'Swingin Party's my favorite on an album that did,in fact,bridge the gap between 'Let it Be' and 'Pleased to Meet Me' quite well indeed.There is not one wasted note here and the lyrics represent someone irrevocably plugged into his muse.No other band could've served this song as well as the 'Mats,but mad respect to Lorde for even covering it.
Fun roundup! The simple romanticism of Kiss Me On The Bus (along with that cool drum sound) made it an early favorite. However, Swinging Party gets the nod for best songwriting - it's just an absolute work of art. While I like Lorde, I thought she was out of her depth in that cover. She could probably do a better job with it now that she's lived, loved, and lost a little more!
Fab write up and great album to assemble the talent to examine what made the Mats so compelling to many. Given that side 2 has some of their finest songs I can’t hardly wait!
I was pleasantly surprised when he sent it. I didn't give any instructions other than the song and a word count target. Matty ran with it in his own direction. So good!
Really cool way to celebrate the album - great writers doing their thing. Looking forward to the rest, especially since my favorite songs are on Side 2.
Right?! Legendary. I think I listened to side A several times in a row before I even flipped it over. The way “Hold My Life” kicks in still wows me 40 years later.
I love those promo videos, basically an 'FU' to MTV and its culture at the time - and note the carefully curated albums that get tossed aside at the beginning of "Hold My Life" - Young Fresh Fellows (in Seattle we were very excited about that), The Pontiac Brothers, Alex Chilton and. . . Menudo!
Along with the pathos & excess, the 'Mats had a great sense of humor.
Thanks for the deep dive on one of my favorite band's album.
For sure! It’s a Mats love fest.
'Swingin Party's my favorite on an album that did,in fact,bridge the gap between 'Let it Be' and 'Pleased to Meet Me' quite well indeed.There is not one wasted note here and the lyrics represent someone irrevocably plugged into his muse.No other band could've served this song as well as the 'Mats,but mad respect to Lorde for even covering it.
Covering The Replacements is brave. Their versions were hard enough to copy, let alone beat.
Lightning.In.A.Bottle.I miss the ‘Mats…
I got to hear this album. The replacements were a band I never really listened to back in the day 😎
Greatest thing about music...never too late to find your new favorite band. Hope you dig it.
Fun roundup! The simple romanticism of Kiss Me On The Bus (along with that cool drum sound) made it an early favorite. However, Swinging Party gets the nod for best songwriting - it's just an absolute work of art. While I like Lorde, I thought she was out of her depth in that cover. She could probably do a better job with it now that she's lived, loved, and lost a little more!
Thanks! I thought all the contributors knocked it outta the park in their own ways. KMOTB is an all time fav of mine. Perfect pop song, fun concept.
No shade on the writing you've expertly curated, of course! That cover just didn't work for me.
I perceived no shade!
Fab write up and great album to assemble the talent to examine what made the Mats so compelling to many. Given that side 2 has some of their finest songs I can’t hardly wait!
Glad you dug it! The contributors for side 2 are weekly fab. And, Mats puns are the quickest way to my dark heart.
11/10 on the pun
My daughter and I took a deep dive on this album on a recent episode, submitted by a friend of our podcast. Give it a listen!
https://popsonhopspod.substack.com/p/bill
Yes! That's awesome. I will check it out.
That was excellent.
Great stuff! Love Matty C's take👏👏
I was pleasantly surprised when he sent it. I didn't give any instructions other than the song and a word count target. Matty ran with it in his own direction. So good!
Really cool way to celebrate the album - great writers doing their thing. Looking forward to the rest, especially since my favorite songs are on Side 2.
It’s another amazing batch of Substack writers!
Swingin' Party is my favourite song from Tim. I'll never forget the day I first listened to Tim; a totally life-changing record.
Right?! Legendary. I think I listened to side A several times in a row before I even flipped it over. The way “Hold My Life” kicks in still wows me 40 years later.
A fun read, nice work everybody!
I love those promo videos, basically an 'FU' to MTV and its culture at the time - and note the carefully curated albums that get tossed aside at the beginning of "Hold My Life" - Young Fresh Fellows (in Seattle we were very excited about that), The Pontiac Brothers, Alex Chilton and. . . Menudo!
Along with the pathos & excess, the 'Mats had a great sense of humor.
They were so funny. And, in a way, too smart for their own good.