Had Michael Stanley been a “regional star” in New York City or Los Angeles, as opposed to Cleveland, he likely would’ve been pushed more in the way that folks like Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith got their just dues. But like Joe Gruschecky of Pittsburgh’s Iron City Houserockers, this Midwestern star worked against the same wind that broke only for Bob Seger and John Mellencamp. Following in the tradition of 2013’s The Ride, The Job features compelling personal songs about the rocky road that was (and is) his career. It's mixed again by legendary producer/engineer Bill Szymczyk (The Eagles, The Who, The J. Geils Band). Stanley's backup group, The Resonators, are experienced hands who make a song like “Last Good Nerve” sound like a lost classic from the late ‘70s or early ‘80s, when Stanley’s type of narrative rock was flourishing with names like Browne, Zevon, and Springsteen. The title track here rolls out a story that's shared by many. Strong songs such as “You Just Never Know,” “Survive and Advance,” “Velvet Parkway,” and “Breaking News” carry an ominous tone that makes The Job a necessary listen.