Elliot Schneider - Better A Fool Than Aloof

Elliot Schneider

​Better A Fool Than Aloof
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

The cover art for Better A Fool Than Aloof by Elliot Schneider had me thinking it was a comedy album. Schneider looks like he is doing a Blues Brothers routine and delivering a punch line. Better A Fool Than Aloof in reality is not a comedy album but revolves around rock and pop music spanning from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. Take a bit of blues, throw in ‘70s garage rock with a good dose of ‘60s pop and you should have an idea of what Better A Fool Than Aloof sounds like. 

The songs are catchy right off the bat like the first track “I’m the One.” There is a ‘60s vibe on this track not unlike that of a group like The Byrds. You should hear what I'm talking right away from the guitar strumming. Even the lyrics feel more apt for a ‘60s love song, which tended to romanticize the concept of an ideal soulmate. Overall, it's a catchy tune that almost feels like an ode to ‘60s love songs.

The next track “A Key to You” is another song that contains a lot of predictable tropes but is still nonetheless a fun song. You can hear some elements of a band like The Clash. In particular the song has the same kind of catchy, sing-along type quality “Should I Stay or Should I go” has. 

“I’m Back in the USA” almost feels like a cover song it has so many tips of the hat to various artists. The song has a Chuck Berry style blues guitar with a vocal melody that feels like you have heard it plenty of times before. And yes the song does have some resemblance to “Back in the U.S.S.R.” “Boys” is an undeniably catchy tune that still adheres to classic rock n’ roll tropes while “(I Ain’t Got) No Self-Control)” is a blues heavy ZZ Top style song.

At the end of the day Better A Fool Than Aloof sounds and feels like a tribute album to rock music made between the ‘50s and the ‘70s. Schneider wears his influences on his sleeve to the point where I can’t find many distinct features. The song are well written and well delivered but I don't know why I would listen to Better A Fool Than Aloof over its obvious influences. I can’t help but think Schneider is at his best playing classic covers and throwing in some original songs to a live audience who grew up when the music he is playing was at its peak. 

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