James McMurtry/Chris Allen

Produced by John Mellencamp, singer-songwriter James McMurtry's 1989 debut, Too Long in the Wasteland, couldn’t be classified as bluegrass, but it did have a certain twang to it. And it announced that McMurtry, the son of writer Larry McMurtry, had a good knack for words. McMurtry has nurtured that sensibility ever since. His literary talents distinguish the songs on last year's Complicated Game. The album commences with the twangy “Copper Canteen,” a song about hunting season that features McMurtry’s signature sneer and a plodding drumbeat. It sets the tone for the album, yet another solid effort from McMurtry, who has said the new album is mostly about relationships. (Niesel)