Stephen Malkmus, Golden Retriever
Recommended
It was surprising for some to hear that indie rock prince Stephen Malkmus was releasing an electronic record earlier this year. But considering the former Pavement vocalist/guitarist’s proclivity for music slightly left of the dial (a noted Beefheart and Stereolab fan), dabbling in something outside his “indie” wheelhouse wasn’t so mind-blowing. Whether or not he’s succeeded on Groove Denied is open to debate, but the fact that Malkmus is trying new things 30 years into his career is a win. The record, partially influenced by a stint in Berlin almost a decade ago, is a fun little curio, and the single “Viktor Borgia” is a warm and warbly earworm that could have only been made by Stephen Malkmus.
by Mark Lore
by Mark Lore