Bob Schneider, "Lovely Creatures" (Kirtland)
As Bob Schneider sings about love, there are references to Romeo, Juliet, the moon, moonbeams, the Osmonds and the Wizard of Oz. That's when the words aren't rushing past too quickly to absorb. Electric keyboards and a vibraphone shimmer above hummable bass lines, guitars provides crunchy counterpoint and there's vocal sweetener with "ooohs," "aaahs," "oh-uhs" and even an ecstatic "hoo-hoo."
That's just the first three songs. "Lovely Creatures" is how Schneider regards the album's 12 tunes, and the description is often apt.
It's the most polished, studio-centric collection yet from the Austin, Texas singer-songwriter, and some may prefer their Schneider with less sheen. The second half gets a little frothy, and there's a jarring change of mood when Schneider taps his inner Roberto on three Latin-style tunes, two of them dance numbers from his live shows.
But the best of the material exudes an embracing warmth. The melodies are memorable, the beats bouncy, the hooks plentiful. In other words _ lovely.
CHECK THIS OUT: Schneider is at his best singing about heartbreak, so "Changing Your Mind" plays to his strength. Patty Griffin provides gorgeous harmony vocals, and the ballad reaches a climax with the most beautiful bridge this side of San Francisco.
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