From a band that never were, because they never really wanted to be, is a
major label debut, though released here through an indie. Guided By Voices
have kicked around for nearly two decades, making albums that never feature
any less than a cluster of crudely fashioned, fringe-pop classics. While
they have been circled around for the last five years as a potential
cross-over hit, here's proof that it was only a matter of money and studio
time before they cranked out a full bodied work. With Ric Ocasek's grand and
vintage-style production, they're now officially at hi-fi status. Robert
Pollard's uncanny sense of melodic and lyrical twists in a song remains, yet
it's teased out into tiny pieces for glorious, long-lasting hooks
throughout. Drenched in more guitar than ever, the souped-up vibe lifts this
album into a celebration of all things rock. Hence, a near-perfect package
of brains and brawn.