Stephen Malkmus Drops Video For "Senator"

Stephen Malkmus' Mirror Traffic has been available for almost two months, yet it's only today that its lead single, "Senator", has gotten a proper video.  And proper it is:  the vid is a hilarious send up on the song's title character, a corrupt politician played by none other than Jack Black.

The video, as might be expected, is pretty damned over the top.  It features such notable moments as Black doing lines of coke, shocking himself in the groin with a cattle prod, and humping the floor at a hipster party.  On top of that, the videos conclusion is...well...just watch it for yourself.  Happy Friday.

mp3: Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - "Senator"

Stephen Malkmus Streams Mirror Traffic, Schedules Free Shows And Contest

Stephen Malkmus at Great American Music Hall, from the HAD Archive

You may recall that Stephen Malkmus has a new record, Mirror Traffic, on it's way next Tuesday. Well, lucky for you that you don't have to wait that long. NPR has gotten ahold of the record, and is streaming it in full over at their page. But that's not all!

In addition to streaming the brand new LP, Malkmus is also looking to clean up the lyrics from its lead single. Apparently, the FCC wasn't too happy with the words "blow job" being in the tune, and it wasn't going to see radio play. As such, Matador has devised a contest to convince fans to come up with a replacement phrase for the two words. The prize is a limited edition 7" featuring your very own lyrical modification. Head here to enter.

Finally, in support of the record's release, Malkmus will be playing two NYC acoustic shows next week. On August 25th, SM will hit Academy Records at 6 PM, and Other Music at 9 PM. Long lines are not just anticipated, they're guaranteed. See you there!

New Steven Malkmus On Tap For August With Beck On Production Duties, Fall Tour Scheduled

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

mp3: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Senator

Stephen Malkmus To Play Big Sur In July

If you happen to love Stephen Malkmus as much as we do (which is to say, a lot), then you will be quite pleased to learn that The Jicks frontman will be joined by his band for a one-off performance in Big Sur on July 24th. The event will be held at the Henry Miller Library, and is apparently part of an even entitled "folkYeah!". We have no idea either.

What we do know is that this will no doubt be a killer show, and a great way to spend your last Friday in July. Tickets are on sale now.

mp3: Stephen Malkmus - Baby C'Mon

Elsewhere On The Interwebs: Karen O, Malkmus, U2, Arcade Fire

We were doing our morning perusal of the interwebs, and stumbled upon a few choice items we thought might catch your interest. If you're so inclined:

• The New York Times interviews Karen O
• A Stephen Malkmus interview at Pitchfork that slipped by us in February
• Pitchfork.tv interviews U2
• The Arcade Fire documentary Miroir Noir - one week only!

Check those out, we'll see you Monday!

Stephen Malkmus Video From Noise Pop: "Pink India"

Because we love you, and we know you love the Malk. That's why.

Noise Pop 2009: Stephen Malkmus Played Great American - Review, Pictures, Setlist

Tonight's set by Stephen Malkmus at the Great American could not have been more divergent from last night's Deerhunter set: one man, singing classic melodies to a devout crowd, armed only with a guitar. And yet, Malkmus managed to deliver far more than a simple one man show of the singer-songwriter variety. Despite a broken string and some stumbling lyrics, he brought forth a vast selection of his catalogue and offered up everything from old favorites, to covers, to his latest solo work, to the most far flung of Pavement b-sides.

First and foremost, more on that setlist: it was riddled with Pavement classics and b-sides, and even touched on a Silver Jews number. What's more, it didn't seem that encouragement to delve into the past was even needed: Malkmus opened the set with "Harness Your Hopes" and it was clear from there that the set would be comfortably retro in its bent. The set ran the gamut from Slanted And Enchanted through Real Emotional Trash, and from the sound of things, the audience kept right up with him. Even a cover of the O'Jays "Love Train" simply couldn't be stopped.

And really, there was no need to stop anything at all, because the room was clearly full of love. The Malkmus devotees are a hardcore bunch, from the numerous song requests it was clear that they had come to see Malkmus in something of a journey to Mecca. His catalogue is beloved, and yet so often beleaguered by breakup/reunion drama that this night provided a unique opportunity. Specifically: to see the man, and hear the songs, and simply transcend anything that stretched beyond the pure enjoyment of the composition.

