Jason Isbell has been in the music business for a dozen years, the first six as a member of the Drive-By Truckers when they were flirting with “Greatest Band in the World” status. Isbell was no spare nineteenth wheel in that outfit, contributing a small number of songs, but ones that stand out as among the best in the DBT catalogue. Since leaving the Truckers, he’s led his own 400 Unit and worked as solo artist since 2007. Coinciding with the twin life events of a new marriage and newfound sobriety, his Southeastern album has been generating s significant buzz in alt-country circles. It’s very good.
“Cover Me Up” opens the record specifically addressing his life changes and new love, equating his new wife with finding his emotional home. Isbell somehow manages to pull this captivating song off without sounding like an AA pamphlet or a love sick putz. The most gripping number is “Elephant,” a gut punch about watching a female friend/potential lover slowly pass away from cancer. “Flying Over Water” is the sharpest rocker on the album and will undoubtedly become a live favorite. Turn that one up to eleven. “Live Oak” is about a man who has changed his evil ways. He just doesn’t know if his wife loves him or the man he used to be. The new missus, Amanda Shires, provides expert violin support on the wistful “New South Wales,” a look back at the damage of self-medication.
Isbell doesn’t have the vocal presence of a natural born rocker and doesn’t try to be on this primarily acoustic based record. When wearing his comfort pants, Isbell specializes in a devastatingly forlorn sadness/regret voiced with schmaltz-free honesty. He’s working squarely in the singer/songwriter tradition but with no whiff of nostalgia. Despite having the ability to be wickedly clever, he’s not a personality driven artist. You don’t listen to Jason Isbell because of his image or haircut or wardrobe. You listen to Jason Isbell because he makes you think and hum while breaking your heart.
Grade – A-