After twenty-odd years, twenty-odd lineups, and twenty-odd albums, EPs, singles, triples, stolen bases, misdemeanor convictions, and broken hearts, Dayton, OH’s fortunate sons Guided By Voices were to call it quits, and 2004’s Half Smiles of the Decomposed was intended to be their swan song, a final album. They would eventually reunite between 2010 and 2014, but either way, Half Smiles of the Decomposed may well be the strongest set of music the band has ever released for public consumption, and featured Robert Pollard (vocals), Doug Gillard (guitar), Nate Farley (guitar), Chris Slusarenko (bass), and Kevin March (drums).