Meat Purveyors – Someday Soon Things Will Be Much Worse!

The Meat Purveyors are known for their classic country covers, their camp country takes on pop-rock faves, and an increasingly crafty set of originals. The fifth release by the Austin, Texas, four-piece is more of the same, only better. Vocalist Jo Walston combines bluster, poignance, and a wry attitude on such songs as Loretta Lynns Fist City and the John Conlees exquisite Rose-Colored Glasses. Foreigners Hot Blooded is a bit too hokey, but the Human Leagues Dont You Want Me Baby? comes off sweet with a country twang. Guitarist Bill Andersons originals stand up to the covers, with Look On Your Face and the political screed Plates A Spinnin standing out. The band augments its acoustic guitar/mandolin/bass/vocals lineup on more than half the songs, adding drums, fiddle, pedal steel and piano (from the Damnations Amy Boone, no less). No surprise, Walston sounds great in every context.