I won't say it's quite Trace-level great, but I think it's freaking awesome. Straightaways never grabbed me though. It's always reminded me of Communique by Dire Straits ... to me both play like the collection of tunes that didn't meet the standards for the debut. Still good, a couple near-gems, but I'm always like I might as well play Trace Wide Swing though is a whole other deal

I have to say though Son Volt is one of dullest bands to see live. Jay is the antithesis of "charismatic" onstage I hate to say. I love his music obvs but damn are they boring to see. And TBH, the last like 8 albums have been pretty samey, and I can't listen to any of them in entirety without his monotone vocals starting to gnaw on my brain. I still like lots of later songs but they are all in 'mixes'. Small Jay doses are still great

Tried to get into Okemah, but by then the magic was gone. Still love to listen to those first 3 and his solo album, soundtrack of my early days.