In the early oughts, few indie bands garnered as much attention and adoration as Grandaddy. Their albums The Sophtware Slump and Sumday were hits with fans and critics alike, and they seemed to position the band to break on through to the mainstream. But, as it turned out, the slacker vibe in their pop sound wasn't just relegated to their music: The band broke up during the recording of their final album, Just Like the Fambly Cat, due to what frontman Jason Lytle said was a combination of lack of ambition, lack of financial reward and lack of communication within the band.
But just because the band quit doesn't mean Lytle has. He's already released one solo album, 2009's Yours Truly, the Commuter, and tours regularly. And a few of those tours have involved Denton's Midlake, who, by bringing in Lytle for a show this weekend, continue their much-appreciated and new-found habit of bringing in friends to play at Denton's venerable venues. Lytle's in fine company, too, joining artists like John Grant and Beth Orton, two of the more recent outsiders to grace Denton's stages and Midlake's recording studio.
As has become the tradition, Midlake will be joining Lytle on stage to serve as his backing band at this Saturday night show at Dan's Silverleaf. Call it "Granlake." Or "Mid-daddy." Just don't miss it.
Oh, and get there early to see Denton's Matthew and The Arrogant Sea, too.