It was clear from Malkmus' attitude that he could feel the positivity as well. For much of the set he was grinning and clearly enjoying himself. Moreover, he was a ridiculously good sport for all the song request cat calls, and even had a solid go at one ("Vanessa From Queens") that suited his fancy. He was obviously there to deliver songs to his fans, and more than succeeded in doing exactly that. From the first notes of "Harness Your Hopes", to the final distorted chords of "Summer Babe", the fans were rapt. As Malkmus took his final bow and headed off stage it was clear that tonight was everything and more that this crowd was looking for.

More photos at the HAD Archive

Setlist
--
Harness Your Hopes
Us
Blue Arrangements (Silver Jews)
Starlings Of The Slipstream
Pink India
Spit On A Stranger
Fin
Range Life
Real Emotional Trash
Loretta's Scars
We Have Laid Here (Bill Fay Cover)
Lions (Linden)
Freeze The Saints
Shoot The Singer
Zurich Is Stained
Heaven Is A Truck
Vanessa From Queens (Partial)
Here
--
Love Train (O'Jays Cover)
Emotional Rescue (Rolling Stones Cover, Partial)
Summer Babe

HAD's Top Eleven Of 2008

Yes, eleven. At the end of the day, we just couldn't bring ourselves to pare it down to ten, and what's the point of normalcy, anyway? Instead we decided to just give you the unfettered list of our favorite records of the year, count be damned.

This list is really our best effort to point out the records that caught our attention, and held on to it for a good long time. There are lots of other great records out there, but these are the discs that stayed with us through the year. On headphones and speakers, at home and on the road, these are albums that not only held our attention, but also changed our perspective on music and opened our eyes to a new perspective.

1. Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight:
To anyone who's a regular reader of HAD, this record's place at number one should come as no surprise. We're simply addicted to it, in every sense of the word. The desperate vocals, the layered guitars, the outstanding songwriting, and the clever lyricism - all of them contribute to make Frightened Rabbit's latest our number one record of the year. Some pigeonhole it as emo or depressing, but we're of the opinion of their missing the humor behind the record. Its songs are a shot at the unbelievable nature of love and life in the modern world, and struggling to find some semblance of reason amongst the chaos.

 2. Plants And Animals - Parc Avenue:
This Canadian trio hit us out of the blue with a record that captures so many elements that it's painfully hard to characterize, aside from the fact that it's very, very, good. The album's tracks contain a vast range of styles, rhythms, and melodies. More than anything, they serve to lay a foundation for a band that is clearly adept at doing whatever they please. From the anthemic opener "Bye Bye", to the record's frenetic closer "Guru", this album simply begs to be listened to on repeat - what's hiding in the nooks and crannies gives more and more with each listen.

 3. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular:
Sure, it's debateable as to when this record came out. If you're a "when did the public get it" purist, then sure, it was released in digital form last year. For us, though, the record hit the streets in January, and a release is a release. But enough about technicality: this record is rock and roll brilliance. An amazingly clever tongue and cheek look at disillusionment in the face of commercialism and social norms. It's a record about finding your own way, discovering yourself, and wondering what on earth people are doing following the crowd. It doesn't hurt that the melodies are ridiculously catchy and memorable, and that Dave Friddman did a fantastic job with the production duties. The whole record comes together to be a pop masterpiece that also manages to take a stab at everything and anything conventional.

4. Evangelicals - The Evening Descends:
It's difficult to pull of experimental psychedelica in a way that's accessible to your average listener. It's even more difficult to dose that experimental psychedelica with just enough pop sensibility that your record transcends genre and defines you completely. On this record, that's exactly what Evangelicals have done: the album is a cacophonic dose of measured chaos that seems almost incomprehensible, but at the same time demands that the listener sing (or at least attempt to sing) along. Every time we pop in this disc, we have to smile at its amazing ability to unite melody with off the wall production - this is the sound of people having fun with music.

5. David Byrne And Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today:
To say that David Byrne and Brian Eno pose each other with inspiration is an understatement: the two have collaborated on some of the most influential and amazing records of the modern era. Given that, it makes sense that the music community at large was more than a little excited to see what this collaboration would yield: the experimentalism of My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts? The disjunct art rock of the Talking Heads? In the end, it was something different althogether: Byrne brought the influence of his recent work to the table, and Eno laid down some of his most song based work in years. The result is a record that has all the melodic and lyrical rewards of Byrne's solo career, with an underpinning of Eno's instrumentals that push Byrne ever so slightly back to the world of rock music - and it's a very good thing.

