#it's on hiatus cuz one of our players moved

[tallbluelady]

Also 📸 and 🎀

do they enjoy having their picture taken? what's their go-to pose? do they like taking photos? what do they take photos of?

Rowan doesn't like getting her portrait taking, but she likes the results most of the time. Her mother commissioned a family portrait before Charteneau, and while it was hard to stand still for it, she still really appreciates having it around afterwards. I think she'd appreciate the idea of a camera when it inevitably arrives in Eorzea, because it takes a lot less time to process a photograph than to sit for a portrait, and she likes having physical objects to remind her. Honestly, Rowan would take a bunch of photos of her friends and nature shots. It could be her hobby because she'd like to have reminders of things she appreciates.

how would they fit into other worlds / aus? what aus would you like to try out? what fictional world would they fit / not fit into?

OH MAN. Rowan is the third iteration of green-haired, blue skinned elf characters. So... she is already an AU character that went off the rails.

The first iteration is my WoW Hunter, who I have had since about 2005. Before I quit WoW, I had her story be that she was training as a Priestess of Elune and was constantly overshadowed by Tyrande. She has a sister in Suramar, and they got separated in the Sundering. Her faith is more or less shattered at that point, so she works with the Unseen Path to try and care for the world in her own way. She then reconnects with her sister in Legion and I kind of want to retire her story there because I haven't cared for the story in WoW since then.

The second iteration is from a completely original story. Basically, a dragon-rider elf goes to high school and dates an age-appropriate grim reaper. That project has been stewing in my mind since after I read Eragon in middle school and thought I could do it myself. Which... didn't happen, but I've kept the characters. That's where the Light Party characters come from as well (and Aclessica/A'quexta also has a WoW counterpart).

So, like, yeah, Rowan could be pretty flexible in AUs ^.^;.

Thanks for the asks!

[echoheart0324]

*chugs drink and slams hand on table* I never thought I’d go to such a crazy extent, but I got sick of hearing people talk about Blaine in a negative light, so I guess I’m gonna have to pour my whole soul into this, and this might as well be my final big post before I disappear into the void.

I kinda got tired of people saying we know nothing about Blaine, which is kinda true to some extent. However, if you dig around for details and tiny actions, there might be small hints pointing at what might’ve happened. AKA I got a bit carried away about Blaine, since y’all keep pointing out his actions are shady and evil, so I’ll do the exact opposite and attempt to fill in the gaps (or widen them, I dunno. I’ve just been craving to analyze something for ages.).

Anyways this is gonna be kinda long (and a bit repetitive, cuz this is speculation mixed in with my rambling, featuring analysis at it’s finest) and really up to how you interpret his words/actions/how you exactly look at these translations, so all of this is just a very thin stretch (ready to snap or break at a moment’s notice). Who knows, I might be off the mark completely and he may be a villain after all (in which then you can all stab me if you want), but I wanted to at least provide this before my (possible) hiatus day:

()()()

Possible Backstory/Background/Personality Traits/Whatever Else Falls into this Category:

By the look of it, Blaine is well-educated and loves his studies (most likely in the science department if the Dream Eaters are anything to go by, along with his love for books). The name Brain also means ‘noble/son of the judge’ possibly hinting at a high and wealthy status as well. His speech patterns are laid-back and casual, which kinda contradicts his name meaning, but he can also be quite serious and observant (as seen with his explanation about the Player character linking to Strelitzia somehow, his comparison of Skuld to Lady Ava, thoughtfully choosing the Spirits as their first task to help them out in the long run, and figuring out Ephemera as the leader type) if he desires to. His impatience (with Lauriam's arrival and the meeting dragging on) could prove that he's not used to waiting around for things either, though it’s minor and nothing too overboard.

Now this is where the lines start blurring, since the details are kinda all over the place. When Ephemera, Skuld, and Ven are all talking about having friends, Blaine interrupts with, "Friends. Cool." I'm still not sure what the intention was, but he had a smile on his face when saying this, but he never brings up the topic of “friends” ever again. He also reacted quite positively to Ephemera’s teasing aimed at Skuld (while Ven didn’t react at all), which could indicate this type of friendship is familiar to him, but his smile quickly turned into a frown when the topic of lying popped into play. It's a reach for sure, but I don't think Blaine had a good relationship with his friends in the very end. To prove this, Blaine's trust issue with Ava stems off of his morals of honesty, which his friends might've lacked based off his reaction and harsh choice of words. He also seems to avoid a lot of contact with the other leaders, instead focusing on his books and purposely isolating himself as the outsider.

Y'know...maybe Blaine can recognize the leader-spirit in Ephemera because he used to be a leader of something himself (especially judging by how he picked out their first task by himself). Maybe a leader of a party/his friend group? A handful of his personality traits seems suited to such position, such as how blunt he can be, his honesty, his observative behavior, his support (”I trust you’ll lead us down the right path.” -to Ephemera), and quick-decision making backed up with reasonable evidence. Adding onto this, his blunt speech and his quick decision-making might indicate that he's used to serious discussions, and after watching the custcenes a few times, Blaine never seems to argue back at the others’ decisions. He disagrees with the others often, yes, but a heated argument never occurs, since Blaine either decides to go along and accept that he’s not gonna get his way (though unhappy) or the others outnumber him/he gets what he wants. Not once have we seen him angry (I mean maybe we have? It’s kinda really hard to tell with the lack of eyes. He just sorta opens his mouth when he’s upset, but the same sprite is also used when he’s surprised, so??? Let my boy get more original expressive sprites please???). Whatever led to the downfall of his group, might be linked to this (or Blaine’s just a really nice guy. Or both. Both work too), so a heavy verbal argument may have been the key.

This could be why Blaine seems to be pushing Ephemera to the position of their leader, since Blaine regrets (to a certain degree) whatever he couldn't accomplish and wants to guide him on the right path to prevent a similar downfall or the same mistakes he made.

Though it's odd that Blaine was alright with PvP, since it's "just a competition", so I assume there's a competitive nature to him as well, and he received no relative trauma to Keyblade wielders clashing with each other. He also seems to respects privacy to a certain degree (based on his "let's not pry" about Lauriam) and some of his members may have turned to him for comfort, if his friendly brother-like behavior is anything to go by. (No seriously, who says, “You guys are going on a scavenger hunt,” if they’re an incredibly serious person??? Pfft...)

Quick Summary: Anyways, to throw this out there and sum it up, I believe Blaine may have once been a leader of a (hard)core party. His teasing nature shows that he did once have close friends to bond with, but things went downhill, based on his more serious side of his personality and fair distance from the others. The downfall of his leadership/party probably doesn't relate to Keyblade wielders turning their blade against each other, but maybe something more verbally and misunderstandings stacking on top of each other (with lying being involved somehow), where they say things they can't take back. Though based on his position of becoming a Dandelion, I’m assuming the party disbanded early on, since most people became Lux-thirsty once the war came around. Due to his lack of reaction to PvP, I assume he never saw Keyblade wielders fight for Lux in Daybreak Town often, so he must’ve just spending his days inside and reading/running experiments.

()()()

So why are Blaine’s eyes hidden from view on his sprite, but present clearly on his official artwork? After pondering for a bit, I decided to dig in a little deeper to see what I can find. Some sources I found stated that gray eyes could symbolize in for “leadership”, so that could squeeze in for above. On the other hand, the covering of his eyes could symbolize a secret he’s hiding from the other leaders. Note that Blaine has spoken nothing of his personal life, unlike the others. Ven says he’s always been a loner, Lauriam talks about his sister and his relationship with her, Skuld states she and Ephemera were once in the same party. Why is this such a big deal exactly??? There seems to be a connection to having a point where each leader seemed to be alone:

Ephemera: Was the one who left (both Skuld and Player).

Skuld: Was the one who got left behind (by Ephemera).

Ven: Was always alone, so left since the beginning.

Blaine: ???

Lauriam: ??? (I don’t want to jump to conclusions just yet, but I’m going to say...maybe he was the one got left behind...?)

Strelitzia: Had friends, but they constantly left and kept being replaced. Based off of what Elrena says, it seems like she sorta isolated herself, so maybe was the one who left?

Also, Skuld and Strelitzia both seem to have friends who are alive, at least by canon confirmation. After all, Skuld talked about her Dandelion friends a few times, right before she left the Player in KH X. Meanwhile, Strelitzia says things about her friends during her introduction.

Anyways, if this is anything to go by Blaine could fall into one of these categories (the one who left or the one who was left), but it’s kinda difficult to tell since Ven throws things off. Either that, or nothing bad ever happened to his friends, so maybe he never had a lonely period in his life.

