Thick Rich and Delicious [LP], Guided By Voices, Vinyl

Robert Pollard: "I'm a student of hooks. That perfect combination of a lyric and a chord pattern that gives you that chill up the back of your spine." Thick Rich And Delicious overflows with hooks. It plays through front-to-back like a power pop classic, but don't misconstrue pop for soft. The basic tracks were cut live and hot to tape and are presented with minimal overdubs. The band recorded in a Brooklyn studio at extreme volumes, conjuring the spontaneity and electric energy of their legendary live show. Complimenting Pollard's lead vocals, harmonies are sung by Grammy-nominated Bobby Bare Jr and Pollard (aka "The Self-Righteous Bros"). The sound delivers on the album's titular promise-thick, rich and delicious. Pollard combines a new batch of songs with a basket of unrecorded gems dating back to the band's nascent years. The chorus of "Oxford Talawanda" contains a never-used hook that Pollard has been singing for nearly his entire life. With Thick Rich And Delicious, you can get that satisfaction.