Massachusetts
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 1996
RecordedStudio .45, Hartford, Connecticut
GenreIndie rock, Alternative country
Length54:21
LabelSub Pop[1]
ProducerMike Deming, Thom Monahan, Scud Mountain Boys[2]
Scud Mountain Boys chronology
Dance the Night Away
(1995)
Massachusetts
(1996)
Do You Love the Sun
(2013)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
Robert Christgau(dud)[4]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[5]
Entertainment WeeklyA−[6]
Los Angeles Times[7]

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.

Critical reception

The 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

All tracks are written by Joe Pernice, except where noted

No.TitleWriter(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 Desaulniers4:38
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

  • 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

  1. "Massachusetts". Sub Pop Records.
  2. MusicHound Country: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1997. p. 393.
  3. Wolff, Kurt. "Massachusetts – Scud Mountain Boys". AllMusic. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  4. "Robert Christgau: CG: Scud Mountain Boys". www.robertchristgau.com.
  5. 1 2 Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 7. MUZE. p. 319.
  6. 1 2 "Music Review: 'Massachusetts'". EW.com.
  7. "*** Scud Mountain Boys, "Massachusetts," Sub Pop..." Los Angeles Times. June 29, 1996.
  8. "Hidden treasures: Scud Mountain Boys – Massachusetts". the Guardian. January 24, 2013.
  9. "Scud Mountain Boys | Biography & History". AllMusic.
  10. "Jump Cuts". SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. March 31, 2000 via Google Books.
  11. "Scud Mountain Boys". Trouser Press. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
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