Sister I Need Wine (Cromag Demo)

Taken from "Crickets" 2007

"Sister, I need wine
For color in my skin
And darkness for my eyes
But I can see the light burn through
Still it is the night brings me to you

Sister, use your gift
The backed up river spreads
On ground for fighting words
And I am hating the ignorance in my body
And I can't feed on the heaviness
Sister, I need you

And we will dance for gold
And straddle the hour of fear
And learn the real story
Drink the truth
Shed not one tear"

Another demo of an Isolation Drills track that begins with Bob and friends talking. This is a real broody piece with a great melody and hushed vocals. This demo has more scope and feeling than many other bands "proper" songs.

Love Your Spaceman

Taken from "Superman Was A Rocker" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

Taken from Robert Pollards collection of old GBV songs and old abandoned or lost recordings with added lyrics and vocals this is a catchy tune which I think features many of the old members of GBV. Probably one of the most realised songs on the SWAR album. A great sitar type Indian vibe to this too. Good song.

Gonna Never Have To Die (Demo)

Demo

"Be a motorcycle
Be a getaway car
Be a house of sparrows
I am waiting
This is where you are

Thinking about the lines
That cross the sky
Mine for you and I
Never have to die

I have plans engaging
All of these points connecting one
My trap is simple
I will forgive you
For all you've never done

Lessons of the crime
Of sick and tried
In a forest crucified
You're gonna never have to die"

The Demo version of the track from "Half Smiles of the Decomposed". Love the simplicity of this version, just Bob and his guitar with some fantastic solo work mid way through. One of Bob's catchiest songs that rattles round your brain for days. Simple and effective.

It Is Divine

Taken from "Calling Zero" 2002

"The colorful summer
I still remember
The smell of the chlorine
The diving hairline

It is divine, my child
And it only lasts a second

To study the plants
To hike the trails
Stray out from strange echoes
Collect the lights
Advice from the cows

It is divine, my child
And it only lasts a second

To polish the pearl
To open the tomb
To piss on the hot street
Like transistor sunman

It is divine, my child
And it only lasts a second"

There is something about the acoustic intro on this song that is so Pollard. A very summery song with a great melody. As usual it is gibberish lyrics but somehow touches the soul. Good song.

You Drove The Snake Crazy

Taken from "Superman Was A Rocker" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

2008 and the first 2008 Song. "Superman Was A Rocker" is a collection of old recordings where Bob has added new melodies or lyrics. Love the little "trumpet" fanfare before this song then we are into a simple strumathon with some good hand claps and backing vocals. Feels like a jam. Goes a bit wobbly in places but not bad.

Red Whips and Miracles

Taken from "Mist King Urth" 2003

"This is a view with no room to spare
Where the pony won't travel
Nor the lion
The fresh preamble
To a nuclear future
The morning curse
Sunfist

Surely we can agree over lunch
That the path least traveled
Is a straight one
Look as we see
Corruption and gossip
Well, piss up a tree
Hark

Naked, smoke
Eat more meat
Choke
On a friendly woman/man
Whatever gets you off

Come to the protest
Where flowers in your hair may bring forgiveness
Like a God no longer jealous
Free to be actors and kings"

The Lifegaurds have a classical sound to them. Classic American Rock. Love the piano sound in this song. Bob needs to integrate the Piano more into his songs. Its a wonderful Rock instrument in the right hands. Great song and its over 8 minutes long!