Alien Lanes is one of my favorites GBV, but also for historical reasons I can't resist to "Under the Bushes ... ". Although I was a GBV obsessed since Bee Thousand, this was the first album I brought. I totally understand someone who prefers Alien Lanes. It's awesome algum, no doubt about it, but I just can't forget the experience of listening the first GBV completely
Really enjoyed this. I feel like Alien Lanes hasn’t “held up” the same as Bee Thousand from a “favorite” standpoint, but I feel it’s very worthy of that status. Blimps Go 90 is one of my favorite gbv tunes. And ditto on Under the Bushes - is also my favorite gbv album.
Thanks for the kind words. I've been trying to talk myself into tackling this one for a few months...it's a relief I was finally able to make it happen. 28 songs is a lot. ;)
This was a great read! I've always thought Bee Thousand was more cohesive as an album (if any GbV album from that time frame can be called that) but there are at least 3 or 4 songs on Alien Lanes I like more than anything on Bee Thousand. I'd probably place the Tiger Bomb EP version of Game of Pricks in my top 5 favorite songs of all time. A pure powerpop anthem if there ever was one and the way it sounds live.
Nice work! What is it about "Motor Away" that hits just right? When I saw them play last summer, people were generally singing along. But when they played this, everyone—and I mean everyone—was in full voice. It was amazing.
Same with the LA show! So glad I got to see their farewell tour. Pollard’s a total legend. (And Bobby Bare Jr. kinda rules.) We even got Tony Molina as an opener.
Alien Lanes is definitely my fave. Also love the short album “Fast Japanese Spin Cycle”. Can’t believe it’s been 30 years! I’m lucky to have seen GBV in Portland around the same time - one of those shows that went so long I felt I got my money’s worth from a band that did not believe in phoning it in, no matter how many Budweisers Bob drank.
Alien Lanes is one of my favorites GBV, but also for historical reasons I can't resist to "Under the Bushes ... ". Although I was a GBV obsessed since Bee Thousand, this was the first album I brought. I totally understand someone who prefers Alien Lanes. It's awesome algum, no doubt about it, but I just can't forget the experience of listening the first GBV completely
“Under the Bushes…” is also fantastic. Saw that tour too!
Really enjoyed this. I feel like Alien Lanes hasn’t “held up” the same as Bee Thousand from a “favorite” standpoint, but I feel it’s very worthy of that status. Blimps Go 90 is one of my favorite gbv tunes. And ditto on Under the Bushes - is also my favorite gbv album.
I’ve heard others say that, but this is where personal connections with music really come into play. Thanks for checking it out!
This was sublime. Thanks so much. Hard to pick a fave GBV album but at the end of the day, this is prolly it.
Thanks for the kind words. I've been trying to talk myself into tackling this one for a few months...it's a relief I was finally able to make it happen. 28 songs is a lot. ;)
This was a great read! I've always thought Bee Thousand was more cohesive as an album (if any GbV album from that time frame can be called that) but there are at least 3 or 4 songs on Alien Lanes I like more than anything on Bee Thousand. I'd probably place the Tiger Bomb EP version of Game of Pricks in my top 5 favorite songs of all time. A pure powerpop anthem if there ever was one and the way it sounds live.
Thanks! Any way you slice it, that three-album run of "Bee Thousand" > "Alien Lanes" > "Under The Bushes..." is incredible.
This is Mag Earwhig! erasure. Also, great job on this.
Nice work! What is it about "Motor Away" that hits just right? When I saw them play last summer, people were generally singing along. But when they played this, everyone—and I mean everyone—was in full voice. It was amazing.
Same with the LA show! So glad I got to see their farewell tour. Pollard’s a total legend. (And Bobby Bare Jr. kinda rules.) We even got Tony Molina as an opener.
Alien Lanes is definitely my fave. Also love the short album “Fast Japanese Spin Cycle”. Can’t believe it’s been 30 years! I’m lucky to have seen GBV in Portland around the same time - one of those shows that went so long I felt I got my money’s worth from a band that did not believe in phoning it in, no matter how many Budweisers Bob drank.
The Buds were fuel for more songs!
I've never really taken the GBV plunge, because it's one of those "I dunno where to start" deals. This post got me off my ass, & now I own this album.
YES! 🙌