U.S. President George W. Bush is an inspiration to Matthew Good.

On his new effort released this week, White Light Rock & Roll Review, Good decries what he sees as the most serious threat to world peace: an American government seemingly above the law that's willing to impose its views on the world regardless of the consequences.

"One of the cases for the invasion of Iraq is human rights abuses, so how come Saddam Hussein is being put on trial and George Bush isn't?" Good says during an interview the day after internal memos which advised the president to ignore international laws about torturing prisoners of war were released.

"The fact people can't see these things is scary, not so much that it's occurring but the fact we go on with our lives and ignore it."

Good posts international news reports on his web site, and his new album features his most political material ever, with North American For Life the most up-front, naming names and pulling no punches.

Not that Good, 32, has ever backed off from a good debate, even if some of his comments have landed him in hot water.

He is one of those rare artists who isn't afraid to speak his mind, and in the past his views have gotten him into trouble with other Canadian artists, including Nickelback and Our Lady Peace; although Good says those were blown out of proportion.

"That's what the entertainment media in this country is about. It's not what bands do musically, it's about who you slag off or how well you do in the States and it's ridiculous," he says.

White Light Rock & Roll Review is a return to Good's harder rockin' side after last year's mellow Avalanche. The album is somewhat of a tribute lyrically to Bob Dylan, while Good looked to bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin for the "imperfect rock 'n' roll" reckless sound, he says.

"I adore that about music back then. I miss that about music."

If you've been missing Good rock out, you can welcome him back tomorrow.