We’ve covered the music of JATK quite a bit here at Blood Makes Noise, so when the band released new single “Ana” on June 16, we wanted to take a peek behind the creative curtain of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Matt Jatkola. Described as an homage to geek rock, “Ana” shares a lot of sonic DNA with ’90s-era alt-rock and power-pop, and even shouts out in the lyrics fashion relics of the era, like JNCO jeans and wallet-chains. But the true core of “Ana” is a love-letter to the music that Jatkola fell in love with as a teenager, so we asked him to compile a list of bands and songs that helped shape his latest single. He did not disappoint in his playlist efforts. Check it out below.
There are a handful of "Susanne"-inspired musical and lyrical moments I nod to in JATK's "Ana," specifically the line, "you're all that I wanted of a girl." This song is a B-side from Weezer's debut single "Undone - The Sweater Song" and also appeared on the Mallrats soundtrack. It was recorded in a separate session from the Blue Album and it sounds rawer, which I really like. Sonically, I'm still a sucker for raw, unpolished Weezer. We got a lot of in the early era of the band but haven't had much of since.
Probably my favorite Weezer B-side! Featuring lead vocals by Rachel Haden of that dog., this song was supposed to be part of the Songs from the Black Hole concept album, which was eventually scrapped, with certain songs salvaged to make their sophomore album, Pinkerton. The marriage of these vocals and the bendy synth parts scratch every pop music itch I've ever had.
When I first heard Weezer in middle school, to me they sounded like The Beach Boys with distorted guitars. "Barbara Ann" is such a cool, fun song about a girl - a trope Weezer also borrowed from The Wilson Family & co. It makes you wish you knew someone named Barbara Ann... because you definitely don't!
This is the B-side that first hooked me as a tween with a wallet chain. The acoustic and fuzzy guitars paired with the mostly understated vocal delivery really do it for me. Supposedly, it's about Weezer's lawyer. Which brings me to...
Also inspired Jamie Young, their aforementioned lawyer, Weezer's bassist Matt Sharp titled early versions of this song "Mrs. Young" before it transformed into "Please Let That Be You," which appears on the debut Rentals album Return of the Rentals. All wrapped in the artifice of vintage monosynths, a bouncy rhythm, and a somewhat deadpan delivery, I think it's actually one of the most beautiful Rentals songs.
I was aware of this song back in the day, but it didn't actually connect with me until way later. What a complicated love song. This features a lyrical theme of love as devotion, also present in "Ana."
The most classic song ever named after a girl? Yes.
Wow, what a demo! The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo is really interesting to listen to as a songwriter. Classic Beatle-esque verse-verse-bridge song structure. The feeling of longing in this song cuts straight to my heart. It feels beautifully incomplete but I also don't think anything can improve it, which perhaps is why they've never recorded a full band version of it.
Eric Sheppard, who plays synth and provides backing vocals on "Ana" is a big that dog. fan, as am I. This song perfectly kicks off their quintessential album Totally Crushed Out. I learned vocal harmony from listening to that dog. and wishing I could sound like them. Still chasing it.
It's in 6/8 time with thick distorted guitars and a simple, straight-sung top melody line. Musically, "Ana" has this song written all over it. Also originally from Songs from the Black Hole, it ended up as a European B-side of "The Good Life."
11. "Hotel California" - Eagles
If you listen to the exclusive Bandcamp maxi-single of "Ana" you will know why this song is on the playlist. In short, an alternate mix reveals the original placeholder bridge was indeed... "Hotel California." In fact, the basic chord changes, bass, and drums still retain that original feel, I just rewrote a new bridge (vocals, guitars, keys) around it. A keen listener may still detect the Eagles' DNA in the final version, but if not, it's blatant on the original mix. What a nice surprise! Bring your alibis...