Ogre's Trumpet cover

Ogre's Trumpet

Guided by Voices · 2018

69 min · 25 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi melodies and whimsical lyrics that echo the band's signature DIY ethos.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pearly Gates Smoke Machine Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy hooks and surreal imagery, encapsulating the playful yet introspective nature of the album.
  • →
    Love Is Stronger Than Withcraft — The song blends heartfelt sentiment with quirky wordplay, showcasing Pollard's knack for marrying emotion with whimsy.
  • →
    The Birthday Democrats — With its sharp political undertones and infectious chorus, this track stands out as a commentary on contemporary issues while remaining quintessentially Guided by Voices.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

The album's rapid pace and lo-fi aesthetic create an engaging yet fragmented experience.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often shifting abruptly between themes and melodies.
  • The production is intentionally lo-fi, with a raw sound that emphasizes the band's playful and experimental approach.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • short bursts of playful energy
  • surreal lyricism for imaginative minds
  • kaleidoscopic melodies for curious listeners
  • headphone detail hunting for nuances

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward single tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues the band's distinctive sound after their reunion, showing ongoing creativity.
Themes
political satire· whimsical mysticism· kaleidoscopic imagery
Moods
Dreamy· Energetic
Career context
Released on March 9, 2018, 'Ogre's Trumpet' is Guided by Voices' 25th studio album, showcasing a prolific period for frontman Robert Pollard. Following their 2017 album 'How Do You Spell Heaven', this release continued to highlight Pollard's unyielding creativity and commitment to crafting short, punchy rock songs.
Stylistic neighbors
Pavement· The Mountain Goats· Sebadoh
New to Guided by Voices? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Love Is Stronger Than Withcraft

    The narrative shifts from personal longing to a broader reflection on connection, emphasizing love's resilience against challenges.

Tracklist

  • 1 Pearly Gates Smoke Machine Start here 4:19
  • 2 Paper Cutz 2:32
  • 3 Love Is Stronger Than Withcraft 3:57
  • 4 5º On The Inside 2:15
  • 5 King 007 2:49
  • 6 Motor Away 2:19
  • 7 Cheap Buttons 2:20
  • 8 Cut Out Witch 3:10
  • 9 I Am A Tree 4:50
  • 10 Sudden Fiction 2:38
  • 11 Your Name Is Wild 2:04
  • 12 The Ticket Who Rallied 2:28
  • 13 Steppenwolf Mausoleum 3:21
  • 14 I Am A Scientist 2:28
  • 15 Gold Star For Robot Boy 1:51
  • 16 Tenth Century 2:29
  • 17 Lord Of Overstock 2:31
  • 18 It's Food 2:57
  • 19 The Birthday Democrats 2:09
  • 20 Tractor Rape Chain 2:50
  • 21 Game Of Pricks 2:04
  • 22 Saturday's Child 2:55
  • 23 Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory 2:00
  • 24 Glad Girls 3:44
  • 25 How Do You Spell Heaven 2:32

What to play next

Space Gun
Listen next

Space Gun

2018

Continues the lo-fi rock sound with playful themes and a vibrant energy.
How Do You Spell Heaven
Go back to

How Do You Spell Heaven

2017

Sets up a similarly surreal and introspective atmosphere leading into Ogre's Trumpet.
Full Guided by Voices discography Where to start with Guided by Voices Artists like Guided by Voices Which Guided by Voices albums to start with
indie rock

If this landed

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New Magnetic Wonder

New Magnetic Wonder

The Apples in Stereo

Shares whimsical storytelling and vibrant lo-fi production with kaleidoscopic melodies.

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Neutral Milk Hotel

Combines surreal imagery and introspective themes with a raw, lo-fi sonic approach.

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

The Flaming Lips

Blends playful mysticism and experimental sounds with a colorful, psychedelic atmosphere.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata