The disc's sound couldn't be cleaner or punchier, and melodies like those in "Beautiful Machine" prove that Schneider is still Captain Hook. As for the lyrics, they brim with the usual optimism. "Energy," featuring couplets such as "There's a light inside of you/And a light inside of me," generates a welcome jolt. And despite its comparatively gloomy title, "Same Old Drag" is anything but.
Steer clear of this disc, curmudgeons -- because Schneider's determined to turn your frown upside down.