Released 10 years ago
Please Be Honest
Guided by Voices · 2016
33 min · 15 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi charm and fragmented melodies that encapsulate the essence of Guided by Voices' eclectic sound.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
My Zodiac Companion Start here — Opening with an urgent pace, this track sets the tone for the album's quirky introspection while highlighting Pollard’s signature lyrical playfulness.
-
→
Come on Mr. Christian — This song features a catchy hook and vivid imagery, illustrating Pollard's knack for blending mundane observations with surreal narratives.
-
→
Defeatist’s Lament — A standout track that encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and self-reflection through its poignant lyrics and melodic simplicity.
-
→
Please Be Honest — The title track distills the album’s essence, showcasing a balance between sincerity and playful cynicism that defines Guided by Voices’ ethos.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of whimsical energy
- playful melodies for quick listens
- surreal lyricism with lo-fi charm
- for spontaneous enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive tracks
- seek deep emotional narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Represents a strong entry post-reunion, showcasing continued creativity.
- Themes
- surreal narratives· playful cynicism
- Moods
- Chill
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Please Be Honest marks a significant entry in Guided by Voices' extensive discography as their first album after reuniting with original members. The band, led by Robert Pollard, was navigating a prolific phase, having released multiple albums in quick succession since their reunion in 2010. This album showcases the band's continued exploration of concise songwriting and experimental structures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pavement· The Mountain Goats· Sebadoh
Tracklist
- 1 My Zodiac Companion Start here 2:12
- 2 Kid on a Ladder 1:47
- 3 Come on Mr. Christian 2:03
- 4 The Grasshopper Eaters 3:22
- 5 Glittering Parliaments 2:27
- 6 The Caterpillar Workforce 1:28
- 7 Sad Baby Eyes 0:34
- 8 The Quickers Arrive 2:55
- 9 Hotel X (Big Soap) 3:01
- 10 I Think a Telescope 2:30
- 11 Please Be Honest 2:04
- 12 Nightmare Jamboree 2:00
- 13 Unfinished Business 1:29
- 14 Defeatist’s Lament 2:23
- 15 Eye Shop Heaven 2:59
What to play next
August by Cake
2017
Continues the lo-fi charm with fresh ideas and a similar eclectic spirit.
Cool Planet
2014
Sets the stage with a comparable energy and sound palette.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Goths
The Mountain Goats
Explores surreal narratives with a lo-fi aesthetic and playful lyrical approach.
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
Shares fragmented melodies and an eclectic soundscape, rich in surreal imagery.
Slanted and Enchanted
Pavement
Features lo-fi charm and experimental structures with a sense of playful cynicism.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.