- Start to finish, a return to greatness.
5
By pilkn2n
Out of curiosity, I had to look at the negative reviews to see where in the world these folks heads are at. This is by far the best GBV/Robert Pollard effort since Under the Bushes.
In fact, though they are back to the original 40 second/tune format of old, the song writing is more diverse and interesting than much of what is considered "classic" GBV. To those who didn't appreciate these lo-fi pioneers in first place, why waste anyone's time with a post here?
- Triumphant and Beautiful
5
By kuyman
As a whole, this is the most solid piece of work that Pollard has produced since Earthquake Glue. I've been listening to GBV since I was a little kid, and this record is both vibrantly new and nostalgically themed. Although the sound has changed some over the years, the essence of classic GBV is here; this isn't just a reunion record, this is a revitalization and triumphant return.
It's also worth noting that Sprout's contributions to this record are more beautiful than they ever have been… save maybe "I am a Tree". Although not everything feels as smooth as it did in 1995, this is a powerful, record that I've played and enjoyed dozens of times already.
- Palma
4
By Erpl2065
Edwin7196
- Great to have the gang back together for a bit
4
By joshua703
This is a really, really fine new album from what is basically the original band. In terms of accessibility (always something to consider when relating GBV's music to the general public- some people get it, and some just don't)- this album rests comfortably between Bee Thousand and Alien Lanes. It is markedly less polished than Under the Bushes- but that's not a criticism (of either). It seems that every album that this line-up has produced, from about Same Place the Fly Got Smashed onward, is a concept album, and this one is no different in that respect. Not every song here is an absolute classic, but the album as a whole has the same feeling of lots of different styles from song to song, shred-and-pasted into something pretty fantastic on the whole. So buy it for the whole-album experience.
As a side note, I'd love to see them play at Canal Street again sometime...but...
- Guide My Ears and More!
5
By John M.W.
I had heard of 'Guided By Voices,' but (I'm embarrassed to admit) never heard them.
Better late than never. I Love This Record! I think it's kind of "Garage Prog Rock," with a British feel, even though it's Made in the U.S.A.!
Let "Let's Go Eat the Factory" Guide Your Ears (And More) to a Wonderful Place!
- GbV returns right where they left us
5
By El Mongosta
Lyrically and sonically Guided by Voices is still a force to be reckoned with.
- 12 Thumbs Down
1
By Daledoh
This is some awful music! These guys sound like there all playing in there own world. There instruments are out of tune, the harmonies are out of sync.. These guys need to hit the rehearsal room or a lesson or two b4 they make another record!
- Oh Yeah!
4
By Airedogs
Hells yeah! GBV are back and as incredible as I remember them from my 20's.
- More of the same.... in a good way
5
By tombuttnertombuttner
I think Robert Pollard has had more opportunity to repeat himself in his work over the years than any other artist alive; yet every track on every album is completely original in all of its content and inspiration. The author of thousands of songs to date, along with Tobin's great songs in the mix; one would think the brilliance of the duo would find its limits; but they never do. I am always amazed at the Bob's range in songwriting textures from pure Pop-sugary-sweetness, to basement-Krautrock-weirdness. Pure envelope-pushers.
This band will never be as popular as the losers of American Idol, but they have earned more admiration and respect than all the past contestants combined. This is a band for the rest of your life, not just one rainy day.
This album is a steal at twice the price.
- An unexpected pleasure...
5
By quasidrive
The Matador gig was transcendent, and so is this...I love late GBV, but the classic line-up is just that. Unpretentious, lo-fi genius from the guys who invented it...
