From the opening blast of "Evil," with its stutterstep beat leading the way, it’s obvious that the latest from former Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker isn’t some washed-up ‘80s star trying to make a lame comeback. Bulletproof is an outstanding disc primarily rooted in rockabilly that moves from the infectious, high-energy groove of cuts like "Upright and Underground," the aforementioned "Evil," the jazzy "Blue Suede Nights" and the shuffle of "Nervous Little Angel.” Alongside eight originals written by Rocker and guitarist Tara Novick are four covers that include the pure rockabilly of Buddy Holly’s "Midnight Shift,” Carl Perkins’ "One More Shot," Johnny Cash’s "Johnny, Frankie’s Man" and a revamping of The Beatles’ "I’ll Cry Instead." The band Rocker has brought together here (rounded out by Novick, guitarist/vocalist Brophy Dale and drummer Jimmy Sage) is a tight unit that displays stellar musicianship on each and every track, making Bulletproof is the best release by a Stray Cats member. For that matter, it might just be better than any Stray Cats album. --- Geoff Melton