2/10

Having now broken up twice in their turbulent career, Guided By Voices have returned in some capacity at least. Despite being released under the Guided By Voices name, frontman Robert Pollard is the only musician on this new record. Playing all the instruments himself, this new record screams of a desperate individual clinging to the last scraps of his once fortuitous band and yet 'Please Be Honest', by its very name, is looking for acceptance above anything else.

Despite only being one man on the record and that individual never really trying something like this before, you have to appreciate the candour in which he has taken to this new release. But still the lack of professionalism on this album is astounding. It sounds like a poorly recorded demo by some teenage grunge outfit who have only been playing together a few months. No real focus or direction on this release, just a mess of ideas that haven't had time to be worked over properly.

It's a shame that this kind of thing has been allowed to tarnish the otherwise good name of Guided By Voices. Pollard is not a infinitely talented musician and has stretched himself too far with his intentions here. Not worth anyone's time.