Hard Line

Representing the final studio album to feature the original lineup, this release found the legendary Los Angeles roots-rockers attempting to integrate a slightly more polished, contemporary sheen. 'Hard Line' pairs their fiery, high-energy rockabilly and R&B influences with slicker production, even including a track penned by heartland rock contemporary John Mellencamp. Deepening tensions between the Alvin brothers over this stylistic shift led to chief songwriter Dave Alvin's departure shortly afterward.