Massachusetts is the third studio album by American alternative country group Scud Mountain Boys.[8][9] Released in 1996 on Sub Pop, Massachusetts was recorded and mixed at Studio .45 in Hartford, Connecticut, except for the track "Grudge ****", which was recorded on a four track at home.
Massachusetts | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | April 1996 | |||
Recorded | Studio .45, Hartford, Connecticut | |||
Genre | Indie rock, Alternative country | |||
Length | 54:21 | |||
Label | Sub Pop[1] | |||
Producer | Mike Deming, Thom Monahan, Scud Mountain Boys[2] | |||
Scud Mountain Boys chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Robert Christgau | ![]() |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Entertainment Weekly | A−[6] |
Los Angeles Times | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Critical reception
editThe Encyclopedia of Popular Music called the album an "excellent alternative country epic."[5] Entertainment Weekly wrote: "With songs of drunken regret and clear-eyed desperation that are closer to John Cheever than George Jones, the album’s slyly beautiful melodies and parched entreaties have the bracing chill of a Nor’east wind."[6] Spin called it an "all-depression alt-country gem."[10] Trouser Press deemed it "an atmospheric marvel — fully arranged, languidly delivered and occasionally branded by artful lead-guitar electricity."[11]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Joe Pernice, except where noted
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "In a Ditch" | 2:42 | |
2. | "Scratch Ticket" | 3:44 | |
3. | "Penthouse in the Woods" | 2:42 | |
4. | "Grudge ****" | 5:03 | |
5. | "Big Hole" | 4:00 | |
6. | "Van Drunk" | 4:38 | |
7. | "Lift Me Up" | 4:30 | |
8. | "Liquor Store" | Stephen Desaulniers | 4:38 |
9. | "A Ride" | 3:38 | |
10. | "Holy Ghost" | 4:17 | |
11. | "Cigarette Sandwich" | 2:58 | |
12. | "Massachusetts" | 3:14 | |
13. | "Glass Jaw" | 4:15 | |
14. | "Knievel" | 4:02 | |
Total length: | 54:21 |
Personnel
edit- Mike Deming - Engineer, Mastering, Organ, Producer
- Stephen Desaulniers - Bass, Bass (Acoustic), Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Rhythm), Piano, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
- Thom Monahan - Drums, Engineer, Overdubs, Producer
- Bob Pernice - Guitar
- Joe Pernice - Composer, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Producer, Vocals
- Paul Rocha - Piano
- Tom Shea - Drums, Guitar (Electric), Mandolin, Producer
- Bruce Tull - Guitar (Electric), Pedal Steel, Photography, Producer
- Steve Wytas - Mastering
References
edit- ^ "Massachusetts". Sub Pop Records.
- ^ MusicHound Country: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1997. p. 393.
- ^ Wolff, Kurt. "Massachusetts – Scud Mountain Boys". AllMusic. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ "Robert Christgau: CG: Scud Mountain Boys". www.robertchristgau.com.
- ^ a b Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 7. MUZE. p. 319.
- ^ a b "Music Review: 'Massachusetts'". EW.com.
- ^ "*** Scud Mountain Boys, "Massachusetts," Sub Pop..." Los Angeles Times. June 29, 1996.
- ^ "Hidden treasures: Scud Mountain Boys – Massachusetts". the Guardian. January 24, 2013.
- ^ "Scud Mountain Boys | Biography & History". AllMusic.
- ^ "Jump Cuts". SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. March 31, 2000 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Scud Mountain Boys". Trouser Press. Retrieved 31 December 2020.