The Tulsa threesome are up to the old tricks again, this time even more firmly securing their ownership of the post-Fountains of Wayne realms of alternative pop/rock. It is a fun trip for fans of ’90s lite indie rock. Their quirky blend of Cracker, the Lemonheads, and They Might Be Giants is in full array on the lead-off track “Good as Gold.” From there, the album takes you through gem after gem of power pop confection. By this, their fifth release, the boys neither ask for forgiveness nor seem to show any remorse for crafting such a distraction from deep thought. Case in point: “Smash It Up” encourages all sorts of kicking of inanimate objects. And maybe if more bands were gripping lightweight topics such as these, the world would have an appreciation all new for these misfits. Regardless, Center of the Universe is a delight that is not to be missed. – Jared Johnson
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