Jay Reatard

Jay Reatard RIP

by Barry Taylor

January 14, 2010

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In 2009 there was no artist more associated with Indie Rock Royalty than Jay Reatard. His widespread acclaim was and still is more than deserved. On January 13, 2010 the world lost one of it’s most passionate and gifted musicians.

In 2009 there was no artist more associated with Indie Rock Royalty than Jay Reatard. His widespread acclaim was and still is more than deserved. On January 13, 2010 the world lost one of it’s most passionate and gifted musicians. What made Jimmie Lee Lindsey aka Jay Reatard great wasn’t that he toured with the Pixies or was signed to the renowned Matador Records. It wasn’t that he worked with Beck or that he released a split vinyl with Sonic Youth for Record Store Day. What made Jay Reatard great was that he, in every way, embodied the D.I.Y. punk attitude to the fullest.

Despite growing up in obscene poverty the Memphis native put out an incredible amount of material over his lifetime. Since studios weren’t an option he recorded on four-tracks in living rooms. When success came, despite having a studio budget, his first official full length with Matador was recorded in his home.

It’s rare and therefore refreshing to see a musician not cave to the temptations of fame. At a time when the music industry is flooded with plastic digitalness, Jay Reatard was a lifeboat of artistry. He was punk rock. He was genuine. And he will be missed.

Tags: Music, News, Jay Reatard

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