A quarter of a century has gone by since Rob Reiner's mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap" first hit theaters.

That's 25 years for those who can't count.

And it doesn't seem like it's been that long.

But it's true.

And to celebrate, the band — Nigel Tufnel, Dave St. Hubbins and bassist Derek Smalls — have released a new album called "Back From the Dead."

Tufnel, St. Hubbins and Smalls (aka Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, respectively) have taken their original hits from the original soundtrack CD, also known as "Smell the Glove," and added a few twists and turns with new interpretations.

A reggae version of "Give Me Some Money," a funk version of "Sex Farm" and, of course, "Stonehenge."

Also on the CD in three parts is an extended and never-before-released version of "Jazz Odyssey."

In a press release, Smalls is quoted: "While the movie and soundtrack accurately represented our stage sound at the time, the studio versions of these songs on this album represent the cosmic maturation of the material, within a digital context."

Then he adds: "Also, they're louder."

In addition to the hits, the new CD features a string of new songs such as "Celtic Blues" and "Short and Sweet."

I can't believe it's been 25 years since "This Is Spinal Tap" came upon the scene.

However, looking at real metal-band documentaries, such as Metallica's "Some Kind of Monster," Lamb of God's "Killadelphia" and "Walk With Me in Hell" and even Cradle of Filth's documentary segment in "Peace Through Superior Firepower," the argument for life imitating art holds true.

Or maybe it's other way around.

E-mail: scott@desnews.com