the Strangers Almanac has so far only been one person, a person named Gordon Matheson, but you can call him Gord. Usually found rocking out with Dundee rock combo Amy Hits The Atmosphere, Gord was always an acousticy singer/songwriter underneath all that hair, and the hard rockers in Gord's "big big book of songs" were always outnumbered by folky acoustic numbers, often featuring more personal lyrics than the ones belted out on stage by Amy Hits.
Fed up of being the only one in his band without a 'side project' (bassist Mike plays in several local bands, and former drummer Adam often accompanied a troupe of belly dancers), Gord picked up his flatmate's acoustic guitar, sat down in his bedroom, and recorded the songs that would later appear on the Strangers Almanac's debut. Featuring 10 chirpy acoustic pop songs, 'Pocketbook Philosophies' was brought into the world officially in September 2004. After making around 250 copies (most of which were generously given away for nothing), the Strangers Almanac played it's first ever gig. Gord sat nervously on stage with his guitar, strumming through songs from the album, and a selection of covers, before selling a few records and making a few friends. Another gig followed before Gord started work on the next Strangers Almanac release, a christmas themed EP called 'Don't Be Scared Of December'. With two of his own songs and two festive cover versions, it proved popular, and Gord played what was his favourite solo show to date, an intimate performance in Jaffrey's Bar in Dundee. (For 'intimate', read 'there were only about ten people left')
However, the winter of 2004/05 saw Gord retreat into his bedroom again feeling a bit down, and after falling out with a psychiatrist he decided to record a new album. It is called 'All The Good Words Are Taken', and was released in September 2005.
And that pretty much brings us up to date. Things are somewhat up in the air at the moment, so who knows what the future will bring?
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