Moonflower Plastic August 26, 1997

Record number 2 from Guided By Voices guitarist Tobin Sprout, who in addition to writing and singing some of GBV’s best loved songs ("It’s Like Soul Man," "Awful Bliss," "Atom Eyes" "14 Cheerleader Coldfront"), made a solid solo debut with 1996’s ‘Carnival Boy.’

Before officially joining GBV circa ‘Propeller,’ Toby led the mid-80s Dayton trio, Fig. 4 (Figure 4) who released a 7" EP and one album. Tobin’s also released a solo single and split-single under the alias Bevil Web. It was not until ‘Carnival Boy’ however that his songwriting prowess was allowed greater exposure, and with Moonflower Plastic (Welcome To My Wigwam), we’re confident that his rep will be continue to grow beyond that of "ex-GBV guy" without having to resort to a triple LP ala ‘All Things Must Pass.’

As with ‘Carnival Boy’, Tobin played all guitar and bass tracks as well as piano, organ and some drums. About half of the album was recorded by Tobin on 4 and 8 track, and the other half by John Shough and Gary King in two Dayton, OH studios. Tobin’s hyperrealist paintings adorn the album’s packaging again as well. What with his illustrating career and newborn twins, there are no touring plans at the moment but who knows.

Carnival Boy September 10, 1996

The first solo album from Guided By Voices guitarist and songwriter Tobin Sprout, this dark horse surprise is being released in tandem with Robert Pollard’s solo album Not In My Airforce. Although his name might not yet be a household name, GBV aficionados know that Toby’s songs hold up as some of GBV’s finest: "Straw Dogs," "It’s Like...," "Atom Eyes," "14 Cheerleader Coldfront," etc.

Before officially joining GBV circa Propeller, Toby led the mid-’80s Dayton trio Fig. 4 (Figure 4), who released a 7" EP and one album, which attracted the attention of GBV’s Pollard. He has previously released a solo single and a split-single under the alias Bevil Web.

assembled from years of songwriting, including an exuberant remake of "It’s Like Soul Man" from Under The Bushes, Under The Stars. While Bob’s includes rough, unfleshed-out material, Toby plays guitar, bass, organ, piano and some drums. GBV’s Kevin Fennell handles most of the drumming, Bob Pollard plays guitar on "E’s Navy Blue," and the album’s engineer, John Shough contributes piano to "...Kingpin."

Sprout is also a superrealist painter of note, and he’s included two of his photograph-like compositions on the front and back of his album.