going indie-major.

weird. the ponys have signed to matador. hmmm. i guess that's kinda cool. cool for in the red--hoping it means a little more press and awareness for them. btw--they are one of the raddest rock'n'roll labels around. i wish the ponys much success on matador.

here's the news from the matador newsletter:

After months of wining, dining, and more than a little dying, we're very
happy to announce that the amazing Chicago quartet THE PONYS have been signed to a worldwide, multi-album pact with Matador Records.Toiling since the year 2000, the band's two album highly acclaimed albums for the terrific In The Red label, 2004's Jim Diamond-helmed 'Laced With Romance' and 2005's Steve Albini-assisted 'Celebration Castle' have been stereo fixtures for smart, savvy rock fans across the globe.Like many of our other favorites, new and otherwise, the Ponys' uncanny meditation on the great guitar bands of New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Manchester circa 1976-1983 ultimately come through with a voice all their own. Though we think they've already got a couple of modern classics under
their belt, the new material we've heard from 2006's gigging hints at their most
ambitious work to date, and one they'll begin work on very soon....with
subsequent worldwide release on Matador in 2007.