So Rod Stewart’s back, huh? After about 300 similar “comebacks” these past few months, you’re probably not too excited by the prospect. But think again. Out Of Order, the album he thinks is his best in years, actually is. But how do I let you know it’s the real thing? How do I tell you that even Rod cringes upon hearing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” How to explain the Stewart/haggis connection? (You’ll have to wait ’til later for that, actually.) Only one way, obviously. Let him do it. Is it paycheck time yet?

This album sounds like you were trying to, as trite as it may sound, return to your roots, or at least return to your old form.

Well, it’s not a return to roots. I’m still doing the same thing that I’ve always done—just better than I’ve done it for the last 10 years or so. Returning to roots is really impossible.

Do you still believe, as you used to say, that you never really lose your working-class upbringing; that it will, in some way always crop up in your music?