Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ are one of those underdiscovered rock bands you probably know about if you grew up in certain parts of the South during certain parts of the last century, or if you happened to hang out with someone who did, and who liked to put the band’s songs on mix tapes. They came out of the Atlanta scene in the mid-’80s, but latecomers hoping to understand their sound should not only nod at R.E.M., but consider Neil Young, AC/DC, The Replacements, even the bounce-back effect of the Drive-By Truckers, who were certainly influenced by D’N'C the first time around — before turning around and influencing Kevn Kinney & Co. right back.
The band started demos for Great American Bubble Factory on September 10th, 2001. As Kinney writes in the press materials accompanying the record: “The next day the world was upside down… I just didn’t feel like I was ready to tell the story of the blue-collared optimist.” As it turns out, several of the songs (“Detroit City,” “Preapproved, Predenied”) couldn’t be more prescient of the times at hand. “If you can make it here, why don’t you make it here?” Kinney sings on the title track — it’s like the productive flip side of John Rich’s “Shutting Detroit Down” indignance. “In my world,” Kinney writes, half-jokingly, “the first step to a renewed America and our deliverance from an unspeakable disrespect of the American workforce would be the opening of THE GREAT AMERICAN BUBBLE FACTORY. They would come from miles around to see the Willie Wonka of the New Deal… There’s hope again!!!” Given the song’s smashing horn arrangement and the unmistakable squall of Kinney’s voice, the same can pretty much be said for Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ fans.
Great American Bubble Factory is available September 29th, but because here at the Music Mix we are into sharing, you can hear it right now, streaming below. Give a listen, tell your friends, and ring in with your comments.
More from EW’s Music Mix:
EW exclusive news: Kenny Chesney to sit out summer of 2010
Kanye West and Taylor Swift: Why do people care so much about this story?
Kanye West calls Taylor Swift to apologize during The View
All-American Rejects play the Warped Tour 15th anniversary party: Exclusive video
Comments (1-11) of 11 Add your comment
I’m really looking forward to next week when you stream the new album by The Georgia Satellites.
Having grown up in that certain part of the South in the late ’80s/early ’90s, and having included “Straight to Hell” and “Fly Me Courageous” on many a mix tape, I can’t wait to get this album.
Sounds pretty good
I saw Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ at a roller skating rink in Durham, NC back in 1987 and it was one of the loudest shows I have ever seen…but in a clean way, not all distorted. Looking forward to the new album.
Good Lord I am Home!!!!!!!!
I couldn’t agree more!
While selling Tshirts at a local show for DNC, I realized, listening to “Fly me” and all the hits, plus the new ones, this band has much more to say. The difference between a New song by one of your favorite artist, and a golden oldie that brings back those memories, is you. You make the difference. So go out and see these guys where ever you are. Make new memories with them, It will change your perspective.
Whitney: everything opinion you have is flawed, every assertion you make is fallacious.
This thread = EPIC FAIL
Saw D’n'C play in a tiny club in Detroit in 1998, heck of a show from a very underrated band. Glad to see those guys still kicking…
What a great sounding album!
Gotta love: “From a Macon Goodwill I bought the 45. I see Georgia, every time I hear that song playing on an old radio.”
Hi I’m Dean from Encino, CA. I’m new member to this forum and I’m here to collect all the useful information on computer,internet web hosting ,reseller hosting and all. Can anyone here who can share more and more useful tips and useful information related to it.Than just connect with the forum and share more and more information.
Thanks.
Have a nice day.