[image-4]Published May 01, 2008.
Steve Malkmus & The Jicks
Real Emotional Trash
Matador
Steve Malkmus has never made a bad album. It’s debatable as to whether the last Pavement albums did the band’s legacy any justice, but so far his solo output has been solid. Real Emotional Trash is no different, seamlessly using a wide range of incongruent influences alongside his signature mix of savvy (yet quirky) songwriting. “Dragonfly Pie” is a bombastic, lead-footed leadoff track, setting the ’70s prog-rock tone sustained right through, especially when he digs in his heels for jams on songs cruising past 10 minutes. Though excessive at times, Real Emotional Trash never seems superfluous or unapproachable.
Dave Hayden
