So, for those that haven't noticed my avatar is the album cover for Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest album (first studio release in years) God + Guns. A lot has changed since 1973 when the band had their first major release, there is only one member from the original group still alive, lead guitar Gary Rossington. Pianist Billy Powell contributed to the album before his death in January and gets a tribute song Gifted Hands. Storm is another tribute, this one to bassist Ean Evans. Johnny Van Zant, brother of former lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, returns for his more rough yet equally appreciable lead vocals. Also contributing are Rob Zombie and independent guitarist John 5 on a few songs and Rob Zombie himself doing background vocals for the chorus in Floyd.

Rather than review the album as a whole I'll quickly run down the song list (new songs of the deluxe album):

1) Still Unbroken- The first single off the album, a typical rebel rock affair. Comes in hard and heavy, all about personal freedom and perseverance. Simple and enjoyable.

2) Simple Life (Live) -Definitely a country leaning song, not quite a bad thing. Shallow but still powerful lyrics if you listen to them and decent music.

3) Little Thing Called You- CIassic Skynyrd. Great southern rock, done-me-wrong, done-with-you lyrics and excellent music.

4) Southern Ways- CIassic Skynyrd. A little bit of a country feel, but not that much. Has a great take-you-back feel. Good all around.

5) Skynyrd Nation- Rebel rock, plain and simple. A good tribute to themselves, in the sense that they've had a long and fun career. Good lyrics and music.

6) Unwrite That Song- A good change of pace, a nice, sad, slow song with good lyrics and music. A lot to like about it if you can accept that its not like most of the album.

7) Floyd- Not exactly ****c Skynyrd, but you'll be hard pressed to find a Skynyrd fan that doesn't like this one. An excellent story song with excellent music, and as stated above has Rob Zombie as amazing background vocals.

8 ) That Ain't my America- Unbelievable in every sense of the word. Everyone who considers themselves an American patriot needs to hear this. The second verse actually brought a tear to my eye. My favorite on the album.

9) Comin' Back for More- Rebel rock all the way. Actually leans mainstream rock. Great lyrics and music.

10) God and Guns- Another excellent political tune. Great message and CIassic Skynyrd music.

11) Storm- Tribute to bassist Ean Evans, died in 2009. Great southern rock, definitely CIassic Skynyrd. Lyrics and music are both suberb.

12) Gifted Hands- If you are a large Skynyrd fan and listen to the lyrics you will cry. Van Zant pours out emotion for Powell in this one, and it sure sounds like the whole band is putting their all into it as well. Second best on the album.

13*) Bang Bang- I had a lot of reservations about this one simply because of the name, but this is actually a great rock song, really gets you pumped. Music is good, lyrics are great. Makes the Deluxe edition worth it on its own.

14*) Raining In My Heartland- A lot like Simple Life, has a very country sound, but it works. Definitely Skynyrd. Gotta listen to the lyrics, the music is catchy too.

15*) Hobo Kinda Man- Weakest song on the album, but still enjoyable. Lyrics and music are both sort of mediocre.

16-18*) Live recordings of Red, White & Blue, Call Me the Breeze, and Sweet Home Alabama are all decent, but nothing new to Skynyrd fans. Of them the only one I prefer live to original is Red, White & Blue.

Overall I say buy the full album, if not the deluxe. If you're not that big into Skynyrd I'd recommend tracks 1, 3, 7, 9, and 11 for the hard rockers, and tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and if possible 14 (not sure if anywhere has the bonus trakcs for individual DL) for country fans. CIassic Skynyrd fans will love 3, 6, 9, 11, and 12. My personal favorites are 3 and 6-12, but I don't regret getting the full deluxe edition one bit.

On a related note I will hopefully be seeing them perform at either the Seneca Allegany or Turning Stone Casinos next month, provided I can find transportation.

I have gotten a webcam and this originally supposed to be a video review but I'm having a hard time adapting it to my dorm room, but hopefully I will get it eventually