Vinyl Distractions: Guided By Voices

Guided By Voices - Under the Bushes, Under the Stars (1995)

Almost seemed as though I forgot about this little feature I made, but it makes a very big comeback on this day of celebrating the Zombie Jesus. This record is a more recent purchase for me, one that left me with a shit eating grin long after I left Chicago's Reckless Records. Guided by Voices have one of the biggest cult followings within modern day indie rock. Robert Pollard has become a legend as one of the most prolific songwriters of our time, an unsung hero. Guided by Voices has been his most beloved output, releasing music between 1983 and 2004, and an exuberant number of records released. I, for one, was late on the Guided by Voices bus and started to delve into their discography only a few years ago. But once introduced, I fell in love with their combination of quirky indie rock and an affinity for low brow production. It was true, unadulterated love. Kind of like that scene in Lady and the Tramp, where the two dogs share spaghetti with each other, inevitably kissing. Oh Robert Pollard, how I long to share that moment with you..........

Well, that got weird. Onwards and upwards. At this current moment in my life, Under the Bushes... is by and large, my favorite output by GBV. It is the final album made by their "classic" lineup and features some of my favorite tracks, such as "The Official Ironmen Rally Song", "Bright Paper Werewolves", and "Don't Stop Now". Plus, as if one record full of songs wasn't enough, GBV released this record with an additional ep, 6 bonus tracks, one of them being "Redmen and Their Wives", my all time favorite. So, on one very special day off, I decided to travel down to the Reckless Records on Milwaukee on my bike. With the wind in my hair as I pondered what I was going to find whilst perusing their seemingly endless amount of wax. Now I don't know for sure how rare these early GBV records are, but I know they are worth more in money and sentimental value than what I payed for it. My excitement for the day peaked when I randomly flipped through their section, finding this gem. I knew it was something that I couldn't pass up, because I knew the chances of finding these records are few and far between. And once I gave the cashier my money for this record, and it entered in my collection, My heart was a little more whole.

I a sucker for record artwork, as well. Under the Bushes... features the collage work that Pollard is known for in all his records. The cover almost seems like it is some type of older magazine advertisement, something he probably took inspiration from. The way the red line passes through the circular motif creates a beautiful moment of tension. This along with low intensity and drab colors really works for me. Classic record design from a classic band.

If Guided by Voices are new to you and you wish to hear them, have no fear, one of their albums will find it's way on the blog soon enough.

Back Cover

Gatefold inside

Look at those beauties