Oh My Rockness

Cult heroes Guided By Voices have been influencing future musicians since 1987 -- their strictly lo-fi sound paved the way for bands like Pavement and Sebadoh. Astonishingly, GBV have put out twenty-two releases since their birth, all the while never veering from their intent to make great records cheaply.

The band has always had a revolving cast of musicians, but the one constant has always been front man Robert Pollard. His gift for melody coupled with his fascinatingly quirky songwriting is the primary reason so many, including Sonic Youth, the Breeders, and Jimmy Eat World, are longtime fans.

In 2004, Pollard announced GBV were calling it quits to the dismay of just about everyone. I guess we took it for granted that every year another GBV album would surface to soothe us. They will be missed and, without a doubt, will be considered one of the most influential indie bands ever.

Published 12/02/04