Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks: Pig Lib

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * * *)

The second solo album for the former frontman of American indie heroes Pavement is, like its immediate predecessor, wacky, wiry, witty and wordy. But it's also a more spirited, bendy rock'n'roll affair that doesn't rely as much on Malkmus' surreal lyrical humour to get its kicks.

Musically, it manages to be both gently melodic (on the pretty Ramp of Death and Vanessa From Queens) as well as loose and adventurous. Tracks like Do Not Feed The Oyster, Witch Mountain Bridge and the nine-plus minutes of 1% of One invoke the free-ranging, angular-guitar spirit of Television's Marquee Moon, and various vintage Neil Young epics.

To that Malkmus and now-permanent backers the Jicks add in some nifty Velvet Underground-framed pop (Animal Midnight), a slice of New Wave fizz (Dark Wave), a couple of Pavement-reminiscent shouty numbers (Sheets).

It's a winning combo - not only does Pig Lib prove Malkmus to be among the cleverest songsmiths of his generation, but capable of delivering albums as exciting as any in his old band's heyday.

Label: Spunk/In Music