User Score
Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 16 out of 18
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Mixed: 0 out of 18
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Negative: 2 out of 18
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Apr 6, 2018An average, yet strong release from Guided By Voices. With low filler and some great tracks I would have given this album a 7.5 instead of 7.0. Overall, a good album for the band to depart on until 2012s Let's Go Eat the Factory.
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aaronLJan 14, 2007Overall this record has a darker, more introspective feel than most GbV stuff, and the more progressive-influenced songwriting feels out of character for the group. Easily this is the least essential GbV record, but at the same time it is so intrieguing - mostly because it's so different.
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RAAug 18, 2005It's not my favorite GVB album, but there are a few solid tracks. I'm not disappointed because Bob Pollard will continue to write songs and perform. Luck for us as we are in rock's nadir.
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LawrencePSep 17, 2004Average for these guys. A masterpiece for most bands.
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NeilDSep 16, 2004Their weakest since Do The Collapse. Still there is some strong stuff on here. Especially the first five tracks and the final cut.
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JohnHSep 2, 2004It ain't Alien Lanes, but it sure is great. A grower like all GbV's best albums.
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markfAug 31, 2004
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crAug 29, 2004it's growing on me...
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brianmAug 25, 2004Nowhere near as tight as Earthquake Glue, which should have been their last album, but it's a fitting "end" to a great band. The last song on the album is probably one of their best songs of all time. Farewell GBV.
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JorgeCAug 25, 2004Robert Pollard is from another planet.
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ericAug 25, 200410 as any GBV song is
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andertonAug 25, 2004Bittersweet masterpiece.
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JohnRAug 23, 2004Oh Bob what happened? You created your worst album, and then you say goodbye. Perhaps it's just a ruse. At least that's what I'm hoping.
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The album isn't a certified classic like earlier GBV favorites "Alien Lanes" and "Under the Bushes, Under the Stars," but it does have a healthy dollop of Pollard's trademark effortless pop perfection.
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In essence Half Smiles of the Decomposed is more overloaded with ideas and styles than any other recent Guided by Voices album, yet the songs still hold together cohesively and the album actually gains in depth from the variety.
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FilterIt's ultimately a pop album, reflective and thoughtful, and these songs are just that: songs. [#12, p.97]