March 7, 2001

Very sad and weepy feelings from us to you — ages since the last update and we have a great excuse; SNOW. The Matador driveway is long and steep; snow is cold & wet. We keep telling Chris Lombardi that the secret to shoveling is to put more of the weight on your legs, not so much on the back. But does he listen to us? Nils goes outside without a hat, knowing full well that 75% of your body heat escapes through the skull. You might think this is no big deal, just the sort of thing everyone goes through during a New York winter. But there’s more to it than that. These are examples of Man’s Monumental Arrogance in The Face Of Nature. And with that in mind, this news update is dedicated to the biggest mother of them all, Mother Nature. For those about to bundle up, we salute you.

Mark Eitzel — We can see right through him
The amazing new album from Mark Eitzel is officially titled ‘The Invisible Man.’ Look for a European single of “Proclaim Your Joy” preceding the full-length masterpiece, and please be advised that Mark will be playing with Stephen Malkmus, Mogwai and The Soft Boys at Matador’s SXSW event, affectionately dubbed “We Put The Brie In Inebriate,” at the Austin Music Hall on March 17.

The Soft Boys — Reversal of the aging process
OK, not quite. But the lavishly packaged ‘Underwater Moonlight (... And How It Got There)’ triple LP/double CD (OLE 500-1,2) is the nicest looking thing we’ve ever seen that isn’t edible (or named Hector). This classic puts the “Al” in “seminal,” and if you’re skeptical, an MP3 of “Insanely Jealous” is available right now for free download. Check our tour dates listing for a full itinerary of the Soft Boys’ 2001 reunion jaunt.

Arab Strap — You must be 18 or have parental permission to read this message
Our favorite moody, swinging duo turned quintet have been soaking up considerable acclaim for their recent UK tour previewing the tasty tunes from the just released ’The Red Thread’ CD, as well as finishing an adults-only promotional clip for their latest UK single, "Love Detective." A sleazy phone sex line was rigged up as a promotional stunt for this smash hit, and as soon as we get that block removed from our telephone, we’ll tell you how cool it really is.

Khan —
Not disturbed by Arab Strap ripping off his phone sex idea
He’s a bigger man than that. The upcoming Khan CD ‘No Comprendo’ (means “I got it” in Dutch) features guest contributions from a cavalcade of stars including Kid Congo Powers, Jon Spencer, Andre Williams, Diamanda Galas and Julee Cruise. But no star in the galaxy burns hotter or brighter than Khan himself. If you don’t believe me, you should see the phone bill.

Arsonists — The waiting is nearly over (just as soon as we’re done waiting)
The hotly anticipated follow-up to ’As The World Burns,’ ’Date Of Birth’ is coming later this year and marks the arrival of a newly aggressive, super-focused Arsonists trio. More news to come concerning singles, live dates and other activity in future editions of the update.

Stephen Malkmus — Probably the best self-titled album of early 2001
Stephen & Jicks will continue their worldwide touring in support of the excellent ‘Stephen Malkmus’ CD/LP, and be on the lookout (or alternately, just tune in) to SM & band performing “Jenny & The Ess-Dog” on “The Late Show with David Letterman” on April 10. The snazzy single of the same name comes out that same day, what a coincidence.

Techno Animal — The waiting isn’t quite over (but we’re getting there)
“Deadman’s Curse,” the first single (12"/CD) from the eons-in-the-offing Techno Animal album Brotherhood Of The Bomb is coming in May. The resulting album will include contributions from a guest MC’s including Divine Styler, Rubber Room, dalek, Anti Pop Consortium and other heavyweight talent. Get ready (or else).

Matmos — Slicing & dicing
As universal acclaim continues to pour, drip and seep in for the S.F. duo’s ‘A Chance To Cut Is A Chance To Cure,’ Drew Daniel and Martin Schmidt have begun assisting Bjork on her forthcoming new album. Look for Matmos as part of Bjork’s touring ensemble (including Zeena Parkins!) later in 2001 — a scenario that will hopefully result in Matmos (on their own) performing in many far flung places they otherwise wouldn’t have hit.

