SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: EDDIE SCHWARTZ – FILM SCHOOL

EDDIE SCHWARTZ
FILM SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT

After 30 years of spending most of his time behind the scenes, Eddie Schwartz makes a welcome return, with his first original recordings since the 1995 release, Tour De Schwartz. This six-track EP is top-of-the-line, easy-listening pop music. Schwartz may have had help with the songs, but he is clearly the star of the show, and these six songs demonstrate just how talented a writer he is. The music is well produced by Schwartz, and Roger Moutenot (Sleater-Kinney) has mixed the EP to perfection. Moutenot also plays slide guitar throughout the songs on this EP, which gives the music a fuller sound. Everything comes together perfectly.

Schwartz has written for many artists (Pat Benatar, Gowan, The Doobie Brothers) and many more have covered his songs (America, Meat Loaf), but his voice and his own distinct style have been missed. His songs touch on human emotion and deal with more than just the subject matter of love. The opening track, for example, “We Win,” is a song that takes an optimistic view of the current world craziness. “Will better days come around/Yeah, they’ll come around,” he asks and answers on the track. Love counts for a lot in the song, as it does in Schwartz’s world.

SPILL FEATURE: IF LOVE COUNTS FOR SOMETHING WE WIN – A CONVERSATION WITH EDDIE SCHWARTZ

Not only has he written new songs for this collection, but Schwartz also revisits one of his biggest hits, “Special Girl (2025).” This version is much slower and sparser, with a definite melancholy to it. The song has a much bleaker feeling than the original, and Schwartz’s vocals hit the mark. “Waters Rise” is a moody piece of music that addresses loss and longing. His description of the way he’s living is sad and provides a thorough exploration of loneliness. I must admit the imagery of Fletcher Christian put a smile on my face. “You Don’t Belong” is a short and lovely ballad that seems to be a personal statement about Schwartz.

Schwartz works with some very talented and well-established artists to fill out the sound. Robyn Black and Robert Ellis Orrall provide excellent backing vocals, while George Marinelli plays guitar, bass, and synthesizers (along with Shwartz), Wally Badarou on organ, and Vince Santoro on drums. Schwartz plays guitar as well. The backing arrangements are not complicated, but they are still very effective.

The EP ends with the indie-rock sounds of “Come To This.” It is an excellent rock ‘n’ roll song that brings the far-too-short set to a close. Listening to these six songs, one cannot help but wish they were a part of an entire album. Schwartz’s lyrics and music are not merely pop music. Film School shows Schwartz’s ability to write in different voices and different styles. It is an excellent EP and, as noted, serves as another reminder that it’s been far too long since we heard from Schwartz.

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