Robert Pollard to hit the road via Boston Spaceships

July 1, 2008 1:28 p.m. by Jeff Skruck

To say that Robert Pollard is prolific is a gross understatement. To say that he lacks the ability to edit out the crap and keep just the gems is pretty much on the money. The ten or so LPs and EPs he’s released the past couple of years are evidence of both previous statements. And so upon hearing that Bob has a new band and album due in September, even the most die-hard GBV disciples might express a ho-hum response. That is until they get a taste of what Pollard and his buddies in Boston Spaceships have been up to lately. It seems that even Pollard knows that he’s onto something good. Something really good. Something good enough for the road. That’s right, Pollard and his spaceships are gonna tour. Let’s hear it for bushy gray hair, high kicks, windmills, and (multiple) 12 packs of Miller Lite. “Mr. Pollard was so enthusiastic about this album that he's decided to play his first proper club tour in two years,” the band’s site states. “This from a guy who hates flying, goes bananas sitting in the van, and who has turned down tours with Radiohead and the Strokes. Give Brown Submarine a spin or two -- it'll make you feel like a kid again, too. “Or go ahead, ignore Boston Spaceships and keep yourself busy finding the next Vampire Weekend, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah or Ned's Atomic Dustbin. But if you save this album on your shelf and pull it out a few years from now, we guarantee it will make you very, very happy.”

The album, Brown Submarine, is due on Guided By Voices records on Sept. 9. The band -- Pollard, Chris Slusarenko (Takeovers, GBV), John Moen (Decemberists, Jicks) Tommy Keene and Jason Narducy -- will be on the road shortly after that. Yes, they're playing Boston. Check out their website.

Dates:

09.25 Cincinnati, OH: Midpoint Music Festival *

09.26 Cleveland, OH: Grog Shop *

09.27 Washington, DC: Black Cat *

09.29 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brendas *

09.30 Boston, MA: Paradise #

10.01 New York, NY: Highline Ballroom *

10.03 Ann Arbor, MI: Blind Pig *

10.04 Dayton, OH: Dayton Music Fest

10.06 Chicago, IL: Double Door *

10.07 St Paul, MN: Turf Club *

10.09 Champaign, IL: The High Dive *