Search - Guided By Voices :: Bee Thousand

The definition of Do It Yourself ****1/2

Janson Kemp | Dallas, TX USA | 04/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though I do have some pride, I'm far from most pretentious internet music critics; I know nothing about Guided by Voices. I wouldn't know Pollard if I saw him in a grocery store. I'm not sure what other indie bands were influenced by them. I don't own any of their other albums. I can't spout off this or that song title from this era that was import because it showcased both a reserve of political mindedness, while being forward-thinking and.... I don't care about any of that. I'm saying that despite my reluctance to get to know this band, I admit this album is one of the most interesting (and yes, BEST) albums of the 90's.



I'm amazed with the production. How anyone can listen to the White Stripes and really believe that their records are low-fi are beyond me. (I like the White Stripes, by the way). The production has this kitsch, kind of quirky homespun quality that extends beyond the production. It feels like that basement record your semi-close friend in high school made and bugged you every day about what you "really" thought. Only now he's a song-craft genious with ADHT. BGV sometimes abandon a catchy song right as it's getting interesting and somehow it doesn't detract. It sticks in your head. I find myself hitting the repeat button (but never the skip button) on this album more than any other I've listened to. Some records are great because they're catchy enough to move you and low-fi enough to not become popular. Not even CLOSE to popular. Those records make you feel like you're the only person in the world who's ever heard it and you feel great about yourself because of it. "Bee Thousand" is that record. Enjoy.



Overall: 9 out of 10."

Utterly Life Changing

faster eddy | Columbus, Ohio USA | 07/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Be warned. This is audio heroin. One listen, and you will be an addict. Of course, Bee Thousand is just the gateway album. You will love it. (Haven't met a soul who doesn't.) And once you come to grips with your love of Bob Pollard's perfect lo-fi pop, you'll go in search of more. And, yes my friends, there is plenty more. Not just Guided By Voices, but Bob Pollard solo albums, side projects, ex-members side projects...Lexo and the Leapers. You'll buy them. I'm just letting you know ahead of time. Because it can get ugly. Vinyl EP imports from Holland. Split singles with obscure Canadian bands. You're going to need them all. And you'll get them. Whatever it takes. Trust me, I've been there. So, go ahead and listen. But a year from now, when you're sitting in an empty apartment surrounded by nothing but GBV music and a crappy record player you borrowed from your cousin. Don't say nobody warned you. And welcome...you're one of us now."

One of the best albums of the 90s. You must have it!

bookaz | 05/31/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a great throwback to the classic, catchy pop of the 1960s. GBV has been hailed as sounding like the second coming of the British Invasion (even though they're from Dayton, Ohio), and it's easy to see why. The one and a half to three minute (max) pop songs which sprawl over this record recall some of the best pop music since the Beatles (no joke!). The raw quality of the recording has homemade feel to it, which I think adds to its charm. You can vividly picture these guys having a great time in their basement or garage cranking out these songs. For a first time listener, the poor quality may take some getting used to. But if you appreciate great pop music, you'll be hooked after a few listens.Some may become frustrated that GBV's songs are so short, but I feel that their brevity is what makes them work. A catchy pop hook only lasts so long before it becomes tiresome anyway, so it's a blessing they quit while they're ahead.I'm going to listen to it right now!"