Mike Cooley’s Unique Perspective on Paranoia
Mike Cooley possesses a talent for crafting memorable sayings. In his deep Alabama voice, he remarks, “Paranoia’s like pulled pork. It’s featured in restaurants globally, but in the American South, it holds a unique significance.” This quote concludes a discussion on firearms and the Southern affinity for them, a recurring theme in Drive-By Truckers’ twelfth album, The Unraveling.
A Timely Album’s Release
On the chilly New York day marking the release of The Unraveling, Cooley and fellow guitarist-singer-songwriter Patterson Hood enjoy lamb meatballs together. The album’s title is fitting given the current state of affairs: Donald Trump’s impeachment trial stalls in Washington, D.C., and the UK is in the process of leaving the EU. Hood acknowledges the timing, saying, “Unfortunately, we kinda saw it coming. With everything being so chaotic, you can never predict what ridiculousness lies ahead.”
Musical Style Meets Lyrical Anger
The Unraveling maintains the band’s signature sound: euphoric classic rock with intricate guitars and some country-infused ballads. This combination has attracted Grammy nominations and notable collaborations like country star Jason Isbell. However, the lyrics are infused with rage, addressing contemporary issues such as school shootings (in “Thoughts and Prayers”), immigrant detention (in “Babies in Cages”), the opioid crisis (in “Heroin Again”), and societal inequities (in “21st Century USA”).
Reflections on Society’s Failures
“My daughter was locked in a closet with 27 other kids for 20 minutes – to prepare for someone shooting up their school.”
Hood shares this personal experience, highlighting the unsettling reality children face today. He questions the potential trauma inflicted by such drills, and Cooley adds, “We’re starting to ask whether we’re causing psychological harm to kids just in case something happens.”
Critique of the Second Amendment
Despite residing in gun-friendly Alabama, neither Cooley nor Hood expresses strong support for the Second Amendment. Cooley points out, “If you feel the need to carry a weapon, legalities become irrelevant when chaos ensues. The Second Amendment was never meant to enable unregulated weapon ownership for anyone.” He criticizes both the Second Amendment and the electoral college as outdated concepts that contribute to current frustrations.
The Complexity of Southern Identity
Both musicians reflect on the duality of Southern identity, recognizing that liberalism and racism can exist simultaneously. They emphasize that the division transcends regional boundaries, focusing instead on the increasing gap between urban and rural areas. Hood contrasts his experience in liberal Portland, Oregon, with Cooley’s life in Birmingham, a blue city within a red state, illustrating that discontent is widespread.
Finding Hope in Unexpected Places
Despite the grim landscape, Cooley shares a hopeful story: when he lost his bank card, it was returned by a working-class man who embodied the demographic often assumed to align with Trump. This act of kindness reminded Cooley that humanity still exists amid divisive rhetoric. “It was a moment that stayed with me,” he reflects.
The Unraveling is currently available through ATO Records.
