Mirror Traffic - Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks (Matador, 2011)
It's interesting to me that, in spite of its middling reviews, 2008's Real Emotional Trash (which actually was completely awesome) was Stephen Malkmus' coming out party as a true guitar god. People are dumb. He's always ruled at the guitar, that's just when he decided to let go and totally shred. Now, on Mirror Traffic, things have chilled out a little bit, and what we have here is an excellent guitar pop record. Just like the Malkmus + Jicks records before Real Emotional Trash. Great chord progressions, leads, melodies and the clever lyrics we've come to expect from the guy, along with exceptional performances from his bandmates, Mirror Traffic pretty much has it all. "Stick Figures in Love" and "Forever 28" only scratch the surface of this album's list of highlights. Way to go, Stephen. You are still one of the true greats.
Araby 7" - Minks (Captured Tracks, 2011)
Here are two more songs from Minks, Captured Tracks' second best band, and they are just about on par with the best songs from their stellar full length released earlier in 2011, By the Hedge. Title track "Araby" doesn't surprise, sounding a slightly more polished a la Wild Nothing, and a little like The Cure or jangly New Order. But, B-side "Little Fawn" features guitar, melodies and bgv's that sound much more in line with The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds (if not being completely derivative, which is okay by me). Minks continue to show impressive songwriting chops, and it seems like they're only getting better.
Days - Real Estate (Domino, 2011)
After seeing Real Estate live in July, I was expecting Days to come out of the gates and instantly be my favorite record of 2011. Well, it hasn't happened yet, and while I'm not even ready to admit that I prefer Days to 2009's self-titled debut (even if it is the more mature, fully realized album), that's not to say that it is anywhere near a disappointment. To be completely honest, the only thing about Days that doesn't overshadow Real Estate is that the standout tracks don't stand out quite SO much. This record continues to grow on me (incredibly easily, too), and I'm not sure that they'll be able to top this take on moody, jangly indie pop that lands somewhere between The Feelies and, yes, 2000-2001 Death Cab for Cutie (just listen to those chimey guitars). "Green Aisles," "It's Real," "Out of Tune" (in spite of being the A-side to a 7" last year) and "All the Same" are without question some of the greatest songs of the year.
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