Some artists find their home in the live setting. As a one-time member of the Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell learned a thing or two about delivering inspired live performances. Fortunately, Isbell’s knack for writing and performing has transitioned to his solo career. His 2007 debut release, Sirens Of The Ditch (New West Records), is a reminder that his contributions to DBT will be missed. With tracks including “Hurricanes and Hand Grenades” and “In A Razor Town,” the material on Sirens Of The Ditch possesses a songwriting maturity that belies Isbell’s 29 years.
But as comfortable as Isbell seems in the studio, he is most effective in front of an audience. The EP Live At Twist & Shout captures Isbell and backing band The 400 Unit giving an electrified in-store performance at a Denver record store. Performing three Truckers’ songs (”Outfit,” “Danko/Manuel” and “Goddamn Lonely Love”) two solo songs (”Grown” and “Hurricanes and Hand Grenades”) and one cover (Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic”), Isbell and his band offer a melodic, raw sound that falls somewhere between The Stones and The Replacements. Isbell’s delivery is ideal for listeners that prefer their songs of humor and heartache served over Gibson guitars. The disc is sold exclusively through independent music retailers and can be purchased online at www.thinkindie.com.
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