A huge favorite of mine from 1992 on came to Austin around Mid July to play two shows at the relatively new ACL3Ten venue. I went to both shows but I also made sure got to the in-store performance/autographing at Waterloo Records. Besides his new album Tomorrow Forever, my friend Ayako and I scored new 180g pressings of Matthew’s past work.
Matthew with his bandmates playing new stuff at Waterloo.
I was so stoked to finally see Matthew play a full-blown show. I hadn’t see a complete set since 2000 at La Zona Rosa, the In Reverse tour. I did catch him around 2006 for a brief show with Susanna Hoffs promoting their Under the Covers series. Other people at the show said he had come by for other events yet nothing like this.
The two new songs “Pretty Please” and “Trick (Of Light)” were excellent and they closed with “Time Capsule.” Afterwards came the autograph fun. Matthew was gracious enough to do photos as you can see. During my brief time to talk to him, I shared my encounter with Lloyd Cole. I said, “a few years ago, I met Lloyd Cole and he had great things to say about you.” Matthew chuckled and responded, “We’re dear friends.”
A favorite album of 1992. The music on Girlfriend remains incredible and its emotional resonance has never been forgotten.
Opening for Matthew Sweet was Tommy Keene, an artist I’ve somehow missed noticing for like 30 years. He’s from the Maryland area, maybe my friend Helen recalls his work during the Eighties. Tommy was very impressive with just his guitars. We talked briefly, Tommy has a new album coming and he plans to return to Austin in a year, I’ll be there.
As for Matthew’s two show, they were worth every penny. I was a total fan boy in the front row for concert number one…
…with the second, I kicked back to let others have their opportunity. I didn’t want to deprive fellow fans.
Turnout was superb, the venue was crowded both nights even if the age curve of the audience put me around the middle. I should’ve known better. Every time I mention his name to people at least 10 years younger than me I receive a confused look. The only difference between the shows was a quick second encore on Saturday in which he played “The Ugly Truth” and someone got “Girlfriend” dedicated to her for her birthday.
A great mix of new stuff, old hits and fan favorites.
Matthew Sweet is still on tour through August and September. He’ll be hitting both coasts. Meanwhile, check out the new album, it’s the best definition of Power Pop I can describe.
Special thanks to my friend Ayako for the pictures I didn’t take successfully.