ROBERT POLLARD
COAST TO COAST CARPET OF LOVE
MERGE

ROBERT POLLARD
STANDARD GARGOYLE DECISIONS
MERGE

ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BY MARK MUELLER

Indie-rocker Robert Pollard might be turning 50 later this month, but he’s not slowing down.

The leader of Dayton, Ohio’s Guided by Voices—modern rock’s best answer to a ’60s British Invasion band—marks his birthday with the simultaneous release of two albums this week, “Coast to Coast Carpet of Love” and “Standard Gargoyle Decisions.” The dual releases aren’t that out of character for Pollard, who is known for being prolific. By my count, he’s already released at least five single albums, two double-albums, a bunch of singles and two books of art this year. Keeping track of all his work and side-projects can be an expensive hobby.

Even with all of his output, the latest two albums—officially Pollard’s “major” releases of the year—still offer plenty of surprises. “Coast to Coast” strips away most of the artier sounds and more cryptic lyrics of his past work, leaving 16 alt-pop songs that echo the Beatles’s “Rubber Soul” and R.E.M.’s best work. It’s as consistent and radio-friendly as anything Pollard has done.

If “Coast to Coast” shows off Pollard’s mature side, “Standard Gargoyle Decisions” proves he can still rock—hard. Guitars and vocals are turned up, aiming for a punkier and more-varied sound across its 17 tracks. Songs hint of glam-era David Bowie and the Pixies, not to mention classic Guided by Voices lo-fi anthems. While “Coast to Coast” would be a great starting-off point for those unfamiliar with his work, this album might appeal more to Pollard’s hard-core fan base.