There was that moment when Athens, GA-via-Lincoln, NE pop-rock man/Stipe-compatriot Matthew Sweet was everywhere. That moment, specifically, was ’91, when “Girlfriend” was everywhere. “Sick Of Myself” came and went a few years later, but we’ve been pretty low on Sweet since. But Matt’s back with a great track on the behest of Devon Reed, the writer, producer, and soundtrack composer of the forthcoming film The Bigtop. Yeah, so that means Devon wrote all the songs (including this one). But turns out, he’s a pretty good songwriter; that bodes well for the film, right? Or no correlation? Well, this much at least does: Devon claims to have approached musicians based on their talents, and how those fit his songs’ style. And he’s got good taste, too (the soundtrack includes Built To Spiller Doug Martsch, the Clientele, Lisa Germano, etc.). But it’s the Sweet track we’re on — and its jangle ‘n’ electric definitely suits his strengths, and it’s definitely a Sweet track.
About the film? Here’s the pitch:
The film, releasing in early 2008, centers on the life of Vincent O’Malley, a young man who runs away with the circus only to become consumed by his desire for power and the love of a woman. Forming a musical trajectory, the soundtrack reflects the arc of the film by introducing free-spirited melodies portraying Vincent’s youthful days on the prairie and later transitioning to the darker songs reflecting the obsessive mania of his later years.
Obsessive mania is always awesome. Songs From the Bigtop is out now on iTunes in stores on 2/5/08. Check the full:
01 Lisa Germano – “Magic”
02 The Clientele – “Your Song”
03 Michael Leviton – “I Only Want the Sky”
04 Damien Jurado – “Ashes”
05 Matthew Sweet – “Wild”
06 Tullycraft – “The Girl Who’s Above Us”
07 Howe Gelb – “Falling In Love”
08 The Owls – “I Just Can’t Keep Up”
09 Communique – “Way To Walk”
10 Marbles – “Something, Nothing, Everything”
11 Eleventh Dream Day – “Planning My Escape”
12 Doug Martsch – “Cracked And Crazed”
13 The Sprites – “Patience”
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when matt does it well, it’s sweet!
thanx
it’s Jack Black!!!!!
Nice to hear Matthew is back to his old ways. That album of covers he made with Susanna Hoffs was shitty.
Welcome back Matthew! Make an album now;)
It’s good to hear from Matthew Sweet after so long. A great rockin’ tune. Nice job.
MATTHEW SWEET IS THE BIGGEST FAGGOT I HAVE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE OF HEARING. THAT SONG ‘GIRLFRIEND’ IS THE GAYEST MOTHERFUCKING SHIT IVE EVER HEARD. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT WHINEY BITCHY GAY ASS VOICE OF HIS??? HE TAKES IT UP HIS ASS HARDCORE. ANYONE WITH VOICE LIKE THAT IS A MORE OF A HOMO THAN MISTER ROGERS AND RICHARD SIMMONS PUT TOGETHER. GOD DAMN, HOW COULD ANYONE LIKE THAT QUEER ASS MUSIC? ITS SIMPLY GUT WRENCHING THAT SOMEONE CAN HAVE A VOICE AND LYRICS THAT ARE SO BAD AND HAVE MONEY, FAME, AND ADORING FANS. HOW?!? THAT IS SOME OF THE MOST QUEER MUSIC IVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE. HOW CAN A GUY SING LIKE THAT? DAMN HIS VOICE FUCKING SUCKS! HOW DO YOU DOUCHEBAGS LISTEN TO THAT SHIT AND ENJOY IT?!? AND LASTLY, HOW THE FUCK DID THAT SONG MAKE IT ONTO GUITAR HERO 2? THATS NOT FUCKING ROCK MUSIC!
How come the only people that think Sweet is terrible are brain-dead 15-year-olds who own a Playstation?
Great track, though. Sweet does have a new album coming out this year; his MySpace page has a track from it.
Hey it’s Girlfriend not Boyfriend you Cro-magman!!
Matthew Sweet Rocks and Pops!!
Matthew is one of the best. I was so excited when I heard about this song, and it does not disappoint! His new album is going to be great… this just makes me want it more!
this is a great track. matthew does have a new album coming at some point in 08 and its going to be full of goodness. he’s also doing another covers album with sue hoffs and recently finished producing the debut album from family band female fronted the bridges which will also be delightful.
Funny thing about Mark Allan’s comment is that his reaction may be to a voice he’s never heard. He knows that they’re all covers on Guitar Hero II right?
I myself did find the voice of the guy singing in the GH2 version of “Girlfriend” to be quite annoying, but the song is, in reality, freaking awesome.
For being that hot, why does he sound like a girlie man? Not into this groove..but musically it’s pretty sound.
Great song, fits right in with his other greats. Screeching guitars, harmonies, great lyrics. Classic sweet. He’s so underrated its not even funny.