A huge leap forward, this project was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by California's favorite son, Dave Alvin. Taking Red Meat to the next professional level, Alvin presents a band on the verge of a breakthrough. Still exhibiting the strong songwriting that made their debut, Meet Red Meat, so effective, the band is more refined and savvy without losing its edge. Sharper than ever, Red Meat prove themselves as they shuffle and twang their way through 13 great cuts. This time out, they even cover a Johnny Horton classic, "I'm a One Woman Man," with plenty of grace and style. Impressive as they stretch their wings, Red Meat adds plenty of torch to their tonk on "The Show Must Go On" and "Broken Up and Blue." A distinctive tip of the hat goes out once again to Buck Owens via "Cry a Little Bit." Both Bakersfield guitar deities, Roy Nichols and Don Rich, seem to be honored on "Marie" while they show off their vocal harmonies with a gospel effect on "Deep Water." Their humor is apparent as they sing about livin' below the "Poverty Line," a clever take on a dark subject a la Bakersfield bard Red Simpson. Ending things on a very dramatic, wild west note, "Cattle Drive" proves Red Meat to be a highly qualified band with plenty of texture and the push to take their music to the top. ~ Jana Pendragon, All Music Guide