Uncle Ted is back at his politically incorrect best.

Showing no signs of either slowing down or behaving himself, Nugent’s latest album is a no-hold’s barred, unglossed, straightforward rock and roll defiance.

If you’re looking for pristine production, subtle lyricism, or pretty musical flourishes, go pick up an Enya CD.

Nugent is as in-your-face individualistic as one can get, and it shows on this album, with titles like "Still Raising Hell", "Stan" and "Broadside", that are not only brutally honest, but also heart-thumpingly rocking tunes.

The 59-year-old Motor City Madman’s lyrical twists and turns are never more evident than on the provocatively tongue-in-cheek "Girl Scout Cookies", and the raucous party song, "Funk U" (think about saying that title over and over again, with a de-emphasized ‘n’ sound, and you’ll get the drift on this number.)

One of the highlights of the album is a stripped down, but still effective re-recording of "Journey To The Centre of The Mind", originally recorded by Nugent when he was in the Amboy Dukes 40 years ago.

Nugent demonstrates his affinity for Native issues on three tracks to limited effect. "Geronimo and Me" evokes the spirit of freedom and standing up for one’s beliefs and rights and people that is rife in the rocker’s own personal life philosophy. "Eaglebrother" is a nice instrumental, but "Spirit of the Buffalo" comes across as a little hokey. I admire what he was trying to accomplish with this song, but the execution is not really there.

If you like your rhythm and blues based hard rock in its purest form, with an attitude that makes the stiff necks of both the political left and right shudder, and portrayed with a big wink, this is the album for you.

The Nuge’s still got it.

Jim Barber is the Arts, Sports and Lifestyles Editor for the Barrie Advance.
Contact him at jbarber @ simcoe.com