has been entertaining audiences for well over a quarter of a century now, and his new solo album provides ample reason why this rudie grandpa still gets respect from fans. Those, however, expecting more of the pleasant yet surprisingly static that offered up on 1998's covers EP, his last recording under his own name, are in for a surprise. For starters, the only cover found on this set isn't really a cover at all, but a phenomenal take on the old number Boasting a full brass section, 's atmospheric organ, man on guitar and backing vocals, and drummer , the epic slides from sumptuous into deep , and from soulful singing into sharp toasting. Although appears on another couple of tracks, it's multi-instrumentalist who is the album's linchpin, but it's the brass and organ that provide the soul of the set's sound. However, not all of the set features that quartet, as wanders down some surprising musical lanes. The album opener, for example, is a punky excursion back into British beat, tipping its hat to ' along the way. featuring rapper , takes to New Delhi and the remixed skanks it up with the cowhands, while blends with . Smashing songs one and all, but it's the more straightforward skankers that most impress. 's homage to Jamaican music, while omitting the brass section so integral to its style, left many fans fantasizing what the Brit bands would have sounded like with horns. Most assumed the answer was supplied by the plethora of -fired bands, but suggests otherwise, most dramatically on and both of which would have slotted perfectly into ' musical repertoire. The latter is a glorious tribute to , its jubilant religious message delivered in multi-part call-and-response harmonies, its music in exhilarating fashion, but with the brass now feeding the excitement. The former is highly reminiscent of but instead of its morose styling, picks up the tempo and the mood, while the jazzy horn solos add a triumphant Jamaican sound to the mix. Indeed, is thoroughly enjoying himself, a mood his insightful and optimistic lyrics emphasize. And the fun doesn't stop there, but continues across the live concert featured on the accompanying DVD, as the singer delivers up a dozen faves to an ecstatic audience. is a superb album, and 's own obvious joy ensures that listeners will be equally thrilled that he's back. ~ Jo-Ann Greene