Altered Beast (album)

Infobox Album | Name = Altered Beast
Type = Studio album
Artist = Matthew Sweet


Released = 13 July start date|1993
Recorded = January – February 1993
Genre = Alternative rock
Length = 55:31
Label = Zoo Entertainment
Producer = Fred Maher and Matthew Sweet
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|4|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:bq8m96oodep3 link]
*"Rolling Stone" Rating|3|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/matthewsweet/albums/album/171839/review/5941006/altered_beast link] | Last album = "Girlfriend" (1991)
This album = "Altered Beast" (1993)
Next album = "Son of Altered Beast" (1994)

"Altered Beast" is the fourth album by alternative rock musician Matthew Sweet. Released by Zoo Entertainment in 1993, the initial response to this record was cool compared to "Girlfriend", with "Rolling Stone" writing that the album was " [f] rustratingly uneven," with "inspiring moments; the problem is finding them."O'Connor, Rob: [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/matthewsweet/albums/album/171839/review/5941006/altered_beast Review: Matthew Sweet - Altered Beast] , "Rolling Stone", July 17, 1997.]

Sweet was accompanied by a high-powered group of guest musicians. Among the drummers were Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Jody Stephens (Big Star) and Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello's backing band). On guitar were Richard Lloyd (Television), Robert Quine (Voidoids) and Ivan Julian (Voidoids). Additionally, renowned session keyboardist Nicky Hopkins appeared.

The track "Intro" is a clip from the movie "Caligula" featuring Malcolm McDowell. [DeRogatis, Jim: [http://www.matthew-sweet.com/alteredbeastinterview.html#anchor301402 Matthew Sweet Sours on Success] , "Chicago Sun-Times", June 20, 1993.]

Five different colored versions of the album cover were produced: yellow, blue, green, orange and purple.

The name of the album is based on the Sega Genesis game "Altered Beast". [Everson, John: [http://www.matthew-sweet.com/alteredbeastinterview.html#anchor28137 Powering Up With Altered Beast] , "Illinois Entertainer", July 1993.]

Track listing

# "Dinosaur Act"
# "Devil With the Green Eyes"
# "The Ugly Truth"
# "Time Capsule"
# "Someone to Pull the Trigger"
# "Knowing People"
# "Life Without You"
# "Intro"
# "Ugly Truth Rock"
# "Do It Again"
# "In Too Deep"
# "Reaching Out"
# "Falling"
# "What Do You Know?"
# "Evergreen"

Music Videos

# *Time Capsule", directed by Douglas Gayeton (Satellite Films)

References