Fri 8/19 @ 8PM
Dayton, Ohio’s Guided by Voices became darlings of indie rock fanatics back in the ’90s, noted for writing not so much songs as fragments of songs — ideas that were tossed out to linger in the air undeveloped in ragged, lo-fi recordings. Frontman/songwriter Robert Pollard’s lack of any visible charisma was an additional selling point: he fit in perfectly with the college radio DJs and record store clerks who worshipped the band. While Pollard formed the band in the 80s, they really broke through in the mid 90s when Pollard was almost 40. Definitely not your typical rock star.
Over the years, GBV has released nearly three dozen albums, had several break-ups and reunions, and gone through countless personnel changes (at one point in the late ’90s, Cleveland’s Cobra Verde was Pollard’s backup band). It’s exceptionally active now, with seven new albums in the last two years. Current members include one of Pollard’s longtime collaborators, Northeast Ohio native Doug Gillard, whose own solo career has produced some impressive work, including fully fleshed-out songs, is in the latest iteration which performs at the Rock Hall this week.
Go here for tickets.