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Matthew Good Band
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Matthew Good Band was a Canadian alternative rock band formed in Coquitlam, British Columbia in 1995. The band consisted of singer-songwriter/guitarist Matthew Good, guitarist/keyboardist Dave Genn, drummer Ian Browne, and bassist Geoff Lloyd. Lloyd was replaced by Rich Priske in 1998. They became one of the most successful rock bands in Canada during the late 1990s and early 2000s, being nominated for 14 Juno Awards and winning the awards for "Best Group" and "Best Rock Album" (Beautiful Midnight) in 2000.[1] The band broke up after the release of their 2001 album, The Audio of Being.
Key Information
History
[edit]1995–1996: Formation, Last of the Ghetto Astronauts
[edit]After beginning his music career as a folk musician, Matthew Good formed a three-piece rock band in 1995 composed of himself, drummer Charlie Quintana (later replaced by Ian Browne) and bassist Geoff Lloyd. Dave Genn originally only recorded with the band as a paid session musician. The four recorded the band's debut album, Last of the Ghetto Astronauts. The band released the album independently in 1995, after which Genn officially joined the band. The band was not originally called "Matthew Good Band". In fact, the first 5000 copies of Last of the Ghetto Astronauts were just titled "MGB". After the album was released, "Alabama Motel Room" began to receive significant radio airplay, and people began requesting the song on radio and the album at retail stores calling the band, "Matthew Good Band". At the time, the band had been having conversations about their name, and decided that they would be called "Matthew Good Band". Although initially popular only in the Vancouver area, they received more exposure across Canada in 1996, with the singles "Alabama Motel Room" and "Symbolistic White Walls" becoming significant hits on radio and their music videos being played on MuchMusic. In December 1996, Matthew Good Band signed a two-album deal with Private Music.
1997–1999: Underdogs
[edit]In mid-January 1997, on the first day of pre-production for their next album, the group was notified that BMG Entertainment North America was merging Private Music into Windham Hill/High Street Records, putting a halt to the production of the album. In mid-March, after negotiations, Windham Hill/High Street released the group from its contract.[2] Good was paid what he was owed for the two albums, and the group then decided to record the new album without label support, using the money received from the divorce of their contract with Windham Hill/High Street to fund it. The group then agreed to release the upcoming album under a distribution agreement with PolyGram Group Canada. After releasing the EP Raygun in May 1997, the band later that year released their second full-length album, Underdogs. The album was produced by Warne Livesey, who would go on to produce every full-length MGB album and most of Good's subsequent solo albums. The album spawned the singles "Everything Is Automatic", "Indestructible", "Apparitions", and "Rico", all of which were hits in Canada.
The band toured across Canada with Edgefest during the summer of 1998.[3] In November 1998, Geoff Lloyd left the band.[4] Lloyd was replaced by Rich Priske shortly after. On January 21, 1999, Underdogs was certified Platinum in Canada.
1999–2000: Beautiful Midnight
[edit]In July 1999, the band again toured across Canada as a part of Edgefest, this time on the main stage. In September 1999, the band released Beautiful Midnight.[5] The album debuted at #1 on the Canadian Albums Chart and featured the hit singles "Hello Time Bomb", "Load Me Up", and "Strange Days". "Hello Time Bomb" is their highest charting single in the U.S., peaking at 34 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay. In January 2000, Good underwent vocal cord surgery after being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, prompting him to temporarily quit smoking. In March 2000, The band won two Juno awards for "Best Group" and "Best Rock Album". Good himself did not attend the ceremony, and guitarist Dave Genn has been quoted as saying that he only attends for the open bar.[citation needed] Beautiful Midnight became the band's best-selling album, being certified Double Platinum in Canada and selling over 300,000 copies by 2016.[6] In 2000, the band's song "Running for Home" was featured in an episode of Higher Ground.
