All right, so the title is a bit out-there--but, then again, the Grammy-nominated guitarist's 1986 debut was called "Not of This Earth." Maybe we all should have taken the hint.

Satriani's 13th studio album is the first since 2006's "Super Colossal," and the long-winded title does not lie: this one pays strict homage to simple grooves. The whole-note chords of leadoff cut "Musterion" recall his aforementioned debut's title track, and, as is his instrumental trademark, there is a lyrical lead melody and progression that effectively erases the need for a vocalist.

"Overdriver" is straight-ahead Hendrixy rock (with an appropriate alien-influenced solo), and the laid-back "Revelation" features some multi-tracked guitar voicings that get into Steve Morse/Dixie Dregs territory. If the cowbell and shout-chorus vocals of "I Just Wanna Rock" weren't '70s enough, Satriani pulls out the talk box--a la Peter Frampton--before launching into some searing leads. Precise guitar-drum unison lines pepper the jaunty "Diddly-Y-A-Doo-Dat," and, yes, the title mimics said lines.

"Professor Satchafunkilus" starts with some saxophone flutters from the guitarist's son, ZZ Satriani, and begs the question, "What would George Clinton think of this?" The tune's posterior-shaking qualities are cut from the same cloth as classic Parliament.

Perhaps the most interesting turns come towards the end of the disc, where "Asik Vaysel" explores Middle-Eastern motifs, and the opening of "Andalusia" has an acoustic flamenco flavor, complete with handclaps. Everything eventually comes back to Satriani's familiar lead tone and six-string fireworks, and, while perhaps not as aggressive as earlier efforts, the entire album has an impressive breadth of styles.