From: dx@netcom.com (dx)
Subject: Matthew Sweet: Goodfriend
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 07:52:39 GMT
Followup-To: rec.music.misc


Matthew Sweet -- Goodfriend -- Zoo/BMG ZP17098-2

Why why why do record labels put out limited-edition promo-only discs of
otherwise unavailable material?  Do they like knowing that fans are paying
$20 a pop to pick these up at better used record stores?  Do they get some
secret pleasure in knowing that there's an underground economy, trading in
these items, items for which the artist gets no remuneration at all?  It's
almost as if the label is bootlegging their own artist.  *sigh*

Well, at least I found a copy.  I guess that's the real point, isn't it?
This 13-track disc features alternate versions of tracks from Sweet's
"Girlfriend" album, as well as a few otherwise unreleased originals and
covers.

I'd hoped that this disc would be something similar to the "Big Star Live"
issue.  That is, a great new visit with old trusted friends, a new slant on
something so familiar.  And, in some ways, I suppose, it is just that, if not
with quite the same magnitude of force that the Big Star turn managed.
Overall it's a good buy for the "Girlfriend" fanatic who just needs to hear
more.

The tracks are comprised of a few acoustic versions recorded in 9/82, some
live tracks from shows in San Diego (8/92) and Cleveland (3/92), and some
tracks prepared for the BBC1 in 7/92.

A few of the tracks don't really seem to have much new to offer, and leave me
feeling that the "Girlfriend" versions were really the definitive
recording/arrangement.  A few of the tracks, though, especially those of
songs previously unreleased, are quite stellar.

The opening acoustic version of "Divine Intervention" sounds as if Richie
Havens wrote the arrangement: boldly stummed guitars embroidered with some
acoustic lead by Ivan Julian.  It doesn't pack the incredible punch of the
album's version, but it's a good listen.  It reminds me of Pete Townshend's
acoustic takes on the Secret Policeman's Ball.

Other acoustic demos include "Looking at the Sun" and "Winona".  The former
feels nice in this simplified version, while the latter seems lacking for the
wonderful pedal steel that the LP version features.  It does have an
enjoyable langour to the pacing, and a fetching harmony vocal.  In many ways
these version are more the singer-songwriter versions, and the ringing of the
acoustic guitars makes them a good listen.  The vocals are a bit more rough,
without the sense of caress that Sweet brought to the LP versions...  the
hanging on every syllable.

The last acoustic demo is a cover of John Lennon's "Isolation."  After all
the hours I spent in my car, singing along to the Girlfriend CD and
occasionally slipping into a Lennonesque nasal whine, it's great to hear
Sweet himself singing a cover of one of his obvious influences.  This track
is quite excellent, with Sweet singing along to lush acoustic guitars.

Two live versions of "Girlfriend" show two really different approaches (both
different from the album) to the same song.  The live version taken from a
show at San Diego State plays the song out much more as rock 'n' roll with
some great rhythm and lead guitars, while the BBC version plays it at more of
a blues pace (reminding me very much of the Beatles acoustic version of
"Revolution").  Neither has the groove of the album's version, but they're
both interesting twists.

All of the live tracks feature Sweet singing in a slightly lower, huskier
voice from that found on the LP.  I'm not nearly as partial to it as the
voice he found in the studio.  It almost sounds weary, as if this were the
end of a tour.  In some ways it adds to the more downcast tracks, but overall
I don't find it as musical or compelling.

Other live tracks from the San Diego State show include "Night and Day"
sounding not that much different from the LP version.  "Thought I Knew You",
also with a similar arrangement to the LP.  "Does She Talk", which turns into
a great piece of slowly paced, bluesy, noisy rock 'n' roll in this live
context.  "You Don't Love Me", which, with it's finger picked and strummed
electric guitars hangs on to that dragged-out 4am feeling -- this is one of
the tracks on which I really like Sweet's more hoarse vocal.  There is also
some nice cello on this track.  And last, a cover of Neil Young's "Cortez
the Killer", featuring violin and cello, and guest guitars and vocals from
Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers.

A live version of "I've Been Waiting", from a live show in Cleveland, rounds
out the live offerings.  Again, Sweet's voice doesn't have that same...
sweet (sorry) quality that the studio version offers, and the live sound
doesn't add much in the way of propulsion or newly explored territory.
Competent, but not especially enlightening.

The studio recordings made for the BBC are two, the aforementioned bluesy
version of "Girlfriend", and the TOTALLY AMAZING original, "Someone to Pull
the Trigger."  This track is easily a match for anything that made it to the
Girlfriend CD.  Another heartbreaker that matches a very meloncholy vocal to
a beautifully sad melody and tearful lyrics.  It's just about the other side
of "Thought I Knew You."  It's one of those songs I wish were about 2-3 times
longer, just repeating the same lyrical and melodic motif over and over.
Even if I hated the rest of this disc (which I don't, by any means), this
track alone would redeem it.  I like it that much.