The last Bad Seeds detour, Grinderman, was a fun, if disposable foray into Stooges-style rock posturing, and simultaneously, satire of the testosterone fueled rock gods of the past. Though there were a few more "serious" sidesteps, their self-titled album had the sound of a few guys who were on the same page, one that involved cutting loose with little care for elitist opinions. The fact that Grinderman is an alter-ego for the core Bad Seeds lineup would lead one to believe that they're one entity, with the names changed to protect the innocent, but that's not really the case. The Bad Seeds music involves greater detail and care in the level of storytelling, and seductive avant flourishes which augment rather than intrude upon the simple, clear melodies. Structurally, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! relies on a streamlined framework of gliding tunes, many of which seem to consist entirely of verses, and, in any event aren't beholden to typical verse, chorus, bridge treatment.

Sure, the title track could be a radio hit, because it's an almost danceable, upbeat affair. The music might even please a fan of the first couple of Beck albums. The idea and concept of taking Lazarus back from the grave, reinvigorated as a modern day celebrity surrounded by cameras, women, and engulfed by his own ego is clever, timely and comic. The sense of humor that permeates this phase of the Bad Seeds is welcome indeed, and because Cave has steeped these tunes with intelligence and sly sardonic wit, the music has enough substance to avoid consideration as a disposable novelty. The addition of humor isn't the only nut cracked here; the more "serious" tunes are informed with intensity, and charged with a sense of purpose. Above all of this, Cave's voice is in top form, and his delivery is direct and incisive. What more do you need to know? I say all of this, not as an unconditional life-long fan, but as a fairly recent convert. If you haven't caught up with this band in a while, it is now an opportune time to hop the freight.