Office of Hearts

Taco, Buffalo, Birddog and Jesus by Guided By Voices

“Taco, Buffalo, Birddog and Jesus”

Suitcase

Fading Captain Series, 2000

By the sound of it, I’d say this was written and recorded circa ‘86 while Bob was still in his REM phase. But REM (unless I’m mistaken) never did a recitation in the middle of a song with a slap-back echo on the vocal track, nor did they ever create anything that approaches the sort of sweeping Midwestern melancholy this song evokes. 

Finally (officially) seeing the light of day in 2000 on Suitcase 1, this was a standout track among 99 other mostly gems. I remember our “tribute” band, Gaping Blue Vagina tackling it, although we couldn’t get enough slap-back on the vocals.

Love,

Mike E.

Rich T sez: There were 4 guys in Dayton who had those nicknames and that is why Bob wrote the song. I’ve met Buffalo!