La La Land (Guided by Voices album)
La La Land is the 25th full-length studio album by American indie rock band Guided by Voices. It was released on January 21, 2022, on the Rockathon Records label. The album marks one of several releases during the prolific second incarnation of the "classic lineup" era of the band, which includes Robert Pollard, Tobin Sprout, Doug Gillard, Kevin March, and Mark Shue.
Known for its characteristic brevity and lo-fi aesthetic (though leaning more towards a polished lo-fi sound compared to earlier albums), La La Land features a mix of upbeat, power-pop influenced tracks and more introspective, mid-tempo songs. Songwriting is primarily attributed to Robert Pollard, with contributions from Tobin Sprout and Doug Gillard. The album's title and artwork are generally considered to align with the band's often-surreal and whimsical imagery. La La Land, like many Guided by Voices albums, is noted for its dense collection of catchy hooks and melodic structures, even within its condensed song formats. Reception has been generally positive, with critics praising the album's consistency and the band's continued ability to deliver high-quality material after decades of activity.