Matt Costa
Matt Costa is a singer/songwriter from California and his latest self-titled album is coming out February 12th, via Bushfire Records.
The new record was recorded in Scotland and produced by Tony Doogan, who produced Belle & Sebastian's best years (1996-2003), and featured some of the band members and related-collaborator as session musicians (Stevie Jackson, Chris Geddes and Bobby Kildea). If you're not familiar with Costa, he had a few self-released EPs before hitting the big time being asked to open up for Jack Johnson's summer tour in 2005. About five years ago, his single, "Mr Pitiful" blew up in iPhone advertisements and featured in a movie trailer for "Youth In Revolt" (starring the ever-awkward and ever-youthful Michael Cera) and "Marmaduke". To start things off, there is a nice violin intro before setting into a fun groovy number called "Loving You". That song, as well as others, appeared as pre-releases on his Sacred Hills EP that was released last November. Fans who already bought the EP compared it to John Lennon – and I can see why, particularly on the big horns and cheers on "Good Times" reminded me of when the Beatles were at their most creative. “
I'm turning back to the man that I once was, but it was fun to fool them for a while. Finally those good times are coming … to an end.†The record has exceptionally good, catchy melodies. And the best part is that, at least to me, there is a nice mix of variety in his songs: everything from Celtic-inspired music on "Silver Sea" to folk/Dylan-esque harmonicas on "Ophelia" to Sgt Pepper-esque "Good Times" to 60s pop love song on "Clipped Wings". Personally, I love this new direction that Matt Costa is taking, it tells me that he's brave enough to try something new and grow as an artist. I've listened to the album on a 5.1 stereo system and on monitor earphones (over the ear), both sounded great with all the string arrangements, backup vocals, handclaps, upbeat rhythms – but it sounded even better with headphones, especially on sweeping songs like "Golden Cathedrals". Look for Matt Costa's self-titled album on February 12th, via Bushfire Records. Pre-ordering now on Newbury Comics will get you a special autographed lyric booklet. Costa will also head out on tour in March/April in support of the new album. See all dates on the sidebar. It should be interesting to see how the strings and horns will translate to a live music performance. |