6/21/95 9:03:32 PM Opening "Chat Log 6/21/95" for recording.
OnlineHost: Copyright 1995 America Online, Inc.
OnlineHost: To send your question to the speaker, click on the Interact icon, then use the Ask a Question option.
OnlineHost: The auditorium consists of two major areas: the audience, where you are right now, and the stage, where the speakers appear. Text which you type onscreen shows only to those in your row, prefaced by the row number in parentheses, such as (2) if you are in row 2. To interact with the speaker, use the Interact icon on your screen.
OnlineHost: Put your hands together for Matthew Sweet.
SPINaps: Matthew, are you there?....
MthwSweet:Yes, I'm here!
SPINaps: Where are you typing from?
MthwSweet:Home in Los Angeles
SPINaps: We're in NYC. Let's get going with some questions.
Jljardon: Loved you on Letterman, thought the Leno show had sound problems. Any more tv dates coming up?
MthwSweet:I know, Leno sound was BAD! Just filmed an NBC Friday night show and plan on Greg Kinnear July 6
Sad McBai: how was working with Brendan "Bud" O'Brien?
MthwSweet: It was great? Brendan is very talented in many ways as a musician and especially with sound
LisaM275: I want to have sex with you, any chance?
MthwSweet:Not here, that's for sure
Jmur469: Matthew...loved the Altered Beast album...what is in the future???
MthwSweet: There's a new lp, 100% Fun, I'll be on tour all year, maybe make a film in the future.
SPINaps: Are you gonna act, direct, produce???
MthwSweet: More likely direct or produce--still in the dream stages but I'm getting more serious about it all the time
Telemundo: what inspires you?
MthwSweet:Mostly the mood I'm in, sometimes outside forces.
SPINitch: Welcome to the SPINonline Coliseum. We're talking with Matthew Sweet. Commence questioning.
BostonBri: What is your favorite song to play live?
MthwSweet:Don't really have a favorite, depends on the crowd
Thopas: hey Matt where are you from everyone is wondering
MthwSweet:Lincoln, Nebraska
SHRIEK164: do you type yourself, or does someone do it for you?
MthwSweet:Of course I'm typing, that's why it's so lousy!
SPINaps: You type better than the guys from Bush, Matthew.
Scrwnyprw: Hi Matt, we're here. Hey, I wanted to ask you about that VOX I saw you play in Phila. How old is it?
MthwSweet: Haven't played a Vox lately, once played a Sixties 12 string teardrop
HENDRIX80: Hey, there, Mr. Sweet. I was curious about the cover of your new album. What's the album you're listening to? It appears to be a monkey holding a rocket.
MthwSweet: That's great! Actually it's a King Kong soundtrack
SPINaps: Wow.
Ellylon: What is your inspiration for writing? Depression or happiness?
MthwSweet:Both!
Phi Psi 8: So when are you doing a duet with Natalie Merchant?
MthwSweet:No plans for that duet
Dante9730: in your latest video, what's that tube you have in your mouth
MthwSweet:It's an Electro Harmonix talk box- like the Peter Frampton records had--called the golden throat?!
JPR276: Hi Matt. Heard you collect vintage basses. Any personal favs?
MthwSweet: Don't have many basses, a real good Hofner, a good 64 P' bass (Fender), a Rick 4001
Sky234: Is this your real on-line name?
MthwSweet:No
Klaus331: Matthew -- I have read that you have an avid interest in film -- who are some of your favorite directors/films/actors?
MthwSweet:There are so many... Altman, Russ Meyer, Cameron Crowe, 2001, this would take forever
RumpShake: Matthew, if you could play one show with any other musician alive or dead, who would it be why?
MthwSweet: I'd like to see John Lennon but don't think I'd want to be involved beyond the fan level
SPINitch: Someone in the office saw you with Kennedy on MTV. Are you okay? Did she hurt you?
MthwSweet: We have a complicated relationship...but I'm fine- she kissed me
Ellylon: Where was your head when you wrote "Girlfriend"?
MthwSweet: I just wanted to make a demo that day. The song was incidental.
SPINitch: If you've just joined us, we're chatting with Matthew Sweet. Ask him anything...anything.
Momo428: Now that you've joined those of us over 30, do you see your outlook on life changing at all?
MthwSweet: Yeah, I'm feeling more desperate all the time- just kidding! Sort of
Bob Troji: Is there anyone kool in your life right now?
MthwSweet: What do you mean, kool?
Sky234: What tips do you have for aspiring singer-songwriters?
MthwSweet: Do it because you love music--don't let the business get you down.
OlManKnsy: How extensive is your history with REM? Were you Buck's "prodigy" and are there any hopes of you touring together REM/Sweet?
MthwSweet: Both Peter and I can have a laugh at that one! I knew them when I was in high school and lived in Athens in 83 and 84- don't know if they'd have me tour with them- its not like we're super close
ModMilena: what are some musicians who influence your music?
MthwSweet: Anyone I play with, Brian Wilson, Lennon, Neil Young, Gram Parsons, etc. I don't mean I play with them
SPINitch: You are now online with Matthew Sweet who will be touring with Soul Asylum this Aug.
SEANB780: what's your favorite band (other than yourself)?
MthwSweet: Velvet Crush
Garmonboz: Matthew, I haven't heard anything about your tour for the 100% Fun album. Have you started it and if not, when are you going to? :)
MthwSweet: We've been doing dates on and off since Feb.--and will continue into the fall
Phi Psi 8: Are you still sick of yourself? :)
MthwSweet:I'm my own best friend!
Noosa99: how did Neil Young influence you?
MthwSweet: His records are so loose and cool- his music is really HIM- totally unique
Skihowie1: do you like Frank Black? and are you going to cover Headache?
MthwSweet: Like Frank a lot! Almost covered Headache but need to work it back up
Jtstump: hey Matthew, have you ever seen Howard Stern's penis?
MthwSweet: Not that I know of. It might be easy to miss!
SPINaps: Was there any precedent for that question?
BarelyPin: Matthew, we really dig your stuff...love the musicians you employ. How did you hook up with Quine and Lloyd. I am also very fond of Lloyd Cole!
MthwSweet: Met Quine through Fred Maher. Richard when I played with Golden Palominos in 87-- Lloyd Cole through Fred as well
SPINitch: We are with Matthew Sweet, the newly crowned "King of all Pop", so ask him a question.
KSullie: Matthew: What is "Divine Intervention" about?
MthwSweet: I was just thinking how unlikely it was there would be any, how insane the idea was
Garmonboz: Matthew, which of your albums is your favorite and why? :)
MthwSweet:Don't really have a favorite-- Altered Beast for being out of control, the new one for its simplicity, Girlfriend for saving my life
Zjanez: I thought the sound on 100% Fun was really muddy. Was it supposed to be that way? Why?
MthwSweet: God, I don't think it's muddy, but it's very analog and distorted
JuJuPAPA: Matthew, who is the most famous woman who has hit on you?
MthwSweet:Still waiting for that one.
Conway nh: any projects planned with other bands or musicians?
MthwSweet: Not really. There's a cartoon lp on MCA we did Scooby Doo for.
SPINitch: Ask Matthew Sweet a question now and then go see him play in Canada with the Tragically Hip in July.
Thopas: Hey Matt I know you just released an album but are you going to release another soon
MthwSweet: Not this year, sorry! It's only been out 3 mos.
Firedog16: should I listen to your music and why?
MthwSweet: Yes, because we spoke online.
DaveP1674: I've seen you wearing TRICK racing gasoline items in Austin TX at SXSW, on MTV, and in your videos; what's the deal with you and TRICK gas?
MthwSweet: I like 100 octane gas for my Challenger and their logo had the same font as 100% -just for fun we hooked up
Tmbg87vf8: What's your favorite TV show?
MthwSweet: Models Inc., Josie and the Pussycats in Space.
ModGrrrrl: hey um, do you think that all of these questions are really stupid and that the audience, collectively, has the IQ of mold?
MthwSweet: Is this a trick question? I'll stick with the mold.
SMashaw47: Do you think O.J. is guilty?
MthwSweet: Yes ,ever so guilty!
C Man18: In what way has anime influenced you or your work (if any)?
MthwSweet: By putting me in a good mood.
Walls1Door: have you a name for your penis? if so, what is it??
MthwSweet: Still trying to come up with one.
RezDog1: You've played with some of my favorite guitarists. Of all of them, who is your favorite and why?
MthwSweet: Can't pick a favorite-- I like them all.
SPINitch: See Matthew Sweet trade witticisms with Greg Kinnear on July 6th. Who will be more clever?
SRusso279: aren't you afraid you will get too trendy? the problem with most bands now..
MthwSweet: Ha. You know, I hope I get to be a trend but then dread it too.
CutieBoy2: Matthew, do you believe in God?
MthwSweet: Nature as god, maybe.
SPINitch: From the office: do you still own vinyl? Why?
MthwSweet: I like it cause its big, swampy sounding, easily scratched, the artwork
SBSource: Did you go to parochial school? If so, was your nun-teacher as sexy as Evangeline?
MthwSweet: No, I wish I'd had her!
Tekkaman8: Is your Challenger a 1971? If so, does it have a 426, Hemi powered engine??
MthwSweet: It's a '70, 440magnum.
SkamZ118: hey Matt did you write we're the same for someone special or was it just imagination
MthwSweet: Just imagination but I think it's very universal.
Tastemake: What do you think of MTV these days?
MthwSweet: I like them cause they play my video! I don't really watch that much- they need 3 channels.
SPINitch: If you just joined us, we're here with Matthew Sweet. Get the transcript tomorrow in the Multimedia Gallery.
Garmonboz: If you could change anything in your past, what would it be?
MthwSweet: I'd be afraid to do that- like something or someone around me will suddenly disappear or something.
MiaMMM: Do you like being labeled as "alternative"
MthwSweet: It's better than "mainstream" although it's very close to meaning that these days.
SPINaps: Matthew, I think this guy thinks he's in the Chuck Ashman Mobile Business forum, but here we go....
BuchananR: Do you think it reasonable to install an ISDN line for a home consulting business that does a lot of online research through Dialog or Compuserve? Will prices ever come down for ISDN?
MthwSweet: My head hurts.
Stefnoodl: Where's your favorite place to play?
MthwSweet: Wherever there's a large enthusiastic audience!
Makka: I saw you when you played Providence College's graduation last year...Do you like playing events like that, or do you dread them?
MthwSweet: I can't remember what that was like--it really comes down to the crowd.
Happy Ess: What do you think of the whole On-line world?
MthwSweet: Interesting and definitely a big trend these days.
LFX15: Are you pissed that the SPIN guys are choosing all these retarded questions for you to answer?
MthwSweet: I'm sure they're doing their best!
ALICAT70: Matthew: 3 Words: BRIEFS OR BOXERS?
MthwSweet: Briefs.
SPINitch: In case you were wondering...we're here in the SPINonline Lounge with Matthew Sweet. Join us for 100% Fun every Wednesday at 9pm EST.
SRusso279: what was your first guitar, and how old were you when you got it?
MthwSweet: A Univox electric bass- copy of a Mosrite(Ventures) I was 12 or so.
Happy Ess: What do you think of Morrissey?
MthwSweet: I liked the Smiths.
SPINaps: We're going to take about three more minutes worth of questions...
TOURWORLD: Who do you hate more; Regis or Kathy Lee?
MthwSweet: You mean who do I LOVE more--I heard I'm doing that show soon! Regis really cracks me up- and Kathy is one hell of a straight woman.
MiaMMM: What artist/band would you most like to play or record with?
MthwSweet: Don't know really.
SPINaps: OK, let's finish up on this one here....
SRacerM5: WHY AREN'T YOU AFRAID OF SUCCESS?
MthwSweet: WHO SAYS I'M NOT AFRAID OF SUCCESS?
SPINaps: Matthew, thanks for stopping by tonight. That was a big finish.
MthwSweet: THANKS FOR HAVING ME--it goes so quickly!
SPINaps: Hang on, I'm about to send the obligatory closing text.
OnlineHost: Matthew, thanks for stopping in tonight, and thanks to everyone else for hanging out. Make sure to stop into SPINonline during Lollapalooza. Beck is going to be keeping his tour journal right here with us in the Digital Mosh Pit.
OnlineHost: You'll
get sounds, pictures, and daily updates from Beck on the road
at Lollapalooza. We've also got Chimichanga '95 coming up starting
in July. Chimichanga is the world's first and only interactive
rock'n'roll soap opera choose-your-own-adventure Lollapalooza-esque
satire. You'll guide the story. You'll meet the characters online.
You'll get
annoyed and leave us for MTV. That's OK. See ya there. CHIMICHANGA
'95.
SPINaps: And, once again, make sure to check out Matthew Sweet this summer with Soul Asylum...That'll be a good tour, for sure.
SPINaps: See ya.
OnlineHost: Copyright 1995 America Online, Inc.
6/21/95 10:06:17 PM Closing Log file.
You
have just entered room AOL LIVE
AOLiveMC1: Ladies and gentlemen, our guest is running late
tonight.
We will try to get our guest onstage as soon as we possibly can.
Thank you
for your patience.
MtthwSweet: am i in the right place?
MtthwSweet: Shall we begin?
MtthwSweet: i'll try
AOLiveMC1: It is my pleasure to introduce to you our guest, Matthew
Sweet. Welcome to AOL Live!
MtthwSweet: god it must be the bio! hi!
MtthwSweet: well, i'm here, not very good at typing, but
i'll try.
AOLiveMC1: Here we go with our audience questions...
Question: have you ever gotten so nervous before a show
that you almost had to cancel?
MtthwSweet: No. I used to feel like I was going to throw-up
though.I still gag a little but I don't feel that scar
MtthwSweet: scared, that is...
Question: I have a technical question. I understand you
recorded the demos for your new album on a 4 Track recorder. I
was wondering if you have any advice on getting a good recording
on a 4 Track? The reason I ask is you make great sounding records.
Thanks
MtthwSweet: Well, I did some at home,
MtthwSweet: but not on 4-track. Um...
MtthwSweet: get stuff with tubes in it, a compessor especially,
MtthwSweet: and record hot(loud levels)
Question: is there a possibilty for a tour with the Jayhawks this
Summer?
MtthwSweet: I hope so! I like the new LP--haven't heard
about that...
Question: all your releases are great, but is there a reason
your B-sides seem to be the best songs anyone has ever written?
Thing, You, Born in Sin....
MtthwSweet: I never in my life met a person who liked "thing"!
MtthwSweet: i really thought that one was funny in a good
way... I
guess I write too many to decide but i'm glad you like those-
Question: at what age did you decide to get into music?
MtthwSweet: Well, i got into music from 3-5th grade on.
played the electric bass in 6th
Question: do you think that your appearance (clothes, makeup
ect.) should always match the style of the singer's music?
MtthwSweet: your appearance should match however you feel
like looking.
Question: I was just wondering if you were single? =)
MtthwSweet: no, i'm married
Question: how does this album differ from your other albums?
MtthwSweet: all new songs
MtthwSweet: its the most simple.
Question: Hey Matthew! I've been blown away by "Where You
Get Love"...It's the best single made in recent memory(and
I thought NUTHIN' would be better than "Automatic" from
Chris Whitley!)!! Anyway, my question! What's your fave song to
play LIVE, and why...?
MtthwSweet: I like different songs when i'm in different
moods, that's hard to answer-where you get love is fun but hard
to hit the fuzz pedal right every time!
Question: Hi from Michigan.. Matthew, .please, include
us in your next tour ! I would like to ask you.... who's music
do you listen to ?
MtthwSweet: all kinds of stuff, mostly old,different eras
MtthwSweet: beatles beach boys byrds gram parsons nick
lowe elvis
presley elvis costello rolling stones, raspberries the list goes
on...
Question: do you like the internet? are you into this sort of
thing?
MtthwSweet: I'm limited by my typing skills but I'm an
internet user
Question: What is your next project?
MtthwSweet: going on tour, writing new songs, doing some
tv stuff
Question: Is it true that the album girlfriend was originally
titled nothing lasts but the title was changed due to the picture
of Tuesday Weld?
MtthwSweet: yes that is true.
MtthwSweet: she's cute, huh?
Question: Who was your Biggest influence
MtthwSweet: that's hard... probably as far as being a fan,
john lennon and brian wilson. gram parsons for feeling
Question: Hi Matthew, thank you for the music... my question...
How old were you when you fell in love for the first time
MtthwSweet: another hard question
MtthwSweet: pretty young for that feeling , maybe10 or
11
MtthwSweet: i fell in love a lot back then
MtthwSweet: i was in love with my 1st grade teacher too
Question: I was wondering what do you say about the review
that rolling stone gave your new album
MtthwSweet: i wished it never happened!
MtthwSweet: it was the first bad thing i heard about it
MtthwSweet: and it ruined my day
Question: Matthew...you are a REAL inspiration to we "striving"
songwriters! You dont get enuff credit for being great! Vcal arrangements
are killers! MY What are yor favorite effects and guitars?
MtthwSweet: i'm into WAY HUGE pedals and used them a lot on
my new LP i love so many guitars fender gibson epiphone gretsch
hamer etc
Question: Some artists can make an album faster than others,
how long does it take for you to nail one down?
MtthwSweet: this one was really fast for me, about 20 days-
MtthwSweet: of course i made demos for a while
Question: Another question: What are you seeing as "concepts"
for the movie I hear yer makin..? THINKING about making..?
MtthwSweet: Wow--I'm not making a movie or even thinking
about it right now but someday--horror, sci-fi,maybe a relationship
movie!
Question: Hi Matthew!! Will you be touring soon and if so do you
think you will be coming to Las Vegas again? Play the Joint again
please!! :)
MtthwSweet: i love vegas!
MtthwSweet: i hope we come soon--i'm not sure when but
sometime soon
Question: Does writing come easy for you? What were some of the
first influences for you with music? peer friends, bands
MtthwSweet: i liked to play piano when i was alone and
feeling moody
by about 3rd grade (early influence:the mood)
MtthwSweet: i thought electric guitars LOOKED cool
MtthwSweet: (made me want to play one)
Question: I have noticed that you have produced some albums for
others, are you producing any others right now?
MtthwSweet: no, nothing right now. Probably too busy fo
a while
Question: For you, what was the main difference between recording
100% Fun, and now the new album?
MtthwSweet: Brendan and i knew each other better this time,
it seemed quicker and easier this time but !00% wasn't hard either.
we finished songs on a daily basis this time because i played
more myself
AOLiveMC1: The show is nearing the end, so there's time for one
final question for our guest.
Question: Hey Matthew...you're the coolest! HOW DO you get those
great vocal effects goin in the backround of "Where You Get
Love"(the BEST single in release, Im tellin ya!)...? Share
this precious knowledge!
MtthwSweet: thanks!
MtthwSweet: well the backgrounds (if that's what you mean)
MtthwSweet: are just me doing a two part harmony
MtthwSweet: probably each part doubled. I don't remember
another
effect!
AOLiveMC1: Matthew, thank you so very much for taking time out
of your day to appear tonight on AOL!
AOLiveMC1: Any final comments for our audience?
MtthwSweet: Thank you! it's great to see so many people
MtthwSweet: show up-- i know it's frustrating how few get
through--
MtthwSweet: come see us soon in your town when we show
up
MtthwSweet: who reads rolling stone anyway! (sort of kidding)
MtthwSweet: goodnight everybody
AOLiveMC1: And that's our show for tonight. Thank you, Matthew,
and to our audience. Until next time, AOL!
MtthwSweet: bye
Matthew Sweet says, "Questions? Hi, everybody."
Mosquito says, "Hi, Matthew."
