Chronicling the creative process for Pop Zeus, the forthcoming Guided By Voices/Bob Pollard tribute comic- including sketches, concepts, finished art and whatever else is in my brain at the moment.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Indienella - Game Of Pricks Live Video

Northern Spain's own Indienella (Sofia on drums/vocals and Luis on guitar/vocals) have an infectious self-described "bubblegum lo-fi garage pop" style. And this cover of Game Of Pricks is suitably rocking. Luis and I also agree that Guided By Voices is the best band ever. So there you have it...

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Robert Pollard - Superman Was A Rocker Available For Pre-Order And Preview MP3 Download (Updated)

(Looks like there is a slight delay in the pressing of Superman Was A Rocker. The CD will be shipping from Rockathon Records on January 30th, in stores on February 11th. And the vinyl will not be ready until the end of February. Considering how spoiled we are with our mountain of Pollard music, I think we can afford to wait a bit until everything's square.)

Happy 2008, kids! I'm back from the dead, roused from my internet non-existance to bring much news from the Bob-iverse. Over the next few days, watch this space for both long overdue and more timely announcements...

First off, this very day is day one for pre-orders of Pollard's inaugural 2008 album, Superman Was A Rocker! Our long-lived friends at Rockathon Records are standing by for your order of this Happy Jack Rock Records release (available January 29th in both the popular CD and vinyl formats).

As discussed in the 2008 release thread (newly updated), this mini-LP is very unique- over 20 years of hand-picked Guided By Voices and solo instrumentals with new Robert Pollard vocals and melodies over top. It features GBV collaborators Mitch Mitchell, Kevin Fennell, Tobin Sprout, Kevin March, Doug Gillard, Tim Tobias and Nate Farley. Yes way!

Speaking of, a sneak preview MP3 of the previously (and deservedly) hyped single "Love Your Spacemen" is available this very moment for download and listening pleasure! The unheard-of songwriting duo of Bob Pollard and Kevin March have come up with a gem. Check it out.



And while you're whipped up in a rock frenzy, take a moment to enjoy a preview of Navalorama's Superman Was A Rocker webpage! It's still under construction but my man in Belgium, Dave Crunelle (creator of the Superman Was A Rocker cover art and graphics), has even more info and fun to share about this amazing release.

Good times for Pollard fans, superman and mere mortals alike...

Monday, January 14, 2008

The Beatles - Hey Bulldog Video

As explained in this clip's youtube notes, a few years ago Apple Corps figured out that the promotional video for Lady Madonna was actually footage of The Beatles recording Hey Bulldog! So here is a rare glimpse of everyones favorite band having fun in the studio, creating one of their most rockin' tunes ever. And if you haven't already, go pick up the Yellow Submarine Songtrack- a superiorly remixed and remastered version of Hey Bulldog plus all the other classic Beatles tunes from the film.

What makes you think you're something special when you smile?

Sunday, January 13, 2008

"Do The Collage" Robert Pollard Art Exhibit Online



Of all the Robert Pollard events in 2007 (and there were many), the one I regret missing the most (and the only one I missed, come to think of it) was Do The Collage. From December 9th to the 10th, Michael Imperioli's Studio Dante in Manhattan hosted a very successful exhibit of Robert Pollard's collages. As a long time admirer of his visual art (the perfect accompaniment to and sharing many of the same aesthetics as his music) and a fellow artist, I wish I could have been there to support Bob in this way. But with a holiday trip to New Jersey already planned for just weeks later, it was not meant to be.

But the good news is that we can all virtually enjoy Do The Collage thanks to the magic of the internet! A good place to start is this informative Spin article about the exhibit. Then, visit Robert Pollard's own website which is hosting the full online version, showcasing both the sold and unsold, framed and unframed collages. And the coolest thing is that you, yes you, can purchase your own piece of Robert Pollard original art! Many beautiful and provocative collages are still available, some at relatively inexpensive prices. And the truly budget-minded should not forget that you can always pick up Pollard's collage-crammed EAT literary magazines from Rockathon Records.



So many amazing pieces were on display at Studio Dante including album cover collages both old (Mag Earwig, Half Smiles Of The Decomposed, Sgt. Disco, Standard Gargoyle Decisions) and new (Circus Devils' Ataxia and Robert Pollard's untitled 2008 LP). Some of my favorites are below...











Tuesday, January 08, 2008

The Who - Happy Jack Live Video

Keith Moon = greatest rock drummer ever. Exhibit A through Z: this video from 1:08 onward. Wait for it...

Monday, January 07, 2008

The Takeovers - Little Green Onion Man EP Available For Pre-Order

Hey now. The Takeovers newest-of-the-new Little Green Onion Man EP is now available for pre-order from Off Records! To be honest, its actually been on pre-order for about a month. But I have been negligently offline of late. Sorry folks.

The previous Takeovers albums are two of my favorite post-GBV Pollard releases. And this 4 track (3 new ones, 1 old one) nugget of goodness from the ever rotating cast of Takeovers (plus Chris Slusarenko and Bob) will be hitting store shelves on February 12th. But early-bird internet orders will ship on February 1st- nice! And the EP is limited to 950 copies on CD, 950 on vinyl. So get yer order in today, for crying out loud!