Choreographed Man of War

Robert Pollard | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Recordhead Records
• ASIN: B00005M962
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #255,674 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars another prized pollard piece, October 9, 2001

By 

George a Pletz "cult explorer" (Central PA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Choreographed Man of War (Audio CD)

While perhaps not the ideal spot to come into GBV/Pollard saga, it rewards the diehard listener. I never considered myself a fanboy but with this release it has become apparent that I just enjoy Bob's take of rock which condenses the 60's and 70's punk/alt into a tasty frappe which is as much about nodding towards the past as it is about giving a personal stamp. Man of War filters the post big label sign-up lo-fi of Kid Marine, the album which this one shares the core band with, and older GBV articles like Vampire on Titus and Propeller. In other words a garage rock mixed metaphor buffet that car-crashes prog-rock whimsy with proto-punk directness. Two points of interest - The collapse of the pollard's personal life lends the album a more direct, almost confessional tone. And the military metaphors have a unexpected edge due to current events. But like all great works, these minor details do nothing to detract from the pure rock genius you find here.

For those who need highlights, there is plenty. From the Who style stomp of "I drove a tank" to the shambolic intensity of "Edison's Memos", from the sinewy stop-start of "40 yards" to the one-two post alien lanes push of "citizen fighter" and "kickboxer lightning", Man of War is a solid release. Ideal for those alienated by the arena rock of Isolation Drills. For the obssessed, all I have to say is "In Bob, We trust."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic album no one will ever hear, August 15, 2001

By 

Charles D. Ungar (Torrance, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Choreographed Man of War (Audio CD)

My header is supposed to be both funny and sad. Though I am a fairly new Guided By Voices fan, since buying Isolation Drills, I have rabidly scooped up everything from Pollard and Co. I can find. I don't remember being so into a band since I first got into REM in 1983. Though this album seemed to be one of Pollard's throwaways, I bought it based on the reviews I read. This is definitely a great one. From the first strains of I Drive a tank, you know Pollard is going to deliver. This song sounds more like vintage Who than the Who do now. Pollard pulls off his Daltrey imitation without flinching and the halting guitar chords are pure Townshend. Other highlights are Edison's Memo, Citizen Fighter and the butt kicking Kickboxer Lightning.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars hit it again, January 12, 2005

By 

gbv fan "rawkrawk" (vancouver) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choreographed Man of War (Audio CD)

My personal fave Bob solo album. I admit, I am a GBV freak, but something about this solo record is really special to me. The chord choices are a little sadder, the songs a little more emotional and the sounds a bit more atmospheric than your average release by this artist, and the overall effect is an emotionally satisfying listen. Bally Hoo is particularly cool, in the way it incorporates two earlier songs from the album into its arrangement. Edisons Memos has a beautiful arrangement as well. Aeriel is simply gorgeous. This is a great record.

"Play some rock and ro-oool yeah!"