A Pollard A Day

On The Tundra

2011-07-03T11:04:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Propeller" 1992

"On the tundra
We went under
We're going under now
On the tundra
We went to vicious places
Of dark and punished faces
Couldn't shake it
Or outgrow it
??Swung hells?? get open now
Don't we know it
Cause with my second guessing
The subject for the testing

Chorus: Look over our blunders
Our two-fisted wonders
The foxy wildest monster dial is
More peaceful than a human hammer
The great ??king tam?? transmissionaries
Evolving without (about) you
Dissolving without you
As you know
It's just too slow on the tundra

And then one day
Maybe today
We'll justify the joke
Make it our day
And blow the total savings
To satisfy our cravings"

Classic chugging early Guided By Voices with the sort of catchy tune that Bob can churn out whilst having a crap. A brilliant song. Fuzzy and warm.

Teenage FBI

2011-05-16T18:32:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Do The Collapse" 1999

"Someone tell me why
I do the things
That I don't want to do?

When you're around me
I'm somebody else

Someone tell my why
I act like a fool
When things don't go my way
And you're around me?
I'm somebody else

There is good reason I guess
Having it once gone to far
When you clean out the hive
Does it make you want to cry?
Are you still being followed
By the Teenage FBI
Someone tell me why"

A proper hit pop rock song from the mind of Robert Pollard. It just shows with a bit of production Bob can write a Top 10 from another Dimension hit. A great song and famous for its connections to Buffy The Vampire Slayer though never actually appearing on the show.

Do They Teach You The Chase?

2011-05-16T18:28:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Demons & Painkillers" 2003

"Will the new suits replace me
I'm so worried you'll never see my face again
Cuz I can't stand the thought of not being involved
in you current disgrace
And at the oddlot do they teach you to chase?
And back at the factory will they laugh in my face
when they read all about it
The lacking racking slacking cracking
nagging bragging dragging etc..."

An almost gothy or Sisters of Mercy type sound to the instrumentation but then Bobs vocals lift the song with great wordplay "lacking racking slacking cracking". Another gem.

A Constant Strangle

2011-04-30T10:58:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Moses On A Snail" 2010

Lyrics Unknown

Taken from "Moses On A Snail" and a song that sums up the album quite well. A slow to mid-tempo track with an almost lumbering sound. A really good song that sticks in your head.

Heaven's Gate

2011-04-25T08:29:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Blues and Boogie Shoes" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

The mighty power pop that is Robert Pollard and Tommy Keene as Keene Brothers. Another anthem and always nice to hear synths in a Bobby P song. There will never be too much singing at Heaven's Gate.

Pressurized

2011-04-25T08:23:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Completed Soundtrack For The Tropic Of Nipples" 2002

"yes, the fruits and spoils
of our good people
at peace with equality
vast
northern
neighborly
all the properties that call us home
from wherever our swollen feet
are mistreated
by uncompromising streets"

Like standing in the next room when a band is playing live. Fuzzy. Distored. Dulled. Antler are too weird for me.

Zero Fix

2011-04-25T08:20:00.003+01:00

Taken from "Brown Submarine" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

Classic Boston Spaceships sound. Built to high kick and punch the air to and a driving almost punk rhythm. Great song from a great Pollard Project. Features the most inhuman scream ever recorded.

I Shot A Jezebel

2011-04-25T08:16:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 3", 2009

Lyrics Unknown

Has the feels of an improvised jam. Its always interesting to hear the early stages of the song writing process. Bob sings with a lot of passion on this one.

Sabotage

2011-03-05T09:41:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Bigger Trouble" 2005

"I never ever hear you say
I remember when we used to love
You did me wrong, baby
I have you now
It's sabotage
You know it's the work I love

She tried to take me to her world
I don't know why you tell me now
If this is everything you loved
It's sabotage
Baby that's the worst kind of love

Well sabotage is a thing I've thought about
Your sabotage is a thing I want to know
I don't wanna see you
I just don't wanna see you baby

I have a lot of things to say
You don't want to tell me now
It's sabotage
I have a lot for you
It's sabotage
I gotta lot for you

You know what I'm talking about
You heard a lot of people talking about you baby
You heard a lot of people talking about you baby
Sabotage
Yeah that's sabotage

You told me lies baby
??? words are going round
It's happy when I'm up
You hurt me when I'm down
It's sabotage
We got a lot of words are going round

(Play that sad blues song good for me maestro)
(Blood curdling howl)
Ooh, sabotage, sabotage, sabotage, sabotage"

Mr Pollard dips his toe into the land of Blues. This is a moody lo-fi pieces that could have been recorded by anyone from an old Blue musician to Joe Cocker. An interesting direction.

Johnny Optimist

2010-11-01T09:12:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Elephant Jokes" 2009

Lyrics Unknown

A modern Robert Pollard classic with a great guitar hook and hop about and kick the air vocals. You cannot help but smile when you hear this track. It has funny lyrics and is just basically a happy song. Great.

Bad Baby Blue

2010-11-01T09:07:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Gringo" 2009

"Bad Baby Blue
We'll I've been lachrymose too
Bad baby blues
When it's not up to youse yeah
Bad Baby Blue
Got me talkin' to mountains
Bad Baby Blue

Ram your fists down through your ripped out rotten shirt
Back alive I'm feeling bad enough to kill
Spare the seasons of the winters in your soul
Name the reasons, please
And Bad Baby Blue here's to lookin' at you
Bad Baby Blue so very vile I'm with you
I found it so hard to listen to you
Bad Baby Blue you tell me what you laugh about
Bad Baby Blue you tell me when you cry

I wanna kiss my television when you're on
Count your angels in the suitcase of your heart
Angels sitting in your cafeteria mind
You're a bad baby"

Spooky. This track feels slow and discordant but with a punching Vocal. Circus Devils are there to mess with your ears.

Mag Earwig!

2010-11-01T08:48:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Mag Earwig!" 1997

"Blessed is the way to a man's heart
Quite so even out of dreadlock
But the bastard of an ex-warhorse kicks
And I smiled like an electric child"

Bob does an impression of a Baby crying. Reminds me a lot of the classic Bee Thousand/Bushes/Lanes era. A fun 40 seconds.

Cool Off Kid Kilowatt

2010-07-13T19:43:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Vampire On Titus" 1993

"Combustions, man--yeah, that's where we live
We're starving for the season
Jonesin' for a reason
Isn't it interesting? Isn't it odd?
Picked to finish last
I will speed my way past
Like a psychodrama, like a skeleton man"

Is one of the instruments on this song someone blowing onto the top of a beer bottle? I'm beginning to hear the early formations of Bee Thousand like melodies here.

After The Quake (Let's Bake A Cake)

2010-07-13T19:39:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 3" 2009

Lyrics Unknown

A stream of consciousness jingly jangly acoustic number with some crazy lyrics. Funny stuff.

Another Man's Blood

2010-07-11T09:04:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Superman Was A Rocker" 2008

"Working and slaving
for another man's blood
Working to save up
For another man's blood
Build up a future
For another man's blood
Working to save up
For another man's blood

It's good for the blood
Of another man

It's good for the future
Of another man's blood

Blood and bondage
And future
Saving
Not living
Slaying
Not giving
Not given
Forgiven
Not giving

Working and slaving
For another man's blood

It's good for the blood

It's good for the blood
of another man"

Dark and Grinding with muffled and spooky vocals. I'm not a massive fan of some of Mr Pollards experimental songs and this is certainly not one of my favourite songs. Again, a song where I'm sure the lyrics turn up in a "proper" song.

Bomb In The Bee-Hive

2010-07-10T11:17:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Mag Earwig" 1997

"Here I go around the blame
Here I go with hand over flame
Down on the floor at 9:00
A scene not fully recognized
At precisely 9:00
Here I go with clapping hands
Here I go with "still no plans"
Illuminate the mystery
The film is not for view
The film is not for you."

Good song from Mag Earwig but not one of Bobs best. Sort of middle era, middle of the road Bob and doesnt really build to its potential. Lovely thrashy ending though with some great guitars and drum rolls.

Each Is Good In His Own House

2010-07-09T08:47:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Moses On A Snail" 2010

Lyrics Unknown

A standout track from the 2010 Robert Pollard Opus "Moses On A Snail". Deceptively simple and achingly beautiful song. Robert Pollard can capture a certain whimsical mood like no other. The lyrics make sense yet make no sense whatsoever but get under your skin. Wonderful.

The Lodger Carried A Gun

2010-07-09T08:41:00.003+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A gentle rustic track. A Pretty song that sounds a bit early REM (obvious cheap parallel). Beautiful.

I Share A Rhythm

2010-02-07T09:09:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 3" 2009

Lyrics Unknown

A quickly strummed track, stuck together with sellotape and nails. I'm sure Bob is freestyling as he goes along, trying to get the sound right, to get some phonetic connection to the "real" song that will come later after a little work.

A Farewell To Arms

2010-02-07T09:06:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"A farewell to arms
A man with his charms
???
???

You can die if you want to
You can live in a penthouse ???
???

A farewell to arms
A jacket in with his charms
Another man with a ???
A farewell to arms

Every boy ???

A farewell to arms..."

Isnt this a Hazzard Hotrods songs? My Pollardian mind is reaching here. Muffled vocals over a slinky groove. Words are not clear but this is song has a fantastic feel to it. An enigma.

Volcano Divers

2010-02-07T09:00:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Fast Japanese Spin Cycle" 1994

"Volcano divers
Volcano divers
You got a lot to say
But hey don't say it
So much reported and
So much distorted
Divers
Volcano divers"

Now I've heard of some Extreme sports.... Great classic sounding GBV. Simple but brilliant sound with a screeching guitar that mysteriously appears halfway. Short and sweet.

Smothered In Hugs

2009-12-06T09:27:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Bee Thousand" 1993

"In the summer that you came
there was something eating everyone
And the sunshine fund was low
We couldn't greet you with a simple hello
And the watchers of the flood were busy in their chambers
Making sure there was new blood to sustain their dying veins

But I believed you
No need for further questioning
I'm gonna leave with you
You can teach me all you know
Which way will we go now on our trip to taller windows
I really don't know now
I really don't know

In the winter that you left, there was business as usual
With the same old fears and frustrations
But the word got out, it was really such a pity
But the judges and the saints and the textbook committee
Decided you should be left out - not even mentioned

But I believed you
No need for further questioning
I'm gonna leave with you
You can teach me all you know
Which way will we go now on our trip to taller windows
I really don't know now
I really don't know"

ahhhhh. A GBV classic. A relentless throb of wonderful goodness. Downbeat and sad but uplifting and beautiful all at the same time. Who are the Textbook committee?

I'll Get Over It

2009-12-06T09:24:00.002+01:00

Take from "The Grand Hour" 1993

"During the initiation
Please refrain from conversation
Leave your opinions at home
Put your cigarettes out
I've been thinking a lot
I might have difficulty
I've lost my insensity
But I'll get over it"

Lumpen beginning but 60s garage sounding lo-fi shorty from Bob & Co with crashing rolling drums and howled vocals.

Roofer's Union Fight Song

2009-10-18T08:56:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Not In My Airforce" 1996

"For every wild weekend
The roofers cry
Under the underdog bullwhip

A "Nothing For Granted" requested
Abusing the signal
Went forth the student of mystery

Out there in the way - let's waste him
Show him the teaching tool
Only "No Ones" get through the gate
...not in my airforce"

Very 70's sounding guitar lick and some wailed Bob vocals. Bob loves planes doesnt he?

To Remake The Young Flyer

2009-10-11T11:14:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"To remake the young flyer
yes we must define his high desire
stand erect and not detect
the anythings that we could not admire

from a long line of highmen
number one, is that the one to send?
to restore all the trial
this and then the national pride so proud

a question to the lunatic
does your day seem like night
does your world go to heaven?

gallant men dash forth
he takes his place
he ends the laughter of the slaughter daughters
takes his softness from his hand and goes

to remake the young flyer
yes we must define his high desire"

A wonderful Tobin Sprout song with a very distinctive guitar sound. Languid and beautiful from the classic Guided By Voices album.

Psych Threat

2009-10-10T16:27:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Brown Submarine" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

Propulsive. A great Boston Spaceships song with a real sing along refrain. Really kicks in halfway through and launches into a very Sex Pistols like garage rock/punk melody. Bob is having fun. And so are we.

Lizard Food

2009-10-10T16:23:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Ringworm Interiors" 2001

"Challenge your stamina
save your breath
challenge your weakness
this is a test
superior broadcasting
extend your feelers
who are we out there?
Up there or under?
The brush of death
lizard food grandfather smoked it"

The usual early Circus Devils rumbling and screeching sound with hollered vocals and a swirly tune. Not a favourite composition.

The Year Nobody Died

2009-10-10T16:14:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Bad Football" 2007

""I can’t compete
With the flies in the street",
This she cried

Drank all the beer
Nothing left in the year nobody died

I made it to runaway
I’ll make it to Airway

Pushed to the hills
With your suicide pills
It’s all right

In Metro state
Saving time is impossible
I made it to runaway
I’ll make it to Airway

On last report most folks agreed it was a good year"

Quite a melancholy song from the usually upbeat Takeovers. Again, looking forward to old age and death. Beautiful song.

Solid Gold

2009-07-09T13:06:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Bigger Trouble" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A gentler song from the Hazzard Hotrods, whereas as the rest of Big/Bigger Trouble is a long boogie/jam this is probably the one that sounds most like traditional Pollard. A lovely melody to tug on the heart strings.

I Found The Black Mind

2009-07-09T13:02:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Ataxia" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

A spooky Lynchian nightmare from Robert Pollard and the Circus Devils. Conjures up images when I listen to it; Twin Peaks. Dark swishing Trees. Twilight. Wonder where this darker side of Pollard comes from?

14 Cheerleader Coldfront

2009-06-06T12:28:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Propeller" 1992

"14 cheerleader cold front
put your nose beyond
creeping boys in alleys
(find them when your gone?)
stick close to locker rooms
and (waving clothes to wear?)
you will hold them dear
to something (queer and stare?)

16 used companions
have nowhere to stay
give them access to parking spaces
no coin meters there"

Perfection. Nothing else to say really.

Secret Star

2009-05-31T10:09:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Earthquake Glue" 2003

"met a man of energy
suppose it doesnt work
lantern man,
find an inoperative halo
tossed inside a field
in your crystal ball
was he ostracized,
inured, or castaway
in a playhouse?
hoops and hairpins.

grow alone,
after know your conjurer,
a spinster kept checking for a special clock remover.
but now were out of time,
secret star of heavenly bundles,
firmly confirmed yesterday.

send no more joy,
no more light,
no more danger,
it will always come.
to wish for you to fall,
to with for you to burn,
to wish for your return. "

A chant, a march, a call to arms. Great song from Earthquake Glue with the usual Pollard insanely addictive melody and hook and fantastically nonsense lyrics. And that Epic finish! Know your Conjurer! Heaven.

Atom Eyes

2009-05-31T10:05:00.003+01:00

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1998

"i'm dreaming and so it must be true
nothing else could look as good as you do
and so in a rocket go
up to where the astros flow into space
don't hold me down

atom eyes, don't worry your brain
take a break from everyday
sell the house, the car, the pain
(just be sure to live again)
atom eyes

i'm running away from your clues
atomizer sprinklers are spraying perfume
escape a lobotomy
there's a million heartstrings ready to fly
let's pull them now

atom eyes, don't worry your brain
take a break from everyday
sell the house, the car, the pain
(just be sure to live again)
atom eyes

atom eyes, don't worry your brain
take a break from everyday
sell the house, the car, the pain
(just be sure to live again)
atom eyes"

A classic from classic era-GBV. Sort and beautiful but full of punch and drive. The Beatles would have been proud to have written and sung this song. Good stuff Tobin. Wait no Pollard today?

Sylph

2009-05-08T11:09:00.003+01:00

Taken from "The Planets Are Blasted" 2009

Lyics Unknown

Quite a slow song from The Boston Spaceships who usually mode of transport is speedy Garage Rock. This song would fit quite nicely on a Robert Pollard solo album. Its got a nice swingy sort of chorus and definitely makes you feel happy when listening to it. Again, a good song. In case you were wondering ; Sylph (also called sylphid) is a mythological creature in the Western tradition. The term originates in Paracelsus, who describes sylphs as invisible beings of the air, his elementals of air.

Star Peppered Wheatgerm

2009-05-08T11:04:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Ringworm Interiors" 2001

"(so long) to sonar (goodbye) to confidence
star peppered wheat germ
dark colonies erratic constellations
compile your filthiness in a balled up corner
star peppered wheat germ like dust
and fragmented waiting so long"

3 Random Words. Is there a machine somewhere that comes up with these titles? A slow track that reminds me a bit of Rodan or Slint or something of that ilk. Tempo picks up a bit at the end. Not bad.

Hello Forever

2009-05-08T11:01:00.002+01:00

Taken from "All That Is Holy" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

Im sure this turned into a "proper" song, or at least the backing did. Bob sort of makes "word-noises" over a synth led track. Good song.

Wig Stomper

2009-04-30T15:24:00.003+01:00

Taken from "Turn To Red" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

A fuzzy and very lo-fi recording of Wig Stomper and lots of laughing. Is this just Bob leaving a strange and on the fly tune for a friend? A proper version appears on the Little Green Onion Man EP.

He's The Uncle

2009-04-27T10:37:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Under The Bushes Under The Stars" 1996

"And now we see eye to eye
That another man's trash is collectible
And every weakness is correctible
Be leaving here quite soon now
Be pushing off to the moon now

And wow - I have had quite a time
And the mosh pit is filled
With memorabilia
And if you'd have stayed
They'd have killed ya
Be takin' you home anytime now
And I had a very nice time now

We are not so cold, are we?
They are not so bold, are they?
And I am getting old, aren't I?

We are not so cold, are we?
They are not so bold, are they?
And I am getting old, aren't I?

And how did you like my clothes?
I wore them so that they wouldn't dump us"

Bonus Track Alert! Great song with a very Paul McCartney vocal with great crunching production. For ages I thought this was on the Tigerbomb EP, I am incorrect. The chorus of "We are No So Sold Are We? They are not so bold, are they? And I am getting old, aren't I?" is jaw droppingly amazing. Thanks Bob.

The Beast Falls Down

2009-04-26T08:54:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Gringo" 2009

Lyrics Unknown

Taken from "Gringo", the most accessible of all Circus Devils albums, this is a synth driven ballad with an uplifting feel but also with the hint of oddness and darkness that Circus Devils always have lurking in the background. Love the final two guitar strums. For some reason I think of the Devil during this song. Maybe that's just me.

The Candyland Riots

2009-04-26T08:50:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Tonics And Twisted Chasers" 1997

"Over the flames
The plastic airplanes circled
And every ambulance harmonized
A glorious yellow smoke filled the eyes
Of the baby giants given astro-taffy
To keep them happy
While the war raged on
And the friendly army drove to beat the band
How did you escape
Your door was locked
The exit's blocked
Now I know
It's not so impossible
Now I know
We can't go back to where we were
We're back to where we'll be
ooooh
Back to where we were
we'll be"

A lumbering strum and a lovely wilting vocal from Bob and a fantastic melody make this a mini RP classic. Big question? What is an Astro-Taffy though?

I Certainly Hope Not

2009-03-29T10:31:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Sandbox" 1987

"The tension was pretty tight
leave you hangin without a fight
Give it all up cause theres no living in
the world of Artic
no giving, acquitting (are you quitting)

{chorus}
I certainly hope not ohhh noooo(*3)
ohhh ohhhh

There's so many things people say
just to help give it away (but get in the way)
I won't try to figure things out
it's complicated so when doubt (I did)
I start crying
stop lying (trying)

{chorus}

Attracted to the light
Everything will be alright (Where everything with you - all right)
Attracted to the light
Everything will be alright (Where everything will be)
Attracted to the light
Everything will be alright"

A pub stomp with a killer chorus, very traditional rock sounding song from the early GBV archives that could have been recorded anywhere between the 60s and late 80s. Good song though not typical GBV fare.

Edison's Memos

2009-02-27T10:52:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Choreographed Man Of War" 2001

"How many reach out to see
I'll hide it
And I stow it all away
You reach out to me
In a moment
Sustain
But I wanted to reach you
Elected to greet you now
Did you know?

This strange one gathers the sea
A harvest of clean thinking
What does she get
She owes it to me
At the moment
It explodes
Like an army on horses
Original forces, now

Whether or not you see them move
Distance discovers patterns
Coming up close but far away
But known to crush and crumble schools
We're new discovery channel's fools
Who burst in flames
Who cancel out
Who phase out

Under skies dark with alienation
We exchange love like radiation
Under skies dard with alienation
We exchange love like radiation

How many reach out to see
I'll hide it and
I'll stow it all away
You reach out to me in a moment
Sustain
But I wanted to reach you
But elected to greet you"

A Pollard classic. Such a great melody that again sounds exciting but sad and longing at the same time and some fantastic lyrics and singing. Great guitar part also. Top notch song.

Hound Has The Advantage

2009-02-27T10:49:00.003+01:00

Taken from "We've Moved" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

Bob making trumpet noises? A typical Psycho and the Birds track. You have to be in the correct mind set to listen to Psycho and the Birds. Its rough ideas of songs. Some of the added instrumentation is interesting but the lyrics and melodies are just off the fly and border on mumbled madmens ramblings.

Impossible Octopus

2009-02-27T10:42:00.002+01:00

Taken from "You Satisfy Me"

No lyrics

You Satisfy Me played backwards. I always used to enjoy the Stone Roses backwards songs as it sounded like new songs. This is just a gimmicky filler. Played the right way round its a great song.

Break My Leg

2009-02-01T11:41:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Sgt.Disco" 2007

"Take me to the sun
And break my leg

Don’t expose the kind of thing
The timeless thing
The mindless thing

Look at me I’m still not out of bed
Your memory will soon betray
Your situation baby
Your memory of summer fades away

I want some

You wear the upper hand on me"

A song where Bob sounds very much like Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam. A very downbeat song which gets darker and darker and more spooky. This song would probably scare small children.

Steeple Of Knives

2009-01-31T17:57:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Waved Out" 1998

"I’m tired of you
This occasion rattled me a lot
We build our island towers high

Will it fall on me?
A steeple of knives
Caught in core emotions rising
Now our eyes have seen the hurt
Premonition/relapse
Below"

A propulsive rhythmic track that pretty much sums up a lot of later Pollard material. A cool riff with an explosive finish. Punk with a capital P(op)(ollard). Good song.

Lifetime For The Mavericks

2009-01-04T11:53:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Calling Zero" 2002

"I am a dreamer
I'm this far away
You are a screamer
I hear you
This is tomorrow
And where will we stay
In a lifetime for the mavericks?

Was time for the jokers
But maybe too late
And now the punch line is stumbling
Who let them up here?
They're too young, you now
To witness this business

This is tomorrow
But maybe too late

I am a dreamer
This far away"

Some great crunchy fuzzed up guitar at the start of this collaboration between Mr Pollard and Mac McCaughan. Bob vocals sort of jump in and catch you unawares after the long intro. A lot of fans slate this album. Nothing wrong with it as far as I can tell.

I Would Be A Fish Tank

2009-01-03T12:42:00.002+01:00

Taken from "The Butler Stands For All Of Us" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

A demo sounding acoustic track with a simple almost nursery rhyme like refrain. The imagery is very surreal as usual. Is this Bob jamming or did he write it? I imagine his days are full of ditties like this.

Mix Up The Satellite

2008-12-31T11:47:00.003+01:00

Taken from "Earthquake Glue" 2003

"Sail fish like a kite when it rolls by.
sad eyes they will grow like a headlight.
mix up the satellites.
wheel of the sunrise,
feel as its rolling by.
save us light,
that gave us night,
save us light,
that gave us night.
mix up the satellites.
wheel of the sunrise,
feel as its rolling by."

The synths in this song remind a little of The Cure and comes from one of Bobs slickest albums "Earthquake Glue". As is usual from this period GBV the Who is also a very strong influence. Nice song.

Every Word In The World

2008-12-30T12:01:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Fiction Man" 2004

"Every word in the world raging silent
Like the spirit of original film
Straight out as the drama and the test
Try to reach you
Stretching out from East to West

Like the endless city
Running from time
Breathing easier in it's place to hide

From seed
From single cell it comes
Not transmutated
Or digressing even from

None of them even matter
Or seem of worth
Of the lost in their microcosmic world

A maze
Shielded
By a mist
Running
Out of time
Evaporating
Raging silent
Like every word
In the world"

I think Robert Pollard must have sung every word in the world by now. This is a gentle acoustic number that has hints of REM and is pure Americana. Fiction Man is oft looked over but I think its the point where Bob's solo work began to mature into its own entity and not just be a repository for GBV outtakes. Lovely stuff.

Gold Hick

2008-12-30T11:58:00.000+01:00

Taken from "Alien Lanes" 1995

"All my dumb luck and all my misgivings
I thrust them aside for the dead for the living
I want my vehicle, my saucer-shaped coffin
I'm Mighty Pro-Jet
I'm Baron Von Richtofen"

A 30 second classic! Nuff said.

Sensational Gravity Boy

2008-12-23T09:55:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Crickets" 2007

"Long road black road touch the road
It's a hard road
Spontaneous combustion
Final decision it's the only way
Straight up off from the aggressive rock
Intelligensia
But I feel no pain
From the vacuum that sucks me in

I saw you drifting away
With your car today
With the world rushing by
In the wink of an eye
Move away from the whip
On the reality ship
And the world is a toy
For sensational gravity boy

Words in the important points
Is the assassin
Models just them figurines
Yeah just the ones we chose to keep
Look them over vaguely spacy
He spots them
And he will not change
He is a trooper when it comes to that

I saw you drifting away
With your car today
With the world rushing by
In the wink of an eye
Move away from the whip
On the reality ship
And the world is a toy
For sensational gravity boy"

A tight demo sounding track with a great catchy uplifting chorus. Did this song ever crop up on a "proper" album? well it should. Bob goes under the name Freedom Cruise for this song. Nice. Where does it all come from? Great song.

Circling Motorhead Mountain

2008-12-14T11:14:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Ask Them" 1999

"Off the coasts of blackness
There are troops backed up
Smoking their backpacks
Testing the rocks for radio
I suppose
It's a good clean wrestling
A whipped up waiting line
It's a fast exploration
A loving bumber crop of raw power
The new juice"

A cool sampled voice starts the track until the Rock kicks in. This is a fantastic Wig-Stomping track with a simple but cool riff and some good vocals. As usual short and leaving you wanting more. Rock!

Pivotal Film

2008-12-13T09:58:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Isolation Drills" 2001

"Pivotal film
Showing cloaks of rubber
Digital relay
Fingers stroking

Like mechanical lover
Critical rooms
Transparent scenes shifting

Pivotal film
Selling out your monkey
Sinful heroes
Stabbing, choking
(They must be joking)

Like mechanical lover
Critical rooms
Transparent scenes shifting

Grotesque and arrogant
Perfect for the experts
Top gold
It's cold in the morning
Where scenesters exit
Into thin air"

Well, I never knew Pivotal was spelt like that? Ive spent most of my life spelling it wrong! Oops. Not that I get to use the word Pivotal much these days. But today I am using it. This is a typical late period GBV affair with good production and big chuffing guitars. Its amazing looking back on this period of Pollard career. It was amazingly polished and professional where his early work was lo-fi and his recent stuff has been a strange sort of Mid-Fi with lots of experimentation. Good song though this. Chunky and has some of the best harmonies in a Pollard song ever.

Nothing The Best

2008-11-30T13:32:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Check Your Zoo"

Instrumental

A very delicate and literate start to this song, almost Spanish sounding and not the sort of showy guitarmanship you are used to with a Pollard recording. The song obviously wobbles and crumbles apart in a mix of random drumming and stroked guitars but hints at quite a lovely melody under all the grot.

The Golden Pickle

2008-11-30T13:29:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

A fly on the wall recording of Bob yelping over a random acoustic strum and some laughs. A Filler, No Killer.

The Girls Will Make It Happen

2008-11-29T09:40:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Ataxia" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

Wow. What a song. A driven and pounding Circus Devils Masterpiece. Just on the right side of experimental but also accessible and tuneful. Love the freaky vocal effects. In an alternate universe this would be filling all the Alternative Rock Clubs floors. Easily one of my favourite tracks from "Ataxia" which is a great Circus Devils album, a soundtrack for a film David Lynch hasn't made yet.

Drum Solo

2008-11-29T09:39:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Electric Chairs: Professional Music By Nightwalker" 1999

Instrumental

A drum solo with some backward vocals. Thats it really.

Fether Herd

2008-11-22T11:11:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Mist King Urth" 2003

Instrumental

Was just thinking that there aren't many Pollard instrumentals is his plethora of songs but I got and find a couple in a row. How odd. This is a rhythmic track, all drums and weird tribal tooting. Odd, as ever. Go Bob!

False Teeth

2008-11-16T11:17:00.002+01:00

Taken from "South" 2008

"I SLOW DOWN THE DANCING GRAVE
STEEL AND FIRE ARE MINE TO SAVE
GOT TARGET POINTS ON RACING SHEETS
THATS WHY THEY CALL ME
FALSE TEETH

SLOW MOTION CLOUDS ARE HEAVY METAL
THICK HUMAN SPIT ON A ROSE PETAL
LIKE GREAT THOUGHT WARS
BEYOND BELIEF
THATS WHY THEY CALL ME
FALSE TEETH"

Taken from the sinewy "long lost 60s band" Carbon Whales "South" EP this is a dark and dangerous graveyard stomp. Moody and dark but not one of Mr Pollard most playful pieces of work. Am I playing this record at the correct speed? Hang on, its an MP3.

Artboat

2008-11-15T11:12:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Devil Between My Toes" 1987

Instrumental

A lo-fi and muffled garage band instrumental with plenty of recorder hiss and reverb. Stutters along for a couple of minutes and then ends.

Nicky High Pockets

2008-11-09T10:09:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Sgt. Disco" 2007

"I’ve landed a job on the high ass seas
You betcha Bob and yessiree
Kind of the wind-that happens to be me

Straddle a soap studded rudder, brother
Parting the waters for sons and daughters
To a riot of gold teeth-which I bequeath

And many twisted vines
And photocopied throats
Are leaving with my boats

Link further communication
From bombs to glaring red
Yessiree, you betcha Bob
That happens to be me "

This song has lived on my iTunes as Nighy Highpockets for a year now. Damn you CDDB for me trusting you. This is a Circus Devils classic that doesnt sound like a typical Circus Devils song. A great melody and I love the "Betcha Bob" bits. Is this a character Bob has created? Some sort of Pirate? Great Song. Love it.

Shrine To The Dynamic Years (Athens Time Change Riots)

2008-11-01T12:05:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"The mood of the courtroom was gloomy
tested the waters and looked for a sign
Shrine to the dynamic years
Shrine to the dynamic years
The quest for the gold was frustrating
Roll into a ball yeah
The quest for the ???
???
Shrine to the dynamic years
Shrine to the dynamic years
???
Roll into a ball yeah
Shrine to the dynamic years
Shrine to the dynamic years
???
Roll into a ball yeah
Roll into a ball yeah
Roll into a ball"

Crunching and stumbling and almost indecipherable mumbled vocals before the song explodes into a classic Guided By Voices refrain. I am sure this song has been reworked into another song as the hooks sound very familiar. A good song.

Climb

2008-10-26T11:30:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Calling Zero" 2002

"Climb through the chambers
I'm hiding and seeking
The strangest mask I wore
The dumbest costume I swore
I'd never wear again

I've been all over
I've been nowhere
I'll go everywhere
Before it's all over

Where is the wind?
Where are all my friends?
Where are all my dead friends?"

A scratching shriek of guitar and tumbling piano greet this song before it settles in a more Portastatic mode. Quite discordant at times. The whole thing is on a bit of a monotone but has a cute little chorus but ends on a sad note.

Spinning Around

2008-10-25T10:52:00.005+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"A change another mob threw through the window
And visions encompassed within
Began to spin
Spinning around
Spinning around
Spinning around
Spinning around
Each chance we take is another chance we break
I feel two needs to explore you
Spinning around
Spinning around"

So many Pollard song, So many Suitcase songs cropping up. A delicate lo-fi song here with a shakey chorus and a gentle pulsing guitar. Subtle is a good word to use when describing this song.

Do This

2008-10-18T09:59:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Sgt.Disco" 2007

Instrumental

A sort of tribal or eastern beat and wonky electronic keyboard. An odd little instumental that is sort of catchy, sort of throwaway.

Swooping Energies

2008-10-15T18:40:00.002+01:00

Taken from "The Pipe Dreams Of The Instant Prince Whippet" 2002

"Hey!
Ooh

Swooping energies, I love you
So shot me down again I want you now
Would you like to play another game?

Swooping energies (x2)
Give me one more chance now, baby (x3)

(Repeat verse)
Swooping energies (x2)
Give me one more chance now baby (x3)

Moving
Swooping"

A chunky guitar start and we are into GBV Glam Rock territory. Crunchy sounding song. Sounds like your typical GBV 2nd tier material. Reminds me a lot of "Invisible Train To Earth" but not quite as good. Still, not a bad song.

Be It Not For The Serpentine Rain Dodger

2008-10-12T14:55:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Turn To Red" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

An Absolute Classic. Lo-Fi Garage Rock with kicks ass and has some of the best instrumentation on any Bob release. A powerful verse and chorus and one of the top 10 songs ever recorded by Bob in my opinion. Wait till the tambourine kicks in...oooo. Love it.

Somewhere Sometime

2008-09-24T10:44:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Starts like something trippy and psychedelic from the Beatles. The lyrics are just mumbled and lost in the mix but this is an intriguing song. Quiet a beautiful and haunting melody and you wish Bob would go back and re-record this and the song would be given chance to shine. Lovely stuff. Great Guitar solo too!

Weatherman And Skin Goddess

2008-09-23T08:19:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Robert Pollard Is Off To Business" 2008

"Yes no baby
When I'm itching to work I will let you know
Yes no baby
When I know about action I'll be ready to go

But beyond the simple life I don't know
But unto the abstract end I will go
Coming at you

Yes no baby
All my biggest mistakes let you work through me
But like a sliver of glass even time won't remove
And it's a mystery to me

How you can pull up the pylons
Point to the storm and say "never transform"
And if it's a game don't even stop me now

Keep me crying
I wanna see if you're hot
Keep me trying

She listens now to old birds and grace
And you want that?
On psychological housewife Trojan horse
And you want that?
She's like cool skin hands oily and hides
Away from the furniture's cat
Says the king would like to greet you
In his 1950's hat

Do you want that?
Answer me now

Yes no baby
I imagine that fate is not a stepping stone
It's like the fact that we stood out as opposites
Now even that much is gone
But for the weatherman and skin goddess
Hot is cold
And at the end of the cobblestone street scene
There is gold
Coming at you

Keep me crying
I wanna see if you're hot
Keep me trying

She listens now to old birds and grace
And you want that?
On psychological housewife Trojan horse
And you want that?
She's like cool skin hands oily and hides
Away from the furniture's cat
Says the king would like to greet you
In his 1950's hat

Do you want that?
Answer me now
Answer me now
Answer me now..."

Now this is good stuff. A proper well constructed Pop Song from Robert Pollard. 5 minutes of verses and chorus and some good instrumentation. This is the new sound of Bob, but also harks back to the catchy hooks that drew us fans in during the "classic" period of Guided By Voices. Its an evolution but keeps in place all the correct Bob'isms. Great Song.

Shadow Port

2008-09-21T08:52:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Standard Gargoyle Decisions" 2007

"IT'S GONE TO HELL
YOU KNOW THAT IT HAS
YOU RUN TO TELL
BUT IT'S ALL GONE

CAN TELL A LOT
BY OVER AND OUT
BEWARE WHAT YOU PRAY
WHEN IT'S ALL GONE ON
BEYOND NATURE'S LIGHT

SEE - I REMEMBER ME
LOVE - I REMEMBER HER
THEY - I REMEMBER THESE
TRY AND REMEMBER HER
PLEASE - I COULD NAIL THE ROAD
FOR MILES AND WE PULL AWAY

WHEN I'M GONE I'LL REMEMBER HER
OH GOD, WE COULD BRING THEM DOWN
WE FOUND THEM UNINTENTIONALLY

COSTLY AS WE EVER MADE IT
GREATER PATIENCE BURNING NOW
LOST IN DEPTH
THEY DIE FOR TRAITORS
INSTANT PEOPLE ALWAYS GONE

SURROUND ME
OH HOLD ME
DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE
VARIOUS BREAKDOWNS MIGHT TAKE ME ALL NIGHT

SLASHING LIKE RAZOR
DESIGN US LIKE YOU
CHOSEN
ESCAPING OF THE NIGHT
OUT ALL OVER

SHE HAS WINGS
ARE YOU WATCHING HER..."

A brooding classic from "Standard Gargoyle Decisions" with a fantastic chorus. Bob voice is just perfect on this song. Can a song be dark and uplifting at the same time? Definitely a highlight from the often under rated SDG.

French Horn Litigation

2008-09-20T08:04:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Sgt.Disco" 2007

"I love tuba
I think a song for you
I drink over Mondays

Einstein was lonely
I’ll like you always
I dream of always wishing for groovy things

Faced down and naked
I order you pearls
Emotion is running high
The time is a wasted thing

Oh, my throat is dry

Don’t you let it out
Don’t you sing about a thing

I love a tango
I faded away
I find it all too clean anyway

No way will you ever know
No way will you cover the spread
No way will you mention
When you’re bound and thrown

Carol, will you do me favor?
Carol, we will truly rise
Count on me to dream myself awake"

What a strange voice Mr Pollard effect during this song at certain points. Instrumentally this song is very "normal" for a Circus Devils and could easily fit on a standard Robert Pollard release. A very strong song. Sgt.Disco is the King of Circus Devils albums.

The Baby That Never Smiled

2008-09-14T08:58:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Sgt.Disco" 2007

"He is peaches and wild
Run away child
The baby that never smiled
Saturn and sun
Baby with gun
Look out for the baby
The baby that never smiled"

A short ditty. Catchy. To The Point.

