The Club Is Open
February 10, 2016 7:41 AM Subscribe
Robert Pollard has reformed Guided by Voices with a new lineup.
Initial reports were that the band had reunited, but the lineup slated to play the upcoming Sled Island Festival and work on a new album doesn't bear much relationship to either the "classic" lineup with Tobin Sprout or the late 90s/early aughts version with Doug Gillard.
Instead, the new lineup backing Pollard will feature genre-bending singer-songwriter Bobby Bare, Jr. on guitar (previously on MeFi), occasional GbV drummer Kevin March (also of The Dambuilders and Those Bastard Souls), Nick Mitchell on guitar, and Mark Shue on bass.
A new GbV album is already in the works, on which Pollard plays all of the instruments.
Bonus: Big Dipper's tribute, "Robert Pollard.
Initial reports were that the band had reunited, but the lineup slated to play the upcoming Sled Island Festival and work on a new album doesn't bear much relationship to either the "classic" lineup with Tobin Sprout or the late 90s/early aughts version with Doug Gillard.
Instead, the new lineup backing Pollard will feature genre-bending singer-songwriter Bobby Bare, Jr. on guitar (previously on MeFi), occasional GbV drummer Kevin March (also of The Dambuilders and Those Bastard Souls), Nick Mitchell on guitar, and Mark Shue on bass.
A new GbV album is already in the works, on which Pollard plays all of the instruments.
Bonus: Big Dipper's tribute, "Robert Pollard.
A friend of mine who tends to be a maniacal completist juuuuuuust got into GBV. I warned him that would an unwise approach to take towards this band (financially and mentally speaking). Come to think of it, I haven't heard from him in a few weeks...
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:58 AM on February 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:58 AM on February 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
"My Valuable Hunting Knife" or GTFO. (Damn right it's on that playlist)
posted by Kitteh at 7:58 AM on February 10, 2016
posted by Kitteh at 7:58 AM on February 10, 2016
Bobby Bare, Jr. is so goddamned good, you guys. I hope this will cause more people to check him out.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:00 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:00 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
"My Valuable Hunting Knife" or GTFO. (Damn right it's on that playlist)
Yeah, but "Your Name is Wild" and "Girls of Wild Strawberries" aren't so, still, GTFO.
posted by ryanshepard at 8:05 AM on February 10, 2016
Yeah, but "Your Name is Wild" and "Girls of Wild Strawberries" aren't so, still, GTFO.
posted by ryanshepard at 8:05 AM on February 10, 2016
Whoa.
I shoot myself with rock & roll
The hole I dig is bottomless
But nothing else can set me free
posted by gwint at 8:13 AM on February 10, 2016
I shoot myself with rock & roll
The hole I dig is bottomless
But nothing else can set me free
posted by gwint at 8:13 AM on February 10, 2016
Queen of Cans and Jars...
posted by kevinbelt at 8:25 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by kevinbelt at 8:25 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
In what is likely not-quite-unrelated news, Budweiser stock is up this morning.
posted by entropicamericana at 8:27 AM on February 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by entropicamericana at 8:27 AM on February 10, 2016 [5 favorites]
I was in Dayton, Ohio, when the band was just getting its start, but only tangentially into them. Bob Pollard is such a fucking great songwriter, and so manically productive, and so willing to put out perfect lo-fi 30-second bits. I would love to see a musical brawl between GBV and TMBG.
posted by rikschell at 8:48 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by rikschell at 8:48 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Back in the day, GbV toured with the Grifters, who are also back together. I'd love to see them in a double bill again.
Don't know the Grifters? AllMusicGuide says "If Guided by Voices are the Beatles of the mid-'90s lo-fi scene, then the Grifters' big, bluesy racket could certainly qualify as the Stones." How good are the Grifters? Pollard insisted they take turns as headliners. "I can't follow that shit every night."
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:54 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Don't know the Grifters? AllMusicGuide says "If Guided by Voices are the Beatles of the mid-'90s lo-fi scene, then the Grifters' big, bluesy racket could certainly qualify as the Stones." How good are the Grifters? Pollard insisted they take turns as headliners. "I can't follow that shit every night."
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:54 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
I've seen them twice, both times with Kevin March on drums. The first time with Nate Farley and Tim Tobias trading slugs of a bottle of Jack and Nate occasionally losing his guitar sound seemed very true to the GBV spirit. The second time with Mitch and Tobin was pretty awesome too ("A Good Flying Bird"). What I'm saying is shut up and take my money, and please tour the Southeast.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 8:55 AM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 8:55 AM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
I would have killed to see the GbV/Grifters double. I probably still would, come to think of it.