6. The Sea And Cake - Car Alarm:
Given its similarity in production and writing to last year's Everybody (our #1 of the year), it should come as no surprise to find this record in our top 10. Even the press release for Car Alarm name checked it as the clear successor to Everybody. The band was happy with what they were doing, happy to be on the road, and wanted to capture the sound for round two. In the end, they did exactly that: the album presents the same measured, well crafted pop, with some ever-so-slight tweaks that separate it from its sibling. The guitars are tougher, the percussion more varied, and the vocals more pointed. We're glad The Sea And Cake managed to get another disc out the door this quickly, and given the result we hope they don't slow down any time soon.

  7. The Heavenly States - Delayer:
It's a pretty unique experience to see a band three nights in a row, having never heard anything they've done previously.  In the case of The Heavenly States, that's exactly what happened: we caught them opening for Spoon on a killer 3 night run at the Fillmore, and were on board thereafter.  The band manages to take a degree of earnest lyricism and melody that doesn't always suit our fancy  (think Springsteen), and then temper it with just enough balls to the wall musicianship that all of a sudden we're perfectly happy to be earnestly rocking.  This record is loaded with infectious melodies, gorgeous guitar hooks, and most importantly, the soul of rock and roll.  We're waiting on the next one, States.

8. TV On The Radio - Dear Science, :
We've been fans of TVOTR since way back in their pre-album-release days, so this one was on our radar from the get go.  The thing is, while previous releases have always been great, this one takes it to a new level.  The band has managed to unify their sound in a way that perfects it, and the same time minimizes it.  Songs are more artfully layered, and the band seems less intent to be constantly firing on all cylinders.  Rather, this is a record with a solid ebb and flow, that comes together in the way a great record really should: it feels distinctly as though it should be enjoyed in one satisfying listen.  That isn't to say the record is without catchiness: the songs on the album hold their own, and frankly, it gets us thinking that TVOTR's next record could be the one that puts them solidly into the arena as both an artistic stalwart, and a favorite of the mainstream.  Next Radiohead, anyone?

9. Port O'Brien - All We Could Do Is Sing:
Port O'Brien, on their face, is something of a folk band:  many of their lyrics are sentimental, biographical, or downright excerpts from a story telling session.  Yet even in the face of all that folk sensibility, the thing that really wins us over is the fact that the band isn't afraid to rock.  Even this most sensitive moments are laced with something of an iron grip, and the band's live experience takes the album's rock sensibility and takes it to another level.  It's tough to think about them and not mention Neil Young in the same breath, except that Neil's voice (quite frankly) doesn't measure up to what Port O'Brien has to offer.   Judging by the band's live set, the next record will be a step further in the direction of searing rock and roll, but in the meantime, we're content to enjoy this gem any time we're looking for a taste.

10. Stephen Malkmus + Jicks - Real Emotional Trash:

This record's a tad difficult for us to even think of as an '08 release, as most of its songs had been heavily, heavily road tested by the time it came out.  That being said, this is a record that really needs to be recognized:  it's really the first time the Jicks have come together and released a solid record as a band.  2005's Face The Truth was clearly (and admittedly) a Stephen Malkmus basement project, that wore all the hallmarks of the singer and guitarist's idiosyncrasies.  By sharp contrast, Real Emotional Trash unifies the band (including newcomer Janet Weiss) under the guidance of Malkmus, and then allows them to truly shine.  We have to admit, we're a fan of anything Malkmus rolls out the door, so we're curious to see what the next record will bring.  Regardless of what it does bring, this record is a clear testament to the Jicks abilities, and the fact that they have graduated far beyond the simple moniker of "Stephen Malkmus' backing band".

