You know how sometimes a new thing can take you down nostalgia road?

I recently had the opportunity to listen to the not-yet-released album from The Presidents of the United States of America, "These Are the Good Times People." To be truthful, I hadn't listened to The Presidents in a long time and wasn't expecting to be wowed. But honest to goodness, as soon as I pressed play I was rocking out with my bad-self like I was nine years old again and hearing "Peaches" for the first time.

The first track, "Mixed Up S.O.B.", is a throw-your-hands-in-the-air-and-shout song that reminded me of the The Presidents' sounds that first hooked people. From that point on, the band only seems to expand on its level of expertise, from swingin' ska and rockabilly rhythms on "Sharpen Up Those Fangs" and "Flame is Love", to the folksy bluegrass feel of "Truckstop Butterfly", to the heartfelt lyrics and chorus of "More Bad Times". And as this musical journey draws to a conclusion, the band departs on a high note by bringing the funk on their soulful ender-song, "Deleter" (it might just be my fave).

Forget emo or screamo tendencies, this album will simply make you glad you have ears. In fact, I'd be surprised if anyone said they didn't feel at least a little optimistic about the future of music after listening to this album. The Presidents may have dropped off the radar during their between-production hiatus, but listen to this album and you'll feel like they never left.

So remember all you Presidents fans, "These Are the Good Times People" drops in just a few weeks -- on March 11th, just four days before the trio graces The Paramount on the 15th. But regardless whether you're planning to attend the show or not, whether you're a Presidents fan or not, get this album. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." You'll be glad you did.