We All Got Out of the Army cover

We All Got Out of the Army

Robert Pollard · 2010

38 min · 17 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi melodies and fragmented narratives that captures the essence of Pollard's eclectic songwriting.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Silk Rotor — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its swirling melodies and cryptic lyrics, encapsulating Pollard's knack for creating immediate yet enigmatic songs.
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    On Top of the Vertigo — This brief but impactful track exemplifies Pollard's ability to craft catchy hooks within a compact format, highlighting his strength in melodic songwriting.
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    We All Got Out (Of the Army) — The title track serves as a reflective culmination of themes throughout the album, combining poignant lyrics with a memorable melody that sticks with listeners.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quirky transitions between tracks
  • short bursts of playful absurdity
  • fragmented storytelling moments
  • eagerly engaging with each listen
  • lighthearted reflections on life

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, cohesive pieces
  • seek polished, high-fidelity sound

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Robert Pollard released 'We All Got Out of the Army', he was already a prominent figure in indie rock, having established himself as the frontman of Guided by Voices. This album came out shortly after his solo debut, 'Without Expression', and marked his continued exploration of concise pop songs. It represents a phase where Pollard was prolific, releasing multiple projects each year while further delving into his unique aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors
Guided by Voices· Pavement· The Mountain Goats

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Post-Hydrate Update

    The moment shifts from abstract imagery to a stark observation about life post-commitment, creating an unexpected contrast.

    This juxtaposition underscores Pollard's ability to mix whimsy with sobering realities, illustrating his skill in weaving complex emotions into succinct phrases.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Silk Rotor 3:19
  • 2 I Can See 3:20
  • 3 Post-Hydrate Update 2:06
  • 4 Your Rate Will Never Go Up 1:50
  • 5 On Top of the Vertigo 1:45
  • 6 Red Pyramid 2:16
  • 7 Talking Dogs 1:12
  • 8 Rice Train 2:11
  • 9 Wild Girl 1:46
  • 10 I'll Take the Cure 2:17
  • 11 Cameo of a Smile 1:37
  • 12 Poet Bums 2:15
  • 13 How Many Stations 2:26
  • 14 His Knighthood Photograph 1:51
  • 15 Face Down 2:56
  • 16 We All Got Out (Of the Army) 3:23
  • 17 Faster to Babylon 2:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata