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Elliot Schneider Better A Fool Than Aloof Review by Gary Hill A pop rock album, much of this feels quite retro in texture. It’s a good set start to finish, but suffers a bit near the end from a monolithic element to it. Still, any song from the disc taken by itself is strong. Even with that bit of a worn out formula is only minor really. This is an effective disc, overall. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

I’m The One There is a real retro 1960s rock vibe here. That’s combined with more of a modern DIY sound.

A Key To You More of a modern rocker, this still has retro stylings, but not as blatant as those on the opener. This is definitely meatier than the first tune.

Heaven Is In Your Heart, Baby Combine Elvis Costello with Jeff Healey. You’ll be pretty close to the sound of this mellower piece. This is actually one of the best tunes here.

I’m Back in the USA This has a lot of both Chuck Berry and the Beatles built into it. It’s an old time rock and roller.

Not a Shadow of Myself There is a lot more of that 1960s rock sound here. This is a good song, but nothing exceptional.

Boys This is definitely old time rock and roll. It’s a screamer, too. This is fun and feels a lot like early Beetles. The harmonica is a nice touch.

You’ve Got Me Up Against the Wall This slower moving rocker is strong for sure. It reminds me a bit of The Animals.

Any Angel Can Have Me Another old school rock and roller, this one again makes me think of Elvis Costello a bit, but also early Beatles.

Too Blind Too See A mellower old Beatles sound is the concept here. This is not bad. The formula is starting to wear a bit thin, though.

(I Ain’t Got) No Self-Control This hard rocker combines retro bluesy rock with a bit of a punk DIY sound. It’s a screamer and one of the best tunes here. In fact, it might be the best one hands down. It brings some energy and oomph that was sorely needed at this point. I love the guitar soloing and the harmonica.

Home Free All There is a bit more of a modern alternative rock element here, merged with something akin to old school psychedelic rock. This is good, but feels a little awkward at times. It has some solid guitar soloing, though.

Dream Lover This is very much set in old time rock and roll.

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