Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Alternative/Indie | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 157 / 2-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Domino | Autor: WK
Three years ago Stephen Malkmus presented "Mirror Traffic", a light-footed and curious masterpiece. With "Wig Out At Jagbags" he is now taking a completely different approach. The CD does not go as easily into the market as its two predecessors. The former Pavement singer has returned to America after several years in Berlin. The album describes this transformation. It unites very different influences. Not only does each song describe its own little world, there are also many breaks within the songs. Linear formats of verses, choruses, bridges and solos are rare. It takes time for both the pieces and the asymmetrical ensemble as a whole to unfold their special flair, but once the time has come, the bizarre chiaroscuro contrast of this acoustic hidden object becomes all the more effective. Those who are familiar with Malkmus' releases since the dissolution of Pavement will easily recognize a cross-section of the entire output of the odd bard in the new CD. But the intended eclecticism never seems awkward. On the contrary, it is highly impressive how Malkmus time and again succeeds in bringing order and orientation to this hopeless confusion of brilliant ideas. The connecting element of all songs between Art-, Prog-, Glam- and Alternative Rock is Malkmus' unmistakable voice, which always curves around the right tone and in this way reminds of the Kinks. But also the references to Pavement flash again and again at irregular intervals. His limited edition adaptation of the CAN album "Ege Bamyasi" also leaves its mark. All in all "Wig Out The Jagbags" is a highly unconventional compilation of current song ideas.
Top track: Independence Street
