OAKLAND, Calif. -- Matthew Sweet seems to be a boundless creative entity. On his 10th studio release, "Sunshine Lies" (his first solo effort on the SHOUT! FACTORY label) Sweet finds his connection with that "intangible something" that keeps him channeled to immediately accessible, always satisfying rock songs firmly in place and fully engaged. If you’re one of those people known for (or who wants to be known for) turning people on to great new CDs, be sure you are first in line at your local CD retailer (or be ready to download) this outstanding effort Aug. 29.

The cast of usual suspects joins Sweet on this marvelous outing, including Ric Menck pounding the skins, Ivan Julian and Richard Lloyd deftly ripping beautifully chaotic chords from their guitars and Greg Leisz contributes his seemingly flawless, effortless guitar and pedal steel parts. That leaves the bulk of the work (including producing and engineering) for Sweet himself. Special guests include Susanna Hoffs (of Sid ‘n Susie and Bangles fame) along with Sweet’s wife, Lisa, contributing background vocals on the title track.

Songs like “Room To Rock," “Flying” (which has an awesome “James Bond, spy in jeopardy, chase across London" feel) and “Sunrise Eyes” are thundering rockers that are not just catchy, they're fun. In fact, the whole CD is a blast, layered with lush harmonies when called for and knocking the doors down when it's time to rock. The songs "Byrdgirl" -- containing thick droplets of harmonics splashing around the intro before bouncing into a “jangle pop” masterpiece -- plus "Let's Love" are worth the price of admission alone.

The aforementioned “Let’s Love” and “Time Machine” are prime examples of songs with gorgeous, haunting melodies. Sweet fans have surely grown accustomed to these characteristics in his work, yet none of the 13 tracks sounds derivative of his earlier work. I tried to find a decent comparison to something from "Girlfriend," "Altered Beast" or "100% Fun" but came up empty. Sweet has obviously found a fresh approach on this recording and exploits it to perfection. This is a must have CD, easily some of Sweet’s best work. It is by all means a "roll the convertible top back, crank the stereo and hit the open road in the summertime" CD. The ballads are stirring and the songs that rock really do ROCK. If Sweet were given a “do-over" for this recording, I find it hard to believe he’d be able to improve on it.

I find myself wishing I could at least say there are some clunkers on "Sunshine Lies" so this critique doesn't just sound like fan boy fawning. To my dismay, I cannot. I promise, if there were songs that were sub-par, I'd tell you. This is simply a solid record, all killer, no filler. It's a great way to get into Matthew’s work if you aren’t a fan yet. Oh, and before I forget, here's a head's up for you vinyl fans -- "Sunshine Lies" will also be released on vinyl with four extra tracks not on the CD. The real bonus is if you buy the LP, you also get a copy of the CD with it. Sweet! (No pun intended, by the way.)

Oh, yeah, I can think of one thing I don't like about the CD - there are only 13 tracks.

I knew I'd think of something.