the presidents of the united states of america

America's forefathers are commemorated by having their names and faces forever plastered on dollar bills, mountains and of course their rock band, the Presidents of the United States of America. Okay, so maybe we'll never know how good Jefferson is on the bass, but at least some former Presidents are still around. These Are the Good Times People is the band's fifth studio album, and second since fully reuniting after taking a hiatus in the late '90s.

Things were looking up for the Presidents' 13 years ago, fresh off their debut album which spawned the infamous hits "Peaches" and "Lump." But the four unremarkable albums that followed failed to eclipse their early successes, and now, These Are the Good Times People isn't likely to change their reputation as a '90s throwback band.

The opening track "Mixed Up S.O.B." is essentially a faster-paced "Lump," driven by lyrics about a messed-up girl stressing out the lead singer. "Poor Turtle" and "More Bad Times" have the endearing, goofy qualities-reminiscent of "Peaches"-that seem to explain how these guys have stayed around for so long. They may be shouting out to their former hits but, to their credit, they are trying out some variety, displayed by some of the album's later tracks. "Flame Is Love" features a trumpet band and Fysah Thomas provides refreshing guest vocals on "Deleter."

Considering their namesakes, the Presidents' music is devoid of political banter. Instead, the Presidents take pleasure in life's little things. Their simplicity isn't necessarily a bad thing; they come off as unpretentious and self-assured. But they do seem to be stuck in the past-specifically the Clinton era-which, given the current state of things, may give them the last laugh.