VARIOUS ARTISTS
Everything is Nice - Matador Records
10th Anniversary Anthology (Matador)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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What a rich history this label has had in a really short time. They had flirtations with distribution through Atlantic and Capitol Records. There were eventually issues between our friends and both labels, but the label marches into its now eleventh year.

Responsible for unleashing Pavement and Teenage Fanclub's first albums, they're also to blame for releases by the wonderful Guided by Voices, Cat Power, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Helium, Mogwai, Yo La Tengo, Modest Mouse, Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian, Unsane, and Sleater Kinney. Matador quickly became THE label to be on, and this triple cd compilation quickly proves why: every band is different, but you can tell that Gerard and Chris at the HQ only sign groups that appeal to THEM. Selfish yes, but why else would you put your own imprint together?

There are a few groups who either went over my head or just didn't move me: I've always been of the opinion that the Blues Explosion are deeply, deeply in debt to the Cramps, both through their contempt for the bass guitar, and Jon Spencer's very Lux Interior-like take on singing. I've seen them a few times live, but I left with a baffled look on my face. Cat Power and Guided by Voices were great, as they always are, but there were a few surprises from a couple of newcomers to the game. Non Phixion, for one, were great, and it's cool to see that Matador puts out hip-hop too, especially when it's this good.

Speaking of good rap, The Arsonists impressed me with their "pass the mic" styling, lyrical mastery, and ghostly backing. Boards of Canada were excellent as well, with their subtle electronica that made my cd player feel good. Burger/Ink reminded me somewhat of Tangerine Dream, with their dreamy song, and while I'm on the subject of electronica, I enjoyed Void, who have a more cut-and-paste style. The third disc was all unreleased tracks, and featured Mary Timony demo-ing a track that eventually saw the light of day on Helium's Magic City. Congratulations to the Matador staff for having such good ears and taste.

© 2000 - Jason Thornberry