Guided by Voices, "Sunfish Holy Breakfast"
Matador, released: 1996
Ten more songs from the prolific boys from Dayton, OH. A bunch of
four-track recordings featuring the full band, Sunfish features some really great tunes (but what GbV release of late doesn't?), including the mellow "Canteen Plums," a semi-anthemic "Beekeeper Seeks Ruth" (The Flying Party is here!), a track written and sung by now-ex-GbV member Jim Greer
"Trendspotter Acrobat, and "The WInter Cows," which could fit right into
the somber mood of Bee Thousand. Overall, this is a somewhat ragged bunch
of tunes, but time given to the record pays you back with interest. If you
can allow yourself to get into the melodies behind tunes like "Canteen
Plums" and "The Winter Cows," you're in for 23 minutes of pure pleasure.
[CCL, 2/28/97]
Guided by Voices, "Plantations of Pale Pink"
Matador, released: 1996
Released the same day as Sunfish..., Plantations features six songs and you can only pet this puppy on vinyl (so, for the umpteenth time, buy a
turntable already, idiot!). This is another bunch of semi-ragged four track tunes, with two exceptions. It is perhaps not as strong as Sunfish, but shining points include "Systems Crash" and "The Who vs. Porky Pig" make the small investment worthwhile. And who else can pack six songs onto a 7" without doing hardcore?
[CCL, 2/28/97]
Guided by Voices, "Tonics and Twisted Chasers"
Rockathon, released: 1996
Chances are you'll never find this record anywhere (only 500 were made, and only on vinyl), so you'll have to rely on my sketchy reflections of the 19 tracks which appear on it (don't have it here with me at the moment to consult). This is by far the most ragged bunch of GbV material released to date, and is entirely recordings featuring Bob and Tobin, occasionally
augmented by a drum machine. These are true "demo" quality tunes. But don't let that fool you about their quality. Highlights: "158 Years of Beautiful Sex," a longer version of "Key Losers," and several more songs, the names of which elude me completely at the moment. I'll fill in this section later. Piano makes prominent appearances on two tracks, and the record is pressed on colored vinyl (mine is purple). Worth all $11 bucks I paid for it. Thanks, Rockathon!
[CCL, 2/28/97]
Guided by Voices, "Mag Earwhig!"
Bob Pollard is at it again, this time with a new backing band for most of the tracks. These guys are actually a band of their own, Cobra Verde. And, depending how you like their technical flourish and polished chops, you may either think this is the best or worst Guided by Voices record yet. There are those who feel that previous records make you think you're hearing the first recording of the song, or at least the first take during which everything fell together. You're there, witnessing the moment of creation. Well, that certainly isn't the case on the new record. The vast majority of the record is well rehearsed, arranged, and shines with big rock band polish. Personally, I don't think it detracts from the sound one bit, since the thing I always loved about GbV was the songs, and not so much how they sounded. So now they sound slick. Who gives a crap? They're still great songs, so what does it matter. Special note must go to "Bulldog Skin," "I Am Produced," "Now to War" and "Not Behind the Fighter Jet". There are, of course, plenty more winners here. Also of note is the kick-ass song "I am a Tree," actually written by Doug Gillard, guitarist of Cobras Verde. If you've thus far resisted listening to GbV because of their low-fi sound, this is the record for you to dig in and buy. If you have any taste at all, you won't be disappointed.
[CCL, 6/30/97]