Matthew Sweet
Matthew Sweet completely redefined a genre with 1991’s Girlfriend. Before, power-pop was largely influenced by the teenage lyrical concerns and elaborate musical harmonies of Badfinger, the Raspberries and Big Star. After, power-pop was about adult relationships and lots of loud, aggressive guitars.
For seventeen years, Sweet has been releasing albums consistently described as his best since Girlfriend, but none of them have had anywhere near the staying power of that inarguable classic. Therefore, I refuse to call Sunshine Lies anything like a return to form, even though it does feature the key players who created the sound of his best record. Guitarists Greg Leisz, Ivan Julian, and Richard Lloyd are riffing all over the place, as well as coming up with a supply of inventive solos both melodic and manic, while Ric Menck explodes on the drums.
As invigorating as the sound of this record is, the songs more than hold their own. The title track is an absolutely exquisite concoction of shimmering guitars and overlapping vocal tracks (with a guest appearance by Susanna Hoffs, Sweet’s recent covers-project partner). You’re captivated by the song’s sheer beauty before you realize he’s singing about giving in to a woman he knows will cause him pain.
Throw in the frankly Byrdsy “Byrdgirl”, the mournful self-awareness of “Feel Fear”, the elegantly pretty yearning of “Pleasure Is Mine”, and the infectiously singable “Burn Through Love”, and you’ve got an album that won’t push a certain masterpiece off your shelf, but will fare pretty well sitting next to it.