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TEST SPINS
APRIL 2002
VOL 12.10
GRANDADDY
Concrete Dunes
(Lakeshore)
Since signing with V2, these mousy introverts have become a recurrent critic's pick, even if a commercial breakthrough remains out of reach. While Grandaddy polishes off its upcoming album, the group's first label (formerly known as Will Records) ties up loose ends with this generous collection of rarities. Uneven material and shaky musicianship make the disc a bumpy ride, but Grandaddy's atmospheric blend of floating melodies, tremulous vocals, oozing tempos and sci-fi synthesizers lifts the strongest tracks. Noisier tunes from 1996's A Pretty Mess by This One Band EP (especially "Kim You Bore Me to Death" and "Tastee") show a surprising Pixies influence, while the group's caressing ballad style shines on the more recent "12-PAK-599," "Levitz" and "For the Dishwasher." Don't miss the suite-like "Wretched Songs," an unusual cut which flavors a haunted plea with contrasting breaks of rattling guitar power.
Grade: B
ERIC BROOME |
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