Bee Thousand

( 2 )

Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Mark Deming
The cult of indie rock thrives on the unexpected discovery, and in 1994 Guided by Voices was just the sort of musical phenomenon no one figured was still out there -- 30-something rock obsessives cranking out fractured guitar-driven pop tunes in a laundry room. Robert Pollard and his stable of beer buddies/backing musicians had been churning out stuff like Bee Thousand for years, but the album's surprise critical success marked the first time the group found a significant audience outside their hometown, and it made a clear case for Guided by Voices' virtues -- as well as their flaws. From the moment "Hardcore UFOs" kicks in, it's obvious that Pollard has an uncanny gift ...
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Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Mark Deming
The cult of indie rock thrives on the unexpected discovery, and in 1994 Guided by Voices was just the sort of musical phenomenon no one figured was still out there -- 30-something rock obsessives cranking out fractured guitar-driven pop tunes in a laundry room. Robert Pollard and his stable of beer buddies/backing musicians had been churning out stuff like Bee Thousand for years, but the album's surprise critical success marked the first time the group found a significant audience outside their hometown, and it made a clear case for Guided by Voices' virtues -- as well as their flaws. From the moment "Hardcore UFOs" kicks in, it's obvious that Pollard has an uncanny gift for a hook and a melody, and Bee Thousand's 20 cuts are dotted with miniature masterpieces like "Echos Myron," "Smothered in Hugs," and "Queen of Cans and Jars." However, there are also more than a few duds that threaten to cancel out the goodwill the great songs generate, and Pollard is an acquired taste as a lyricist -- his freakishly poetic verse has a real charm, but it's hard to figure out what he's on about. GBV's other principal songwriter, Tobin Sprout, contributes less often, but manages a higher batting average. The lo-tech rumble of the album's D.I.Y. production also wavers between being a help and a hindrance, depending on the songs, and as musicians Guided by Voices veer between sounding like inspired amateurs and, well, just amateurs. On Bee Thousand, Guided by Voices sounds like a passionate and gloriously quirky garage band fronted by a thrillingly and maddeningly idiosyncratic songwriter; its many pearly moments make it a fascinating discovery for rock enthusiasts, but a few years would pass before this band was fully earning the new accolades showered upon it.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 6/20/1994
  • Label: Scat Records
  • UPC: 753417003521
  • Catalog Number: 35
  • Sales rank: 13,576

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Guided by Voices Primary Artist
Mitch Mitchell Guitar
Tobin Sprout Guitar
Robert Pollard Vocals
Technical Credits
Kevin Fennell Contributor
Greg Demos Contributor
Jim Pollard Contributor
Don Thrasher Contributor
Dan Toohey Contributor
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 2 )
Rating Distribution

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Sort by: Showing all of 2 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    You must own this record!

    This was the one. On their 7th album they put all the elements in place. Ignore the nay-sayers that dismiss some of the tracks as ''throw-aways''. The true beauty of this amazing accomplishment only becomes clear upon repeated listenings. It can be ugly. The lo-fi production scary. But once the songs get into your head, they will stay there forever! And Tractor R*pe Chain is the best song ever written. Enough said.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 27, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 2 Customer Reviews