Russian Futurists

What better way to celebrate Upper Class Recordings’ distribution deal with EMI than with a collection of its flagship artist. Long-time Futurists fans may raise some red flags as Me, Myself and Rye appears to be a "greatest hits” compilation, and well, that’s because it is. Originally released in the UK last year by Memphis Industries, it should in fact be viewed as a worthwhile introduction to the sublime bedroom pop of Toronto’s Matthew Adam Hart — because let’s face it, he has long been under the radar here in Canada. The best bits of his three previously released albums are gathered to make this an all-encompassing showcase of what this guy can do with just a junk sale Casio, a drum machine and a mic. Debut The Method of Modern Love is represented by the hyper spin of "Your Big Brown Eyes and My Broken Heart” and the infectious emoting of "The Science of the Seasons”; Let’s Get Ready to Crumble offers the hypnotic title track and the early ’90s Cali hip-hop inspired "Precious Metals”; and Our Thickness donates the delectable hooks and massive beats of "Paul Simon” and Hart’s magnum opus, the jaw-dropping "2 Dots On A Map.” While I could point out some disappointment over neglecting a personal fave "The Matador’s Theme,” Upper Class and Hart have hit the bullseye with this compilation and captured the true essence of this exceptional melody maker. (Upper Class, www.upperclassrecordings.com) Cam Lindsay