Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
To feature within one act of note – the quintessential 90s scrappy guitar churnings of Pavement – and then another of similar merit, seldom comes to many-a-musician. Yet thanks to Stephen Malkmus’ apparently equal musicianship-aptitude and diligent dynamic, it’s little wonder that the same character has been responsible for a cosmic-sonic guitar-sound that has defined the best part of a decade for lo-fi, US rock.
Together with The Jicks, one of 2003’s finest moments – ‘Pig Lib’ – has already dazzled and shocked in equal measure, expectedly alienating critics, whilst earning accolade elsewhere for its vivid, unending experimentation, which never proved too self-indulgent to segregate itself from any listening. Prior to now, there was another record – the eponymous ‘Stephen Malkmus’: a debut-LP widely hailed as one of Malkmus’ finest works, and a tune-fuelled collection of material that helped prompt such memorable single-entrances as the pi ano-thundering ‘Jo Jo’s Jacket’ and steely racket of ‘Discretion Grove’.
With limited live-shows to promote the latest work on the cards, not to mention – staggeringly – another record in the pipeline already, Malkmus’ endurance is perhaps rare proof in an ever-moving scene that with skill comes bona-fide, continually embrace-worthy consistency.
OFFICIAL SITE: The colourful authorised home for Stephen and the guyz; photos, media, news, live-dates section, etc. abound - and more.
DOMINO RECORDS: Malkmus\' label-home; the key and wonderful place he even was with original guitar-clangers, Pavement.