In 2004 the Drive-By Truckers released what would become the best selling album in their illustrious catalog - The Dirty South is a concept album that examines the state of the South, and unveils the hypocrisy, irony, and tragedy that continues to exist - The album features live show staples like, "Tornadoes", "Where The Devil Dont Stay" and "Puttin People On The Moon" as well as rarities like "Goode's Field Road" and "Daddy's Cup.

The Complete Dirty South is a band-led rework of the original album. Principal member, Patterson Hood, took the reins and reimagined this record as it was originally intended. The complete version features re-sequenced audio, three additional tracks, four remixes along with updated vocals. The packaging comes with a perfect bound book featuring liner notes from Patterson Hood, track by track descriptions from Mike Cooley and Jason Isbell as well as never before seen photos along with updated artwork from the late Wes Freed. "This 'Director's Cut' is the way it was always intended to be heard" - Patterson Hood