Rock Sound
September 2004
Joe Stannard

Guided By Voices
Half Smiles of the Decomposed
Matador Records
 

Dear old GBV. So, this is the end. Its been good, hasn't it? We've shared a lot over the years. Remember when I bumped into you in 95? You were finally getting the widespread recognition you deserved. The inkies were all over you, and I knew I’d found something special. We drifted out of touch a few times but always fell together again. And you never let me down, despite your love of the bottle. You were always there when I needed you. Anyway, now you tell me you’re leaving for good. And THIS is your goodbye? Well that sucks. You think you can lust slink off, leaving this final, perfectly formed melodicoceanicmelancholicpsycnedelic epic pinned to the kitchen wall? After all these years? Well, do you? You do? Oh...Okay then. Bye.