The Trouble With Sweeney

Songwriter Joey Sweeney originated The Trouble With Sweeney as his primary creative vehicle. Following his exit from the Barnabys, he launched the indie pop group in 1999. With John Howkins, Erik Schmidt, Joey Mangan, and Erica J. Pennella on board, the collective shaped a rootsy pop style that yielded a self-titled EP just months afterward. Burnt Toast issued the outfit’s first proper studio album, Dear Life, in 2001. The next year brought the Play Karen and Others EP, another melodic set of songs.