About Real Emotional Trash, the new album from Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
“I am not a present to be opened up and parceled out again,” our man insists on “Gardenia,” track seven on his new album. Ha! That’s what you think, pal. From the day nigh two decades ago when the first scratchy sounds of Pavement floated in the ether above Stockton (crown jewel of California’s Central Valley, the sprawling breadbasket that neither the North or the South have claimed in California’s ongoing “two states” culture war; just providing some historical context that will be useful a few sentences later), the music of Stephen Malkmus has been the gift that keeps on keepin’ on.
Did SM not offer the eternal promise of “perfect sound forever”? Was this sly appropriation of a digital age boast for Pavement’s low-bandwidth treble-kicks not a prescient example of that “irony” thing everybody talked about in the ‘90s? Can we then conclude that that by invoking “paralyzed dreams forever” on this album Malkmus foretells some sort of bad moon on the rise?
Hell, I don’t know, and I’m the omniscient narrator of this artist bio. But I will point out that much of Real Emotional Trash, his fourth "solo" LP (this one credited with The Jicks, like his second, Pig Lib), is decidedly low-down and heavy. It could hardly be otherwise with monster drummer Janet Weiss now a full-fledged Jick, alongside bassist Joanna Bolme and guitar/keyboardist Mike Clark.
Meanwhile, Malkmus the guitar hero is on full display here. “Dragonfly Pie,” “Baltimore,” and the title track are alchemic combinations of intricate composition and unfettered jam. Whoa, did I actually type the phrase “unfettered jam”? Scratch that. (Did I actually say “scratch that”? It’s a good thing I'm anonymous as well as omniscient.)
Malkmus’ genius is that he knows exactly when to fetter. These songs may sprawl like the Central Valley (told you), they may spread out like a jet’s flame, but when they reach that last tract house they gracefully spread their wings and head for the unclaimed land beyond. Indeed, although Malkmus makes the Pacific Northwest his home, this feels like a “California” album. Check out how “Real Emotional Trash” begins as a modern-day “Tonight’s the Night,” before evolving into a road trip from the Mexican border to Marin, in the tradition of Pavement’s “Unfair.” And dig those Allman Bros. leads (really!).
Elsewhere, “We Can’t Help You” channels the Band’s “The Weight,” tapping that same vein of late-night melancholia and early-morning lucidity. “Cold Son” sounds like a cruise down the Ventura Highway. And if another song released this year makes you smile as much as “Gardenia,” I have a rare Crust Brothers bootleg with your name on it. While I cannot get with the song’s insistence that its singer is not a “present,” I can sympathize with one line: “don’t want to damn you with the faintest praise.” That’s what it feels like to write about this record, tossing around those historical comparisons, making you read about it when you could be listening to it. So listen, already.
has janet from quasi always been in this band? i got your first cd when it came out years ago... i didn't know she was in it. how many bands is this hot mama in?!?!? ha... let's not forget sleater kinney!
will you come down to NC and sing some songs for my dad on fathers day?... that would be so freaking awesome, i tell you what. but, really..... will there be a NC show in chapel hill/carrboro sometime soon?
♥THANKS for putting all those new tracks on your music player. I cannot get enough of your sound. Pavement and Stephen Malkmus are unique, I feel, when I hear your music, like some buddies are in the room with me, understanding my life, encouraging me, all that. I don't get that feeling from very many bands. There is some quality in your sound, lyrics, vocals, melodies. It just fits my lifestyle, my inner core. I can't explain it, but it's there.♥
Oi, Mr. Malkmus. Thank you for the quickness of adding me! That's really sweet of you. Personally, but I think that goes with everyone here, I think you are a genius. And a hot rod guitar player and lyric writer. I must admit, I am envious of your talents. But at the same time, a great fan! The country, nay, the world owes you a debt. Thank you, sir, thank you...
Hey and thanks for the add! Amazing sound!!!:):) We hope you enjoy our music as well. New tracks coming out this spring! All the best + Greetings from Finland! - T.M.M
Holy Crap, what happened? You used to be a favorite, best-kept-secret,...? 10,000 freakin plays!!! Jumpin Jeesers!! Serendipidy - I found an envelope in my Junk-drawyer - 1994, addressed to Pavement, 9361 Cole Drive,...etc. with Hollyhock seeds in it. Go figure - we gots some mutual friends. and,... outta the blue, our guitar player - a young-buck (certifiable genius) told me, "I have been listening to Pavement, nonstop, lately, unbelievable! Ever heard 'em? You should grab a listen!" Peace-out Steve (and Jicks) PS I got a pig lib sticker on my pick-guard, too sweet, Harlo, Bovina
thanks for being friendly. i love the shame spiral of syrupy distorted digressions in your surreal emotional sinkhole. i may have to march forth down the pavement to the local hipster emporium on march fourth and actually exchange some devalued american currency for your weighty wah wah wanking. freeze the saints!
Oh shite! When I am in Brasil, you are going to be in Oregon, when I am Oregon, you guys will probably be in Brasil! Well I will love your muzack on any continent, for sure!
p.s. SM's rockin' moustache kicks every other moustaches butt (I saw it only once, but it was a thing to behold!)
About Real Emotional Trash, the new album from Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
