Presidents of the United States of America

After a four-year absence, the Presidents of the United States of America (who apparently have shortened their name to the much more concise the Presidents) are back with a fourth record that is much like their previous albums: rockingly addictive, funny, quirky and probably destined for popular acclaim. The Presidents seem to be one of the rare bands that can be light-hearted without being vapid, catchy without being boring and popular without seeming to have compromised. They are still the power-pop band that made it big with "Lump," "Peaches" and "Mach 5," but they are nowhere near as brainless as some snobs have accused them. The variety displayed by the band's collection throughout the album shows they are far more clever and talented than might be initially suspected - their wit works to their advantage because they know when to turn it on and when to turn it off. A lesson to be followed by their more earnest and less tongue-in-cheek colleagues.