01. Cornelius – Star Fruits Surf Rider
From Fantasma OLE-300 LP/CD, to be released on March 24
Born Keigo Oyamada, Cornelius (after the simian hero of “Planet of the Apes”) is a wide-eyed, shaggy-headed genius from Tokyo, who blends diverse influences into a wild and truly modern sound all his own (and yours for a price). Fantasma is his fourth album, a fully realized, genre-busting work which de and re-constructs pop history with staggering variety and innovation. He also runs the popular Trattoria label. Cornelius is the man.
02. Solex – Solex All Licketysplit
From Solex Vs. The Hitmeister OLE-287 LP/CD, released on March 10
A startling debut from the previously unknown Dutch sampling/keyboard wizard Elisabeth Esselink a.k.a. Solex. You could try playing Cabaret Voltaire, Portishead, Cibo Matto and Suicide simultaneously on four different CD players but: a) it wouldn’t sound nearly as good, b) Wayne Coyne might think you’re making fun of him.
03. Arab Strap – The First Big Weekend
From The Week Never Starts Round Here OLE-294 LP/CD, to be released on June 23
The Week Never Starts Round Here, the debut album from this Glaswegian outfit, scored high marks in the UK for is engaging desolation, embodied by the confessional tone and sparse production. But that was last time out; they’ve literally just wrapped up their sophomore effort, Philophobia OLE-315 LP/CD which will be released on 5/19.
04. Come – Recidivist
From Gently Down The Stream OLE-254 double LP/CD. released on February 10
With traditional elements and occasional reference points from the Stones through the Bad Seeds, Come have a sound far beyond the “bluesy” tag, which Option have called “impossibly original.” This is deep, heavy, important music played far more passion and conviction than anyone has a right to expect in 1998.
05. Tommy Keene – Getting Out From Under You
From Isolation Party OLE-297 CD, released on February 24
It’s okay with Tommy Keene if you still haven’t heard of him. For over a decade, he’s cultivated a worldwide following who revere him as a pop genius. Tommy’s unabashedly melodic pop-rock stylings may seem unfashionable, but they’re really no more so than those of Robert Pollard, Noel Gallagher or the Apples In Stereo.
06. Liquor Giants – Riverdale High
From Every Other Day At A Time OLE-298 CD, released on February 24
Ward Dotson, guitarist for LA’s legendary Gun Club (before they sucked) and the Pontiac Brothers, is the drinking and driving force behind the “last hope for catchy underground guitar rock” (Pulse). There are lousy rock bands and there are good rock bands, yet the Giants are neither; Dotson and his men stand up to any glossy superlative in a band bio and just keep on coming. Of course, that and $13.99 will get you the new Jewel record, but that is precisely the point.
07. Bardo Pond – Pick My Brain
From Lapsed OLE-210 LP/CD, released on October 21, 1997
“Slothful. Slack. Sludgy. All negative traits in many people’s minds, but Philadelphia’s Bardo Pond somehow make a virtue if them. How? It comes down to their dual-guitars ear-tricking tone clusters and mesmerizing bass plunges. Sure their music is repetitive, but it’s like a good slow fuck.” – Dave Segal, Alternative Press
08. Pussy Galore – White Noise
From Right Now! OLE-212 LP/CD, to be released on March 24
Led by Mr Jon Spencer, Pussy Galore released between 1986 – 1990 some of the most most awe-inspiring punk rock since that kind of thing was invented by the Rats and Sonics way back in 1965. The fact that the band consited of future members of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Chrome Cranks, Boss Hog, Royal Trux and Free Kitten, amongst others, shouldn’t matter to you unless you are obsessing over that stuff. We don’t encourage such behavior, thank you very much. Matador will also re-issued Dial M for Motherfucker OLE-213 LP/CD, and Sugarshit Sharp OLE-293 12″ EP/CD EP on March 24.
09. Lyres – Buried Alive
From On Fyre OLE-302 CD, to be released on May 5
Rarely has anyone shown such devotion and reverence to the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll without coming off as pastiche. The Lyres were one of the first to marry the garage-punk ethos with true veneration for the past. On that nore, we are pleased to announce that we will also be re-issuing A Promise is a Promise OLE-312 CD, Lyres Lyres OLE-304 CD, and their first EP, AHS 1005 OLE-303 CD, all remarsted and with several bonus tracks, on May 5.
10. Bassholes – Cabooseman Blues
From Long Way Blues – 1996-1998 OLE-305 LP/CD, to be released on April 7
After a series of amazing records for the In The Red label, the Bassholes, led by former Great Plains/Gibson Brother everyman Don Howland, make their Matador debut. Their latest set dispenses of past rockabilly/folkways tendecies for a more rambunctious sound that makes you feel invigorated, violated and woozy all at the same time. |
