Sad, profound, poignant and respectful of the legacy and greatness of its subjects, this is a timeless, world weary masterpiece of a song. What rock writer Adrien Begrand said in his August 2004 review (in 'Pop Matters') about this song still stays with me all these years later: ......It’s that one song of his, “Danko/Manuel”, that is the clear-cut winner on this record, a work of astonishing simplicity, and undeniable beauty. “Can you hear that singing? Sounds like gold,” muses Isbell, as you picture him sitting on the messy, cramped tour bus, enroute to the umpteenth Drive-By Truckers show in a month, thinking about Danko’s smooth, sweet, unbelievably sad voice while staring out the window at the blur of images rolling by at 60 miles per hour. You can envision Isbell blinking the highway hypnosis out of his eyes as he concedes, “Maybe I can only hear it in my head.” Is he made for this kind of wayward life? Will he ever reach the emotional breaking point like Richard Manuel did? Like every character on The Dirty South, you just have to play the hand you’re dealt, and live the hell out of life. “Fifteen years ago they owned that road,” he muses. “Now it’s rolling over us instead.”......The lines above eloquently say more than I ever could about this song. You must truly have lived this kind of life on the road to ever write about it in Isbell's way, then also have the poetic ability to articulate those sentiments. What's extraordinary then, is that such a young man as Isbell could make real these profound thoughts and emotions. This song is unforgettable to me; it goes beyond greatness, as it ponders life on the road and poses the 2 questions asked above, that could be asked by any of us in our daily lives.......Are we made for the kind of lives that we are leading? Will it ever become too much (and will we know when it starts to?). Great artists make you think about this - Isbell did for me in this song.
I don’t think Danko fits into this narrative too well. His story isn’t a tragedy (other than only being 55 when he passed). He did what he loved to do, and was apparently happy-go-lucky. Definitely Manuel though.
Amazing duet. Saw this at Peabody Opera House in St Louis last night. Never heard of Jason Isbell before but will own some albums by the end of the week for sure. Great recording, this was quite the experience live.
This is easily my find of the year. One of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. Loved the song anyway but this version is just heaven. Stop trying to compete with your critique of it and just deal with the fact that it's awesome
this is magnificant. does anyone know if jason and ryan ever performed "the blue" together?? i could have sworn they did in, either from when they were on tour together during one of the encores or during one of jason's shows where ryan sat in for a few songs...but i can't find it anywhere. anyone know?
in his case, yes the part is greater than the sum. I love DBT but they have been going downhill since he left. Isbell on the other hand has put out some incredible music since he went solo.
I love Jason, but DBT was an incredible band before he ever joined the band. DBT's break came with Southern Rock Opera and Jason has nothing to do with that. I love Jason but his first two solo albums don't hold up to DBT at the worst. His new album on the other hand is his first great work as a solo artist,
I'm a huge Isbell fan,but you don't need to tell Christian's who they should vote for.Just because trump fly's off the handle from time to time,doesn't mean Jesus wouldn't have anything to do with him,you think Jesus would want people to vote for a murderer like Hillary? It's crazy how you get some fame and turn left. I mean you are the one performing a song in this video with an atheist.
Sad, profound, poignant and respectful of the legacy and greatness of its subjects, this is a timeless, world weary masterpiece of a song. What rock writer Adrien Begrand said in his August 2004 review (in 'Pop Matters') about this song still stays with me all these years later:
......It’s that one song of his, “Danko/Manuel”, that is the clear-cut winner on this record, a work of astonishing simplicity, and undeniable beauty. “Can you hear that singing? Sounds like gold,” muses Isbell, as you picture him sitting on the messy, cramped tour bus, enroute to the umpteenth Drive-By Truckers show in a month, thinking about Danko’s smooth, sweet, unbelievably sad voice while staring out the window at the blur of images rolling by at 60 miles per hour. You can envision Isbell blinking the highway hypnosis out of his eyes as he concedes, “Maybe I can only hear it in my head.” Is he made for this kind of wayward life? Will he ever reach the emotional breaking point like Richard Manuel did? Like every character on The Dirty South, you just have to play the hand you’re dealt, and live the hell out of life. “Fifteen years ago they owned that road,” he muses. “Now it’s rolling over us instead.”......The lines above eloquently say more than I ever could about this song. You must truly have lived this kind of life on the road to ever write about it in Isbell's way, then also have the poetic ability to articulate those sentiments. What's extraordinary then, is that such a young man as Isbell could make real these profound thoughts and emotions.
