This somewhat cryptic title is actually part of a tongue-in-cheek expression -- "The closer kin, the deeper in." The story of the song appears to closely resemble the story of Patricia Teernstra Muth and her brother Allen Muth, who were convicted and served time following their conviction for incest in the case Muth v. Frank. Isbell plays electric mandolin through an Ampeg Gemini amp. "The Deeper In" signals John Neff's return to recording with the band following his absence from Southern Rock Opera. Critical reception Having been brought to the attention of many critics through the success of Southern Rock Opera, Decoration Day was eagerly anticipated and, upon its arrival, very well received. The album garnered excellent reviews from critics like Robert Christgau of The Village Voice as well as publications such as SPIN Magazine, Pitchfork Media and Rolling Stone''. Decoration Day would go on to place on many publications' "Best of 2003" lists, including the Village Voice's influential Pazz & Jop poll, No Depression's "40 Best Alt. Country Albums of 2003", Rolling Stone's "Critics' Top 10 of 2003" and Amazon.com's "Top 100 Editors' Picks of 2003". The album also appeared at #27 on Paste Magazine's "The Best 50 Albums of the Decade" list. Track listing Personnel Band Mike Cooley – guitar, vocals Earl Hicks – bass Patterson Hood – guitar, vocals Jason Isbell – guitar, vocals Brad Morgan – drums Additional Personnel David Barbe – producer, engineer, mixer, guitar, keyboards, Wurlitzer, upright piano Scott Danbom – fiddle Clay Leverett – harmony John Neff – pedal steel Spooner Oldham – Wurlitzer, soloist Shonna Tucker - upright bass (on "Sounds Better in the Song") Chart performance References Drive-By Truckers albums 2003 albums New West Records albums