A lot has changed in the world since Red Meats last effort, 2001s Alameda County Line, but these San Francisco honky-tonkers havent changed a bit. Dave Alvin is even back on board as producer for Red Meats fourth, and finest, album. With enough goofiness, grit and hardcore guitar riffs to make a dive bar regulars heart glow, We Never Close is a knockout time start to finish. Go Home, Mr. Johnson and the rowdy opener Honky Tonk Habit, both penned by Scott Young, carry the familiar country theme of spending too much dang time in a bar; a bit familiar, maybe, but well-played and fun. Bassist Jill Olsons contributions, including Queen Of King City and Thriftstore Cowgirl, are more detailed and personal and help strike a needed balance. A sing-along cover of the LeRoi Brothers Pretty Little Lights Of Town fits in perfectly.