CD Review

Around the time of Lollapalooza ’95 that featured Hole and Pavement amongst many prototype 90’s alternative acts; Courtney Love described Pavement leader Stephen Malkmus as "a genius, the only guy I know who could complete the New York Times crossword puzzle in a matter of minutes." Well, lo and behold, "Mr. Know It All" is back with his second solo release, backed by the Jicks- John Moen on drums and Joanna Bolme on bass.

The trademark alternative beat poetry guitar plush of Pig Lib’s reverb will allow three or four listens to fully comprehend, but after that, it’s all "yeah, now I get it." A bit less pop-friendly than his previous self titled release, but once you adhere to "Ramp of Death" you’ll melt with familiar catchy Pavement whirled guitar themes. "Vanessa of Wings" emits Lou Reed in a comic book store, shaking in pop posterity along with a punch of glee. "Sheets" keeps things in the garage with a slap of dark humor and an addictive grunge guitar riff. "Dark Wave" splinters in a raucous forget me not beat while "Witch Mountain Boogie" craws in an unearthly Californication vibe, emitting a trippy kaleidoscope of energy. Malkmus’ "Craw Song" teaches smart ass lyric writing 101, with it’s nursery rhyme recreation, with words like "mental Ju-Jitsu" that will makes a cross word puzzle remain empty. While "1% of One" with its nine minute distortion jam will drag Thurston Moore to a blanket of envy.

Pig Lib continues to explore the abstract poetic side of Stephen Malkmus. Like Brian Wilson without the sunshine, Malkmus continues to reinvent the wheel of alternative energy within the rock format. The first few listens might not click, but just soon after you’ll be locked tight in Pig Lib.