If there were any justice in this world (and there's not, you know, unless you're retarded) Slim Dunlap would be using the Perfect moniker instead of that dipshit Tommy Stinson. And while Times Like This is not perfect, it's probably the best album by an ex-'Mat since The New Old Me, Slim's last release.

Dunlap really has a way with a mood, and in his own beer drinking way, he can just slay you with his wit. "Nowheres Near," a song about a really terrible band that never gets beyond their own basement, is at once depressing and witty with its "Well, we're holding this stupid audition to some little kid, asks if this is all we do / No one cares.... / we're nowheres near." The catchy "Girlfiend" details the exploits of those guys who try to find you a girl.... at a bar. Frat boys around the world will probably love this song, not realizing just what exactly they're singing about when they hit the line "I'll find you a girl!"

The members of I Phelta Thi and myself will now raise our steins to Mr. Slim. You should too.

-Jason Josephes