Audio Mixer: David Barbe.

Recording information: Chase Park Transduction, Athens, GA (06/2007-09/2007).

Photographer: Jason Thrasher.

After relentless touring and recording since 2001; and the unexpected departure of original member Jason Isbell in 2006, the Drive-By Truckers were supposed to take a breather and take stock, but instead regrouped (with long-time touring guitarist John Neff promoted to full-fledged member), and quickly delivered their best record. With 19 songs clocking in at 75 minutes, BRIGHTER THAN CREATION'S DARK is a modern roots-rock masterpiece. The band's three ace songwriters--guitarist Paterson Hood, guitarist Mike Cooley, and bassist Shonna Tucker--all contribute affecting takes on love, loss, addiction, violence, regret, and want in a gripping Southern gothic morality play.

Musically, the band is on fire with an expansive sonic palette that finds the wrenching roadhouse ballad "Lisa's Birthday" sequenced next to the distortion-blasted stomper "The Man I Shot." Legendary songwriter and session man--and sometime DBT touring partner--Spooner Oldham provides guest support throughout the record. As tightly written and performed as vintage Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, BRIGHTER THAN CREATION'S DARK belongs in the stereos of all fans of the lost art of American rock & roll.