The Little Things
 |
It’s no surprise that the first solo album from Jason Lytle, the former frontman of Grandaddy, sounds like, well, Grandaddy. Yours Truly, The Commuter has all the earmarks of his now-defunct band — the point-counterpoint of acoustics and electronics and the rustic technology that turns an oxymoron into an easy listen. Lytle still comes off as the most lonesome cowboy with a keyboard, but his early indie-rock days as a resigned cyber-slacker seem far behind him. He’s moved to Montana and the expansive, mountainous terrain has given him a new focus and a better sense of self. On songs like the title track and “The Ghost of My Old Dog,” with their subtle harmonies and snug symphony, Lytle just sounds more confident and relaxed. Nothing says this better than the picture of his studio notes on the album’s inner sleeve: “No more weird arrangements … not on this album! Very simple, very nice … rich, big, but with enough little ‘fucked things.’” One couldn’t ask for a better description, really.
— Jeremy Ohmes
Neko Case, Jason Lytle, 8 pm Sunday, June 7, McDonald Theatre. $25 adv., $28 door.
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519