If I can just keep from passing out...
posted by aramaic at 9:29 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
If I can just keep from passing out...
posted by aramaic at 9:29 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Bee Thousand + One Sock Missing + Today's Active Lifestyles
posted by gwint at 10:02 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by gwint at 10:02 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
PEACHES/GBV MEDLEY at Sled Island or GTFO.
posted by echocollate at 10:18 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by echocollate at 10:18 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Guided by Thrones?
Scientists today announced that they have sequenced the genome of Bob Pollard, and have identified the genes responsible for his prodigious output. They also announced that last week they injected two ounces of Pollard serum into George R. R. Martin, and as a result the next 5 books of the "Song of Ice and Fire" series will be published this month. Their titles:
• Cold Zephry Apology
• An Icy Ordinance Promulgation!
• Official Throne Iron Supplement
• Do - the Hot Lizard
• Westeros Preposterous
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:35 AM on February 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
Scientists today announced that they have sequenced the genome of Bob Pollard, and have identified the genes responsible for his prodigious output. They also announced that last week they injected two ounces of Pollard serum into George R. R. Martin, and as a result the next 5 books of the "Song of Ice and Fire" series will be published this month. Their titles:
• Cold Zephry Apology
• An Icy Ordinance Promulgation!
• Official Throne Iron Supplement
• Do - the Hot Lizard
• Westeros Preposterous
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:35 AM on February 10, 2016 [8 favorites]
It's a shame, but the one time I saw GBV it was an off night; a bar full of bros who were mainly there to watch Pollard make a big deal out of how much he was drinking and egg him on, and he was happy to indulge them. I didn't even make it to the end of the gig.
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:37 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by The Card Cheat at 10:37 AM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I was lucky enough to see GBV at their "final show" at the Metro on New Year's Eve 2004. I will never experience another concert as amazing as that one in my life. I know I tend to have long, rambling comments, but I am entirely unable to put it into words and convey how intense the whole evening was. The closest I can come is just saying it felt like everyone involved, both performers and audience, had all came into the building with a feeling not unlike Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters saying "This means something. This is important." Then proceeded for the next four or five hours to rock out like they never have before. Not for showing off, not to show how hip or cool or indie they were, but because everyone there knew they were there to rock out with GBV one last time, and do it right.
posted by chambers at 11:43 AM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by chambers at 11:43 AM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
How many of y'all upon reading this news, instantly heard Bob in your head drunkenly calling out some variation on:
ALL RIGHT KIDS, THIS IS A SONG FROM THE ALBUM 'BEE THOUSAND' CALLED "TRACTOR RAPE CHAIN"! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:46 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
ALL RIGHT KIDS, THIS IS A SONG FROM THE ALBUM 'BEE THOUSAND' CALLED "TRACTOR RAPE CHAIN"! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
posted by DirtyOldTown at 11:46 AM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Come to think of it, I haven't heard from him in a few weeks...
He might have been safe with just GBV, but if 'maniacal completist' is an accurate description, considering Pollard's solo work, you might want to consider calling a reputable record store and see if they can at least have a trained professional go and do a 'wellness check,' like the police do sometimes.
Current Total Releases (approximate as of 3PM CST today, true count unknown but probably much higher)
Guided By Voices
23 Studio albums (24 now with this one)
17 EPs
3 split EPs
39 Singles
6 Split Singles
6 Box Sets
7 Compilation Albums
7 Soundtrack Appearances
7 Video Albums
2 Books
Pollard's Solo/side projects
21 Solo Albums
11 Other Albums/EPs
31 Other Albums under various group names
All 8 issues of the Pollard's literary magazine EAT
1 book of his collected collages
And probably at least another couple dozen not listed here or here.
And that's not counting the works of Tobin Sprout and other long standing members and their affiliations.
posted by chambers at 1:16 PM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
He might have been safe with just GBV, but if 'maniacal completist' is an accurate description, considering Pollard's solo work, you might want to consider calling a reputable record store and see if they can at least have a trained professional go and do a 'wellness check,' like the police do sometimes.
