Launched in the mid-’80s by its lone constant, Karl Wallinger, World Party was nearly over when Wallinger suffered an aneurism in 2001 that left him unable to talk or walk. This isn’t the sort of ailment that musicians typically bounce back from. It’s not an annoying callous or laryngitis; Wallinger literally lost the ability to form words, a cruel fate for a brilliant and rangy British troubadour who’d never quite gotten his due. Only Wallinger pulled one over on fate, emerging from five years of rehab to not only speak, but to sing, play and tour the world. World Party’s songs have always been ambitious, insightful and exceedingly joyful. Wallinger’s comeback only accentuates such virtues. With Martin Harley. MIKE SEELY

Sun., Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m., 2012