Stephen Malkmus

Stephen Malkmus stuck mainly to songs off of his ”electronic” album ’Groove Denied’ but he played a few Pavement songs as well at this very intimate show.

This week in Indie Basement: reviews of new albums from Stephen Malkmus, CHAI, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Uranium Club, plus Hooton Tennis Club offshoot Seatbelts.

This week’s Notable Releases include Karen O & Danger Mouse, Shabaka Hutchings’ psych-jazz trio The Comet Is Coming, Noisem’s new crusher with their new singer, Angel Du$t’s jangly new LP, and more.

”Come Get Me” might be the lowest-fi song we’ve heard from Stephen Malkmus since Pavement left Drag City.

Malkmus’ new electronic album ’Groove Denied’ is out March 15 via Matador. He’s also just added NYC & Chicago shows to his solo tour.

At Friday’s show, Stephen didn’t play anything of his upcoming “electronic” solo album, but lots of Jicks cuts, and two Pavement songs…

”Yes, I was thinking things like Pete Shelley’s ‘Homosapien’, the Human League, and DIY synth music circa 1982,” admits Stephen. ”And also about how in the New Wave Eighties, these suburban 18-and-over dance clubs were where all the freaks would meet – a sanctuary.”

”It’s not that experimental,” Malkmus told ’The Chicago Tribune.’ ”It’s just me with drum machines. … It’s waters I don’t usually swim in. I don’t think it’s too much of a head-scratcher.”

This week in the Indie Basement: Bill’s favorite albums of 2018, focusing on classic indie, college rock, and more.