Alright kids, the Guided by Voices (current lineup) discography breakdown is back with the first of two 2021 releases, Earth Man Blues. I'm going to predict this will be my lowest ranked album of this dive. Having said that, it's a low 3 stars and has five songs that most bands would kill for. The great thing about Guided by Voices is they have a relatively small, dedicated fanbase that supports them no matter what direction Uncle Bob leads them. Pollard is proof of marketing expert Seth Godin's belief that if you show up every day and ship the work your people will find it and support you. This album features many facets of Robert Pollard's muse that I, personally, don't like. Weird vocal deliveries, goofy accents and sections of songs that sound like they're being played at the wrong speed. Instead of being outlier tracks, they are most of the album. Earth Man Blues is comprised of reworked "suitcase tapes" songs from the Pollard vault. I wish he made better use of this muscular incarnation of the band, but I love and support Guided by Voices, and I'm glad they released five more genius songs into the universe.
The standout track is "Trust Them Now". It's a headlong, downhill rocker that clocks in at a tight 2:20. Pollard's lyrics and delivery turn back the clock. This song is already canon. "The Batman Sees the Ball" is a fun song about Batman playing baseball. It locks in on a high-octane groove and never lets up. "Margaret Middle School" is a classic, amped up, one-minute, hit and run Guided by Voices tune. It's followed up by the most well-produced track on the album, "I Bet Hippy". The effects on Bob's vocals and the guitars are unique in the discography. It's not as immediate as the other three tracks, but it's a more interesting listen. Mark Shue's powerful, melodic bass playing is all over the song "Test Pilot". The two-guitar attack of Gillard and Bare Jr. is in your face. And Pollard's lyrics are fantastic. "You can count to ten on all your thumbs".
There are a few tracks on Earth Man Blues that aren't essential but are nonetheless worth noting. "Dirty Kid School" is completely bonkers. "Can't hear the bell 'cause no one gives a shit", "Dirty kid school, the moms all hate it". Then the song ends with a crazy Jerry Goldsmith movie score inspired section. "Lights Out in Memphis (Egypt)" is a nearly six-minute epic. The verses are menacing and cinematic, then the choruses kick in with hard rock bombast. It's actually an impressive composition. "Ant Repellent" is delightfully goofy, yet still manages to rock. So, when I rate Earth Man Blues at 3-stars I'm basing that in comparison to other Guided by Voices records. Half of the tracks on here are better than most other bands, but the other half aren't my personal Guide by Voices preference. But "Trust Them Now" is the leader in the clubhouse for best song by this lineup. Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment