What makes Groove Denied by Stephen Malkmus notable?

Groove Denied received positive critical acclaim, with notable reviews from sources like Pitchfork and The Guardian praising its adventurous spirit. The album peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, highlighting Malkmus's enduring appeal and relevance in the indie rock scene, while also showcasing his willingness to experiment with genre boundaries. Released on March 15, 2019, Groove Denied is Stephen Malkmus's first solo album since 2014's Wig Out at Jagbags. At this juncture in his career, Malkmus was exploring new sonic territories outside the confines of his previous band, Pavement, embracing a more eclectic and electronic sound. This album marks a significant shift as he ventured into uncharted musical territory, reflecting a desire for creative freedom.

How many songs are on Groove Denied?

Groove Denied has 10 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Groove Denied

Stephen Malkmus · 2019

33 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

An experimental blend of lo-fi instrumentation and playful lyricism, capturing a spirit of irreverence and spontaneity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Belziger Faceplant — This opener sets the tone for the album with its quirky rhythm and whimsical lyrics, immediately drawing listeners into Malkmus's playful yet introspective world.
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Rushing the Acid Frat — Combining sharp wit with a catchy hook, this track exemplifies Malkmus's ability to blend humor and critique within a concise format, making it memorable.
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Ocean of Revenge — Its lush instrumentation juxtaposed with reflective lyrics captures a sense of longing and complexity that resonates throughout the album, showcasing Malkmus's songwriting depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental nature and playful lyricism create a unique sound, though it may not have widespread recognition.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside melodic sections, creating a playful and spontaneous feel.
Tracks like 'Rushing the Acid Frat' utilize repetitive motifs that build tension before resolving into more melodic passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Belziger Faceplant 4:24
2 A Bit Wilder 3:15
3 Viktor Borgia 3:33
4 Come Get Me 2:29
5 Forget Your Place 3:33
6 Rushing the Acid Frat 2:27
7 Love the Door 3:09
8 Boss Viscerate 2:40
9 Ocean of Revenge 3:30
10 Grown Nothing 4:20

What to play next

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indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata