Many singer/songwriters are considered either strong vocalists who can also write or gifted composers who can sing a bit. Grant-Lee Phillips, on the other hand, is an exception, a tunesmith with an impressive command of both lyrics and melody who also possesses an instrument that's full of expressive character. Phillips' voice has a smoky texture paired with a honeyed smoothness, and his music is concise and graceful, matching the thoughtful romanticism of his verses. Phillips initially earned a significant reputation as the leader of the group Grant Lee Buffalo, who broke through with their debut album, 1993's Fuzzy.