Matthew Sweet Catspaw LP

TAS Rated 4/5 Music, 4/5 Sonics in the March 2021 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

Matthew Sweet played in bands in Athens, GA as that scene exploded, collaborating with R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, playing in Linda Stipe's Oh-OK, and The Buzz Of Delight. That work scooped him up into the major label world making countless acclaimed solo records, forming the supergroup The Thorns with Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge, and beginning a series of covers albums with The Bangles' Susanna Hoffs. Now, it's time for Matthew to just plain rock out by himself again.

Omnivore Recordings is proud to announce the release of Catspaw - written, produced, recorded, mixed, and entirely preformed (save ferocious drumming from Ric Menck of Velvet Crush) by Matthew at his home studio. Mastered by Bob Ludwig, the Hofner bass and Novo guitars sing and howl, harkening back to classics like "Girlfriend" and "Altered Beast" - all while retaining the hooks that dig into the listener. Well, like a cat's paw.

Catspaw opens a new chapter in the storied history of Matthew Sweet - his first album in his fifth decade as a recording artist. It may seem cute on the outside, but be prepared to get smacked by Catspaw. Matthew Sweet has had a critically and commercially successful career over the last thirty-plus years.

Best known for the classic albums Girlfriend, 100% Fun and Altered Beast, as well as his duet albums with Susanna Hoffs (of the Bangles) and his collaboration "The Thorns" with fellow singer/songwriters Pete Droge and Shawn Mullins.

With Catspaw, Sweet has crafted an album that cuts deep and leaves a strong impression.

Without a doubt, Sweet's full-roar Catspaw is the cat's meow.