Greetings popfans! It’s been a busy two months since the last update with trips to England and Brazil, five new
releases, and confirmation of nearly a dozen forthcoming ones.
The live performances the last week of April, commemorated by The Matinée Spring Collection CD, came off
with the usual excitement only possible in London. The first show was hosted by Stylus and featured the debut
performance from Melodie Group (including an outstanding version of “You’ve Got The Whole Of The World In
Your Mouth”), the second outing by Lovejoy (featuring superb new songs), the return of Would-Be-Goods
(delivering new songs alongside classics like “Cecil Beaton’s Scrapbook”), and a fantastic set from Beaumont
(including numerous selections from the Blueboy vaults).
The second show, made possible by the fine folks at the Track & Field Organisation, included electric sets from The
Windmills (previewing songs from their forthcoming album “Sunlight”), Slipslide (featuring special guest
Alex from Astronaut), Sportique (with a decisively punk set in tribute to Joey Ramone) and Airport Girl
(in absolutely top form coming off a round of shows with Aislers Set).
Most people left the shows with a copy of the commemorative Matinée Spring Collection CD (matinée 026) and
Snowbound fanzine. The CD features new, exclusive tracks from Slipslide, The Windmills, and Would-Be-Goods, a
non-album b-side from Airport Girl, and previously released gems from Lovejoy, Melodie Group and Sportique. (for
tracklisting see the catalogue page). Remaining copies of the CD were sent to distributors
for general sale in early May. There are still a few copies left of the limited edition (200) CD + fanzine combo, but these
are available only through direct mailorder from us (please see the order page for details). The
fanzine includes features on Matinée, Poptones, the Windmills, the power of girl-pop, desert island gigs and more…and
it is FREE with the Spring Collection CD while supplies last.
Three cheers go out to everyone involved, particularly Pam, Keith, Mike and Mark for the Stylus show; Steven, Paul and
Sean for the Track & Field night; Dick and Keith for the excellent fanzine; and Mary for CD design input and putting up
with me in general.
Completing a gap in the Matinée discography at long last is the “Train Journeys” CDEP (matinée 015) from Scottish
group Remember Fun. Collecting three unreleased recordings from the late 1980’s with a song included on a
rare compilation LP, the EP perfectly captures the spirit of the era mixing shimmering guitars with a bitter edge. For
anyone who enjoyed the band at the time and longed for a proper Remember Fun release, your wait is finally over! If
you’re in need of a history lesson, click over to the catalogue page for release details.
Something that’s in my hands as we speak but not technically out is the long awaited “Slum Clearance” CD (matcd005)
from The Siddeleys! Released in conjunction with Clarendon Records of London, this compilation collects
songs from singles, Peel sessions, and compilation appearances-all from the late 1980’s-in one artefact complete with
photos and extensive linernotes. At the time, singer Johnny Johnson was frequently labeled a female Morrissey, but ten
years on the songs speak for themselves and comparisons with anyone are hard to make. Find out for yourself on July
2nd as this classic release hits the shops. To supplement the release there is a comprehensive Siddeleys website
launching the same day at www.siddeleys.com so check there
soon for even more information.
Following an extended wait for a transatlantic shipment from France, “La Main Devant La Bouche” (matcd006) from
Ego finally made it into the released category this week. The premiere album from our French friends includes
13 songs with guitars, keyboards, strings, female harmonies, percussion and other superb instrumentation. The album
has enjoyed numerous favorable reviews in French magazines including MAGIC, Les Inrockuptibles, and Midi Libre, and
is available in deluxe digipack with linernotes to help you practice your French. Ego’s debut 45, “The Question Mark”
EP (matinée 002), is close to selling out so run along to the order page to make sure you
don’t miss out as the single contains three songs not found on this new album.
Also just in my hands but not quite out is a brand new single from The Lucksmiths! Timed to coincide with their
impending headlining tour of the US, this limited 7″ (matinée 027) includes exclusive songs “Friendless Summer” and
“Goodness Gracious” recorded by the illustrious Karl Smith (Sodastream) in Melbourne just before the boys set off for
dates in Japan and the US. A record release show is planned for Saturday, June 23 at Signal 66 Art Gallery in
Washington, DC featuring special multi-media visual projection. The gallery is located at 926 M Street NW (rear
entrance, enter from Blagden Alley), doors are at 9:30 pm, support is from local favorites Barcelona, and admission is $7.
