...after isbell's departure my expectations were not nearly this high.

At first listen, it sounded like a very good alt-country album. But then, I found myself going back to it over and over again. By now, I've heard it more than any other album in the last few weeks. It has grown on me considerably. Now it's one of the best alt-country albums I've ever heard. The staying power is incredible. It's all I've been listening to lately.

They have set the bar high and they don't disappoint. The songs that Shonna wrote and sings on just add another element to America's best band.

The only question is whether this is the year's best rock album or the year's best country album. I'll let everyone else figure it out...I'm too busy listening all day long. Wow!!

I don't know how they keep doing it album after album... but here is another brilliant one by The Drive-By Truckers. I think they could have streamlined the songlist a bit as 19 tracks is a long listen. However, some of their best songs ever can be found on this album.

Right alongside the Dirty South as their best records.

Wow.... Album of the year and it's only January 22nd. Who needs Isbell when you can write songs like this?

To me, this is easily their most relevant and thoughtful record. A real treat for new listeners and long time fans alike. In my opinion, their best songwriting to date.

My first great album purchase of 2008. Its got me off random play... finally.

The first good album of 2008.

On par with their impressive back catalogue, another winner.

"Two Daughters And A Wife" is the ONLY diamond in this rough. i gave this a 9 ONLY because of this song. It went directly into my "EPIC" playlist. Pretty boring and unremarkable otherwise.

This is among DBT's best recordings. It may be lengthy, but that's my only complaint. I love this record.

It's whiney, twangy, predictable, pretty annoying.

What an astounding effort this album is? After the departure of Jason Isbell.some folks had thought it was the beginning of the end, how wrong they were. I never doubted the Cooley/Hood partnership but Shonna Tucker has just gone and stepped up to the plate and has done it in style. What a hidden jewel this womans voice is...surely one of the contenders for album of the year.

And to think I used to hate southern rock. These guys are awesome, and are quickly making their way next to Spoon and the Arcade Fire as my definitive favorite bands (a prestigious list, I know). Seriously though, why aren't these guys noticed enough? They could be a slap in the face for all the people who think there hasn't been a good southern band since Skynard.

I had never heard of this band before. I just downloaded some random high scoring album from MetaCritic because I was bored. I dislike about 95% of albums that get critical acclaim here, but let me tell you this is definitely one of the 5% that I absolutly love. This is my best MetaCritic find since The Shins - Chutes too Narrow. Try this one out!

Maybe the best record they have done, and so far better than anything else this year.