Robert Pollard - From a Compound Eye

Anyone familiar with any of Robert Pollard’s previous work with Guided By Voices will neither be overwhelmed nor surprised by the number of songs on this finally realized double album, which plays out like the four-sided piece of work. Most will be thrilled with his return to the very essence of early GBV only remarkably, yet appropriately, improved. What was always so wonderful about Robert Pollard’s work was his ability to strike a fantastic compromise between classic rock and newer musical influences. From a Compound Eye, is no different in that it naturally has what Pollard likes to call the “Four P’s: Punk, psych, prog, and pop.” (Maybe a fifth “P” should even be added for Pete Townshend, whose influence is all over the place.) The difference in this album is that rather than the terrific mini lo-fi opuses which were early GVB hallmarks, the majority of From a Compound Eye boasts fully realized songs. “A Flowering Orphan” and “Cock of the Rainbow” are vintage GBV but reflect Pollard’s impressive musical growth. Pollard’s songs, even the tiniest snippet of song from his gigantic collection of songs, could fill a stadium. “Other Dogs Remain” has just that hypnotic, sweeping quality that is the stuff of arena rock and, in typical Pollard fashion, does it all in under two and a half minutes. What is atypical are two songs that are over five minutes long, but nary a note seems excessive or wasted. "Conquerer of the Moon" is simply an homage to the mini rock opera form. As soon as the familiar sound of Robert Pollard’s familiar, yet long-missing guitar plucking begins on “The Right Thing,” it becomes clear what later GBV releases were lacking. “U.S. Mustard Company” could serve as an analogy for creation of this album which was recorded whenever he felt, uh, guided by voices. In this lovely song, he croons, “Contain yourself/Throw away your charts of progress.” Was this Pollard was trying to invoke his pre-major label self? No matter, Pollard’s strange magic has fully resurfaced, and From a Compound Eye will surely have everyone understanding why “In Bob We Trust." [www.robertpollard.com]