One of my favorite books, if not my favorite book, is Perfect From Now On by John Sellers. It's not a life changing novel, or a collection of sage advice from someone who understands life a lot better than I do, and because of this it's not the most impressive book to list as one's favorite. However, it is a book written by a person who loves music, and it allows him to share with the reader his intense love for that subject. It reads like a great conversation with a fellow music fanatic, and that's pretty much my goal for this blog. About 70 pages in, Sellers accurately states that, "Lists are the backbone of present-day music writing." So here's my first post in the form of a list.
Top Five Songs on Alien Lanes (Guided By Voices)
1. Game of Pricks
A near-perfect example of lyricist Robert Pollard's ability to produce simultaneously original and evocative melodies. (Bonus points for being featured in the brilliant British sitcom The IT Crowd)
2. Motor Away
Alien Lanes along with Bee Thousand are considered to be Guided By Voices two masterpieces because of songs like this which compact hook after chorus after riff into a two minute rock song and somehow multiply the band's energy.
3. My Valuable Hunting Knife
Alien Lanes as a whole is not quite as weird as it's big brother predecessor Bee Thousand, but this track bucks that trend as Pollard exclaims his undying love and appreciation for a hunting accessory.
4. Blimps Go 90
An overlooked track featuring a violin, not an instrument regularly seen in this band's repertoire.
5. Alright
This mostly vocal-less album closer allows the listener to focus on the interlocking guitar riffs that form the heart of this song. Similarities can be seen here to fellow indie-rock godfathers, Dinosaur Jr.
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