These songs sound better than most of the stuff MK has produced the last ten years.
Well, keep in mind that this is actually JJ Cale-stuff, the "Tulsa sound"...
Lots of influences but all in all it's quite straightforward Americana. It's hard to make this kind of music NOT to sound good.
But then again, "Privateering" is way way way better stuff than "KTGC". So yes, the last couple of years have been a clear step-up.
edit... Can't tell which I'm anticipating more right now. This release or the upcoming four weeks summer's vacation.