George Took A Shovel

Taken from "Sgt, Disco" 2007

Lyrics Unknown

Bob does his best Eddie Vedder impression here. Great talky section that sounds like some sort of Sci-Fi story. Quite a playful song here and not as bleakly dark as a lot of Circus Devil material.

Twilight Campfighter

Taken from "Isoliation Drills" 2001

"Twilight campfighter
You build your fire into an open wound
You want us to feel better
On these darker trails
With light revealing holy grails
To hike through dangerous weather
You need twilight eyes

Sunspot solider, you come from another day
Accept no pay
You want us to feel better
All for longing causes
Racing minds and lengthy pauses
All who must soon shed their veils
And wipe their eyes

As we vegetate and wait around for brighter days
And can dance contented to the sound of money
Could I have seen a sight
Much greater than your twilight eyes
That penetrate your silent lives (lies)

Twilight campfighter
We do congratulate
It's not too late
To make us all feel better
Under darker skies
With your twilight eyes"

This is my first "Isolation Drills" song that cropped up on "A Pollard A Day" and what song to start with. Amazingly powerful song. This is a very moving song. A stone cold Classic.

Still Worth Nothing

Taken from "Delicious Pie And Thank You For Calling" 2003

"Senseless child
See you now
Still worth nothing
Never stop, until it stops
Rise and shine
Fall in line
Still worth nothing
That we know seems to show

See him walking around
It's a known fact that
The only thing he knows is this
Hear him talking so loud
It's a rough world
And he can find out for himself, he'll see
Speed up, slow down, go all around
In the end

Came to see
Conveniently
Still worth nothing
After all, some must fall

See him walking around
It's a known fact that
The only thing he knows is this
Hear him talking so loud
It's a rough world
And he can find out for himself, he'll see
Speed up, slow down, go all around
In the end"

Why do hear suspicious minds at the start of this song? Then it jumps into Northside (remember them? Shall I take a trip?). Strange musical touchstones here. Then we are into pure GBV. As usual, catchy tune and 60s sounding. Not a bad little song here that could have easily stood nicely on any early GBV album.

Penumbra

Taken from "Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love" 2007

Lyrics Unknown

I really like this tuneful and quirky number from the amazing "Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love" album. There an old 60s or 70s song that Im reminded of but I cant put my finger on it but its a bit like "In the Jungle" oddly enough. Its great when the backing vocals and guitar kick in half way. Quirky, Fun and good song.

How Can You?

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A nursery rhyme strummer from Bobs early lost catalogue. Another great throwaway song from the Pollardmiester. Good song.

Sing it Out

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Came into town just to sing it out
Let the children play
Help them on their way
Save them
Took a turn with a temperature drop
Now I wanna go
Don't like driving in the snow
And when you call him
Will he be happy
I don't think so
Got a girl in trouble
Get him out on the double
Now when she close to be a good woman
Will you care to follow
Where next will you go?
Though your ??? will know
Sing it out"

The tune in this song has imbedded itself inside my brain for the last couple of years and always crops up on my iPod on random play. Its very infectious and catchy with a sad little middle section but overall a fanstastic minute of Pollard magic.

Man Called Aerodynamics

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"Find deep within your memory coat
a cricket bag you ate from
it's sweet smiling apology acceptance awaits you
don't be afraid to cherish it
look it up in the book mobile
look it up in the gun rack
in the magazine rack
or the map!
for it is only after the fence comes down
that the cartoon bubble explodes
and the new party begins
invitation only - still in a senator's suitcase
let them out and dance for the ant god
like scary magnets to pounce upon command
upon the man
the man called aerodynamics"

A rhythm like a racing train and a wall of sound approach to this GBV classic. Though this song isnt of transitional structure and doesn't really go many places its still great. I'm still not sure which my favourite GBV album is, Bee Thousand? Alien Lanes? Under The Bushes? All 3 are packed with fantastic songs.

Run Son Run

Taken from "Fiction Man" 2004

"Horizon prizes
And arrow noses
Bad practice attracts
Like axis magnets

Well then run son run
run son run
run son run
Get back up to run, son

Freeze me up
From going down the stomach pump
Can't spit me
Far enough to trust me

Well then run son run
run son run
run son run
Get back up to run, son

It's how to chase you, son
It's how to make you run"

A very upbeat and uplifting song from the often overlooked Fiction Man album. Sometimes the percussion on this song feels like its about to collapse but the whole thing just manages to hold together. I would imagine this song would go down well at an Indie club in a Sebadoh rockathon type way. Cool.

Queen Of Cans And Jars

Taken from "Bee Thousand" 1994

"To see the light and try but failed
On jagged seas that can't be sailed
And sought to lead but always trailed
Asked questions anyway

And all around the breeding grounds
The nymphos sweetly played
The queen of cans and jars will keep them safe

To be so keen on global trend
To be so tight on how and when
To scratch and claw until the end
To work for each new day

And all around the hunting ground
The dead were on display
The queen of cans and jars will keep them safe"

A stone cold Guided By Voices classic. That riff. That sound. That voice. I remember hearing this song for the first time as a first time Guided By Voices listener and being blown how amazing and how different this was. I couldnt tell if GBV made it up as they went along, how many singers were in the band (due to Bobs differing styles) and what the hell was going on. Turn this on, turn it up and nod yer head!

7 Strokes To Heaven's Edge

Taken from "Delicious Pie And Thank You For Calling" 2003

"3,4

Mother, mother it's just not fair
We were so close to death
When the snakes were at your breast
We almost took the pledge
We were seven strokes from the cliffs of heaven's edge

Mighty pillars of shaky dirt
Conceived and planned in an office
We had the power to break the spell
We had the knowledge, we just couldn't tell, oh

Mother, mother it's just not fair
We were so close to death
When the snakes were at your breast
We almost took the pledge
We were seven strokes from the cliffs of heaven's edge

You want to know practical answers
Learn something old everyday
Wish hard and hope that the dead walk the cave
Like fossil fuel in the wheelchair relays

Mother, mother it's just not fair
We were so close to death
When the snakes were at your breast
We almost took the pledge
We were seven strokes from the cliffs of heaven's edge"

A very Mersey beat type early GBV. Its amazing how much Bobs voice has changed over the years. A nice song. A simple song. But a good song.

Systems Crash

Taken from "Demons and Painkillers" 2003

"Systems crash, systems crash

Systems crash the universe
All emotions are flying
Systems crash the universe
All the systems are dying

Are you watching us watch you?
Are you, are you watching us watch you?
Are you watching us watch you?
Are you watching over black screen?
Are you writing her the blank page?
All the systems are dying

Systems crash the universe
All emotions are flying
Systems crash the universe
All the systems are dying

Falling all over the globe
Falling all over the globe
Falling all over the globe"

A very odd and ramshackle start and then an at-odd-with-itself melody. This song teeters on the edge of being totally out of tune but just hands on with its tiny fingernails. A quite catchy chorus but not a GBV classic.

Saved Herself, Shaved Herself

Taken from "The Harold Pig Memorial" 2002

"Leaving the location
A brave signal is breaking up
Watch / Now / Go
To the hidden source
Of this redemption
Back to what it takes
A minor fire brushing clean mirrors
Clear beyond belief
Spot angel trails and a banger of nails
All that it takes is a back and a rake

Saved herself
Shaved herself

And the impulse is shocking
Any kind will do
Any time I'm comin' through

Saved herself
Shaved herself"

There is something very seedy about the title of this Circus Devils song. A quite melodic and spaced out song with some breezy guitar and keyboards. Good song song that isn't as dark and wilfully odd as many Circus Devils tracks.

Soul Barn

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown.

A real garage fuzz fest for another song from Suitcase 2 and another song to feature Soul in the title. Who said guys from Dayton, Ohio don't have Soul. Bobs got 11 songs of Soul. This song is from Guided By Voices early days I think as RPs vocals are very different from his Classic Era GBV and his deeper and odder later solo years.

I'll Buy You A Bird

Taken from "Bee Thousand (Directors Cut)" 1994

"I heard you what the problem is
I didn't hear you both
You're coming through
Like weird electric jive
Bumming your role
I'm playing your role
Will you love me come Saturday
Yeah I know it's too hard to plan it
And will the attachment stay attached
Until destroyed by a match
Watch it burn a light in the night
Watch it burn a light in the night
Fire cleanses a soul
Fire cleanses a spirit
But I don't wanna hear it
Through a box with wires
I wanna taste it with my own two eyes
Burn baby burn
Burn baby burn baby burn baby burn"

Very Beatles sounding psychedelic acoustic number from Class era Bob and Guided By Voices. Many parts of this song metamorphoses into other songs through Bobs career. Burn Baby Burn, Now whats that from?

One Clear Minute

Taken from "Not In My Airforce" 1996

"Everytime she sings when she goes away
Why does she sing to me of Monterey?
Offering a piece of her heaven to me up there

Once she went astray long enough to play
Promised to return - later run away
Of course it has to be a lesson for me again

It comes out to slow - what I wanna say
One clear minute shows that it goes away
Happening so quickly and strangely to me"

Is that the tink of a spoon a wine glass? A strange and naeive melody where two different Bobs seem to be making up the words but slightly differently. Very odd but oddly affecting

If You Think It's Easy

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A very 70s sounding acoustic number that reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel or some of the work of Nancy Wilson recently. Some strange vocals from Bob but would sit nice on the "Almost Famous" soundtrack.

Why Did You Land?

Taken from "Demons and Painkillers" 2003

"Standing around
Hoping everything works out
Cause I want them all to work out
You were always so in love with the truth
Why did you change?
Why did you land?

Look at the photograph
Nothing is real
Spend another lonely life
With nothing to feel

Was it something
In the stories everyone told you
You needn't heed them
Maybe you should read them
Go back to where you came from
Why did you land?
You couldn't stayed in flight forever

Look at the photograph
Nothing is real
Spend another lonely life
With nothing to feel

Why did you land?
Why did you land?
Why did you land?
Why did you land?
Why did you land?"

The second time this track has cropped up on "A Pollard A Day", this time the Demons and Painkillers version. This version is a quicker and more uptempo version and always a live favourite. A great song. Very "Alien Lanes". Kick the air to the Chorus!

