Customer Reviews

Blues & Boogie Shoes

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm sorry, but "Blues and Boogie Shoes" is NOT better than "From a Compound Eye." A couple reviews suggest otherwise, but I beg to differ. "FaCE" has immediacy, catchy off the bat from start to finish, whereas "B&BS" takes at least a couple cracks before it hooks you. Granted, I couldn't help spinning side two a few times, especially from the acoustic "That's the Way"-ish instrumental, "The Camouflaged Friend," on through the end, and the last two tracks might be the strongest on the record, but side one didn't quite do it for me, a comparative weak intro. Oh well, I'm not complaining. Unlike 2004's "Fiction Man," which I'm still a little remorseful over, "B&BS" isn't just for Robert Pollard die-hards. Tommy Keene's a breath of fresh air for those who need a break from Todd Tobias as Bob's sidekick, i.e. those unimpressed w/ "FaCE." The liner contains a cool picture---the two w/ their respective guns, an SG and a Les Paul---from the same shoot as the cover photo.

Of seven Pollard-associated releases in 2006, the Keene Brothers might just be the best and most successful all around. Named so because of his association with former Guided By Voices band member Tommy Keene (no, they're not brothers,) this project focuses on extremely catchy hard rock, with Keene turning in some of the best guitar performances you'll find on any Pollard release, and Pollard cranking out some incredibly catchy tunes. This ranks up there with some of the best GBV releases, believe it or not.

An excellent collaboration between two heavyweights. Let me begin by saying that I own virtually everything Tommy has put out; I also own GBV greatest hits, and have heard many of their cd's. Tommy's guitar work shines, and although I would normally prefer his voice to Bob's; this effort really shines. The songs seem so cohesive; as if these 2 had sat down together many a time. Surprisingly, I prefer this cd over Tommy's latest 2 offerings, which although decent, don't impress as much as his previous catalog. I hope to see these two together again; one of the best of 2006 so far.

Blues and Boogie Shoes

Bob Pollard is at the top of his game in this production. The collaboration with Keene pays off in a big way, given that every single tune is so melodic, and Bob hits every note without wobbling. The songs themselves, like the best GBV songs and the best Pollard solo efforts, creep up on you unexpectedly during the day. This production is instantly accessible, unlike Standard Gargoyle Decisions, which will (for me at least) require multiple listenings (Coast to Coast Carpet of Love is more readily digested). Pollard is one of the best American song writers alive, along with Jeff Tweedy, Stephen Malkmus, and Paul Westerberg. He's good by himself, and with musicians he knows and trusts. IF you are considering purchasing this CD, please do so knowing you will love it instantly.

Anyone a fan of either Tommy Keene or Robert Pollard should own a copy of this album.

Apparently a total collaboration between Keene and Pollard, this set of songs are some of the best either one of them have written or performed, ever. The production is very Keene. Lots of shimmering, chorus laden guitars with thunderous drums along with some of Pollard's finest vocals. Some people might be turned off by the production because it does have that late 80's/early 90's radio ready sounding production, but anyone who is a fan of GBV's early stuff, production shouldn't be an issue, it's the songs and these totally rock. It's funny that this album had such a quiet release because it is so commercial sounding. There are definitely potential hits on here.

"Death Of The Party","Beauty Of The Draft", "This Time Do You Feel It" and "Blue Shadow" are all incredibly melodic with no shortage of kick to them. "Island Of Lost Lucy's" is also one of Pollard's most melodically beautiful ballads.

In short, it's an album that you'll put on again and again and be guaranteed a great time every time. Let's just hope it's not the last boogie we get from these two great songwriters.

This could be argubaly better than "From a Compound Eye". FaCE was masterful to some when it came out. Look something even better has come along already. Tommy Keene and Robert Pollard make a great time on this disc. It is shimmering jangly straight forward rock done extremely well by the Should be-legend Tommy Keene and melody man Mr. Bob Pollard. This may be the best thing Bob has done for a long time....maybe even Mag Earwig.

For those of you who have been somewhat disappointed with the recent quality of Robert Pollard's solo CD efforts, take heart. The Master is back, and he is in fine form as he teams with Tommy Keene to produce some of the best-sounding Bob-Rock since Guided By Voices' "Do The Collapse". When MAGNET included "Blues and Boogie Shoes" on its list of best albums of 2006, I took special notice. I am very glad I purchased this Keene Brothers disc!

As a longtime fan of Guided By Voices, I was disappointed when Pollard decided to disband his group and go solo. His past solo efforts such as "Not In My Air Force" and "Waved Out" had been enjoyable but uneven. Recent solo albums on which Mr. Tobias has assisted, such as "From a Compound Eye" and "Normal Happiness" are interesting but to my way of listening they have lacked emotional fire. Pollard seems to churn out as many CDs as he can in as short a time as possible, and when an artist does this with basically the same personnel (Tobias) a rut can quickly develop. While Tobias' instrumental tracks have been generally impeccable, I have noticed that Bob's singing has sounded strained and distinctly off-key at times.

Now with Tommy Keene for "Blues and Boogie Shoes", the Golden Voice is back. Pollard is singing on key, in a strong voice, and he is creating stronger melodies that draw the listener repeatedly in. His lyrics are fascinatingly vague as usual, generating hodgepodges of images that may seem cohesive although they are made of disparate parts. This time around, his lyrics contain a feeling of determination and are vaguely inspirational. In "You Must Engage", he entreats the listener: "You mustn't wait, you must engage, use all your rage". "Where Others Fail" also features some "can-do" lyrics: "The pointing finger and driven nail, accept your fortune where others fail" and "Lift him out and set him loose, to find success where others fail".

Tommy Keene creates beautiful instrumental tracks that shimmer and glow. His guitar arrangements are highly melodic and textured, and he provides a perfect pop-rock backdrop for Pollard's newfound optimism. Keene uses guest drummers, but he plays all the other instrumental parts himself. Considering the high quality of his craftsmanship, I hope he and Robert Pollard will create more sounds together. "Blues and Boogie Shoes" is an intellectual pop-rock masterpiece.

Long live Keene Brothers!

What a heavenly pairing; two of the better and more unheralded songwriters from the past 20 years. This album did not disappoint in the least. I like Tommy Keene's other albums, but this album, I think, is the best thing he's ever done. Of course having a crack tunesmith like Robert Pollard helped matters too. Some simply amazing tunes here. Pop perfection.

The best record Pollard has put out since disbanding GBV. A collaboration with the equally gifted power-pop artist Tommy Keene. Don't be fooled by the amusingly misleading title. This is pure pop performed with dedication.

Great versatile melodies, sparkling guitars and a bit more down-to-earth comprehensive lyrics than we're used to when Pollard is involved. Buy, beg or borrow, but get this record!

I do not know the collaborative process between Pollard and Keene, but I love the results.

Great pop/rock and Bob is in excellant voice.
For me, listening to this record is quite thrilling.