Tag Archives: Jason Lytle
Owl and Bear’s Top Albums of 2009
Owl and Bear writers’ favorite albums of 2009. Continue reading
Jason Lytle Gets into the X-Mas Spirit
When Grandaddy broke up in 2006, it could have spelled the end for front man Jason Lytle‘s career. Fraught with tension and years past their prime, the group had already parted ways by the time their final album, Just Like The Fambly Cat, was released to faint fanfare. Lytle disappeared from the public eye, abandoning his hometown of Modesto, CA for the quietude of Montana.
But, in 2008, he quietly reemerged to sign a solo deal with ANTI- Records. The resulting album, Yours Truly, the Commuter, finally answered the question of exactly what Lytle had been doing with his time since the band split; he had been getting his groove back.
Yours Truly is an outstanding record, every bit as good as classic Grandaddy works Sumday and The Sophtware Slump. It maintains the moody longing fans have come to expect, but marries it with exquisite production and a transcendent atmosphere of hope. The album is easily one of this year’s best, and marks the first chapter in a creative renaissance for the songwriter. So, to celebrate his comeback year in style, Lytle has just released a surprise EP as a Christmas gift to his fans. Continue reading
Neko Case Announces Summer Tour
A few months ago, Neko Case played a “secret show” at the Casbah, which was announced ahead of time on the underground Internet site MySpace. The show, designed to promote music enthusiasts TurboTax, was set to open its doors at 7pm and would only admit people on a first-come, first-serve basis.
However, people on the Casbah’s e-mailing list were told that they could show up at 3pm to get a wristband guaranteeing entry, and then reappear later and walk right in—information that was unavailable to anyone who found out the correct way (through MySpace). This therefore greatly benefited otherwise oblivious Casbah mailing list members; in other words, lots of people showed up a mere three to four hours ahead of time to find the show already sold out.
Those who missed Neko that night may be wondering if San Diego is to be included in her upcoming North American tour, but this time as a real show with purchasable tickets and an adequately-sized venue. Well, San Diegans can now rest easy because Neko has finally announced her tour dates and, if you did miss her last time, you remain hopelessly and utterly screwed.
However, if you live in any other city in North America, you’re in luck. Neko and her goddess-like vocals are coming to you! Tickets can be purchased here, and we’ve got the dates for you after the jump. You know, in spite of everything, we do still love you, Neko. Continue reading
Jason Lytle – I Am Lost (And the Moment Cannot Last)
Here’s the hot-off-the-press video for “I Am Lost (And the Moment Cannot Last)” by Jason Lytle. Directed by The General Assembly, the downtrodden clip is the first single off of the former Grandaddy frontman’s new solo album, Yours Truly, The Commuter.
Though the album doesn’t drop until May 19th, you can hear it right now, thanks to the nice people at NPR. We’ve been listening to it non-stop for the past couple weeks—especially the flawless track “Brand New Sun”—and we think it may even surpass Grandaddy’s best work. Give the album a test-drive here.