The Matadors Jubilejn edice (1968-2018) – CD

This anniversary edition brings The Matadors 1968 debut back to CD and vinyl. At the time the album was completed, tensions were already growing inside the group, and by the time the LP was released the original band no longer existed, its fate being sealed by the Soviet invasion. Yet it remains essential listening, with The Matadors offering an excellent continental answer to British rhythm and blues. Viktor Sodoma delivers forceful vocals with a penetrating tone, Otto Bezloja and Tony Black drive the rhythm forward, Jan Farmer Obermayer contributes stylish songs and keyboard sounds, and the not-yet twenty-two-year-old Radim Hladk adds internationally accomplished guitar playing. The album combines carefully chosen covers with home-grown hits, shaped by a band strengthened through engagements abroad. Hladk remained in rock at home, while Sodoma pursued a more pop-oriented solo career and the other three Matadors soon found new homes abroad. The anniversary edition features a new cover designed by Karel Haloun, photographs by Alan Pajer, remastered sound from the original tape, new and previously published notes in the booklet, and additional singles on the CD. Bonus tracks include Czech versions of Hate Everything Except of Hatter, Get Down from the Tree and I Think Its Gonna Work Out Fine, along with Indolence, Zlat dl and Lhev kalori.