Robert Pollard retired the name Guided by Voices after the release of Half Smiles Of The Decomposed, the band's 15th studio album. Although he'd continue to write and release music as a solo artist and/or with collaborators, it wouldn't be until 2012 GBV released another project as GBV. The 14-tracker fits right along the what Pollard had been doing with his rotation cast of musicians up until that point: stream-of consciousness lyrics, Brit-invasion & new wave-inspired melodies, and his knack for great pop arrangements. Check out "Girls of Wild Strawberries," "Sons of Apollo," "Everyone Thinks I'm A Raincloud (When I'm Not Looking)," and "Asphyxiated Circle."

• 15th anniversary limited edition reissue
• pressed on red vinyl
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Matador Records 2004 / 2019

reviewed by singing in japanese 11/2019