Guided by Voices are among the ever growing legions of recently reformed bands that seem to be springing from the cracked earth like frogs and serpents following an apocalyptic rain.
What is interesting about GBV is that Robert Pollard reformed the Tobin Sprout incarnation of GBV that he unceremoniously sacked in favor of the later period Doug Gillard lineup. Robert has been on the record as saying he ditched Tobin and crew because they sucked, but at this particular reunion show he indicated that everything went downhill after disbanding Tobin Sprout and company. Whatever the case, knowing Pollard, we can pretty much ascertain as much that both instances were very likely drunk talk.
The New York performance at Terminal 5 marked the end of the 2010 ‘classic lineup’ tour other than a recently tacked on New Years Eve show. I haven’t heard if the success of this tour has prompted any talk of a more permanent situation or recording of new material. Pavement made it pretty clear that a long term regrouping of the band was not in the offing, but I haven’t heard any such pronouncements in regard to GBV, but I am also not hearing any rumors that it is being considered either. Recent reincarnations PiL and Swans indicate that more than a reunion tour can certainly be an option.
Whatever the case, thanks to the limited era that Pollard had to cull from, it guaranteed a near ‘all killer no filler’ night with the audience singing along to the whole show. As you can see from the setlist that includes three encores, it was an epic affair for the GbV set. I was glad to be there.
Setlist:
Guided by Voices NY, NY – November 7, 2010:
Tractor Rape Chain
Game of Pricks
I Am A Scientist
Shocker in Gloomtown
The Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory
Gold Star for Robot Boy
My Valuable Hunting Knife
Motor Away
A Good Flying Bird
Cut-Out Witch
Matter Eater Lad
Watch Me Jumpstart
Striped White Jets
My Impression Now
Awful Bliss
14 Cheerleader Coldfront
Lethargy
Break Even
Buzzards and Dreadful Crows
Exit Flagger
Hot Freaks
Closer You Are
Gleemer (The Deeds of Fertile Jim)
Quality of Armor
Queen of Cans and Jars
Echos Myron
Unleashed! The Large-Hearted Boy
A Salty Salute
Smothered in Hugs
—-:
Postal Blowfish
Hey Aardvark
Pimple Zoo
Bright Paper Werewolves
Some Drilling Implied
—-:
Dodging Invisible Rays
My Son Cool
Don’t Stop Now
—-:
Johnny Appleseed
Weed King
Download: Guided by Voices – Motor Away (Live)
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