Wickerman Smile

Taken from "Silverfish Trivia" 2007

"You'd be check out
The serious nature
Of your creations

You'd better wipe off
The serious nature
Of your wickerman smile

Of your white washed hand
Of your self fulfilling prophecy

Of your dirty white hands
Of your dirty white walls

You'd better throw out
Your serious nature
And your accusations

Moving dangerously close
To the truth

Bitten by a torch
Of the truth

Bitten by a torch

To your wickerman smile"

Just Bob, A keyboard and strummed guitar. Classic sounding Bob. A simple but very effective song from the great "Silverfish Trivia" EP where Bob seem to mellow out and just chill. Great. But you've heard that before.

Make Use

Taken from "Waved Out" 1998

"A bold night for my new rock shirt
Expected a burn-hole
Expected the worst
Such shots in the dark I should not risk
I command you to speak to me
And be humble to our works
We have suffered the changes again
And guess what they’ve been spreading
But we’re not forgetting
Pull up and lighten yr load

Make use of the bold proposition
Make use the vast fashions
The passion is soon to burn out
Make us of the boring young heroes
Their efforts not wasted
Reward them for what they turn out
Of this we are proud

In spurs of majestical will power
Impractical thinkers design the dream
These beast-like invincible machines
100 jags in the road
Do you casually second the exit?
Are you into the easy way out?

A simple gut reaction is not to be found here
So don’t come around here

Have a look…
It’s a Freeway"

A very gratifying and uplifting song from Bob. Fantastic vocals and one of the most memorable guitar bits and whizzy synths make this a Pollard classic. Love the way the song has an energy and purpose and builds. Quality stuff indeed.

Tin Can Laughter

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

"...out of time, live within your mind
How it hurts, live without your bride
and it's alright...

turn off your superstitions MAN
take us out to lunch
it's a cynch to shake you all about
and not to throw a punch
you enjoy it, we all wait around
not to slay that side (?)
soundcheck, hotel reimbursements
brand new way to hide"

A gentle song. Quite muffled with the odd strange chord change. Bob really belts out his vocals mid way through the song and sings with a real passion almost stretching his voice too far. Again, a lost obscure track that other bands would be proud to have on one of their main releases.

Pinball Mars

Taken from "Pinball Mars" 2004

Lyrics Unknown

A snaky dirty rock and roll song with snarling guitar and a sexy groove that beats anything that Black Metal Motorcycle Group or whatever they are called try to accomplise. Not a black leather jacket in sight.

I'm Dirty

Taken from "Crickets" 2007

"To spit out our shit in
In hotels and houses everywhere
To drink, shave bump uglies
God knows what else
When i sink into despair
In desperate need of repair
Always be there
I'm dirty"

The start of this song reminds me a lot of Joy Division then Robert starts singing and we are back in GBV territory. A catchy little tune that sounds like a cover version for some reason. Good stuff.

Two Or Three Songs

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A very gentle and country acoustic starts off this song and then Bobs early vocals start and we are in REM "Out Of Time" or "Automatic For The People" territory or could it be an acoustic number from "Green". Very affecting song and a buried treasure from Bob here. Quite lovely.

Striped White Jets

Taken from "Alien Lanes" 1995

"Send in the striped white jets
In through stained glass ceilings, ah-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh
Color them white or red

Don't let anyone find out
Or expose your feelings, ah-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh
Cover your head instead

And penetrate this dark heart
And as the wound is healing, ah-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh
Crawl to the other side

Where things are new in brilliant blue
And striped white jets come speeding through, ah-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh

And we must not forget
The sudden pain of birth and greed
And what's expected of this superbreed

And those who dream to touch the sun
And those who run
Who always run

Perfect striped white jets
In their hangars bleeding, ah-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh
Cover them all in black"

Phew. Its been a busy month or so finding time for A Pollard A Day and other stuff. But hopefully I am back in the saddle again and can continue on a more regular basis with updates. "Striped White Jets" is from Classic Era GBV and has a catchy almost Who-esque stuttery part. I think Bob has a think about Jet planes as quite a few of his song feature them. Love the Poetry and imagery of "Where things are new in brilliant blue and striped white jets come speeding through". Classic.

Happy 50th Bob!

No, not a song title but its Robert Pollards 50th Birthday today. Many Happy Returns! Heres to many more years of songwriting, collages, poetry and amazing creativity.

(ps Its also my Birthday too, spooky)

Search-Light Pickups

Taken from "Music For Bubble" 2005

Another song from the strange and "nothing happens" film Bubble. This is an instrumental and has all the Pollard hallmarks. Not a bad little ditty. Did this song ever become a lyrical song?

I'm A Strong Lion

Taken from "From A Compound Eye" 2006

""THAT'S IT" SOME'LL SAY
CAN'T SEE TOO WELL
PAST ANOTHER DAY
WHERE DO THEY GO?

I CAN GET YOU ON MY WRONG SIDE
RIGHT AWAY
IT MIGHT BE TODAY

I'M A STRONG LION - BEEN TRYIN'
THE LORD LIKES ME THAT WAY

SURE AS I'M DYIN' HERE
THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED
YEAH AND IT HURTS TO KNOW
YOU WON'T BE INVOLVED

BUT I CAN BEAT YOU TO THE STRONG SIDE
RIGHT AWAY
I'LL MEET YOU TODAY

'CUS I'M A STRONG LION - BEEN TRYIN'
THE LORD LIKES ME THAT WAY
TRYIN' - STILL FIGHTIN'
THE BOYS LIKE ME THAT WAY"

A fantastic fun minute long mega-pop song that somehow reminds me of Dire Straits "Walk of Life" in an alternate universe. Quality keyboard playing and catchy tune make this a wonderous standout track from FACE. Just makes you wanna do that indie hop.

The Colossus Crawls West

Taken from "Mag Earwig!" 1997

"It's too late now she's got me dreaming
Without you there is no truth according to me
Inside and around me tears got me drinking
Without you there is no scope in the morning for me
One of these days in the night
Old enemies will come back to fight
And since you would then disagree
We will be skinned alive
When full colored kings arrive
And teach then we will all we know
Bring popcorn for Geronimo
And dance with our freshly made friends
Ignoring the old ones - the boring and cold ones
And when the colossus crawls west
Jazz bastards will fall and confess
We all love you so and
You rock is paradise plastic
It's cheap and fantastic!"

A proggy warbly beginning for this song with odd chords and trickily guitar then builds up a bit and is quite a cool little song. Nothing too memorable but pretty cool.

Gods Of Richard

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

This song is an outtake from "Not In My Airforce" if I am not mistaken. A lone electric guitar builds up a head of steam in this instrumental track. Not too bad for a minute and a half of basic Rock Riffery.

All Around The World

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A fast acoustic track and again a great tune that Bob has just chucked away. There are a million half-arsed British Indie bands who would love to have this song on their soon to be forgotten debut album. It appears Suitcase 2 is winning in track appearances over Suitcase 1, the magic of randomness.

Towers and Landslides

Taken from "Normal Happiness" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

When I first heard this song it didn't really click with its strange loose tempo at the start which felt just a touch off the proper speed but the more I listened to "Normal Happiness" it rapidly became one of my favourite Bob Pollard songs. Once you get used to the tempo this is one of the most dynamic songs Bob has written in the last few years with a great break and bridge and builds to a great finale. Superb.

Brick Soul Mascots (Part 2)

Taken from "Sgt. Disco" 2007

Lyrics Unknown.

The seconds part of the Brick Soul Mascots pair of songs from "Sgt. Disco" is a ploddy and lumpen rock song with some great "waaaaaaa" backing vocals. It teeters on the edge of just being pub-rock and has a primitive energy all of its own. Straight to the point I suppose.

She Saw The Shadow

Taken from "Choreographed Man Of War" 2001

"I was making a wish
And a witch was watching me
How did I know she was there?
I was invisible, impossible
Only observable to children
But I felt her glare

She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow
She saw the shadow
She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow
She saw the shadow

I was trying to run
But the earth was holding me down
Like a hammer and nail
Leading off with a ring
So I wouldn't remember
A universe predominantly female

She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow
She saw the shadow
She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow nothing in the dark
She saw the shadow
She saw the shadow"

The start of this song reminds me of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" from Joy Division but more lo-fi but then we enter the "Rawwwk" zone when the song burst to life half way through with a full band. A great song, very catchy and the lyrics are just amazing. Up there with Bobs best.

My Thoughts Are A Gas

Taken from "Demons and Painkillers" 2003

"Of lights who've faded out before here comes the same
When I'm coded from to much of what I can't describe
Kepat at bay in some regard despite what she wrote
I've been frozen in a site display where nothing amounts
To anything

Took a journey back to sometime just to find out
If I could locate another improbable passage way
Penetrate ? rock and the rock echos back
My thoughts are a gas
I'm not going to crash
Into anyone

And often asked
What do you know
Just what was handed down to me
Slip graciously in to the happy homes
Groping ? frequently opposed
???
Built this champion
Out of their own wasted flesh
Is this supposed to do that
Through it all I'll pass
Cause my thoughts are a gas
My thoughts are a gas
My thoughts are a gas"

A shiny and almost Goth like twinkle pervades the early part of this song. I could almost imagine Sister of Mercy droning over the track. This is a classic Guided By Voices tune but only exists on rarity and collected albums. A very catchy hook and a good drive to the song and another song to feature "Gas" in the title. Can you remember the others?

The Weeping Bogeyman

Taken from "Universal Truths and Cycles" 2002

""Make it" comes alive
In my private glass tent
A portable mortuary
Going...
Going...
But not yet gone
'Cus when it does, it does and then...
The ancient practice
Of mourning the phantom
Do you really think he
Would choose to inhabit the pore
Where his container was planted?
...can't imagine that"

Another song just dripping with longing and feels like a small part of a musical epic. Short and consisting of mainly bobs voice, acoustic guitar and a keyboard but has the feeling of a song much bigger than its parts.

Boring About

Taken from "Music for Bubble" 2005

No Lyrics

A short instrumental piece that features quite heavily in the film "Bubble". Ive always loved this piece of music and love the vocal version that appears on "Normal Happiness". This song has a strange melancholic longing sound to it. Like.

Messiahs

Taken from "Speak Kindly Of Your Volunteer Fire Department" 1999

"I like it in their it looks good
when I’m at home I love you good
when away even more
it’s good to care for
dreams like strings in cold trees
iceberg heads and alien flavors
this being a giftshop
an electronics tent sale
over here in seats folded warmly

I like it out there the timeclock kills
must be the iron wills
of future kings who ride their ships
through fast atmospheres"

After about a month away "A Pollard A Day" is back. I'm finally moved in and sorted and getting back to normality and ready to kick of the Pollard Blog of The Century. So here we go....

"Messiahs" has a repetitive but catchy start and is a very melodic track from Pollards stable. This is a strong track with good lyric (although the usual Bob Nonsense at times). The song changes key and builds up and is a great song from a really good album.

Boxing About

Taken from "Normal Happiness" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

The vocal version of the "Bubble Song" is a wonderful acoustic mini-epic with a catchy melody and some great vocals. One of my favourite "Normal Happiness" songs.

My Valuable Hunting Knife

Taken from "Tigerbomb" 1995

"I want to start a new life
With my valuable hunting knife
She will shine like a new girl
And I want to shout out our love to the world (Hit it!)
Everything I think about I think about
Everything I talk about I talk about
With you
But you don't know what I go through
You don't know

Days, they will turn into nights
But my valuable hunting knife
It will not rust through the tears
And it will not lose its appeal over years (Come on!)
Everything I think about I think about
Everything I talk about I talk about
With you
But you don't know what I go through
You don't know
I'll never know
I'll never know
And then I will run
And then I will. . .
And then I will hide
And then I will. . .
And then I will run
And then I will. . .
And then I will hide
I'll never know
I'll never know"

This is the more controlled remixed sounding version. I think I prefer the Alien Lanes version as it more Rocking but this version does have the advantage of the hand-claps and the way it explodes into widescreen after a rather quiet start. This song is a GBV classic and has some of my happiest GBV memories attached to it. Why wasn't this song heard by everyone on the planet? Why wasn't it a universal hit? Why oh why?

Father Is Good

Taken from "All That Is Holy" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

Is that a Who song at the start? Psycho and the Birds are a strange proposition and feels like a Suitcase and a half type project. Lots of Bob snippets and outtakes with added production. Polished up offcuts if you will. This is actually a good song but suffers from the PS&TBs problem of indecipherable vocals.

Waved Out

Taken from "Waved Out" 1998

"Corroded lime I chased
From my old window world
Seemingly like an ancient demon
Waking up and waved out

Class examples of an onioned diagram
I’m here to follow footfalls
Of a wasted plan
I’ve been waved out

And next there comes a positive post
The options aren’t so good
Plus once the intervention begins
It’s painful

Forgive me, I must go
I’ve been waved out
I’ve been waved out"

A choppy and rocking title track from "Waved Out". A Lo-Fi rock song. Short, Sweet and perfectly encapsulated.

Safer Than Hooking

Taken from "Sgt. Disco" 2007

Lyrics Unknown

The latest Circus Devils is way more accessable that previous efforts and the songs are actually catchy and have hooks and are even uplifting sometimes with the odd chink of light shinging through the black experimentation. Bob vocals are strange gravelly at the start of this and the music is great with a wobbling bass and a spanish guitar playing over the panther like melody. Good.

Powerblessings

Taken from "Kid Marine" 2000

"Release the hand that has you writing numbers
For these plans are broken into leaves
And powerblessings for all the kids who come over
How they know is into you
How they know is into me
And have you no horse to carry
you through December?
Get it somehow tediously broken
Breathing summer into faces of life
And into everyman’s gift going through
Powerblessings to you and all of you."

One of the most memorable Guitar sounds at the start of this song backed with a sci-fi keyboard sound. Again, a song that is simple and effective and dripping with atmosphere and feeling. I really like this son. A lot.

Shoddy Clothes

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Sounds like its from early GBV days with vocals that veer from John Lennon to Liam Gallagher (so, not much then?). Quite a multi layered song considering it was recorded so early in the bands development. Like the drum sound and is kinda catchy. Good.

Rhoda Rhoda

Taken from "Normal Happiness" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

Now this more like it. A cheerful and catchy classic Pollard solo song. Simple but effective. I wonder how many song titles feature women's names in Bob songs?

Raw Reaction

Take from "Pinball Mars" 2004

Lyrics Unknown

The spooky experimental world of the Circus Devils. This song begins like something from a David Lynch movie and then a piano plonks away and Bob vocals phase in and out and we get a nursery rhyme type repetition and then the band explode and their instruments are blasted all over. I don't mind Experimentation. If it didn't happen music wouldn't progress and would be boring and I can even take the odd bit of random crashing and discordant nonsense but some Circus Devils stuff leaves me a bit cold. A prefer brightness in my music, a bit of a hook, some harmony and a lot of Circus Devils stuff doesn't have this. Are these songs written or are they free form clashes and we see that lands on the plate at the end. PS There is actually a bit of proper music at the end of this 5 minute fuzzfest.

Unstable Journey

Taken from "Vampire on Titus" 1993

"The poised tongues on easy street
Are shifting and delivering
The insidious snakes/the hackers and the meat
Are counting out the face of things
I know when you bring back sweet Dougy's? car
You don't tell him where it has been
He's funny and cool and so is your pose
Conditional love wins out again
I'm feeling good and I don't know if that's alright
Deep in the rot I can't distinguish day from night
But all of it will transpire
Transactions made through the wire
Kiss me while I still speak
Hold me as I'm too weak
Enjoy it...delusions
Pushing closer to the rush
Opening and closing
You recognize me--feel the hush"

This song reminds me of Sebadoh in big chunks. Its fuzzed up and the chord progression and the vocals are pure Lou Barlow. Maybe more Sentridoh, May more Sebadoh. There is a really good song in amongst all the feedback and an old gem when American Indie was proper lo-fi and obscure. Hail the days of Pavement and Sebadoh.

Peroxide

Taken from "Selective Service" 2001

"Man infected like railroad series
Man infected like tinsel
Man infected as socialite
Man infected remembers
As it so decides the sights he sees
As he redirects one's energies
Like commercial sequences

Man infected like lighter fluid
Man infected by sign language
Photon radio camp ostrich
Man enticed by rice - OK?

As it decides the signs he reads
as it redirects his efficiency
select another frequency"

A real garage swagger to this song that strangely fades away as you are just getting into it. The crazy Bob and his fade button. Would have loved to have heard the full version of this song or did it fall apart toward the end.

You're Killin' Me

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A great little song from Bob and his acoustic guitar. Show just how Bob can pick up a Guitar and create a great song, very catchy, well sung with great lyrics and then just chuck it away. Awesome talent.

Selective Service

Taken from "Selective Service" 2001

"Beyond honky hearts
In the bengal lunch
Where distributors launch
A thoroughbred party
Madly they bite at the
Beauty of life
All forgiveness included
And fuckin' shit that
Requires insight
Strenuous
Laborous
Don't preach, reach!
You know God loves you when you try
Of the same blood that stirs
Making men mean
Wake up fresh
And take a rake
Give up the blues
Let's build something less fake"

The title track from the "Selective Service" EP that features both Guided By Voices and Airport 5, both Bob bands. A great spoken word piece with just Bob and a Guitar and a strange bit of feedback fuzz in the middle. Good stuff.

The Great Blake Street Canoe Race

Taken from "Self-Inflicted Aerial Nostalgia" 1989

"Jumping around
Thinking about our daily lives
Here on the ground
Falling apart before our eyes
News is not news
Learn something old every day
Issues repressed
Morning's we fake our minds away

Chorus: Oh please don't misuse this information now
Oh try not to swallow too much pain, it's only order

Rushing through time
Following footsteps out of here
Signals ahead
Better repay your debts this year
I guess I'll go
On with my sad and troubled ways
Hands on my hips
Questioning each and every face
Chorus"

What was the Great Blake Street Canoe Race? Sounds like a fun event to see. This is classic early sounding Guided By Voices but that odd follow production sound but a good song and the early sounds of the Indie Rock Monster that GBV was to become. Nice song.

Cox Municipal Airport Song

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

The sound of the guitar at the start of this reminds me of early Smiths and the whole thing has a a mid to late 80s British Indie band feel to it. Nice song that could almost be a Sundays song. There is a strong hook here and a good feel to it and should have made it onto a major release thank god it was found and put on a Suitcase album.

Butcherman

Taken from "Crickets" 2007

Lyrics Unknown

A rarity from "Crickets". Strange vocal style from Bob here as he grunts and gravels a short jagged strummed track. Im not sure what I think of Bob vocal experimentation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it sounds a bit contrived.

Frozen Vegetable Fiction

Taken from "All This Is Holy" 2006

Lyrics Unknown.

Another song title that sounds like it was put through the magic Pollard word generator. A simple acoustic song with Bob mumbling something over the top. Hints at a tune and lyrics but mainly a grey fog of music. Does have a nice sort of build up sound toward the end which is quite nice.

Forever Since

Taken from "Life Starts Here" 2002

"With crystal clear misery
I've grappled with the ever since
With heavy headed assurance
I'm reminded of the ever since

And into the phantom lake
Goes a firefly's innocence
Been there forever
And I've suffered or whatever
Been there forever since
With crystal clear misery...

In the dome of collision
We have little assurance
That the next day
Will grant clearance
A guest appearance"

I love the poetry of this first verse of this song. Quite lovely. This song is a basic Airport strip down of Bob, Guitar and a Drum and has an almost John Lennon lilting feel to it. A really good song tucked away on a wee Airport Five album. You sometimes wonder if they got some of these songs, stuck them through the Industry Production house, polished them up and set them out for the masses if they would be Top of the Hit Parade all round the world. Just a thought.

Bulldog Skin

Taken from "Mag Earwig!" 1997

"I played the part
I played the start
I made a table out of clay
I placed my hands upon the plans
I waited for a proud display
I played around
I heard the sound of certain trouble on the way

I got bulldog skin

I took a car
I drove it far
I dug the quality of steel
I crashed my nerve
I made it swerve
I made it back - was no big deal
I tasted blood
A date with scud
And now I don't know how to feel

I got bulldog skin"

This was one of Guided By Voices biggest hits but personally not one of my favourite songs. It has its moments but there is something very basic and Oasis about this song. It is classic rock and roll I suppose but it just doesn't do it for me. And that video, that annoys me too.

