Published: Monday, August 25, 2008
Liner Notes: Matthew Sweet's latest album lacks punch
"Sunshine Lies," Matthew Sweet
Why care? In the first half of the 1990s, Sweet put out one great album, "Girlfriend," and a handful of perfect songs, including "Sick of Myself."
Trivia: Sweet went to college in 1983 at the University of Georgia in Athens because he liked the college town's booming music scene, which already had produced REM and the B-52s, according to the All Music Guide.
High points: Since most of these tracks run together, it's hard to pick a favorite. Let's go with "Room to Rock," though. Despite a lackluster chorus about Sweet's need for a "room to rock in," it has some of the guitar crunch that made his old work shine.
Fans also like: Midcareer Beatles, power pop.
Andy says: Sweet's career has always been hit or miss, and his latest, out on Tuesday, is a miss. There's nothing bad about it, so longtime fans of the cult star may be pleased. But most of the songs feel scrubbed clean of any color and don't seem likely to attract new fans. Overall, they lack power, and there's just no pop.
Grade: C-minus
"Rhumb Line," Ra Ra Riot
Why care? Recorded in Woodinville, Ra Ra Riot's debut on Seattle's Barsuk Records has been earning raves since its Aug. 19 release, including a four-star write-up in Rolling Stone.
Trivia: Don't let the local connections fool you. The group calls Syracuse, N.Y., home.
High points: The album reaches its peak about halfway through, with the indie pop tracks "Dying Is Fine" and "Can You Tell."
Fans also like: Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, 1980s new wave.
Andy says: The group doesn't deserve four-star accolades quite yet. It often gets stuck between current indie rock touchstones, like those bands mentioned above, keeping it from having a sound all its own. Still, the album's best moments hint at good things to come.
Grade: B-minus
Andy Rathbun 425-339-3455 arathbun@heraldnet.com.
Why care? In the first half of the 1990s, Sweet put out one great album, "Girlfriend," and a handful of perfect songs, including "Sick of Myself."
Trivia: Sweet went to college in 1983 at the University of Georgia in Athens because he liked the college town's booming music scene, which already had produced REM and the B-52s, according to the All Music Guide.
High points: Since most of these tracks run together, it's hard to pick a favorite. Let's go with "Room to Rock," though. Despite a lackluster chorus about Sweet's need for a "room to rock in," it has some of the guitar crunch that made his old work shine.
Fans also like: Midcareer Beatles, power pop.
Andy says: Sweet's career has always been hit or miss, and his latest, out on Tuesday, is a miss. There's nothing bad about it, so longtime fans of the cult star may be pleased. But most of the songs feel scrubbed clean of any color and don't seem likely to attract new fans. Overall, they lack power, and there's just no pop.
Grade: C-minus
"Rhumb Line," Ra Ra Riot
Why care? Recorded in Woodinville, Ra Ra Riot's debut on Seattle's Barsuk Records has been earning raves since its Aug. 19 release, including a four-star write-up in Rolling Stone.
Trivia: Don't let the local connections fool you. The group calls Syracuse, N.Y., home.
High points: The album reaches its peak about halfway through, with the indie pop tracks "Dying Is Fine" and "Can You Tell."
Fans also like: Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, 1980s new wave.
Andy says: The group doesn't deserve four-star accolades quite yet. It often gets stuck between current indie rock touchstones, like those bands mentioned above, keeping it from having a sound all its own. Still, the album's best moments hint at good things to come.
Grade: B-minus
Andy Rathbun 425-339-3455 arathbun@heraldnet.com.
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