Long Beach Dub Allstars
Wonders of the World
(Dreamworks)

The Long Beach Dub Allstars have succeeded in creating one of the most eclectic and thoroughly enjoyable albums of the year in “Wonders of the World.”

Featuring an incredible mix of punk/ska/reggae jams, the album also delves into areas previously unexplored by the band. “Wonders of the World” features electric guitar riffs and awesome scratchin’, perhaps best highlighted on the track “Sunny Hours,” which features Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas.

Former Sublime band members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh formed the Allstars following the 1996 heroin overdose of frontman Brad Nowell.

The Allstars latest installment features “Luke,” a song with strong storytelling, guitar solos and melodies. Storytelling, the act of actually writing a song that says something instead of just saying words over power chords, is a long-lost skill in this day in age. Not every good song has to tell a story, but every once in awhile you just want to hear one. Sublime was pro at that, exemplified in their songs “Date Rape,” “Wrong Way” and “Garden Grove.” This album provides several such options.

But don’t think the band can’t jam. There is something for all ages. The rest of the album flows - smooth and enjoyable. It is uncommon to find a band that can throw so many different musical styles into one LP, but the Allstars succeed. Its songs are strong and its musicianship is stellar.

Jam-packed with 17 tracks, fans of Sublime will certainly want to pick this album up.