()()()

*puts up glasses* So what was all the background dump about? Well, honestly, I just wanted to ramble about Blaine, but *shoves that aside* we’re also here to discuss his innocence and why I think Blaine wouldn’t have the heart to kill Strelitzia:

(Er...skip this “point”, or at least just read what I highlighted in bold and move on. This isn’t even a point, I just got pissed off of the lack of evidence and love for my boy.) Blaine being “just plain old suspicious” is an excuse way too tired out for everyone’s sake. This is why I tried to fill in some gaps with the background details above as well to at least provide some insight into his actions/words. None of his character traits can be seen as evil exactly. Honestly, he portrays a type of kid that’s tired out and wants nothing more but to mind his own personal matters. The gaps I filled in seem like stretches, I understand that, but we all thought the same for Lauriam as well when he was first ushered on stage. Blaine’s been one of our main suspects for ages and his introduction was barely even brushed upon by the fandom when the story update launched. (On a personal note, I think I stumbled upon maybe 3 or 4 pieces of fanart of him on launch day??? I got interested in him to some extent, but my love for him that y’all see today, just came crashing down naturally over time) I saw more people bashing him, cuz “fucking damn it, it’s another dude, but he’s a cowboy” was all that stretched on for miles. Either that or “is that Ienzo cosplaying Ardyn???”. Those were dark times...very dark times indeed. *cough* Back on track, anyways Blaine’s been quite the unnoticed character compared to the other leaders (especially when compared to the other three that came after him), so why make him the killer when he never hit off for the JP and NA fanbase? Nomura heavily values his twists, especially with KHUX, so there’d be nothing of interest if the murderer was just a generic evil-looking cowboy that’s not even that popular with the fans in the first place. Blaine’s also a lot less developed than the other leaders, since he was unfortunately shoved to the side for the sake of filler right after he joined the cast. To a casual (yet devoted, based on how far they shoved aside filler hell) player, Blaine’s just a random kiddo that has no development, motives, and personality (unless you’re highly bored and decide to go on a analysis spree like I am right now). In all honesty, Nomura seems to be pushing us to believe Blaine did it, since he refuses to give Blaine the development he so desperately needs, to give him the ominous and sketchy vibes to make him an easy culprit.

I’m aware that the latest story update shows Blaine as a smart-ass, seeing how he was able to connect Strelitzia and “the person she’s interested in”’s supposed fate so easily. This puts the spotlight of suspicion on him, correct? Well, I’ve read my fair share of speculation posts for the past few days and everyone just naturally assumes it’s Gula that did the dirty work. I already posted an ask earlier on this topic and I’m not in the proper position to argue such a point all day, but I also don’t think Blaine could possibly be Gula either, or that Gula committed the murder himself. 

*plops onto chair* So while I clean off Blaine’s plate, I’ll clean off Gula’s too...so I realize that y’all naturally assume it’s him due to the rather convenient timing and his ominous quote after defeating him in battle. If you do believe in this theory, may I ask you: “Then why didn’t Gula attack Skuld and/or Player (evidence is provided below)? Also, how would you explain the sudden change in sprite?” If you pause right before Gula steps outta the shadows to fully reveal himself, we have his blacked-out silhouette, which heavily differs from ‘Darkness’ + the sprite we saw at the warehouse when Strelitzia was killed. I also doubt that Gula would change outta his robes at that exact moment, minutes before Strelitzia’s arrival (since we now have confirmation that their talk occurred before Strelitzia came along a little bit later), especially since we see him again in the same outfit at the war (when everyone’s getting prepared to fight). Lord Gula also questioned if they came inside the warehouse to search for Ava, since they’re skipping out on collecting Lux, clearly aware of the Dandelions. *cough*

Anyways, as I was saying about Blaine, I believe he’s genuinely trying to help Lauriam find Strelitzia. His morals stand that he despises lying with a whole passion, still holding up as he doesn’t seem to hesitate to speak his thoughts to the others, so I doubt he’d lie to cover up his tracks.

Though, on the other side, there’s one thing that’s holding me back to say he’s innocent completely:

To contradict myself, there was someone that pointed out that Blaine called the Foretellers’ Chambers, the Master’s room instead, having a similar tone to ‘Darkness’ calling the Master of the Masters, just ‘Master’. I dunno either...I just hope he’s innocent, but that’s just wistful thinking at this point.