Current Total Releases (approximate as of 3PM CST today, true count unknown but probably much higher)
Guided By Voices
23 Studio albums (24 now with this one)
17 EPs
3 split EPs
39 Singles
6 Split Singles
6 Box Sets
7 Compilation Albums
7 Soundtrack Appearances
7 Video Albums
2 Books
Pollard's Solo/side projects
21 Solo Albums
11 Other Albums/EPs
31 Other Albums under various group names
All 8 issues of the Pollard's literary magazine EAT
1 book of his collected collages
And probably at least another couple dozen not listed here or here.
And that's not counting the works of Tobin Sprout and other long standing members and their affiliations.
posted by chambers at 1:16 PM on February 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
If you want a comprehensive GbV (and related) discography (and set lists), there is no substitute for GBVDB.com.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:26 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:26 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also fun: GBV Song Title Generator
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:26 PM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:26 PM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Best news all week! I've seen them more times than I can remember, although I missed the infamous gig when Pollard was led onstage in handcuffs by the chief of police. Their 2010 classic lineup at First Ave was magic, right down to Greg Demos' fancy pants. Some poor woman was knocked down by a guy who had been harassing her. I heard afterwards that he was arrested and she was invited backstage so the band could say, "Hey, we're sorry you got decked at our show." I hope both of those things are true. Everything happens at GBV.
My favorite version of Dragons Awake.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:21 PM on February 10, 2016
My favorite version of Dragons Awake.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:21 PM on February 10, 2016
Pollard reportedly considered recruiting Mark E. Smith, but didn't want to be fired from GBV.
posted by klangklangston at 2:51 PM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by klangklangston at 2:51 PM on February 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Is there anything on record about Pollard's relationship with his bands, reasons for the turnover thereof, etc? This article says that Kevin Fennell was "replaced by Kevin March in late 2013 after he tried to sell his drums on eBay for $55,000" but doesn't venture any more than that.
I remember a great oldish film about them that was briefly on Pitchfork a few years back, but it was from the Under the Bushes era maybe (Kim Deal was in it) when he was still playing with most of the original guys.
posted by Flashman at 4:13 PM on February 10, 2016
I remember a great oldish film about them that was briefly on Pitchfork a few years back, but it was from the Under the Bushes era maybe (Kim Deal was in it) when he was still playing with most of the original guys.
posted by Flashman at 4:13 PM on February 10, 2016
> He might have been safe with just GBV, but if 'maniacal completist' is an accurate description, considering Pollard's solo work, you might want to consider calling a reputable record store and see if they can at least have a trained professional go and do a 'wellness check,' like the police do sometimes.
So I just asked him about it, and he's already knee-deep in solo albums (like, actual CDs). It's over for that guy.
posted by The Card Cheat at 8:42 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
So I just asked him about it, and he's already knee-deep in solo albums (like, actual CDs). It's over for that guy.
posted by The Card Cheat at 8:42 PM on February 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Flashman, I think you can sort of sort GbV into eras. There's the "classic" lo-fi era, from the beginning to just before Mag Earwig. That's when you've got Bob Pollard, Tobin, the Mitchells, Kevin Fennell, and various other people floating in and out on bass, including SPIN music critic Jim Greer. Around 1996, Tobin (who is also a successful painter) decided to stay home and focus on his family and art. Some of the other guys drifted out because of exhaustion with touring.
At this point, Bob brought in the Cleveland glam rock band Cobra Verde as his new backing group and they cut Mag Earwig. That lineup didn't last too long, as Bob announced he was ready to try another new lineup. Only guitarist Doug Gillard stayed with Bob to the next incarnation, which also picked up Nate Farley and Jim MacPherson from the Breeders. Occasional "Classic" era bassist Greg Demos joined as well. After that point, GbV had a moderately high but not outside the pale amount of turnover, losing and gaining members here and there (but always with Gillard) . Notable during this era is that they picked up drummer Kevin March along the way, and at one point added GbV tribute band bass player Chris Slusarenko on bass.
That's more or less how it went until 2005 when GbV broke up. Then in 2010, the "classic" lineup reunited for a few years of records and touring. The only major lineup change I can recall from that time was Kevin Fennell being dropped on drums after embarrassing the band by auctioning his "GBV drums" on eBay. He was replaced by March.
