Arts & Entertainment
 

Schneider impresses far too few fans

Austin local deserves more radio play, credit than he will undoubtedly get

By Christian Schmidt
The Daily Cougar

Bob's back. For those who have waited impatiently for the follow-up to 2001's Lonelyland, Bob Schneider is back with I'm Good Now. For those who haven't yet heard him, you don't know what you're missing.

And I'm Good Now is your opportunity to check out the Austin native for the first time. Schneider writes great melodies and better lyrics. His fans are often unsure whether they prefer his more reserved, laid-back songs or the harder-edged rock songs that really do rock, but they should all be able to agree on one thing -- all of Bob's talents are on display in his new album.

His laid-back side is evident in "Gold in the Sunset," where his wordplay is impressive. Then there's "God is my Friend," a poignant song about faith that isn't nearly as simple as it appears at first. 

Schneider has quietly made himself a reputation as a top-notch songwriter and a solid performer. But quietly might be the most important word there. Except for a scattering of fans in Texas and around the world, Schneider is still virtually unknown outside of his home city.

Unfortunately, I'm Good Now doesn't appear likely to change any of that. If anything, it's a small step down from the brilliance of Lonelyland, which couldn't capture the attention of the American audience at large either.

Lonelyland, Schneider's first major solo effort after fronting Austin bands The Scabs and The Ugly Americans might have been one of the best albums of 2001. Music from the album has been featured on several TV shows and in the Josh Hartnett movie 40 Days and 40 Nights, but Schneider's name still hasn't penetrated the American conscious.

Thus far, Schneider's songwriting and strong live performances still haven't translated into big-time success, and that doesn't look to change with this release.

And unlike Lonelyland, the new album doesn't have any singles the like of "Metal and Steel" or "Deep Blue Sea," which both received limited national airplay.

The only song that might get some national attention on this album is "Come with Me Tonight," which opens the album on a high note. And there are more good songs throughout the album, including the title track, the only other song that might have a chance at singledom.

In Austin, Bob's a headliner with few rivals and clubs are packed to hear him play. His live shows are often a tough ticket, and he rarely leaves the crowd feeling shortchanged. In fact, Bob's live shows are where he's at his best.

The best song on the album, not coincidentally, is the one that most closely resembles his live shows. On "C'mon Baby," Bob rocks, not holding back on a song that allows him to scream out all his frustrations.

Schneider's still at it, trying to get over the hump and make it onto the national scene. And I'm Good Now, though a great example of his work and good album, just might not be enough.

Bob Schneider

I'm Good Now

Vanguard Records

The verdict: It's Bob at his best. Enjoy.

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