With their umpteenth release- they've nearly 20, but who's counting?-
Ohio's Guided by Voices complete this summer's holy trinity of
high-profile indie-pop bombshells (the other two coordinates being
occupied by Pavement and the Flaming Lips). Stirring up his usual mix of
power-pop, lo-fi, classic and prog-rock, this time with a new spoon
(producer Ric Ocasek), GBV's prolific leader Robert Pollard has created a
disc of perfect moments and incessant, irresistibly sparkling charm. In
keeping with their recent string of releases, the songs are getting
longer, allowing Pollard to stretch out, usually effectively, though often
he just gets repetitive. The opener, "Teenage FBI," really shows Ocasek's
influence- unbelievably catchy, with squishy synth and fuzzy, jangly
guitar, it's like The Cars covering Cheap Trick's "Dream Police."
"Wrecking Now" is probably the prettiest tune on the record, with a
finger-picked guitar melody reminiscent of The Hollies' "Carrie Anne."
"Picture Me Big Time" is Pollard's arena rock valentine, with its shouted
"Baby, I will deliver to you!" and greasy, layered guitar.