In all honesty, I was going to go into full depth into how Blaine could be innocent, but the lack of information surrounding Blaine makes things a lot more difficult than it should be, and I kinda grew tired of trying to piece together things for hours. Maybe one day I’ll make a Part 2, but I just wanted to dish this out there, before KHUX updates and does the opposite of what I just said.

Feel free to add on, I’m just tired and rambling at this point!

[junker-town]

7 players who can win the ‘NBA 2K’ players-only tournament

Here’s our pick for the winner of the players-only NBA 2K tournament.

Basketball is coming back — in video game form, at least. In lieu of the NBA season being put on indefinite hiatus over the coronavirus pandemic, 16 players across the league are set to compete in an NBA 2K20 tournament. The event will be aired on ESPN and streamed on Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook. It runs from April 3-11, with the winner getting to donate $100K to charity for virus relief efforts.

Kevin Durant, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and Devin Booker are the biggest names in the field. The players get their choice of teams, but it’s hard to imagine anyone going with a team that doesn’t currently employ them. It’s a single-elimination tournament. Yes, you can gamble on this: there are already detailed odds on who’s going to win.

Here’s what the bracket looks like:

Some of those bets are better than others. After exhaustive research, SB Nation has identified seven players who have a real shot at winning the whole dang thing. Let’s get it.

7. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls

LaVine has the second-worst odds to win the tournament, but he sure seems like a serious gamer. He was playing video games when he heard about the NBA season being suspended. He was also once put in a motion capture suit for the 2K series to get his exact moves in the game.

As someone who has played many games of 2K with the Bulls, I can tell you LaVine’s video game character is pretty great. He’s super fast, can drain threes, and dunks everything. Defense matters a lot more in real life than it does in video games. He also won’t be dragged down by his head coach like he is at his day job. Does virtual Jim Boylen call senseless timeouts, too?

The only issue is the Bulls are one of the worst-rated teams in the game. LaVine is going to have to score almost all of the points with his own guy if he’s going to win. It’s like he’s back at work again.

6. Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trail Blazers

In researching this story, I checked the social media channels of every participating player to see if they were practicing. Whiteside was the only guy posting about getting work in on his Instagram stories. Seems like a good sign.

2K somehow has Whiteside’s character rated as an 87 overall — which is as high as Mitchell and a point better than Booker. What? I guess telling reporters you’re trying to get your 2K rating up has its perks.

While Whiteside’s avatar might have a high rating, he’s more a defense-first player and not exactly someone you can run an offense through. Will Whiteside try to score all the points with his own guy rather than let Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum cook? That’s what worries us.

5. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Ice Trae is the second highest-rated player competing in the tournament at 90 overall. This is a portrait of a hardcore gamer:

Y’all don’t want this smoke.... I’m on now pic.twitter.com/KMKDOVwwL3

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 14, 2020

Young also did the motion capture thing for 2K, and told The Undefeated one of his dreams is to be on the cover of the game. That’s dedication.

Young’s video game character is deadly from three-point range, but it can also be hard to score with him consistently going to the basket. That makes for a high degree of difficulty when playing. The Hawks are also terrible in the game, so he won’t have much help. He’d rank higher on this list if he was running with a better team.

4. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Ayton has the second-best odds to win the tournament, and for good reason. A profile from Ayton’s college days in 2018 spelled out his love for video games and particularly 2K:

“It’s a ritual. I have to do it,” Ayton said. “Every little opportunity I have. As soon as I wake up, Fortnite or 2K. Breakfast? After film? I’m playing it. I’m playing it.”

That sounds encouraging, but here’s where I start to question his gaming ability: Ayton admitted he played with the Durant-Warriors, AKA the best video game team ever assembled, and also that he turned off fatigue!

When Ayton plays 2K, he chooses the Golden State Warriors, which obviously makes the game a little easier. Then he turns off the “fatigue” setting, meaning his virtual Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson never get tired.

To a 2K purist, those choices might appear far too easy. Unfair even.

But maybe Ayton just wants to wipe everyone out, every time.

“Yes, I play with the Warriors. I don’t care,” Ayton said after lighting up the Pac-12 tournament semifinals with 34 points and 14 rebounds against UCLA last Friday, generating laughter among a small group of reporters. “And fatigue is off, so nobody can stop me.

“I don’t care. I make big shots.”

Are Ayton and Booker both allowed to be the Suns here? Is Ayton going to try to take LeBron James and the Lakers if not? How will he respond if fatigue is on and he’s forced to make subs? These are the questions that need to be asked before placing a wager on Ayton.

3. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

The odds-on favorite to win the tournament at +350. No one else’s odds are particularly close.

Booker has quite the resume as a gamer. He has competed competitively before. Fans watch him play video games on Twitch and he has already raised $100K for pandemic relief through his streaming. He was playing video games when he found out the season was canceled. His first-round opponent, Michael Porter Jr, acknowledged that Booker is “hardcore” about gaming.

Here’s the problem, though: most of the stories about Booker’s gaming ability focuses on either Call of Duty or Apex Legends. I have no doubt this man knows his way around a set of joysticks, but talent in shooting games doesn’t necessarily translate to talent in 2K.

There’s also the issue of Booker’s character being underrated by the game and him not having a great roster to work with as the Suns. No one will be surprised if he wins the tournament, but he doesn’t feel like a lock to do it.

2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

Some positives for Durant: at 96 overall, he has the highest-rated player of anyone competing in the game. He’s also had a lot of free time to play video games as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

Cons: He hasn’t seemed to figure out transition defense.

The transition defense on 2k is the most frustrating thing in my life at this moment

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 22, 2020

Much like real life, Durant is so good that any team who has him will have a chance to win it all. He also has a great co-star on his virtual Nets with Kyrie Irving. He’s a threat to go all the way, as long as he can figure out how to stop a fastbreak.

1. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets

How serious is Porter about 2K? He once took the literal shoes off a man’s feet by beating him in the game.

Who in Denver wanna play 2k for the

— Michael Porter Jr (@MPJr) August 1, 2018

Here’s a quick recap: After posting a tweet looking for challengers, a man said he’d be willing to put up his $800 pair of Jordans in a game, and Porter invited him over to his apartment. Porter couldn’t even wear the shoes — because they were too small for him and because he had signed an endorsement with Puma — but he still took them from the guy.

Our own Denver Stiffs talked to the man and he sounded like he was a serious gamer: “I’m really, really really good at 2K, enough to have maybe lost five times all year so I was extremely confident going in.”

Porter still beat him, then he mocked him on Twitter for the world to see:

Victim #2 lol @RoyalBeatBoxer and look what I won... can’t wear em tho cuz I’m puma gang so I might do a give away pic.twitter.com/VZ4VzKzbge

— Michael Porter Jr (@MPJr) August 1, 2018

Straight savage. Here’s a prediction: whoever wins the first round matchup between Porter and Booker is going to win the tournament. We’ll go with Porter.

[waxandwanemusic]

Primer #7 - Guided By Voices

The Primer is our column wherein contributors compile a 60 minute playlist of a band near and dear to their heart. Using personal listening anecdotes, notes about specific tracks and a brief overview of each artist, The Primer is both a way for our contributors to trace their musical genealogy and for our readers to gain a new perspective on an artist they may have missed or dismissed.

Installment seven of the Primer series features drummer extraordinaire Joel Kuiper preaching the Gospel of Dayton, Ohio's Guided By Voices.

Be sure to listen to the one hour podcast episode we recorded with Joel about his Guided By Voices Primer.

It must have been early in the summer of 1994 when I first heard about Guided By Voices (Dayton, OH). The source was the now long defunct Grand Rapids area zine "Slak" Magazine. One of it's writers gushed on and on throughout the issue about the bands then new release, "Bee Thousand". He also gushed about seeing them on a side stage at Lollapalooza that year. He described the music as pop rock melodies that sound both timeless and fresh at the same time, and are at once both sophisticated and completely raw. The lead singer was a 4th grade teacher. That did it for me. 

On the occasion of my next trip to East Lansing record shop Flat, Black & Circular (a multi weekly event at this point in my life), I purchased a CD copy of "Bee Thousand". Listening as I drove home, I liked what I heard. The songs were poorly recorded, but had the sheer energy and enthusiasm to easily overcome any fidelity issues. Melody after melody poured effortlessly out of my Subaru wagon's speakers. I could hear The Beatles in there (Robert Pollard is the Blatz to John Lennon's Two Hearted Ale). I could hear R.E.M. in there. 

Even though there were similarities to what I had heard in the past, there was a freedom to this music I had never experienced before. And then came Track 9. "Gold Star For Robot Boy". I remember it clear as day. I was on Foster Street heading south towards Michigan Avenue.  Then Pollard sang - "If I waited for you to signify the moves that I should make - I'll be on the take - Gold Star For Robot Boy - well then that's OK". Genesis 1:1. The heavens opened. I heard it - and it was good. No - actually it was fucking great! 