11. The Walkmen - You And Me:
This record is the one that kept us from sticking to a simple "top ten", and with good reason: The Walkmen have released a record that manages to draw from (and learn the lessons of) every record in their catalog.  While many have hailed this release as a "return to form", we here at HAD are inclined to disagree.  While You And Me does contain many of the hallmarks of the band's first two records, it also contains a certain sensibility that is unquestionably reminiscent of the bands oft-criticized (and frankly, well-loved around here) release A Hundred Miles Off.  The band's ethereal, haunting rock has been solidly laced with a newfound pop sensibility, and what's more, many of the songs have managed to chip out a genre that is even more distinctively "Walkmen" than any of their previous releases.  In short, this is a record that realizes the promise of the band's greatness, but also manages to illustrate the journey it took to get there.

So, there you have it folks: Our top records of 2008!  Enjoy your New Year's, and we'll be sure to see you back here next Monday.  In the meantime, stay safe, and if you missed any of these records, get out there and grab them.  You wouldn't want to get behind with 2009 just around the corner!

Noise Pop Announces New Headliners: Malkmus, St. Vincent, French Kicks, Ra Ra Riot and More

The folks over at Noise Pop HQ promised more headliners were on the way, and now they've up and delivered. The 2009 lineup has been significantly expanded to include what's being billed as Stephen Malkmus' "San Francisco Bay Area live solo debut", along with shows by St. Vincent, Josh Ritter, French Kicks, Ra Ra Riot, Martha Wainwright, Broken West, The Morning Benders, and The Submarines.

We have to say, we're pretty psyched to catch a Malkmus solo set (especially since they seem much more prone to including a few Pavement classics), and we're definitely devotees of The French Kicks. Given that we missed Ra Ra Riot's fall date (Spoon @ The Fillmore, anyone?), we also wouldn't mind catching a bit of that action as well.

In addition to the new lineup, Noise Pop has also announced that festival badges are now on sale at early-bird prices. If that's you're thing, better pick em up before they're gone!

Brighten The Corners Deluxe Package Delayed, New Malkmus Vid Attempts To Compensate

Well, I guess we'll have to eat crow in terms of our recommendation of the Deluxe Buy Early Get Now version of Brighten The Corners: Due to "delays at the vinyl record plant" (um, perhaps due to $205 vinyl box sets?), the deluxe version has been delayed for release until December 9th. Of course, you still get your stream, and b-sides, and download codes. Nonetheless, it would have been nice to get that nice warm physical media all the sooner.

In an effort to keep your sad eyes smiling, we at HAD dug up the latest Stephen Malkmus vid (Pitchfork.tv via Stereogum), which is basically a tribute to Portland being indie-rock central. that, and the wonderful world of construction paper cut outs. It's not going to blow your mind or anything, but at least it'll distract you from that absent Pavement vinyl...

Matador Ups The Ante On Brighten The Corners Preorder

If you thought that the last Stephen Malkmus Buy Early Get Now promo was a good deal, then hold on to your hats. Matador has just announced that the forthcoming reissue of Brighten The Corners (the Nicene Creedence Edition) is going to be a part of the program, and the benefits are oh-so-nice. Direct from the source:

- Oct 10- 128k Stream of the Entire Album

- Oct 21: 1st Exclusive Bonus Track

- Nov 4: 2nd Exclusive Bonus Track

- Nov 18: street date - pick up the album at your store or receive it in the mail PLUS a vinyl LP containing an unreleased live show AND a free poster

That's right. A free LP if you Buy Early Get Now. The bonus live LP was recorded during the first Brighten tour and scheduled for release as OLE-324 in July 1998, but was then shelved... until now.

Free vinyl, and album stream starting tomorrow. You heard that correctly. If Matador doesn't know how to do things right, we don't know who does. Preorder the record here.

Video: Two Little Kids Singing "Stereo"

Malkmus + Jicks Vids From SF In December

At this point these vids are all over the web, but given their SF filming location, and the beloved GAMH, we feel as though we can take a little bit of leeway in what the internerd might consider "old news". Blogotheque managed to get SM + Jicks to indulge in Hopscotch Willie, We Can't Help You, Wicked Wanda, and even an REM cover medley. Indeed. Enjoy the fun:

#86.1 - Stephen Malkmus - Hopscotch Willie
by lablogotheque

#86.2 - Stephen Malkmus - We can't help you
by lablogotheque

#86.3 - Stephen Malkmus - Wicked Wanda
by lablogotheque

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
by lablogotheque

Stephen Malkmus + Jicks @ Fillmore In April

If you happen to not be able to make tonight's show at Amoeba, have no fear - Malkmus and his Jicks will be returning to San Francisco in April to do a "real" show at the Fillmore on April 27th. We have to say we're psyched to see him in what is probably the city's most classic venue. Tickets go on-sale this Sunday at 10 AM.

