(Music Blip) Grandaddy: "Just Like the Fambly Cat"

Grandaddy has been around long enough to be your granddaddy. Well, not really, but I needed to get that out. However, they have been around for a while and apparently have a really big following. When reading my latest issue of Under The Radar magazine, I saw a long article about Grandaddy and how "Just Like the Fambly Cat" is their last album ever! Being a fan of preconceived swan-songs, I had to check out the album.

"Just Like the Fambly Cat" is a very somber album, as expected. What was unexpected is the production of this album. It litterally is flawless. When a lead guitar part comes in on "Rear View Mirror," you barely notice it. Everything on this album seems to blend and flow together flawlessly. The vocals, guitar, electronics, drums, whatever. They all sound perfect. However, I couldn't help but feel as if Grandaddy just disappoints. Despite the great production, the songs are lacking a lot of impact, both lyrically and musically. There's rarely a climax in any of the songs on the album and after a while, boredom starts to set in.

This is not to say that "Just Like the Fambly Cat" is a poor album. If anything, it got me interested in their back catalog. The music, though somewhat unsatisfying here, does remind me a lot of Built to Spill and Secret Machines, and that is possibly the best compliment I can bestow upon Grandaddy at this point.

Recommended for fans of Built to Spill, Dntel, Secret Machines, and anyone interested to here a strong indie-rock album.

Key Tracks:
1. "Jeez Louise"
2. "Summer...It's Gone"
3. "Rear View Mirror"
4. "Elevate Myself"

3 out of 5 Stars