RELEASED 4.7.2011
Originally released by Flydaddy Records in 1994, Cardinal earned accolades and rave reviews from just about everyone – and made end of year 'top ten' polls internationally in MOJO, Les Inrockuptibles, The Village Voice and NME – and still continues to delight critics and 'heads' today. Cardinal was formed by Richard Davies, Eric Matthews, and Bob Fay following Richard’s relocation to Boston after the demise of his Australian art-psych band, The Moles. The three collaborated on their debut release the Toy Bell EP in Sept.’93, but soon after Bob left Cardinal for Sebadoh leaving Richard and Eric to write and compose Cardinal’s first and only full-length, recorded in the Spring of ’94 in Portland, OR. Recorded in three weeks with Tony Lash (Heatmiser) and Thee Slayer Hippy (Poison Idea, Gruntruck) less than two months after Richard recorded The Moles Instinct in NYC, Cardinal, the eponymous full-length, was further testimony to Richard’s songwriting and an introduction to the beauty of Eric Matthews music.
Tracks: 1. If You Believe in Christmas Trees 2. Last Poems 3. Big Mink 4. You've Lost Me There 5. Public Melody #1 6. Dream Figure 7. Tough Guy Tactics 8. Angel Darling 9. Singing To The Sunshine 10.Silver Machines 11. Forest Theme 12. If You Believe in Christmas Trees (demo) 13. Willow, Willow (Arthur Lee cover) 14. You've Lost Me There (demo) 15. outtake 16. Tribute to a Crow 17. Tough Guy Tactics 18. Say The Words Impossible (demo) 19. Poolside '75 20. Sweatshirt Gown 21. Say The Words Impossible