Mice Feel Nice (In My Room)

Taken from "Tigerbomb" 1995

"I won't put that in my mouth no
It is a fright with that neon light
The Hollywood magic men
Back up in their caves
Ooh at the raves
And the cake can't say
The weepers from the way
Baby it's all right
The night is long and cold as ice
But it's all right, baby it's all right
There's a pink little area
The regions of my disease
And it is good
It is good
Mice feel nice
Ooh mice feel nice
You know mice feel nice ooh"

A strange psychedelic track but also quite souful where Bob sounds a bit like Joe Cocker. On first listen this isnt good but it has really grown on me as something a bit different from the Pollardmiester. I love his "ooo,oooh"'ing. He got Soul.

Subspace Biographies

Taken from "Waved Out" 1998

"Has there been a break today,
Stoned comedian Ringo?
Should I put the plates away?
Captain, are you sure they’re coming in?

I am quail and quasar
I picked you up on radar
I do my job each day
Empties crushed and fired away
And there is nothing worse than
An undetermined person
Can I abuse you please
In my subspace biographies?"

One of my favourite songs because it has a real momentum and builds into quick and epic song. Its also has a Sci-Fi feel to it, well it does to me anyway and I'm a bit of a Sci-Fi Geek. Almost Epic towards the end.

Night Of The Golden Underground

Taken from "Fiction Man" 2004

"Hey, when her misery
Is conqured - how sweet
I'll stay looking
I'll seek
Above and under
Pass up the night
The love and the devil
The fight

Follow her into it's world
Up to the heart of it's town
Away from the night of the golden underground

On it where you press your cheek
The original floor where to sleep
Or just above and under your feet

What I can't give you
What I can't see"

A great song from "Fiction Man" that really captures the Pollard/GBV sound that I like, Sort of 70s rock sounding, sort of wistful, sort of uplifting, sort of different, all sorts really. Its hard to put your finger on it. Lovely stuff.

Are You Faster?

Taken from "Suitcase 2"

"Near a distant sea
Her clear yellow eyes
Are opening to pink and black skies
And soon they are blinking
With compound camera eyes
Are you faster
Than the eyes of the car-people?
Styled in silver
Are you able to roam
Faster then the lighthouse keeper credits you?"

The demo version of the Mag Earwig song and part of the aborted Power of Suck project. I'm sure some of this song is used in "I Am Decided" which Bob gave Kim Deals "The Amps". A more straight forward electric guitar and vocal demo version than the one that appears on Mag Earwig.

Breadcrumbs For The Whales

Taken from "I'm A Stronge Lion" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A rareish B-Side that starts with a short acoustic section before it fades out and the song starts proper. A quiet moody piece from Bob with just a single pluck and staccato vocals. I suppose Whales wouldn't mind Breadcrumbs, would make a more filling substitute for Plankton.

Children Come On

Taken from "Fiction Man" 2004

"Children come on
Scratch the case
The eggshell dark
The seed
The architectural nightmare

Not the job of real people
Whosoever sees
We are not making things easier

And we are now speaking now
Stars and dust are spreading out
We must be proud
To be here now

Children come on
Seize the hour
The wrinkled point of view

Information leaking clear
To the outer atmosphere
A change is gonna come real time
The rain is gonna sun will shine
Into my life unknowingly
Thinking of you only
Where I'm not so lonely
Anymore"

I think Fiction Man is a very under-rated Pollard release before he went totally solo as it contains some great songs, such as this one. Just Bob and a Guitar and some subtle sounds. Very catchy and classic sounding verse and chorus.

Wondering Boy Poet

Taken from "Vampire On Titus" 1993

"Dream on child of change
Throw your javelin through the sun
Pierce the heart of everyone
Though we push to slave the days
This is not reality, this is just formality
The cup is only being filled
For a chance to have it spilled
Flowing--just like the days
Sailing--just like the days"

A great little song which has very low production values but high emotional values. I think I prefer the piano version you can get hold of on Suitcase.

Is She Ever?

Taken from "Tonics And Twisted Chasers" 1997

"Is the ever with intent when she likens herself to a crow?
Will she crow and say bingo?
"I'm a believer" she tells me
But is she ever going to cry
When the directors bark from out there in the dark
Fly sister vibrate - you were automatically free
The moment you came to me
Is she ever coming back to me?
Is she ever coming back to me?
Say it loud and we shall see
Is she ever coming back to me?"

This song could fit quite snuggly onto Bee Thousand as it has a similar sound and production. It perhaps doesnt quite hit the glory of some Bee Thousand tracks but is still pretty good. Nice.

Thelonius Has Eaten All The Paper

Taken from "Five" 2005

"THELONIUS HAS EATEN ALL THE PAPER
AND MEMOS IN HER AREA OF GLARE
HER PEACOCKS HAVE ESTABLISHED
QUITE THE DREAM REALM
HER ORIGAMI SKYHAWKS OVER THERE

STILL MORE HAIR
WAIT THERE’S STILL MORE

A KINGLY POST OF TEA CUPS FOR THE SHINING
A ZEPPELIN OVER CHINA FILLED WITH FLIES
AND HELMUT SHIPS RETURN FROM WHAT I KNOW
FOR BRINGING HER HER SEAMAN IN DISGUISE

STILL MORE LIES"

A Pollard A Day has become a bit irregular recently due to a busy life but I'm back with a batch of Pollard songs. This song is quite nice and is basically just Bob and a keyboard swirling away with some very strange lyrics. I used to eat paper at school. It was strangely tasty.

Bright Paper Werewolves

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"c'mon polluted eyeballs
stop scouting out the field
jump up bright paper werewolves
and everybody everywhere

anyone can scratch
and anyone can win
so bring out another batch

they want to get out of here
but they can't find the exit
they cling to the cinema
and they can't find security
then they finally got recognized
so they left in obscurity and misery"

I imagery of "polluted eyeballs" always resonates with me. Such a great mental image. Is this a song about people hoping for fame? manufactured pop bands/music? That's what I get from the song. Good minutes worth of some of Pollards best stuff.

Discussions In The Cave

Taken from "The Harold Pig Memorial" 2002

"Now come on
It came to past
In the place of a forest
Of natural balance
A song without singing
First and lasting
As we went along
Not listening

Even as angels told jokes
And evil spells were cast

By confection and affectation
Who split an atom
Rattled the bones
Tattooed the food
On the walls of my pad

Even as angels told jokes
And evil spells were cast

Discussions in the cave
Discussions in the cave
Discussions in the cave

Secrets in my living room"


Screech! Thats how it begins and then a sly melody begins, almost surfy but definately slightly un-nerving. Bob does his deep talky type vocals for a lot of this song and its classic Circus Devils oddness and experimentalness.

Running Off With The Fun City Girls

Taken from "Demons and Painkillers" 2003

"Generous samples rising in the Indian heaven
Doesn't pretend she even cares things change at eleven
She's running off with the fun city girls
She's running off with the fun city girls

She threw away her treasure chest of nice tomorrows
and anyway its such a glue to loosen
every time you drink it
doesn't have to think it
she's full grown

Doesn't ever acknowledge ever knowing sound security
Shunning advice and clearly showing new found maturity
She's running off with the fun city girls
She's running off with the fun city girls

She threw away her treasure chest of nice tomorrows
and anyway its such a glue to loosen
every time you drink it
doesn't have to think it
she's full grown

With a pocket full of dimestore ammunition
She's arrived at the grand fitting of her mink
and new electric press kit.
Maximize the gaping hole and go"

An early version of the Mag! Earwig track and is a good song. A more traditional straight forward Rock Song with a good verse,chorus,verse and a good strong tune. Who are the "Fun City Girls"? and would be be cool to run off with them?

White Skin And Bones (Zoom Demo)

Demo

Lyrics Unknown

Its a rough cut and paste with clunking of tapes being started and is just Bob and his guitar. This song with a bit of re-working and extra production eventually turn up on the Zoom EP.

Big Chief Chinese Restaurant

Take from "Alien Lanes" 1995

"Introducing the amazing rockethead
You know what the deal is dude
Excuse me Napoleon
But I gotta know
Why I gotta stand
In a hallway
In a highway
Where nothing goes my way
Well I'm going out
Well I'm going in
To the Big Chief's place
Gonna slap his factory down"

Wow. Bobs voice is so high on this song. A classic 59 seconds of psychedelic lyrics and guitar. Great song and eclipses many other bands 4 minute epics with a catchy hook and memorable melody.

Burns Carpenter, Man Of Science

Taken from "Tower In The Fountain Of Sparks" 2001

"Burns Carpenter, Man of Science
discovers a new rich compound
a liquid form of love
a brain in psychic peril
This kind of love
will destroy the ozone
Tossed sharply in production
but unique opportunity presents itself
then this is the new school
the first day is always anxious
the first day is always
This kind of love
will destroy the ozone
Taken to the test
but regrettably not sold
for ultimately it must fail
untimely and perhaps not too bold
This kind of love
will destroy the ozone"

Surprisingly Wikipedia has no reference to a "Burns Carpenter", who discovered a new rich compound, a liquid form of love. Though it would be good if someone did as they could share it out and make the world a happier and safer place. Though it could destory the ozone. A good song that reminds me a lot of "Dayton Ohio,19-Something and 5". Mellow man.

The Who Vs. Porky Pig

Taken from "Demons and Painkillers" 2003

"Hey go
Quick, be off, be sinking
Lown down whale the navy wing
It clears out congested arenas
They sell rocking host balloons
And they're celebrating children
And the weeping circus

And the smoking-nosed robot
Tasted ???? blackens the sticks
Like clowns from a fire, the albatross winks
Faked to the back goes right wing shield
All in a day's work

We met at one of the Kinks' yeah
We could come from the inner circle
Of the dry ??
Until it is just one trap
One threaded ??"

A choppy distorted guitar and Bobs vocals lost in the background on this "Demons & Painkillers" rarity. Its hard to work out a lot of the vocals on this. It mentions the Who and the Kinks. Bobs obsession with the "British Invasion"?

I'm Cold

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"I go outside and it's cold
I walk downtown and it's cold
I do everything that I'm told
The people I meet, so hooked on defeat
And if it's not one thing then it's ten
I shouldn't have to be told
So I just keep moving around
'Cause I'm cold

I picked up the pieces that break
And try not to make a mistake
and sometimes I'm sick when I wake
I jump in my car and go to a bar
Because it's so much warmer in there
For my decrepit soul
Then I get back to moving around
'Cause I'm cold

All wound up
All broken down
Animal person
Carnival clown
The only thing that hurts
Is knowing it gets worse
As it goes

I work every day 'til I'm tired
Emotionally uninspired
And some think I'll maybe get fired
But what else is new
You do what you do
Because you're told to
It's something of which I'm really not yet quite sold
But it must just be a problem with me
'Cause I'm cold"

Very downbeat lyrics on this track that reminds me of The Smiths a little bit. Its a very good song and a quality song from a Suitcase album. Other bands would love to have a song like this on their main albums but Bob just sticks it on an Outtake album. Genius.

