DAVE LARSEN Dayton Daily News

Guided By Voices

ALIEN LANES

Matador

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The sign of a great pop song is the way it insinuates itself into
your brain. The way you catch yourself singing it even when the stereo is switched
off, for no particular reason.
Guided By Voices' Bob Pollard writes some of the most deliciously
Insidious songs in pop music. I've been driving around for the last few weeks listening to an
advance tape of the Dayton band's Matador Records debut, Alien Lanes, which will be
released Tuesday. On numerous occasions I've caught myself breaking into the
refrain of As We Go Up We Go Down or My Valuable Hunting Knife, usually while
performing some mundane task and - fortunately - when I've been alone.
I can think of no higher praise for Pollard's song craft, and GBV's
realization of his vision. Of the 28 tracks on the album, Closer You
Are, Blimps Go 90,My Son Cool and Motor Away are also two-minute masterpieces.
While some have been turned off by GBV's lo-fi four-track recording
methods, the production of Alien Lanes is more consistent than 1994's acclaimed
Bee Thousand. The single, Motor Away, was remixed for radio accessibility.
Don't be surprised to find yourself singing along - or alone.

BY DAVE LARSEN
Guided By Voices 'latest album, Alien Lanes, received a four-star
review in the March 23 issue of Rolling Stone magazine. The Dayton-based band's
recently released box set, Box, also received 3 1/2 out of five stars. Alien
Lanes, GBV's Matador Records debut, will be released on March 28. The album also
received a ''B+'' rating in the March 17 issue of Entertainment Weekly. GBV will
perform at a record release party at Canal Street Tavern on April 3.