Description

Great Plains – Sum Things Up – Cassette

Great Plains’ Sum Things Up is the fourth and final album by the Ohio-based band, released in 1991. Known for their unique blend of alternative rock, jangle pop, and Midwestern charm, Great Plains, led by songwriter and frontman Ron House, crafted a distinct niche in the indie rock scene of the 1980s and early ’90s. Sum Things Up serves as the band’s swan song, combining witty, poignant lyrics with a raw, jangly sound that encapsulates the spirit of the era’s underground music.

The album is steeped in the lo-fi aesthetic that defined much of the indie rock scene at the time. Jangly guitars, minimalist production, and House’s distinctive, talk-sung vocal delivery give the album its character. The band leans heavily on storytelling, often weaving humor and pathos into their songs. While rooted in alternative rock, their sound incorporates elements of folk and garage rock, making it both timeless and distinctly tied to its era.

Ron House’s lyrics are a standout feature of Sum Things Up. Known for his sardonic wit and sharp observational skills, House explores themes of suburban ennui, human frailty, and everyday absurdities. The album strikes a balance between self-deprecation and heartfelt sincerity, making it resonate with listeners who appreciate literate and introspective songwriting.

Notable Tracks:

‘Serious Kind’: A jangly, melodic opener that sets the tone for the album, blending introspection with upbeat instrumentation.
‘Letter to a Fanzine’: A tongue-in-cheek critique of indie music culture, showcasing House’s humor and self-awareness.
‘Why Do Punk Rock Guys Go Out With New Wave Girls?’: This playful, ironic track captures the quirks of youth subcultures with a wink.
‘Final Exam’: A reflective piece that feels like a fitting closer for the band’s final album, both melancholic and hopeful.

The album’s lo-fi production mirrors the DIY ethos of the indie scene in the early ’90s. The sound is unpolished but intentional, emphasizing authenticity over technical perfection. This approach allows the raw emotion and personality of the songs to shine through, aligning with the aesthetic of other influential indie bands like The Replacements and Guided by Voices.

Sum Things Up was well-received within the indie music community. Critics praised the album for its clever lyrics, unpretentious sound, and emotional depth. It solidified Great Plains’ reputation as a cult favorite, and their influence can be traced in later indie and lo-fi bands that prioritize storytelling and character over commercial appeal.

As their final album, Sum Things Up captures the essence of Great Plains’ ethos: intelligent, self-aware, and profoundly human. It serves as a testament to the band’s ability to transform ordinary experiences into compelling art.

Listeners who enjoy the literate indie rock of bands like The Replacements, R.E.M., The Feelies, or the lo-fi charm of Guided by Voices will likely find Sum Things Up to be a rewarding listen.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Homestead Records

Track Listing
Martin luther king and Martin Luther drinking
End of the sevenities
Appetite
Physical Fact
The wind blows, the law breaks
Authentic
Standing at the crosswords
Drunkards blues
Alfalfa Omega
Day old
So far
Directions to the party
Before we stopped to think
Violent gestures
The war