Joe Jackson Band: Volume 4

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

Just as Elvis Costello briefly reunited his Attractions to prove his rock 'n' roll glands were in perfect working order after years of cerebral musical outings, English singer-songwriter Jackson's brought back the band of drummer Dave Houghton, bassist Graham Maby and guitarist Gary Sanford with whom he first made his name more than 20 years ago.

The quartet head here next week and by the sound of this, nostalgia won't be the only attraction (though this does come with a six-track live bonus CD of JJB classics).

Volume 4 might not have the youthful snarl or the New Wave jaggedness of its three predecessors but it's clear Jackson can still write songs of bittersweet sentiment and elegant tune, and have his old muckers breathe quite some life into them, especially on the frenetic likes of Take It Like a Man, Awkward Age and Bright Grey, the Crowded House-ish likes of Still Alive and Love at First Light, and the glam-rock stomp of Little Bit Stupid.

A little late in arriving perhaps, but Volume 4 sounds like a fitting encore and when Jackson announces on the night 'here's a new one ...' it shouldn't mean an instant rush to the bar.

Label: Ryko