You’ve got to feel pity for the Bacon Brothers. No matter how hard they try or how good their creative output, they will always be known as the group starring famed film actor Kevin Bacon—which instantly reduces their credibility. But consumed purely on its own merits, Can’t Complain is a strong collection of acoustic-rooted pop tunes, anchored by taut, memorable melodies and vivid lyrics. Kevin and his sibling, Michael, have become assured singers, weaving sweet, Everly Brothers-esque harmonies around charming, earnest lead vocals. Although there’s plenty here for triple-A programmers to nosh on, if they would (most notably the string-laden “Paris” and the percussive “Grace”), the lads are at their best when indulging in such sprawling jams as the epic “Summer of Love (Woodstock ’99)” that perhaps come to full life in a live setting. Either way, the Bacon Brothers deserve a fair shake. This is far more than a fleeting musical fancy for an over-indulgent actor.—LF
