Steve Malkmus & The Jicks - 'Pig Lib' (Domino) Released 17/03/03

With almost nothing left to prove after 10 years with the self deprecatingly described "medium big college-rock band" Pavement, you could forgive Steve Malkmus if he was to rest on his laurels and bang out experimental noise dirges for the dedicated acolytes. But thankfully for us, there seems to be no such pandering to the ego as Malkmus (with the Jick's willingly along for the ride) continues with 'Pig Lib' to push the boundaries with warmth, humour and genuine creativity.

In lesser hands medieval folk bound to discordant college rock and Steely Dan would be a laughable proposition, but for Malkmus it works absolute wonders on opening track 'Water & A Seat' that sets the genius tone that never once accedes over 11 stunning tracks.

Unmistakably a mature and natural progression (in a wholly positive sense) from your 'Slanted and Enchanted's' and 'Crooked Rains', it only gets better on 'Ramp of Death'. A beautiful lo-fi acoustic lament, brushed with a gorgeous French Horn solo, it should have Badly Drawn Boy scurrying off back to the drawing board quicker than you can say 'Hour of the Bewilderbeast'.

From '[Do Not Feed] The Oyster' through 'Animal Midnight' to the touching parting shot of 'Us', Pig Lib is another defining album from an artist that seemingly shows no sign of decline. Buy this record!