Stephen Malkmus is best known for his work with the classic indie-rock band Pavement, which had the early almost-hit “Summer Babe” early in the 1990’s, and gained in influence and fan cult-status. The band broke up in 2000, leaving five fantastic albums and an assortment of singles and B-sides behind them. 

Taking the best elements of his former band’s songwriting with him (wry, sometimes humorous lyrics, skewed melodies, and guitar work that rides the line between lyrical and dissonant), Malkmus formed The Jicks.  Four albums in, each getting better than the last, The Jicks has become less of a side or solo project, and more of a fully integrated band, playing together and off of each other with more of an emphasis on groove and arrangement.

Their newest album, “Real Emotional Trash,” keeps the humorous lyrics (dragonflies, Richard Avedon, and Elmo populate some of the tunes), has near-Beatles moments of catchiness, but has some of Malkmus’ finest guitar jam moments as well.  “We Can’t Help You” wouldn’t be out of place on a pop station, and The Jicks’ jam on the title track is worthy of jam band fests such as Bonnaroo. 

Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks play the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage of the 80/35 Festival on Friday, July 3 at 7:30 PM.

http://www.stephenmalkmus.com/

http://www.myspace.com/stephenmalkmus

http://www.matadorrecords.com/stephen_malkmus/

http://80-35.com/stephen-malkmus-and-the-jicks/