Most artists are deeper into their career than when they decide to devote an entire album to covers; and had only released three LPs' worth of their own stuff before deciding it was time to start digging into other folks' songbooks with 2015's . The album also finds collaborating with a handful of other artists, with each tune featuring different guest vocalists or musicians who help the duo bring it home. gives a chance to show what they can do as interpreters and collaborators, and this concept plays to their strengths. 's deep and greasy blend of Americana and indie rock works well with this eclectic batch of material, which ranges from vintage R&B ( 's "Nothing Takes the Place of You") and classic rock ( 's "Unknown Legend") to 's not-so-guilty teenage pleasures ("Patience" by and "Last" by ). They also work with artists who mesh well with their musical sense, in which they respect tradition while messing with it a little at the same time, and the songs are by and large stronger than their own work (which is no insult given the pedigree of the writers they're interpreting here). is a fine fit for the mingled warmth and regret of 's "Perfect Day," provide the right "3 A.M. in a cheap motel room vibe" on "Patience," add a welcome gospel undertow to 's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding," and wins Best in Show honors for his passionate and heartfelt reading of "Nothing Takes the Place of You." seems less like a stopgap than it might be coming from many artists, and it not only captures sounding strong and imaginative, it shows they have good taste in songwriters and performing partners, two qualities that never hurt. ~ Mark Deming