#48 Guided by Voices - Alien Lanes

Matador Records, 1995

Genre: Indie

Fun story. I got to see Guided by Voices at Reading Festival, outside London, England, when I was 17. I had heard of them at that point, but wasn't really tuned in to how awesome they were, or how significant they would become in my future listening repertoire. Instead of being front row centre, I hung back and chatted with this British fellow, who flirted shamelessly, and kept trying to get me to go back to his tent. He was to be disappointed. I like reflecting on the moment, but I do regret not fully engaging with GBV. I have not had a chance to see them play again.

Alien Lanes became a pillar of my listening during university, and all of my best pals loved (or should I say "love", as this is ongoing) them as well. Some even did GBV cover bands. Game of Pricks is more than a song --- it's an indie nerd identification code. I loved when the IT Crowd called this out, some years later. "Have you heard Guided by Voices? I have. I've heard everything they've ever done."

Reminiscence aside, this record is lo fi and sometimes loud, and weird, and vulgar, and clever. There is a manic energy to GBV; not chaotic, but odd. Challenging. Unexpected. It harnesses some of the world's absurdity and takes delight in riding it around like a mad bull in a strangely melodious china shop.

GBV may not be for everyone, but I'm into it.

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#73 Tyrannosaurus Rex - Unicorn

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#92 Dave Brubeck ft. Gerry Mulligan, Paul Desmond, Alan Dawson, Jack Six - We're All Together Again for the First Time

Atlantic, 1973 Jazz, Bop I wish I could remember how I came by this one. I was absolutely delighted to find it in my collection, if a little unsettled that I could forget such an acquisition. This is a solid offering, if a little frenetic. I have to be in the right mood, but then I am enthralled.

#11 The Joe Pass Trio - Live at Donte's

Pablo Live, 1981 Category: Jazz This is a great record. It's chill enough to be good listening for dinner or hangouts, but also very mentally engaging and stimulation for more intensive listening. Joe Pass has elements of Django Reinhardt, but also a style all his own. Listening to him improvise is a genuine pleasure. I picked this record up at the ReFound shop on Thistle Street, and was very excited to find it. I used to have a burned cd of some solo recordings of his, and that was great, but hearing him with the trio is a real treat. You can tell he is really exploring and having fun. No regrets on this purchase!

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