Jason Isbell

'Sirens of the Ditch'

New-school Southern gothic rock, by the grace of God.

Spin Rating7 of 10

Prior to leaving the group earlier this year, Jason Isbell was the best thing to happen to the Drive-By Truckers since Lynyrd Skynyrd. And on his solo debut, the author of incisive Truckers' tearjerkers "Outfit" and "Danko/Manuel" cranks out harmonized power pop ("Brand New Kind of Actress"), sticky Southern rock ("Try"), a powerful Iraq War lament ("Dress Blues"), and dark yet sprightly country ("The Magician"), all but one aided by his former bandmates. Given time, Isbell could be roots rock's Flannery O'Connor. 

Now Hear This:
Jason Isbell - "Brand New Kind of Actress Song" QUICKTIME

By Joe Gross

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