"Matching Mole's Little Red Record" is the second and final studio album by the British progressive rock band Matching Mole. It was released in the fall of 1972. The band was formed by keyboardist and singer Robert Wyatt after his departure from Soft Machine, another pioneering group in the progressive and Canterbury scenes.
The album's title is a play on words, referring to Chairman Mao's "Little Red Book," reflecting the rising interest in left-wing politics during the time. The cover art further complements this theme, depicting a pastiche of socialist realism.
The band consisted of Robert Wyatt on drums and vocals, Phil Miller on guitar, Bill MacCormick on bass, and Dave MacRae on keyboards. For this album, Matching Mole brought in producer Robert Fripp, known for his work with King Crimson, which added a distinct edge to the record. Additional contributions were made by Brian Eno and Dave Sinclair.
"Little Red Record" embodies the Canterbury sound with its fusion of jazz, rock, and experimental tendencies. It features a mix of instrumental tracks and vocal pieces, often characterized by complex arrangements and a uniquely British sense of humor. Songs like "Gloria Gloom" and "Flora Fidgit" highlight the band's adeptness in manipulating both structure and dynamics, while Wyatt's lyrics offer wit and introspection.
The album received moderate critical acclaim and is seen as an essential piece within the Canterbury progressive rock movement. Despite its artistic success, Matching Mole disbanded soon after the release, partly because of Wyatt's life-changing accident in 1973. "Matching Mole's Little Red Record" thus stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the early 1970s progressive rock scene.
