» LATEST FEATURES

LITERATURE
» Full Dark, No Stars - Stephen King's new novella questions mankind's ability to trust others.[02.21.2011 by Bridget Doyle]

MUSIC
» The Top 30 Albums of 2010 - Fashionably, fabulously late, our favorite music (and believe me, there was a LOT) of 2010, the year that some have called the best year for music ever. And only some of those fools work here. Plenty of usual suspects, lots of ties and a few surprises that I won't spoil, including our unexpected #1.[12.24.2010 by The LAS Staff]

MUSIC
» Live: Surfer Blood/The Drums at Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL - Remember when Weezer used to put together records that you could sing along to and rock out to? That's what Surfer Blood's show was like![11.04.2010 by Cory Tendering]

Under the Covers, Volume 1
Shout! Factory
?

May 11, 2006
The word "novelty" often has a foul connotation in the world of rock music, let alone in reference to the pop Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs usually serve up, but while Under the Covers, Volume 1 is a novel idea, it is also the perfect place for the duo to share their true, unwavering love of classic tunes. Like watching an old pro overjoyed by the love of the game, Under the Covers oozes with real warmth, spirit and love, the likes of which you can't fabricate.
The good taste in song choices will certainly follow with a good aftertaste: The Marmalade, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Love, The Beach Boys, The Stone Poneys, The Who, The Velvet Underground, The Zombies, The Mamas and the Papas, Left Banke and… The Bee Gees?... each expertly chosen by bona fide music nerds, Sweet and Hoffs. And if the pairing of their voices - at once earnest and breathy - doesn't invigorate you enough, note that none other than Van Dyke Parts appears on the album as well to add to the pedigree.
No one is changing the world here. This is not an album made for innovation or conscious strides; it is simply and sweetly a work of love - for the music, for its creators and for its fans. Favorite tracks will vary on your own biases before diving in, though "And Your Bird Can Sing", "Cinnamon Girl", "The Warmth of the Sun" and "The Kids Are Alright" cannot be missed. Unforeseen rewards sneak in as well: Richard Lloyd's guitars are given free reign on some all-time riffs, bringing an unexpected urgency to the album, and Hoffs' coo grows tartly sassy in surprising moments of coquettish fun. Yes, even "Run To Me" drips with doe-eyed, teenage sentimentality that softens the heart just enough to get past its somewhat cringe-worthy origins. The tracks of Under the Covers are destined to wind up on mix tapes, created out of the same love Sweet and Hoffs share and symbolize. Everything here is to be enjoyed.
Sometimes an idea comes along that is too good to be denied. Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs, performing as "Sid 'n' Susie" on a lovingly crafted pop primer? Definitely one of those ideas. This is an album worthy of unpretentious adoration.
The good taste in song choices will certainly follow with a good aftertaste: The Marmalade, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Love, The Beach Boys, The Stone Poneys, The Who, The Velvet Underground, The Zombies, The Mamas and the Papas, Left Banke and… The Bee Gees?... each expertly chosen by bona fide music nerds, Sweet and Hoffs. And if the pairing of their voices - at once earnest and breathy - doesn't invigorate you enough, note that none other than Van Dyke Parts appears on the album as well to add to the pedigree.
No one is changing the world here. This is not an album made for innovation or conscious strides; it is simply and sweetly a work of love - for the music, for its creators and for its fans. Favorite tracks will vary on your own biases before diving in, though "And Your Bird Can Sing", "Cinnamon Girl", "The Warmth of the Sun" and "The Kids Are Alright" cannot be missed. Unforeseen rewards sneak in as well: Richard Lloyd's guitars are given free reign on some all-time riffs, bringing an unexpected urgency to the album, and Hoffs' coo grows tartly sassy in surprising moments of coquettish fun. Yes, even "Run To Me" drips with doe-eyed, teenage sentimentality that softens the heart just enough to get past its somewhat cringe-worthy origins. The tracks of Under the Covers are destined to wind up on mix tapes, created out of the same love Sweet and Hoffs share and symbolize. Everything here is to be enjoyed.
Sometimes an idea comes along that is too good to be denied. Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs, performing as "Sid 'n' Susie" on a lovingly crafted pop primer? Definitely one of those ideas. This is an album worthy of unpretentious adoration.
Reviewed by Sarah Peters
A former music editor and staff writer for LAS, Sarah Peters recently disappeared. Perhaps one day she will surface again, who knows.
See other reviews by Sarah Peters
» MEDIA DOWNLOADS
» GOT STICKERS?

--> Send an with $2 in PayPal funds to cover postage. Don't worry, we'll load you up with enough to cover your town. Then just be patient. They will arrive soon.
» WORLDWIDE DOMINATION
