I’m going to get right to the point. This is one of the best albums that I have heard in a long, long time. Many moments during the 41 minutes of “Stephen Malkmus” either cracked my face in half with a huge grin or gave me goose bumps of delight upon first listening.
But first, some background: Stephen Malkmus was the lead singer, lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the seminal ’90s alternative band Pavement. On albums such as “Slanted and Enchanted” and “Brighten the Corners,” the Stockton, Calif., band firmly established themselves as the leading force in indie rock. With lo-fi guitars, frequently gorgeous instrumental passages and lyrics ranging from the absurd to the sublime, Pavement quickly earned a hugely dedicated fan base. Critics adored them, and bands such as Blur and Sonic Youth were quick to name-check them in interviews. Pavement was hip.
Unfortunately, Pavement was also notoriously volatile, and after years of break-up rumors, the band officially threw in the towel late last year. Many wondered if the world would ever again be graced with the glorious antics of Stephen Malkmus, who had by this point relocated to Portland.
Worry not, Pavement fans. “Stephen Malkmus” is a cause for celebration. This album manages to retain the very best points of Malkmus’ former work while adding a lot of fresh elements to the mix.
For instance, fans of Malkmus’ often bizarre lyrical imagery will have plenty to feast upon here. Take the first line of “The Hook”: “At age 19 I was kidnapped by Turkish pirates/Mediterranean thugs.” The song goes on to describe what it is like to spend life aboard a galleon full of murderous sailors.
“Jenny and the Ess-Dog” is a touching tale about two hippies who enjoy making out to Dire Straits. My very favorite is “Phantasies,” which describes an Eskimo couple discussing what it would be like to leave Alaska and become marlin fishermen in Florida. In the final verse, the wife tells her husband, “Later on I’m going to turn the heat up to 10/and thaw your foolish dreams away.”
The music on “Stephen Malkmus” is markedly different than the work of Pavement. Replacing his old bandmates with two Portland indie-rock veterans, John Moen and Joanna Bolme, Malkmus has created a new album that sports a sleek, polished sound. This is in sharp contrast to the sound of his former band, which proudly brandished their jangly, out-of-tune guitars and sloppy drumming.
“Stephen Malkmus” contains a veritable cornucopia of instrumental wonders, including bubbly synthesizers, toy pianos and marimbas. The overall sound of the album is goofy and cheerful, and it’s clear that Malkmus is enjoying his newfound freedom as a solo artist.
“Stephen Malkmus” is the perfect cure for the winter-term blues. Hell, the album cover even has a tropical sunset on it. This album is for anyone in the mood for some irresistibly catchy melodies, ridiculous lyrics and upbeat tunes.