I’m not quite sure what it is, but the last couple of years, when I feel completely depleted, I’ve been going to roots that I’ve never listened to before. Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, and, recently, Leadbelly. South Filthy take on a Blind Willie Johnson song, the title track, and I’m not going to lie to you. I know dick-all about Mr. Johnson, but I sure like South Filthy’s interpretation of his song. It’s slow blood pumping, weight of the world in your exhale, steadfast stuff that I can appreciate when I want something slow without being light and sleepy. The B-side, “Speed Traps, Weigh Stations & Detour Signs,” a Dave Dudley song off of the Truck Drivin' Son of a Gun LP and shows that the South Filthy can switch gears without losing any speed. It’s got a nice “when the CB was king,” convoy feel. Not terribly far off the original, but it retains a faithful, beaten leather feel its own. Nice change of pace.
–todd (Wrecked ‘Em)