In the dying days of 2009, arrives a new disc from Doug Gillard called "Call From Restricted" and it finds itself wrestling with scores of excellent releases for Top Fave status on my `best of 2009` list. I`m still trying to disgorge myself from the insanely original wonderfulness of the disc to get some perspective and see where it settles but this is Mensa Power Pop, music made for pop brainiacs filled with unusual guitar playing(think Adrian Belew), angular rhythms, soaring sideways vocals and hooks that recall obscure favorites in your record collection that you have not visited in way, way too long and have you wondering why you are paying so much attention to new bands when the old ones are *right there* in front of you. Doug Gillard has accumulated quite the resume as the guitarist for Death of Samantha, Cobra Verde, Gem, Guided By Voices and others but it`s on his own that his work really finds its muscle and natural confidence. After listening to "Call", I find myself wanting to herald the vapid tags `criminally overlooked` and `unknown genius` upon him but he deserves more than that - let the soundbites below point the way and read on for others` point of views. "It`s not conflict to call "Call" inspired - even better than Robert Pollard`s albums since he disbanded Guided By Voices...he has the element that Pollard`s current downpour lacks: quality control. Every song is completely considered and imbued with strapping guitar hooks; Pollard surely misses Gillard`s dynmaic sparks that govern this gamut." - Big Takeover. "The same brilliant musicianship and unique pop/rock songwriting of 2004`s Salamander (if you don`t own this, for shame!) comes roaring back with a vengeance on Call From Restricted. Highlights include the relentless guitar blast of the title track, From What I`ve Done`s anthemic wall-of-sound, the angular pop of No One Above You, and my favorite surprise- the moody timelessly melodic (When Will You Be) Driving By. Juicy harmonies, guitar solos to make you weep, sweet production- the Doug Gillard you know and love is back." - Pop Zeus. BIG TIME EXTREMELY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 Song #1 - mp3
Song #2 - mp3
Song #3 - mp3
Song #4 - mp3
Song #5 - mp3
Song #6 - mp3 | 
