The gods of rock have heard our prayers and have answered them with "The Ugliest Band in the World" - The Muggs.

Simply put, The Muggs is a rock 'n' roll band. Forget the image crap, forget the pretentious lead singer upon which many other bands are founded. The Muggs seem to create music because the musicians want to, because it's fun - not because it's the cool thing to do.

Listening to lead guitarist and singer Danny Methric's blues licks, fiery solos and perfectly imperfect voice brings the listener back to the good ol' days of music. The Muggs conjure up the reflection of some of rock's greatest bands such as Humble Pie and The Black Crowes, with an obvious Led Zeppelin influence.

The band's sound is strong - almost as strong as the spirit of the members themselves. After forming in 2000, a hemorrhagic stroke nearly killed bass player Tony DeNardo, leaving him unable to talk and completely paralyzed on one side. The band decided not to break up.

Methric and drummer Matt Rost formed side projects, while DeNardo sought treatment to speed up his recovery. After months of treatment and daily practice, DeNardo found himself still unable to use his right arm, but with enough determination to continue playing his bass parts on a piano.

"Need Ya Baby" is a testament to the band's strong rhythm section, starting out with hard-hitting drum beats and a bass groove that sets the gritty mood for the entire song - an excellent opener to the album. On this song, the listener is first introduced to Methric's smokin' hot guitar riffs and solos.

"Gonna Need My Help" is the second song on the album and originally performed by late blues great Muddy Waters. It's easy to see where The Muggs got such an original sound, combining old-school blues staples, Detroit rock and classic rock with an attitude all their own. This song was chosen by Dodge to represent the new Charger on its Web site. Fast cars and rock 'n' roll - one of the greatest combinations there's ever been.

"Monster" is one of the best on the album. It can appease headbangers and swayers alike, with Methric's fast-fingered, screaming solos breaking through the solid rhythm section. The tune ends on a slow, sweet-sounding jam that's completely unexpected but perfectly placed.

Fans of long jams should check out "Underway" as well for the stellar, unyielding connection between bass and drums, topped off with Methric's spacey lead guitar. It becomes a psychedelic jam that's pure energy.

A simple drum beat and distorted slide guitar lead into the explosive "Should've Learned My Lesson." It's loud, it's dirty and it rocks. Methric's croon, coupled with the shrill, beautiful sounds of his slide guitar is only accentuated further by the simple but real lyrics characteristic of The Muggs: "Should've learned by lesson/My baby's come and gone/Should've known the difference/Between what's right and what's wrong."

And as always, Rost's drumming talent adds a hard-rock edge to this tune, intertwining perfectly with DeNardo's solid bass walks.

The Muggs' debut album is a must-have for any and all blues-rock fans looking for a tasty new piece of listening pleasure to sink their ears into.