Album Review: Matthew Sweet — Catspaw
Matthew Sweet’s mix of hard rock crunch, indelible melodic sense and razor-sharp hooks has served him well over the course of more than a dozen solo albums and collaborative projects. But for Catspaw, Sweet works nearly alone. Joined only by longtime associate Ric Menck (Velvet Crush), he sings and plays everything but drums. His first foray into the lead guitar position is informed by those with whom he has worked – Richard Lloyd, Ivan Julian and Robert Quine among them – so Catspaw fits comfortably alongside Sweet’s previous albums. In fact, his leads on standout tracks like “At a Loss” could be mistaken for that of his more established sidemen. Combined with his high standard of songwriting, they make Catspaw a success.
While you’re here, check out these links:
- My 2016 interview with Matthew Sweet
- My first 2017 interview with Matthew Sweet
- My second 2017 interview with Matthew Sweet
- My 2018 review of a Matthew Sweet tribute album
- My 2018 review of a Matthew Sweet live performance
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.