Customer Reviews

I Have Seen the End of the World & It Looks Like

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

The great thing about Bob Schneider is that none of his albums ever feel the same. "Lonelyland" and "I'm Good Now" are probably his calmest releases and demonstrate amazing lyric and musical prowess. "Galaxy Kings" is a work of amazing jazz tones and collaboration, whereas "Californian" gives a decidedly rock and edgy performance.

"End of the World" is a unique album in that all but one of the songs are released as is, that is to say Schneider recorded them as he was coming up with them and they have not been tweaked or re-edited since. Not being recorded in a studio (many coming directly off of Schneider's laptop from bus rides on tour) makes for an emotionally raw experience. Some of these songs are quite happy and upbeat while many of them lead to the brink of depression.

I highly recommend this album for anyone who enjoys Bob Schneider in all his forms and modes of entertainment and especially for those who admired him in his Scabs and Ugly American days. Schneider knows how to have fun, and this album proves it.

At first the album may seem a little strange/dissapointing/sad but after a couple of listens it really grows on you big time. I had to write this review because I couldn't believe nobody else had written anything positive yet. This album is my 2nd favorite of Bob's next to Loneyland, and really showcases a lot of styles/moods so there's good variety. It'll make you think, laugh, cry, and everything in between. I'd definitely recommend going to his website and listening to the whole thing for free to really grasp the concepts of the songs/lyrics. He explains everything about them before each track.

I'll admit I am partial to Schneider--his stuff is great, and he is one of the best musicians of whom I know. There are two ways to look at this album: this is one of his most difficult, inasmuch as some of the songs are less accessible than those on other albums. The second is that this is a great introduction to his stuff--after you enjoy this, you will already know his breadth and depth, and the Scabs will be a blast. It is well worth it.

After having reviewed The Californian somewhat tepidly because, despite the good music, the lyrics were not compelling, I purchased this solo effort by Schneider hoping for a revisit to Lonelyland. It's not to be. I really don't have anything to say about this one.