Stephen Malkmus's music comes in two flavors: as quirky, frolicking pop songs and as endless freaks on his distorted guitar. Although the American can manage quite well with six strings despite his childlike motor skills, he is most convincing as a songwriter. The listeners of Wig Out At Jagbags are in luck, because apart from a textual reference to , his sixth solo album contains no traces of his
… love for endless solos. Perhaps Malkmus, after his complete rendition of the album by the German krautrockers in 2012, needed something simple again. Wig Out At Jagbags is a worthy successor to the subtle (2011) and fortunately it is also a bit spicier. A dash of reggae or cool jazz should be able to cut through indie pop. Of course with a wink, because Malkmus is still a master of making jokes. Because these turn out less cynical and heavy than before, Wig Out At Jagbags is an ideal introduction to his characteristic style. (JE)more
