The Guest

It’s been a strange four years for this L.A. quintet. Dropped by Geffen after their ’98 debut and threatened by drummer Jason Schwartzman’s film career, the band has managed to stick around and is back with a new disc. It turns out to be a gem, with sunny three-part harmonies and songs that sound familiar in the best way (that’s right, ”Nobody’s Fault” isn’t an Elvis Costello cover).