Album Review: Tobin Sprout - The Universe And Me

Tobin Sprout always proved the perfect foil to Robert Pollard in the 'classic' line-up of Guided By Voices, adding songs into the mix that often sounded otherworldly and strange but offset the palette wonderfully.

His sixth solo album was cobbled together over seven years — tracks like single Future Boy Today/Man Of Tomorrow originally penned for Guided By Voices — and was recorded live with his band leaving some typically lo-fi imperfections. Sprout's familiar vocals drip with vulnerability, but it's his innovative arrangements and oft-cryptic lyrics that never fail to fascinate. A fine return from an unsung creative force.