Lion W/Thorn in Paw
This song wouldn't be more than a throwaway were it not for the historical curiosity entwined in this recording. The song is a bonus track on The Return of Milko Waif, a vinyl-only release that serves as abridged version of the Suitcase 2 boxed set. Yes, there are those of us who, when presented with 100 new Robert Pollard songs, decide we should also buy the abridged version so we can get two additional "bonus" songs.
As far as bonus songs go, this one is slight. It's an instrumental that surely comes from Guided by Voices' early days. There is a decided late '80s college rock vibe here, a combination of bass thump, straightforward drumming with some interesting percussive flashes (including chimes) and a nice, arabesque guitar solo. It's decent and unremarkable.
What makes it interesting, however, is that it is a live recording, one that begins with a very familiar phrase from GBV lore: "Is anybody ready to rock?" Answered by: "This song does not rock." Yes, it's the intro to "Over the Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox," the lead track on Propeller. The chant of G-B-V!" obviously tacked onto the beginning there is missing here, but otherwise this is the same, albeit in higher fidelity. It's strange, waiting to hear Pollard sing "Traveler's diagram, for where I am, for what I am..." and instead hear this song kick in. Once again, it is clear that Pollard is the ultimate musical pack rat, unwilling to let anything go to waste.
As far as bonus songs go, this one is slight. It's an instrumental that surely comes from Guided by Voices' early days. There is a decided late '80s college rock vibe here, a combination of bass thump, straightforward drumming with some interesting percussive flashes (including chimes) and a nice, arabesque guitar solo. It's decent and unremarkable.
What makes it interesting, however, is that it is a live recording, one that begins with a very familiar phrase from GBV lore: "Is anybody ready to rock?" Answered by: "This song does not rock." Yes, it's the intro to "Over the Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox," the lead track on Propeller. The chant of G-B-V!" obviously tacked onto the beginning there is missing here, but otherwise this is the same, albeit in higher fidelity. It's strange, waiting to hear Pollard sing "Traveler's diagram, for where I am, for what I am..." and instead hear this song kick in. Once again, it is clear that Pollard is the ultimate musical pack rat, unwilling to let anything go to waste.
Labels: The Return of Milko Waif
posted by John at 8:08 PM
2 Comments:
i am surprised that you didn't note that this song later became "sheetkickers." pretty cool
April, I'll admit that the reason I didn't do so is because I didn't know that until your comment. I went back and listened and, after a couple of spins, heard the similarities. Can't honestly say I would have figured it out without your comment, so thanks. I decided to do "Sheetkickers" as a result, and mention it there.
Post a Comment
Links:
Create a Link
<< Home