mac_philo

Stephen Malkmus' new record is out on March 18th! He's now added guitar god to his list of qualifications. I really think he's the best thing going in pop/indie music now.

Any other Malk/Pave fans? I've already got my tickets for the upcoming tour.

a8o

I am a huge Pavement fan, but his solo album (and indeed the Preston School's album) was fairly lacklustre.

The only good album he's done since Wowee Zowee involved the Silver Jews.

He is better than most though. Have you heard Cat Power? The only show I am going to in the next month is Beck in Sydney next week.

mac_philo

Cat Power? No. I'll try to give them a listen today. Always looking for new bands.

That's funny, I really liked SM's first solo album. But I also like Brighten and Terror Twilight. Wowee Zowee and Slanted are my favorites. I like the new sound. Even though I was really disappointed when Pave broke up I actually think it was a good thing. But it doesn't sound like the old Pave so it's understandable that you don't like it.

Silver Jews are great. I also like Marble Valley (with Westie and maybe some other members?), but I haven't heard all of their stuff.

a8o

Cat Power is a little bit different. Female vocalist and stuff, but from my experience, people I have converted to become Pavement fans also enjoy a bit of Cat Power. Very good recent album from her that I am into a lot.

In my post, I didn't say that I didn't like Malkmus' Wowee Zowee and Terror Twilight era stuff, but really see no reason to listen to it when weighed up against the heavyweight that is Slanted & Enchanted. That album, obviously, kick so much arse it isn't funny, but you already know that. They are more polished sonically yet have no feeling like the guys got together for a beer and ended up filling in for session musicians and recorded an album.

I have heard mixed reports on Malkmus' latest effort ranging from die-hard Pavementites cringing at the tonky-tonk that was "Troubbbble". It had some pretty decent songs, but Malkmus' style seemed a little exhausted.

I'll be buying the new one regardless. I already have my copy orderred at my local shop because I have no idea how Sydneysiders will recieve Pig Lib ie if all copies will be sold out. I'm not yet 18 so was unable to see Malkmus play last time he came to Sydney.

Where is a good place to look for these sort of tour dates? Beck (I'm seeing him this weekend) just sort of crept up on me with very little advertising.

Thanks, that was my rather long train of thoughts.