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Album Details

• Artist: Stephen Malkmus
• Album: Pig Lib (w/ The Jicks)
• Label: Matador
• Year of Release: 2003
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2003-06-05

I have to be straight-forward with this review. I have never felt Stephen Malkmus to be the genius that every critic seems to praise him for. I may be putting nails in my own coffin but Pavement was a decent band, just not groundbreaking. Was I missing something? Was I not on the right drugs at the time? Throughout his career with the black tarry band there were the odd song that would stand out as an important moment but as for albums, nothing really captured my fancy. Pig Lib is Stephen's second solo effort and this time he has invited his touring band, The Jicks into the studio. I would have to say that as a non-hardcore Pavement fan, Pig Lib may be Malkmus' peak. I heard his first solo album and didn't hear anything that was worth writing about but this album is a little different. Have a listen to the different "Ramp Of Death". It's a quiet little ditty but showcases just what Stephen has the potential of writing. "Animal Midnight" sounds like Dean Wareham of Luna fame may have had something to do with it. It's one of Malkmus' shining moments on the album. I think he may have converted yet another person into a fan of his. Pig Lib is a very diverse affair covered with very smart musicians.

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