Early surprise from Uncle Bob

Play it: Robert Pollard From a Compound Eye

After achieving cult-status with the band Guided By Voices, Robert Pollard retired the name last year (last show was New Year's Day in Chicago,) but promised not to stop writing songs. And how could you expect a man who once said "I go to take a sh*t and come out with four songs... and three of 'em are great!" to stop writing? Well, he's put those non-fears to rest with this double-album (yes, FaCE is a double-album!) due to come out this January 24th.

By some miracle, it's in Rhapsody right now, so take advantage of it pronto (in case it's a mistake - it's not available for Rhaps-to-go, which makes sense [UPDATE - now available!]) Merge Records plan a vinyl release that comes with a digital locker of all the songs upon purchase, which is a brilliant idea (if it works.)

My first impressions are that it's going to be a classic. It doesn't have the feel of typical GBV or any of his other offshoot projects, yet harkens back to them just the same. That's part of the reason given for shutting the doors at GBV Inc., because Bob was tired of writing for the expectation of the band. Well, FaCE like he's achieved his defying of expectations, and I consider that a boon to my ears. Not really a dud here, like w/ most his sprawling projects, and while it may not necessarily equal the brilliance of his Not in My Airforce, first impressions have me feeling it comes close. "Dancing Girls and Dancing Men" and "U.S. Mustard Company" are beautifully orchestrated, and are Bob at his poppiest. "I'm a Widow" is a high octane late 60's flavor, and sounds like a lost track from the aforementioned Not in My Airforce, while "I Surround You Naked" and "Recovery" sound like they could've been standout tracks on either of the last couple GBV releases. Not to be left out, Bob's prog-rock offshoot band Circus Devils also appear to be stylistically represented with "50-Year old Baby," "Conquerer of the Moon," and "Numbered Head."

So you could say Bob is all over the place... but he's all over his spacious place, so take a seat on the old sofa, kick up your legs and crack open a beer... the club is back open.

More:
Check out the book Guided by Voices: A Brief History : Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll by James Greer w/ intro by Steven Soderbergh

Previously:
The Electrifying Conclusion Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

tags: playlist, music, robert pollard, guided by voices, circus devils, merge records