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.
| Title | Writer(s) |
|---|
| 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
- 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