2000–2001: The Audio of Being
[edit]In the summer of 2000, Good stayed in a hotel for three weeks in Whistler to work on songs for the new album. Good later wrote that he spent much of the time "trying to keep down food supplement bars, trying to forget the growing tension within the band, the high expectations of needing to produce 'hit songs' (whatever they are these days), throwing up, and trying to find some semblance of direction in my personal life". The band entered the studio in late 2000 to record the material. The sessions saw a great deal of intra-band turmoil. In February 2001, the band began a brief tour of the United States to promote the American release of Beautiful Midnight. In June 2001, the band released the EP Loser Anthems, and followed it with what would be the band's final tour in the summer. In August 2001, Dave Genn quit the band,[7] returning though four days later.[8] The band released The Audio of Being on October 30, 2001.[9]
Breakup
[edit]In November 2001, it was reported that Genn had left the band again and Ian Browne had also left the band.[10] In February 2002, Universal Music Canada confirmed that the band had broken up.[11] In March 2002, during his first interview after the breakup was confirmed, Good stated that the breakup was "a conscious effort on everybody's part".[12] In a 2009 interview for The Ongoing History of New Music, Good stated that he decided the band was done after The Audio of Being was released, citing him no longer wanting to placate the needs of the other band members and no one wanting to tour the new record as reasons.
2002–present: Aftermath
[edit]Since the breakup of Matthew Good Band, Good has pursued a successful solo career, with Priske continuing as Good's bassist until 2005. Genn has been a member of the Canadian rock group 54-40 since 2003 and has written and produced songs for several artists. Geoff Lloyd died in January 2010.[13] Good briefly reunited with Browne in 2011, with Browne drumming for Good on his Lights of Endangered Species tour. Rich Priske died on July 11, 2020.[14]
Members
[edit]- Matthew Good – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1995–2002)
- Rich Priske – bass guitar (1998–2002)
- Ian Browne – drums (1995–2001)
- Dave Genn – lead guitar, keyboards (1995–2001)
- Geoff Lloyd – bass guitar (1995–1998)
Discography
[edit]- Last of the Ghetto Astronauts (1995)
- Raygun (1997)
- Underdogs (1997)
- Lo-Fi B-Sides (1998)
- Beautiful Midnight (1999)
- Loser Anthems: B-Sides & Rarities (2001)
- The Audio of Being (2001)
See also
[edit]
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References
[edit]- ^ "Awards". Juno Awards. Retrieved 2016-06-09.
- ^ LeBlanc, Larry (1997-10-11). "A&M Banks On Good's 'Underdogs'". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
- ^ Lucas, John. "One Less Ghetto Astronaut: ChartAttack's feature interview with The Matthew Good Band – Chart's Artist of the Year!". Chart Attack. Archived from the original on 2001-04-28.
- ^ "GEOFF LLOYD LEAVES MATTHEW GOOD BAND". Chart Attack. Archived from the original on 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2019-03-05.
- ^ LeBlanc, Larry (2001-03-31). "Canadian Music at a Crossroads". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 48. ISSN 0006-2510.
- ^ "MATTHEW GOOD REVISITS BEAUTIFUL MIDNIGHT; ANNOUNCES CANADIAN TOUR | Warner Music Canada". Warner Music Canada. 2016-11-15. Archived from the original on 2016-11-20. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
- ^ Mernagh, Matt (2001-08-27). "Dave Genn Quits Matthew Good Band". Chart Attack. Archived from the original on 2003-06-24.
- ^ "Dave Genn Back In Matthew Good Band". Chart Attack. 2001-08-31. Archived from the original on 2003-06-24.
- ^ Bento, Debbie (2001-10-30). "CD REVIEWS: Baby Blue Soundcrew, Lenny Kravitz, Matthew Good Band and many more". Chart Attack. Archived from the original on 2001-11-22.
- ^ "Genn, Browne Leave MGB". Chart Attack. 2001-11-21. Archived from the original on 2003-06-05.
- ^ "Matt Good Band Break-Up". MuchMusic. 2002-02-15. Archived from the original on 2002-10-20. Retrieved 2019-03-05.
- ^ Gill, Alexandra (2002-03-23). "The band says good night". The Globe and Mail. Vancouver. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
- ^ Johnson, Kevin (2010-02-02). "RIP Geoff Lloyd". No Treble.
- ^ Little, Simon (2020-07-12). "Former Matthew Good Band bassist Rich Priske dead at 52". Global News. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Matthew Good Band
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
1995–1996: Formation and Last of the Ghetto Astronauts
The Matthew Good Band was formed in 1995 in Coquitlam, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver, by singer-songwriter and guitarist Matthew Good, drummer Ian Browne, and bassist Geoff Lloyd. Keyboardist and guitarist Dave Genn joined the lineup soon after, completing the initial configuration that would drive the band's early sound. Drawing from Good's prior experience as a folk musician, the group shifted toward alternative rock, emphasizing introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.[3][2][4] Operating independently, the band focused on building a grassroots following through local performances in the Vancouver area, honing their live energy amid the regional rock scene. This period laid the foundation for their DIY ethos, with Good handling much of the creative direction. The band's debut album, Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, was released later that year on the independent Darktown Records label. Recorded at Utopia Parkway Studios in Vancouver, the 11-track effort captured raw, guitar-driven alternative rock with themes of alienation and personal struggle; standout songs included "Look Happy," a mid-tempo reflection on emotional facades, "Autobrats," an energetic critique of superficiality, and the closing title track "Lillian," noted for its atmospheric build. The album sold approximately 20,000 copies initially, a notable achievement for an independent release that generated word-of-mouth buzz among Canadian listeners.[2][3][5][6] However, the band encountered significant hurdles typical of indie operations, including sparse promotional support and distribution limited mostly to Western Canada, which restricted broader exposure. Radio play for tracks like "Alabama Motel Room" was minimal outside local stations, and the group relied heavily on live shows and cassette demos to sustain momentum. The album's underground success nonetheless attracted major-label attention; in December 1996, the Matthew Good Band signed a two-album deal with Private Music, a Windham Hill subsidiary distributed through BMG, signaling their transition from regional act to national prospects under broader industry backing.[6][3]1997–1999: Underdogs
Following the independent success of their debut album, the Matthew Good Band transitioned to a major label, signing with A&M Records in Canada (an imprint under PolyGram, later Universal). Their second studio album, Underdogs, was released on October 7, 1997, and produced by Warne Livesey, with recording taking place at Greenhouse Studios in Burnaby, British Columbia.[7][8] The album featured a polished post-grunge sound, marked by Matthew Good's introspective lyrics exploring themes of alienation, personal struggle, and fractured relationships, paired with the band's energetic guitar riffs and dynamic rhythm section.[9] By 1999, Underdogs achieved platinum certification in Canada from the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA, now Music Canada), signifying sales of over 100,000 units and establishing the band as a rising force in the alternative rock scene.[10] The album spawned several key singles that boosted the band's visibility. "Indestructible," released in late 1997, peaked at number 7 on Canada's Rock/Alternative chart, showcasing Good's raw vocal delivery over driving instrumentation that captured the era's post-grunge ethos.[11] Another single, "Rico," followed in 1998 and reached number 23 on the RPM Top Singles chart, further highlighting the album's blend of melodic hooks and emotional depth.[12] These tracks, along with "Apparitions," received significant airplay on MuchMusic, helping to cultivate a dedicated fanbase through the network's influential programming.[13] In support of Underdogs, the band embarked on extensive touring across Canada, including stops at venues like Barrymore's Music Hall in Ottawa in 1998 and Marmot Basin in Jasper in 1999, where they performed full sets drawing from the new material.[14][15] They also made high-profile appearances, such as MuchMusic's Snow Job event in 1999, which amplified their exposure to a national audience. This period of road work solidified their reputation as a live act, opening for prominent Canadian contemporaries and building momentum toward greater commercial success. Midway through this era, the band's lineup underwent its first major change when founding bassist Geoff Lloyd departed in late 1998, citing a sense that he was not contributing sufficiently to the group's evolving sound.[16] He was promptly replaced by Rich Priske, a seasoned Vancouver musician who brought fresh energy to the rhythm section and helped stabilize the group as they prepared for their next release. Underdogs was critically regarded as a staple of late-1990s Canadian alternative rock, praised for its balance of introspective songwriting and anthemic accessibility, though some reviewers noted it as a solid but not revolutionary step forward from their debut.[9][6] This album laid essential groundwork for the band's commercial breakthrough with Beautiful Midnight.1999–2000: Beautiful Midnight
The Matthew Good Band achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of their third studio album, Beautiful Midnight, on September 14, 1999, through Universal Music Canada. The album debuted at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart, marking the band's first chart-topping release, and went on to sell over 200,000 copies in Canada, earning double platinum certification from Music Canada. Produced by John Agnello at Wise Productions in New York, the record featured a more polished alternative rock sound compared to prior efforts, blending introspective lyrics with energetic guitar-driven arrangements. The stable lineup from the Underdogs period—Matthew Good on vocals and guitar, Dave Genn on keyboards and guitar, Rich Priske on bass, and Ian Browne on drums—contributed to the album's cohesive execution.[10] Beautiful Midnight spawned several hit singles that solidified the band's radio presence, including "Hello Time Bomb," which topped the Canadian alternative rock chart in 2000, as well as "Weapon" and "Strange Days." Each single was supported by music videos directed by William Morrison, whose visually striking concepts, such as the surreal imagery in the "Hello Time Bomb" clip, helped amplify the band's exposure on networks like MuchMusic. These tracks highlighted Good's evolving songwriting, with "Hello Time Bomb" earning a Juno Award nomination for Single of the Year in 2000. Following the album's release, the Matthew Good Band embarked on extensive touring, including headlining dates across Canada, festival appearances like Edgefest, and initial U.S. promotions tied to the record's American rollout on Atlantic Records in early 2001. The album's themes centered on personal struggles amid societal disconnection, tempered by threads of optimism and resilience, resonating with listeners through Good's raw yet hopeful lyricism—for instance, in songs like "Load Me Up" and "I Miss New Wave." At the 2000 Juno Awards, Beautiful Midnight won for Best Rock Album, while the band received the Best Group award; the album was also nominated for Album of the Year. Critics praised the record's refined production and Good's matured songwriting, with AllMusic noting its "bold and distinct" qualities that established the band as a key voice in Canadian alternative rock.2000–2002: The Audio of Being and breakup
The Matthew Good Band released their fourth studio album, The Audio of Being, on September 25, 2001, through Universal Music Canada. The album peaked at number 7 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was later certified Gold by Music Canada for sales exceeding 50,000 units.[17] Produced by David Bottrill at Armoury Studios in Vancouver, the record marked a shift toward more experimental sounds, incorporating electronic influences and atmospheric production alongside the band's alternative rock foundation. Key singles included "Anti-Pop," "A Boy and His Machine Gun," and "Luddite," with "Anti-Pop" receiving significant radio play and a music video that highlighted the album's darker, introspective themes.[18][19] Recording sessions for The Audio of Being were tense, reflecting growing internal conflicts within the band. Drummer Ian Browne departed in late 2001, citing burnout from the relentless touring and recording schedule that had defined the group's career since 1995. The band brought in temporary replacements, including Kurt Dahl on drums, to complete promotional tours, but the lineup instability exacerbated existing issues. Creative differences between frontman Matthew Good and guitarist Dave Genn emerged during production, with Good pushing for bolder, more personal songwriting while Genn favored meticulous arrangements, leading to delays and frustration. Management disputes with SRO Management further strained relations, as the band felt the label's priorities did not align with their artistic vision.[20] These tensions culminated in the band's final tour from late 2001 into early 2002, supporting The Audio of Being across Canada and select U.S. dates. The tour, which included stops at venues like the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver and festival appearances such as Edgefest, featured a mix of new material and earlier hits but was marred by Good's health issues, including anxiety and throat problems requiring surgery. In February 2002, Universal Music Canada officially announced the breakup, with Good stating in a subsequent interview that he sought to evolve beyond the band format to explore more personal musical directions.[21][20]2002–present: Post-breakup activities
Following the dissolution of the Matthew Good Band in 2002, frontman Matthew Good launched a successful solo career, debuting with the album Avalanche on March 4, 2003, which featured a shift toward more introspective alternative rock sounds while retaining elements of the band's earlier style.[22] Good continued releasing solo material at a steady pace, including the critically acclaimed Hospital Music on July 31, 2007, an album inspired by personal struggles such as divorce and mental health challenges.[23] His output persisted independently after label changes, culminating in the EP Zero Hours, released on October 3, 2025, marking a return to recording after a period of health-related setbacks.[24] In 2011, Good briefly reunited with former Matthew Good Band drummer Ian Browne for select performances supporting Good's album Lights of Endangered Species, though this collaboration did not lead to a full band reformation.[25] The band's legacy was further marked by tragedies among its former members: original bassist Geoff Lloyd died in January 2010.[26] Later, bassist Rich Priske, who joined in 1998, passed away on July 11, 2020, at age 52 from a heart attack.[27] Good faced significant controversy in February 2021 when his ex-fiancée, Hayley Mather, posted allegations of emotional and psychological abuse on social media, prompting Warner Music Canada to part ways with him shortly thereafter.[28] Good denied the claims in a public statement, asserting that no gender-based violence occurred during their relationship and expressing sadness over the situation, which led to a temporary pause in his major-label activities as he navigated the fallout independently.[29] By 2025, Good resumed touring under the moniker "Matthew Good and His Band," featuring new backing musicians, with a cross-Canada tour alongside I Mother Earth that commenced on October 24 in Vancouver and continued through November, including a date on November 3 in Saskatoon.[30][31] These performances have been impacted by ongoing health challenges, including a diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy in mid-October 2023, which caused numbness in his pinky and ring fingers, forcing him to cease guitar playing and adapt his live sets.[32] Other former members pursued varied projects post-breakup. Guitarist and keyboardist Dave Genn joined the veteran Canadian rock band 54-40 as lead guitarist in 2005, contributing to multiple albums and tours while also working as a producer.[33] Drummer Ian Browne performed with the psych-blues group No Sinner and later formed the hard rock outfit Loose Fang in 2020, emphasizing a return to high-energy drumming.[34]Artistry
Musical style
The Matthew Good Band's music is rooted in Canadian alternative rock, blending post-grunge aggression with pop rock accessibility and indie sensibilities.[35] Their sound drew influences from acts like Nirvana and the Pixies, evident in the raw energy and thematic intensity, while sharing stylistic parallels with fellow Canadian contemporaries such as Our Lady Peace in the broader alternative radio rock landscape.[2][36] Key sonic characteristics include heavily distorted guitars driving melodic hooks, paired with dynamic contrasts—shifting from subdued, introspective verses to explosive, anthemic choruses—a technique emblematic of post-grunge's quiet-loud structure.[35][2] Later recordings introduced electronic textures and synth elements for added depth, enhancing the band's atmospheric quality without abandoning their rock foundation.[37] The band's sound evolved notably across their discography, beginning with the raw, lo-fi indie aesthetic of their 1995 debut Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, which emphasized unpolished grit.