MATT SHARP (OF WEEZER, THE RENTALS): Matt Sharp

Matt Sharp (of Weezer, The Rentals)

Matt Sharp

© 2004 In Music We Trust Records and Matt Sharp (678277072121)

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The debut full-length album from Weezer co-founder/former bassist and Rentals front man Matt Sharp. Stripping away the layers, Sharp delivers a sparse, beautiful solo masterpiece.

tracks

1 All Those Dreams
2 Goodbye West Coast
3 Every Time In Blue
4 Just Like Movie Stars
5 Shadows
6 Watch The Weather Break
7 Let Me Pass
8 Thoughts From A Slow Train
9 After The Angels
10 Before You Go
11 Some Days

notes

Former Weezer bassist and MTV Buzz Clip band The Rentals' mastermind Matt Sharp ended his four-year, self-imposed hiatus from the music business last summer, releasing the critically acclaimed "Puckett's Versus the Country Boy" EP on Portland-based indie In Music We Trust Records.

After constant touring in support of the EP, Sharp is slated to release his self-titled, debut full-length May 18, 2004 on In Music We Trust Records.

Hidden away in a small house deep in the countryside of Leipers Fork, TN, Matt removed himself to do some thinking, writing and recording for what evolved into "Puckett's Versus the Country Boy", and now the self-titled full-length.

The sound of his solo work is a big departure from what he is most well known for. The enigmatic front man for The Rentals (Maverick Records) released the seminal lo-fi new wave album Return of The Rentals in 1995, which featured the modern rock radio smash, "Friends Of P.". The Rentals' sophomore-release, "Seven More Minutes", followed in 1999 and became an instant cult favorite with its glamorous affair of epic ballads and hedonistic celebrations. It was written and recorded in Barcelona and London. It also contained collaborations with some of Europe's most well known artists, such as Damon Albarn (Blur), Tim Wheeler (Ash), and countless others from Brit pop's royalty. The record was completed in a whirlwind of travel and emotion, bouncing from continent to continent in the haze of a passionate scene.

"At that time, I thought I had all the answers, trying to create a tower of songs, monuments of sound, with very dense arrangement - a billion tracks of synthesizers, a zillion layers of female harmonies. All to celebrate this friend of mine and to let her know she meant the world to me, but somehow in the midst of all this production and chaos my message got lost in the machine "- Matt Sharp (2003)

Enter "Matt Sharp". Gone are the moog synthesizers, female harmonies, and coke-bottle glasses. The new music unfolds like a late night conversation with a long lost friend.

Central to his musical life now are his two main collaborators, ex. Cake guitarist Greg Brown (not to be confused with the folk singer of the same name) and ambient/singer-songwriter artist Josh Hager. Hager sets the tone of the new material with ghostly sounds that lay under the record's sparse arrangements, giving the music it's contemplative and almost haunting mood. Greg Brown's guitar brings to the record a rustic melodic sense with an authentic American voice.

Beyond that, Sharp is probably best remembered as the charismatic founding member of multi-platinum band Weezer. Sharp's bass playing was their heart and his falsetto vocals their soul).

Living through the pandemonium and geek sheik phenomena that was the Blue Album (over 4 million copies sold in the U.S. alone). And one of the most influential and landmark records of the last decade, 1997's "Pinkerton" (rated number 16 by readers of Rolling Stone in a list of the greatest rock-n-roll records of all time), Sharp and the group quietly parted ways sometime in 1998. In 1999, Sharp also decided to put The Rentals to rest.

Leaving the pop life behind, Matt found himself hold up in a small country house, far away from outside influences, without television or radio. The wide open fields of the Tennessee landscape serve as backdrop for songs like "Goodbye West Coast", in which the author sings of returning home to visit his best friend's grave. The spiritual tone of lap steel, piano, and acoustic guitar echo around the private words that read like a diary. The
lyrics, instead of presuming to know all the answers, start to ask a lot of questions that get a dialog rolling.

Supporting the release of "Puckett's Versus the Country Boy" by touring relentlessly, first with friends, Hager and Brown, then boldly off on his own, headlining intimate evenings. Sharp brought the music as honestly as possible to the fans. Breaking down the barriers between performer and audience, Sharp asked everyone to bring a pillow and sit as close as possible to the band. Eventually last Fall Sharp took the opportunity to do supporting dates as well with good friends Tegan & Sara. Not only opening each night, joined by Tegan or Sara on a song here and there, but dusting off the old Rentals' Moog synthesizers, incorporating into Tegan & Sara's set.

