While there was no shortage of earnest young folk-influenced pop singer-songwriters as the 21st century dawned, Matt Nathanson separated himself from the pack with a balance of complex songwriting, modern rock edge, and smooth pop knowhow. Nathanson grew up in the Boston area, but made his name toting his guitar around the coffeehouses of San Francisco in the 1990s, selling self-distributed CDs out of his van. By the mid-00s he had a major-label deal and a sturdy cult with a selection of heartfelt originals spiked with a trademark array of arresting covers from James to Bon Jovi.





























