Tobin Sprout - The Universe and Me

What George Harrison was to the Beatles and John Entwistle was to the Who, Tobin Sprout was to Guided by Voices -- a talented songwriter in a band that already had more celebrated and prolific tunesmiths. Given Robert Pollard's ability to crank out songs at a pace unknown to mere mortals, Sprout's songs rarely got the prominence they deserved during his time with GbV, but he was capable of generating a sweet wistfulness and yearning that his beery bandmate couldn't touch. Since the "classic lineup" of Guided by Voices collapsed in 2014, Sprout has laid low as a musician and songwriter, but 2017's The Universe and Me is a glorious reminder that he hasn't lost his touch. The Universe and Me is Sprout's first proper solo album (not counting a live album and some songs for a film soundtrack) since Lost Planets & Phantom Voices in 2003, but the good news is the man hasn't lost his touch or signature style. Sprout still can write simple but expressive melodies that please the ear, and hi