The Audio of Being

Recording of the album

The recording of this album was reported to be very stressful for all members of the band. Guitarist Dave Genn referred to the process as "taking a long and painful shit", however people always misquote Dave when he says this. The quote was referring to the process of making ANY record, not specifically the making of The Audio of Being. Front-man Matthew Good was very ill during much of the sessions. The tension between the band continued to grow and even caused Genn to leave the band only to return a short time later. Ultimately, the band reached the breaking point shortly after the album's release and parted ways, although Rich Priske stayed on as the bassist for Matthew Good's subsequent solo career. Although it is widely believed that the band breaking up was a turbulent and almost violent occurrence, Matthew Good has stated that, although it was less than amicable, it was not nearly as bad as the rumors suggested.

Mixed feelings

Matthew Good has often harshly criticized the album in interviews, claiming to be very dissatisfied with the result. However, Good later discussed the album on his blog and stated he felt that there are some good songs on it (specifically noting "Sort of a Protest Song"). In fact, for his 2nd cross-Canada tour in 2004 Good played "The Rat Who Would Be King" and "The Workers Sing a Song of Mass Production" live for the first time ever, as well as "Carmelina" and "Advertising on Police Cars." Songs from The Audio of Being were also rearranged for Rooms, the second disc of In a Coma, and played on Good's 2006 acoustic tour.

Special Editions

Three different packages were released, in black, white and grey. Each included a special booklet with the CD case that had lyrics to all Matthew Good Band songs to date. The words "kept", "in the" or "dark" appeared on the spine of the jewel case depending on the colour, which would line up if all 3 were put together. "Help us get rid of the Matthew Good Band" appears on the hubs of the discs.

Track listing

All tracks written by Matthew Good, except where noted.

Miscellanea

There an interesting story behind that song actually. The record company, I had already delivered that entire record to the record company. They use this whole back-channeling system cause the Matthew Good Band was a very political band. We actually weren't all friends to begin with. It was a super political situation, everyone was always trying to basically fuck everyone else over at the exact same time, and I would just puke all day. And my record company called my management who called Dave Genn who said "oh you have to write a hit for the record". So I tried to write the worst song I could possibly come up with. And then you know, in true fucking major record company fashion, they put it on the record. That's how stupid record companies are.