Various - The Matinee Grand Prix

by Rachel Williams

published: 4 / 3 / 2010

Label: Matinee Recordings
Format: CD

Versatile indie pop on compilation album from Matinee Records, which has tracks amongst others from Tender Trap, the Lucksmiths and Strawberry Whiplash

Review

'The Matinee Grand Prix' is the latest compilation from Matinee Records. This collection exhibits the variety of indie pop bands that the label is renowned for. A truly international array of artists are to be found on the record; from Europe to the USA, from Australia to the UK, the label represents some of the best independent pop groups there are to be found. For instance the fantastically catchy new track, 'Danger Over Board' by Tender Trap, led by indie-pop princess Amelia Fletcher is amongst them as well as 'Get-to-Bed Birds', the last song ever to be recorded by Australian legends the Lucksmiths,before they disbanded last year. Matinee seems to cover every sub-genre of indie pop. There is something for everyone on this record; whether you are looking for C86-centric twee-pop or pretty mellow pieces inspired by 60’s psychedelia, it can be found on this compilation. Scotland’s Strawberry Whiplash offers up the almost sickly sweet 'Boy in the Bubble Car' whereas Finland’s Cats On Fire’s contribution could be compared to the likes of Love and early Simon and Garfunkel. Showing that amongst the traditionally jangly guitars and bouncy bass lines that are expected of this particular genre there can also be found a variety of other sounds that come under its umbrella and this is what Matinee set out to represent as a label. 'The Matinee Grand Prix' is an excellent introduction to the labels offerings as well as a being a great collectable piece for the already converted fan.

Track Listing:-

1 Northern Portrait- Stirling Moss
2 Strawberry Whiplash- Boy In The Bubble Car
3 The Lucksmiths- Get-To-Bed Birds
4 The Electric Pop Group- Believers
5 Clay Hips -Disappointed
6 Tender Trap- Danger Overboard
7 Simpático- Australian Idle
8 Cats On Fire- The Hague
9 Bubblegum Lemonade- Cuts Like A Dream
10 Math And Physics Club- I Keep To Myself
11 The Guild League- Bookmark