Okay, color us asleep at the wheel: that album cover you see above is from the forthcoming Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks record, which was announced by Matador about three weeks ago. Entitled Mirror Traffic, the disc apparently took 2.5 years to record, during which Malkmus & Co. worked on the record with none other than producer Beck Hansen in his Los Angeles studio. Yes, we're as excited as you are, which is to say: uncontrollably.
So far we've heard only one track from the record, "Senator", which you can snag below. Lyrically, it's pure classic Malkmus: full of twists and turns, with tongue firmly in-cheek. Sonically, it occupies the space that Malkmus has been steadily refining with the Jicks over the past 10 years, soundly delivering a driving rock and roll vibe, while at the same time milking the looseness of the jam for all it's worth. To say we're enjoying it would not really do it justice. It is tasty and lovely and good.
In addition to the record, the band has also just announced tour dates for the fall, many of which go on sale this week. All the dates are below, and we have to say, there are some pretty large venues on the list. It seems that perhaps last year's Pavement reunion may have drummed up more than a little enthusiasm for Malkmusites everywhere. Case in point: the New York date is at Terminal 5. While we'd love to see the band in a smaller room, you can bet there's no way we're missing this one.
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Fall 2011 Tour Dates
9/20 – Detroit, MI, Majestic Theater – onsale 6/17
9/21 – Toronto, ON, Phoenix Concert Theatre – onsale 6/17
9/22 – Ottowa, ON, Ritual – onsale TBA
9/23 – Montreal, QC, Corona Theatre – onsale 6/17
9/24 – Boston, MA, Royale – onsale 6/17
9/26 – New York, NY, Terminal 5 – onsale 6/17
9/28 – Philadelphia, PA , Theatre of Living Arts – onsale 6/17
9/29 – Baltimore, MD, Ram’s Head Live – onsale 6/16
9/30 – Charlottesville, VA, Jefferson Theater – onsale TBA
10/2 – Atlanta, GA, Variety Playhouse – onsale 6/17
10/4 – Nashville, TN, Mercy Lounge – onsale 6/17
10/5 – Indianapolis, IN, Earth House – onsale TBA
10/6 – Chicago, IL, Vic Theatre – onsale 6/25
10/7 – Milwaukee WI, Turner Hall – onsale 6/17
10/8 – Minneapolis, MN, Pantages Theatre – onsale 6/24
10/11- Seattle, WA, Neptune Theatre – onsale 6/24
10/12 – Vancouver, BC, The Biltmore Cabaret – onsale 6/25
10/13 – Portland, OR, Crystal Ballroom – onsale TBA
10/19 – Los Angeles, CA, The Music Box – onsale 6/18
10/20 – Solana Beach, CA, Belly Up Tavern – onsale TBA
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Fall 2011 Tour Dates
9/20 – Detroit, MI, Majestic Theater – onsale 6/17
9/21 – Toronto, ON, Phoenix Concert Theatre – onsale 6/17
9/22 – Ottowa, ON, Ritual – onsale TBA
9/23 – Montreal, QC, Corona Theatre – onsale 6/17
9/24 – Boston, MA, Royale – onsale 6/17
9/26 – New York, NY, Terminal 5 – onsale 6/17
9/28 – Philadelphia, PA , Theatre of Living Arts – onsale 6/17
9/29 – Baltimore, MD, Ram’s Head Live – onsale 6/16
9/30 – Charlottesville, VA, Jefferson Theater – onsale TBA
10/2 – Atlanta, GA, Variety Playhouse – onsale 6/17
10/4 – Nashville, TN, Mercy Lounge – onsale 6/17
10/5 – Indianapolis, IN, Earth House – onsale TBA
10/6 – Chicago, IL, Vic Theatre – onsale 6/25
10/7 – Milwaukee WI, Turner Hall – onsale 6/17
10/8 – Minneapolis, MN, Pantages Theatre – onsale 6/24
10/11- Seattle, WA, Neptune Theatre – onsale 6/24
10/12 – Vancouver, BC, The Biltmore Cabaret – onsale 6/25
10/13 – Portland, OR, Crystal Ballroom – onsale TBA
10/19 – Los Angeles, CA, The Music Box – onsale 6/18
10/20 – Solana Beach, CA, Belly Up Tavern – onsale TBA
