Real Emotional Trash is the fourth solo album from Stephen Malkmus since the split of indie rock favorites Pavement.It's taken Malkmus three-plus years to put this album together. After giving it a few listens I'm wondering if that was too much time.
This is an album of sludge rock, drawn out songs, and extended guitar jams. With a few exceptions, like "Out of Reaches" and the album closer "Wicked Wanda", Real Emotional Trash suffers from a lack of the quirky catchiness that's made previous Malkmus efforts work.
Malkmus does explore some new musical territory, albeit tepidly. On "Baltimore" he takes his first shot at Mary Timony-style chamber pop, while "We Can't Help You" may have the first time we hear piano making an appearance on a Malkmus work.
Overall however, the album's tracks tend to stick around well passed their welcome.
I'm going to have to be harsh and give this a 2 out of 5. Sorry Stephen.
Tracklisting for Real Emotional Trash:
- Dragonfly Pie
- Hopscotch Willie
- Cold Son
- Real Emotional Trash
- Out of Reaches
- Baltimore
- Gardenia
- Elmo Delmo
- We Can't Help You
- Wicked Wanda
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