After the energised pop of 2011’s Mirror Traffic, Wig Out At Jagbags sees Malkmus and his Jicks take another left turn. As with every new Malkmus album, casual listeners will think it sounds like every other one of his albums, while Malkmus’ devotees will think it’s nothing like what’s come before.
There’s no precursor in Malky’s oeuvre for this album. All his trademarks are here (rambling, brilliant guitar solos matched with rambling, brilliant lyrics), but they’re assembled in a very relaxed way, even for him. He sounds adult and content on this album, making it hard to compare to his other albums. Pig Lib with more focus? Real Emotional Trash’s flashy guitar without the wank? His self-titled album’s professionalism with better songs? All are partially true, leaving it easier just to describe it as a batch of quintessential Malkmus.
And what a batch it is. Lariat and its refrain “we grew up listening to the music from / the best decade ever” will make it nostalgic for anyone who listens, regardless of age. Chartjunk and J Smoov utilise Malkmus’ most extensive use of horns yet, and are both highlights. The former is a Mccartney-esque raveup, while the latter is a slice of soul food. And Surreal Teenagers, with its build and release structure is his best solo album closer yet (depending on how much you like Pig Libs‘ Us).
With no disrespect to The Jicks, Wig Out sounds like what a Stephen Malkmus solo album should.
BY LEONARDO SILVESTRINI
Best Track: Chartjunk.
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: PAVEMENT, HARRY NILSSON .
In A Word: Xanadu-shuffle.