Matthew Sweet says, "Hello everybody out there on your computers."
Mrigodononu says, "Hey, Matt."
Matthew Sweet laughs.
Claudia says, "What will it take to get Matthew to play anything from EARTH in concert? I'VE BEEN WAITING SINCE 1989!"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: Lots of money. There isn't much demand for those songs right now. [We can't keep up with demand for] songs from albums after that."
Mosquito says, "Matthew: Why the decision to sign 3,000 copies of Blue Sky on Mars on vinyl rather than CD?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: I think they wanted it to be some sort of special item.... I don't know if there's a process by which I could sign cds.... I'm not sure if I actually signed 3,000 copies... maybe I was supposed to sign 5,000 and only signed 3,000...."
Mrbunny says, "Do you have any plans of compiling all the b-sides and extra tracks on the Japanese releases you've had over the years?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: there's no current plan to do that, although someday I'd love to cmpile a lot of stuff.... Someday we'll compile a box set or something... [The typist asks Matthew to slow down.] Perhaps this is an imperfect medium for interviews...."
Claudia says, "Hee hee... ask him if he has been commissioned by NASA yet to write a soundtrack for the Pathfinder mission. *SMILES*"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: No,i haven't, but I can't believe my label's not doing more to capitalize on the landing...."
Lloyd-oid says, "Matthew, are you friends with Robert Quine again, and are you and Richard Lloyd going to work together again?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: I haven't spoken to Quine in a few years, [I] hear he badmouths me a lot. Yes, Richard Lloyd and I are friends and hope to do something together again."
Claudia says, "Will [Matthew] and Lloyd Cole work together again!??!"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: It's possible, we are definitely still friends, but we live on opposite coasts."
Moontrains says, "How do you feel about the space program?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: I have a lot of interest in the space program. To me it's one of the most exciting things in my lifetime, that we might find out more about what's out there."
Matthew Sweet says, "Q: Do you know Mike Watt? A: I actually do know Mike Watt a little bit. I've met him before--we were on a radio show together once. He's a nice guy."
Lloyd-oid says, "You did a Liz Phair cover when I saw you in November, 1993. Do you work with her, or pal around with her at all?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: I'd never met Liz Phair when I did the cover, but I did meet her once in Chicago when we were playing there with Soul Asylum"
Mrbunny says, "Did you enjoy doing the Launch interview and would you do something like that again?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: We did enjoy doing the Launch interview... I especially enjoyed being able to click on Greg Leisz's head."
Mrbunny says, "Hahahhaha!"
Matthew Sweet says, "Yes, we'd do it again..."
Claudia says, "Ask him if he remembers Adam Abramson from BMG Atlanta????"
Matthew Sweet says, "Adam who? (laughs) Of course I remember Adam... he's a good friend of mine."
Claudia says, "COOL! Like, back in '92 he got you to sign a black & white pic for me and he sent it to me in Miami. I just wanted to say 'THANKS!!!' for signing it."
Mrbunny says, "Have you ever met Rumiko Takahashi? Would you like to?"
Matthew Sweet says, "I never met her, but I do have a signed watercolor of Lum made out to me from her."
Chigusa says, "Hello, Matthew! I am access from Japan."
Mosquito says, "Matthew: When'd you get your first guitar?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: I guess when I was in 6th grade I got a Univox bass guitar. I guess I was 11, 12 or something."
Claudia asks: Do you remember your Playgirl interview?? Any regrets on anything you said?? That's like the BEST interview I ever read!"
Matthew Sweet says, "I don't know?? What about it? I don't remember it too well, but I remember it was novel to do it... more people saw it than you might imagine."
Claudia says, "Haha, I believe it! I have my copy of the article in a frame."
Lloyd-oid says, "Matthew, why is it that your b-sides are often better than your album tracks? 'Thing' and 'Sense of Adventure' are incredible!!!!"
Tootsie says, "Are you going to be playing Hampton Beach, NH again anytime soon?"
Matthew Sweet says, "We already played there... maybe six, seven weeks ago. It's a fun place to play."
