Do the Collapse

Is indie rock really dead? Robert Pollard, guiding voice of underground heroes GBV, is hedging his bets. With a bona fide producer (Ric ''Candy-O'' Ocasek), he lurches for the gold ring he used to flick beer caps through, abetting the higher fidelity and big guitars of 1997's Mag Earwhig! with new-wave synths, strings, and even bigger guitars on Do the Collapse. When the tunes are there, the footlights flatter. When they're not, you miss the basement. B