Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks: 41/42 - 2003

41
2003/05/11, ?
Fisherman's song

Cover of an obscure, religious (the internet calls it 'Jesus music') folkrock song by a mid-'70s UK band called Aslan (never doubt that Stephen has a bigger record collection than me and, probably, you - this is from Aslan's 1977 Second Helpings album).

The assured playing and the faultless (lyrically at least) harmony singing (Stephen and John?) of a long lyric indicate the Jicks lived with this song for a while. This is not some random spur of the moment impulse. But I've never heard another recording. Then again, this one radiates such fragile charm, there's no need for second takes. Only the guitar solo is a little hesitant, but the playing and singing is otherwise beautiful.

Stephen's immersion in all this obscure '70s psychedelic and folkmusic would seep through in the grooves of 'Face the truth', that's for sure.

42
2003/05/17, Montréal Cafe campus
Witch mountain bridge
100 years from now

Two more examples of the well drilled 2003 Jicks touring machine. 'Witch mountain bridge' is its usual majestic self. '100 years from now' some light relief, with John on vocals. They'd play another version the next day, recorded with better sound.

Nothing especially noteworthy, but what a band - would be performance highlights for any other group. Here it's just business as usual.