I don’t mean to continuously post about the same artists/ musical genres, but I couldn’t help writing simply because of Jay Reatard’s new 7″ single’s artwork. Jay Reatard, prolific garage punk artist who has formally fronted bands like the Reatards and Lost Sounds, signed with Matador Records earlier this year. The plan has been to release a series of six 7″ singles leading up to a compilation LP of all 6 at the end of 2008. So far, each of the first 3 have immediately sold out from Matador’s web store and various independent record shops. Number 4 looks to be no different.
I’m going to have to rank the cover artwork right near the top on my list of Most Ridiculous Album Covers of 2008, which includes Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter III and Weezer’s Red Album. Here, Jay Reatard is joined by his apparent bedfellow, Bradford Cox (Deerhunter/Atlas Sound). The two of them are embracing in the most gentle manner that is both endearing and disturbing at the same time. To put it mildly, Jay and Bradford are not the most handsome men in the indie-rock universe. And sharing some of their intimate moments together certain makes for a unique cover.
Besides the interesting artwork, these singles are some of the best work that Jay Reatard has put out. Songs fly by, rarely passing the 2 minute mark, but during that time we hear an explosion of catchy lo-fi punk sound. Two records you need to listen to right now are his 2006 LP, Blood Visions and the recently released Singles 06-07. And while I haven’t seen him live, if you pick up Singles 06-07, a DVD is included that has complete footage from his concerts.
