 .38
SPECIAL
Drivetrain
Sanctuary Records 2004
www.38special.com
What's the 4-1-1?
After more than two decades together, 38 special is still playing more than
100 shows per year. While most associate the group with its arena-rock
'80s pop smashes, these days the band's harder edge is what is immediately
noticeable. On their latest Sanctuary Records release, their first studio
release since 1997’s Resolution, the group sets out to capture
that harder edge on disc.
Genre
Rock / southern / classic / AOR
The Good
Despite its silly title “Haley’s Got a Harley” is sparked
by a fuzzy blues riff and some great slide guitar. It tells the tale of a
woman liberated from a bad relationship who revamps herself as a bad biker
chick. 38 Special convey the message that we can change the World without
violence on “Jam On”. Classic area rock riffs are combines with
sing-along lyrics to make this a powerful anthem. A slow chugga-chugga riff
is the center of “Quick Fix”. We learn there’s nothing
simple that can satisfy the craving for this woman. “The Squeeze” is
how the Government and corporations keep the working man down. It has a nice
southern rock groove and catchy repetitive lick.
“The Play” is a powerful ballad that reminds us that the whole
World is a stage; it all revolves around how we act in the play. Funky guitar
licks dominate “Bad Looks Good on You”. She’s a good girl
by day and a bad girl by night; guess which one he prefers. The super-charged
riffs and lyrics of a police officer with a chip on his shoulder are easily
relatable on “Trooper with an Attitude”. Not too many people
have managed to avoid this rouge. The subject of law enforcement is explored
once again on “Sheriff’s County Line”. This multi-tempoed
track is delivered in a story-like format; it’s about forbidden love
in a southern town.
The Bad
Nothing
The Verdict
38 Special's albums from the eighties were like a brand new car right of
the assembly line; the best production money could buy, crafted to perfection,
and plenty of polish. Drivetrain on the other hand is like a restored classic
car; built from the ground up, no time restraints, and done the way you
want it. It may not have all the bells and whistles that are on the newer
model, but it's something you did yourself that you can be proud of. When
you really listen to the lyrics, you realize how keen the songs are. They’re
simple, yet smart.
Did you know?
“Trooper with an Attitude” first appeared in the 2001 film Super
Troopers.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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