marks the return of the former and guitarist to his roots. If 2005's was 's penultimate record, then is his flagship. A heady mix of , -era , fans of the genre will look upon this 13-track collection (seventeen if you pick up the ) as a template for excess, but for those who still reserve an upper level seat in the stadium of their hearts for silly narration ( ), extended jams ( ) -inspired arena-rockers ( interludes ( ) or heavily orchestrated covers ( ), then this impeccably-crafted, surprisingly playful and alternately wince-inducing and beautiful barrage of superior musicianship should inspire the flickering flames of a thousand lighters. ~ James Christopher Monger