Bruce Robison, who has had his songs turned into mainstream country hits by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, George Strait and the Dixie Chicks, is a Texas staple. But this latest offering might just turn a few heads in the rest of the new world. While "Bad Girl Blues," which conjures a smoky nightclub, is sonically and lyrically the hands-down winner on the set ("Wish I could have been the bridesmaid instead of always the bride"), "California 85" features another clever turn ("Try the California 85, it goes well with the lies"). Other highlights include the funky "The Hammer," bluegrass-tinged "Only," the throwback "Twistin' " and playful "The New One," which would make Randy Newman proud. Wife Kelly Willis adds her distinctive voice to a number of cuts, and the rich yet spare accompaniment is just right. —Ken Tucker