(Cosmo Sex School) www.cosmosexschool.com

The fact that his latest band, The Denmark Veseys, is named after a slave who was executed for trying to overthrow slavery says a lot about Jerry Joseph (vocals/guitars/piano). He’s well read, outspoken and never shies away from the heavy stuff. It’s all sex and god and drugs and they’re all the same for Joseph. Backed by drummer/percussionist Steve Drizos along with some help from producer Dave Barbe (guitar/keys/vocals) and John Neff (from the Drive-By Truckers, on pedal steel), songs like “Ho Chi Minh” and “Zombie Blues” retain the fierce, bile-spitting, trance-inducing, politically-charged vibe that has made him a cult anti-hero. But it’s tracks like “Elastic” — with its message of enduring love — and the warm, church organ feel of “Supper’s Ready” that show a softer, more accessible side to the man. Jerry Joseph has been wrestling his demons into song for more than 25 years, and there are few that do it better. If the path broke a different way he could have been a Springsteen, The Denmark Veseys is another bundle from the criminally underappreciated cannon of Jerry Joseph.

Standout Tracks: “Ho Chi Minh,” “It Comes In Waves” AARON KAYCE