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Matt Nathanson - Some Mad Hope - Vanguard

Matt Nathanson's heartfelt pop songs and choirboy-with-an-attitude persona has already meant a healthy fan base, and his new album Some Mad Hope will most certainly satisfy the believers and should attract a few more. The 34 year-old Massachusetts native and San Francisco resident has a knack for tugging at the ol' heartstrings through his songs, and his ability to do that has never been sharper.

Already a pretty remarkable singer, Nathanson sounds more confident, more soulful this go 'round. Some Mad Hope boasts several very fine songs, like the first single "Car Crash," the sexy "Still" and "Come On Get Higher," and "Heartbreak World." The album sounds great, and producers Marshall Altman and Mark Weinberg have done a great job with the acoustic/electric textures.

Nathanson's best attribute is perhaps his attitude, which audiences everywhere appreciate. Even though he is perhaps most beloved for his live events complete with running jokes and social commentary, his songwriting is beginning to catch up...

Written by Dan Reed