GUIDED BY VOICES Sandbox LP

In typical GBV fashion, the band took a hard turn away from the sound and style of their debut LP. for this late 1987 sophomore effort. While purportedly an attempt to make a power pop album with a big sound, it’s just not possible for this band to be thoroughly normal and accessible. That said, Bob’s lyrics here are among his most comprehensible, and the band is indeed focused on hooks and rocking out, and there are even some well-executed three-part harmonies. There’s much to love here if you can get beyond your expectations of what GBV should or should not do. Packaged in the usual thick jackets we’ve been using for these reissues, super quiet RTI vinyl, DMM mastering, archival in every way.