STEREOPHONICS Live From Dakota

Following the lineup of Stereophonics’ post-Language. Sex. Violence. Other. gigs, the first disc of the newly released Live From Dakota opens with raw versions of “Superman” and “Doorman.” These two loud, brash tracks give the double album experience a jolting start. The first disc’s features also include the big hit anthem “A Thousand Trees” and an improved electric version of “Mr. Writer.”

Disc two, however, is geared more toward longtime supporters. Lesser hits such as “Vegas Two Times” appear solely for the true fanatics, and new track “Jayne” pales in comparison to the rest of the album. While most of the tracks here are staples from the band’s past, their live incarnations could have used some tweaking or variation. The raw magic and energy of live performance, however, is captured by the crowd on “Traffic.”

It isn’t likely for those who aren’t already hooked on ‘phonics to buy into Live from Dakota, but followers of the band will enjoy it, and those who saw them on tour will now have the ultimate souvenir. Grade: B/B-

— Lisa Hiton, Muse Staff

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS A Blessing and a Curse

Alternative-rockers Drive-by Truckers are no newcomers to the music world. With the April release of their sixth album, A Blessing and Curse, they prove why they have become veterans in the rock world. This Alabama-based quintet gives us a 14-track disc infused with hard rock, pop, classic rock and country, making it their heaviest and strongest yet.

Reminiscent of the Replacements and Creedence Clearwater Revival, the tracks are filled with personal and poignant narratives about life’s struggles. “Wednesday” tells a tale of a man losing a woman and the slow-tempo track “Goodbye” sheds light on those moments in life when everything seems to be falling apart. The final track, “A World of Hurt,” is a twangy ditty about suicide.

Not all the tracks are so emotional, though. Drive-by Truckers give us plenty of fun, up-tempo tunes like the disc’s opener, “Feb 14,” and the Rolling Stones-inspired “Aftermath USA” to keep us from getting too depressed. Following up their highly acclaimed 2004 release The Dirty South, Drive-by Truckers have a record on their hands that’s sure to live up to expectations and maybe even surpass some.

Grade: B+

— Lauren Murphy, Muse Staff