Is SM Jenkins Still Relevant?
By the sound of it, he's making it more and more difficult for us to think so.Here's to hoping that this "Baltimore" track is not the most tempting morsel that Matador could offer in anticipation of the next Malkmus/Jicks disappointment--already their 4th release since Pavement's break up!?! I still don't know who/what the Jicks are supposed to be or what they've done with the SM I was used to.
I was willing to be patient after the first solo album. There were a few good songs on that one, but I honestly haven't been interested in the second and third releases enough to give them more than a few listens. I can't remember the last time I've even noticed them when flipping through my CDs.
The last thing I expected was for a Malkmus solo effort to be more jokey than Pavement, but it seems like that's mostly what the first three albums have been. Matador claims that the upcoming Real Emotional Trash will include some of Malkmus' most "gorgeous" and "contemplative" songs ever. I would welcome nothing more, but I'm skeptical given the post-Pavement precedence set by singles like "Jenny and the Ess Dog" and "Baby C'mon."
Another bad album and I don't know what else to think except that this guy has captained one of the most puzzling and frustrating spin offs that I've cared about enough to be puzzled and frustrated with.
I was willing to be patient after the first solo album. There were a few good songs on that one, but I honestly haven't been interested in the second and third releases enough to give them more than a few listens. I can't remember the last time I've even noticed them when flipping through my CDs.
The last thing I expected was for a Malkmus solo effort to be more jokey than Pavement, but it seems like that's mostly what the first three albums have been. Matador claims that the upcoming Real Emotional Trash will include some of Malkmus' most "gorgeous" and "contemplative" songs ever. I would welcome nothing more, but I'm skeptical given the post-Pavement precedence set by singles like "Jenny and the Ess Dog" and "Baby C'mon."
Another bad album and I don't know what else to think except that this guy has captained one of the most puzzling and frustrating spin offs that I've cared about enough to be puzzled and frustrated with.
posted by Wildcat at 12:13 AM
30 Comments:
It just goes to show how great of a band Pavement was.
The first solo album was pretty shallow but alot of fun. Forgot about it pretty quickly and only go back to it for nostalgia's sake.
Pig Lib was boring and dull but Face the Truth wasn't bad. That new song is pretty terrible though. He seems to be getting a bit full of himself as an artist, but who can blame him he was in Pavement.
Is Ringo Starr the dreamiest Beatle?
Uh, no dude. It's George.
I'm going to shoot for "no" on the question at hand. Pavement or GTFO, SMJ.
Shame you only gave 'face the truth' a few listens.
it's fantastic, ms. wildcat.
Crap song. Neither gorgeous nor contemplative. Those adjectives would better suit George, the shy one. (Sigh)
Pig Lib was OK actually, but Please gimme Preston School of Industry anyday ....
Face the Truth was the best out of the bunch but uit seems SM has just gotten lazy....when he tours its only the West Coast and a couple dates in Europe and unfornutaley live SM and the Jicks suck...so unless output quality changes I'm still crossing my fingers for a Pavement Reunion
Did anybody actually like the last couple of pavement albums? Hasn't it been 15 years since SM has been relevant anyway?
i found the last two pavement albums to be quite bland, and honestly, even though others on here will surely disagree, i didn't think wowee zowee was nearly as good as all the earlier stuff either. So at best, I would say that the last Malkmus album I was really into came out in 1993, and if you count WZ, then 1995.
However, despite all that, I still feel some kind of loyalty to the guy for some reason, although I haven't bought a SM solo album since the first one, and I doubt I'd see one of his shows either.
PAVEMENT is still very relevant. SM solo is just a lot of fun. I personally listen to his first solo more than the last two Pavement albums. Great tight pop songs.
Caption of that photo
"I wish I was in Slint"
pavement and all involved are crap
God, I hope he doesn't find out about what you guys are saying!
What's so great about the first Pavement albums and what's the difference between the later ones? What actually makes the SM solo albums bland and boring?
I can accept opinions when there is actually substance there to back it up. When it's just your own personal taste, I don't give a care at all.
Slant and Enchanted is a great album. The rest is boring indie pop shite.
Pavement was best before SM figured out he was trying to be John Fogerty Lite. But shit, he's still trying so more power to him. You go girl.
'Face the Truth' is a rather incredible release.
You little hater kids are so ADD that you didn't even let yourselves hear it. -incredible comeback for him after 2 so-so solo albums (which had great songs therein).
malkmus could care less less what you think. his live shows are proof of that alone.
he got his BA (full academic ride) from UVA in 3 years (with honors). smart guy with nice nice shoes. you little fucks are stuck at UNT. if you aren't there for jazz studies then you are most likely on ly relatively bright...and it shows. not that being a talented musician means you're smart. pardon my grammar.
fuck you wanz
"'Face the Truth' is a rather incredible release.
You little hater kids are so ADD that you didn't even let yourselves hear it. -incredible comeback for him after 2 so-so solo albums (which had great songs therein).
malkmus could care less less what you think. his live shows are proof of that alone.
he got his BA (full academic ride) from UVA in 3 years (with honors). smart guy with nice nice shoes. you little fucks are stuck at UNT. if you aren't there for jazz studies then you are most likely on ly relatively bright...and it shows. not that being a talented musician means you're smart. pardon my grammar."
You know, you're right. I think I like Pavement now.
Thanks smart, old dude!
no kidding... and how did he figure out that we are all "hater kids?" It usually takes two or three dates for people to figure that one out.
Malky-man graduated UVA in 3 years with honors, huh? Well, Tom Sholz went to MIT, so crank up the Boston, bra!
whatevz...
sm is a hottie and i want to do him in the ass with a strap-on.
i will always proclaim my everlasting love for him.
I really loved Pig Lib...especially if you purchased the one with the bonus disc. The bonus disc was full of great tracks.
I'm a big fan of Stephen Malkmus... I don't think that he can do any wrong.
What do I have to do with this?
Really.
sounds like arboretum or some shit!
they thought cj's comment was you. ha!
i'll cut this guy tons of slack. the first solo album was breezy fun and pig lib is totally my idea of fun. unfortunately, face the truth is still terrible and soulless despite what pitchfork claimed. although 'baby c'mon' was reminiscent of 'cats and dogs'-era royal trux which is frankly kinda awesome in my book.
Gary Young era, and that's it. Word.
sadly, wildcat, I think I'm starting to agree. I love the fuck out of Stephen Malkmus and thoroughly enjoyed all three of his previous solo/Jicks albums but as eclectic as he seems to TRY to be, all his shits starting to sound the same to me. I miss pavement... ;(
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