Matt Nathanson is one of those talented artists that will sadly never achieve mainstream success. Nathanson received solid attention with the pop vibe of his 2003 Universal Records album, Beneath These Fireworks, but this album didn’t highlight the real artist. At heart like a mashed up version of James Taylor, John Mayer, Ani DiFranco, and Toad the Wet Sprocket, Nathanson is a indie acoustic singer-songwriter with a prolific track record, having released his first disc in 1993. With the 2006 live album At The Point, Nathanson hits the stage with just a microphone, a 12-string acoustic guitar, and 13 of his best songs, and strips away the slick production of Beneath These Fireworks. The album, recorded over three nights in Bryn Mawr, PA, is pure Matt Nathanson: music performed exceptionally well with witty stage banter and a minimalist sound that highlights both the songs and Nathanson’s tender voice.

The 13-song track listing derives mostly from Beneath These Fireworks(which in turn derived from earlier albums), but also includes favorite tracks from When Everything Meant Everything, Still Waiting for Spring, and Not Colored Too Perfect. A cover version of Dire Straits’ Romeo and Juliet is included, but Nathanson’s acoustic version doesn’t pack the same emotional punch of Mark Knopfler’s original. Standouts songs include Angel, I Saw, Curve of the Earth, Princess, Fall to Pieces, and the closing track Suspended.

This is a very good album. Nathanson entertains and puts his heart into his songs, and his guitar work is solid. His between song interaction with the fans provides some laughs. Some tracks could benefit, however, from the addition of supporting musicians to provide more emotional and sonic depth. At The Point is truly representative of Matt Nathanson and the 100+ shows he does annually. Fans will enjoy the variety of albums represented and bask in reliving the live experience, and newcomers will gain a good insight into his abilities as an artist, and maybe go out a and pick up another album or get a ticket for his show. Recommended.

Note: Nathanson does curse in his on-stage dialog with the audience, and that aspect is not edited out here. There are no plans to offer a “clean” version of this album.

As a rule, I don’t buy live albums unless I am a huge fan of the artist or group. I am not the biggest Nathanson fan, but I saw him live with Matt Wertz (definitely check him out) last fall. Nathanson played for like two and a half hours, and while there were definitely some songs i didn’t know, the song was completely entertaining. I can’t emphasize enough how good he is in concert, singing and interacting with the audience. The only reason I have to give this CD four stars instead of five is because it’s not quite as polished as his songs with bands, and also because it does not feature all of his best songs. Inevitably you can’t please everyone with a live release, but fans of Matt will definitely appreciate this more intimate release. For others who are not totally aware of Matt yet, it would be better to check out Beneath These Fireworks first.

I love Matt. His lyrical and musical talents are a rare treasure nowadays. Even better are his live shows, which is why I was so excited about At The Point. It’s a great album, especially if you’re already a Matt fan. It’s got his trademark banter and a couple great covers. If you’ve never heard him before, though, start with Beneath These Fireworks or When Everything Meant Everything. Or just see a live show. Then rush back and buy At The Point!

4.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful way to spend an evening
After seeing Matt perform to a live audience, I was eager to hear him again. I purchased this album and truly enjoyed it.

3.0 out of 5 stars
Um bom show acústico, mas com muita conversa.
Já acompanhava o trabalho do Matt Nathanson há algum tempo. Por isso senti falta de várias músicas neste show acústico. Achei também que houve muita conversa com a platéia.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Amazing
This is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Matt is absolutely amazing, i listen to this album every night while i go to sleep and it never gets boring.