He remains one of America’s most underrated Power Pop artists despite making some of the best records of my generation. Although it was technically released in late 1991, Girlfriend was his overdue breakthrough in 1992 and a big personal favorite of mine. I played the CD to death that Summer. Originally the album was going to be called Nothing Lasts, another track on the record, but Tuesday Weld’s handlers wouldn’t allow her pictures on the cover unless he changed it. Thus, the upbeat single “Girlfriend,” was used and the record’s overall bitter theme was toned down; it was mainly inspired by Sweet’s recent divorce.
The cooler news for his birthday is a new title due in early 2008! Matthew has posted a single called “Badass” on his MySpace page to check out. I need to listen to it later on my better workstation at home. Meanwhile, I’m excited because I’ve never found any of his post-1992 work to be disappointing and he better tour, I haven’t been to a proper Matthew Sweet concert in seven years.