Matthew Sweet

Singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet was a fixture on the 1980s alternative music scene in Athens, Georgia. He later had a string of successful pop albums recorded under his own name in the 1990s.

Fast Facts:

1. Born October 6, 1964 in Lincoln, Nebraska
2. Full Name: Sidney Matthew Sweet
3. Record Labels: Columbia Records, A&M; Records, Zoo Entertainment
4. Member of The Thorns with Pete Droge and Shawn Mullins
5. Sweet's song "Sick of Myself" has been covered by The Posies and Death Cab for Cutie
6. Has a fear of flying
7. "Girlfriend" appears on Guitar Hero II
8. Appears as an extra in Terms of Endearment
9. Featured in the band "Ming Tea" in the first Austin Powers movie

Albums

1. Inside (1986)
2. Earth (1989)
3. Girlfriend (1991)
4. Altered Beast (1993)
5. 100% Fun (1995)
6. Blue Sky on Mars (1997)
7. In Reverse (1999)
8. Kimi Ga Suki (2003)
9. Living Things (2004)
10. Sunshine Lies (2008)

Career Overview

After graduating from high school in Nebraska, Sweet went to Athens, Georgia and started a professional music career, both with his own band, Buzz of Delight, and collaborating with Michael Stipe from R.E.M. in the group Community Trolls. Sweet was signed to his first recording contract, with Columbia Records, in 1985.

After his first two albums failed to find a significant audience, Sweet signed with Zoo Entertainemnt and released Girlfriend in 1991. The title track and several other songs from the album became hits on alternative rock radio. Sweet followed the album up with the decidedly less accessible Altered Beast in 1993, and then the more pop-oriented 100% Fun in 1995.

Sweet has continued recording music to the present day, and Shout Factory! will release his 10th album, Sunshine Lies in July of 2008.

Categories