Drive-By Truckers: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

In music, we can escape the cruelties of the world or face them. There's no wrong way about it, but recently the members of Drive-By Truckers, a band that's long toed the line between a good time and a hard look at life, found they could no longer work purely in metaphor. American Band holds a direct mirror to a set of realities in this country with the same grace and rough-hewn wisdom that's guided the band all along. But in this compulsion to speak to the right now, there is an anger behind these songs never heard before.
In an emotional performance at the NPR offices, Patterson Hood's gravelly voice - capable of the quietest coos and the loudest hellraising - finds a new space, one that's shaken and vulnerable. He sings both "Guns Of Umpqua" and "What It Means," songs not just about gun violence, but about the persons it affects: The former is about the horrific shooting at Umpqua Community College in rural Oregon last year, and the latter about the killing of young black men like Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin. Before performing "What It Means," Hood tells the audience, "I wrote this song a couple years ago. I'd honestly be really happy if it was just outdated and something we could leave in the past, but that's certainly not the case right now."
Mike Cooley closes the set with "Once They Banned Imagine," a quiet country song "about things staying the same, and not necessarily in a good way," he says. That theme runs throughout Drive-By Truckers' catalog almost by necessity - by virtue of their being a rock band from the South, but also a rock band from America.
American Band is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com...
SET LIST:
"Guns Of Umpqua"
"What It Means"
"Once They Banned Imagine"
MUSICIANS:
Patterson Hood (guitar, vocals); Mike Cooley (guitar, vocals); Brad Morgan (drums); Jay Gonzalez (keyboards); Matt Patton (bass).
CREDITS:
Producers: Lars Gotrich, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Colin Marshall, Maia Stern; Production Assistant: Anna Marketti; Photo: NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@garrethuff8844]

One of the best bands you've never heard of. First heard these guys after buying a Microsoft mp3 player -used. The only song on it was "my sweet Annette." Been a fan ever since.

[@eduardobarbosa9413]

What a great way to get to know a new band

[@eduardobarbosa9413]

The same thing happened to me - but with other bands - as I was beginning to listen to rock

[@metzbarnes9802]

That's an amazing story. What great luck 🍀

[@yodaneer4127]

I attended Umpqua Community College and that was a real bad day. Heaven was callin' my name from the hallway outside the door. I'm just gonna leave it at that. And like most native Oregonians I'm deeply connected to the outdoors, having spent many a perfect day hiking, camping and skiing up in The Great Cascades. I've seen a mighty hawk swoop down and devour its prey. So the yin/yang juxtaposition of the two hits home for me.Thank you Mr. Patterson Hood- you can share my campfire anytime -from your newest fan.

[@randyblazak8957]

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to live in the time when Drive-By Truckers are making important music for this country.

[@859mothertruckers5]

I agree

[@powellpressburger5507]

They have made better albums than this one and their songwriting has been a lot better.

[@holeesheet2021]

Tell it!!! I am so with you there. This band blows my mind.

[@holeesheet2021]

Powell Pressburger No one cares. So fucking what. Stop being judgmental and just like the music. You're a bummer.

[@powellpressburger5507]

Ho - You would have a Scanners moment for real then if you heard an actual great DBT album.

[@Tsxtasy1]

I love the way Patterson writes songs, and I love the way Mike sings his songs. Even without Jason, top 5 band for me. Thank you

[@tuckboat]

The loudest band I've ever heard live playing softly in the npr office and every note rings just as clear as the first time I heard them.

[@SuperChampionRocker]

This morning I had a dream that Mike and Patterson were hanging out at my house. We were drinking beer. My good buddy Glen was there too. I don't really know anyone named Glen but in this dream Glen was my good buddy. So Glen comes back from the kitchen and says, "The beer is gone. Who drank all the beer?" I told him, "Drive-By Truckers." Patterson quickly got up, put on a jacket and headed for the door. I knew he was going on a beer run. I said, "Thank you Patterson." They seem like real stand up guys.

[@Pancho308]

Patterson Hood has one of the most distinctive and unforgettable voices in music. I love this band.

[@aidenlipper1]

Sitting here in 2020, where "What It Means" is as relevant and profound as ever.

[@darinhill3773]

Sad to say, but indeed it is. We need to fix that. I don't know how, but I'm trying.

[@zacgray5205]

"Don't look to me for awnser cuz I don't know what it means" ~ 2016 2021: I think we learned what it means

[@jackieringersma7003]

😰

[@johnsonjohnnyjohn787]

2024!

[@philodactyl]

What It Means is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking songs. DBTs have been my favourite band for a very long time, and that's saying a lot because I have so many favourite bands and usually can't pick favourites. Thank you so much to DBTs for their incredible work

[@daniweissman2853]

"We’re all standing in the shadows of our noblest intentions of something more"--brilliant. And I love DBT for what they do and for what they are not afraid to say

[@robkassabian4129]

This sounds so freakin good. This album is a masterpiece and these guys are amazing. Just what our country needs in these sad times.

[@sopant]

I stop listening to these guys for awhile every few years because there’s so much good music coming out. Then this stuff pops up, I click the link and fall back in love. Serious song writers and so current and influential.

[@nsgambino94]

Glad to follow tiny desk because I discover music like this. Enjoy your day everyone!

[@TuesdayNightFever]

“We live in crazy times” ... and this was 4 years ago! Love you guys

[@mrinvader]

still crazy times 2023

[@jeremiahwoodruff9614]

We live in the most peaceful and educated of times a human ever has. You guys are just lazy liberal victims who don't want to change your circumstances and blame everything else for your problems

[@terrywade9989]

You will be happy to know that my daughter and son in law are fling from Perth (Australia) to Pioneer Town to see you guys next week..........hope they enjoy the show.

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

I was born in 57. Found Neil Young early. Somehow I hear Neil in this band.

[@jpegjake]

I hear counting crows in the singing style

[@missydiamond9310]

I think Neil had a lot of influence on their sound. Ronnie and Neil is pretty much about that sound IMO

[@chrissawyer4060]

Oh yeah. the first album i heard was Decoration Day and it blew me away. It was like hearing a brand new classic album.

[@zetasong]

@@chrissawyer4060 well summarized

[@ouyrwq]

These dudes are so important to our contemporary understanding of music. I am so grateful to their songwriting skills.

[@hamfest3332]

I find myself liking every single tiny desk concert I watch. I normally don't like country but these guys were jammin

[@859mothertruckers5]

This is not country hommie this is Southern Rock and Roll

[@MrNowherethis]

859MotherTruckers idk they certainly have done songs in the past I would certainly consider country, "Bob" for example.

[@R4Y2k]

if you're from outside the states, almost anything that comes from the south is considered "country" :D :D :D Let's just agree to call it "good music" ;-)

[@xdunmoyer]

I'm all over the 90s hip hop and its all brand new to me . The sound on all these recordings is phenomenal.

[@muzikmind77]

Its amazing how much talent crept out of north alabama... these guys can paint such a beautiful canvas. At times not so beautiful. Such is life. ❤

[@jodylowe8476]

The DBT were great before, during and still are after Jason Isbell, so lets give it a rest that their were good only with Isbell. He is great solo as well. This is the greatest unsung band ever and their latest album is amazing and timely. So for using "great" so much, but they are.

[@jodylowe8476]

Sorry for using "great" that is.

[@robertfiveash5284]

Right on brother.

[@ChimRichalds34]

I find that most people who only like the Isbell DBT music have only heard the Isbell DBT music.

[@nslsooner10]

I know. I saw both in concert this last Summer. I love Jason( Have seen him solo at least 12 times). Both put on great shows, but the DBTs were at another level. Patterson, Cooley, and Jason are all great songwriters, the DBTs were great before, during, and after Jason. They are the best live band I’ve seen in the last 20 years, and right up there with the Replacements, Stones, and a few other of my all time favorites.

[@ChimRichalds34]

@@matthewparkerdixon lol "edge." The first song on this video is about a school shooting. Whatever, man. It's an old, dumb point of view I don't really care to engage with anymore. American Band is incredible. Saying they're no good without Isbell is just dumb.

[@wyreandwood]

One of the greatest bands to grace this spinning orb. Sublime ♠️

[@sfbubblehead]

Not too many bands taking this stuff head on these days. Courageous stuff that will no doubt alienate some of their fans.

[@Nookerdog777]

Sean Byrnes Eh, I think their political views are bullshit. Nonetheless, this is good music and I will continue to listen.

[@plaguedoctor880]

Nookerdog777 just because you don’t agree with their views doesn’t make it bullshit.

[@connormckee4431]

Sometimes when you see something going on you have to say something, if someone else is offended by it then they can get over it or leave, if it’s that important I’m sure the band won’t mind losing a few fans

[@vickimaren]

The dichotomy of beauty and brutality is very eloquently depicted in the soothing sound of their music. I'm a Canadian gal and I am feeling the hurt i think many Americans are feeling right now. (The world really) I love their truthful heartfelt lyrics. The truth will set us free. And these guys know how to tell it for sure. I really appreciate and enjoy the great music and messages you guys have the great gift to give.

[@RyanJamesOfficial]

That first song makes me cry when I think about what happened in Oregon and the beautiful picture he paints with his lyrics. How he paints such a beautiful picture and then juxtaposes it with a lyric directly about the shooting is heartbreaking.

[@paulelliott3220]

Brilliant from one the best bands around Great performance and totally suited to this environment Sad, wonderful and wise - new album is an absolute gem too Two sweet guitars that Mike and Patterson have Could listen (and sometimes do) to these guys all day

[@ritch28]

These guys along with Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson are important...

[@donmega054]

Truckers just announced two sets of three day runs in Brooklyn and I'm absolutely buzzing so here I am.

[@trailbldr]

Cooley and Hood continue to impress. Keep on Keepin on Truckers! Great album and current timely. Good luck America!

[@scubadude235]

this week got me listening to this song again. great song, time for real change to happen

[@callen0915]

Patterson Hood is a songwriting "God". The lyrics and acoustics are AMAZING!! 😍♥️

[@makenzeekaye]

I love you, Drive by Truckers! Always will.

[@Romamb]

Do you still?

[@who10101]

Not the heroes the south wants, but the heroes the south needs.

[@nigeljones4304]

nigel jones

[@casperp9234]

Beautifully put, Christopher and meabob.

[@joealliemusic3876]

meabob - It's not just the south Hoss... That's a testament to the human condition.

[@howlinhonky]

bostonian here - we need them up north too

[@benjaminlouquet681]

I went "South" to South Carolina for College, from Virginia. The frat dudes I partied with listened to this, but lived another life. Gotta get it together somehow, there are good people everywhere, and bad...

[@zelieHEARNE]

i have a new favorite band!

[@joshnicholls8215]

Find the video where that guitar was made...

[@brooket6261]

This is about 6 years too late, but good god I love this band so much. Patterson, Mike.... I love you. We met. We are from different parts of the world but you are my brothers.

[@mattgibbs9576]

If this song doesn't fill your heart with all the love and hurt this world has to give I'm sorry for you

[@christinakopel4229]

Thank you for making music that makes you think, get angry, and motivates you to go out there and change things. Lucky to see you in Denver this past weekend. Thank you for years of passion and sharing your art.

[@williamotey6707]

🖤🖤

[@kenbache7554]

Just got turned onto this band and am excited to share it with my family, whom I trust will also be excited to hear them.

[@alec6702]

I love that punk rock kids kept making music no matter the genre. Love

[@matthewfeatherston8982]

I was able to catch them live back in 2011 and it was the best concert I have ever been too... Needless to say, this performance did not let me down

[@MAXcArP_007]

January 2021 lockdown - you guys rock

[@ryeinaldobettahavmamony7656]

Thanks for making me cry again. What it means

[@Jimberino760]

DUDE IVE BEEN LISTENING TO THESE GUYS FOR A YEAR OR SO NOW AND I BARELY FOUND OUT THEYRE ON NPR?!?!?! I didn’t think npr had even heard about them!!!

[@johnsiebert7023]

Well, here we are, two years later and theses songs are just as relevant. This brief set is just as beautiful and terrifying as ever. To the boys of Drive By Truckers: The songs are no scarier than a flashlight shining on a scary ass truth; the light only illuminates what was already there. So do us all a favor and keep on shining. As much as we all like a good train wreck (or any scary truth you care to illuminate), we also like the way you sing about em. Shine on fellows.

[@gregdawe2786]

What it means is just a fucking phenomenal piece of songwriting. wow.

[@bbroogs]

It is, but its depiction of the Michael Brown shooting is misleading.

[@robkassabian4129]

I think that might be because it's a depiction of the Trayvon Martin shooting...

[@bbroogs]

They sing about both. First Michael Brown, then Trayvon Martin if I recall correctly.

[@derrekmcfarlane7872]

Is it not about the shooting in Oregon last year?

[@oogrooq]

First one is most likely about the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon.

[@Epimpin101]

NPR, you should get the band "Lawrence" on next. They are incredible. I would love to see them get more exposure and blow up more.

[@Dashner100]

Man I nearly almost forgot all about these guys. Haven't heard about them much for awhile. Great to know they're still around and even better to hear how good they sound still... unplugged even. Love it!

[@ChimRichalds34]

Dashner100 how dare you forget DBT! Lol

[@tomchristopher71]

We are still wondering what it means in 2021. The whole record American Band is still relevant and will always be a classic.

[@charlie9ak]

Guns of Umpqua will bring a tear to your eye when you know the backstory. ❤

[@hypnoswede7943]

First song is my favorite song off the new album. One of their best albums - I wasn't expecting it to be that good. Toronto February 4th! Can't wait.

[@TheZeekgeek1]

This band is truly special.

[@conanshinn8348]

Love these guys so much. A lot can be done in a recording studio, but these guys are consummate musicians, sounds incredible.

[@nicksullivan698]

i would Really really love to see lucero on Tiny desk

[@gak1012]

SWEET JESUS YES

[@joshuakoth4504]

I second this ammendment

[@eduardolopez7670]

Needs to happen

[@waylonkain]

I've always wondered why this hadn't happened yet

[@thatonedude1003]

Ummmm...yes. It would be epic!!

[@MAGhost-vl3jb]

I was introduced to these guys with Southern Rock Opera. I've been a fan ever since. I think they're out of Athens. If I'm correct, there has to be something in the water down there.

[@abig_old_swan]

yeah, my parents saw them live at the 40 watt several times back in the late 90’s. great group.

[@mallorykane2843]

Holy cow, i lived in athens for a minute had no idea they were out of there. only place i've been where i stood in line behind a guy buying a case of bear wearing nothing but ink a beard and cut off jean shorts (no shirt no shoes)

[@Southernman887]

They're from Northwest Alabama. The Shoals area.

[@Karmakameleeon]

What if you guys made a series of tiny desk albums? I would buy that in a heartbeat

[@robertm4050]

You would have to deal with far too many record labels.

[@MikeJones-dq3ib]

Tiny desks is awesome. Pure music and emotion. No bullshit, no selective genre, pure music. Cheers

[@JoshHinrichs-vv2ft]

Guns of Umpqua is heartbreaking

[@RyanJamesOfficial]

Isn't it! I read the lyrics along with listening and my goodness what a tragedy

[@josephwhen363]

Wow, I live on the Umpqua River in Oregon ... never heard the song before, gave me chills especially since I know one of the surviving victims of the shooting. Thank You Drive By Truckers!

[@ethan2285]

God bless these men!

[@CarvisCathey]

I’m thankful to have seen them live in San Antonio!

[@adamcoe]

by far the best song written about the subject, and easily the heaviest tune i've heard in months, if not years.

[@joemurray2523]

"Matt patton" is like the most bass player name ever

[@jonarnold5323]

Been a fan since Best Buy River Stages in Nashville in 2001. Still love DBT!

[@rexmurphy5824]

I would be so happy to see these guys live again.

[@callen0915]

Patterson Hood is a lyrical genius.. (it hurts so good) 💔

[@datamyt3]

Just saw these guys play in Atlanta ... great band!

[@mtnman6046]

Drive by Truckers are real! Real fucking good!

[@EliLevMusic]

Gorgeous set I hadn't heard them in awhile and glad to hear their particular sound again :)

[@aileengermaine6064]

Saw them with Tedeschi Trucks. They hit it out of the park!

