Search - The Bobs :: Coaster

More experiments and old live favorites

Frank J. Perricone | People's Republic of Vermont | 11/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Bobs never rest on what they've already done. Some people might think that there's only so much you can do within the bounds of a capella, but The Bobs cover more ground than most instrument-using bands and don't seem to be running out of new directions to explore.Coaster includes a few experiments that didn't work perfectly, or at least, will take a little time to grow on me. (Thus, it's one notch below "i brow club", which was almost entirely unblemished.) There are also two or three puns that should earn the responsible Bob a few friendly spankings. :)But most of the album is outstanding, both for the solid and reliable Bobs tunes in the styles we've come to love, and for those that push the Bobs envelope in various new directions. First, there's almost all the songs that we've been treated to in concerts for the last few years (the only exception I can think of is "Nobody Here But Us Chickens" -- hope we get that eventually). All are recorded strongly, though "Light My Fire" works a lot better when you don't know its name or the lyrics and just dive into the music. (Perhaps it should have been a "hidden bonus track", guys? ;) Particularly outstanding here are "The Druid Song" and "Barber Lips" (the old scratchy record effect is nice).Amongst those that I've never heard in concert, about half are wonderful, and the other half vary from solid but unexceptional, to just a bit tedious. "Bach To Bach" is particularly brilliant on many levels, the best new track on the album. "Hidden Bonus Track" (no, it's not hidden, that's just its name), "Let's Adopt A Highway", "Bring To Boil", and "Fluffy's Master Plan For World Domination" will surely become favorites. "Loyal Officer" is too long, and "She Made Me Name You Earl" follows in the footsteps of "The Vapor Carioca" and its "Song-O-Matic" brother "There's A Nose Ring In My Soup" -- a single somewhat crude joke extended into a whole song. (To be fair, "The Vapor Carioca" did grow on me.) "The Drive Time Blues" feels like a revisit from the Bobs of "Shut Up And Sing!" or even earlier.Those who are familiar with "Turtle Boy" by Josh Kornbluth will probably find the four very short songs "The Turtle Cycle" hilarious, but as I don't know the allusions, I don't get the inside jokes.Finally, as we were warned on the Bobs' home page, Coaster furthers the experimentation into the use of instruments that we saw on their last two albums. This time, one song is a full-fledged instrument-driven rock song; though it still features Bobs a capella textures, it also features trumpets and guitars and drums. Apart from this, there's little of the exploration of electronic enhancements pioneered on "Plugged".Most Bobs albums have been written almost entirely by Richard Bob, with contributions by the others. This is the first one where other Bobs have written a significant number of entire songs. Joe Bob pens four songs, Amy Bob pens three, and they share one more; in addition, long-gone ex-Bob Gunnar cowrites another one with Richard Bob. The additional writing talent is welcome; even though Richard Bob is certainly up to the task of writing and scores the single most brilliant song on the album, the diversity of creative input helps the album expand the frontiers.In all, Bobs fans will find a great combination of more of what we already love, and new things to keep it fresh. Those who go to the concerts will be glad to have a few old favorites on CD finally. Newcomers to the Bobs will find a good introduction to the mystery that is the Bobs (though not as good as a first Bobs album as "i brow club" or "Shut Up And Sing!", if only because some of it is a bit farther out there)."

The best Bobs' CD in over 10 years

Fredrick S. Ganzi MD | Holland, MI USA | 06/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Bobs' fan since the early 80's. Their first three albums have always been their best IMHO. The loss of Gunnar was huge. His writing and general twisted bizarreness were greatly missed.Joe has filled Gunnar's shoes for about 11 years now. He has always done a good job, but in the last few years the quality of his writing has improved and his stage personality has emerged. Joe is now as strong a presence as Gunnar ever was, and that really comes through on this album.Amy has replaced Janie/Lori and brings something new to the table, a female vocalist who can write. In addition, her personality is more of a natural fit with the men than the other women ever were. She seems like one of the guys. Her originality and persona really add to this album.Also, Richard has written some of his best songs ever for this album. "Earl" is arguably the funniest Bobs' song of all time.Take Joe & Richard at their best, add some new energy with Amy, and the result is the Bobs' best album since the 80's. I would recommend this album to both new and old Bobs' fans. You won't be disappointed.BTW, Matthew is as solid as ever, but it is in concert where he really stands out."

Lots of fun, but not their best

Kenneth Simon | Los Angeles, CA USA | 12/26/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This Bobs CD proves that even with lineup changes, they have solidified again into a great sounding foursome. Amazing harmonies, catchy tunes and some really funny stuff. Highlights are a fantastic reworking of their old song "Cowboy Lips," and the brand new "Fluffy's Master Plan for World Domination" - a cat owner's nightmare!This CD is a must for any Bobs fan. However, it's also the first time I've felt left out of some of their humor. A few of the tracks have the feeling of inside jokes that leave most listeners looking in from the outside. A few of the tracks, including a number called "Believe in Love," feel like noble attempts that shouldn't have made the final cut.If you've never heard The Bobs, or you're buying for a new listener, try the excellent "i Brow Club" or the older but still fun "Songs For Tomorrow Morning." Or one of their albums of classic song covers, which are always accessible for new listeners.This is by all means worth having, and The Bobs are going strong. Just not my first choice if stranded on a desert island with a Bobs CD!"