Singer/songwriter R.B. Morris takes a strong step forward on this debut disc to take his share of the lead in what has been called the alternative country genre, although there’s a fair amount of rockin’ folk here. Morris wrote ten of the twelve songs, co-wrote one more, and does a smash-up version of Robert Mitchum’s “The Ballad of Thunder Road.” His band is solid behind him, especially the sparkling guitar work of Kenny Vaughan. Morris does a duet with John Prine on “Roy,” which cops its melody from one of Prine’s own songs, but it is well done. In addition, Al Kooper plays organ on a few songs, and the last cut is a bluegrass/country gospel tune on which Lucinda Williams sings backup. This is a good album with well-written, insightful songs, very good singing, and a sharp backing band that plays with élan at all times. – Bob Gottlieb