Planet's Own Brand

2008-09-10T18:45:00.002+01:00

Taken from "I Am A Scientist EP" 1994

"Everything is insane
The prices never change
The aisle of truth is zero and cold
The aisle of truth is zero and cold
Come to planet
Follow the search
Come to me especially
Drive me to drink
...in a car

Something tells me 'no'
But I can slip through the bars
Under the bushes under the stars

Come to planet now
It's just a start
Come to me religiously
Rent me a room in your heart"

A choppy poppy garage funk type number that references the great GBV album "Under The Bushes Under The Stars". Threatens to fall apart a few times but manages to hold it together in it's own messy way. Not a bad little song.

Back To The Farm

2008-09-07T09:54:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Superman Was A Rocker" 2008

Instrumental

Starts with a strange radio clip that I think is Bob Pollard (Hiram Campbell) ringing in and winding up a couple of his friends (Mitch Mitchell and Kevin Fennell). Its quite funny and then leads into a great instrumental track with a chiming acoustic guitar. Very catchy and quite joyful. Possibly the best track on "Superman Was A Rocker".

Messenger

2008-09-06T15:35:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Why can't you see that it's not cool?
To wait in handing (?) after school
Tell you what I'll do
I'll leave it up to you

Messenger, messenger
I wanna be your boy, your messenger
Messenger, messenger
I wanna be your boy, your messenger

I know it gets so hard to choose
I'll be the one to break the news
Tell you what I'll do
I'll leave it up to you"

A very 60s garage pop slice of early Guided By Voices pleasure. A great upbeat tune and some fantastic vocals. The chorus is amazing and would easily make it onto a "proper" album release by GBV or REM. Great song.

Be In The Wild Place

2008-06-28T08:52:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Happy Jack Rock Records" 2008

Lyrics Unknown

One of the groovy B-Sides from the Happy Jack Rock Records Single Collection. Some of these songs are surprisingly strong and this is a great upbeat Pollard song with a fantastic melody and great production. Its crazy that some of Bobs strongest work will be hidden away on a "fans only" b-side of an obscure 7". Great song.

Lay Me Down

2008-06-07T09:51:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Standard Gargoyle Decisions" 2007

"YOU MIGHT LAY ME DOWN
BUT YOU CAN'T LULL ME ALL THE TIME
YOU GOT A NERVE
YOU GOTTA GO

AND WERE IT NOT FOR YOUR EYES

YOU MIGHT LAY ME DOWN"

A song from the "other" Pollard album of 2007. A short acousticy type song with Bobs trademark up and down vocals. He really is the Beyonce of the Lo-Fi world. Ends with a speeding up drum section. A bit fillerish.

Hot Lettuce

2008-05-18T10:21:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Sgt.Disco" 2007

Instrumental

The whole idea of Lettuce being hot makes me feel slightly sick. An instrumental track with a sort of burbling or mumbling in the background. Sounds like a Jazz jam and probably would almost fit on Phantom Tollbooth. No great shakes and a bit filler.

Excellent Things

2008-05-16T16:47:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"Mirrors reflect only what we expect
Just what we wanna see
Clothes looking fresh
Cotton, Rayon, and Mesh
Household warm and germ free

I filled up a jar with colorful capsules
Jewelry and rings
Notice how we constantly thrive on excellent things

Came here to stay
Incarnated I sway
Toward material needs
Television hums
Busy hand pounds and strums
Two or three knuckles bleed

Boats and trains and commercial flight airplanes
That whistle and sing
See how we persistently thrive on excellent things

Mirrors reflect only what we expect
Just what we wanna see
Clothes looking fresh
Cotton, Rayon, and Mesh
Household warm and germ free

I filled up a jar with colorful capsules
Jewelry and rings
Notice how we constantly thrive on excellent things

Came here to stay
Incarnated I sway
Toward material needs
Television hums
Busy hand pounds and strums
Two or three knuckles bleed

Boats and trains and commercial flight airplanes
That whistle and sing
See how we persistently thrive on excellent things"

A very melancholic and downbeat song that also has a hint of hope. A very catchy song that has an early Smiths like quality. Shame it didn't grow up onto a proper album but that's Bob for you.

Let's Go Back To Bed

2008-05-13T13:58:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Ringworm Interiors" 1991

"Let's go back to bed
and crash for a bucket of tears
of the heart and self-righteous throne
they make out words
the interpreters and writers vile and feely
migratory centers
international heart stamps
oh, let's go back to bed"

A strangely hypnotic and spiralling Circus Devils track that could push you over the edge if you are a bit Drunk or on the verge of Mental Illness. Ends with repetition and swirling keyboards. As wilfully odd as ever.

Sister I Need Wine (Cromag Demo)

2008-03-24T10:20:00.003+01:00

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

2008-03-24T10:16:00.003+01:00

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)

2008-03-22T11:25:00.002+01:00

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

2008-03-21T15:46:00.002+01:00

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

2008-03-09T09:49:00.002+01:00

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

2008-03-08T10:41:00.002+01:00

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!

Choking Tara

2008-02-27T19:32:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Mag Earwig!" 1997

"Days into weeks
She rattled my mind
We stayed out all week
And got happy this time
She fills empty space
I kinda need it that way
Crybaby says bye to me
I can't imagine that all our troubles will go away
But I could catch her and break the falls
I could snatch her with breaks and claws
Today when every "fake it"
Decides to make it
They just can't take it away
Shove it, cus I'll just stay
Like an ugly unwanted stray
Don't care what you say"

A short song with lots of different versions. This is the classic album version with echoey vocals. A great song and a must for any Guided By Voices compilation tape. "Days Into Weeks, You Rattled My Mind". You did indeed Bob.

Buzzards and Dreadful Crows

2008-02-26T19:25:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

"The lifeblood lighthouse flashing
Sixteen chicks remain on watch
The wheels took a rolling in
And they do
Hey oh hey they always do
I'd be disappoint'n'bored if they didn't

Buzzards and dreadful crows
Right on the tip of my nose
They wait like cats and fly out
For the light in my eyes to die out
And it does
Hey it always does
I'd be shocked and appalled if it didn't

Buzzards and dreadful crows
A neccessary evil I suppose
There's something in this deal for everyone
Did you really think you were the only one?"

The Suitcase version of Buzzards that appears in it natural form on "Bee Thousand". This one has more crazy rock vocal histrinoics from Bobs and a bit of screaming. Prefer the original version but its nice to have this little oddity.

