These guys have been around for nearly two decades--maybe the truest godfathers of Indie music. And like so many indie heroes, they've never quite been able to transcend their cult status. Happily on this masterstroke of timing, hired-gun producer Rob Schnapf (Foo Fighters, Beck) has finally taken GBV and focused Robert Pollard's meandering genius into pure ragged pop magic. Gone is the annoying quirkiness, and savant-slacker musings and whatÕs left is a nearly perfect rock offering.

Jangling gems like "Glad Girls," and "How's My Drinking" strike a haunting and sweet balance between mid-60's Beatles, and REM. This is an album with all the melodic luster and guitar driven kick-ass mastery of the best or Led Zeppelin. I don't know that I've ever heard such raw power so gracefully lain upon a pop song. The third track from the end is the best rock and roll song I've heard for years. Not to worry GBV loyalists, they haven't sold out--they've just been sorted out.