REVIEW: THE DIRTY TRUCKERS – TIGER STRIPES (2017)

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Keep on truckin’ 

A re-release of the fourth EP from Boston’s The Dirty Truckers (which originally emerged in 2012) is noteworthy for a few things.

First, the six tracker was criminally ignored in the UK – a fact that simply has to change with this. Second, TDT were the band that songwriter extraordinaire Tom Baker formed in 1999 when he decided to take his rock n roll attack into a more Americana type area – which makes them very cool indeed.

And third (and really this is the crucial one) it is absolutely brilliant.

Baker recently released an album with his other band, The Snakes, and anyone who liked that will find much to love here. The subtext of this is anyone who loves rock n roll and has a pulse is going to enjoy The Dirty Truckers.

From the loose lead of “Stranger In Disguise”, wherein Baker proves again that he is the master of the classic three minute rock n roll song, to “Human Contact”, which cheerfully invokes the spirit of “Because I Said So” era New York Dolls, the whole thing is infused with a rare spirit.

“Feedback” is more countryfied, but goes about its business like Jason And The Scorchers jamming with Ronnie Wood – and because its Tom Baker it comes with an insanely catchy hook, just because and “Not That Into You” replicates the vibe but also works on the principle that no song isn’t improved by an organ bit (played here by Paul Schultheis).

“Arm’s Length” decides to come on like  Joey Ramone singing a chilled out Cheap Trick tune, and if we can all assume “Just Run Away” had heard “Dead Flowers” that is just fine.

An absolute gem of an EP that is absolute categoric evidence that some of the best music that is ever made is created by people who do it way from the glare of the spotlight. This wouldn’t have been made with any sort of corporate pressure and that shines through.

Get it this time, because Trucking Hell this is awesome. Brother, they’ve earned their stripes.

Rating 9/10

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