Clocking in at more than 30 minutes, this 2005 outing by futuristic California roots rock ensemble Grandaddy makes the most of its EP format.
A seven-song mini-album with lyrics supplied by a fictional fan, EXCERPTS FROM THE DIARY OF TODD ZILLA finds Grandaddy mastermind Jason Lytle in typically eccentric form, supporting his songs of middle-class tedium with dreamy, often elegiac arrangements.
Highlights include a six-minute epic, "At My Post," built around burbling synth passages, and the playful, lush "Florida," a track that morphs into a frenetic, guitar-fueled rock tune.
Despite its brevity, TODD ZILLA is dense enough to create the feeling of a full record, making it a must-have for Grandaddy fans.