The Riff’s August 2022 Album Of The Month Chat: ‘Massachusetts’

# Summary

The Riff invites music enthusiasts to join an online discussion on August 14, 2022, to talk about Scud Mountain Boys' album 'Massachusetts,' which is the chosen Album of the Month.

# Abstract

The Riff is hosting a monthly album discussion, with the August 2022 feature being 'Massachusetts' by Scud Mountain Boys. Participants are encouraged to listen to the album in full, preferably in a quiet setting, to fully appreciate its nuances before the discussion. The band, known for their electric rock and acoustic performances, released the album in 1996 under Sub Pop Records after gaining popularity in Northampton, Massachusetts. Despite disbanding in 1997, the band reformed in 2012, continuing to produce music. The upcoming discussion will be held via Zoom on August 14, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm EST, and attendees are assured of a relaxed atmosphere where they can choose to actively participate or simply listen in.

# Opinions


- The author expresses enthusiasm for the album discussion format, having enjoyed their first experience in July.
- The album 'Massachusetts' is recommended to be listened to without prior expectations, suggesting that the experience will be more authentic and impactful.
- The author suggests an ideal listening environment and setting, emphasizing the importance of minimal interruptions to fully engage with the music.
- The preference for a quiet, attentive listening session indicates a belief that the album's depth may be best appreciated in a dedicated listening session, possibly reflecting the author's view on how music should be experienced.

You are invited to discuss this album with us on 14 August

I participated in my first album discussion in July and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was so good to meet people that I’ve come to know through their written pieces. For those that have been thinking about joining the monthly discussion, please do just jump right in!

I put my hand up to have a crack at leading the next Album Of The Month discussion. Then I spent the next several hours contemplating which album to choose! I narrowed my selection down to three, finally deciding to go with ‘Massachusetts’ by Scud Mountain Boys.

I will follow the lead of last month’s host, Charlie Cole and not go into finer detail about the album or the band. I want you to listen to the album without any preconceived notions of what it will be like. What I can advise, though, is how/when to listen to it. Take some time one evening to listen to the 55-minute album in full, perhaps in a quiet setting or at least with little interruption. And maybe accompanied by a glass of red or two fingers of single malt. This is not really an album to listen to in the car on the drive to work, nor in your cans while you’re frantically drafting your last thesis chapter.

Scud Mountain Boys formed in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1991. The band gained a following playing electric rock & roll. However, they preferred playing acoustic instruments at home around the kitchen table. They tried the seated acoustic approach at a venue and received a positive response, so they stuck with it. The band released two albums on small labels, before being picked up by Sub Pop, who subsequently released the album, ‘Massachusetts’ in 1996. The band fell apart in 1997, with the primary singer-songwriter, Joe Pernice, moving on to make many records under various guises. The band reformed in 2012 for a tour, and their fourth album was released the following year.

The album chat will be held on Sunday, 14 August, 4.00pm-6.00pm (EST). Details on how to join in are below.

You can listen to the album on Spotify or YouTube:

For those considering joining the chat for the first time, be reassured that everything is pretty relaxed, and we don’t bite (well, we might nibble a bit!). You can even join and just listen, with no video or mic from your end.

I am very much looking forward to discussing this incredible album with you all. I’ll see you on the 14th!

Zoom details:

ID: 89869828724

passcode: iVM2?#bj

Join by phone (US) +1 646–931–3860 (passcode: 12650014)

Ok, brace yourselves. It’s tagging time!