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Read our exclusive interview with MATTHEW SWEET & SUSANNA HOFFS!

Two of pop music’s darlings – Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles) - have joined voices in celebration of one of the most important eras in pop music. Their album, Under the Covers, Vol. 1 features 15 of the duo’s favorite pop tunes from the 1960s.

They were kind of enough to take some time away from the their 60s lovefest to let ARTISTdirect into their world...

AD: Were most of these songs favorites when you were younger or were some of them songs you discovered later?

MS: “Most we discovered later, although quite a few Susie remembers from her youth, in particular learning to sing along with "Different Drum."

AD: Was this your way of doing the ultimate mix tape?

MS: “Well, our ultimate mix tape would probably be the originals! But honestly there is so much great stuff from that time period, it is hard to narrow it down. Think of this as a smattering of gems!”

AD: Everybody knows this is nowhere is represented with two songs...is this a favorite album for both of you?

MS: “We both really love Neil, and really love these songs---they are real favorites live for us too. When I went to check out "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere," "Cinnamon Girl" was right there next to it. We just did them both. Sue insisted we keep both on the album, and I would never do anything but back the idea of more Neil in any area of life!”

AD: How did you guys choose the songs for the album?

MS: “We never made a "master list" per se, just picked a few we liked as we went along. First on both our lists was "She May Call You Up Tonight" by the Left Banke, so we knew it would be fun and easy from there.

AD: Is "She May Call You Up Tonight" the single because it's more obscure and essentially unavailable?

MS: “There actually isn't an official single at this point, though I think that song will be featured on a vinyl-only single release from Parasol Records sometime soon.”

AD: The songs range from 1964 to 1969, but then a jump to 1972 for the Bee Gee's "Run To Me." Was this song so essential to the album that you had to jump decades?

MS: “We didn't plan it based on years! We even had some later ones, like "Go All the Way" by the Raspberries. Mostly it ended up in mid to late '60s.”

AD: When you look at the final track listing is there something nagging at you ...a song that didn't make it perhaps?

MS: “The nagging would never end if we thought about it that way. We really just did some of the things we like from the era, it could go on and on.”

AD: Susanna, "Hazy Shade of Winter" would've fit nicely on this album... any desire left to play that song?

SH: “Oh yes, we still play it in the Bangles!”

AD: Matthew, Your music has always reflected your love of The Beach Boys, Neil Young, et al... but you've resisted doing covers on any of your albums. Any specific reason for that? Why now?

MS: “I've done a few covers, but that's true... I guess I keep my own albums for my own little song universe! This project was a chance for me to work with Sue, of whom I have been a longtime fan. It was an easy way for us to have some fun recording at home.”

AD: “If you were to make another covers album of predominantly '70s songs, what are a couple essentials? Or should I wait for the next album?”

MS: Well, something by the Raspberries. There a few possibilites, probably Television. It would be hard as the '70s really span two distinct eras in music. And then there was the prog rock. Maybe Sue singing "Starship Troopers" by Yes. Plastic Ono Band. George Harrison. We could do an album for every year!

AD: Is there an overall theme to the project? A message about the state of music now or how good it was then?

MS: “If anything, just keeping the memory and spirit of these songs and groups that we love alive!”

AD: “Are there any ‘60s songs that are untouchable... songs you wouldn’t dare cover for one reason or another?”

MS: “We might try any old '60s song, but here are a few tough ones... Beatles: Strawberry Fields Forever --- so much about the way it was created makes it great. Beach Boys: God Only knows, Caroline No --- I could barely stand to put "Warmth of the Sun" on the record in the shadow of the great one, Brian Wilson!

SH: “Joni mitchell -- For me. The original singing is too godlike. But we could say these things about many of the records we did attempt, so... make of this what you will!”

AD: Any songs from the 21st century you’ll be covering 40 years from Now?

MS: “Please give us at least until the 2040's to answer this one!”

Thanks to Matthew and Susan for letting us into the inner-workings of their pop dreams. Their new album, Under the Covers, Vol. 1 is available now in the ARTISTdirect Store!!

Check out tracklist and listen to some of the tunes!

1. I See the Rain (The Marmalade)
2. And Your Bird Can Sing (The Beatles) LISTEN!
3. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (Bob Dylan)
4. Who Knows Where the Time Goes? (Fairport Convention)
5. Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young)
6. Alone Again or (Love)
7. Warmth of the Sun (The Beach Boys)
8. Different Drum (The Stone Poneys)
9. Kids Are Alright (the Who)
10. Sunday Morning (The Velvet Underground)
11. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Neil Young)
12. Care of Cell #44 (The Zombies)
13. Monday, Monday (The Mamas and the Papas)
14. She May Call You Up Tonight (The Left Banke) LISTEN!
15. Run to Me (Bee Gees)