Ive never claimed to be a huge Guided by Voices fan. I appreciate what they did for indie rock and even more so for Ohio, but i wasnt a superfan really. So, when Bob Pollard broke up the band, I was dissapointed, but certainly didnt lost any sleep. From a Compound Eye seemed to be a large collection for the GBV obessed, and Ill admit, I didnt fully get it.

Well, our favorite former high school teacher turned rocker is back with his second solo album for Merge and its quite different and still classic Pollard in the same breath. Instead of a wide mix of tunes like Compound Eye offered, we get 16 tracks, averaging about 2 minutes each this time around. Pollard writes quickly and effieciently throughout and seems to have the perfect antidote for a music fan that suffers from ADD. If you dont like a track its over before you can reach to change it.

There are a couple standouts after a few listens. I really like Supernatural Car Lover, Get A Faceful and Give up the Grape, and Im sure others will grow. Normal Happiness will be released on October 10 from Merge Records.

Robert Pollard- Supernatural Car Lover
Robert Pollard- Give Up The Grape

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