Jay Reatard makes pact with Matador, tours violently

Awww... why so pouty, Mr. Reatard? Didn't you hear that Matador Records has snatched you up with a "multi-album worldwide exclusive recording agreement"? For crying out loud, dude, you're rubbing elbows with Mission of Burma and Cat Power now!

As previously reported, Matador was already releasing a cool half-dozen of this punk-rock powerhouse's 7" singles. But now it looks like the two parties are set for a longer-term relationship, according to a recent statement from Matador. There are currently plans for Reatard to drop a fresh solo album on the label in early 2009.

If that's too long to wait for Reatardaholics (we know you're out there), his next single "Painted Shut" hits on May 20 via Matador. Meanwhile, Reatard's old label, In The Red Records, will release a double LP / CD-DVD singles compilation in June. The guy sure churns out the jams, doesn't he?

So again, we ask: what's got Reatard looking so glum? Well, maybe it's the controversy surrounding a recent Toronto performance, which you can read about/watch at Pitchfork. Photographer David Waldman also has a great look at that pivotal moment just before a good face-smashing. Don't mess with Jay's personal space bubble, fans.

Catch him on tour... at your own peril:

April
28 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Lenny's *
29 - Chattanooga, Tenn. @ JJ's Bohemia *
30 - Nashville, Tenn. @ Mercy Lounge *

May
1 - Memphis, Tenn. @ Hi-Tone *
8 - London, England @ Old Blue Last
11 - Rye, England @ Camber Sands Holiday Centre (ATP vs. Pitchfork)
13 - London, England @ White Heat @ Madame Jojo's
14 - London, England @ Cafe Otto &
15 - London, England @ Old Blue Last (Stag and Dagger) &
16 - London, England @ Pure Groove Records (in-store)
17 - London, England @ "Secret Warehouse Show"
18 - London, England @ Best Laid Plans @ Proud
19 - London, England @ Astoria $

July
15 - Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Prospect Park Bandshell ^
19 - Chicago, Ill. @ Union Park (Pitchfork Music Festival)
25 - Seattle, Wash. @ Capitol Hill Block Party
26 - Vancouver, B.C. @ Commodore Ballroom #
29 - San Francisco, Calif. @ The Independent
30 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Echo

* - w/ Cheap Time
& - w/ Times New Viking
$ - w/ The Black Keys
^ - w/ Spoon
# - w/ Les Savy Fav

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