Second Spurt of Growth
One of Robert Pollard's sweetest songs, "Second Spurt of Growth" can very easily be read as a hopeful eulogy for Guided by Voices. I haven't been big on reproducing large chunks of lyrics here, but it seems fitting with this one.
"Exhausted from the last escape, leaving and returning now routinely. And are we changing to the taste of the haste makers? How convincingly?" Could this be a reference to the band's stab at the big time with it's TVT contract? Jumping through hoops and ceding creative control certainly wore on Pollard, and it's understandable that he would be concerned about the band loosing its edge in a bid to appeal to the mainstream, albeit with little success.
"I cannot change the future but I'll find you if you're gone. A second spurt of growth will come about me, don't doubt me." Here Pollard seems to be telling fans that the band's split is inevitable, and that even if they stop following him, he'll soldier on, if not improve, as a solo artist.
"And entities that hide behind images you love but are no longer there desire to keep you down, make you weak and fixed, but I'll be stronger." Bands that keep going long after inspiration has evaporated, banking on the marketability of a name despite the tepid nature of the product (Rolling Stones, anyone?) are doing no one any favors. Pollard will rise above that by shedding the baggage that had become GBV.
"Gather these familiar shadows, I will take them on. A second spurt of growth will come about me. Don't doubt me." Many a frontman has had similar aspirations only to fail at a bid for solo stardom. Aware of this, Pollard vows to take on these challenges, repeating the assurance that he'll blossom on his own.
Such sentiments would seem tailor made for a rousing rocker, a defiant, confident burst of energy to rally the troops. Pollard, who makes a habit of subverting expectations, instead sings this over lightly plucked acoustic guitar and subtle keyboards. Speak softly and carry a big stick, perhaps. Regardless, by peeling back the lid on this song even a little, it becomes more than just a short ditty toward the tail end of the band's last disc, but rather a true manifesto.
"Exhausted from the last escape, leaving and returning now routinely. And are we changing to the taste of the haste makers? How convincingly?" Could this be a reference to the band's stab at the big time with it's TVT contract? Jumping through hoops and ceding creative control certainly wore on Pollard, and it's understandable that he would be concerned about the band loosing its edge in a bid to appeal to the mainstream, albeit with little success.
"I cannot change the future but I'll find you if you're gone. A second spurt of growth will come about me, don't doubt me." Here Pollard seems to be telling fans that the band's split is inevitable, and that even if they stop following him, he'll soldier on, if not improve, as a solo artist.
"And entities that hide behind images you love but are no longer there desire to keep you down, make you weak and fixed, but I'll be stronger." Bands that keep going long after inspiration has evaporated, banking on the marketability of a name despite the tepid nature of the product (Rolling Stones, anyone?) are doing no one any favors. Pollard will rise above that by shedding the baggage that had become GBV.
"Gather these familiar shadows, I will take them on. A second spurt of growth will come about me. Don't doubt me." Many a frontman has had similar aspirations only to fail at a bid for solo stardom. Aware of this, Pollard vows to take on these challenges, repeating the assurance that he'll blossom on his own.
Such sentiments would seem tailor made for a rousing rocker, a defiant, confident burst of energy to rally the troops. Pollard, who makes a habit of subverting expectations, instead sings this over lightly plucked acoustic guitar and subtle keyboards. Speak softly and carry a big stick, perhaps. Regardless, by peeling back the lid on this song even a little, it becomes more than just a short ditty toward the tail end of the band's last disc, but rather a true manifesto.
Labels: Half Smiles of the Decomposed
posted by John at 11:07 AM
2 Comments:
great song, and commentary to match. nicely done.
gotta admit though, on the whole, i was pretty disappointed by this album. half smiles of the decomposed is, however, one of the greatest album titles of all time, and definitely the coolest farewell album title ever.
p.s. thanks for the link, i linked you back! :)
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