The truth is; Stephen Malkmus’ latest album, Real Emotional Trash, is his most progressive work as a guitarist to date. Fans and critics seem to be divided on the finished product (see Pitchforkmedia.com’s friendly musing of mediocrity), but this fan is waving his prog-rock post-Pavement flag.
Malkmus may have drifted further away from Pavementy familiarity, but this effort will earn a new friend or two with it’s shreddin’ gnar guitar. Like Sonic Youth before him, Malkmus has become better with age. Spouting some of his most care-free lyrics since his solo debut; a jam-esque freedom abounds this time around with the Jicks.
Believe this; I hate jam bands more than Ram Jam, but Real Emotional Trash displays ample structure and is one of the more enjoyable guitar rock albums of this early year. 8.7/10.
