Zoo Pie

I run hot and cold on "Zoo Pie," my reaction usually having to do with how I listen to the song. If it followed Do the Collapse opener, "Teenage FBI," I often have little patience, wanting to move right to "Things I Will Keep," another great power pop tune. If I hear it independent of its album, I usually give it a chance. It's a strange song, to be sure, without an obvious hook until late in its 2 minute run time. By now, the odd title passes without notice, Robert Pollard having long since exhausted his ability to shock. The aggressive rock of the song is a bit jarring after the meaty but ultimately quite poppy opening track, bludgeoning any idea of a hook until Pollard sings the bridge, "Come on baby do it, to me you can do it, I've already a plan (I know that you can)." The band seems to bear down here, and the one real solid hook of the song reveals itself. It's still rather slight in my book, but it does have its merits.