The term "legend" is used pretty loosely, but it really is a subjective adjective anyway. When it comes to music, a legend can be local, they can be genre based, or the designation could just be used to describe someone who has meant a lot to someone else for a long time.
To many people, Matthew Sweet is considered a legend. Throughout the 90s, his music was the soundtrack for many teenage and college kids' lives. His videos were regulars on MTV, his songs made it onto movie soundtracks, and he was a huge part of the music explosion that came out of Athens, Georgia.
Sweet's passion for music started in high school, where he performed with a few local bands. After graduating in 1983, he left his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, to attend college in Athens, Georgia - which just so happened to be a hotbed for a new brand of college rock. Sweet quickly jumped into the scene and found himself collaborating with members of R.E.M., Oh-OK, Television and many others. He was signed to Columbia Records, and in 1986, released his debut solo album, "Inside." However, it was three albums later and 1991 before he received mainstream acclaim with his album "Girlfriend."
Since he began, Sweet has made a name for himself with his brand of lo-fi, melodic pop rock. But that hasn't kept him from dabbling in different sounds and testing the waters with hard rock, new wave and folk rock. Through it all, he has maintained a loyal, somewhat underground fan base, and has continued to release new music over the years - 12 solo albums in all, along with a few collaborative projects along the way.
His latest album, "Tomorrow Forever," was released last June, and if no one told you that, you would swear it was one of his popular albums from the 90s - which is a good thing.
Chattanooga is in for a treat on Thursday, May 24 as JJ's Bohemia hosts a special concert with the one and only Matthew Sweet. What else can you say, but sweet?!
New Music Playlist: genre-crossing tunes we recommend you add to your music library
"Addictions" by Lucy Dacus
"No Going Back" by Yuno
"Credo" by Greyhounds
"Far Out Feeling" by SUSTO
"Hold Your Head Up High" by Darlingside
"Let Me Down Easy" by Blackberry Smoke
"Made to Be a Country Boy" by Dillon Carmichael
"State of All Things" by Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
"Short Court Style" by Natalie Prass
"In My View" by Young Fathers
"There You Are" by Watch The Duck
"Can We Hang On?" by Cold War Kids
"End Is Near" by Matthew Sweet
"No Wrong" by Bahamas
"Think It Over" by Wild Child
"Got Over" by The Dustbowl Revival
Stay tuned for these upcoming shows:
Long Beach-based indie rock band Cold War Kids will make their debut performance in Chattanooga at The Signal on Thursday 5/24.
The Nightfall Concert Series kicks off in May, and on Friday 5/11, Atlanta's Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics will bring their blend of soul and funk to the Miller Plaza stage in downtown Chattanooga.
Making their return to Chattanooga, Charleston, S.C.-based indie rock band SUSTO will perform at Songbirds South on Saturday 5/5.
The Dustbowl Revival's mix of Americana and brass will be sure to entertain Nightfall Concert Series fans as the eight-piece band visits Chattanooga on Friday 6/1.