2003-10-08
“Grandaddy” has written a sensible pop album. Whether that is a good or a bad thing is up for discussion. At least for us (AAA radio) it means that the entire album is playable. Those familiar with their work will either say “Grandaddy” has sold out or will consider this a groundbreaking timeless masterpiece, like “Mrs. Robinson” but played by “Radiohead.” As the comparison suggests, the album is not going to completely satisfy straight-up pop rock fans i.e. the “Icicles” and the “Beatles,” because of the electronic absurdity lingering like a hand ready to slap them. Those who have enjoyed the intelligent pop rock journey from Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (Pavement) to OK Computer (Radiohead) to Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Flaming Lips), will find these 53 minutes a nice way to catch their breaths. The beauty of this phase of “Grandaddy’s” career is that the majority of the album is not going to scare the generally happy, open-minded listener. If nothing else, it will be the album that will turn on a new crowd to their music, albeit it’s the same crowd that waited for Volkswagen to decide that the “Polyphonic Spree” is cool. Jason Lytle does accomplish some great, intelligent lyrics, maybe even at times a bit more clever than you want in a pop song.LEVON HELM
RAMBLE AT THE RYMAN
DAVID BAZAN
Fewer Moving Parts EP
Setzer, Brian
Rockabilly Riot vol. 1 A Tribute to Sun Records
TOMMY MALONE
NATURAL BORN DAYS
Chip Fundy
Chip Fundy
CAROLINE SMITH
Half About Being a Woman
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