Way back in 1999, G. Love gave a largely unknown surfer from Hawaii - the now immensely popular Jack Johnson - a chance to shine on his fourth disc, "Philadelphonic."

Fast forward to 2008, and G. Love & Special Sauce are enjoying perhaps the strongest stretch of a nearly 15-year career since signing to Johnson's Brushfire label in 2004. On their third studio disc for Brushfire, "Superhero Brother," G. Love (singer/guitarist Garret Dutton) and the always-tight Special Sauce (Jimi Prescott on upright bass and drummer Jeffrey Clemens) continue their typical blend of funky hip-hop and soulful blues.

G. Love spells out what we all need a bit more of with a soulful piano touch on "Communication," evokes the Philly streets he grew up on with the bouncy "City Livin" and soars with a deft mix of funk and gospel on "What We Need." The trio also offer smooth acoustic love jams with "Wont'Cha Come Home" and "Soft and Sweet," and sizzle with the jazzy hip-hop of "Georgia Brown."

On the stellar title track, G. Love flies solo with bluesy acoustic guitar and flexes an ironic falsetto, imagining himself curing all the world's ills. While it's true they can't save the world, G. Love & Special Sauce are sure going to try - one party at a time.

By JOHN KOSIK Associated Press Writer

-Check out G. Love & Special Sauce's Discography

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