Tomorrow Night: Malkmus @ Amoeba, Raveonettes @ The Independent

Tomorrow will be a full night for us over here at H.A.D.: first we'll be making our way up to Amoeba on Haight Street for the 7 PM performance by Stephen Malkmus + Jicks, then we'll be heading down the hill to The Independent to catch The Raveonettes.

We've heard good things about The Raveonettes' live show, and we've been digging on their new one Lust Lust Lust for the past couple of weeks. The album is a nice dose of slick euro-pop drenched in feedback and noise.

Get yourself out there tomorrow night, and in the meantime enjoy some tunage.

mp3: Stephen Malkmus + Jicks - Cold Son

mp3: The Raveonettes - Aly Walk With Me

Stephen Malkmus + Jicks Streaming On The Web @ 3PM Today

Stephen Malkmus + Jicks will be appearing on Seattle's KEXP this afternoon, presumably as part of the same promo jaunt that will have them in San Francisco. The music goodness starts @ 3PM PST, and you can stream the appearance live on the web at kexp.com. Should be a good warm-up for Wednesday at Amoeba...

Stephen Malkmus + Jicks At Amoeba This Wednesday

In support of their new record Real Emotional Trash, Stephen Malkmus + Jicks will be in town this Wednesday, March 5th, doing a free show at Amoeba Records' Haight Street Location. Get there at 7 PM to enjoy the jams. Sweet.

Malkmus Goodness Rocks Your World

It's no secret to regular readers that we here at H.A.D. are pretty stoked for the new Stephen Malkmus album dropping on March 4th. In light of that, we were pretty excited to snag a few piece of news.

First, a little bird informed us that SM+Jicks are apparently playing Harlow's in Sacramento come April 28th. We're pretty sure that this will mean a San Francisco date as well, but if not we're willing to make the trek out to the valley.

Second, we got an email from the cool folks over at Insound revealing a pre-order bonus package for Real Emotional Trash. We're not normally the type to go for such things, but this one is a little too good to pass up:

• A pre-stream of the complete album
  
• An unreleased recording of a live show
• Multiple exclusive B-Sides
• A free poster

So, yeah, we'll be jumping on that bandwagon. Details are here.

Malkmus Madness

We've already mentioned quite a few times that Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks will be at GAMH next Wednesday for one of two dates on the West coast. (Yes, we can't go. Rub it in, it's fine. Jerks.) However, in the meantime it now appears that some amount of media hype has begun to build for the spring release of Malkmus' new album Real Emotional Trash.

Pitchfork has posted an awesome interview with SM himself, and Matador has put up the first mp3 from the new record. We were actually a bit surprised by the mp3: the mix is surprisingly similar to the soundboard recordings from last winter. It looks like Malkmus' claims that this is a very "live" record are true. So, get ready for that show next Wednesday, and in the meantime....enjoy!

Pitchfork Interview: Stephen Malkmus

mp3: Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks - Baltimore

New Malkmus Gets Its Title

Soooo....that new Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks disc that has been in the works for close to a year has now gotten a tentative title. From the song of the same title, it looks like Real Emotional Trash is in the mixing stage and on its way. You can hear a live version of the title track below, and the band's official site has some pics from the mixing sessions. As previously mentioned, Malkmus is at the Great American in December. Yes, we're kind of obsessed.

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash (live)

Malkmus+Dylan = Bliss

You may have read a bit about the new Dylan Biopic "I'm Not There" that features 5 different actors (including Cate Blanchett!) playing their own take on Dylan. Well, the other side of the equation is that the soundtrack is a Dylan-cover fest featuring a bunch of great artists.

One such artist is none other than Stephen Malkmus - Malkmus stands to have a landmark year coming up. What with the awesomeness of these Dylan covers, and a new album on the way, it seems he can do no wrong (at least to my ears). On top of that - lucky you - he'll be at GAMH on December 19th - Merry Christmas!

Stephen Malkmus - Ballad Of A Thin Man
Stephen Malkmus - Maggie's Farm