Following the release of the self-titled full-length, Sharp will once again hit the road, again in a striping the songs bear with just warm vocals and an acoustic guitar. And, much like the tours in support of "Puckett's Versus the Country Boy", depending on the evening, the intimate shows can move from somber to light-hearted storytelling. Expect great songwriting, beautifully naked songs, and honest singing when you see Sharp live.

Don't want it on CD? Want it on vinyl?

You can order this record on vinyl (import, from Europe) at http://www.glitterhouse.com/index.asp?lang=e&mode=artinfo&submode=&id=36828&searchfor=&searchmode=0&pos=&wk=&rnd=0%2C6631586&s1=&s2=&incs=false. It inclues a different track order AND an unreleased song!

reviews

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  • Excellent
    author: Sean MacMillan

    I know the reviews initially said that this is NOT a Rentals CD. But that would be like saying a Tom Scholz solo album doesn't sound like Boston. Believe me though, that's not a bad thing. Those characteristic, insightful lyrics along with some twisty melodies are ever present although totally stripped down. There is nothing like an artist bearing his soul with simple tracks laid down for all to listen. Raw Matt and friends at their best. Any fan of the early Weezer albums and the even better Rentals albums will consider this a must for their collection.

  • Vera vera goo
    author: Susie

    The CD is good, but took me a few listens to get into. I would mos def recommend.

  • Amazing! What a beautiful approach.
    author: Amanda

    Matt Shap has blown me away. Could there be anything more heartfelt and raw? A beautiful peice of art and a must have for any Weezer or Rentals fan.

  • Brilliant!!!!
    author: www.thebeatholes.net

    Always a charm to hear Matt Sharps voice regardless of genre barriers. He's a wonderful song writer and this album is just another piece of evidence that Matt Sharp may very well be a musical genius.

  • simply put. the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard
    author: michael bisson

    from beginning to end, this CD does not let you down. each track is a sad story from matt, with the music behind it telling another story. that of a mature song writer who is finally coming into his own. kudos to you, matt sharp, thanks for making this beautiful album.

  • Great CD. Hooked right away
    author: TR

    This CD is a great one. Some people said it took some growing time which it does a little. But it hooked me the whole time. Matt Sharp really went out on his own with this one. You sit there on the edge of your seat at first waiting for the familiar Weezer or The Rentals sound to emerge, but it never really hits poppy. You then settle and realize you are hearing Matt and the Music. The CD was calming to me, i listened to it alot while i drive around and it is a cure for road rage. I love this CD and i recomend it to anyone!

  • i like it
    author: chris

    i like the cd very much, some of the songs it took a while to grow on me, but it is just a nice relaxing album to listen to and makes me enjoy life just a little more. thanks matt.

  • once again, matt sharp kicks my ass
    author: andrew gadek

    this CD is amazingly beautiful...very atmospheric, with the most gorgeous pianos and acoustic guitars i've heard since....i can't remember. ;) if you liked the puckett's EP (also available at cdbaby), then you simply MUST buy this album now. sorry to be so dramatic, but i'm listening to it right now and i love the lyrics, i love the music, i LOVE matt's voice...and i think everyone should get to hear this. if you heard the puckett's ep, then you know that this sounds nothing at all like the rentals or weezer...both great bands by the way (especially the rentals, in my opinion, a highly underrated band). i'm impressed that matt seems so at home with this new approach to his music writing and performing...he's the unknown genius of rock music.

  • Still good stripped of the Moog Source
    author: Dave

    Matt Sharp is finally returning after spending so much time in reclusion. This cd really shows another side of Matt. Gone are the distorted guitar riff and Moog synthesizers and all that's left is man with his acoustic guitar and thoughts. I don't think any fan of The Rentals should have any reservations about picking this up. Matt Sharp is still kicking ass!

  • Good Album; takes awhile to get into
    author: Brad

    The CD is pretty easy to listen although it does require several listens before the album can sink in. I would recommend it to the majority of my friends.

  • So Amazing...
    author: Andrea deVries

    I ripped open the cd as soon as it came in the mail, and it has been in my stereo ever since. I love this album; it is so heartfelt and genuine. The combination of soothing acoustic melodies, and meaningful lyrics make this a beautiful album.

