@slaw, Jim Lauderdale makes two kinds of albums: real good and great. ;-) He's an artist who straddles the line where Hard Country (as opposed to Rock Country as heard on mainstream radio) and Bluegrass intersect. I've seen him live upclose at little clubs around L.A. (last time at Pappy & Harriets Pioneertown Palace---how's THAT for a name?!---near Joshua Tree. The wonderful Rosie Flores joined him onstage for a few numbers), and he's the real deal. Great songwriter and singer, excellent taste in musicians to accompany him.