English Oceans

Last updated
English Oceans
English Oceans.jpg
Studio album by
Drive-By Truckers
ReleasedMarch 4, 2014 (2014-03-04)
Genre Southern rock
Length60:27
Label ATO
Producer David Barbe
Drive-By Truckers chronology
Go-Go Boots
(2011)		English Oceans
(2014)		 It's Great To Be Alive!
(2015)
Singles from English Oceans
  1. "Pauline Hawkins"
    Released: 2014

English Oceans is the tenth studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers, released on March 4, 2014, by ATO Records. It was produced by long-time collaborator David Barbe and recorded during two weeks in the late spring of 2013. Wes Freed again provided the album's artwork and cover. English Oceans marks the first time the Drive-By Truckers returned to the studio in four years and is one of three records the band has released with two songwriters. It's also the band's first record after bassist Matt Patton officially joined the band.

Contents

The cover art for this album is from a painting by Wes Freed based on a photograph of Abby, Sylvie, and Grace Weissman. The girls' father, Barr Weissman, made the 2009 documentary about the Truckers and the family has remained close with the band. The original painting hangs in the family's living room.

Music and lyrics

While previous Drive-By Truckers records are largely dominated by guitarist Patterson Hood's songs, fellow guitarist Mike Cooley split songwriting duties with Hood for English Oceans. [1] It also marks the first time Cooley took singing duties on a song written by Hood.

According to Chris Conaton of PopMatters , their songs are character studies set to Southern rock music like on the band's previous albums, [2] while The Guardian journalist Dave Simpson wrote that English Oceans is "full of their familiar southern rock: soul and brass occasionally adorn storytelling songs which attempt to right wrongs and champion the worker against The Man." [3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.2/10 [4]
Metacritic 79/100 [5]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [6]
Cuepoint (Expert Witness)A [7]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
The Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [8]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Mojo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Pitchfork 6.7/10 [11]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [13]
Spin 6/10 [14]

English Oceans received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album holds an average score of 79, based on 25 reviews. [5] In a review for NPR, Robert Christgau called it Drive-By Truckers' first exceptional album since Brighter Than Creation's Dark (2008) because of how Cooley's songwriting is superior to that of Hood, particularly with songs such as "Shit Shots Count". [15] Pitchfork critic Ian Cohen was also impressed by Cooley's performance, but felt that the album is too often impeded by Hood's more reserved songwriting. [11]

At the end of the year, Christgau named English Oceans the fifth-best album of 2014 in his list for The Barnes & Noble Review . [16]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at No. 16 on Billboard 200. [17] and No. 4 on Top Rock Albums for chart dated March 22, 2014, [18] selling 18,000 copies in the first week. The album has sold 51,000 copies in the United States as of September 2015. [19]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Shit Shots Count"Mike Cooley4:10
2."When He's Gone"Patterson Hood3:41
3."Primer Coat"Mike Cooley4:25
4."Pauline Hawkins"Patterson Hood6:39
5."Made Up English Oceans"Mike Cooley3:27
6."The Part of Him"Patterson Hood4:29
7."Hearing Jimmy Loud"Mike Cooley4:45
8."Til He's Dead or Rises"Patterson Hood4:25
9."Hanging On"Patterson Hood4:01
10."Natural Light"Mike Cooley5:16
11."When Walter Went Crazy"Patterson Hood3:48
12."First Air of Autumn"Mike Cooley3:31
13."Grand Canyon"Patterson Hood7:50

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2014)Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [20] 75
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [21] 93
Scottish Albums (OCC) [22] 22
UK Albums (OCC) [23] 34
UK Independent Albums (OCC) [24] 3
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) [25] 1
US Billboard 200 [26] 16
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [27] 2
US Top Current Albums ( Billboard ) [28] 16
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [29] 4

Related Research Articles

<i>Southern Rock Opera</i> 2001 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

Southern Rock Opera is the third studio album by the American rock band Drive-By Truckers, released in 2001. A double album covering an ambitious range of subject matter from the politics of race to 1970s stadium rock, Southern Rock Opera either imagines, or filters, every topic through the context of legendary Southern band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The record was originally self-released on Soul Dump Records. The album was re-released on July 16, 2002 by Lost Highway Records. The album was financed by issuing promissory notes in exchange for loans from fans, family and friends of the band.

<i>Pump</i> (album) 1989 studio album by Aerosmith

Pump is the tenth studio album by American rock band Aerosmith. It was released on September 12, 1989, by Geffen Records. The album peaked at No. 5 on the US charts, and was certified septuple platinum by the RIAA in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drive-By Truckers</span> American rock band

Drive-By Truckers are an American rock band based in Athens, Georgia. Two of five current members are originally from The Shoals region of northern Alabama and met as roommates at the University of North Alabama. The group also has roots in Richmond, Virginia.

<i>The Original Soundtrack</i> 1975 studio album by 10cc

The Original Soundtrack is the third studio album by the English rock band 10cc. It was released in 1975 and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. The Original Soundtrack includes the singles "Life Is a Minestrone", and "I'm Not in Love", the band's most popular song.

<i>Decoration Day</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

Decoration Day is a rock album released by Drive-By Truckers in 2003. The album was recorded mostly live over two weeks at Chase Park Transduction Studios in Athens, Georgia, and was produced by noted producer and former Sugar bassist David Barbe. The album is the Truckers' fifth, including their live album Alabama Ass Whuppin', following the critically acclaimed Southern Rock Opera. The album features a more mellow, stripped down, and reserved sound compared to Southern Rock Opera's heavy hitting southern rock.

<i>The Dirty South</i> (album) 2004 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

The Dirty South is the fifth album by American rock group Drive-By Truckers, released in 2004. The Dirty South is Drive-By Truckers' second concept album. Like its predecessor, Southern Rock Opera, the album examines the state of the South, and unveils the hypocrisy, irony, and tragedy that continues to exist.

<i>A Blessing and a Curse</i> 2006 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

A Blessing and a Curse is the sixth studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers, released in 2006. It peaked at #50 on the Billboard 200, which was the highest charting for the band until 2008's follow up, Brighter Than Creation's Dark, which hit #37.

<i>Pizza Deliverance</i> 1999 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

Pizza Deliverance is the second album released by Alabama rock band Drive-By Truckers, released in 1999. It was recorded in five days at Patterson Hood's house. The album was mixed by Andy LeMaster. The album cover art was created by Jim Stacy. The album was re-released by New West Records on January 25, 2005 along with the band's first studio effort, Gangstabilly.

<i>Gangstabilly</i> Album by Drive-By Truckers

Gangstabilly is the 1998 debut album of American rock band Drive-By Truckers. The album was recorded "live in the studio" over the course of two days and was produced by Andy Baker and Andy LeMaster. The album's cover art was created by Jim Stacy. The album was re-released on January 25, 2005 by New West Records along with the band's second studio effort, Pizza Deliverance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Isbell</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1979)

Michael Jason Isbell is an American singer-songwriter. He is known for his solo career, his work with the band The 400 Unit, and as a member of Drive-By Truckers for six years, from 2001 to 2007. Isbell has won six Grammy Awards.

<i>Brighter Than Creations Dark</i> 2008 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

Brighter Than Creation's Dark is the seventh studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers. It was released on January 22, 2008 in the United States.

<i>Live from Austin, TX</i> (Drive-By Truckers album) 2009 live album by Drive-By Truckers

Live From Austin, TX is the second live album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers. It was released as a two disc CD/DVD combo. It was recorded on September 26, 2008, and boasts an almost twelve-minute recording of the song "18 Wheels of Love," which was originally released on their first album Gangstabilly.

<i>The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities</i> 2009 compilation album by Drive-By Truckers

The Fine Print is a compilation album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers. Released in 2009, it consists unreleased material mostly recorded throughout the making of their albums Decoration Day and The Dirty South; a highly prolific period for the band. It features album artwork and a sample of concert posters from 2009 by Wes Freed, and is produced by David Barbe.

<i>The Big To-Do</i> 2010 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

The Big To-Do is the eighth studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers, released on March 16, 2010. It is their first album released on ATO Records, which they signed to after completing their four-album deal with New West Records.

<i>Go-Go Boots</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

Go-Go Boots is the ninth studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers, first released February 14, 2011, on Play It Again Sam Records. It was produced by record producer David Barbe and recorded during 2009 to 2010, concurrently with sessions for the band's previous album The Big To-Do (2010). Upon its release, Go-Go Boots received positive reviews from most music critics.

<i>Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)</i> 2009 studio album by Patterson Hood

Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) is the second solo album by Patterson Hood. The album's songs were written from 1994 to 2004, and recording began in early 2005 in Athens, Georgia, USA. Murdering Oscar was released on June 23, 2009, by Hood's own label, Ruth St. Records, and on ATO Records. The music consists of guitar chords and reverb on some tracks, while others also have piano. The lyrics address topics that affected Hood around the time the songs were written, such as the birth of his child and his success with the Drive-By Truckers.

<i>Its Great to Be Alive!</i> 2015 live album by Drive-By Truckers

It's Great To Be Alive! is the fourth live album by the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Several versions of the album are available on LP, CD and Digital Editions. The album was recorded over a three-night run at the Fillmore in San Francisco, CA on November 20, 21 and 22, 2014.

<i>American Band</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

American Band is the eleventh studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers, released on September 30, 2016 on ATO Records. Produced by long-time collaborator David Barbe, and recorded in the summer of 2016, it is the first Drive-By Truckers album since 1999's Pizza Deliverance not to feature cover art by their longtime collaborator Wes Freed.

<i>The Unraveling</i> (Drive-By Truckers album) 2020 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

The Unraveling is the twelfth studio album by American rock band Drive-By Truckers, released on January 31, 2020 on ATO Records. It was produced by long-time collaborator David Barbe, and recorded between 2017 and 2019.

<i>The New OK</i> 2020 studio album by Drive-By Truckers

The New OK is the thirteenth studio album by American southern rock band Drive-By Truckers, released digitally on October 2, 2020 and physically on December 18, 2020 on ATO Records. It consists of outtakes from their previous album The Unraveling, songs dating as far back as 2011, and songs Patterson Hood recorded over the summer of 2020 in response to the Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, Oregon and COVID-19 pandemic. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard's top Americana/Folk Albums chart the week of January 1, 2021.

References

  1. ↑ Bernstein, Jonathan (December 3, 2013). "Drive-By Truckers Return to Simplicity on English Oceans". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  2. ↑ Conaton, Chris (March 3, 2014). "Drive-By Truckers: English Oceans". Popmatters . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  3. 1 2 Simpson, Dave (February 27, 2014). "Drive-By Truckers: English Oceans review – 'masters of southern rock'". The Guardian . London. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ "English Oceans by Drive-By Truckers reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Reviews for English Oceans by Drive-By Truckers". Metacritic . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  6. ↑ Deming, Mark. "English Oceans – Drive-By Truckers". AllMusic . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  7. ↑ Christgau, Robert (December 12, 2014). "Robert Christgau: Expert Witness". Cuepoint . Archived from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  8. ↑ Gill, Andy (March 1, 2014). "Album reviews: Pharrell Williams, Paloma Faith, Elbow, Drive-by Truckers, Robert Ellis, Nick Waterhouse". The Independent . London. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  9. ↑ Brown, August (March 3, 2014). "Album review: Drive-By Truckers' 'English Oceans' a fresh take". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Drive-By Truckers: English Oceans". Mojo (245). London: 91. April 2014.
  11. 1 2 Cohen, Ian (March 5, 2014). "Drive-By Truckers: English Oceans". Pitchfork . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Drive-By Truckers: English Oceans". Q (333). London: 106. April 2014.
  13. ↑ Gross, Joe (March 4, 2014). "English Oceans". Rolling Stone . New York. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  14. ↑ Soto, Alfred (March 4, 2014). "The Drive-By Truckers' 'English Oceans' Gets Stuck Between a Groove and a Rut". Spin . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  15. ↑ Christgau, Robert (March 6, 2014). "Album Review: 'English Oceans,' By Drive-By Truckers". NPR . Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  16. ↑ Christgau, Robert (March 10, 2015). "Excuses, Excuses: The 2014 Dean's List". The Barnes & Noble Review . Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Billboard 200". Billboard. March 22, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Top Rock Albums". Billboard. March 22, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on September 17, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Drive-By Truckers – English Oceans" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Drive-By Truckers – English Oceans" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Drive By Truckers | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  25. ↑ "15-03-2014 Top 40 Rock & Metal Albums Archive | Official Charts". Official Charts Company . Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Drive-By Truckers Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Drive-By Truckers Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Top Current Albums: Mar 22, 2014". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Drive-By Truckers Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.