Choreographed Man of War
Robert Pollard · 2001
35 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
An eclectic mix of lo-fi melodies and sharp lyrical wit framing Pollard's signature indie rock sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Drove a Tank — This track opens the album with a driving beat and vivid imagery, setting the tone for Pollard's exploration of war and personal conflict. Its catchy chorus encapsulates the album's blend of narrative and melody.
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Edison's Memos — This song features an innovative structure that captures Pollard’s knack for storytelling through fragmented lyrics, illustrating his ability to weave complex narratives into concise formats.
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40 Yards to the Burning Bush — A standout track that combines brevity with impactful lyricism, it uses metaphorical language to explore themes of urgency and revelation, illustrating Pollard's poetic flair.
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Instrument Beetle — Closing the album, this lengthy track showcases Pollard’s experimental tendencies, blending intricate instrumentation with compelling lyrics that reflect on identity and creation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Pollard's eclectic style but lacks strong cohesion and depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- Lyrical themes shift abruptly between tracks, often juxtaposing humor with darker undertones.
- Instrumentation varies significantly from track to track, with some songs featuring lo-fi production and others employing more polished arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- mid-tempo grooves for casual listening
- catchy melodies for communal enjoyment
- quirky narratives to spark curiosity
- short tracks for quick sessions
- steady flow for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek intense emotional experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, Choreographed Man of War was Robert Pollard's first album following the disbandment of Guided by Voices, marking a significant shift in his career. This album came during a prolific phase for Pollard, showcasing his unique songwriting style while exploring themes both personal and abstract.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Guided by Voices· Pavement· The Mountain Goats
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Drove a Tank 2:53
- 2 She Saw the Shadow 2:11
- 3 Edison's Memos 4:39
- 4 7th Level Shutdown 3:19
- 5 40 Yards to the Burning Bush 2:08
- 6 Aeriel 3:15
- 7 Citizen Fighter 2:24
- 8 Kickboxer Lightning 3:35
- 9 Bally Hoo 3:29
- 10 Instrument Beetle 7:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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