Search - Robert Pollard :: Choreographed Man of War

Another prized pollard piece

George a Pletz | Central PA, USA | 10/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While perhaps not the ideal spot to come into GBV/Pollard saga, it rewards the diehard listener. I never considered myself a fanboy but with this release it has become apparent that I just enjoy Bob's take of rock which condenses the 60's and 70's punk/alt into a tasty frappe which is as much about nodding towards the past as it is about giving a personal stamp. Man of War filters the post big label sign-up lo-fi of Kid Marine, the album which this one shares the core band with, and older GBV articles like Vampire on Titus and Propeller. In other words a garage rock mixed metaphor buffet that car-crashes prog-rock whimsy with proto-punk directness. Two points of interest - The collapse of the pollard's personal life lends the album a more direct, almost confessional tone. And the military metaphors have a unexpected edge due to current events. But like all great works, these minor details do nothing to detract from the pure rock genius you find here.For those who need highlights, there is plenty. From the Who style stomp of "I drove a tank" to the shambolic intensity of "Edison's Memos", from the sinewy stop-start of "40 yards" to the one-two post alien lanes push of "citizen fighter" and "kickboxer lightning", Man of War is a solid release. Ideal for those alienated by the arena rock of Isolation Drills. For the obssessed, all I have to say is "In Bob, We trust.""

A fantastic album no one will ever hear

Charles D. Ungar | Torrance, CA United States | 08/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My header is supposed to be both funny and sad. Though I am a fairly new Guided By Voices fan, since buying Isolation Drills, I have rabidly scooped up everything from Pollard and Co. I can find. I don't remember being so into a band since I first got into REM in 1983. Though this album seemed to be one of Pollard's throwaways, I bought it based on the reviews I read. This is definitely a great one. From the first strains of I Drive a tank, you know Pollard is going to deliver. This song sounds more like vintage Who than the Who do now. Pollard pulls off his Daltrey imitation without flinching and the halting guitar chords are pure Townshend. Other highlights are Edison's Memo, Citizen Fighter and the butt kicking Kickboxer Lightning."

Nice work, Nice sound

andrew ward | Bellingham, WA. USA | 11/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is going to sell to the usual limited group of Pollard fans (GBV) and pop music fanatics... so reviewing it is not really required.Yes it's a good record; the guitar work is textured like I can't remember him doing recently, so that's nice. The words are always funny and sad and just plain odd, which is why we're all here at Mr. Pollard's feet, we love him for just that.Unfairly ( Because life is not fair ) it won't sell like a Sting Record or Dave Mathews, but as we already know it's better than anything ever done by them...Keep going Bob, we need you."