[@_Nordfors]

Isn’t that the bass player from the Dexateen’s?

[@alexstanley5311]

Really good, liking the melancholy vibes a lot.

[@journeysnotraces]

I adore this band!

[@dylanspencer6085]

Man, what I would do for a Best of DBT album recorded live just like this.

[@JoshJohnson2000]

Dylan Spencer They released "Its Great to be Alive" this Summer. 35 songs recorded over 3 nights in SAN Francisco.

[@deandoodles]

it would have to have Jason Isbell doing Danko/ Manuel

[@jc5187]

Great!!

[@MultiMegaman89]

Our new Record is called American Band and it's the greatest thing ever.

[@saffel]

With that being said- I was lucky enough to see a few DBT shows- and came out covered in j.daniels and pbr- with Shonna and Isbell

[@celticgodsoriginal]

What a terrific band and performance

[@justinwilson1689]

holy hell i love mike cooley

[@coolbean145]

Yay- good folk music. So much better than the pop-folk crap you hear on alternative stations. Lumineers can eat it.

[@wolfcreekboys7353]

I only hear a few bands that are "folk" sounding on the radio these days..I personally would love the radio to play any one of my songs

[@madronnie9725]

The Lumineers are good, come on :/

[@justinwilson1689]

i agree with this sentiment

[@laurenharvey6279]

Love Drive by Truckers ❤

[@RyanJamesOfficial]

"Heaven's calling my name from the hallway outside the door.."

[@JensenAllsopenglishteacher]

My favorite band.

[@noahchristytv]

Love this performance. I hope they never ever ever apologize or feel any regret for their stance.

[@deputyseal409]

"What it Means" just about made me cry

[@0713mas]

I love this band unplugged like this! I've heard them compared to everyone from the rolling stones to Neil Young or Lynard Skynard. I can see those influences but here in this setting I get a very Counting Crows vibe! Whatever it is I like it, I'm not all about the politics in music scene, but it's a far better expression then rioting and burning down cities

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

Take me to DBT church! 🎸🎶🔥😎

[@thesportingprofessor3011]

Two master song writers, a killer band of musicians, great live shows and socially relevant...what's not to love?

[@tnightwolf]

This is just brilliant!

[@noelespirtu8165]

i met jay and cooley once. they were loving life

[@ritchbaudendistel7309]

The most important band in the land...

[@sterfishsoupster2572]

always loved this band

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

keep coming back here

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

Actually the more I listen to the first song the more I like it

[@RyanJamesOfficial]

The first song is heartbreaking. It's one of my favorite songs now.

[@samuelfleisher]

They are a surprisingly consistent live band, but this is an especially great cut of Once they banned imagine

[@dmskon]

Love this band. Politics aside, they are still a great band and I will continue to support them. Nice to see them on TD.

[@JBO3022]

Agreed, I disagree with some of the politics but DBT is one of the best bands of all time.

[@saml2043]

@@JBO3022 Seems you both miss the heart of the band, the soul of the band and their reasons for their existence both individually and collectively. Perplexed as to how one can do that and look at themselves in a mirror and not be significantly confused as to their own identity and think on that. Perhaps you are thinking on that. Hope so.

[@ThatsmyBMF]

DBT has been great before Jason (even in Adams House Cat) and will always continue to be great and I’m a huge JI &The 400 Unit fan! I love his songwriting and I was going to his first shows when it was 100 people for 15 dollars and I do love the band.DBT will always the true Rock Show. No disrespect to Jason or any other band but they do what they do as one of the best. This is not all about the great artist Jason Isbell but this is about a band that as put out 12 studio albums. Three with Jason and they have done nothing but got so much stronger as a band!! See ya at the Rock Show

[@millwallsmug3190]

Wow. Amazing. Thank you.

[@bernardshakey2609]

Love me some DBT

[@ligialewis2182]

Great band . . . singin' it like it is . Power on, guys. George Lewis, Sr.

[@volleyballjones]

Such a good sound! Cool Gene Autry Melody Ranch guitar too.

[@from_each_to_each_1848]

Patterson and Mike are the fucking best

[@JBO3022]

DBT is simply amazing.

[@elton4066]

Good one! Nice share. Thanks.