Tragically we got the terrible news yesterday about the death of Jay Reatard who at the age of 29 had released 22 full length albums and  played more than 1000 shows. The last few years saw him sign to Matador and release the brilliant Matador Singles ’08 and last year’s Watch Me Fall that we rated as the 4th best album of 09.

From his music and the doco below he seemed to be an artist hell bent on cutting his own path in the world,  a person who had seen a lot of shit and who had an unswerving DIY work ethic. Whatever the circumstances of his death he should be remembered for his fantastic music.

I was due to interview him 5 months ago but it never happened due to ‘personal issues’ with Jay. I had so many questions to ask the guy, now it seems it will be the music that does the talking, just as he probably wanted it to.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

SYDNEY LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2009