[37] Subsequent albums like Underdogs (1997) and Beautiful Midnight (1999) adopted a more refined production, balancing radio-friendly polish with emotional intensity.[9][38] By The Audio of Being (2001), experimental synths and broader sonic experimentation marked a shift toward more layered, ambitious arrangements.[37] Instrumentation centered on Matthew Good's rhythmic guitar and commanding vocals, complemented by Dave Genn's keyboards and lead guitar for textural atmospheres, atop a solid rhythmic backbone of bass and drums.[37] In live settings, the band delivered high-energy shows, with Good's dynamic stage presence—marked by intense physicality and audience engagement—amplifying their raw rock ethos.[2][39]Songwriting and themes
Matthew Good served as the primary songwriter for the Matthew Good Band, crafting both lyrics and music that drew heavily from his personal experiences, including tumultuous relationships, struggles with mental health, and broader societal critiques. His songwriting often reflected a raw vulnerability, as seen in tracks like "A Boy and His Machine Gun" from Beautiful Midnight (1999), which explored themes of isolation and psychological turmoil in suburban settings, though it sparked controversy for its perceived ties to events like the Columbine shooting.[2] Similarly, lyrics in Underdogs (1997) addressed social issues and historical events, blending personal introspection with politically charged commentary.[1] Recurring motifs in the band's output included alienation, resilience amid despair, and the dehumanizing impact of technology. For instance, "Apparitions" from Underdogs delivered a haunting portrayal of modern disconnection, described as a "brave new alienation" that captured the disorientation of contemporary life.[2] In The Audio of Being (2001), the track "Luddite" critiqued how technological progress eroded human connections, with lines evoking fear of a future dominated by machines. Songs like "Indestructible" from Underdogs highlighted alienation through themes of innocence lost and a skewed worldview in relationships, portraying characters who return "perfect" yet forever changed.[40] Collaborative input from band members was limited, primarily involving co-writing on some musical elements by keyboardist Dave Genn, while Good handled the bulk of lyrics and initial compositions. His creative process typically began with solo demos, often starting on acoustic guitar to capture raw ideas before arranging with the full band, a method rooted in his early folk influences. This approach allowed for quick iterations, as evidenced by Last of the Ghetto Astronauts (1995).[37][41] The band's lyrical evolution traced a path from the raw cynicism of Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, with its gritty acerbic takes on violence and hope in songs like "Alabama Motel Room," to the more introspective maturity of Beautiful Midnight, where personal tenderness intertwined with critiques of mental fragility. By The Audio of Being, written during a period of personal crisis including throat surgery and a relationship's end, the themes shifted toward experimental self-examination, exploring loss and weariness in dirges like "Tripoli." This progression marked a deepening emotional authenticity, moving from indie rawness to textured alt-rock introspection.[2] Critics praised Good's lyrics for their poetic intensity and relatability, noting how they infused tracks with emotional depth that resonated widely. Reviewers highlighted the "gritty acerbic lyrics" of early work as passionate and uneven yet compelling, while later albums were lauded for soaring beyond conventional pop-rock with genuine, heartfelt expression that connected on a human level. This lyrical prowess contributed to the band's Juno Award wins, including Rock Album of the Year for Beautiful Midnight.[2][1]Members
Final lineup
The final lineup of the Matthew Good Band, active through the release of their 2001 album The Audio of Being until the band's dissolution in early 2002, centered on founder Matthew Good as the primary creative force, alongside key collaborators who shaped the group's sound in its concluding phase. This lineup, consisting of Good, Dave Genn, Rich Priske, and Ian Browne, remained intact until November 2001.[42] Matthew Good served as lead vocalist and guitarist, driving the band's songwriting, production, and overall direction from its inception in 1995 until the end; born June 29, 1971, in Burnaby, British Columbia, he remained the constant member throughout the group's existence.