Album Review: Bob Schneider, “A Perfect Day”

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The quest for the greatest party record ever continues for Bob Schneider with A Perfect Day, the eclectic singer-songwriter’s 15th solo release (wow!) since 1998. After Lovely Creatures was beaten up so badly in the press, longtime Schneider fans could read something into A Perfect Day‘s humorous, self-effacing cover. Bob himself is in an inspired mood on opener “Let the Light In.” Warm chorals and keyboards trace an uplifting melody and refrain until the songs becomes a practical anthem in its final ninety seconds. It’s an ambitious, strong first song that suggests Schneider is not taking things cautiously.
“Honeypot,” the second song, grows with similar spiritual fervor over Schneider’s well-honed imagery of wooing a lovely lass at his “place down at the lake.” It’s cliched to write “la la la”‘s into your song these days, but darnit if Schneider doesn’t earn it here. Both of these early tracks are going to be barn-burning concert staples.
Interesting keyboard and electric piano textures further lift up the early going of the record. The funky breakdown driving “Everything Is Cool” gives way to one of Bob’s most celestial and lovely verse melodies. Plainspoken “Peaches” is given a hip, bopping attitude by Moog-y keys.
Schneider’s influences pop up throughout the disc. Horns out of ’80′s Steve Winwood hit dominate “Am I Missing Something,” while Bob’s lifelong debt to that other Bob (Marley) plays out in “Yeah, I’ll Do That” and the chunky guitar part on “Another Bad Idea.” Elsewhere, “Everything You Love” and “Penelope Cruz” are two successful, wistful mid-tempo compositions. I think if you slowed some of these songs down, Schneider could be a great crooner. “Cruz” has an especially affecting echo effect on the guitars and backup vocals that makes me think of romantic beaches and starlight.
“Funcake” lives up to its name and “Dirtmouth” seems to borrow a melody from TV on the Radio’s “Dirtywhirl.” The song still has a nasty energy that works for it, though. Closer “Hand Me Back My Life” charges to its finish with a demanding, catchy refrain. And after these 12 songs it feels like Bob Schneider has gotten his comfort zone back after the haphazard last release. He still hasn’t made that masterpiece of a party record he wants to, but A Perfect Day is progress. And a very enjoyable LP, to boot.
Final Grade: ****1/2 (out of five)