todd:
i certainly don't mean to dis anyone who enjoys their later records--i personally don't think the more polished, song-oriented format suits them well. if you're digging it still moves, i'd also check out "at dawn", which is rawer but equally great.
as for jj's solo record, i liked it, but thought, again, that his earthier country stuff is better the electronic/techno thing he's dabbling in. for that reason, i preferred the record he did with jay farrar, new multitudes, which is rethinks of woody guthrie songs and is really good. also, if you're on spotify, check out jj's "tribute", which is acoustic versions of george harrison songs and, i think, really exceptional.