Kurt Neumann - Shy Dog Oarfin Records 9958 Released: 2000 by Marc Rigrodsky marcr@soundstage.com Musical Performance Recording Quality Overall Enjoyment

Kurt Neumann, formerly of the BoDeans, a fairly reliable band, falls flat with this solo effort.

What happened? During the ‘80s, the BoDeans, along with compatriots such as Los Lobos and The Blasters, reliably churned out solid roots rock. This in itself was a fairly revolutionary statement in an era dominated by MTV Hair Bands. Now, I"m the last person to insist that a performer should be locked away forever in a stylistic ghetto, but most of the songs on Shy Dog throb to a synthesized, hip-hop beat. Talk about a lack of credibility! Frauds like Madonna can get away with this, while Sheryl Crow can even build solid rock on a hip-hop foundation -- but Kurt Neumann of the BoDeans? It"s as appropriate as Snoop Dogg Sings the Bing Crosby Catalog, and not nearly as much fun.

It is telling that Neumann performed and produced the record and, of course, wrote all of the songs. That meant, apparently, there was no one around to slap him to his senses. The emphasis on hip-hop flattens the melodies and makes the songs drone. No ringing guitars or chiming choruses here, there's not a hook in sight. In fact, there are no real distinguishing features, other than Neumann’s strange, nasal voice plopped on top of the whole mess. At least he doesn't rap.

Lyrics? You want lyrics? You can’t handle lyrics! Well, I couldn't handle the lyrics. There are lyrics of course, lots of them, but they were too painful for me to concentrate on. Read the CD booklet if you want to know what he’s singing about. If the lyrics are anything like the maudlin dead-dog story he tells in the booklet, they must be as painful as the music itself.

The recording quality is actually pretty good, which in this case is a bad thing. Did I mention that Neumann recorded the album as well? He has some talent in this regard; maybe he's missing his true calling.

Lest I sound too harsh, Kurt Neumann seems like a nice guy. He says, "[I] donate to animal rights groups such as PETA, ASPCA, Humane Society and World Wildlife Federation. I visualize a world where animals, the earth and humans have equal rights." So do I -- honest. I want him to make a lot of money so he can keep those donations flowing. But from something worthwhile, not Shy Dog.

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