Danny Barnes refuses to be pigeonholed into one genre. The man who's taken the banjo to new extremes was a founding member of the Austin-based Americana band Bad Livers, and has taken his solo career into many directions, from bluegrass to punk, from alt-country to rock.

His unique approach to the banjo has colored his music in ways to which nobody else could come close. On his new album, “Rocket,” Barnes continues to push the envelope with his new invention, the Barnjo 15000, a hard-body electric banjo with pickups that allows him to further explore new territory in rock music.

And explore he does, with 12 songs that include a very cool, yet faithful, version of T. Rex's classic “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” With John Alagia producing (Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jason Mraz), and Matt Chamberlain on drums (David Bowie, T-Bone Burnett, Pearl Jam), the album is smart, soulful and rocks in many ways.

Lyrically, Barnes continues to be profound, witty and clever as only he can be. “Rocket” is Americana, it is rock, it is classic in both its simplicity and its complexity. Packed with melodious hooks and catchy vocal and instrumental melodies, songs like “Low” and “Wine” will stay with you like a best friend.

Beyond the music, Barnes' uncanny knack for telling a tale brings to mind the unceasing wit and wisdom of master storytellers like Randy Newman or Garrison Keillor, and the sly sarcasm of Mark Twain. His ability to both parody and compliment simultaneously is remarkable, and will almost certainly at some point make you laugh out loud. Barnes' eclecticism and humor is most endearing, and even visionary in the way he blends so many cultural aspects of so many genres in his music. “Rocket” will rock you, and adds yet another exclamation point to the truly original body of work that is Danny Barnes.

Hear Wildman Steve’s Internet radio station, Internet radio for music lovers 24/7, at wildmansteve.com.