Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Wig Out at the Jagbags
Reviewed by: Melissa Komar
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks have been together since 2000 and you can continue to follow them on their long stretch of music making with the release of their sixth and rather cheeky titled album, Wig Out at the Jagbags.
The album runs just above forty minutes, clocking in at 41:43 with twelve tracks, ranging in length from just over a minute to five. Lead single “Lariat” comes in at three minutes and five seconds and is one of the more sing-along songs of the twelve. Malkmus claims in the lyrics, “We grew up listening to the music from the best decade ever, talkin about the A-D-D-s.” Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks’ new album is sometimes reminiscent—dare I make the comparison—of a modern day folksy, rock and roll Beatlesesque ride, with a plethora of instrumentation, including strings and horns (Track six, “J Smoov”, is a must listen for the daydream like solo of the trumpet).
I usually equate the quality of an album with track-skipping or lack of it. Wig Out at the Jagbags is a definite play in its entirety album. “J Smoov” and “Surreal Teenagers” hold a special place in my heart, or in better terms, my ears, but all the tracks are solid.
Although the band is sometimes categorized as rock, indie rock specifically, you won’t find yourself rockin’ out. Instead, their 2014 release provides the perfect background soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a laid-back house party. Get ready to wig out as your lounging around with Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks.
Rating: Listenable
