60-Second Critic: The Hooters - Time Stand Still
The Hooters
Time Stand Still
MRI Associated; $15.99
After enduring a lengthy musical exile, disbanding for seven years, then playing to sellout crowds in Europe while being remembered in the U.S. mainly as a few-hit ’80s hair band, the Hooters are back with a credible, mature album of new songs. Playing its characteristically buoyant roots rock, with the occasional nostalgic dash of synth, the band embraces its age in songs like title track “Time Stand Still” and “I’m Alive” — whose name could serve as the official slogan for boomers with low expectations — while also showing a sly sense of humor about its outdated image. (“White Jeans” could be the best, if only, song dedicated to Reagan-era fashion mistakes.) The cover of “Boys of Summer” is as good as any out there, and the catchy “Until You Dare,” borrowed from an earlier solo album by founding member Eric Bazilian, lingers in the mind’s ear. B+