[43] His partnership with Dave Genn was particularly pivotal in the final projects, where their collaboration on songwriting and arrangements elevated tracks like those on The Audio of Being, blending introspective lyrics with layered instrumentation.[13] Dave Genn, a co-founder who joined in 1995, handled guitar and keyboards, contributing essential melodic and textural elements to the band's evolving alternative rock style during the 2001 album's creation.[13] Genn departed permanently in November 2001 amid internal tensions, marking a significant shift as the group wound down.[42] Rich Priske joined on bass in 1998, providing rhythmic foundation for the band's live performances and recordings, including substantial contributions to The Audio of Being.[13] He continued supporting Good through the immediate post-breakup period until 2005 but passed away on July 11, 2020, at age 50 following a heart attack.[44] Ian Browne and Dave Genn both departed in November 2001. The band relied on various session musicians for any remaining obligations, without appointing permanent replacements, as the focus shifted toward Good's solo endeavors ahead of the official breakup announcement in February 2002.[42]Former members
The former members of Matthew Good Band who departed prior to the group's dissolution in 2002 were bassist Geoff Lloyd, guitarist/keyboardist Dave Genn, and drummer Ian Browne. Geoff Lloyd served as the band's bassist from its formation in 1995 until November 1998, when he left and was replaced by Rich Priske. As an original member and former classmate of frontman Matthew Good, Lloyd contributed to the band's debut album Last of the Ghetto Astronauts (1995) and its follow-up Underdogs (1997). Lloyd passed away on January 28, 2010, in Ottawa at the age of 39; the cause of death was not publicly disclosed.[45][26] Dave Genn was a co-founder who joined in 1995 on guitar and keyboards. He contributed to all of the band's studio albums and departed permanently in November 2001.[13][42] Ian Browne, a co-founder, handled drums for the band from 1995 until his departure in November 2001. Browne appeared on all four of the band's studio albums, including Beautiful Midnight (1999) and The Audio of Being (2001). His exit, along with that of keyboardist/guitarist Dave Genn, preceded the official breakup announcement in early 2002. Following his time with the band, Browne collaborated on other musical endeavors.[1][2][42] The departures had a notable impact on the band's continuity; Priske's quick integration after Lloyd's exit helped maintain momentum during the promotion of Beautiful Midnight and subsequent releases, with no additional lineup shifts occurring until the group's end.[26][13]Discography
Studio albums
The Matthew Good Band released four studio albums between 1995 and 2001, each contributing to their rise in the Canadian alternative rock scene. These records showcased the band's evolution from raw, independent roots to polished commercial successes, with increasing production values and broader appeal. Their debut, Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, was an independent release in 1995 on a modest budget of approximately $5,000 CAD. It did not enter any major charts but achieved sales of 50,000 copies in Canada, sufficient to attract major label interest and secure a recording contract. The album's lo-fi aesthetic and introspective lyrics laid the foundation for the band's sound, though it remained a cult favorite among early fans.[46] Underdogs, the follow-up, arrived in 1997 as another independent effort before a wider re-release. It peaked at number 11 on the Canadian Albums Chart and earned Platinum certification from Music Canada for sales exceeding 100,000 units. Critics praised its high-energy rock tracks and anthemic choruses, which captured the band's live intensity and helped establish them as a rising force in Canadian music. The album earned the band a Juno nomination for Best Rock Album in 1999.[47] The band's breakthrough came with Beautiful Midnight in 1999, which debuted at number 1 on the Canadian Albums Chart and achieved Double Platinum status in Canada for over 200,000 units sold. This major-label release marked their commercial peak, blending polished production with emotional depth and yielding hits that dominated Canadian radio. Its success solidified the Matthew Good Band's status as one of the era's top alternative acts. The final studio album, The Audio of Being, was released in 2001 and peaked at number 7 on the Canadian Albums Chart. Certified Gold by Music Canada for 50,000 units, it was noted for its experimental elements, including unconventional song structures and atmospheric arrangements that pushed the band's creative boundaries. Collectively, the four albums have sold over 500,000 copies in Canada, underscoring their enduring impact on the domestic rock landscape.[10]Extended plays