The following day, the band plays an afternoon instore at Now! Music and Fashion in Arlington, Virginia with True Love
Always, while on Monday the 25th they play backstage at The Black Cat in Washington, DC with local lads Aden and The
Saturday People. For more details on any of the Washington shows, please email us.
On July 9th, Lovejoy return to the new release shelves with their very special “Plays Biff Bang Pow!” 7″
(matinée 028). The single features brilliant acoustic covers of two classic songs from the band led by former Creation
Records boss Alan McGee in the late 1980’s and is Lovejoy’s way of saying goodbye and thank you to the golden age
of arguably the most influential indie label of our time. Recorded at the same time as their recent “A Christmas Wish”
single, side A is a haunting version of “Hug Me Honey” and is the first Lovejoy recording with lead vocals from Keith.
Side B presents “The Beat Hotel” featuring Dick on the main vocal alongside Ally on the enchanting chorus. The first
500 copies are on limited edition red vinyl so act quickly if you want one!
The parade of pop continues throughout the summer with four more singles:
“Mad World” from The Snowdrops (matinée 029) is the debut 7″ from a new band featuring the immeasurable
enthusiasm of Keith Girdler (Blueboy, Beaumont, Lovejoy), the lovely voice of Pam Berry (The Pines, Castaway Stones,
Glo Worm, Shapiros, etc.), and the orchestral beauty of Dick Preece (Lovejoy, Spinning Wheels). And yes, the A-side
is a cover of the massive Tears for Fears hit from 1984, made contemporary with a special Snowdrops flair and the
reverb-friendly voice of the incomparable Ms. Berry. The B-side is an original called “Don’t Buy Anything” with Keith on
lead vox and Dick and Pam backing. Expected release date is early August, assuming one small licensing issue is
resolved.
Also on the way…the “Emmanuelle Béart” CDEP (matinée 030) is the first new release from Would-Be-Goods
since 1993 including new songs “Emmanuelle Béart,” “Je Lèche Les Vitrines,” “Everybody Wants My Baby” and
“Words.” The songs feature the unmistakable voice and guitar playing of Jessica Griffin, additional guitar and bass from
Peter Momtchiloff (Heavenly, Marine Research), plus keyboards and strings and the typical rich production of a
Would-Be-Goods release. “Everybody Wants My Baby” was previewed on the Matinée Spring Collection CD, while all
other tracks are exclusive to this release. Expected release date is early August.
Following quickly on the success of the band’s debut “Four Day Weekend” EP is a forthcoming single from
Slipslide featuring new tracks “Sleeptalk” and “Six Strings.” This single (matinée 031) showcases more pop
perfection from Graeme Elston and co. and will be available on limited 7″ vinyl. The band is currently working on new
songs for the debut Slipslide album scheduled for next year. In the meantime, we’re very excited to offer this single as
an August release.
The “Train Not Stopping” EP (matinée 032) is the third single from Brighton duo Harper Lee, featuring new
tracks: “Train Not Stopping,” “I Could Be There For You” and “The Sea Gently Lifting.” The first material recorded since
the band’s wildly successful album “Go Back To Bed” incorporates the classic Harper Lee brand of melancholy pop with
a bit of soulful influence. The studio engineer described the first two songs as “sweet country soul”, while we think the
third song sounds a bit like Mazzy Star or Galaxie 500. The EP represents tremendous progress from the LP, so watch
the new release shelves closely for it!
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Sometime this summer we’ll finalize the “France On A Bicycle” compilation CD (matcd010), including one track each
from the first 23 Matinée singles including hits from Sweet William, Ego, Bella Vista, The Lucksmiths, Sportique, The
Fairways, Monterey, The Windmills, Lovejoy, Harper Lee, Remember Fun, Edson, Melodie Group, Simpático and
Slipslide.
We’re also working on a compilation CD (matcd013) of songs from all the Matinée long-players, including album
highlights from Sportique, The Windmills, The Visitors, The Lucksmiths, The Siddeleys, Ego, Melodie Group, Lovejoy,
Harper Lee, Airport Girl and Razorcuts.
Other albums in production include Razorcuts “R Is For Razorcuts” CD (matcd012), The Windmills
“Sunlight” CD (matcd014) and Sportique “Modern Museums” CD (matcd015). Details of these releases and a
few surprises await the next update.
Finally, recent interviews with Harper Lee and Simpático, both in the June edition of the Pennyblack Music magazine, are worth checking out if
you haven’t seen them already. The site is a wealth of information on pop music and an excellent place to pick up new
releases so next time you’re surfing make sure to stop by.
Until next time…xx, Jimmy