Listening to Chuck E's first album in 18 years makes you wonder what took him so long. But like fine wine, time has only made this album more than worth the wait--it's aged to perfection. Co-written and produced by Tom Waits, Extremely Cool is blues at its best.

The first track, "Devil With Blue Suede Shoes," finds Chuck wailing like the devil himself is hot on his heals. Track 5 "It Rains On Me," combines Weiss' and Wait's vocals in a way that invokes a "back porch" feeling that's down-home and hard to resist. Weiss' tunes careen back and forth between Jazz and Blues, highlighted by thundering steel guitars and electric slide that make this album an instant classic.

Great vocals, good production, and talented people add up to one thing--a great record. Pick it up, throw it on, and listen all the way through--true blues will set you free.