This song is unforgettable to me; it goes beyond greatness, as it ponders life on the road and poses the 2 questions asked above, that could be asked by any of us in our daily lives.......Are we made for the kind of lives that we are leading? Will it ever become too much (and will we know when it starts to?). Great artists make you think about this - Isbell did for me in this song.
Makes sense since this beautifully rendered storyline is mine
I don’t think Danko fits into this narrative too well. His story isn’t a tragedy (other than only being 55 when he passed). He did what he loved to do, and was apparently happy-go-lucky. Definitely Manuel though.
Holy shit: Ryan Adams played with DBT? I didn't know the Universe could tolerate such a collision of musical genius.
Amazing duet. Saw this at Peabody Opera House in St Louis last night. Never heard of Jason Isbell before but will own some albums by the end of the week for sure. Great recording, this was quite the experience live.
Everytime I hear this song it gives me the chills.
My greatest fear is that I will never see either of these two GENIUSES live...
I've seen Jason live 4 times. It's worth it brother.
Seen ryan 4 times seeing isbell next nov 2021 hopefully.
Beautiful.. so alive as Ryan always makes me feel
I was there, but damn if I can remember JI doing this one. It sucks to get old
I was there. It was amazing. Drove from Denver...
Jason Isbell is fast becoming my fav musician. This isn't my fav song of his but it still ranks highly. Biopic in a few years please.
I saw both of them live at the same time when Jason opened for Ryan in Paris this spring!
Go-Go Boots is one of their best albums.
They lost an amazing, incredible songwriter and performer, but they're still strong as ever.
This is easily my find of the year. One of the best vocal performances I've ever heard. Loved the song anyway but this version is just heaven. Stop trying to compete with your critique of it and just deal with the fact that it's awesome
I really like that pic. thanx for posting. met Jason at a festival. he's a very cool guy
Really? DBT, Ryan Adams and JI are three of my favoritres. How can anyone hate on any of them? Great musicians all around.
Gregg Iddings add The Smiths, Dylan, Bruce and maybes twenty more and you have my music collection. Philosophers All
makes me cry everytime
I was there. This was cool.
Mind blown
Where the fuck is the "Can't Live Without" button?
Ryan in background vocals and guitar
Gorgeous face I ever saw!!!!
W O W ! Melifluous and great lyrics . Adams is a legend and Isbell will be soon enough.... Where can I get the CD ?
Sadly, I have to agree. DBT has not been the same since Isbell left.
"Nearly Famous Jason Isbell"
If I evet totally lose my cool I'll play this alone in a room.- Peace Bro.
I did. And I did.
had no fucking idea this existed... awesome.
this is magnificant. does anyone know if jason and ryan ever performed "the blue" together?? i could have sworn they did in, either from when they were on tour together during one of the encores or during one of jason's shows where ryan sat in for a few songs...but i can't find it anywhere. anyone know?
my headphones are stuck
great audio. where'd you get it from?
@AYMB316 Was just thinking the same thing before I saw your comment.
in his case, yes the part is greater than the sum. I love DBT but they have been going downhill since he left. Isbell on the other hand has put out some incredible music since he went solo.
Do you have more from this night that you can post?
JJJJJJJEEEEEESSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSS.
Wow...better than the original
Was in the 2nd row that night
also an Alabama cover that note too
lucky you
Hear that second voice?
No dislike yet, let's keep it that way. Fucking brilliant performance.
the part is greater than the sum, eh isbell? what the fuck ever dude, good luck
This is jason isbell not ryan
I love Jason, but DBT was an incredible band before he ever joined the band. DBT's break came with Southern Rock Opera and Jason has nothing to do with that. I love Jason but his first two solo albums don't hold up to DBT at the worst. His new album on the other hand is his first great work as a solo artist,
I love this song, but I'd rather hear JI play it on his own that with that other guy.
That other guy that sold it to him; r Adams, that other guy ? It’s my lyricisms, Ryan Adams arranged it
Too bad no video. I agree with Darksidehippy completely. Also, Ryan Adams really adds nothing to this.
Except authorship, goof bud
I'm a huge Isbell fan,but you don't need to tell Christian's who they should vote for.Just because trump fly's off the handle from time to time,doesn't mean Jesus wouldn't have anything to do with him,you think Jesus would want people to vote for a murderer like Hillary? It's crazy how you get some fame and turn left. I mean you are the one performing a song in this video with an atheist.
Shut up