Malkmus makes more magical music

By Erin Mae Szrankowski
Collegian Editor
March 19, 2008

Before Stephen Malkmus was a Jick, he was the lead singer of indie sweethearts Pavement. Stockton, Calif.-based Pavement was a seminal indie rock outfit from the ’90s. Known for great classics like “Cut Your Hair” and “Shady Lane,” the group put out five successful studio albums over the span of 10 years. Terror Twilight (1999) was the act’s last release, signaling the end of Pavement.

Malkmus took music into his own hands and went solo with The Jicks. His first solo release was 2001’s Stephen Malkmus under Matador Records. Since then, he has released three other albums with The Jicks, including the newest addition—Real Emotional Trash. It can be said that RET is a Malkumental triumph of an album.

Malkmus he is a hero to me. I guess you could say that I think he is infallible, but it is the truth. Everything he has done impresses me to a point of musical infatuation. Basically, the guy is great and his music is even better. I could never say “no” to a work by someone of Malkmus’ stature, and Real Emotional Trash is no different.

“Dragonfly Pie” is a good starter for this indie rock jam album. The few opening chords catch your attention instantly and set the stage for heavy, yet loose, guitar work. This strong opening leads into a surprisingly upbeat song, hidden by the ominous first chords. The pitch level raises, which sets off a relaxed mood. Malkmus performs this song as if it has been waiting for him at the door. Luckily, when I say it is jammy, I do not mean to imply the stylings of Phish, thank goodness. In this case, jammy only means tasteful and lengthy guitar solos, which make it easier to follow along. Whatever the sound, Malkmus still crafts tunes that are catchy and memorable.

Repetitive in nature, “Hopscotch Willie” is a rise and fall of a song, and way too long. Mind you, the longest song on RET is 10 minutes and the shortest song is about two. While this seven-minute tune is solid in manner, its length takes away from the overall appeal.

The 10-minute jam fest of the title track is a true test of Malkmus and company’s musical inclination. Newly added Jick, as well as Quasi and Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, shines on this track.

The first track I heard off of RET was “Baltimore” and I was impressed the first time I listened to it. Guitars call back and forth to one another as a steady and strong beat is held. In the first few lines of the track, Malkmus nostalgically half-sings, “You come on like gangbusters/Laying it thick arboreal sleestack/Lost in the sticks it’s warm for a witch trial/Don’t you agree?/Cold are the hands that would ever touch me.” His words flow smoothly and almost have a chamber pop effect to them.

“Gardenia” is the shortest track on the album, clocking in at 2 minutes and 53 seconds. At the same time, it is probably the catchiest tune on Real Emotional Trash. Harmonies ring gloriously throughout the song with Malkmus and Joanna Blome’s (bass/vocals/synth.) vocals.

Malkmus, ever since his Pavement writing days, has been known for his odd and nonsensical lyrics. “Elmo Delmo” is a great example of his cryptic writing shtick. I am still wondering what an “Elmo Delmo” is supposed to be However, these lyrics draw people in. Malkmus mixes sharp wit with cool arrogance, keeping listeners wanting more. “Bring to the floor a thought corridor/A purple puma is guarding the gate/a meta-grotto,” is one of many examples found in Real Emotional Trash.

The last track on Real Emotional Trash, “Wicked Wanda,” sounds like the essential Malkmus—Blistery, whimsical, delicate, yet solid. Blome’s “ah”s are gently looped, while Malkmus sings in a lullaby manner. The music crescendos as if it was flying away into a distant sky. It captures the title of prettiest song on the album and draws a great conclusion to this 10-track album.

Whether you are a die-hard Malkmus fan or a first-time listener, Real Emotional Trash is just for you. It may take a few listens to get into if you are not familiar with his jammy side, but RET is surely worth the time.

szrankowskie1@lasalle.edu