This had only happened to me once before - when I was 9 years old and heard The Beatles for the first time. But the Beatles record had came from my Aunt Carole - this band was mine. And they still are. 

Guided By Voices are my favorite band. Robert Pollard is my favorite singer. He is my favorite songwriter too. He has written a few. Like over 2000. That is not a typo. And at least1000 of them are good! The fact that Pollard exists at all is the real story. As I mentioned - he was a 4th grade teacher for cryin' out loud. Making music in the basement with his buddies, having trouble getting gigs in his own hometown and releasing record after record of great songs that no one except the band and their families ever heard. (Sound familiar anyone :) ????) As a matter of fact, GBV was about to call it a day on the doorstep of its breakthrough way back in 1993 after a decent 7 year run. 

Then someone sent a tape to Cleveland. And then from Cleveland to NYC. The rest is history. GBV is not The Beatles. Pollard can't lounge in the French Riviera collecting paychecks. But he has carved out a great and lengthy career - which shows no sign of letting up - by doing things his own way and creating great music for himself - whether anyone actually heard it or not - which is endlessly inspiring to a lifelong musician like me. 

When Matty asked me to do this - he told me I had time for an hour long playlist. GBV has 23 proper records - and twice as many EP's and other assorted goodies. And I am not even going to touch Robert Pollard's solo records (He has over 20 of those too). Thousands of songs whittled down to these 26 standouts. Get ready to rock!

Listen to all 26 songs on Joel Kuiper's Guided By Voices Primer in the YouTube playlist below.

1. Over The Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox

Alright Rock N Roll! GBV! GBV! Is anybody ready to rock? This song does not rock. These very words are spoken as this track begins - and you'd better be ready to rock - cuz your gonna. From the arena rock swagger in the songs beginning, to the weird progish middle section through its melodic conclusion, "Over The Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox" is the archetype for what GBV is all about, fitting most of its many influences into just one song. No wonder it clocks in at over 5 minutes which qualifies as an magnum opus for these cats. And yes, the song does rock.

2. Your Name Is Wild

Truthfully I was sold by the title alone ( GBV has the best song titles), but the minute the song kicked in I was hooked by the uber hooky hook. Even though I can still barely figure out what he is singing - the melodies are brilliant and I can't stop mumbling along! 

3. When She Turns 50

Just Bob and an acoustic. Simple and clear recognition of one of the great voices and songwriters in the history of recorded music. And those lyrics...........sigh.....

4. Things I Will Keep

My favorite track from the Ric Ocasek produced Do The Collapse, which was GBV's attempt at major commercial success. Even though "Hold On Hope" and "Teenage FBI" are two of the bands most well known songs - both have been featured on TV shows and in Movies - the band never achieved the success they (or the record company) was hoping for with the release. It still holds up well however.

5. Hank's Little Fingers

Great title. Great execution. Great lyrics (Unless you've got the answers - don't patronize the mountain men". Great Chorus. Totally irresistible. Try and resist. I dare you.

6. Dodging Invisible Rays

As good as Pollard is - and he is that good - his main foil in the early classic years of GBV was one Tobin Sprout - who is himself good enough to shame most songwriters. Despite his thin voice, Sprout shines in all that he does with a gifted sense of melody and song craft as evidenced in this catchy number. He is worthy of his own separate career - and he has achieved just that. Sprout has released multiple impressive and acclaimed solo efforts. Without question Sprout should get his own highlight someday here at Wax & Wane. I'll start begging Matty now. Sprout is also an accomplished and successful painter - he had a gallery in Leland, MI for years and is renowned throughout the world in those art circle thingys.

7. Secret Star

 This was the tightest and most talented lineup GBV has had (so far). Sounding like something The Who could have recorded in the early 70's, the song is complex and compelling. The payoff at the end is sublime. "To wish for you to fall. To wish for you to burn. To wish for your return". 

8. Gold Star For Robot Boy

1:39 of pure bliss. The first time I ever heard it I listened to it 27 times in a row. 

9. If We Wait

One of my favorite Pollard vocals. What he does with the single word "anymore" alone is worthy of rock glory. A genius at work. In the basement.