Bardo Pond — Additional inducement to buy something round instead of something square
The new Bardo Pond album ‘Dilate’ is an absolute monster no matter what format you’re talking about, but happy shoppers choosing the vinyl edition over the CD will be rewarded with an extra, otherwise unavailable track. CD buyers will have to console themselves with the knowledge that their format of choice still controls 99% of the market. Look for Bardo Pond on the road with Mogwai later this spring.

Mogwai — Sometimes no news is a blessing
It might mean that everyone is healthy (wearing hats and lifting with their legs, not their backs) and preparing for a global onslaught on behalf of the greatest album ever to bear the word “Action” in the title, (though possibly only the 3rd or 4th best to feature the word “Rock”) ‘Rock Action.’

D-Stroy — Solo debut coming this spring
One of hip-hop’s most inventive MC’s, D-Stroy, formerly one fifth of the Arsonists, is about to drop his solo debut 12" on Matador for release later this spring. On the heels of his recent collaborations with Zack De LaRocha and numerous solo appearances worldwide, we’re certain this will be a hotly anticipated single. Or it will be once you hear it.

Yo La Tengo — If you haven’t seen them yet this year, it isn’t cause they aren’t trying to visit you
Following a batch of highly successful shows in South America, Yo La Tengo are returning to Europe for concerts in Spain, England, Portugal and Ireland. A live version of "Our Way To Fall" featuring Other Dimensions In Music that was previously available on an edition of The Wire’s Wire Tapper, will be included on an upcoming All Tomorrow’s Parties compilation CD. As for the festival of the same name, Yo La Tengo will be appearing at Rye’s Camber Sands Holiday Camp on Sunday April 8, as this year’s Tortoise-curated ATP will include appearances from such visionaries as ESG, The Ex, Television, Boards Of Canada, and too many more to plug without Foundation paying us for it.

Sad Rockets — We shall entertain thee with a video that’s grainy
A lonely man with a video camera was on hand to document the London debut of Sad Rockets’ new 3 piece lineup and those of you with Quicktime-friendly hookups can enjoy a sample of what went down. Sad Rockets will be bringing similar vibes (with far less chit chat from asshole audience members) throughout Europe this spring.

Blues Explosion — This generation’s greatest live band risks being blown off the stage by old fucks
In an act of extreme bravery or colossal stupidity (we’re betting on the former), the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion have given a wondrous musical gift to their fans by inviting James Chance & The Contortions (March 7) and Suicide (March 8) to support them at Irving Plaza this week. There aren’t many artists who would dare take the stage following such legendary performers, but the Blues Explosion aren’t many artists. There are 3 of them to be precise, but a big thumbs up to Jon, Judah and Russell for trying to make a hot evening out even hotter.

Draw Me a Riot — Matador & The WIre to give away stuff you oughta be forced to pay for
The April 2001 issue of The Wire (big scary photo of John Cale on the cover — once again, sex sells) will come with a free Matador CD, Draw Me A Riot featuring previously unreleased material from Matmos, Techno Animal, Mr. Len, Mount Florida, Yo La Tengo, The Wisdom of Harry and Unwound...plus rare and/or upcoming selections from Sad Rockets, Live Human, Solex, Bardo Pond, Lesser and Khan. Unlike some of the The Wire’s other CD giveaways, this collection will available with all copies of The Wire, subscribers, newsstand copies, UK, US, you name it. And if you can’t stand the CD, you’ve still got that John Cale cover to stare at all day long!

Things That Record Company Dudes Listen To
(Plus Elisabeth, she’s not a record company dude):

Patrick Amory, Matador Records
1. Skara Brae — Skara Brae LP (Gael Linn)
2. Led Zeppelin — Led Zeppelin LP (Atlantic)
3. Kraftwerk — Ralf & Florian LP (Vertigo)
4. Duncan Browne — Give Me Take You LP (Immediate)
5. Various Artists — Gay Life In Dikanka CD (Bakhall)
6. Tony Hazzard — Sings Tony Hazzard LP (UK CBS)
7. SSD — Get It Away EP (X-Claim!)
8. Metallica — Master of Puppets LP (Elektra)
9. Pentangle — Basket of Light LP (Transatlantic)
10. The New Pornographers — Mass Romantic CD (Mint)

