Page 6 axe - The Lion’s Eye December 6, 2001 Songwriter shows skills By ERIC MAYER Staff Writer "[Synthetic T-shirt] Blends are better. It's like America. We're a blend. That's why we're better. Not like Sweden. = F--- Sweden," partially- famed rock songwriter and performer Stephen Malkmus exclaimed to a group of enthused Philadelphia fans at that city's primary hub for such self-proclaimed "marginal culture," the - Trocadero Theatre on Arch Street. Malkmus's increasingly left-wing political policies including the fornication of Sweden may inadver- tently force him to wear the term "par- tially-famed" for the remainder of his musical career. Bitingly truthful words such as "F--- Sweden" are the variety that alienates even the most devoted of followers from the pack. Even your humbly liberal journalist, very conscious of his Swedish her- itage, could not help but feel a bit per- secuted by the fascist on stage. The Jicks, Malkmus's backing band, released their first album under the direction of Malkmus in February 2001. The album, simply titled "Stephen Malkmus," received warm reviews and decent business from the music world upon its release. However, those who remember Malkmus's work with his former band, Pavement, are insatiated by the effort. Pavement was one of many inde- pendent rock bands to be started in the wake of the Pixies' highly influential Concert Review tenure. While competing directly with other successful bands such as Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins, and Sonic Youth for record contracts and MTV play, Pavement was a relative commercial failure in the context of their potential. This potential far outshone those of its contemporaries, as evidenced by the cult-like following for their early inde- pendent records. Despite the hype, Pavement only briefly broke into the mainstream with 1993's "Cut your Hair" from the acclaimed "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" album. In the absence of national atten- tion, their superlative critical stance continued across five nearly-perfect records. The band was indebted to the unique songwriting wit of Stephen Malkmus for every one of these classic albums, right up to and including their last outing, 1999's "Terror Twilight." Sadly, Pavement broke up in 2000 due to personal and creative exhaustion. On Nov. 15, 2001, Malkmus stood on the stage with a different group of indi- viduals playing a different group of songs. Throughout the concert, part of the second national tour this year for the Jicks, the band tried within the very greatest of their capability to cap- ture the antagonistic fun of Pavement's warm corpse. This fun, as always, came at the expense of playing ability; versions of usually brilliant songs like "Jenny and the Ess-Dog" and "Trojan Curfew" were far from definitive. The guitar playing of Malkmus was consistently impressive; his ax's com- bination of lead and rhythm carried each song to its climax. The remainder of the band, however, appeared ama- teurish and unskilled by comparison, with special emphasis on the bassist Joanna Bolme. In addition, as is the case with many drummers, the consistent percussion by John Moen was more apparent in its simplicity at the show than on the record. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of former Pavement band-mate = Bobby Nastanovich, who used his role as the band's tour manager as an excuse to jump on the stage and scream out lyrics of "Jenny and the Ess-Dog." Nastanovich — or “Mr. Nasty” as he is called among a fringe group of some- what depraved Pavement fans — gave the microphone every ounce of his inscrutable voice during the bridge of "Jenny." This audio-visual provided every attendee with a mixed feeling of amazement, ear pain, and hilarity. The scene was perhaps representa- tive of the Pavement/Malkmus experi- ence as a whole: astounding, painful, yet utterly hilarious. What's the season hold for you? Check out your horoscope Aries Honesty will pay off this month. Don't hesitate to express your feel- ings, especially to a friend who may be 2 destined to become more. Also, consider . how you spend your money on gift giving. Someone special may surprise you with an unex- pected gift from the heart. Don't push others away — allow them to see you for who you are. The stars spell new friendships as well as new loves, so keep an open mind. Capricorn Your smile may brighten some- one’s day so beware of those who may be in need of kindness. Sometimes the best gift that you can give is a shoulder to cry on. Others tend to turn to you. People will take notice of your compassion, especially someone you may have had your eye on. Be persistent. Your crush may play hard to get, but by the month's end they will reveal their true feelings. Libra Your good-spirited demeanor causes those who had mis- trust in you last holi- day to give you lots of goodies this year. While others seem to AE turn to you for cheering up, make sure that you don’t neglect your- self. Take some time to reflect on the past, and let go of any regrets that you've been holding on to. The future is bright as long as you allow yourself to move forward. Virgo Your smooth and sharp wit give you the edge this holiday season to choose the . right gifts for the special - people in your life. Love and money are both significant players for you this month, so prepare for lots of nice surprises. Believe in yourself, and attempt to see yourself as others do. You may be surprised to find new confidence. Taurus Over the holidays, feelings will strengthen. Make sure that you stay honest and true to yourself. Watch that your past does not come back and haunt you. The New Year brings new beginnings. Share them with the one you love. Leo Your generous nature make the holidays this season extra special. You dazzle your loved ones with your awesome coi gifts. Be on the lookout for a love- - ly surprise of your own. The path you are on decides to split — take the right road. Over the holiday break, embellish a romantic partner with bliss under the mistletoe. Pisces The holiday season will bring joy and a much-needed rest. Enjoy time with friends and family. Watch for new rela- tionships to blossom in the coming new year. Old rela- tionships may change; some for the good, others ... Sagittarius Your big day will bring big laughs. Remember that ; when Christmas rolls around you need to be grateful , for things other than ‘* gifts. Family will be in need of your help this holiday season. So lend a helping finger when wrapping is called for. : - Aquarius There is much to study and much to learn. Money is in 4& your future. Thisis 4 a good month to start remembering your responsibili- ties. Beware of straying from work, or you will find yourself without much money. Be" nice to avuncular people. Gemini Ho ho ho! You lucky duck! Your birthday is five months from the holidays! You will make big advances in your relationship this month if you get the right gift for Girls, that “special someone.” remember that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But, please, stay 4 away from fruitcake! & Guys, if you can't get diamonds, give your girl something senti- mental. If that doesn’t work, give her a coupon for some lovin’. Scorpio Your December will be in the words of John Wilkes Booth, “HOT.” This is a good month to become the rapper you've always wanted to be. Remember this: “Bust out some rhymes, and out some dimes; You're the street-smart mother of the Yuletide times.” Cancer Although the holiday season is a time for joy, itis also a FIRS and loneliness for “A those who aren't as “> us. Volunteer at a nursing home for a more powerful than any toy or necklace. Give your time to some- time of depression privileged as some of day and give a holiday gift that is one who could truly use it.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers