"It's All Our Vault," Smokin' Dave And The Premo Dopes (Disgraceland Records)

In 1983, a modest little song called "Ethiopian Jokes" began to show up on college radio stations across up country.

The track originated from Knoxville's soon-to-be premier rock 'n' roll outfit Smokin' Dave and the Premo Dopes. For the next decade singer-guitarist Todd Steed, bassist Dave Nichols and drummer Dug Meech blasted regional bars and even did some national tours.

While the band called it quits in 1993, the group has occasionally reconvened when schedules have permitted. The group will perform a CD release party at 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at Patrick Sullivan's Saloon.

"Its All Our Vault!" is a grab bag of vintage tracks (including the CD premiere of 'Ethiopian Jokes'), recently recorded concert favorites, and a few new songs.

It isn't the bands best album (track down 1992's -Huh?-), but it may be the best representation of what the band was like live - goofy, often glorious, occasionally obnoxious, enthusiastic and sometimes crass or smug.

Among the assembled tunes are the band's concert intro and outro themes (and its "Spy" theme); two vintage numbers with Bryan Waldschlager on lead vocals ("Black Roses" is the standout); and the group's "Muzak Medley," which includes the fun rock 'n' roll version of Vince Guaraldi's "Linus and Lucy."

Some of the times were slapped together in concert including the failed topical yuksters "Waco, Texas" and "Dr. Kevorkian" and the successful rocker "Empty Glass."

The early tracks have a nostalgic charm. (How did we not recognize how innocent and earnest punk actually was?)

However, the best track is the brand new "Van Willin," which makes you wish the group was together for more than occasional reunions.

The Dopes still rock.

Grade: B