Various - Matinee Hit Parade

by Dixie Ernill

published: 29 / 1 / 2008

Label: Matinee Recordings
Format: CD

Fine 10th anniversary compilation from American indiepop label Matinee which features several of the main acts on its current roster including the Lucksmiths, the Guild League, the Math and Physics Club, Harper Lee, the Hermit Crabs and the Would-Be-Goods

Review

A faithful disciple of the underground British indie-pop scene of 1986, Matinee recordings has admirably carried the torch of Sarah Records forward into the 21st century. To celebrate 10 years of releasing records, label boss Jimmy Tassos has compiled this excellent compilation of the cream of the label’s roster and released it under the touchingly nostalgic title of ‘The Matinee Hit Parade’. Despite the bands being from across the globe (England, Sweden, America, Germany, Australia and Scotland), the compilation sits together seamlessly with their shared love of making delightful pop nuggets gelling them perfectly. Veterans The Lucksmiths provide the pick with the infectious ‘Good Light’ and singer Tali White also pops up with his other band, the Guild League, with the similarly strong ‘Call To Prayer’. Elsewhere Math And Physics Club are present and correct with their usual compact and catchiness on track ‘A Little Romance’ and the Would-Be-Goods embody the spirit of The Primitives at their twee best with ‘Temporary Best Friend’, while The Hermit Crabs and Harper Lee unveil their fine wares with ‘Sophia’ and ‘Ilene’ respectively. Looking forward to The Matinee Hit Parade 2 in another 10 years….

Track Listing:-

1 Math And Physics Club- A Little Romance
2 Would-Be-Goods- Temporary Best Friend
3 The Lucksmiths- Good Light
4 The Electric Pop Group- My Only Inspiration
5 Clay Hips- Failure
6 Bubblegum Lemonade Tyler
7 The Hermit Crabs- Sophia
8 Harper Lee- Ilene
9 The Guild League- Call To Prayer
10 Strawberry Whiplash- Summershine
11 Slipslide- Let Things Fall Apart
12 The Pines- Train From Wycombe
13 Lovejoy- Astronauts