Squirmish Frontal Room

Taken from "King Shit And The Golden Boys" 1995

"One, two, three, four
No no no no no...
Sitting in the squirmish frontal room
She says I'm not very cool
But I know better than that
She knows better than that
And I know more than her
And she knows better than that
No no no no no...
Sitting in the squirmish frontal room
She says I'm not very cool
But I know better than that
She's no better than me
I'm no better than her
But it's not hip, not okay
I say no no no no..."

A very very lo-fi song thats all fuzz, noise and grot. Theres a song buried beneath it all somewhere, quite a catchy one if I am not mistaken.

The Pilot's Crucifixion/Indian Oil

Taken from "The Harold Pig Memorial" 2002

"The sun dries a wet flag
In the air
With mixed emotions
You see on our federal bulletin
A community of thick wiring
Ever so straight
Goes the path of an arrow
straight through it
By whatever means anything
And never will
To the systems
Who giveth and taketh
In the closing times
For / to flesh reminders
About capsule hatching
Stiff drink memories
Make solid the previous conclusion
As to who's driving this ship
...
And coins to slot
And pearls to gather
A sailor's grace
Sphinx-like
Indian oil
Ghostwhore
Shadows and shells
Premature happiness
Fuller..."

We descend into the spooky and weird world of the Circus Devils now. A menacing start and splash of drum and then Bob begins some abstract poetry over a spooky and howling backing track. Slightly off key and quite odd. A Pink Floyd like middle section which is kinda ambient then what sounds like a fuzzed up banjo and the tempo changes rapidly and we are into the second part of the song. As I say, its a bit odd. Nothing too offensive here but I do admit I prefer it when Bob writes soaring pop songs and not a massive fan of his experimental stuff.

Motor Away

Taken from "Alien Lanes" 1995

2When you motor away beyond the once-red lips
When you free yourself from the chance of a lifetime
You can be anyone they told you to
You can belittle every little voice that told you so
And then the time will come when you add up the numbers
And then the time will come when you motor away
Oh, why don't you just drive away?

When you motor away down the icy streets
You can't lie to yourself that it's the chance of a lifetime
You can be anyone they told you to
You can belittle every little voice that told you so
And the time will come when you add up the numbers
And then the time will come when you motor away
Oh, why don't you just drive away?

Come on
Speed on"

I think Ive already commented on a different version of this song but this is the original version and the best. I used to be one of my favourite GBV Songs. Its still damn fine. Love the lyrics. A real proper driving song. Just get in that car and Drive!

The Main Street Wizards

Taken from "Earthquake Glue" 2003

"the main st. wizards,
how can you see them,
and stand up to them,
and you make out alright,
and do you better to go and see them,
pretend to be them, its true.
can you exchange the past,
nothing is meant to last
still they are coming back to you.
the main st. wizards,
tonight their thinking,
?a formal winking?,
?across one far?.
the mood is different,
and lights are fading,
the knight is waiting, for you.
the most wonderful of tricks,
electricty in their picks.
still they are coming back to you.
can you explain the wrath,
on everyones holding path,
still they are comin back for you. "

Ranking as one of my favourite Guided By Voices tracks. I love the way the bass throbs in a sad way in amongst the Who-alike melody and struture. This song is quite Up but also sad at the same time. As I say a really great song and a must for any GBV/Pollard compilation that you do as it highlights both Bobs great lyrics but also the dynanism of the band.

Trial Of Affliction And Light Sleeping

Taken from "Fiction Man" 2004

"Kill your desire
With trouble and smoke

The unclearing, the head, the maze
And partial resoundings

Make hideous the family
Obsessed with elections
Make better the place of comfort

Burn it in theater
Burn it on cable
Burn it in religion
Burn it in frozen food
Burn me a copy
Burn it in bacon grease
Burn it for demonstration
Burn in it for your sins
Burn on it on the beach
Burn through it with vibra-rub

Trial of affliction and light sleeping
I need a tour guide for my own head"

I think this is the first "Fiction Man" track to crop up on "A Pollard A Day". Its fuzzy punky affair with distorted vocals and fizzing guitars and a fast tempo. The vocal go a bit Dalek towards the end and its a fine little thrash along with plenty of energy. Great talking too at the end.

My Son, My Secretary and My Country

Taken from "Earthquake Glue" 2003

"with your mission wilting,
and your kids sulking,
happy birthday mr. sink.
throw your flowers in the river and drink.
weve got cowbells and clay,
make us all obey,
and work will be of worth,
for the sketch of explorers,
and the hot air annoyers,
good men destoyers,
future employers,
cowboys and lawyers,
and we all will be warriors.
Rahhhhhhhhh!"

What sounds like a Lo-Fi band starts this song off, trumpets and bugles and what-not and has a real patriotic feel to it. Then we are off on a strumming 60s sounding sound. The "Rahhhhhhhh!" ending is just ace. Good song.

Mannequin's Complaint (Wax Dummy Meltdown)

Taken from "Demons and Painkillers" 2003

"Kleptos parading on market floors today,
Insider raiding like boys who drink
and bring down everything
On top of us

This is what we're tired of
This is what we're tired of

And then much later
Paint it up for display
Maximum Torso
Cat from Pluto's purple moon
Said "Light me a can of gas"

This is what we're tired of
This is what we're tired of

This is what we're tired of (repeated)"

A longer and better produced version of "Mannequin's Complaint" that was reviewed earlier in "A Pollard A Day". The instruments are a lot more produced here with a sort of fair ground sound to it all but still holding onto that Bonzo Dog feel. I'm surprised this song didnt't crop up on a major release as its a very imaginative song.

Local Mix-Up / Murder Charge

Taken from "Same Place The Fly Got Smashed" 1990

"Rimming an ashtray - face in the light
Local mix-up, someone fix up what we broke up
The pleasure seekers are out there tonight
Local mix-up, someone fix up what we broke up

You as a person have got to think fast
Cause this is a party that's not gonna last
And this is the same place the fly got smashed

Dress him Dress him Dress him Dress him
Dress him Dress him Dress him like a queen

..."

Early GBV with changing tempo's and style. Sort of doom-indie at the start but then suddenly skips up to a cheerful chorus. Shows the early potential of Bobs writing and stretches to an epic 6 minutes and 40 seconds. "And that's the Electrifying Conlcusion he sings". How apt.

Dedicated to Anthony Wilson, music mogul and founder of Factory Records who sadly died today of Cancer. RIP.

In The House Of Queen Charles Augustus

Taken from "Motel of Fools" 2003

"Truly I saw a fallen wave upon it's way
Truly I saw the undetermined person
Truly I saw goin' up and down on
Truly I saw the empties fired away
Truly I saw 12 states on 50 pages
Truly I saw the cover and the color
Truly I saw the quail and the quazar
Truly I saw the empties fired away
Telegram of steam
And winter green
When the senators gather
Crash the place
A fusion of their metals
And 10 winos grin
Wings, hoofs, and halos
All again
For matters worse
And public scourge
That's why they bring women
To eat with them
When they get fat enough
Pull the cork
And watch the party flow
Have courage - do not trade them
To the devil for your selfish souls
I trade her now
In my Sunday's best
You deserve it
The threads of gold
Wear your soft light man costume
They are pros for you again
When they come again
The sun will shine again
In the house of Queen Charles Augustus
There for all to see"

Starts with Bob on his own singing unaccompanied "Truly I saw....". Then a swirling phasing guitar kicks in and we are into the song proper. Again, this is a "Motel of Fools" track that I really like but for some reason Ive never liked "Motel of Fools" and this is the 4th track in isolation I have liked. That's really weird.

The Flying Party

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"The flying party is here..."

This songs reminds me a bit of the short guitar bit on "Kid Marine". Its a soft minute of the title repeated until fade and is kind of mellow and sweet but definitely a joiner track.

Burning Flag Birthday Suit

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"don't open life alone
contact the empire solutionaries
they cut the skin - they peel back the onion
reveal the ghostblood
fat black gas exudes
moves into the mirrored hall of empty values

canned sister Iowa
drive me to the changing room
where the counterfeit meets
and brings it's collection of orphans

leave them in the state grip
the nurses hate them
but it's up to you and me, my faithful sin-eater
to give them a glorious lightbath
and remove their wrapping
their burning flag birthday suit"

Back to classic era-GBV. I love the "peel back the ONION" bit. That line always seems to stick in my head for days afterwards. Is this song about about some interstate rivalry or something? Or some revolutionary song? Hard to work out but a good song.

My Only Confection

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

fuzz. fuzz. fuzz. rumble. fuzz. bang. bang. fuzz. bang. bang. Thats the beginning of a drum solo. Is that bob in the background I can hear? More fuzz and drums and lost vocals. Odd song that sounds like it was recorded on a Native Indian reservation. I am pretty sure it started raining not long after this song finished.

Dreaming The Temple

Taken from "Five" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Sounds like a film soundtrack to me. Strings and thumping drums could come straight from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack and has an ominous epic feel and could be the build up to the start of a battle. Im a big soundtrack fan so I do like this a lot and a big departure from most Pollard material.

Underwater Explosions

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"once she was down and she opened
crate of secrets darker than she
underwater explosions - curtains rippling obviously

she can breathe
since i've been tired, she can breathe
and the shocks are bound to please
and she points to me

to insist on facing the salt and it stings
and certainly that changes things
and she points to me
(something passes through me)

cups painted orange and sunburst
lined up side by side - she keeps them so clean
brightly they shine in the starlight
but darker places i've never seen

she can breathe
since i've been tired, she can breathe
and the shocks are bound to please
and she points to me

to insist on facing the salt and it stings
and certainly that changes things
and she points to me
(something passes through me)

and the sound will carry you on"

A bit of a minor GBV classic this one. Love the sound of the bass and vocals in this song and how the Chorus soars and uplifts. Reminds me a bit of "Drag Days" in sound but not quite reaching Drag days glory. A good song that every GBV fan will be fully aware of.

How Brown

Taken from "Life Starts Here" 2002

"For up we are
For up we are
And we must be adventurers
Partners in shit-heeled glory...

Sell a paranoid dream
Judgment
Followers
Quick tip swallowers

How brown?

It's making sense
And it drives the crucial moment
Into a fat body of work
But, oh how worthless

For up we are"

A slow start to an almost epic length Pollard song (it breaks the 4 minute barrier) then Bobs vocal come in with a wonderful song. "And we must be adventurers, partner's in shit healed glory". Has a sort of call to arm sound that "Disarm The Settlers" has. The lines "It's making sense,And it drives the crucial moment,Into a fat body of work,But, oh how worthless" could almost be the motto of this blog.

Perhaps Now The Vultures

Taken from "Vampire On Titus" 1993

"Shot down from the rafters and off to everafter
Consider this a failure, so be it--urchin promise
The curse is working--the trail of bodies
That leaves no suspect, what did you expect?
And get it, get it here, get it now
The news is not worthy
Don't even look
You're cornered into thinking
Invited to the lynching
Specify instructions
I'll shoot the arrow straight up
I'll frame your holy mugshot
Add insult to buckshot
And then I'll drink with glycerol frog-eye
Yeah, she can tell you every detail"

Is "Vampire on Titus" or "Propeller" or "Bee Thousand" considered the Guided By Voices breakthrough album? This song is very lo-fi and all the melody, lyrics and instrumentation is lost in a fizzy mess. You can just about work out a song fighting to get out but must admit this isn't a favourite of mine.

First Spill Is Free

Taken from "Turn To Red" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

A really good acoustic track from the first Takeovers album. Bobs vocals are strong on this track. Is it about Drinking? It surely is. What do all those "I want.." letters he sings at the end?

You're Not The Queen Anymore

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Back to the world of Pollard sketches and offcuts. You can even hear where he starts the tape again. Just a simple melody and a lone vocal from Bob. Not a bad little ditty from the Suitcase treasure trove.

Death of The Party

Taken from "Blues and Boogie Shoes" 2006

"She used to be an American airline
Through hotels/parallels
Of the far out moon

Still being watched by the pipe smoke contingent
From creameries extremeries
And you won't leave soon

She drives like an exodus
Slow to the steeple
And her touch is sad
The cold room is clean
And it's distant from people
But the bugs are bad

She is alone never off to the races
She is pulled by lumbering dogs
Being chased by beasts

For the foodstuff of dreams
Clay rails melting
Like at earthman equator
Blobs of light
Ripped from spiraled ceilings
And now there's no place to climb
Not a place

Tear it aive
I am always inventor
And I cry so suddenly
And I laugh so loud

And the cry is small"

Someone get me these lyrics. "She used to be an American Airline". Makes no sense but means so much when Bob sings it. Beautiful. This song I rate as one of the best Bob has written or performed since the break up of Guided By Voices. It just touches the heart strings and the Soul and sours into the stratosphere. Simply wonderful. Anyone who doesn't like this song is dead to music. "I cry so suddenly and I laugh so loud". Its how I feel when I listen to this.

Bug House (2 Version)

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Sugary Jane cakes lace (?)
Her hair smells nice
First one is the worst one sometimes twice
Are you careful?
Are you in the mood?
Sugary Jane is sweet like baby food
I won't flame you
I can't blame you yet
But when you crave it
I'll say that's all you get
Knives are sharpened by fidgety hearts
Fidgety hearts are foaming like sweet tarts
*??? mosquitoes on the dough (?)
*Pull the plug and watch the party go"

2 songs for the price of one, well actually 2 different versions of the same song stitched together to show the progression and the different productions. I think I prefer the stripped down Guitar and Vocals version, though the slightly muffled version does have a certain charm to it.

Captain Black

Taken from "Motel Of Fools" 2003

"Captain Black
Is magic
I wish I could see him
And run his game
Love it is
So here at last
Make your dying promise
To Captain Black
My name is Rhino
Yeah, get it on
To the skies
I have a scarlet heart
Captain Black is dark
In his ballroom
Above the stairs
One more to grow on
For Captain Black somehow
And I am free (for now)"

Now, I think I said earlier I didn't like many of the "Motel of Fools" songs. But strangely enough when I break them down I find I like quite a few of them. This is a lovely song and the bit where the piano comes in just slays me every time. For some reason this feels like a love song to Superheroes. Maybe its just me but Captain Black in magic.

Optional Bases Opposed

Taken from "Tonics And Twisted Chasers" 1997

"I'm slow at times - I just want to grow at times
but it gets to be a drag."
She astonished the reporters with that remark
Then she cracked
Optional bases opposed
Door number four is closed
Running the leg and supporting the arm
An impressive finish of radiant charm"

One of those classic Beatbox and fuzzed up guitar Tonics tracks. The chorus reminds me totally of another Bob song but I really can't put my finger on it.

Father's Favourite Temperature

Taken from "Bad Football" 2007

Lyrics Unknown

This song has an almost country twang to it mixed with Oasis. A very playful song. Is he singing about his father setting the house thermostat to his favourite temperature and not let anyone else mess with it. That's the mental image I get.

Wrecking Now

Taken from "Do The Collapse" 1999

"Wrecking now
I could say no way
But she's calling out my vice
Wrecking now
And so I'm through with you

She's bleeding now
She's receiving now
She's defeating now - wrecking

Wrecking now
Turning on all the boys
And the boys have lost
their heads
Wrecking now
And so I'm through with you"

Ah, some classic "Do The Collapse". I cant really think of an album of GBV that has so many strong songs on it. Okay, theres the odd dud but generally each song is very strong and commercial. I was surprised "Do The Collapse" didn't launch them big time but who wants 50 year old guys with Grey Hair in the Pop Charts. This song is quiet lovely with a great hook. Excellent.

Shake it Out

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Sounds like a rehearsal track with lots of Bob talking at the start then we are off to what sounds like really early GBV riffage. Very 60's and Rolling Stones sounding track. Again,a great melody lost on some cutting room floor. At least it got some exposure on Suitcase 2.

Can't Hear The Revolution

Taken from "Mag Earwig!" 1997

"Can't hear the revolution
God rolls the sun
As he walks down the highway
I have kissed you - you will leave
And the friction in the morning
The friction 'round suppertime
Can't hear the revolution"

A robotic guitar sound starts this song and a very brit-pop ish Chorus and then Bob talks in the style of someone saying a prayer and a repeat of the Chorus and we are done. A small odd song that mixes the more Hi-Fi parts of GBV with a hint of the old Lo-Fi oddness.

Long Distance Man

Taken from "Sandbox" 1987

"He's a long distance man
and he keeps on going because its not worth blowing
and he does what he can because it not worth losing and
there ain't no choosin

Any other world that you live in
don't believe in second chance
Sell another dream he won't take it
so don't fake it when you dance

Cover up your eyes in these bad times for
the sad times passing years build another tower
for your freedom he don't need them shed no tears.
for the long distance"

A classic from the early days of Guided By Voices. This is such a Mersey beat style song and reminds me of a cross between The Beatles and The La's. I miss the joyful tributes to 60s British Invasion Music.

Useless Inventions

Taken from "Earthquake Glue" 2003

"These time's usless inventions,
satisfy inquiring minds,
what about a piece of pretention,
in production ugly schemes,
realize the world of quick fix dreams.
come on and purchase the new one,
be the first to strap it on.
lose antiquated fixations,
that you cannot be without.
for a nice try change this model out.

feed on a stroke of brillance sometimes.
to cover up the oldness in your eyes,
from noticing the coldness in our lies,
dont know if its a miracle or a curse,
maybe we can help you to feel worse.

these days usless inventions,
simplify or complicate.
youve got the keys to the kingdom,
that through which you quickly move.
that from small beginnings must improve.

feed on a stroke of brillance sometimes.
to cover up the oldness in your eyes,
from noticing the coldness in our lies,
dont know if its a miracle or a curse,
maybe we can help you to feel worse.

tap the curiousity of your youth,
are you seeking dare or taking truth,
never knowing what will come up next,
will it be the panic switch or select.

well its, too late to change your connection,
didnt even get through inspection,
copyright divine interventions,
getting tired or usless inventions."

A fantastic song from Earthquake Glue. I just love the sound of it. It has a propulsion all of its own and really rocks. And the melody is just perfect. That guitar playing sound just gets me everytime. One of the definate highlights from Earthquake Glue.

Artheroid Vogue

Taken from "Five" 2005

"RECEPTION VOGUE
MIRROR EYES
WOMAN FOR YOUR EYES

THE PHOTO DOESN’T KNOW YOU

FRONTIER DOME
ARTHEROID VOGUE
(A) WOMAN FOR YOUR EYES"

Passihng Planet odd on starship Circus Devils. Bobs vocals are strange on this song. Very deep. A Sci-Fi soundtrack underpins the song and the whole thing is just odd frankly.

Not Behind The Jet Fighter

Taken from "Mag Earwig" 1997

"Militant babies came to me
And tole me "Don't be afraid to try"
Phenomenal stuntkids in the street
Popping out of the black ghost pie (it pleases the chef)
Fearless ones-cracked up Jack and Jill
They're down there in the bunker still
You look like a sniper anyway
I'm not behind the fighter jet
I'd much rather back a simple girl
I've seen your plan and it's all wet
A noseload of prophecies coming to me
Caught in the trap where bravery steps
A wounded mercenary bleeds
In the hall of fantastically fine things
Where the path of glory leads
Lately I think it's grown too hard
Coming up with the winning card
But who's gonna beat them in their own backyard"

A Strong Rock song from Guided By Voices with good crunchy production which help the song fly. The Chorus is just superb with a punchy vocal and guitar combo. I miss Bobs more Rocking side. Although I enjoy his later Solo work it would be nice to have some Kicking Punchy Rock with a great melody and Chorus. We shall have to see. Shame the song seems to fade when its just getting going.

Harrison Adams

Taken from "Motel Of Fools" 2003

"There he sits
Guardian the fish market
Splitting hairs and atoms
Eying the salt target
Please to preach
Harrison Adams
The son of a jack poker
Panting like a ram worker
Arise
Give into the umpire
Feel his air
Relax
That's where we stay
He says: You aren't happy with me
And I know it
And you are the world to me
But it's all gone now
It's all gone now
Look at the back of his pants
Where he must have sat in something
Bring it to boil
Your gripes and your follies
Being appointed chief
Of your own dream team
That's what they call'em
Dead on arrival
Begone
Take your opinions
From the removal office
I ask
For your forgiveness"

I love it when Bob uses samples in his songs from TV and then snippets of conversations he has. Starts with the classic "Duck Tale" story then we are into the song. This is a good song with a strong melody from "Motel of Fools" (One of my least favourite Pollard albums if truth be told but has its moments). Who is Harrison Adams? Great chorus and some interesting vocals and lyrics add up to a great song. Is that Geo at the end being drunk/crazy?

