Although Bob Schneider’s various musical endeavors may have been popular in the Texas music scene, it is doubtful that the overly-eclectic mix of blues, country, pop, rock and funk on his new solo-album “Lonelyland” will fair well outside of the Austin area.
Schneider’s unusual musical style is perhaps the result of an interesting past. He was born in Ypsilanti, Mich. and moved to Germany when he was just two years old. While overseas, Schneider’s father studied opera. One of his more interesting accomplishments was leading the Oompah Loompahs on the movie “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” After he learned to play the guitar and drums, Schneider’s father brought him along on night jobs where they would perform songs ranging from the 1940s to the 1970s together.
The few bands with Schneider at the head that met any success were: Joe Rockhead, the Ugly Americans, the Scabs and his new solo project, Lonelyland.
Joe Rockhead was a funk band that released three independent records and broke up shortly after the release of the third. The Ugly Americans were a jam band that experienced touring success and released two CDs under Capricorn Records. After releasing themselves from contract, the band became known as The Scabs and now perform in-your-face, hard-core party music.
Beginning in 1999, Schneider has been pursuing a solo career under the name Lonelyland. He has released three CDs under the independent label, Shockorama. “Lonelyland”, released March 27 by Universal Records, is his first solo CD produced by a major label.
On this most recent CD, Schneider has pulled styles from all of his musical experiences and shoved them together. The first song, “Metal and Steel,” is laid-back and unobtrusive, giving the listener a sense that this guy may be the future of easy-listening. However, after listening further into the CD, one is shocked to hear operatic soprano vocals over a blues rock song, some random Beck-like lyrics and a voice very reminiscent of Dave Matthews.
Perhaps if Schneider had stuck with mimicking Dave, he would have more success with “Lonelyland.” As it stands, the CD makes one feel slightly schizophrenic, as you may find yourself grooving to a fully blues song one second and then blasted by hard-core rock and screaming vocals the next.
Schneider’s blend of eclectic style may be popular in that crazy Texas music scene, but throughout the rest of the country where people tend to put themselves into musical categories and listen only to songs that fit inside them, “Lonelyland” may not be able to find success.
