Bob Schneider

"I'm Good Now"

Shockorama Records

Grade: B+

Bob Schneider is a good friend. He can keep you company on a long drive or drown out a roommate's late night TV. Co-workers cannot complain about Bob because he is quiet and mellow.

With a name like Bob Schneider, it has to be good. Or at least acceptable.

With all that said, it must be noted that Bob's vocal variance is endearing but less than impressive. His music is made with normal band instruments, but they are so unobtrusive the song sounds acoustic in memory.

The mellow music and soulful croonings of his songs are most suitable for parking at the Point.

Bob shows his gentle versatility with the Bob Dylan-esque beats of "I'm Good Now" and the heavier rockish sounds of "C'mon Baby." Bob gets a little slow and Southern with the porch-swing and iced-tea twang of "Captain Kirk."

Then Bob follows with a little techno-pop in "Piggyback" and rounds out his versatility with old-school funk in "Getting Better."

Every other track on "I'm Good Now" is a different dulcet shade of melodious music.

Bob is a good friend, willing to share what is his and dedicated to his fans. Free listening and humorous commentary, as well as the typical myriad Web site goodies, can be found at www.bobschneidermusic.com.

Bob is not bad. Bob is not good. Bob is insouciant.

-- By Sharon Moore, Staff Writer