Opening with a luscious burst of pedal steel, Gina Villalobos’ second album is a burnished and rueful collection of country rock hurtin’ tunes. Anyone with a fondness for Tom Petty will probably enjoy 'Rock ‘N’ Roll Pony', not so much for the sound, since Gina Villalobos isn’t as rock as Petty, but for the tone of the lyrics and the peculiar combination of pain and hope that permeates them. (It’s easy to infer that the serious accident that blinded Villalobos in one eye while she was working on the album had its effect.) The muscular sound and polished production may turn off some alt-twang fans, and the cover of World Party’s 'Put The Message In The Box' might raise a few eyebrows, but be assured Gina Villalobos’ sophomore album is solid Americana through and through. Yes, a very enjoyable CD, but I must end my review with a complaint-cum-edict … I never … ever -- EVER! -- want to hear another song about California. Particularly not one called 'California' !!! I have officially reached my country-rock-songs-about-California saturation point. Really, if I hear another country-rock tune about the Golden State, I’m going to have an aneurysm. So sing about Idaho or something instead.