THE SOUND OF MEAT

SCHNAUSER began when Alan Strawbridge's previous band broke up. He is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and he writes great lyrics. Humour is a huge part of his music, and this man is very funny. The first release in 2005 was Alan doing it all at home by himself, and with a limited release, and no I haven't heard that one. "The Sound Of Meat" followed that one and is more of a band album as they are a trio here with some guests helping out. The cover art for "Protein For Everyone" would have worked better on this one no?

SCHNAUSER sits close to bands like ONCE AND FUTURE BAND and UMPHREY'S MCGEE although SCHNAUSER I would argue aren't as complex as those bands, but I would also argue the lyrics are better with SCHNAUSER, despite that also being a strong suit with the two bands I mentioned. But like those two bands SCHNAUSER is just too much fun but at the same time challenging. I own three of their studio albums including "Where Business Meets Fashion" where it seems the life or energy of this band has been greatly reduced. Also "Irritant" where they get that back but it's not as good as "The Sound Of Meat" in my opinion.

A lot of reviewers connect this band with canterbury simply for the humour I believe. I don't hear much at all instrumentally that would make me think of that style of music. Billie Bottle is similar and a fan of this band. The songs for both of those bands are about mundane everyday life, but they make this seem far from mundane with the humour injected. This is a fairly consistent record with a couple of tracks standing out for me including "Nobody Loves Me" and "Three Stones". The latter really sounds like THE WINSTONS. By the way eleven songs worth under 37 minutes. "Justice" is so catchy at under 2 minutes.

"Homeless" despite the title is too funny. Fast paced with some guest strings here. It opens with the wind blowing before the piano arrives. I like the depth here, the bass, and the intense ending. "Twins Of Evil" sounds like psychedelic pop, while the opener is a great way to start the album with the humour and vocals. On the next record they would expand to a four piece. Strawbridge really should be writing material for comedians, although I can't imagine that making him any money, much like this music, despite my love for this.

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