  • So soothing and sprinkled with magic.
    author: Ross Murdoch

    I got my 'Matt Sharp' cd in the mail the other day and it has slowly been infiltrating my brain ever since. Everyone is saying otherwise but i'm actually surprised at how similar to the Rentals this cd is. The great intelligent songwriting remains while the "wall of moogs" production is gone. No bad thing. Thanks Matt!

  • SLOWLY GROWING ON ME
    author: Aaron

    Man, I don't know what to think about this CD. I am a completely devoted Weezer, Rentals, and Matt Sharp fan. And I understand that his solo stuff is a big departure from his old band efforts. And further, the music I most often listen to tends toward really mellow stuff (The Innocence Mission, Red House Painters, etc.). But I just felt like this CD at times lacks a tangible emotional intensity or clarity that would make it special. I can't say that I have felt like Matt creates a connection with the listener 100 percent of the time with these songs. The songs seem too drawn out too often and take too long to develop or express a musical voice. As such, some songs just seem to drag a bit. I really like the rather sparse arrangements sometimes, but I agree with the other reviewer who commented on a need for some sort of percussive addition to move the songs a bit more. I just felt like the songs needed something more to make them a little more memorable or substantive. And like I say, I want to like this CD because I love Matt Sharp as an artist. I will say that it is slowly growing on me, but there isn't an instant connection with me like his other work has had. Still worth owning though...

  • This is just a great cd, very raw and emotional
    author: Bryan

    This self-titled Matt Sharp cd is definitely the best album I've picked up in 2004 so far. In every single song it seems like Matt is making a personal connection with the listener, and its one of the few cds I have heard that can do something like that. I honestly find it to be one of those cds that I can play from start to finish, because there are no filler tracks at all. Its rather ambient at times, and I've honestly listened to it while trying to fall asleep, and it definitely helps me relax. Again, I've never heard a cd before that I could do that with. The album artwork is pretty cool, and some highlights from the album for me would be the full version of Goodbye West Coast, Thoughts From a Slow Train, Let Me Pass, and Everytime in Blue. Its a must buy for any true fan of music.

  • More Puckets style sound-but less punch
    author: Mike Wertz/Primedia

    I have to admit I was incredibly excited about getting this cd after really loving Puckets. This is more of the same sound, with some really great tracks (Slow Train being a real standout for me so far). What is disapointing however, is the disapearance of the amazing percussion on Puckets. While the etherial, airy sound is still very wonderful, I was dying for the gradual percussive build-up on some of these tracks. Not to rock out and be loud, just to lend some dynamics. This album really has one speed. Matt is far more somber and sad on most tunes. His energy is purposely kept at a brutal minimum and the album would have really benifited from more of a dynamic conclusion at least. Some Days is a real downer of a closer, and I kind of feel like screaming "Snap out of it!" since Sharp is so weak, mumbley, exausted an whiny on it. He shot the girlfriend, but he did not kill the deputy. Dispite some of its shortcoming, this is definately an album I'll be turning too if I stumble in after a long night and want to play something loud to mellow out to. Though I won't run it straight through like Puckets, due to some of the weaker songs.

  • An artist playing his heart, showing his soul.
    author: Matt

    An amazing.....STEP BACK?! Yes, from the days of the moog and walls of sounds upon sounds of the Rentals, to the brutal truth of a stripped down feel. With just a couple of twangy, acoustic guitars and that voice, This album will grab you from start to end. With great lyrics that just unfold and slip you into every song. And music that wraps around you, my only complaint, too short...it's only about an hour long, ;)

  • Great + Suggestions
    author: Francesca

    It is definitely very satisfying, but I'd say use a little more variety in the style (rather than mostly mid-tempo guitar & vox). I'm a bit nostalgic for the Rentals-esque, interactive, and dynamic sound. Just my two cents. Seriously though, it's a great album!

  • One of the best CDs i have heard in a long time..
    author: David Bishop

    This is seriously one of the best CDs i have heard in a long time, not a bad song on it... everyone should buy this album. well done Matt, proving there is life after The Rentals!

  • This compact disc is awesome.
    author: Alex Dougherty

    I just got this CD in the mail yesterday, and I really can't believe how good it is. Thoughts From a Slow Train is probably my favorite song at the moment, with All Those Dreams coming in a close second. I've listened to this CD several times already and it keeps getting better with every listen.

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