two stars ** Guided by Voices, "Under the Bushes Under the Stars," Matador. Ohio's Guided by Voices is not only credited as a pioneer of low-fi rock--a style that is intentionally understated and under-produced--but its last two albums also garnered enough critical acclaim to make it one of indie rock's most adored bands. Although good at grabbing your attention with familiar pop hooks, the group has never provided any evidence that it can actually write an entire song.On its 11th album, the quintet plays dozens of catchy Beatles-inspired snippets but never bothers to combine the ideas into one complete song. Instead, the fragmented music basks in substandard production, nonchalant performances and its own clever pop irony, leaving the listener feeling more conned than satisfied.
Robert Pollard sings all sensitive and shaky-like about "polluted eyeballs" in songs with titles like "Acorns and Orioles."
The album's melodies are enticing, from simple acoustic guitar lines to fuzzy pop numbers, but have nothing to offer beyond a familiar rush; they eventually peter out like wet firecrackers.
Although "Under the Bushes" offers 24 songs free of rock 'n' roll pomp and ultra-polished production, the album still can't help but feel self-conscious and contrived.
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