And so now, there's a new lineup. Again. It has Kevin March on drums again, Nick Mitchell (from Bob's side project Ricked Wicky) on guitar, Bobby Bare Jr. (who is a fascinating middle-aged rock genius in his own right, and opened for the classic lineup's reunion tour many times) on guitar, and Mark Shue (from Your Library Is On Fire, who have worked with longtime GBV producer Todd Tobias) on bass.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:55 AM on February 11, 2016
At this point, Bob brought in the Cleveland glam rock band Cobra Verde as his new backing group and they cut Mag Earwig. That lineup didn't last too long, as Bob announced he was ready to try another new lineup. Only guitarist Doug Gillard stayed with Bob to the next incarnation, which also picked up Nate Farley and Jim MacPherson from the Breeders. Occasional "Classic" era bassist Greg Demos joined as well. After that point, GbV had a moderately high but not outside the pale amount of turnover, losing and gaining members here and there (but always with Gillard) . Notable during this era is that they picked up drummer Kevin March along the way, and at one point added GbV tribute band bass player Chris Slusarenko on bass.
That's more or less how it went until 2005 when GbV broke up. Then in 2010, the "classic" lineup reunited for a few years of records and touring. The only major lineup change I can recall from that time was Kevin Fennell being dropped on drums after embarrassing the band by auctioning his "GBV drums" on eBay. He was replaced by March.
And so now, there's a new lineup. Again. It has Kevin March on drums again, Nick Mitchell (from Bob's side project Ricked Wicky) on guitar, Bobby Bare Jr. (who is a fascinating middle-aged rock genius in his own right, and opened for the classic lineup's reunion tour many times) on guitar, and Mark Shue (from Your Library Is On Fire, who have worked with longtime GBV producer Todd Tobias) on bass.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:55 AM on February 11, 2016
OK favorite GBV album.
I still think UTBUTS is the strongest album from beginning to end.
posted by echocollate at 8:09 AM on February 11, 2016
I still think UTBUTS is the strongest album from beginning to end.
posted by echocollate at 8:09 AM on February 11, 2016
Alien Lanes. I can play that entire album in my head, hearing every note, not missing a track, in perfect sequence, I love it so much.
That said, that's my favorite album. My favorite lineup to see live so far has been the late 90s version with Gillard, Demos, and two of the Breeders. Those were some amazing players. Gillard in particular, is just a shit-hot guitar player.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:19 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
That said, that's my favorite album. My favorite lineup to see live so far has been the late 90s version with Gillard, Demos, and two of the Breeders. Those were some amazing players. Gillard in particular, is just a shit-hot guitar player.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:19 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Alien Lanes is my favorite, just genius from beginning to end.
Under The Bushes Under The Stars is probably second, once I discovered the trick of lopping off the the EP that got appended onto the CD (the album proper ends with "Office of Hearts"). I enjoy the six EP songs as well but listening to them in the same session as the album proper is a little fatiguing.
Best solo album: Not In My Airforce, though again you have to chop off the bonus tracks (the album originally was supposed to end with "Prom Is Coming").
Best side project: Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department.
posted by dfan at 10:00 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Under The Bushes Under The Stars is probably second, once I discovered the trick of lopping off the the EP that got appended onto the CD (the album proper ends with "Office of Hearts"). I enjoy the six EP songs as well but listening to them in the same session as the album proper is a little fatiguing.
Best solo album: Not In My Airforce, though again you have to chop off the bonus tracks (the album originally was supposed to end with "Prom Is Coming").
Best side project: Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department.
posted by dfan at 10:00 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Seconding Not in My Airforce.
posted by echocollate at 10:06 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by echocollate at 10:06 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
My favorite non-show-related GBV story is when I first discovered them and played Bee Thousand for my dad, proclaiming their genius, and he looked at me like I'd just wiped a booger on him.
posted by echocollate at 10:12 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by echocollate at 10:12 AM on February 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department is awesome indeed.
Favorite semi-official bootleg, King's Ransom/Happy Motherfuckers and Sad Clowns: a good recording of a great show by the late 90s band o' ringers, with 40-ish tracks, including covers of "Ziggy Stardust" and "I Am the Walrus," a face-melting version of "Lethargy" and even the rare "Release the Sunbird."
I definitely don't have a copy of that though and totally would not send you a Dropbox link for it if you need a copy.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:38 AM on February 11, 2016
Favorite semi-official bootleg, King's Ransom/Happy Motherfuckers and Sad Clowns: a good recording of a great show by the late 90s band o' ringers, with 40-ish tracks, including covers of "Ziggy Stardust" and "I Am the Walrus," a face-melting version of "Lethargy" and even the rare "Release the Sunbird."
I definitely don't have a copy of that though and totally would not send you a Dropbox link for it if you need a copy.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:38 AM on February 11, 2016
« Older Wears flannel shirts (inconsistent with city... | The Polygon Shredder Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:54 AM on February 10, 2016