Just Fred

Last updated
Just Fred
Jus fred.jpg
Studio album by
Fred Schneider
ReleasedApril 23, 1996
Genre
Label Reprise [3]
Producer Steve Albini
Fred Schneider chronology
Fred Schneider and the Shake Society
(1984/1991)		Just Fred
(1996)		 The Superions
(2010)

So he enlisted my help in finding musicians. So many of my generation of underground musicians just absolutely worshipped Fred Schneider. Everybody just leapt at the opportunity. There was a long list of prospective names for the backing band, and Deadly Cupcake was not unanimous, but the near-unanimous choice. And that was Russell Simins from the Blues Explosion, Rick Didjit from the Didjits, and Tom Zaluckyj from the band Tar. Everybody that I approached about doing it immediately said yes, and then they also really fucking delivered. They really committed to the project. I thought it was great. I really enjoyed it.

Contents

—Engineer Steve Albini in 2024 on recording Just Fred [4]

Just Fred is the second solo album by the American musician Fred Schneider, released in 1996. [5] [6] Its first single was "Bulldozer". [7] Schneider promoted the album by playing shows with his band, the Slobs. [8]

Production

Produced by Steve Albini, the album was recorded in two weeks. [9] [10] [1] Schneider was backed by Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, Deadly Cupcake, and Six Finger Satellite. [11] [12] Consisting of members of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, the Didjits, and Tar, Deadly Cupcake was formed by Albini. [13] Most of Schneider's vocals are in the same style that he uses with the B-52's, although electronic effects are added to "Secret Sharer", and "Helicopter" utilizes a conversational voice." [14]

"Coconut" is a cover of the Harry Nilsson song; it first appeared on a Nilsson tribute album. [15] [16]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [1]
Robert Christgau Rating-Christgau-dud.svg [17]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [18]
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
The Huntsville Times 3/5 [19]
Knoxville News Sentinel Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [20]
Orange County Register Star full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Toronto Sun Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]

The Knoxville News Sentinel stated: "Schneider still uses his distinctive style—an emphatic shout/sing delivery with an ironic tone—but now it's accompanied by heavy angst as he sings about endangered freedon ('Helicopter'), betrayal ('Lick', 'Secret Sharer') and destruction ('Bulldozer')." [20] Rolling Stone concluded that "Albini manages to make all these guitars sound authentic and contemporary, but Just Fred is as much a nod to the late-70s underground scene that spawned the B-52's, when the punk rock of the Ramones seemed just fine alongside the quirky pop of bands like Blondie and Talking Heads." [21] The Huntsville Times declared that Just Fred "borders on inanity at times, but it's just as enjoyable as 'Love Shack' or 'Roam', and no one could argue that those tracks contributed to the salvation of mankind." [19]

The Telegram & Gazette deemed the album "a bomb" and "an annoying drag of a record." [22] The New York Times concluded that "with punk in the middle of a revival that takes itself seriously, Mr. Schneider has latched on to the pop flippancy amid punk's burly guitars ... Schneider treats punk rock as another kitschy source." [2] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution determined that "a few tracks illuminate surprising similarities between Schneider's arch yelp and Johnny Rotten's—'Secret Sharer' could be a Never Mind the Bollocks outtake." [23]

AllMusic called the album "a surprisingly enjoyable fusion of Schneider's bizarre charm and lean, loud alternative rock that proudly illustrates his punk roots." [1]

Track listing

All lyrics by Fred Schneider, music written as noted, except "Coconut" which is written by Harry Nilsson

  1. "Whip" (Tim Mosher)
  2. "Helicopter" (Richard Barone)
  3. "Sugar in My Hog" † (Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet)
  4. "Bulldozer" (Mosher)
  5. "Coconut" (Arranged by Richard Barone)
  6. "Center of the Universe" (John Coté)
  7. "Radioactive Lady Eyeball" (Mosher)
  8. "Lick" † (Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet)
  9. "Bad Dream" †† (Richard Barone, Gary Lucas)
  10. "Secret Sharer" † (Mosher)
  11. "Stroke of Genius" †† (Mosher)

† = performed by Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet
†† = performed by Six Finger Satellite
All others performed by Deadly Cupcake

Personnel

Related Research Articles

<i>The B-52s</i> (album) 1979 studio album by the B-52s

The B-52's is the debut album by American New wave band the B-52's. The kitschy lyrics and mood, and the hook-laden harmonies helped establish a fanbase for the band, who went on to release several chart-topping singles. The album cover was designed by Tony Wright.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shellac (band)</span> American rock band

Shellac was an American noise rock band from Chicago, Illinois, composed of Steve Albini, Bob Weston and Todd Trainer and formed in 1992. Albini died in May 2024.

