In 1996, a legend of a man released a solo album that not too many folks were expecting that was sadly forgotten all too quickly. But, we aren’t here to talk about “Allies” by Fred Frith! We’re here to talk about Fred Schneider’s “Just Fred”.
The title itself is misleading. It really isn’t “just Fred” as you would think. It’s actually Fred with 3 different backing bands – one of which was the fabulous group Six Finger Satellite, another was Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet (known for the theme song to “Kids in the Hall”), and another called Deadly Cupcake, who features a Rick Sims on the guitar. Of course, we all know Rick Sims as being the guitarist for the Didjits as well! It probably comes as no surprise that it was also recorded by Steve Albini. Wait, what?! It was recorded by Steve Albini?! You mean to tell me that Fred “Rock Lobster” Schneider recorded an album with Steve “I have a headache like a pillow!” Albini?! Whoa! That’s reason enough to spend $4 on Amazon and buy a copy of this.
But what does it actually sound like?
Well, it’s interesting because you would think that this whole combination of goodness would actually be like a peanut butter waffle scone - 3 fantastic things that just don’t belong together ever. But it works! I can’t really explain why, but it does. Interestingly enough, Fred didn’t write any of the music. There are a few folks who put it all together, but Fred did write all of the lyrics, minus one song. That one song is “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson (that’s that “you put the lime in the coconut and you drink it all up” song for those of you without the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack). As you can tell, this album just seems to get more and more random. But I don’t know if it’s the songwriting, the playing, Albini’s “production”, or just the fact that Fred Schneider actually made this, but it’s genuinely enjoyable. The closest comparison I can make is to imagine Fred fronting any 90s-era Touch & Go band on some of the tracks. You got all the elements – rumbling bass, slashing and treble heavy guitars, and consistently pummeling drums, plus that guy from the B-52s yelling “YOU’LL KISS THE WHIP!” or “BULLDOZER ON THE MIRACLE MILE!”. On the others, it’s more a just straight rock sound, with some poppy chords thrown in to give it that stadium anthem sound. And did I mention that it was recorded in only two weeks?! Crazy stuff here…
And we have to talk about Fred’s vocal performance. Maybe it’s the result of him being with this young group of whippersnappers, but Fred sound energized as all get up on these tracks. In an interesting choice, Albini actually has the vocals being very clear in the mix, which makes sense. However, if you’ve heard anything else he’s recorded, you know he likes to bury those vocals six feet into the ground and then flood the hole with yard trimmings and lighter fluid. But since it is a Fred Schneider solo album, and because Fred just yells all the time anyways, the vocals sound great and his lyrics are the usual witty workings you could find on any B-52s recording.
So if you have $5 to spend, don’t spend it on dinner. Buy this instead! Sure, it might not be the best album you’ve ever heard, but with it being Fred, you know it’s going to be a party, and he makes it clear that you are most definitely invited.
OVERALL RATING – S’mores – meaning that lots of good things in a little package that’s sweet enough to be enjoyed by most, and if you don’t like it, well, it’s only 36 minutes long.
KEY TRACKS – “Whip”, “Radioactive Lady Eyeball”, “Bulldozer”.
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