Doug Gillard - Parade On (2014)

The first shock when listening to this album is how laid back the musical approach is by the former Guided By Voice's lead guitarist. Starting with a primarily acoustic opening track, "Ready for Death," Doug Gillard proves more than capable with pop melody and composition in a non-electric setting. 

And to me what holds it all together is the magnificent "Your Eyes," which strikes the delicate balance between sweet serene and sickly sweet. It's a song that needs to be handled deftly, and it is. I love it, and am not even embarrassed to admit it.

Doug Gillard - "Ready for Death"

He does go to some more standard rock fare as the album reaches its end, but it's still a bit more laid back than you'd anticipate. In a good way, though.

It's definitely not what I expected. But that's definitely not a bad thing.

CD Placement Rating: Portable CD Case.

- Snilch