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CD REVIEW: Pete Schmidt - No Safe Bet
By Steve Allat - 08/16/2004 - 12:11 AM EDT

Artist: Pete Schmidt
Album: No Safe Bet
CD Review: Label: Independent:Pete Schmidt Music
Tracks: 10
Released: 2004
For Fans Of: Richard Marx, Our Lady Peace,
Fav Track: Dreams, Get It Right One Time.

Big Melody. Big Production. Big Sound.
Pete Schmidt has written a very strong set of radio-friendly songs and Dan Hannon has produced the heck out of 'em, making them radio-ready.

Right from the start, it's obvious that melody is king, and that Pete is it's humble servant, delivering very strong vocals throughout, driving the songs where they need to go. Although there doesn't appear to be a weak track on the disc, there is an overall consistency that borders on monotony.

My favourite tunes bookend the CD. The leadoff 'Dreams' has a killer guitar hook that just cannot be forgotten. 'Get It Right The First Time', the final track which is ironically titled in retrospect, is what I waited for the whole CD through after that great lead. A little more of that hard edge (for this light-rock tone) would have made this CD entirely more palatable & enjoyable for me. I would even say it'd be a keeper for my playlist at that point.

Besides the strong songwriting, flawless playing and topnotch production, the biggest seller here is Pete's vocals. He shows a great range, from soft to hard-edged and from mid to high range with great strength. The only thing lacking was a bit more emotion in the delivery. His vocals, while flawless, were maybe just a bit too clean and even for me. Aren't I demanding? Let 'er rip, Pete!
(as a side note, if you haven't heard Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace in Canada, you don't need to bother, Pete sounds just like him!)

Middle of the road, acoustic-driven light rock is where this CD safely treads and belongs. Everyone can relate to the song subjects, which deal with the everyday from Pete's experiential perspective.

In the end, I can't see how Pete will miss with the winning combo he's already got - a few of these songs are ready to go. If they aren't playing on adult contemp. radio already, they should be.

Contact: Jamie Silvers @ Pete Schmidt
Website: Pete Schmidt Music


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