After several albums of underproduced and underdeveloped gems, Bob Pollard finally proved he could deliver a fully realized album with Isolation Drills (2001). Earthquake Glue continues in this more polished direction by recording songs instead of fragments. The Who-like mix of big guitar rock and elegant melodies still sounds distinctive and benefits from better production. “The Best of Jill Hives” and “Useless Inventions” rank among their best. But even those standouts, like much of the album, are guilty of sounding like previous GBV. And the lengthier songs (as in 3-5 minutes) aren’t always filled with enough ideas to warrant the extension. There’s no doubt Bob Pollard is a prolific and gifted songwriter. His staggering and unselective output just keeps him from striking gold every time.

- Dave Powers
(As posted 8/14/03 on 3wk.com)