Fun on Saturday Night

The first new Blasters album since 2005 features all of the original members except for guitarist Dave Alvin, who's been replaced by Keith Wyatt. Exene Cervenka duets with Phil Alvin on a loud-and-proud version of the Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash classic "Jackson," while the remainder of the album features The Blasters showing why they're one of the greatest roots-rock bands of all time. Their blazing accuracy nailing down the blues is there from the onset, as the juke-joint–ready "Well Oh Well" shows what a skilled band can do with the raw essentials. The piano flows for the jump blues of "Breath of My Love." The drums and electric guitars lead the Chicago blues of the title track, "Love Me with Feeling," and "I Don't Want Cha." Upright bass and harmonica fill in the noir blues of "No Nights by Myself." The Blasters' take on James Brown's "Please Please Please" remains true to the original's spirit. These are veterans playing the music they love with little (ahem, no) interest in modern styles. Their main purpose appears to be to get the toughest, rawest, most exciting sounds humanly possible down on record.