The Right Thing

2008-02-26T19:18:00.002+01:00

Taken from "From A Compound Eye" 2006

"I CROSSED A MOMENT OF LOVE
TO ENGULF THE MOON THAT HIDES
I WANNA LINE SOMETHING UP
AND I LIKE THE WAY YOU SLIDE
THE RIGHT THING I ALONE DECIDE
FOR YOU AND I

FAST FORWARD TO FROM NOW ON
TO INSIST THE PRICE IS MINE
EXPOSE THE HEART OF IT ALL
WITH MINERS' LUNGS ON EITHER SIDE
THE RIGHT THING I ALONE DECIDE
FOR YOU AND I
CALL IT PRIDE

I AM HIGH
TOO SMALL IN A WAY
I'M HIGH
YOU CRY
AND I DIE
OH
MY, MY, MY"

This song builds from a muffled lo-fi track into a full blown Rock Epic! With a great riff. Its like some of the tracks on Suitcase where you get 2 different versions of the same song in succession. Good song.

Cinnamon Flavored Skulls

2008-02-24T18:00:00.003+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 1" 2003

Lyrics Unknown

Crazy title. Drum sticks click. Lumbering tempo. Lumbering vocals. Shouting. All over quickly, thankfully.

Zarkoff's Coming

2008-02-23T09:31:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Suitcase 2" 2005

Lyrics Unknown

Zarkoff. The crazy scientist from Flash Gordon. Wonderfully played by Topol in the Cheesy 1980s Film. This song sounds like it was recorded by a mad man too. Some impassioned shouting in a muffled production. Has its moments, like the single chime of the final note.

Back to Saturn X Radio Report

2008-02-23T09:24:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Propeller" 1992

Lyrics Unknown

A collection of snippets from songs from an abondoned project. Many of these songs crop up on "King Shit and The Golden Boys". Hard to comment on a mish-mash and bits of songs. Fun to play spot the song though.

Gold (Demo)

2008-02-23T09:20:00.004+01:00

Demo

An early demo version of the "From A Compound Eye" track. Recorded on a cheap deck live by the sounds. You can see the beginnings of this FACE track and how it began to take form. It's Gold Baby.

White Car Creek

2008-02-23T09:18:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Tower In The Fountain Of Sparks" 2001

"White as night
Black as day
Birds will sing you yesterday
born in to a colorform
the wave will bring you evermore
spring is here now"

Very 60s. Very Trippy. Very Short. Is that Bob singing? He sounds different. Oooo Phasing.

Like I do

2008-02-23T09:14:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Forever Since Breakfast" 1986

"In my life I've seen people rushing painfully
Trying to be happy -- but they're never happy
Pushing to clear a path, hurting without knowing
Like I do, like I do, like I do, like I do

Everybody wanting something, with no regard for anybody at all

Years go by and mistakes are repeated over
Until they're corrected -- but they're never corrected
In my life I've seen people rushing painfully
Like I do, like I do, like I do, like I do

[Everybody wanting something, with no regard for anybody at all]"

Love the bar-music/Spanish guitar intro with signs of how Bob and GBV will come to record a lot of their later work. Lo-Fi with the background overtaking the music at times. A lovely melody.

Feathering Clueless (The Exotic Freebird)

2008-02-18T19:39:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Tower In The Fountain Of Sparks" 2001

"The heavens convened
awfully well to do
feathering clueless if it were up to you
would you even care?
Or would you be aware
of the weatherman
stone with fruit
the twinkling housewife
she is, I swear
in despair
feathering clueless
look at the things
look up the things
look up the things
and I swear in no time
I will be
awfully well to do
if it were up to you
would you even care?"

A classic Pollard introduction to this song from Airport 5. Very poppy much in the vein of "Dayton, Ohio-19 Something And 5" with a hint of melancholy. Nice.

Beauty Of The Draft

2008-02-17T09:23:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Blues and Boogie Shoes" 2006

Lyrics Unknown

Another fantastic Keene Brothers song. Full of verve and melody. Bob just sounds so happy and lost in the song with the Keene Brothers. I really hope there will be a new Keene Brothers album as this album rates as one of the best Bob albums in the whole in his career. Wonderful stuff.

Youth Leagues

2008-02-16T12:01:00.002+01:00

Taken from "Coast To Coast Carpet Of Love" 2007

"I'M SITTING OUT - YOU'RE CALLING OUT FOR BALL
WELL I CAME OUT - MAYBE I SHOULD STAY
MISS THE GAME - NEVER HAD YOUR HANDS
DON'T MISS YOUR GAME - I NEVER WAS A FAN

LOOK NOW - SPITTIN' OUT YOUR MIND
I'M SITTIN' OUT - I'LL NEVER BE YOUR KIND
SITTIN' OUT - I'LL NEVER CROSS THAT LINE
SITTIN' OUT - I'VE NEVER PAID NO MIND
SITTIN' OUT - I'VE NEVER PAID NO MIND

LOOK AND TELL - HOW I MISSED THAT WORLD
PROUD ONES PLAY WITH NO WORRY
GOOD LUCK TO YOUR HEART
NO OPTIONS WITHSTAND DEVOUTNESS
RED STREAMERS RUN
WHERE BOYS STILL FIGHT WITH THEIR MIGHT
OUR CHANCE MAY DIE TONIGHT
MAKING HOME LIFE GLOOMY

EVERY DREAM THAT YOU'LL NEVER KNOW
EVERY UNDYING OPTIMIST
LOOKS IN YOUR HEART
THE GAMES ON YOUR MIND IMPRESSED
WHERE REASONS DIE BUT DESIRE REMAINS ALL THE WAY
BELIE INTUITION
THEY RUN OUT OF GAS AND THEY BURN A LOT
HAPPENS TO MOST BUT THEU LEARN A LOT
'TIL THEY'RE DEAD
NO MORE SAID
SAVE GOODNIGHT"

A chirpy little song from "Coast to Coast Carpet Of Love" with a joyful spirit, drums and some good vocal by Bob. The drums and guitar are great and the song almost turns into "Duelling Banjos" midway. I like this song.

Red Hot Halos

2008-02-16T11:58:00.001+01:00

Taken from "Calling Zero" 2002

"And sometimes
When it's "Look out below"
The people move too slow
Sometimes the people move too slow
Sometimes

They see and care
And sometimes wear
Red Hot Halos

And other times
When we get back
Everyone's sleeping until next time

They see and care
And sometimes wear
Red Hot Halos"

A very tuneful song by Bob and Mac. The Go Back Snowball album is overlooked or maligned by some fans but I quite like the simplcity of it all. Some good songs on here and this is an interesting one. Nice mixture of strummed guitar and keyboard. Nice.