In the wake of Grandaddy’s dissolution, Yours Truly, The Commuter could so easily have been a downbeat affair.

Instead, it represents a rediscovery of Jason Lytle’s mojo.
Where Grandaddy’s latter-day work reflected the frustration that Lytle felt in California, Yours Truly… is an embodiment of the resolve that he has discovered in Montana (as our interview with him on this page will attest). With the opening title track, Jason Lytle plainly states that he is not going to be kept down for long. The song is remarkably linear, its melody simple and catchy.

Still, there is a hint of restraint, especially on the chorus, and this slightly cautious element carries on throughout. Where he might have gone bigger or made a bee-line for the left-field, Lytle reins it in a little.

Still, the back to basics simplicity only adds to the appeal. Yours Truly, The Commuter is a joyous and compelling return of a great songwriter.

Mark Grassick