Earth Man Blues
Guided by Voices · 2021
37 min · 15 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi indie rock and whimsical lyricism, capturing fleeting moments with raw energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Made Man Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Disconnected Citizen — This track highlights Pollard's sharp social commentary through playful yet poignant lyrics, underscoring a sense of disillusionment while maintaining an infectious melody.
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Lights Out in Memphis (Egypt) — With its expansive structure and atmospheric instrumentation, this song exemplifies the band's ability to create immersive soundscapes that linger long after listening.
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Trust Them Now — Fusing catchy hooks with sardonic wit, this track captures the essence of Pollard's lyrical style while embodying the album's overall playful spirit.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, punchy listening sessions
- quirky, offbeat lyrical themes
- dynamic emotional journeys
- nostalgic reflective moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Successful return after a hiatus, resonating with long-time fans.
- Themes
- disconnected citizenship· Memphis soundscapes· whimsical disillusionment
- Career context
- Earth Man Blues is Guided by Voices' sixteenth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus since their last full-length, Please Be Honest. The album continues the band's tradition of prolific songwriting under the helm of frontman Robert Pollard, showcasing his knack for concise yet evocative compositions that maintain their signature lo-fi aesthetic.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pavement· The Mountain Goats· Sebadoh
Tracklist
- 1 Made Man Start here 1:21
- 2 The Disconnected Citizen 3:11
- 3 The Batman Sees the Ball 3:18
- 4 Dirty Kid School 2:56
- 5 Trust Them Now 2:20
- 6 Lights Out in Memphis (Egypt) 5:41
- 7 Free Agents 2:00
- 8 Sunshine Girl Hello 2:25
- 9 Wave Starter 1:33
- 10 Ant Repellent 2:35
- 11 Margaret Middle School 1:10
- 12 I Bet Hippy 2:30
- 13 Test Pilot 1:30
- 14 How Can a Plumb Be Perfected? 2:58
- 15 Child's Play 1:38
What to play next
It's Not Them. It Couldn't Be Them. It Is Them!
2021
Continues the lo-fi aesthetic with playful energy and inventive songwriting.
Surrender Your Poppy Field
2020
Sets up the whimsical tone and exploration of themes found in Earth Man Blues.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Sunset Tree
The Mountain Goats
Shares whimsical storytelling and an intimate, lo-fi production style with vivid emotional landscapes.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Combines intricate arrangements and a mix of whimsy and melancholy that aligns with fleeting moments of reflection.
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
Features raw energy and surreal lyricism echoing themes of disillusionment and nostalgia.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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