Search - Guided By Voices, Airport 5 :: Selective Service

An odd but enjoyable assortment of songs

Abe Sapien | 02/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was one of my first experiences with Airport 5, the side project between Robert Pollard (GBV) and his long time friend Tobin Sprout (ex-GBV). Based on the strength of the song writing here I immediately purchased an Airport 5 full length album. The songs are instantly recognizeable as the work of Pollard, but the shape of the songs is clearly reflective of Sprout's influence.



The music employ swirling repetitive beats and hooks, reminiscient of a less produced Spaceman 3. The lyrics lean towards the minimalist side and often times take on a chant like quality that would later become a standard practice on the Airport 5 album "Life Starts Here".



The best GBV cut on this disc by far is the live version of "Dayton Ohio 19 something and 5", a great have for fans. The other 3 GBV songs (tracks 2,3, and 4) are very sparsely arranged acoustic numbers and are the weakest songs on the disc, but only by comparison to the other songs.



All in all its a great piece to own and a lot easier to buy than all of the singles."

Professional winter music by Pollard and Sprout

smashingcarlos | Florida | 09/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Selective Service is a singles anthology of sorts, with GBV and Airport 5 singles that were only available on vynil before (I believe). These songs are truly amazing. They become one in this EP, creating a feeling of warmth, the kind you could only feel when you hug someone in the dead of winter. My favorites are "Dayton, OH 19 Something And 5," "Cold War Water Sports," and "The Wheel Hits The Path (Quite Soon)." The music is great, the lyrics obtusely cohesive, and in a way, touching and inspiring. A defenate must for any GBV fan. And I must say, any GBV fan needs to get an Airport 5 CD, you'll thank me. Probably not, but you'll be happy you listened to me."