Alibible

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A simple strum strum strum and a slurred and muffled lyric define this minute and a half oddity from the album of outtakes and oddities "Suitcase 2". Sounds like a stream on consciousness from Bob. Curious.

Wrong Drama Addiction (...And Life Starts Here...)

Taken from "Life Starts Here" 2002

"Manstruck-killed by the moonstruck
Fever hits like wide typhoon struck

Gaining steam in forest gloom
Now he belongs to them

Wrong drama addiction
Joycraft is worthless craving
Far too little that I've been saving
Now that i don't have it

What else can be gotten
Make no effort to control
Eternal racket in the soul
Picture me small
For every reason

The coast is wild
Come on one disease
The irritable suits
Destroy immunity

Wrong drama addition...
And life starts here..."

This could possibly be the longest song so far on "A Pollard A Day" (and possibly one of the longest Pollard songs he's ever recorded) clocking it at around 7 and a half minutes. We are in Airport 5 land now and whereas Airport 5 are usually quite poppy this song is long and experimental and wouldn't look out of place on a Circus Devils album. A Hypnotic "And Life Stats Here" is repeated over and over again throughout for the first half whilst Bob spouts on about Moonstruck and Typhoon Struck things and general oddness then we hit a patch of almost David Lynchesque engine hums and steam before the song slowly fades back into view and ends with a great Guitar part. Depending on your mood this song is cool and hypnotic or just an irritation. As I say, it depends on your mood.

Pack of Rolling Papers

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A throat is cleared and gentle acoustic starts up and then a short bit of beutifully sung heartfelt nonsense from Bob all contained in about 26 seconds. A Bog Nugget.

Why Did You Land?

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Standing around
Hoping everything works out
Cause I want them all to work out
You were always so in love with the truth
Why did you change?
Why did you land?

Look at the photograph
Nothing is real
Spend another lonely life
With nothing to feel

Was it something
In the stories everyone told you
You needn't heed them
Maybe you should read them
Go back to where you came from
Why did you land?
You couldn't stayed in flight forever

Look at the photograph
Nothing is real
Spend another lonely life
With nothing to feel

Why did you land?
Why did you land?
Why did you land?
Why did you land?
Why did you land?"

A demo version of a track that appears on a few Pollard releases. Starts off very slow and lumbering in this version (some versions tear through the song like nobodies business). A bit of a live favourite in its more upbeat form but this slower version is an interesting curiosity too.

Meddle

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"I'm never in your problems
You've never really been in mine
You're going over the middle
I'm crossing the line
I just wanna help
But you just really wanna argue
Won't you let it shine
What are dispositions
Can you make the right decisions
When our worlds collide?

I'm never in your problems
You've never really been in mine
??? we can dish it out or we can take it
Not a very good sign
Find out what we're thinking
Now we're far too busy thinking
Something passed us by
Block it ???
Stay behind or pass them through
Won't you let them by
Let them by..."

This song has an almost phasey sound to it with the guitars and vocals throbbing away but theres a great memorable tune tucked away in here too. The "Let Them By" chorus is quite lovely and the whole songs adds up to an interesting Suitcase snippet. You sometimes wish some of these Suitcase songs would be dusted off and given the more "major" production treatment on a main album.

Take To The Sky

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"You can do the balloon
escorted or thwarted by the loon
"Take to the sky!"
said the Chinaman's monkey
and you climbed like Einstein
through the fleshy folds of history's underbelly
and your artwork was unusual
and your scientific programs phenomenal

take to the ???
my
my inferior
my inferior ranking
has been ???
I see the coolest ???
I choose that direction"

A very beatlesesque sounding start and lyric to this song could have come from "Yellow Submarine". A bit of a minor classic with an unusual melody and even weirder words. First Pollard a Day in a week due to other commitments. But back with a vengeance.

Men Who Create Fright

Taken from "Kid Marine" 2000

"There is a place
Always in the undertow
Begging at best
Hollow culture
When you exist
Are you observable?
When you resist
Are you approachable?
When you pretend
Are you unreadable?
The unspeakable must settle
On your spy frame mind
The reason you came here
Is the reason you flee
Always to the same place"

Bobs voice starts this song with echoes and backwards fades and a guitar comes onto the horizon. Then the song kicks in with the classic fuzzed up guitar, bass and drum sound of classic Pollard. We even have time for a small Solo. Good song.

Our Value Of Luxury

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"These men came down from heaven
Come here to tell you something
You stomped on rotting floorboards
Your world's an inaccurate graphic

Our value of luxury
Allows us to believe we are free
Our value of luxury
Allows us to believe we are free

That's OK we've got airplanes
Silos in mirrored highways
Your earmarked for collision
With frozen opposition"

For a Suitcase offcut this song sounds very produced and formed. It has a ethereal sounding vocal and a proper chorus that burst to life. Its not up there with Pollard classics but as I say has the sound of a proper song.

Society Dome

Taken from "Mist King Urth" 2003

"I'm going home
To the common section
To the place that we call home
To the list of viruses

With the lap dancers
And the pad rammers
And the human shots

I'm going home
Focus on a dream
Try to find a way out

Society dome
Stay in
Keep it on

Basic attractions
It's all over you
And I am"

I quite like the Lifeguards stuff and this song some reason reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel (Scarborough Fair anyone). The guitar plucking is very Mark Kozelek too. The song builds from a simple acoustic start with a drum coming in and then changes to a sweet melody and chorus. This is a great song from a good offshoot album.

Alone In Time

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Some lovely 70s sounding strumming and quiet soft vocal from Bob. Another nice little sketch of a song. Wish it would have lasted a bit longer and developed into something grander but you can have everything.

Shit Midas

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Say shit Midas
This world's looking funny to you
World's looking funny to you
Shit Midas
Everything you touch
Everything you touch
Is turning to as much
Is turning to as much
As such
As you would have it
Shit Midas"

More Suitcase fun in this little song. Very delicately played and sung by Bob. Sometimes I feel like a Shit Midas. Everything you touch turns to crap. lol. Nice little ditty.

Island of Lost Lucys

Taken from "Blues and Boogie Shoes" 2006

Lyrics Unknown.

Wow. A wonderful song from the Keene Brothers. This song is just one of the most beautiful and heart felt songs Bob has written in many years from the simply fantastic "Blues and Boogie Shoes" album. The simple structure but soaring lyrics and keyboards elevate this to a thing of beauty. If there was any justice in the world this would be the number one song. Wonderful.

Postal Blowfish

Taken from "Demons & Painkillers" 2003

"Noticing the change
We are taking time
Everybody knows
Everybody's fine
And we'll figure out
Purpose in the end
Unless we have to jump
Unless we have to win

Chorus: Hold your tongue
Brace yourself
Give me a kiss
Show me what I missed

Can I find a phone
Can I drop a dime
Can I get a loan
Running out of time
And I'll have a toast
To what it's all about
Unless they move us on
Unless they move us out
Chorus
Seven doglegs hung to dry
It works that way
Postal blowfish make me cry
It works that way
Begging on the nail don't fail
To clue me in
??Cluster frogs and crabs begin??"

This song crops up in many different recorded versions on various releases. This is probably the cleanest and most produced version. A great chugga-chugga guitar and a memorable chorus section that I'm sure the Breeders loved so much they based most of their career around. What is a Postal Blowfish? You decided.

Mr. Media

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Oh Mr. Media
Will you capture our heads
Mr. Media
Lives are breaking down
They will be ??? you
They will be calling you
Oh what would you be without your perfect world
Without your telescope under eiderdown
Hey give me the dope
Mr. Media
Well c'mon and ???
We told you everybodys's ??? now
About to break it down, break it down now
Mr. Media
Oh Mr. Media
Oh Mr. Media"

A simple strummed song with a very muffled vocal so its hard to pick out the lyrics. The song sounds new and both derivative at the same time. I cant put my finger on what old song this sounds like. Anyone?

Just Touch Them

Taken from "Five" 2005

"JUST TOUCH THEM
SUNFED GIRLS AND BOYS
DO TOO
AT THE CLUB AGE
JUST TOUCH
JUST TOUCH
SENSATION
TOUCH THEM"

Crash. Fuzz. Warble. Crash. Bang. Twitter. We are back in Circus Five territory. A mix of odd crunches and sounds before an acoustic guitar comes in and Bob joins in with some odd lyrics and them some more odd sounds. Just Touch Them? Sunfed Boys and Girls? Sounds a bit seedy to me.

Mascara Snakes

Taken from "Beard of Lightening" 2003

"THE CRITICAL STAGE IS RAINING DOWN
LOST EMOTIONS BEING FOUND
ORIGINS OF CROWED HOUSE
MAKE A SHORT LINE SHORTER

HIT PAUSE ON LOST
PRONOUNCING DEAD ON RED
GET THE FEEL ON ME
COPS ON THE NIGHT OF THE NO-SHOW

WEAK THE ATTACK
ON WHAT NEW MOVES
STRADDLE THE HOUR GLASS
WITH STRANGE LADIES

BUT THIS IS MINE AND I WILL TAKE IT BACK
CONCENTRATION ON MY FREE MAN’S BLUES
COME SEE THE OCEAN UP ON THE HIGHWAY
COME SEE THE STRONGMEN AND MASCARA SNAKES
THEY WANNA HIT YOU AND RELIEVE YOU
NO DOORS ARE OPENING OR CLOSE BY
THAT’S WHY I’M FOCUSING

I AM GOD’S BROTHER, HIS SOULMATE AND TEAMMATE
HE PASSES ME INFO-MATION
AND I RECIPROCATE"

Starts off with some fantastic riffing before changing pace to the more random jazz structure of Phantom Tollbooth noodlings. The format of the lyrics almost class against the structure of the music. This song has its moments and skips along at a fair old pace. Probably a highlights from one of my least favourite Pollard offshoot albums.

