Memphis road warriors the Dirty Streets have not slowed down on their seventh studio album, Who’s Gonna Love You?, which is due out Sept. 29 via Blue Élan Records. The trio is known for their grimy and exuberant mix of rock, blues, and soul — a true pastiche of Memphis’ musical heritage. On the album’s title track, the Dirty Streets make themselves at home deep in the pocket as they proclaim their love for their paramours.
The band recorded the new album at the legendary Sam Phillips Recording studio in Memphis with producer Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, John Prine).
“’Who’s Gonna Love You’ was born the way a lot of songs are; sitting on the edge of the bed in a hotel on tour just trying to voice what’s inside,” band member Justin Toland tells The Boot. “Sometimes a feeling is so thick in the air that you can almost see it, and at those moments I just try to see the steam settling into my mind. Like sucking in spiritual smoke so I can spit out whatever that thing is. This song was one of those and seemed to capture that longing you feel when you’re away from your loved ones. You always try to communicate your love long distance, but it can be difficult.”
The song’s accompanying music video, which is premiering exclusively on The Boot today, accentuates the track’s themes and chaotic catharsis. Viewers are taken along for the ride as the bandmates make their way through a truly decked-out mansion.
“The location was really unique, so we tried to work in the theme of the song and get creative with the shots,” Toland notes. “The video was filmed at the historic 1970s home of Elvis Presley’s Dr. George Nichopoulos.”
The video was directed by Waheed Alqawasmi, who is premiering his film Jacir at the Nashville Film Festival next month. The film stars famed actress and Academy Award nominee Lorraine Bracco, as well as music by both singer Justin Toland and the Dirty Streets.
You can learn more about the Dirty Streets by visiting their official website or by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
13 John Prine Lyrics That Prove He Wrote Like No One Else
Prine’s lyrical stories were both fantastical and simple; he wrote with a Midwest-bred honesty and humor that kept listeners on their toes. His catalog, spread over 18 albums, contains vivid stories (“Lake Marie”), insightful looks at the human condition (“Hello in There”) and sweet love songs (“Aimless Love”).
These 13 Prine lyrics — largely pulled from his songs’ choruses — are some of his very best: