Organic and Authentic

Just in time for the last moments of summer, Modesto, California’s own Grandaddy is releasing their latest collection of music, Sumday: Excess Baggage. Although these 12 tracks are made up of all castaways from the A-side, a narrative unfolds and the experience sees no diminution. With such compelling lyrics and captivating instrumentals, Grandaddy certainly delivers with this assortment of hidden gems released on August 25.

With this album being mostly B-sides, it’s convenient to assume that there must be a difference in quality in some facet when it comes to these 12 tracks. However, critics will have a hard time picking the album apart, for every aspect from songwriting to production to overall creativity is in attendance for this album. Lead vocalist Jason Lytle is the perfect narrator for the melancholy and reminiscent story that is told piece by piece, track by track. His gentle and almost somber vocals perfectly fit tracks like “Build a Box” and “Sure it Worked,” both reflecting on past relationships that used to function but aren’t plausible anymore. Even in less sappy moments like “Getting’ Jipped,” the songwriting doesn’t waver and the melodies remain as memorable as ever.

One of the best parts of hearing music that was previously sidelined is the excess of creativity that may have been stifled in the releasing process. Songs that may have been deemed “too experimental” or “too out there” make reappearances on Sumday: Excess-Baggage and it’s certainly refreshing to see and hear risks being taken musically and otherwise. The group utilizes many fun and plunky synths that are reminiscent of 8-bit melodies from old video games on tracks like “Dearest Descrambler” and “Running Cable at Shiva’s.” They masterfully blend the lead synth with the traditional elements of acoustic guitar, bass, drums and vocals that are their bread and butter. Lytle even utilizes his unintelligible moans as an instrument to solo with during “Sure it Worked,” which was certainly an unconventional choice but one that strangely fits the song. The whole 12 track experience feels incredibly organic, painting a picture of a past relationship, and the bow to wrap it all up is the track entitled “I no how you feel,” which appears to be a cassette recording of the song that is recorded over at around the 1:00 mark, a fitting ending to a large-scale reflection on something that didn’t last.