I had loved his first three novels and we had become pen pals in the last couple of years,” co-frontman Patterson Hood told Rolling Stone. “I read it in about three sittings. Wonderful book.” He was especially drawn to one of its characters, Pauline Hawkins, who “had lived a tough life and had a brutal job, which caused her to be somewhat closed down in her emotions.”
Below, listen to the rollicking tune — it comes with a decent helping of rowdy guitars and soothing piano.
English Oceans Tracklist:
01. Shit Shots Count
02. When He’s Gone
03. Primer Coat
04. Pauline Hawkins
05. Made Up English Oceans
06. The Part of Him
07. Hearing Jimmy Loud
08. Til He’s Dead or Rising
09. Hanging On
10. Natural Light
11. When Walter Went Crazy
12. First Air of Autumn
13. Grand Canyon
And check out Drive-By Truckers’ tour docket.
Drive-By Truckers 2014 Tour Dates:
02/01 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
02/13 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt
02/14 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt
02/15 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt
05/10 – Dublin, IR @ Vicar Street
05/11 – Glasgow, UK @ ABC
05/12 – Manchester, UK @ Ritz
05/13 – London, UK @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire
05/15 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
05/16 – Antwerp, BE @ Trix