Sweet Jelly

Taken from "Turn To Red" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

An odd track from "Turn to Red" that starts with a bustle of crowd then a lone acoustic guitar plucks in and Bob delivers some very odd warbly vocals in an almost deep south accent. Its certainly an odd filler track from the album.

Same Things

Taken from "Speak Kindly Of Your Volunteer Fire Department"

"I listen to your conventional message
same things allure me assure me
I’m not getting in or through
going nowhere faster than most

That’s the way the eyecrust crumbles
the everlasting holyman stumbles
a thread of resistance contains me
your unwanted assistance often restrains me"

An acoustic track with odd almost sickly backward vocal effects at the start. A good song is in there and I love the gentle acoustic bit toward the end that's rather sweet.

Lord Of Overstock

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"straight to the lord of overstock
who spoke for the millionth turn
said "don't be late for the superdeal
we'll save you a lot
and take every cent you earn "

following tips, his overfed rats
said "trust in the king of overstock
invest in his wisdom and learn
there's less to go around if everyone counts,
but if you've got the money to burn,
then you will be in always good faith
for what you are worth
in heaven on earth!" "

A classic song from classic period Guided By Voices. A massive song with larger than life lyrics. A song without a proper chorus but feels like it has one. Its crazy how many songs Bob write that don't have proper Choruses but feel like they do. Genius.

Harboring Exiles

Taken from "Delicious Pie And Thank You For Calling" 2003

"What it was
What it wasn't, what was true
And what I see
What it is not for you

And in all the world
There is no finer place
As such the dream up here is falling
I'll keep it close until the pattern breaks
When it breaks the dream is over
The kind of thing that makes me sing

And here it goes
Quite apparent but not so
The time to live
And pull out stitches as we go

In all the world
There is no finer place
As such the dream up here is falling
I'll keep it close until the pattern breaks
And when it breaks the dream is over
The kind of thing that makes me sing

As such the dream up here is falling
I'll keep it close until the pattern breaks
And when it breaks the dream is over
The kind of thing that makes me sing
Yah!"

Had to have a bit of a few days to contend with flooding and insurance claims but I am back with a clutch of songs. Harboring Exiles has great little guitar bit and a very jaunty vocal with some strange stuttering parts. I like it. Very REMish at times but very early GBV mostly.

I Feel Gone Again

Taken from "Normal Happiness" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

A fantastic winsome minute and a bit from Normal Happiness. This songs sounds like its comes from the late 60s or early 70s. A highlight from a great album and some of Bobs best work in recent years. Again, short enough to leave you wanting more.

The Dawntrust Guarantee

Taken from "Life Starts Here" 2002

"I sail the sink
For a severe several days
On the dawntrust guarantee
Hands strange criminals
Her growing religion
Gains gusto
Her growing hair
Is attractive
In the joint
One the wall
Trust me"

A robotic voice and synthy sounds great us on this Airport 5 Oddity. Sounds like background music to an 70s or 80s BBC low budget Sci-Fi series. Very odd. A bit different to the norm. Odd. Yea. Odd.

Dusty Bushworms

Taken from "Get Out Of My Stations" 1994

"This song will hold you in its arms
This song will fill you with its charms
Wrap it around me every night
It's gonna love you with its light
Are you lonely in your life
Pick you up from all your strife, oh
I won't disown you in this hour
Not like a man who doesn't care
Dusty bushworms in your life
Crusty humans make you blind
Some of them grounded just can't fly
Come up and hit you in your eye, oh
Some of them grounded just can't fly
Come up and hit you in your eye, oh"

A haunting strummed melody with strange pulsating bass that seems to wax and wane in the background. Also a great vocal by Bob. Did this song go on to become something else because it has many elements of other Pollard songs? Good song.

Navigating Flood Regions

Taken from "Self-Inflicted Aerial Nostalgia" 1989

"Spy ??shouting?? the crew let's string him up
Wise up to the captain where's my coffee cup
And it's been an adventurous day
The ship floats but it won't float away
Let's us stay
Don your favorite costume here we go
Belt a song if you're not real long and slow
And you doing a wonderful job
Shaping up with a competent mob
It's your job
It's as long as wide and just beginning
Been around for aeons just like me
Grab your money and let's go for all the winnings
Cast your soul into the jagged sea
It's the number on your head
Now you're dead
Stuff you down the barrel of a cannon
Let you see the world as something to see
Take you to the corners of the playground
Let you watch the traffic through the trees
It's the number on your head
Now you're dead
And we run as the war trumpet blows
And the judge with the list of no-shows"

Today is a bit of a cheat. Its usually a random Bob track but today we are having huge floods. The back garden is waist deep, the water is an inch under my front room floor boards and the street outside is a huge fast flowing river. Its scarey. How appropriate to be navigating Flood Regions. A very Who-alike guitar and vocals begin this classic from the formative years of Guided By Voices. A great lyric and hook and we are off Navigating the untold flood regions of Bobs imagination. A Fantastic Song that I think bob was still playing right till the end of GBV. Done. Now I'm off to bail out the 4 inches of water in my back room.

Don't Be Late

Taken from "Pinball Mars" 2004

Lyrics Unknown.

What surprises me about this Circus Devils song is how normal it is. It has the sounds of a straight forward rock song with a reasonably strong hook and Chorus. It teeters on the bring of being Oasis at times but recovers itself just in time with a sassy chuga-chuga section. Some lovely chunky riffs just save this from become a pub-rockout. Good song.

Ester's Day

Taken from "Bee Thousand" 1994

"Jimmy was a fly
Got sucked in by an actor
and wrapped in a cocoon
of skin-tight buffoonery
Now here's the plan...

Scene from Ester's day
Of running backward courses
With a horse of different forces
Lying wings of films
That never see the screen
Couldn't bear to face their dreams

Down and out
Couldn't bear to shout it out

Brought up on the road
A sparkle shiny diner
Is the home for wayward minor
In a flying car that seems
To whisper in an ear
Let's just go get out of here

Down and out
Couldn't bear to shout it out

Down and out
Couldn't bear to shout it out"

Time for a classic and one of my favourite ever Guided By Voices songs "Ester's Day". Its starts with a snippet of another song but somehow wouldnt be the same song without it, "Jimmy Was A Fly" indeed. Then we are into the main Acoustic song. Its its simply wonderful and one of the most beautiful songs ever written with lyrics that make you cry and make you happy at the same time. Its a song about getting up and doing it! Face your dreams!

John Strange School

Taken from "Not In My Airforce" 1996

"Enter now into a place
Where forests are dripping
But no one seals the sap in no bottle

Let it rain rich and muddy to a war
And a cage of kind mockingbirds
Lonely and hungry will starve
And that's who it is for you
And that's who it is for you"

A haunting melody and sound with echoey tinny vocals from Bob Pollard. The guitar riff sounds very similar to a Beatles riff. Full of sadness and longing with a great bit of spooky keyboard and a lonely thumping drum at the end.

No Welcome Wagons

Taken from "Selective Service" 2001

"Pandemonium ensues
Sure enough fire and the dog barks
Let's get acquainted
Been so many days or should I say
"So long"
On the outset jets coming
People tend to take you away
Send me to the grip of funerals
The pain is in each character
Facing it always does
Wake up and pray tell
Where can we get off
Lean one
Double up your fists for the undercut
Pandemonium subsides
Rest assured
No welcome wagons will be there
When I get home"

Another fading-in Acoustic oddity. Cant quite work out what the song is about. It sounds like someone waking up with random thoughts then drifts back off to sleep. Bob can literally write these sort of songs in his sleep.

Gratification to Concrete

Taken from "Beard of Lightning" 2003

"GASOLINE ON MY COLD SKIN
AND NO LOVE WILL I SAVE FOR YOU
ABLE, RED AND SPARTACUS
I’M NOT HOME FOR A DAY
OFF WE CROSS THE FINISH LINE
WITH OUR BLACK SOAP HANDOUTS

WITH MATH & MOTIVATIONS
TO CALCULATE OUR SLOW DEMISE
ABLE HIS EYELIDS
IN A TEA LEAF JETSTREAM

WELL THE BLUES PHONE IS BLINKING
CALLING THE HISS
TO THE ONE WE CALL THE GOLDEN SKULL
THE OTHER BEARD OF LIGHTNING
AND THAT NEVER STOPPED SMILING
ALL THE WAY TO THE WOMAN HOUSE"

A rock jazz experiment from Bobs Phantom Tollbooth project. I must admit its not one of my favourite Bob albums and the songs on it range from almost good to axe-wankery and free form rock jazz, which Im not a bit fan of. It has its moments of melody and some good stop starty rhytms. This song reminds me of Tool meets Spinal Tap when they do their Jazz Odyssey that Derek Small wrote.

Lethargy

Taken from "Propeller" 1992

"Are you happy, happy today?
Is your face, facemask on?
For the air is thick and the clouds are moving so slowly

There’s a book of instructions to the rusty time machine
that goes uloe
From really nowhere
I wish I could give a shit
Just a little bit
What’s the difference?
Hey lethargy, lethargy, lethargy, lethargy, lethargy, lethargy, lethargy"

A tribal drum and a moody vocal with a screeching feedback backing highlight this early GBV song. It has a sinsister snake like sound that wraps itself around your hearing centres. Bob screams out "Lethargy" over and over again and the song end.

Stifled Man Casino

Taken from "Tower In The Fountain Of Sparks" 2001

2Stifled man casino
in a bed of bland facts
wake up for recovery
stifled man casino
unpleasant co-missions, please
turn it off, avalanche man
and down comes the roofer
up go the stakes
in stifled man casino
no one gets the brakes
that’s the breaks, baby
stifled man casino
scratching surfaces
street lights blurring
speech patterns slurred
passed out on apartment
complex lawns
turn it off, avalanche man
and down comes the roofer
up go the stakes
in stifled man casino
no one gets the brakes
that’s the breaks, baby
stifled man casino
you can feel all the dust in the window
you can feel all the lust in your mind
but you can’t have what you want
you can play around and lay around
your whole life
turn it off, avalanche man
and down comes the roofer
up go the stakes
in stifled man casino
no one gets the brakes
that’s the breaks, baby"

A pop-tastic song from Airport 5 with a great tunes and hook. I love it when Pollard is more playful and doesn't reach too hard for obscurity and just writes perfectly lovely rock songs. This Chorus is just amazing and a great track. I'm hoping more of this from Bob in the future. More Joy. More Fun. More quality catchy rock songs!