Hey pop purists – here’s a bit more news about our latest smash hits. We’ve provided entertainment right here so you can listen while you read.
The new 12-track album ‘All Blackshirts To Me’ (matcd061) from fantastic Finns Cats on Fire continues to impress – just check out some of these glowing quotes from recent reviews as evidence!
“European album of the year. Avail yourselves immediately.” —The Guardian
“A smart and stylish album.” —In Love With These Times
“All Blackshirts To Me is pretty much perfect. .. it really feels as though Cats On Fire have come of age … deliciously enticing and fulfilling … gently irresistible … a great bunch of tunes.” —Sounds XP
“A real winner and possibly Cats On Fire’s finest record yet.” —The Finest Kiss
“That they are producing their best work after eleven long years is testament to the band’s timeless ability to add social and political intelligence as well as musical virtuosity to the full spectrum that pop has to offer.” —Indie 30
“An instantly likable … imaginative and alluring album.” —Pennyblack Magazine
Our favorite songs from the album continue to change, with the majestic ‘A Few Empty Waves’, the rollicking ‘Smash It To Pieces’ and the absolutely sublime ‘The Sea Within You’ taking top honors this week although ‘1914 and Beyond’ is also frequently on repeat. Please see the ’All Blackshirts To Me’ page for more release information including full reviews. Get yours now in the Matinée shop!
The debut album ‘Hits In The Car’ (matcd060) from our favorite Scottish duo Strawberry Whiplash is also basking in the media spotlight, with brilliant accolades coming in from just about everywhere. Here’s a sampling of the latest fantastic reviews:
“A near-perfect blend of jangle and fuzz” and “a well-crafted update on the classic girl pop sound of bands like the Shop Assistants and Heavenly.” —All Music Guide
“More of that sun-drenched jangle (think early Primal Scream, The Primitives, Heavenly and Jesus & Mary Chain and you’re on the right street… hell, you’re in the driveway), and while there may not be much sun in Scotland most of the time, this record will brighten up the sky every time it’s on.” —Blurt
“A great example of guitar driven pop with an abundance of catchy tunes that will make you want to hitch a permanent ride with Laz and Sandra.” —Sounds XP
“Strawberry Whiplash could have easily contented themselves with being a phenomenal singles band … but with Hits In The Car, the band have proven that they can be—and are—so much more than that.” —The Indie Handbook
“An immediately catchy indie-pop album, strong on melodies, with the right amount of fuzz and reverb texturing things up.” —PopMatters
“A versatile record with a full sound … there’s something for everyone here.” —Record Turnover
The album really is one hit after another from the infectious ‘Picture Perfect’ and ‘Stop, Look and Listen’ to the fuzzy pop of ‘You Make Me Shine’ and ‘It Came To Nothing.’ Our current favorite is the should-have-been-a-single shimmering pop hit ‘What Do They Say About Me?’ which is on the player above if you fancy a listen. For full reviews and more information, please see the ’Hits In The Car’ page. It’s the top seller on the Matinée hit parade this month for good reason so get to the shop to secure your copy.