Feels like 19-Something-And-5 again, review of Class Clown Spots A UFO

Here we are again, a new Guided By Voices album. Most band reunions these days result in a tumultuous tour and whispers of maybe an album that's in the works, but that never ever comes out, but you can't expect Robert Pollard to not release way way too much music. This is the second GBV release in 6 months, downright nuking the trend. January's Let's Go Eat The Factory was a surprisingly solid album too. It had some really great songs, some real snoozers and an overall feeling of "Classic Guided By Voices," or to use their term, it gave you the "Gee-Bee-Vee-Bees." It was a sort of Mag Earwhig level album that you'll listen to plenty, but is unlikely to be anyone's absolute favorite.

So now, Summer has arrived and so to has Class Clown Spots A UFO. 21 songs in 39 minutes, clearly a classic lineup ratio right there. While Let's Go Eat The Factory felt like the classic lineup never left, this feels like a significantly different album. Back when they released the first single, "Keep It In Motion" you could tell something was going to be different about this album. It's a fun song, but doesn't feature any guitars. It wouldn't fit anywhere in Bee Thousand or Propellor. It's interesting to wonder how the classic lineup would have evolved had they stayed together, so it's neat that we get this glimpse at what that might be.

Tobin Sprout has always been the secret weapon of Guided By Voices, and he's here in full force on Class Clown Spots A UFO. He and Pollard have always been kindred spirits in songwriting. Quick songs with lyrics that make little or no sense, Sprout especially on the lyric front. While Pollard does his thing overtop loud guitars, Sprout has songs like "They And Them" and "Forever Until It Breaks." Both of these songs are way quieter, and they're both weirdly hypnotic. Pollard isn't afraid to slow it down a bit though, like the previously mentioned "Keep it In Motion" and "Fly Baby." 

So yes, this does in fact feel like a classic GBV album in the ways that matter. It feels like they're evolving all these years later though. GBV never felt stale towards the end of their run, hell I think Earthquake Glue and Half Smiles Of The Decomposed are two of the better albums. You can certainly look at Robert Pollard's solo work and see aimlessness, though. Class Clown Spots A UFO is pointed though, it feels vital. It keeps me excited to listen to more Guided By Voices, which if rumors are to be believed will be in October-ish.