Alien Lanes cover

Alien Lanes

Guided by Voices · 1995

41 min · 28 tracks · indie rock · lo-fi

A whirlwind of lo-fi indie rock, bursting with cryptic lyrics and catchy melodies in brief, potent bursts.

Why this album works

Best for
quick bursts of catchy energy fragmented pacing for restless listeners for short attention spans
Context
Released on April 4, 1995, 'Alien Lanes' was Guided by Voices' fourth studio album and marked a significant moment in the band's trajectory. Following their breakthrough with 'Bee Thousand,' this album solidified their reputation within the indie rock scene, highlighting Robert Pollard's prolific songwriting as he continued to push creative boundaries.
If you like
indie rock, lo-fi

Alien Lanes is an album by Guided by Voices, released in 1995. A whirlwind of lo-fi indie rock, bursting with cryptic lyrics and catchy melodies in brief, potent bursts. 'Alien Lanes' received critical acclaim upon release, featuring in several year-end lists and helping to define the lo-fi aesthetic of the 1990s. Its track 'Game of Pricks' became particularly influential, showcasing Pollard's knack for melodic hooks within a DIY framework that resonated with emerging indie bands. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Alien Lanes sound like?

A whirlwind of lo-fi indie rock, bursting with cryptic lyrics and catchy melodies in brief, potent bursts. Rooted in indie rock and lo-fi.

What makes Alien Lanes by Guided by Voices notable?

'Alien Lanes' received critical acclaim upon release, featuring in several year-end lists and helping to define the lo-fi aesthetic of the 1990s. Its track 'Game of Pricks' became particularly influential, showcasing Pollard's knack for melodic hooks within a DIY framework that resonated with emerging indie bands. Released on April 4, 1995, 'Alien Lanes' was Guided by Voices' fourth studio album and marked a significant moment in the band's trajectory. Following their breakthrough with 'Bee Thousand,' this album solidified their reputation within the indie rock scene, highlighting Robert Pollard's prolific songwriting as he continued to push creative boundaries.

Who is Alien Lanes for?

Alien Lanes works well if you're into quick bursts of catchy energy, fragmented pacing for restless listeners and for short attention spans.

How many songs are on Alien Lanes?

Alien Lanes has 28 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Tracklist

28 tracks·41:13

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 A Salty Salute Standout 1:29
  • 2 Evil Speakers 0:58
  • 3 Watch Me Jumpstart 2:24
  • 4 They're Not Witches 0:51
  • 5 As We Go Up, We Go Down 1:37
  • 6 (I Wanna Be a) Dumbcharger 1:13
  • 7 Game of Pricks Standout 1:33
  • 8 The Ugly Vision 1:34
  • 9 A Good Flying Bird 1:07
  • 10 Cigarette Tricks 0:18
  • 11 Pimple Zoo 0:42
  • 12 Big Chief Chinese Restaurant 0:56
  • 13 Closer You Are 1:56
  • 14 Auditorium 1:02
  • 15 Motor Away Standout 2:06
  • 16 Hit 0:23
  • 17 My Valuable Hunting Knife 2:00
  • 18 Gold Hick 0:30
  • 19 King and Caroline 1:35
  • 20 Striped White Jets 2:15
  • 21 Ex-Supermodel 1:06
  • 22 Blimps Go 90 1:40
  • 23 Strawdogs 1:17
  • 24 Chicken Blows 2:21
  • 25 Little Whirl 1:46
  • 26 My Son Cool 1:41
  • 27 Always Crush Me 1:44
  • 28 Alright 2:56

Release Date

April 4, 1995

Genre

indie rock

More albums in indie rock

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

41 min 13 sec