Alabama vets, The Dexateens were to kind enough to stop by our studio earlier this summer. My appreciation for this band has grown over the years and the turning point was when they worked with Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) on Hardwire Healing. Patterson is one of the icons of the alt-country genre and his influence is ever present in the music of The Dexateens.
Their latest effort, Singlewide, has enjoyed steady play in my rotation this summer. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating – it is the perfect evening album for the summer. It’s easy-going vibe is the perfect transition as day turns into night and the kids head off to bed.
The boys laid down four live tracks during their visit to Chicago. “Granddaddy’s Mouth is a tune that didn’t really stand out during my countless album spins, but it was the one that knocked my socks off. It has a nice mid-70s Stone vibe, back when they weren’t trying too hard to be the Stones. Thanks for listening enjoy the downloads.
The Dexateens take it easy on Singlewide. Building on the success of Hardwire Healing and using a few tricks they picked up while working with Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers, the boys from Alabama decide to dial things down a notch on their fourth album. And while the amps may not be as high as the old days of Red Dust Rising, the songwriting has never been better.
Led by Elliot McPherson and John Smith, Singlewide produces a sound more fitting of a back porch than a smoky rock club. I actually fired this up while knocking down a cool one this past weekend. The sun was going down as I sat on the porch watching my monsters romp around and it felt so right.
Songs are structured around the acoustic guitar as McPherson and Smith trade easy going licks. The harmonies that flow throughout the album are effortless and its hard not to imagine the boys on rocking chairs drinking a big pitcher of Lynchburg Lemonade.
The second song, “Caption,” is my favorite. It’s an introspective look at one’s place in life and the lazy guitar lick that permeates throughout the tune sounds half-exhausted as it leaves the amp. A couple other faves include “Charlemagne” featuring slide guitar and “Missionary Blues” with standout lyrics. And to top things off, David Berman of Silver Jews makes a guest appearance on the final track, “Can You Whoop It.” It’s the last song Berman recorded before quitting music in January.
We’ll have a live session with The Dexateens in the coming weeks. Until then, you can Buy it at Amazon for $7.99.
Alt-Country southern rockers, The Dexateens, will be releasing a new album of hillbilly music entitled Singlewide via Skybucket / Cornelius Chapel Records on May 12th (our review is coming soon). They’ll be touring this summer in support of the album, including dates with The Features and Those Darlins. Here’s the first track released in audio and video.
May 2 Tuscaloosa, AL Mellow Mushroom
May 8 Birmingham, AL Zydeco
May 9 Atlanta, GA The Earl
May 11 Charlotte, NC The Milestone
May 12 Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel
May 13 Charlottesville, VA iS Venue
May 14 New York, NY Pianos
May 15 Cambridge, MA TT the Bears
May 16 Philadelphia, PA Khyber
May 17 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall
May 19 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
May 20 Chicago, IL Schuba’s Tavern
May 21 Newport, KY Southgate House-The Parlour
May 22 Lexington, KY The Dame
May 23 Knoxville, TN Barley’s
May 24 Nashville, TN The Basement
Jun 6 Chattanooga, TN Riverbend Festival Bud
May 8th The Features open
May 11th – May 23rd co-bill with The Features
May 11th – 13th & May 19th-23rd Those Darlins open
