When a panel of judges featuring such pop, rock, country, and jazz heavyweights as Tom Waits, Ricky Skaggs, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Mitchell Froom, Don Byron, Wilson Pickett, Victoria Williams, and George Duke ultimately recognized Johnny Society's third album Clairvoyance as Album of the Year at the 2002 Independent Music Awards, it was merely confirming formally what a cadre of astute fans has known unofficially since the band released its debut It Don't Matter in 1997: the New York-based rock group is one of the most talented in the world. Further proof came in recent recording sessions with Kate Pierson of the B-52s, two projects with Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, and opening slot/ backing band duties for singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur on his most recent American tour. Heady circles in which to travel, including longtime Johnny Society fan Ray Davies, but entirely merited. It also suggests that the band's reputation has finally begun to catch up to its outsize musical abilities. Now, just as the wider world has started to take notice of Johnny Society's prodigious output, along comes its fourth recording. Life Behind the 21st Century Wall explodes with brilliance and vitality. With the band's latest addition, Brion Snyder on keyboards, Siegal's stinging guitar and vocal leads, the mammoth time-keeping of Brian Geltner, and Gwen Snyder's slinky glam-bass runs, Life... is an inspired, Technicolor production, where no idea seems beyond the band's reach. And Life... has both ideas and reach to spare. From the filthy juke blues of "Charity" (and even filthier blue-eyed funk of "Popular Man") to the joyous spontaneity of "Get off My Farm" and celebratory sing-along "Love" to the falsetto state-of-the-city dissatisfaction that is the title track, the remarkable Life Behind the 21st Century Wall moves from awesome strength to awesome strength, igniting at every turn while equaling, engulfing, and, finally, besting its many influences.