Warren Zevon's impressive catalog is equally informed by literary conventionas framed by pop music devices, so with that longstanding tradition of pungentshort story/songs, it's no surprise that he chose to collaborate with notedand notorious prose writers on his latest, My Ride's Here. Thisisn't a new idea for Zevon; he wrote songs on 1995's Mutineerwith Miami journalist/novelist Carl Hiassen, and teams with him again on therousing "Basket Case," the title of Hiassen's latest music-themednovel. Zevon also co-wrote with poet Paul Muldoon, gonzo journalist Hunter S.Thompson, and sportswriter Mitch Albom, but regardless of who helps him supplythe wordage, the results are classic Zevon; simple but tight arrangements, snarlingguitar, and an abiding cynicism that would humble a native New Yorker. Zevon'sspotty recent output has been redeemed with his last two Artemis albums, andMy Ride's Here proves that the Excitable Boy still has plenty ofpiss and vinegar.