Steve Albini was an American musician, audio engineer and music journalist, whose many recording projects have exerted an important influence on independent music since the 1980s. Most of his projects from 1997 onwards were recorded at the Electrical Audio studios in Chicago. Albini is occasionally credited as a record producer, though he disliked the term to describe his work, preferring the term "recording engineer" when credited, and refused to take royalties from bands recording in his studio, as he felt it would be unethical to do so.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Schneider</span> American musician

Frederick William Schneider III is an American singer-songwriter and frontman of the rock band the B-52's, of which he is a founding member. Schneider is well known for his sprechgesang, which he developed from reciting poetry over guitars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Black</span> American punk rock band

Big Black was an American punk rock band from Evanston, Illinois, active from 1981 to 1987. Founded first as a solo project by singer and guitarist Steve Albini, the band became a trio with an initial lineup that included guitarist Santiago Durango and bassist Jeff Pezzati, both of Naked Raygun. In 1985, Pezzati was replaced by Dave Riley, who played on Big Black's two full-length studio albums, Atomizer (1986) and Songs About Fucking (1987).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet</span> Canadian rock band

Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet are a Juno Award-winning Canadian instrumental rock band, formed in 1984. They remain best known for the track "Having an Average Weekend", of which an alternate version was used as the theme to the Canadian sketch comedy TV show The Kids in the Hall. Although commonly classified as a surf rock band they rejected the label, going so far as to release a track called "We're Not a Fucking Surf Band", although they also later released a compilation box set titled Oh, I Guess We Were a Fucking Surf Band After All.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Spencer Blues Explosion</span> American rock and roll band

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion was an American three-piece rock band from New York City, formed in 1991. The group consisted of Judah Bauer on guitar, backing vocals, harmonica and occasional lead vocals, Russell Simins on drums and Jon Spencer on vocals, guitar and theremin. Their musical style is largely rooted in rock and roll although it draws influences from punk, blues, garage, rockabilly, soul, noise rock, rhythm and blues and hip hop.

Don Pyle is a Canadian record producer and musician, who has also been a member of multiple bands. Pyle is openly gay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Neil</span> American singer-songwriter

Fred Neil was an American folk singer-songwriter active in the 1960s and early 1970s. He did not achieve commercial success as a performer and is mainly known through other people's recordings of his material – particularly "Everybody's Talkin'", which became a hit for Harry Nilsson after it was used in the film Midnight Cowboy in 1969. Though highly regarded by contemporary folk singers, he was reluctant to tour and spent much of the last 30 years of his life assisting with the preservation of dolphins.The late singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett referenced Fred Neil in his song Colour Of The Sun on Jimmy's Songs From St. Somewhere album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock Lobster</span> 1978 single by the B-52s

"Rock Lobster" is a song written by Fred Schneider and Ricky Wilson, two members of the B-52's. It was twice recorded and released as a single, first by DB Records as their debut release in April 1978, and again the following year for the band's self-titled debut album on Warner Bros. Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scratch Acid</span> American noise rock band

Scratch Acid was an American post-hardcore/noise rock band from Austin, Texas, formed in 1982. One of the pioneers of noise rock in the 1980s, the band is best remembered as a stepping stone for its frontman David Yow, and bass player David Wm. Sims, both later of The Jesus Lizard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Albini</span> American musician and audio engineer (1962–2024)

Steven Frank Albini was an American musician and audio engineer who was a member of the influential post-hardcore and noise rock bands Big Black (1981–1987), Rapeman (1987–1989) and Shellac (1992–2024). He was the founder, owner, and principal engineer of the Chicago recording studio Electrical Audio. He recorded thousands of records, collaborating with acts including Nirvana, Pixies, the Breeders, PJ Harvey, the Jesus Lizard and Page and Plant.

<i>Fred Schneider and the Shake Society</i> 1984 studio album by Fred Schneider

Fred Schneider and the Shake Society is the debut solo studio album by American new wave musician Fred Schneider, released in 1984 by Warner Bros. Records. It was re-released in 1991 as Fred Schneider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiny Masters of Today</span> American indie punk rock band

Tiny Masters of Today are an American indie punk rock band, consisting of siblings Ivan and Ada Wolin and their friend Jackson Pollis. All members are from Brooklyn, New York.

