The first 15 minutes of Vavoom! explode with same kind of vigorous rockabilly swing that brought the group to the limelight with 1998's "Jump, Jive, an' Wail." Updating the classics "Pennsylvania 6-5000" and "Americano" (revived in last year's Matt Damon vehicle The Talented Mr. Ripley) was a fruitful, foot-tapping decision, and a couple of Setzer's 21st-century sock-hopper originals hold their own against the standards. If there's any steam left in the swing renaissance, the instrumental classic with new lyrics "Gettin' in the Mood" should propel the orchestra back up the charts.

Right as I was beginning to wonder if the energy level could sustain itself, it didn't. The midsection of the album lags a bit with a few psychobilly numbers that you know you've heard before, possibly in a commercial for the Grease Monkey muffler shop. And while only a great musical incompetent could ruin "Mack the Knife," Setzer doesn't really posses the pipes to make his version worthwhile when the definitive versions are already out there.

But just when this rock 'n' swing concept turns to unintentional self-parody on "The Footloose Doll," Setzer and his 16-piece band turn it around with some timeless, rollicking originals and close with a cover of "Gloria." (Setzer can wail. I stand corrected.) Regardless of trends, this band's got the songs and musicianship to back up the image and style. And as long as dancing stays cool to all ages, the Brian Setzer Orchestra should continue to bridge generation gaps.