Boozy hyperactivity aside, what makes Old 97's a great country-rock band is the tug of war between Rhett Miller's love for rough honky-tonkin' and Sixties pop. Playing to the latter, per usual for his solo work, he's made his strongest set yet. Aided by Jon Brion on bass and guitar, Miller brings plenty of hooks. But his wise, barbed lyrics are what elevate things, whether addressing a striver "killing in a comedy club in Hollywood/After years of psychotherapy" or a weary widow celebrating her 100th birthday in 2106 — when these songs will still ring true.