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BY ALEX VAN HORN

"Give me reincarnation, or give me death."

So begins the new Spinal Tap album, "Back From the Dead."

For those who aren't familiar with the band's back-story, Spinal Tap originated from a 1984 mockumentary, "This Is Spinal Tap." The film follows a fictitious hard-rock band through its tour of America.

After the film gained popularity, the actors who played the fake band--Michael McKean, Harry Shearer and the king of mockumentaries, Christopher Guest--went on a "real" tour and made Spinal Tap into a sort of comedy rock group.

If you didn't know this already, this album is probably not for you. Without knowledge of the movie or any of its inside jokes, the the music itself offers very little. However, it is entertaining to listen to for the die-hard Spinal Tap fan.

Fans will enjoy new versions of old favorites like "Tonight I'm Going to Rock You Tonight," "Big Bottom" and "Stonehenge."

An added bonus to the album is the DVD that comes along with it. In it, the members of Spinal Tap give explanations and commentary on each of the songs in character as old British rockers (they are actually American actors).

As in the movie, the greatest joy of Spinal Tap is just hearing the "band members" chat. Agreeing that Stonehenge (the prehistoric monument, not the song) was a giant amplifier and also that three bass players are truly needed for a great rock show, this is classic Spinal Tap--talking it up about things that don't matter.

Ultimately, the CD/DVD combo of "Back From the Dead" is very entertaining and funny. And, as usual, Spinal Tap walks the fine line between stupid and clever.

Alex Van Horn is a rising junior at Stafford High School.