Good Ol’ Boys. By Leila Regan

The guys in Grandaddy are used to speculation. After years of journalists delving into their lyrics and notes for some greater meaning, the band has had to get used to shrugging off the claims made by fans and the media alike.

Guitarist Jim Fairchild is only too happy to sift through the usual questions of assumption and wonder. He sighs at the idea that the group’s songs are waging any sort of war against technology (“I have my mobile phone right here”); he scoffs at the classification of the band’s early work as “lo-fi” (“The term “lo-fi” is bullshit anyway … we never wanted to sound like crap”); he grows weary of being pigeon-holed with groups like the Super Furry Animals (“Descriptions in general are kinda crap. We’re just a rock ‘n’ roll band … trying to make good Music”); he denies that the group ever wished to make a “concept album” with the recording of Sumday (“It’s not as linear as people think”).

With all the preconceived notions people have with the band, Gandaddy are really just a bunch of guys happy to rock out. Jason Lytle’s lyrics are less about the meaning of the universe and more about “documenting his life.” And Fairchild declares that he “doesn’t want there to be any free time” and wants to fill all his days with work on music.

“A couple of friends and family passed away,” he says, thinking back to the last year. “Really inspirational people.”

When he thinks of all the opportunities laid out to the band, Fairchild proclaims if “dishonorable” not to take up every single one of them.

“It’s a blessing to play for a living. I want to be better and better.”

The boy has been far from irresponsible with his time recently. Along with Lytle, Fairchild worked with indie-rock group Earlimart on their 2003 release, Everyone Down Here,” and Fairchild just finished up working with them on their next release.

As for Grandaddy’s future, Fairchild assures that the group will “always” come first, and strive to stimulate more and more senses.

“In “Fantasia” Walt Disney wanted to stimulate every sense,” he says of the band’s mixing of audio and sound. “He even wanted to pipe in smells.”

Fairchild takes Disney’s idea to heart when the band’s performances come into play.

“Hopefully people are not over stimulated,” he says methodically. “It is a very delicate balance.”

Any plans to use aromas in live shows?

“We smell bad enough already.”