CD Reviews- Timothy B. Schmit- Expando

The Background:
Timothy B Schmit launched his solo career late - in 1984, after the Eagles disbanded and right in the thick of the era of shiny, synthesized production. Schmit released three solo albums, all big and glossy, between 1984 and 1991, then reunited with the Eagles in '94, so he never quite had a chance to record an album as relaxed and natural as 2009's Expando. Ditching all the sheen, but not professional panache, that lingered all the way to 2001's Feed The Fire, Schmit returns to his country and folk-rock roots here, creating a record that has a clear through line from his early days with Poco, bears echoes of early Crosby Stills & Nash - a resemblance underscored by Graham Nash's occasional guest harmonies and the howling harmonica on "A Good Day"

The Review:
With a little gospel, folk, country and rock and roll, Expando proves to be pure Americana. While it’s a little more mellow sound than traditional Eagles music, Timothy B. Schmit’s new album could be called relationships. He’s utilized great guest appearances that utilize and play to the guest’s strengths in nearly every case. On “One More Mile,” Keb Mo plays a beautiful slide dobro on this catchy little number about travelling down the road. “Parachute” is the most Eagles-ish song and features terrific harmony vocals with Graham Nash and lead guitar from Kenny Wayne Shepherd. On “Compassion” and “Ella Jean”, Schmit does his best John Fogerty And The Rangers impression and plays all the instruments including providing his own falsetto choruses. The best track on the album is his most autobiographical in “White Boy From Sacramento.” The song celebrates his non-funkiness including his youthful affection for Pat Boone, Pepsi Cola, the suburbs, flat tops and the Kingston Trio. It’s a fun upbeat track backed by an almost ragtime piano bounce and is a great reminder of how one of the biggest rock and roll legends in the world can celebrate his inner nerd with the rest of us. Dwight Yoakam and Kid Rock sing back-up on the R&B/Soul tinged tune “Downtime” about shutting down on the front porch and turning off the mind. And then there’s the great gospel themed song with Schmit and the Blind Boys Of Alabama called “Secular Praise” with it’s rising and soaring chorus of “Hallelujah.” While I’d wish for a couple more up-tempo songs to go along with “White Boy From Sacramento” to help fill out the album, it’s a great and fun listen- particularly for the Eagles fan uncertain to when they’ll hear new music from the band.

Sounds Like:
A softer more stripped down version of The Eagles

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
One More Mile
Parachute
White Boy From Sacramento
Secular Praise

The Verdict:
Three And A Half Stars Out Of Five