The ubiquitous Ron Hawkins assembled an incredibly talented group of musicians to create the Rusty Nails. Their inaugural album, Greasing the Star Machine, is a musical journey that encompasses styles ranging from punk-influenced swing to jazzy rock and profound ballads. Two baritone saxophones accompany guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums, creating a powerful low end. Hawkins' songwriting abilities have only gotten better since he parted ways with Lowest of the Low -- he can write everything from political poetry set to punk rock to beautiful, introspective songs. Standout tracks include the jazzy "Patatas Bravas," the rockin' "Psycho/Superstar," the heartwrenching "Ghostwriting," and the swinging "Immutable." If you liked Lowest of the Low, this is very different, but better. – Linda Woods, All Music. "Greasing the Star Machine," the excellent debut album from Ron Hawkins and the Rusty Nails released in the United States on Oct. 17, has a heavier, jazz/blues sound to it than Hawkins' past catchy pop-rock material. The band's sound can best be described as punk-swing. Saxophonists Christopher Plock and Rob Fenton and bassist Michael Kaler's rhythms and accents lend a big-band feel, while Hawkins' raunchy guitar chords are pure punk. Hawkins has long been known for introspective lyrics dealing with heartbreak and lost love, and that trend continues on "Greasing the Star Machine." "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" and the heart-rending "Someone Else's Baby" show Hawkins at his lyrical best. The album's best song deals with a lost love of another kind and has been a staple of the band's live shows for more than a year. "Ghostwriting" is written to Hawkins' sister, who was stillborn. A psychic told Hawkins' mother this dead sister channels creative energy through him. The simple, evocative lyrics - "She said you are working through me/like vibration works through a string" - are moving, and give the track a mysterious, supernatural feel. While tender and sweet at times, Hawkins lets his punk-rock roots show through. "Strange," the record's first single; "Suffer Me;" and "Suffering in Mink" explode with horns and guitars in rocking packages. Other highlights on the album include "(Waitin' on) My New Heart," a cute country song, and "Be My Alibi," a danceable song with a Motown feel. As a whole, "Greasing the Star Machine" is a solid debut from an established rock star. While the sound has changed, Hawkins proves himself one of the best songwriters and performers in alternative rock with this record. - By Brian Moritz Associate Editor