Patterson Hood

Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance (ATO)

Patterson Hood’s third solo album shares obvious similarities to what he brings to the Drive-By Truckers, but Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance delves deeply into personal and emotional territory in ways his Georgian marauders could never approach. Immediate about this collection is its intimacy, Hood having lovingly built his own Harvest, songs emanating a golden sheen filled with tumbling pianos and cellos. Ostensibly a contrast between the tumultuous life he was leading 20 years ago and a certain amount of contentment he’s finally achieved, it’s all told in a way that’s both musically satisfying and lyrically potent. The post divorce rant “Better Off Without” and bittersweet Kelly Hogan duet “Come Back Little Star” about their late friend Vic Chesnutt are among the treasures here. Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance proves that no matter how well we think we know him, Patterson Hood still surprises. (6:30pm, BMI stage)

***.5

Record Reviews (do these metas for each record)

This article appears in October 12 • 2012.

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