The Matthew Good Band released their debut extended play, Raygun, in 1996 as an independent follow-up to their 1995 album Last of the Ghetto Astronauts. This five-track EP marked the first recording featuring guitarist Dave Genn and served as a promotional release to maintain fan interest amid label transition issues that delayed the band's second full-length album, Underdogs. Distributed initially through the band's own Darktown imprint and later re-released in 1997 via A&M Records, it had limited availability, primarily in Canada and the US after the band terminated a prior contract with Private Music. The EP did not achieve commercial chart success but functioned as a fan exclusive and radio promoter, showcasing the band's evolving alternative rock sound with re-recordings of earlier material alongside new compositions.[48][1][2][49]| Track | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raygun | Matthew Good | 3:17 |
| 2 | Generation X-Wing | Dave Genn, Matthew Good | 4:32 |
| 3 | Haven't Slept in Years | Matthew Good | 3:31 |
| 4 | Alabama Motel Room | - | 3:22 |
| 5 | So Long Mrs. Smith | Matthew Good | 1:36 |
| Track | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Born to Kill (demo) | Matthew Good | 3:32 |
| 2 | Enjoy the Silence | Martin Gore | 3:49 |
| 3 | Omissions of the Ring | Matthew Good | 4:08 |
| Track | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flashdance II | 4:44 |
| 2 | The Man from Harold Wood | 2:17 |
| 3 | My Life as a Circus Clown | 2:46 |
| 4 | Intermezzo: M. Good vs. M. Trolley | 0:36 |
| 5 | Flight Recorder from Viking 7 | 5:33 |
| 6 | Life Beyond the Minimum Safe Distance | 3:52 |
| 7 | The Fine Art of Falling Apart | 3:45 |
Singles
The Matthew Good Band released over ten singles during their active years from 1995 to 2002, several of which achieved significant airplay on Canadian rock radio and earned nominations at the Juno Awards.[13] These singles were primarily drawn from their four studio albums and helped establish the band as a leading force in Canadian alternative rock, with tracks like "Hello Time Bomb" nominated for Single of the Year at the 2000 Juno Awards.[53] Key early singles came from their 1995 debut album Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, including "Alabama Motel Room," "Symbolistic White Walls," and "Haven’t Slept in Years," which gained initial traction on alternative radio despite limited commercial charting. The band's breakthrough arrived with the 1997 album Underdogs, which spawned four notable singles: "Apparitions" became a smash hit on rock stations, "Everything Is Automatic" followed with strong airplay, "Indestructible" peaked in the top ten on Canada's alternative charts, and "Rico" reached the top 50 on national singles charts.[13] The 1999 album Beautiful Midnight produced the band's most commercially successful singles, including "Hello Time Bomb," "Load Me Up," and "Strange Days," all of which peaked in the top 20 on Canadian rock charts and received heavy rotation on MuchMusic. "The Future Is X-Rated" also charted in the top 40.[13] This run contributed to the album's double platinum certification in Canada (200,000 units) and wins for Best Group and Best Rock Album at the 2000 Juno Awards.[54][55] The band's final album, The Audio of Being (2001), featured singles such as "Carmelina" and "Anti-Pop," which continued their streak of top-20 alternative radio performance and garnered additional Juno nominations, including for Best Group in 2002. "A Boy and His Machine Gun," though not a lead single, received promotional attention and live play.[13] Overall, the band's singles collectively earned multiple Juno nods across categories like Single of the Year and Video of the Year, underscoring their impact on the Canadian music scene.[56]| Single | Release Year | Album | Chart Peak (Canada Alternative/Rock) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indestructible | 1998 | Underdogs | #7 (Alternative) | Key radio hit from sophomore album.[13] |
| Rico | 1998 | Underdogs | Top 50 (Singles) | Fourth single; modest commercial success.[13] |
| Hello Time Bomb | 1999 | Beautiful Midnight | Top 20 (Rock) | Juno-nominated for Single of the Year; MuchMusic staple.[53][13] |
| Load Me Up | 1999 | Beautiful Midnight | Top 20 (Rock) | High airplay track.[13] |
| Strange Days | 2000 | Beautiful Midnight | Top 20 (Rock) | Fan favorite with enduring radio play.[13] |
| Anti-Pop | 2001 | The Audio of Being | Top 20 (Alternative) | Satirical track; final era single.[13] |