Golden Boys, Nick Allison & the Players Lounge

Like 2012 masterstroke Dirty Fingernails, follow-up Better Than Good Times spins like a lesser band’s greatest hits. Four songwriters, statistically led by singer/guitarist Matt Hoopengardner, specialize in effortless anthems manically incorporating garage, heartland punk, country, and AM pop. “Kick the Can” sounds like Cat Stevens had he converted to Lone Star beer instead of Islam. – Kevin Curtin