The long awaited album proved to be a big success, at least artistically. Led by former co-lead guitarist and co-lead singer , tear through a set of tunes that are as much fun as a CD can have with its clothes on. Unfortunately the air of tragedy that surrounds and tempers the rock & roll good time. After threatening to put out an album for about six years, this platter finally arrived and exceeded expectations. Produced by ( ), this is a fully realized piece of work. For lack of a simpler description, think of it as the follow-up (over 15 years later) to ' album. Unlike much of the solo work, though, this stays firmly in territory. has several "new" tunes on it (many people don't realize that wrote and sang half ' material), all of which don't miss a beat from the old days. Of particular interest is a song that the original did back in the days. It is a good-time rock & roll classic and it's hard to imagine why it was dropped from the band's set so early on. Also, a original, sees the light of day for the first time here. Several covers that had been playing for years find their way onto the disc as well. Most notably, is pretty much as close as you'll get to a statement of purpose. gets the treatment as well. must be a tough guy because most of the people who play on this are dead. -- dead. Saxman -- dead. Drummer died before these sessions. Lifelong friends -- dead. Somehow has maintained his spirit and vision through it all and he's managed to stay alive. ~ Geoff Ginsberg