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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
As an indie paragon for something over a decade, it's perhaps inevitable that Stephen Malkmus should want to make something more substantially, classically rock sooner or later. Pig Lib, his second solo album, is the logical extension of those moments when Pavement cautiously approached the grandiose rock canon, albeit from an oblique angle. Initially, it can be a little hard-going. Where Malkmus's self-titled debut accentuated his flirtatious, pop-friendly inclinations, Pig Lib is gnarlier and more expansive. At times, it feels uncharacteristically earnest, as if Malkmus were trying to defuse those usual jibes of archness with a sustained bout of jamming.
Persevere, though, and Pig Lib graciously reveals its excellence. The two most obvious influences on spindly, febrile epics like "1% of One" and "Witch Mountain Bridge" are Television and Fairport Convention and Malkmus is particularly good at highlighting the affinities between New York artpunk and British folk-rock through his notably improved guitar playing. Less rockist souls, meanwhile, will be heartened by evidence of his continuing Ray Davies fetish on "Vanessa from Queens" and, especially, the "Waterloo Sunset" styled "Craw Song". But this is an album that demands to be lived with, nurtured and have attention lavished upon it for it to amply repay the kindness. Another classic, eventually, in Malkmus's remarkably trash-free catalogue. --John Mulvey
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Many feel that the quality of Malkmus’ work has been continually falling since Slanted and Enchanted. Personally, I appreciate the additional polish, production values, and most of all the excellent guitar work. The end results are sumptuous. It's difficult to see how Malkmus can improve on this. Possibly he will introduce electronic elements, some can be heard in the background here, and that will be the end of the line for the Pavement faithful. Me, I can't wait for the next instalment.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
As an avid fan of SM's music, this CD was a must buy. And it did not dissapoint. A few of the tracks are not classics, but the tracks that are good, are really, really good! Anaimal Midnight is sublime, Vanessa from Queens is a beautifully written piece of work, the Craw Song is a classic!
I was also suprised how good the first three tracks on the bonus disc were. Perhaps they should have been on the actual album rather than on a bonus cd!
All in all its a superb album, and anyone who wants to listen to how music should be played, then buy this album and marvel at the songwriting ability of a genius!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Like Stephen Malkmus's last album and his previous work with Pavement this latest offering rewards repeated listening. While not quite as stunningly beautiful as the eponymous debut album, "Pig Lib" is full of Stephens trademark off the wall lyrics and odd time signatures. Stand out tracks include "Vanessa from Queens", "Watch Mountain Bridge" and "Craw song". The Jicks ability to change track mid song is truly astonishing. Some of the tracks sound like what Pavement might have sounded today (especially "1% of One"). A must for any Pavement/Malkmus fans out there.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
another winner
It's another winner from Malkmus. Frankly he is establishing himself more and more firmly in my 'all time favourite guitar player' rankings. Read more
Published on 23 Dec 2008 by Neil
Great album
Really enjoyable album, distinctly Malkamus, its quirky, melodic, inventive witty and on its best moments sublime. Read more
Published on 2 May 2008 by Mr. D. Thompson
Surprising return to form
Malkmus has never made a duff album - but as a solo artist and as part of Pavement his last three (Brighten The Corners, Terror Twilight and Stephen Malkmus) have sometimes... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2003 by Mr. Paul J. Bradshaw
Big Pil
After the precise pop ditties of his debut, this is the sound of Malkmus hanging loose. Genetically modified sheen has been replaced by seemingly ramshackle compositions. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2003 by ANTHONY NEAL SMITH
another slice of genius
Stephen Malkmus returns with a second album that sees him mellow his more obtuse tendencies for a collection that is more alt-country than art rock. Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2003 by "damianowen-board"
I really want to like this album...
Hmm. To start, a general introduction. Stephen Malkmus is the ex-frontman of what are undoubtedly one of the best and most hideously underrated bands of the 90s, Pavement. Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2003 by "thecabinetscom"
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