Tootsie says, "I know, sorry I missed it!"
Chigusa says, "Matthew, do you have a plan to come to Japan?? I would LOVE to see your show again!!"
Matthew Sweet says, "I don't have any plans to go to Japan right now, but I think with the right offer we would go. They really liked my new album there..... I think this album is simpler and more consise."
Mosquito says, "Matthew: Are you on the Internet much? I know many musicians go on but tend to remain secretive."
Matthew Sweet says, "I haven't seen any of the Matthew Sweet web sites recently. I have seen a few of them. i'm totally flattered and amazed by them."
Matthew Sweet says, "Q: What's the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? A: Wow, what a question... nobody ever gave me any good advice... somebody probably did but I can't remember."
Matthew Sweet says, "Q: What's on your CD player? A: The best of The Moves, El Dorado, Nick Lowe."
Lloyd-oid says, "You said [Blue Sky on Mars] was your New Wave (Nick Lowe) type record. Will your next album take this direction, or will you use more session musicians next time?"
Matthew Sweet says, "It's hard for me to say. Usually what kind of songs I write dictate what kind of album I make... I think I may make a moodier, more acoustic type of record."
Claudia says "I was at the show at the 9:30 Club in D.C. a few weeks ago, and it kicked butt."
Matthew Sweet says, "How come it was so good?"
Claudia says, "Cuz you put on a fabulous show, that's why!"
Mrbunny says, "Are you a big Elvis fan? I met you last March (in Arizona) and you had Elvis blasting :)"
Matthew Sweet says, "Yes, I'm a huge Presley fan, especially later Presley... I'm also a huge Elvis Costello fan... I like sad ballads from the very late Elvis period (Presley)."
Davanita says, "Matthew... what color underwear do you have on?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: White.... (laughs)... at least I have underwear on...."
Lloyd-oid says, "When will you have an acoustic tour? Your acoustic stuff is unbelievable! I have your Launch [version of] 'I almost forgot' on endless loop right now."
Matthew Sweet says, "A: I've thought about doing [an acoustic tour]. It's possible, at some point."
Mosquito says, "Matthew: In your free time, what TV shows do you enjoy?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: Hmmm.... TV... God, I haven't watched a lot of TV lately. King of the Hill and The Simpsons, we'll watch on satellite.... Things haven't been the same since Models, Inc. went off the air (laughs). I watch a lot of those Biography shows... Discovery has some good stuff too...."
Lloyd-oid says, "Did you ever see Beavis and Butthead ripping on your 'Superdeformed' video? What did you think if you did?"
Matthew Sweet says, "I never saw Beavis and Butthead on the Superdeformed video. I didn't feel too bad about it because it's the only video that was entirely someone else's idea. Those guys are pussies anyway (Beavis and Butthead)."
Lloyd-oid says, "Well, a lot of groups think they've made it if they've been hammered by B&B."
Chiko says, "Won't you play 'Heaven and Earth' at your show?"
Matthew Sweet says, "We have rehearsed that song. For some reason we haven't played it very much yet, but I'm sure we will sometime. We know it. Mmaybe we'll play that tomorrow in Charleston."
Matthew Sweet says, "Q: Brendan O'Brien. A: We did the album 100% Fun together. I like him, he's fun to work with, so we did another record together."
Lloyd-oid says, "Is this the first time you've done solos on stage, and sung unaccompanied ('I almost Forgot') on tour?"
Matthew Sweet says, "A: Yes to both those questions--yes, it is the first time."
Matthew Sweet says, "Q: Why did you move to LA? A: I was living in New Jersey when Girlfriend became successful, and I wanted to move to a big city, but I was spoiled by living in a house and didn't want to live in an apartment. Then I went to LA to make Altered Beast and my co-producer Richard Dashut turned me on to LA. It's really great there, but don't tell anybody, because they're all convinced it's terrible."
Matthew Sweet says, "Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I don't have much spare time this year, but when I have spare time I usually work on music or go to movies. I go to movies a lot. [LC: Do you have a favorite movie?] I don't really have a favorite movie... Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Oscar, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.... Valley Girl."