<i>For the Love of Harry: Everybody Sings Nilsson</i> 1995 studio album by various artists

For the Love of Harry: Everybody Sings Nilsson, released on 9 May 1995 by Musicmasters, is a tribute album by various artists and dedicated to the songs of American musician Harry Nilsson. The album was released the year after Nilsson's death. Proceeds went to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.

<i>Sport Fishin: The Lure of the Bait, The Luck of the Hook</i> 1993 studio album by Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet

Sport Fishin': The Lure of the Bait, The Luck of the Hook is the second album by Canadian surf rock group Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, released in 1993 through Cargo Records. It was recorded by Steve Albini.

<i>Hey Judester</i> 1988 studio album by Didjits

Hey Judester is the second album by Didjits, released in 1988 through Touch and Go Records.

<i>Hornet Piñata</i> 1990 studio album by Didjits

Hornet Piñata is the third album by American punk rock band, The Didjits, released on July 22, 1990, through Touch and Go Records. There were two music videos produced: Captain Ahab and Sweet Sweet Satan.

<i>Que Sirhan Sirhan</i> 1993 studio album by Didjits

Que Sirhan Sirhan is a studio album by the American band Didjits, released in 1993 through Touch and Go Records. The band supported the album with a North American tour. Que Sirhan Sirhan was Didjits' final album.

<i>Over and Out</i> (Tar album) 1995 studio album by Tar

Over and Out is the fourth and final studio album by American post-hardcore band Tar, released in 1995 through Touch and Go Records.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Just Fred – Fred Schneider | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  2. 1 2 Pareles, Jon (11 May 1996). "Fred Schneider". The New York Times. p. 15.
  3. ↑ Molanphy, Chris (May 1996). "Reviews". CMJ New Music Monthly (33): 42.
  4. ↑ Weingarten, Christopher R. (2024-05-09). "Steve Albini Reflects On A Legendary Career In One Of His Final Interviews". We’ve Got A File On You. Stereogum . Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  5. ↑ "Fred Schneider Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  6. ↑ Wiederhorn, Jon (Aug 1996). "Just Fred". Audio. 80 (8): 84.
  7. ↑ Flick, Larry (May 11, 1996). "Fred Schneider: Bulldozer". Billboard. 108 (19): 41.
  8. ↑ Riemenschneider, Chris (16 Mar 1996). "Fred Schneider's new hard-edged act looks to have wings". Austin American-Statesman. p. 18.
  9. ↑ "Nightlife". New York. 29 (19): 90. May 13, 1996.
  10. 1 2 Bausmith, Wes (June 28, 1996). "SOUND CHECK". Orange County Register. p. F56.
  11. ↑ Sullivan, Jim (5 May 1996). "'Just Fred' Schneider rediscovers punk". The Boston Globe. ARTS & FILM. p. 62.
  12. 1 2 Mayhew, Malcolm (May 3, 1996). "Fred Schneider, Just . . . Fred". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Star Time. p. 13.
  13. 1 2 Stevenson, Jane (May 12, 1996). "FRED SCHNEIDER Just Fred". Toronto Sun. p. S6.
  14. ↑ Johnson, Robert (May 15, 1996). "B-52's Fred Schneider talks a good punk rock album". San Antonio Express-News. Record Reviews.
  15. ↑ Milano, Brett (Sep 1996). "Fred Schneider: Just...Fred". Stereo Review. 61 (9): 109.
  16. ↑ "SOLO B-52 FLIES HIGH; LIZARD SINKS". Hartford Courant. Calendar. p. 20.
  17. ↑ "Robert Christgau: CG: Fred Schneider". www.robertchristgau.com.
  18. ↑ Larkin, Colin (May 27, 2011). "The Encyclopedia of Popular Music". Omnibus Press – via Google Books.
  19. 1 2 Smallwood, Dean (May 9, 1996). "'Just Fred' Fred Schneider". The Huntsville Times. p. D2.
  20. 1 2 Campbell, Chuck (17 May 1996). "SCHNEIDER'S 'JUST FRED' FILLED WITH UNEXPECTED RAGE". Knoxville News Sentinel. p. T10.
  21. ↑ Appleford, Steve (May 2, 1996). "Just Fred: Fred Schneider". Rolling Stone (733): 54, 56.
  22. ↑ Semon, Craig S. (23 June 1996). "Fred Schneider bombs without the B-52's". Telegram & Gazette. DATEBOOK. p. 9.
  23. ↑ "FRED SCHNEIDER 'Just Fred'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 25 Apr 1996. p. E4.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.