Solo albums by members of well-known bands are interesting for various reasons. First of all, they often demonstrate how much of the sound comes from an individual member. So if you mainly associated the B-52's with Kate Pierson, you'll be surprised how much Fred Schneider's voice reminds you of the B-52's. Solo albums also show what kind of music the artists would make if they had more freedom. In this case, it looks like Fred has clearly realized that the band sound has gotten somewhat superficial and slick recently. He warps back 15 years, to the legendary "Rock Lobster" days, and then goes further.
Just Fred was recorded with three different bands, of which the Deadly Cupcake contribute the largest (and best) part, production was done by Steve Albini of Nirvana and PJ Harvey renown. Considering this, it's not that surprising to find a darker sound with real drums and (sometimes howling) guitars. The tracks are diverse, yet consistent, and there's a natural kind of power and energy in them. Even if he only wrote the lyrics himself, it's obvious that Fred found his creative spirit again; anybody writing a track titled "Radioactive Lady Eyeball" must be a winner.
If the sound is so different, why does the album still sound so much like B-52's? It's clearly the voice. Granted, Fred can't really sing, but he still delivers vocals that are highly unique and seems to be able to give songs a rhythm with his voice. And it's mainly this groove which makes most of the songs dancable. If this album doesn't make you at least wiggle your toes, you need treatment.
Seeing Fred Schneider so full of enthusiasm and ideas, we can really look forward to the next B-52's album, which is already planned. And in the meantime, we can thoroughly enjoy Just Fred.
