Bob Pollard may be a god to some, but lately there's been a strangedecline in the music he releases outside of Guided By Voices. Airport5's last was an errant mess, the Circus Devils' Harold Pig Memorialhad its moments but ultimately didn't satiate, and even the last GbVrecord was showing some cracks in the surface. Some were saying themost prolific man in rock was running out of steam finally, and thatthis marked the beginning of the end for Pollard and Co. This newrecord should easily choke all the naysayers. Earthquake Glue is the first great Guided By Voices album since Under the Bushes, Under the Starsand marks the real return of the band after their two album romp withTVT. Tighter, leaner, and more ready for action than anything on Universal Truths and Cycles,"My Kind of Soldier" kicks it off with bright guitars and classicPollard vocals. The production both sounds like it has taken a slighthit from the last record, which is just what most fans probably want,while it is improved in other areas; but this sound quality really doesserve these songs. "She Goes Off at Night" and "Useless Inventions"propel the album forward, and the keyboard and harmonica of "DirtyWater" show a new willingness to try something fresh. "I'll Replace YouWith Machines," though, is the real treat, the nugget that proves theboys are back. With its whip-cracking percussion and Doppler Effectmix, the urgency comes across in full force with the "I can't face you"chorus throwing in extra oomph. It's the Ghost of Christmas Past, andit's a pure joy to behold. Elsewhere, "The Best of Jill Hives" is barnone the best song GbV have ever written. The bass line grooves andundulates when Pollard joins, then the other band members come in oneby one. "I don't know how you find your nerve/I don't know how youchoose your words" sounds like the questions of a child to his/herfather after a harsh defeat. Pollard's voice warbles in its mild echo,and no one cares. It's classic GbV, it's got a great hook, and it endsbefore it becomes too commonplace. I admit it: I, too, had my doubtsabout the longevity of the band hearing the last album and EP. "They'vehad a great career, so maybe it would be a good time for them to hangit up, before it starts to get really bad." No more. There's miles leftin this sound yet.
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