Robert Pollard, still in the midst of a Guided By Voices reunion has graced the kids with another solo record, "Lord of the Birdcage". Although Mr Pollard continues to release solo records at an incredible pace, "Lord of the Birdcage" very much has its own feel, as did "Moses On A Snail" and "Space City Kicks". Starting off with "Smashed Little Finger" an autobiographical sketch of getting a, er, smashed middle finger, this Who-styled multi part mini epic is yet another stellar opening track in a long cannon of stellar opening tracks. The rich production of Todd Tobias continues into this release, with each acoustic guitar, drum beat, and light keyboards being more developed and interesting to the listener's ears than in some of his earlier collaborations with Mr. Pollard. This album at face value feels mellower, and slightly more proggish, making it feel similar to "Moses On A Snail" in its contours, and in its twisting melodies. But dig that crazy post punk style of "You Sold Me Quickly" - fascinating, for sure. I think this release will be one that will take time to grow in my ears, as the melodies are rambling, and the even the shorter songs have multiple parts that focus the keen listener's interests. Not as immediate at "New Theory of Everything", nor as wide ranging as "Space City Kicks", "Lord of the Birdcage" places itself more among Mr. Pollard's more proggish releases in this reviewer's opinion, and that makes 2011 a year of multiple, yet unique releases from this far ranging songwriter.
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