Robert Pollard

Pollard releasing two albums -- Standard Gargoyle Decisions and Coast to Coast Carpet of Love -- on the same day is curious. Perhaps the former GBV front man is so prolific (you could say he's indie rock's greatest windbag) that the 33 tracks spanning the two couldn't fit on a double album? When comparing them, two distinct themes become clear: one of breaking up and the other of reconciliation. Decisions reflects the former, with its angst-ridden, '70s-inspired experimental rock (a la the Who) and songs like "Butcher Man" and "Don't Trust Anybody." Bob's still bitter.