Dave Martin, Matador Records
Seven 7"es worth getting up and walking to the other room to flip.
1. Modey Lemon "You Bug Me / Combustion (bring it on)"
2. White Stripes "Lord Send Me An Angel" & "Sub Pop single of the month" (Dec. 2000)
3. Spoon "Anything You Want / Shake It Off" (12XU)
4. Six Organs Of Admittance "Somewhere Between Her Shoulder And God"
5. Clone Defects "Scissors Chop" & "Lizard Boy E.P."
6. X "Home Is Where The Floor Is" EP
7. Monkeywrench "That Trip You’re On"

Jesper Eklow, Matador Records
Spoon - “Shake it Off” from the “Anything You Want” single b-side (12XU) - not up to snuff enuff for the album, huh? Compared to this the album is almost all fluff.

Bjorn Olsson - UPA forthcoming album. The bridge between Herb Alpert and Peter Green is now nearing completion.

Art of Eating and PPC magazines - all you need to know about tasty items, past and present. And I’m looking forward to the first issue of Gastronomica, looks promising.

Cornucopia II - wow, mindbogglingly complete guide to all edible plants in the western world. A gargantuan, or even, a pantagruelian, project.

Mecki Mark Men - first Limelight LP - in that blurry dusk-meets-dawn landscape of Hendrix and Trad Gras och Stenar plus space-and time-obsession. Band jammed with the former for a summer, drummer jumped ship and became a member of the latter.

Mr Paul Super Apple rants on the ’Industry wannabe’s & Radio Anomalies’ CD - makes me want to listen to every demo tape we’re getting sent.

Theoren Fleury - nice going!! I wish Matador had a voluntary substance abuse program that we could put ourselves into for a few months and still get paid. Life is tough for hockey players.

(MGMT NOTE: since we got all kinds of threats last year after someone — can’t remember who — made rude remarks about Kevin Stevens’ drug problems, Matador would like to apologize in advance to Theo Fleury, the New York Rangers, their fans, Madison Square Garden and the National Hockey League. Just to be on the safe side, we’d like to apologize to Scott Weiland as well.)

Gerard Cosloy, Matador Records
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "God Is In The House" from No More Shall We Part (Mute). If Jimmy & Dennis Frog are gonna ghostwrite for Nick, shouldn’t they get credit on the sleeve?
Earth - Earth 2 (Sub Pop)
Vladislav Delay - Anima (Mille Plateux)
John Butcher - Fixations 14 (Emanem)
The Moving Sidewalks - Flash (Tantara)
The New Year - Newness Ends (Touch & Go)
Jake Mandell - Love Songs For Machines (Carpark)
Sonic Sum - Himbro St. (Ozone)
Bergheim 34 - How To Sell Out When No One Is Buying (Klang Elektronik)

Elisabeth Esselink, Solex
Amsterdam 27th of february... 11.45 pm.
Someone had thrown his whole record collection on the pavement for grasps. I managed to stack about 500 singles on my bike and went home.

Here’s a little taste:
-The Gap Band; Oops Up Side Your Head
-Dillinger: Cokane My Brain
-The Press: I’m Gonna shoot The Deejay
-Lipps, Inc.: Funkytown
-Wild Cherry; Play That Funky Music
-Bee Gees; You Should Be Dancing
-George Benson; Give Me The Night
-Imagination; Body Talk
-The Shirts; Laugh And Walk Away
-Roxy Music; Manifesto
-The Romantics; What I Like About You
-The Jacksons: Blame It On The Boogie
-Joe Tex; Loose Caboose
-Boys Town Gang; Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
-Queen; Somebody To Love
-Fleetwood Mac; Silver Springs
-The Korgis; Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime
-Robert Palmer; John And Mary
-Grace Jones; I’ve Seen that Face Before
-Deep Purple: Child In Time
-Van Halen; Runnin’ With The Devil
-Splodgenessabounds; Two Pints of Lager & A Packet Of Crisps Please.