The album, while not commercially successful, was well received by music critics.
CMJ New Music Monthly described it as "an eccentric psych-pop collection". Andy Gill of The Independent called it "one of the most beguiling debuts of the year a fortuitous collision of Brian Wilson, Neil Young and the Pixies which throws out a stream of understated pop gems". AllMusic noted similarities to the bands Pavement and Weezer, and described it as "a fairly brilliant album, combining a warm, earnest and rustic feel with sometimes goofy experimentation". Frontman Jason Lytle's vocal performance was also praised; Jason Josephes of Pitchfork wrote: "If the lonely vocals of 'Lineage' and 'Collective Dreamwish of Upperclass Elegance' don't strike you there, you have no soul". Steve Taylor wrote in his book The A to X of Alternative Music that "Laughing Stock" is the album's standout track.
Nonphenomenal Lineage
Grandaddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The results are back
And now it's time to pack your things and go
Seems you came up rather short
Of the average sort
Now I must inform you've no reason left to remain here
Now surely you'll understand that only gifted hands
Will receive the chance to touch down on fortune
Now we'll gather up your things
And lead you to the gate
And you will go away
And never attempt to return here
Nonphenominal Lineage
The lyrics in Grandaddy's "Nonphenomenal Lineage" offer a commentary on societal pressures to conform to certain expectations and ideals. The song begins with a greeting from someone in a position of power, who has just received the results of some kind of test or evaluation. The news is not good, and the listener is essentially being told that they do not measure up to some kind of average or standard. This news is accompanied by a directive to pack up and leave, with the implication being that the listener is not deserving of their current circumstances.
The second verse reinforces the theme of societal pressure and the importance of being perceived as special or gifted in some way. The gatekeepers of fortune are portrayed as being selective, and only those who are deemed exceptional will be allowed to participate in this mysterious opportunity. The listener is told to relinquish any hope of returning and to accept their place as someone without a "phenomenal lineage."
Overall, "Nonphenomenal Lineage" is a critique of meritocracy and the ways in which it can be used to exclude people who do not fit into certain molds. The song suggests that these expectations are arbitrary and inherently unfair, as they allow some people to flourish while keeping others from even having the chance to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Well hello good morning sir
Greetings, it is morning and I address you politely.
The results are back
The evaluation is complete.
And now it's time to pack your things and go
It is time for you to leave and take your possessions with you.
Seems you came up rather short
It appears that you did not perform as well as expected.
Of the average sort
You are not exceptional.
Now I must inform you've no reason left to remain here
I must explain that there is no reason for you to stay any longer.
Now surely you'll understand that only gifted hands
You will surely comprehend that only those with great ability will have the chance to succeed.
Will receive the chance to touch down on fortune
Opportunities for success are limited to those who possess outstanding talent.
Now we'll gather up your things
We are going to collect your belongings.
And lead you to the gate
We will direct you to the exit.
And you will go away
You will depart.
And never attempt to return here
You should not try to come back.
Nonphenomenal Lineage
The title of the song, likely referring to the singer's rejection of those without exceptional abilities.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JASON LYTLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind