Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Class of 2012: Guided By Voices - Let's Go Eat The Factory

Let's Go Eat The Factory is the first GBV reunion record that came out this year.  While it may not win over that many new fans, it's a welcome addition to the GBV catalog for those already among their fan base.

Songs like "Doughnut for a Snowman," "The Unsinkable Fats Domino," and "Chocolate Boy" seem too easy - it's like Robert Pollard could do this all day if he wanted.  Unfortunately, he also wants to do songs like "The Big Hat and Toy Show," which finds the band simply messing around.

A predictable Pollard complaint rears its head only two songs in - "The Head" is too short.  I'd like to hear this track further developed.  Furthermore, "Go Rolling Home" and "The Room Taking Shape" sound like demos.

 Two songs in particular, "Spiderfighter" and "Waves," have a certain 90s indie-rock feel to them.  Strangely enough, the former nearly turns into Coldplay's "The Scientist" during its final minute.

Of course, as on any other GBV album, the Beatles' influence is inescapable on Let's Go Eat The Factory.  I can practically hear McCartney singing "Imperial Racehorsing" on The White Album.

Despite the few expected missteps, Let's Go Eat The Factory proves that the Guided By Voices reunion is for real.  How long will it last?  It looks like there will be at least one or two more albums in the near future.  (I'm aware that Class Clown Spots a UFO is also out.  A review of that record is forthcoming.)

Grade: C+  (79.9%)

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