Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Mirror Traffic
Matador
Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus joins his other group, The Jicks, to give us Mirror Traffic, highlighting the band’s don’t-give-a-shit attitude.
Mr. Malkmus has a wonderfully derisive sense of humor. He unapologetically satires traditional pop songs by punctuating them with untutored melodies and candid lyrics. Need proof? Look no further than “Senator.” “I know what the senator wants/ What the senator wants is a blow job,” sings Malkmus.
Or how about “No One Is (As I Be),” when Malkmus asserts: “I cannot even do one sit-up/ Sit-ups are so bourgeoisie.”
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks deceive us into thinking that their reckless nonchalance is easy. But the truth is that Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks do what they do better than anyone else. In a world of cheap imitators, these guys sound authentic.
“Tune Grief” is a hectic power pop jam. “Stick Figures In Love” features a blaring guitar riff that just won’t quit – literally. “Asking Price” is a sad, staccato track that seems to meander around as if it’s lost. “Forever 28” has a bouncing melody that belies its agitated, sarcastic verses. “Gorgeous Georgie” is a ridiculous tale delivered in a lazy, half-drunk sounding swagger.
Mirror Traffic will always hold a soft spot in my heart. I think it’s because I’m a sucker for sarcasm.
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks: http://stephenmalkmus.com
