Review: Drivin N Cryin releases new album “Crushing Flowers”

their later psychedelic period, only need check the credits to see Peter Buck’s name. The guitarist, a longtime fan and supporter, also produced Kinney’s 1990 debut solo album.

There’s plenty of crash and bang too on the AC/DC meets Blackberry Smoke grasp of “Why Don’t You Go Around,” bringing a distinctive Southern rock attitude as the guitars churn and burn.

The ghost of T. Rex appears in the glammy glaze of “Jesse Electric” where Kinney gets defiant about the music biz singing “The artists take the art out of a city in decay/But then here comes the money and we gotta run away.” The band pays the ultimate tribute to the late Todd Snider (this album is dedicated to him) giving him lead vocals on the closing, thumping rock of “Iggy Monkey.” The song, an odd if affectionate homage to The Monkees and Iggy Pop, references the latter group and The Stooges in its lyrics.

Anyone who has not previously jumped on the Drivin N Cryin bandwagon can make up for lost time on the terrific ‘Crushing Flowers.’ Helmed by Sadler Vaden, a current member of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit, it’s as sharp and concise a collection as they have recorded.

Better still, you now have about a dozen previous albums to enjoy. And can also look forward to the next DNC platter because it’s clear these guys aren’t planning on retiring anytime soon.