always had a streak of running beneath their heavy -- listen to or for proof -- so it's no surprise that when the quintet decided to record a covers album in 2006, they devoted it to the '70s and that inspired them to pick up their guitars and play. What does come as a surprise is that the resulting is a sheer delight, a roaring record that's their best album since . Often, cover albums get bogged down in reverence or ambition, as artists either offer interpretations that are straight copies or fussy reinterpretations as they busily try to make a favorite song their own. That's not the case here. alternate between fairly faithful renditions of familiar classics like 's to subtle reinterpretations where they make seemingly difficult covers seem easy and unmistakably . It's true on their streamlined, muscular take on 's swirling, but it's most notable on their remarkable reworking of ' which now sounds like a power from without ever once sounding like it's an affront to the immortal original. This take on works because it's informed by a palpable love of the original, and that love is apparent throughout this terrific record. But there are plenty of good covers albums that are fun merely because the band is having a good time. What makes exceptional is that is reconnecting with the reason why they're even in a band by playing the that inspired them in the first place. They're reinvigorated by this material, and by playing these songs, it's easier to appreciate what makes a great band. Compare their versions of to the originals -- they're not as big and bluesy as , but the huge riff that drives the song is a direct forefather of 's powerful signature sound, and hammers home that few bands built on 's twin guitar harmonies as well as this group did. But it's not just that these covers put 's music in context; it's that they sound more like a genuine gang than they ever have: listen to the truly raw take on which may not be quite as sloppy as the original (how could it be?), but it's equally greasy and riveting -- plus, it's sung with raw gusto by guitarist , whose turn on the mic emphasizes that this is a sound of a true group. They still sound like -- there are still cavernous drums, huge guitars, and driving harmonies -- but they no longer sound as slick and calculated as they did on their albums after ; they sound alive and vigorous, making a convincing case that they're now their own best producers. If they could carry this sound and feel onto an album of originals, they would have a killer record, but saying that diminishes the accomplishment of . It's a killer record in its own right, and more pure fun than anything yet released in 2006. Few bands could achieve an artistic comeback via a covers album, but as this glorious record proves, there are few bands like . ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine