Jason Isbell - Speed Trap Town (Live) | Reaction + Review! 

I know you guys dont get many views on jason isbell but i seriously seriously appreciate you doing them consistently. He truly is just a magical artist. A dying breed that is the true essence of what music is. Thank you

The first time I ever truly listened to this song and that slide guitar came up after saying goodbye to his father I busted out in tears, driving down the Autobahn. Got to see him last November in Concert. Fantastic performer and band.

Man, on the album version especially, that short guitar solo brings years to my eyes every single time. So mournful. Excellent writing and composting. But it is Jason Isbell, after all.

"Those 5A bastards run a shallow cross/ it's a boy's last dream and a man's first loss" is every high school football movie in two lines.

Top notch. He's got SO many good songs, but this one is top notch! So much between the lines. Listened to Speed Trap Town MANY times before I started to get the whole picture...

This song is about the narrator's dad dying, where Dad's not a great guy (obvs), and he grew up in a shitty little town where Dad was an abusive authority figure. There's NOT a bunch of 'different stories' in this song. It's all one story from the POV of the narrator/singer. Verse 1: Narrator is picking up cheap flowers at a grocery store, either to take to him at the hospital, or perhaps for his dads service. He gets empty platitudes from the checker who apparently knew his dad was very ill or had recently passed (as one expects in a small town). Verse 2: Narrator goes to a HS football game, and gets hammered in his grief. He sees the occasion of Dad's death as the point at which he leaves boyhood and becomes a man. He also realizes that nobody in the small town actually gives a crap about what's he's going through, and contemplates getting the hell outta Dodge. Verse 3: Narrator laments on what an ass his dad was, and how he was there to watch his dad's slow demise at the hospital, and how there's no reason to stay in the shitty town he grew up in, once dad is gone. Verse 4: Narrator gets the hell outta Dodge. One story. The Speed Trap Town title is just to let you know it's small-town America :) That said, glad you fella's dug it. This song totally crushes me every time I hear it. I sing along to every word, but there's so many lyrics I can't finish ... I think this is in the running for the best song JI has ever done.

“A boys last dream and a man’s first loss” always gives me the chills

When you finish this album, jump back to listen to Alabama Pines. Similar vibe, great lyrics and some good directions to navigate Alabama.

As a 60 year old person I can say that very few artists have come along the with the writing skills of Jason Isbell. He has earned a spot among the greatest to ever do it.

My buddy Chandler used to tell me about this guy all the time....he wanted me to go with him to see Isabell live...."come on man I'm an old LA Punk Rocker from way back I hate this country music" I would spit at him.....bout 8 yrs ago Chandler died of a fentanyl overdose.....his mother was inconsolable.....this was the second son of hers that died of an OD.....I had to go Identify Chandlers body at the hospital......tonight is the first time I've ever listen to Isabell n both songs have rubbed me raw.......I wish I would have gone with my friend to see his favorite Country artist......

This is the best reaction on the internet

“A lot of Isbell wouldn’t be Isbell with that/Amanda.” Brother, Isbell would be dead without Amanda.

That whole show is on youtube....you guys need to watch the whole thing.

It’s one story. He just isn’t telling it in a linear fashion.