10. Everyone Thinks I'm A Rain Cloud (When I'm Not Looking)

An easily overlooked (in GBV's massive catalog anyway) gem from the bands last record preceding its 10 year hiatus, which began in 2004. The band toys with the arrangement like the pro's they are and create plenty of magic to accompany Bob who never disappoints. Well almost never. For 90% of bands - this would be the best they have to offer. Its just another day in the office for the Wizard from Dayton.

11. Non-Absorbing

Oh. it's gonna absorb all right. "Do you see me dee dee dee deedeedeedee - Like I see you do do do dodododo" You'll never get it out of your heard again. Ever.

12. Atom Eyes

Tobin strikes again! See what I mean? His damn songs are soooooo good. This one is jangle pop heaven. "There's a million heartstrings ready to fly - let's pull them now" Pull away Sprout!

13. Planet Score

A song reminding us all to go to the record before they are "like the ghosts of Motown you just don't see them anymore" or "like the spectres of L.A. haunting the buildings of New York". One of the best tracks post the reunion of the classic lineup.

14. Indian Fables

This quick 43 second toss-off perfectly illustrates the simple musical magic that ensues when the golden throated Pollard easily whips up yet another charmer.

15. Fly Into Ashes

This is a B-Side on the "Hold On Hope" single. A better song, in my opinion. I can't believe it didn't make the record. GBV's throwaway's are most band's prime rib. Doug Gillard - wunderkind guitarist and musical foil for Pollard in GBV's second act - really shows his mettle here. That guitar solo really flies!

16. Dayton, Ohio 19 Something & Five

Nostalgia never sounded so good. We are not worthy.

17. Little Whirl

A delicious Tobin Sprout rave-up. You can't not like this. "I DON'T CARE! I DON'T CARE"

18. Girls Of Wild Strawberries

Gorgeous. Better than the fruit - but not better than Girls.

19. Echos Myron

Usually coupled with "Yours To Keep" (both are from the seminal Bee Thousand), "Echos Myron" has been a staple of GBV's legendary live shows (The Best live band in America for two decades now) -  and is guaranteed to have the whole house doing the pogo up and down from the first chord. "We're finally here - and shit yeah it's cool!" Bass Player/Lawyer/Wearer of the Striped Pants Greg Demos offers a great final argument as he shreds his way through the last part of the song as rock n roll nirvana is reached.

20. 158 Years Of Beautiful Sex

Sounds good to me. The song is great too. A drum machine never sounded so good. Notice how Pollard drops the bass out of the song at the :54 mark of the song and then brings it back in at 1:04. Are you fucking kidding me? No joke. "Loads of creamy music - and lots of time to make it". Indeed.

21. The Hard Way

In lesser hands this early standout could potentially be just another generic rocker - but when The Prince of Northridge (the Dayton neighborhood Pollard hails from) adds that damn voice of his - it's like when the color hits during The Wizard Of Oz.

22. Not Behind The Fighter Jet

The last song the classic lineup recorded before its 18 year hiatus (1996-2014). Love those keys at the end. Glad it didn't end!

23. Universal Truths & Cycles

The title track of "Universal Truths and Cycles" is a slinky number with a great chorus (aren't they all?) with some standout bass work by Todd Tobias. "And the lost hierarchy of land - and land owners - and down will go back up forever more - I must try to believe this". I believe! Hallelujah I believe!

24. The Other Place

 First song. First record. First classic. Pollard shows us from the very first seconds that he is a force to be reckoned with. Already 30 years old, it is not dated at all and seems even more fresh today than it must have in Dayton in the mid 80's. The first of many Pollard songs that R.E.M. wish they had written. Again - those damn vocals. Sweet lord.

25. Game Of Pricks

Maybe GBV's finest hour. A tale of the death of a relationship that is so damn catchy that the CDC is still working on an antidote some 20 plus years after this rock n roll virus was unleashed. "I climb up on the house - weep to water the trees - and when you come calling me down I put on my disease". Take that Dylan. The band would re-record this for the Tigerbomb EP. While it was recorded better - and had some nice new guitar parts - the original version cannot be matched. This song is so good it inspired at least one book (Perfect From Now On) and just may be the most played song in my personal collection. 

26. The Ascended Master's Grogshop

Sure the title is weird - but the song's melody is devastating. A melancholy masterpiece - that's less than a minute long. Sigh with me.

Joel Kuiper owns and operates a non-emergency medical transport service called Outpatient Express. He also plays drums in The Stick Arounds, Scary Women and Icey-Dicey.