Lonelyland is an entertaining, occasionally impressive effort that bodes well for singer/songwriter
Bob Schneider's future. The LP kicks off with "Metal and Steel," an acoustic number that is vaguely reminiscent of
Paul Simon at his most
Dylan-esque. Before the album is done, however, musical styles will twist and turn along the way, reminding one at times of everyone from
Lenny Kravitz ("Jingy") to
Bill Withers ("Bullets") to
Elvis Costello-meets-
Hootie & the Blowfish ("Better").
Schneider's lyrics speak of broken relationships, angst, and drug abuse, though there are hints of humor and happiness that shine through from time to time. Some of his imagery is awkward -- "Jingy" is about a metaphorical monkey on one's back, but the monkey sounds more like it's of the circus variety.
Schneider needs to tame the occasional tendency to be too cute for his own good, both with his words and stylistically eclectic music. Apart from that flaw, the album is a pleasant, listenable set of adult alternative music. ~ Mary Grady