Suitcase 2

Suitcase 2

Guided By Voices leader Robert Pollard has established the fact that he releases everything he has ever recorded. This is the second 4-CD, 100-track boxed set of demos, live recordings, B-sides, and studio outtakes, playfully attributed to fictitious groups and performers such as The Pukes, Dale Frescarno, The Plexigrall Bee-Hive, and the Howling Wolf Orchestra. All, of course, sound like Robert Pollard fulfilling his power-pop cravings. The leadoff track, "This Ream," is little more than Pollard adjusting the guitar and amp. "Late Night Scamerica" is a sweet acoustic demo. The sheer number of tracks ensures that this is more like a treasure hunt, finding the golden eggs among the throwaways. But for quick reference, the too many to list highlights do include: "Your Charming Proposal," "Sacred Space," "I Am Decided," "You're Not the Queen Anymore," "A Proud and Booming Industry," and "The Issue Presents Itself." Pollard's stream of consciousness may confuse some, but for anyone willing to wade into his alternate universe, this is a place to spend some quality vacation time. And for hardcore fans, these are often the earliest versions of songs that appear in altered form later on.

Disc 1

Disc 2

Disc 3

Disc 4

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