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Aug 17, 2010 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

There’s not much to be said about Robert Pollard that hasn’t already been said. His tally for the past two years or so is a mere 12 albums from four different bands, along with a Guided By Voices box set, a live album, and a DVD. His latest offering is the result of a single afternoon’s writing, with demos sent to long-time producer/collaborated Todd Tobias for instrumentation. Compared to some of the other recent Pollard solo releases, there is less of what some may describe as filler here—the wacky sidetracks and experiments that pepper many of his other albums.

“It’s News” is a rip-roaring punk scorcher. “Arrows and Balloons” sounds like it belongs somewhere in the middle of Tommy. “Each Is Good In His Own House” is a big melody-filled quasi-ballad that could easily have been a hit on Guided By Voice’s 1999 album Do The Collapse. “The Weekly Crow” can be described as Pink Floyd-esque. And the blistering guitar solo in the title track is pure ‘70s classic rock. Love him or not, Pollard shows no sign of slowing down. Supposedly there are another five projects in the works for the next six months, along with an art show at the end of August in New York City and the triumphant return of Guided By Voices’ classic mid-‘90s lineup in the fall. Either get out your bank card and hitch a ride, or step out of the way. (www.robertpollard.net)

Author rating: 6/10