This is probably nothing to get your feathers ruffled, but I wonder why Sonic Youth’s one-record deal with Matador specifically excludes Japan from distribution. I’m sure there are probably really banal business reasons why Matador wont cover Japan, but I’m curious nontheless.

Actually, this is just an elaborate means for me to post that there is in fact a new Sonic Youth album coming out. Booyah!

After a two-decade stint with Geffen Records, Sonic Youth has signed a new deal with indie label Matador Records.

The veteran rock act’s label debut is due next year. The one-album deal is worldwide except for Japan.

“They have a tremendous amount to do with why I’m actually involved in this stuff,” said Matador co-owner Gerard Cosloy, who previously worked with the band in the 1980s at Homestead Records. “The number of bands on Matador who they’ve made an indelible impact on, both musically and personally, is a pretty long list.”