Acoustic version of “Byrdgirl”; the first single from Matthew’s new album “Sunshine Lies” available August 26th, 2008.
MATTHEW SWEET, Sunshine Lies (Shout! Factory)
Official Site | MySpace
Long awaited, long anticipated return to grace from one of the most gifted singer/songwriters from the 90s. Its hard not to look at this album with high expectations but those can be tempered by some recent side projects by Sweet (The Thorns, Duets with Susanna Hoffs). Not that either of those were all that bad, but c’mon this is Matthew Sweet. Thankfully, Sunshine Lies harkens back to that lovable, jingle-jangle era when I would sacrifice quality sleep just to stay up and watch the Sweet inteview on MTV’s ‘120 Minutes’. I submit “Room to Rock”, “Byrdgirl” and “Daisychain” as evidence. File under: Rock / Pop / Alternative
Noteworthy
- BACKYARD TIRE FIRE, The Places We Lived (Hyena)
Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon)
One of the hardest working emerging bands out there with ten new tell-it-like-it-is tunes. - BLUES TRAVELER, Shootout In North Hollywood (Verve)
Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon)
20 years later and John Popper and company are still cranking them out. That’s a good thing. The first single is “You, Me and Everything”. - JJ GREY AND MOFRO, Orange Blossoms (Alligator)
Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon)
Twelve new songs from North Florida’s best blend of classic rock, funk and soul.
More Highlights
B.B. KING, CATIE CURTIS, CORDERO, DELTA SPIRIT, EVA CASSIDY, GABE DIXON BAND, JAN & DEAN, LITTLE FEAT, MOTT THE HOOPLE/IAN HUNTER, THE DERAILERS, THREE DOG NIGHT, and more. See our Release Calendar for more new releases like these.
Bonus Material
Noteworthy articles from Twangville and our friendly neighbors:
- Win Big! Albert Hammond, Jr. [Mayer]
- Drive-By Truckers vs. The Hold Steady [Mayer]
- RIP LEROI MOORE [SXSW]
- Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life [Glorius Noise]
- The Avett Brothers? Yeah, SO worth the drive [Fuel/Friends]
Grab Bag
- FREE GIVEAWAY! I’m giving away a free mystery (Jazz / Folk / Pop) disc this week to one lucky winner as a way of saying thanks for being a part of Twangville. Simply comment on this post to be eligible. The winner will be contacted the following week. NOTE: You must have a US mailing address to win.
About the author: Tom is a Design Director for Viget Labs currently living in Northern Virginia with his wife and two kids. 
August 28th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Count me in!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:58 am
Hope I’m not too late. I love Twangville’s reviews!
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:36 am
The best Sweet record in the last 5 years is Kimi Ga Seki… almost on par with Girlfriend, Beast and 100% fun. Looking forward to getting sunshine lies.