Claudia says, "Valley Girl is great! So is Fast Times!"
Lloyd-oid says, "Roger Ebert would be proud of BTVOTD!!"
Matthew Sweet says, "2001."
Crumb says, "Matt: Why does the beginning of 'Back to You' sound like it's from 'The Matthew Sweet Christmas Album'?"
Matthew Sweet says, "I guess that's because Brendan played a hammond organ. I think of it as a Beach Boys song, but that's not the first time it's been callled a Christmas song."
Chiko says, "Matthew, have you got a new tatoo??"
Matthew Sweet says, "Nope, all old ones. I have only old tatoos from the war (laughs)."
Mr. Bunny says, "My copy of Mars has the tracks split wrong so that the beginning of each track gets cut off... Is this a factory defect, or did you make it like that to force people to listen to the whole album thru (which is cool :) )?"
Matthew Sweet says, "It's a factory defect--I don't beleive it's on all the CDs. I think I would blame someone else in quality control for that..."
Lloyd-oid says, "Matthew, you did a great job on Regis and Kathy Lee, what a weird gig!!! Did you want to kill Kathy Lee when she started bugging Ric Menck, and she acted like she was at a Slayer concert while singing backup?"
Matthew Sweet says, "(Laughs) It was a magical morning for us, and we loved Kathy Lee."
Davanita says, "Hey Matthew, I saw you the night that you were sick."
Matthew Sweet says, "When was that? Was that the last couple of days, or in February?"
Davanita says, "When you were on tour with Soul Asylum."
Claudia says, "Yeah, I remember that tour, Davanita... he almost didn't play in Ft. Lauderdale one night."
Davanita says, "Yep, I live in Ft. Lauderdale, so my first actual MS show was weird."
Matthew Sweet says, "Soul Asylum--many sicknesses ago. I've been sick plenty since then."
Davanita says, "I feel your pain, Matthew, I'm sick a lot too."
Crumb says, "Matthew: Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration?"
Matthew Sweet says, "That's a good question.... I think my biggest inspiration has been my own unstable emotions."
Thewack says, "Wow... what an answer... Mathew."
Matthew Sweet says, "[LC: Any person you consider your biggest inspiration?] Brian Wilson, John Lennon and Gram Parsons."
Chigusa says, "What are you attracted to except Mars lately??"
Matthew Sweet says, "What are you attracted to except Mars?? I don't really know what to answer... not that mars is the only thing i'm interested in.... I've been reading books about film."
Matthew Sweet says, "[LC: The movie Feeling Minnesota has Tuesday Weld (from the cover of Girlfriend) in it... have you seen it??] That movie gave me a headache! It was no fault of Tuesday Weld's that that movie was not so good."
Thewack says, "Yeah, I was bummed about the movie Feeling Minnesota."
Lloyd-oid says, "Who are some of your favorite directors?"
Matthew Sweet says, "I don't think of it in terms of directors that often... but I can think of people I like: Paul Verhoeven movies--Robocop, Total Recall... Robert Altman... Cameron Crowe... Kubrick."
Claudia wonders if Matt has ever done commercials?? There were rumors of a Diet Coke comemrcial running around the mailing list.
Matthew Sweet says, "I did a Coke commercial, but, god no, I would never do a Diet Coke commercial! We did a Coke radio commercial about three years ago."
Claudia says, "LOL! OK! Were you ever apporached to do a Snappple commercial??"
Guitargrrl says, "Haha--the Snapple lady sucks!"
Hulmerist says, "That Coke commercial is great."
Matthew Sweet says, "I used to collect commercials by people I liked. Van Dyke Parks did some cool stuff in the '60s. And lots of great English bands did Great Shakes commercials [LC: Great Shakes??] It's like olvaltine. I was waiting all my life to do some kind of commercial. (Laughs) I'll do anything if enough money is involved. Contrary to popular opnion, I'm not rich."
Matthew Sweet says, "Closing statement: Thanks for hanging around, everybody. You asked lots of good questions. Please... be happy."